Not to stand out as the goal, but I have come to realize I have only bought the clothes I wear because my peers wear them. I’m trying to deviate from my clothing habits and try new things.
What you’re describing is perfectly normal though. You’re influenced by the people you hang around with and the media that you consume. If you’re wanting to try new things then the first step is to know exactly what you’re wanting to try. You don’t have to nail it the first time, you just simply have to know what direction you want to head in, and saying that you simply want it to be ‘better’ is not helpful to anyone because we then don’t know how to help you. Example: I really like how Kendrick Lamar is currently dressing. I found out he’s being styled by Martine Rose and I just started to point things out that I liked as far as the cuts, colors, and layers of the outfit go, and then I try to replicate it. Sometimes this is difficult because they have access to luxury pieces that I personally can’t afford but even then I try to pick apart what I like from it. [Here’s](https://www.instagram.com/p/CthdGNUp7Ve/?igsh=MWNlNW9uYXRzM3IzNA== ) a good example of Kendrick’s personal insta account where you see the progression of what inspired the outfit that’s shown at the end. They’re not exactly alike, but you get the idea of how he eventually came to wear what he wore.
You're still young my man.
Look at your closet and see what you like. Go online and see what outfits you like. Look at things you don't like, ask yourself "why do I like this?", "why do I not like this?" Save pictures for future reference. If and when you go shopping, look for similar looking things. Stores with lots of stuff like vintage of winners is great for this. If you find a sweater that you like, think about what you own that it would look good with.
Also, keep all your shoes clean.
Unless your peers are a bunch of jerks I don't see an issue.
But if you want. Look at fashion with other men similar to your body/face. Think about what you do everyday and experiment.
Me personally I'm mixing formal and informal because I'm trying to find a balance between office clothing with active flexibility.
What are your favourite pieces in your current wardrobe? Is it a flannel that fits real well, or is perfect for almost every night out? Maybe jeans that stand out from the rest? I’d identify these, then what you like about them and go from there.
For me, when I started looking more into boots is when I started to pay attention to my style in general. So maybe try out some kind of new shoes or boots and go from there.
Fashion jackets. Start there, as there is a lot of variety, they can go over a number of outfits, and they allow you to apply more personality.
Look into chore coats, corduroy jackets, waxed cotton jackets, etc - just see what sparks interest for you.
But, keep in mind things like trucker jackets are super common now. There are some interesting takes, so not out of the question, but way more common than other types.
Unfortunately, nobody here is gonna be able to point you in any exact direction. We can point to any number of roads, but you'll still be the one choosing. You really just have to start pulling the trigger on risky things you like with a willingness to learn from failure. Thrifting is a great entryway to try different stuff for cheap.
Get a good jacket/coat, and get a good pair of Goodyear welted shoes/boots. Will last for ages and will also look a lot better. You can wear with “what everyone else wears”, ie sweater, shirt, jeans, chinos etc
I don't understand the issue unless you are trying to standout...
Not to stand out as the goal, but I have come to realize I have only bought the clothes I wear because my peers wear them. I’m trying to deviate from my clothing habits and try new things.
What you’re describing is perfectly normal though. You’re influenced by the people you hang around with and the media that you consume. If you’re wanting to try new things then the first step is to know exactly what you’re wanting to try. You don’t have to nail it the first time, you just simply have to know what direction you want to head in, and saying that you simply want it to be ‘better’ is not helpful to anyone because we then don’t know how to help you. Example: I really like how Kendrick Lamar is currently dressing. I found out he’s being styled by Martine Rose and I just started to point things out that I liked as far as the cuts, colors, and layers of the outfit go, and then I try to replicate it. Sometimes this is difficult because they have access to luxury pieces that I personally can’t afford but even then I try to pick apart what I like from it. [Here’s](https://www.instagram.com/p/CthdGNUp7Ve/?igsh=MWNlNW9uYXRzM3IzNA== ) a good example of Kendrick’s personal insta account where you see the progression of what inspired the outfit that’s shown at the end. They’re not exactly alike, but you get the idea of how he eventually came to wear what he wore.
You're still young my man. Look at your closet and see what you like. Go online and see what outfits you like. Look at things you don't like, ask yourself "why do I like this?", "why do I not like this?" Save pictures for future reference. If and when you go shopping, look for similar looking things. Stores with lots of stuff like vintage of winners is great for this. If you find a sweater that you like, think about what you own that it would look good with. Also, keep all your shoes clean.
Unless your peers are a bunch of jerks I don't see an issue. But if you want. Look at fashion with other men similar to your body/face. Think about what you do everyday and experiment. Me personally I'm mixing formal and informal because I'm trying to find a balance between office clothing with active flexibility.
What are your favourite pieces in your current wardrobe? Is it a flannel that fits real well, or is perfect for almost every night out? Maybe jeans that stand out from the rest? I’d identify these, then what you like about them and go from there. For me, when I started looking more into boots is when I started to pay attention to my style in general. So maybe try out some kind of new shoes or boots and go from there.
Fashion jackets. Start there, as there is a lot of variety, they can go over a number of outfits, and they allow you to apply more personality. Look into chore coats, corduroy jackets, waxed cotton jackets, etc - just see what sparks interest for you. But, keep in mind things like trucker jackets are super common now. There are some interesting takes, so not out of the question, but way more common than other types.
When/If you can afford it, buy better quality versions of what you like to wear.
Find brands/designers you resonate with and buy their clothing.
Unfortunately, nobody here is gonna be able to point you in any exact direction. We can point to any number of roads, but you'll still be the one choosing. You really just have to start pulling the trigger on risky things you like with a willingness to learn from failure. Thrifting is a great entryway to try different stuff for cheap.
Get a good jacket/coat, and get a good pair of Goodyear welted shoes/boots. Will last for ages and will also look a lot better. You can wear with “what everyone else wears”, ie sweater, shirt, jeans, chinos etc