Tips to Dress Well for Gents

Let’s face it – we all love a good story.

So, let me share mine. Last week, I was invited to a red-carpet event.

The moment that invite landed, my mind immediately jumped to a common worry for most people: What am I going to wear?

But this time, I took a different approach.

I told myself, I won’t stress. I will figure it out on the day, and that made all the difference.

You see, many guys skip out on events and functions simply because they are too anxious about their outfit.

They overthink it, panic about not having the right look, and end up missing out on a great experience.

The truth is, showing up matters more than having the perfect designer suit.

So my advice? Stop overthinking it, just start dressing up, and with time it becomes effortless.

When the day arrived, I avoided the wash-and-wear concept. Who still does that?

That will lead you to a disastrous outfit. That’s where many people go wrong. Looking sharp requires just a little more intention.

I checked my wardrobe, tried on two outfits, and the third one? It clicked, I knew it was the one.

No stress – just a small effort to mix and match pieces.

Now here’s the truth: You don’t need to spend a fortune to look good. With as little as N$1 500, you can put together an outfit that turns heads and gets you all the compliments.

Style isn’t about chasing brands, it’s about getting the basics right.

Start with colour coordination: Choose tones that complement each other and suit your skin tone. Fabric coordination is just as important.

Mix textures wisely and avoid materials that clash. For example, in this look, I paired a linen jacket with light cotton pants – a clean combo.

Layering adds depth to any outfit: A simple shirt under a well-fitted jacket does wonders, especially when the shirt sleeves are visible.

Fit is not negotiable.

No matter how expensive your clothes are, if they don’t fit properly, the look falls apart. Tailor them if you have to, and speaking of tailors, shout-out to Mr Norbert in Shandumbala, Katutura. You can reach him at 081 283 1830.

He’s the real deal, working hard to grow his hustle and make sure your clothes hug you in all the right places.

Everything I wore was altered by him – except the boxers and socks (because seriously, who wants a slim-fit trunkie?).

Accessories elevate the outfit.

Watches, rings, bracelets and necklaces can turn something simple into something striking – just be sure the metals match your overall look.

Gold complements warmer tones, while silver shines against cooler colours.

And here’s a game changer: Iron your clothes.

For formal events, dry-cleaning is worth the investment.

That crisp, clean finish adds instant polish and sophistication.

Here is a breakdown of my red-carpet outfit:

• double-breasted jacket (dry-cleaned)
• light brown pants, also dry-cleaned for that fresh look
• blue dress shirt I washed and ironed properly at home
• brown pair of Oxford shoes (lace-up), polished and shined
• watch and bracelet tying everything together

Simple, intentional and affordable.

So, fellas, next time you’re worried about what to wear, remember this: Style doesn’t require money – it requires effort and the right mindset.

– Meneer_SK is an advocate for men’s grooming and all matters relating to men. Follow him on Instagram @Meneer_SK

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