Most of us here are likely menswear enthusiasts, and as the saying goes, "once you're in, you're hooked." Yet, as a scientist, I often find myself analyzing this passion in the most academic way possible. Why, you ask? Because I enjoy it. I tend to look at things from two simple perspectives: "because I like it" and "just let it be."
When it comes to dressing well, there are four interrelated factors at play: aesthetic sense, skill, experience, and resources. Now, I’m referring to the ability to dress well, not necessarily developing a distinct personal style, so I won’t be talking about individual taste. Knowledge is also off the table here because, while useful, knowledge alone won’t get you very far in fashion. Times have changed from just a few years ago - menswear knowledge is readily available from countless books, online resources, and social media. Writing another purely knowledge-based article won’t cut it; it’s how you put that knowledge into practice that sets you apart.
Theory alone is dry and colorless, while applying it brings life and vibrancy...
This article focuses on aesthetic sense (AS) - a crucial component of dressing well. But the real question is: is aesthetic sense something you’re born with or can it be learned?
Anyone with a love for fashion will probably laugh at this question because the answer is pretty clear - it’s both. But let’s dig a little deeper.
Those with a strong innate AS (or who have honed it in other areas) undoubtedly have an edge. It’s similar to talent in sports - it isn’t always fair. Someone with a natural AS may be able to put together great outfits effortlessly, but they might struggle to explain how or why. On the other hand, you can copy looks and absorb knowledge all you want, but you can’t just "inherit" someone else's AS. Developing it is a personal journey.
Building AS requires time and effort, along with practical experience.
In most cases, your natural AS probably isn’t as sharp as you think, so during the early stages, relying on foundational knowledge is a safer bet. Also, remember that "we only notice what we understand," so knowledge can open your eyes to new possibilities.
It’s important to assess someone’s fashion sense over time, not just from a handful of photos.
AS is shaped by many personal factors, such as confidence and self-awareness (can I really pull off this item or color?).
One of the best ways to refine your AS is to observe a wide range of styles - but don’t stop there. It’s also crucial to have knowledgeable mentors or experienced friends who can offer constructive feedback. Cross-referencing different people’s perspectives will help you pick up on the subtleties of their AS and shape your own unique sense.
Even fashion influencers and community figures (I’m not a fan of the term KOL) sometimes miss the mark. They take risks, experimenting with new styles, or they simply have so many photos taken that not every outfit will be a hit. So, don’t assume that being famous automatically means they always dress impeccably. Additionally, don’t judge someone’s fashion sense based on just a few photos - evaluate them over time for a more accurate understanding.
The public’s opinion on AS may not hold much professional value, but it can still be a helpful reference point because dressing is, at its core, a practical skill. If you’re dressed to perfection by some standard but everyone around you thinks it looks off, then you’ve missed the mark. Compliments from friends or acquaintances can also be unreliable since they’re often influenced by relationships or status. If you’re wealthy or well-known, people are often too polite to critique your style.
Why make fashion sound so scientific? Simply put, "practice without theory leads to stagnation, while theory without practice is useless for teaching others." Plus, when you’re truly passionate about something, you naturally want to elevate it. Life is still beautiful, and so is our dignity. In conclusion, build your style with intention, and wear it with heart.
Be classy, be nice!
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