Albert Einstein famously wore multiple versions of the same grey suit to streamline his decision-making process and save his mental energy for groundbreaking concepts like relativity. He was a trendsetter in this approach. Fast forward to modern icons like Steve Jobs, who donned his signature Issey Miyake black turtleneck and Levi’s 501s, or Mark Zuckerberg and his habitual T-shirts. Even Barack Obama was known for rotating between navy or grey suits, ensuring he reserved his mental bandwidth for presidential duties.
The current U.S. president follows a similar pattern, alternating between a loose-fitting navy suit, white shirt, and tie for official engagements, and a white polo paired with baggy trousers for his downtime on the golf course. While these figures might believe their streamlined wardrobe choices help with efficiency, the reality is far from it—they’re stuck in a style rut.
Many men hit this fashion slump around the age of 40, at which point they settle into a predictable routine of buying the same items from the same stores, year after year. This phenomenon often happens subconsciously, especially in the age of online shopping, where it’s all too easy to mindlessly reorder the same trainers, chinos, and shirts without considering the bigger picture.
Not so long ago, a man’s tailor or shirtmaker would have his measurements on file, making it effortless to re-order his preferred staples. Today, however, the one-click shopping culture encourages minimal thought about what we wear.
This repetitive approach also extends to grooming products. Men often rely on the same Nivea or Gillette items and wear the same aftershave their fathers used, sticking to signature scents. Fragrance expert Marian Bendeth notes that this tendency to associate a fragrance with a “signature scent” now mainly belongs to Baby Boomers and Gen X.
But is this repetitive purchasing approach inherently bad? According to Nick Hems, a men’s personal stylist, it’s all about comfort. “If you’re content with what you wear and don’t care about changing, that’s perfectly fine,” he says. “But if you want to elevate your look and find yourself stuck, it can be frustrating.”
Lisa Gillbe, a personal stylist and host of The Style Stories podcast, believes there’s a psychological difference between how men and women view clothing. “Men typically see clothes as functional, while women often view them as a form of self-expression,” she says. “Traditionally, women had more choices in fashion, although this has been shifting in recent years.” Additionally, many men loathe shopping, which further perpetuates this cycle.
However, fashion trends evolve, and sticking with outdated items can have unintended consequences. That black Fred Perry polo shirt, once a symbol of Mod culture, could now be associated with undesirable connotations. Likewise, your Barbour jacket might make you look like an activist in the wrong setting, and the baker boy cap you wear out of practicality could now seem more like a costume.
So how can men escape these fashion ruts? Start by taking a long, hard look at your wardrobe. Personal stylist Nick Hems suggests pulling everything out and evaluating what works and what doesn’t. “Does it fit well? Does it suit you?” he advises. Once you’ve pared down, assess the gaps in your wardrobe. Perhaps your footwear options are too limited or your outerwear consists solely of that black North Face puffer jacket.
Next, look for inspiration. Pinterest is a great place to start, or even seek out inspiration from the people around you. If someone’s jacket catches your eye, don’t hesitate to ask where they got it from—chances are, they’ll be flattered.
Start with small steps. If you typically wear black, navy, and brown, try incorporating colors like olive green or burgundy. Layering can also help, with overshirts providing an extra element to otherwise simple outfits. Additionally, try buying your favorite staples in different materials or textures, and consider accessorizing with a scarf or leather bag instead of your usual sports backpack.
Lastly, take advantage of online shopping. Over-order items, try them on at home, and send back what doesn’t work. With a bit of effort, you can easily step out of your sartorial rut and embrace a refreshed, modern wardrobe.
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