Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 20th November 2015

The most stylish men are often those who look like they just rolled out of bed and threw on whatever they could find. Perfectly arched eyebrows, immaculately slicked back hair and an outfit that looks like it required an army of stylists to assemble will rarely result in the top spot of sexiest man alive lists. Rather, when it comes to men’s fashion and grooming, the rule of thumb seems to be the simpler, the better. But don’t be fooled, while David Gandy and David Beckham are certainly masters of appearing perfectly dishevelled in all the right ways, there is an art to looking so effortlessly cool.

The power of simplicity

A simple white t-shirt and well-fitting jeans can be more stylish than an overcomplicated and accessory laden outfit. A watch is often enough, so leave the layers of necklaces at home. Keeping accessories to a minimum is key to looking understatedly cool. When in doubt, think James Dean and go for a cool leather jacket.

The importance of fit

Far too many men wear clothes in sizes that are usually too big for them. The irony is that it often seems the logic goes "the bigger my clothes, the bigger I’ll look", when in fact the opposite is the case. Wearing clothes that drown you will only make you look skinnier instead of highlighting any muscle you might have. Just remember, there is no need to cut off your circulation so people can count every muscle either. Just stick to clothes that are the right size and perhaps even consider the occasional trip to the tailor to make certain that items will fit that little bit better.

Finding inspiration

You don't have to look hard to find plenty of male fashion icons throughout the past and present. If you are trying to reinvent your style, one of the best ways to do so is by starting to imitate someone that you admire. Once you have the basics down, you can begin to put your own spin on it. A Pinterest board or even getting style motivation from browsing celebs like Robert Pattinson or Paul Newman on poster sites like posterlounge.co.uk, as this can inspire you and help you envision how you want to present yourself to the world.

Making the right investment

There is no need to spend a lot when it comes to clothes, but investing in certain items will pay off in the long run. Shoes are one such item. Cheap shoes not only are easily spotted, but also don’t last as long or are as comfortable as their more expensive counterparts. The right pair of shoes can transform an outfit and take it into a different direction, so it’s worth establishing a diverse and high-quality collection.

The Power of simplicity, importance of fit, finding inspiration, making the right investment are all Style Traits You Should Own.