If you’re into menswear - and let’s be real, you wouldn’t be here otherwise - you’ve probably heard the saying, “once you’re hooked, there’s no going back.” As someone who’s equally addicted but also a scientist, I can’t help but dissect this obsession in a nerdy, methodical way. Why? Because I enjoy it. My life philosophy boils down to two approaches: “because I like it” or “meh, whatever.”
When it comes to dressing well, I see four interconnected elements at play: aesthetic sense (AS), skills, experience, and resources. I’m talking about the ability to dress well - not necessarily developing a distinct personal style - so personal taste doesn’t factor in here. Neither does pure knowledge, because let’s face it: theory without action is just gray and lifeless, while true growth happens when you bring it to life.
In today’s world, menswear knowledge is everywhere - books, blogs, social media. Sharing historical facts or technical details won’t make you stand out. What truly matters is how you apply what you know. As the saying goes:
“Pure theory is dull gray, but the tree of life is forever green.”
Let’s focus on one factor today: aesthetic sense. Is it something you’re born with, or can it be cultivated?
If you love beauty, the answer feels obvious: it’s both.
– Some people are lucky—they’re born with an eye for aesthetics, whether in fashion or other creative disciplines. For them, dressing well comes naturally, almost unfairly so - like athletic talent in sports. But here’s the catch: even those with innate AS can struggle to teach or guide others because their process isn’t conscious. On the flip side, you can copy outfits or master the technicalities of menswear, but you can’t borrow someone else’s AS. It’s a skill you have to develop for yourself.
– Most people overestimate their inborn AS. Early on, foundational knowledge is your best friend. The more you know, the more you see, and that’s the key to expanding your perspective.
Evaluating someone's sense of style should be a process, not just based on a few photos.
– Experience matters too. The best way to train your AS is to immerse yourself in examples - observe styles, study different looks - but always with a critical eye. Equip yourself with knowledge or lean on seasoned mentors to guide your evaluation process.
– Here’s the trick: don’t blindly follow just one mentor. Compare different perspectives to uncover their unique interpretations of AS. Cross-referencing helps you refine your own sensibilities.
– Be cautious when judging someone’s ability to dress based on a handful of photos. Even prominent figures in the menswear scene (let’s skip terms like “KOL”) have their off days. They might be experimenting with new styles or simply photographed in less-than-ideal moments. Evaluating someone’s skill is a process - look at their consistency over time.
While public feedback can offer insights, it’s far from reliable. Compliments are often filtered through biases: friends might avoid criticism, and people are less likely to challenge someone rich, famous, or in a position of authority.
Remember, aesthetics are practical. If you’re perfectly dressed according to a rulebook but fail to impress those around you, then what’s the point?
Because, as they say:
“Practicing martial arts without cultivating the mind leads nowhere. Cultivating the mind without practicing martial arts, and the tradition fades.”
True menswear enthusiasts approach their passion with both heart and intellect. Staying addicted while respecting the art itself—that’s how you preserve both the joy of style and your dignity. Build your look thoughtfully, and wear it confidently.
Be classy, be nice!
– Dexterlegant
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