How to build your wardrobe manifesto by The Gentleman Blogger Matthew Zorpas
More exposed than ever to public scrutiny - be that online or in 'real life' - men are increasingly concerned with their public personas. They are investing more in fashion and grooming products than ever before. In the last ten years, the number of male grooming brands has almost quadrupled, and men in their thirties or forties spend the equivalent of almost a day's wages every month on their grooming regime.
In collaboration with MINI for it's launch of the all-new Clubman, six experts from The School of Life have launched a guide for every modern man to live by in 2016.
The guide is backed by Matthew Zorpas, ambassador for the MINI Clubman and online entrepreneur who founded his career as The Gentleman Blogger.
Within the guide, Samantha Clarke, style therapist and personal brand educator, stresses the importance of constructing a wardrobe manifesto. She says,
"Your wardrobe should reflect a style that truly reflects you, so continuously detox items and clutter that do not serve you. Once you've written your manifesto, purge a section of your wardrobe ruthlessly. Think of it as a wardrobe workout, and lose the flab."
We've got in touch with Matthew to give us his tips in building a wardrobe manifesto…
Be a Style leader
Be a style leader
To truly understand your style, you must understand yourself. It's about the message you want to transmit. Style is an expression of who you are and what your priorities and values are. Be comfortable rather than classic. If you really need help working out what fits you and what reflects your personality, make use of one of the many free personal shopping services certain stores. The advisors will work with you to determine what suits you. From there, build a list and start trying on different things. Over time you will get to understand what works and what doesn't.
Quality over quantity
Less is a style statement in itself and quality allows your style to last longer, it can be used as a tool to remain fashionable over the years.
Find timeless classics
The Leather jacket, for example, is a bespoke winter and summer essential. Crisp white shirts, a roll neck, a classic pair of shoes and several ties are the timeless classics every modern gentleman should own.
Have confidence in your own style
You need to know what suits you according to your body so that once you are comfortable in your own style; you can wear it with confidence and finesse. Nobody can take this away from you.
Create your Driving Style
In today's world, style is everything. We have an outfit for every occasion and as much as style is status, so is the car you drive. When driving the Clubman, I like to consider my outfits and how they reflect the car's iconic and sophisticated design. Wear a suede jacket with comfortable trousers, a white shirt, classic sunglasses and soft leather gloves for the ultimate causal driving style. This allows you to be comfortable but confident.
Fine-tune your wardrobe
Fine-tuning your wardrobe is easy; selecting statement pieces is the key way of doing it. Less is definitely more, so having statement pieces each season that you can tweak with the addition of pieces make life much easier.
Detox and declutter items that don't serve you
Fashion is a cycle. There are some pieces that are seasonal and just need to be replaced by others according to the weather, trends, mood, etc. Detox your wardrobe by going back and seeing what you haven't worn in two winter/summer seasons. If you haven't worn a jacket for two winters in a row you aren't likely to wear it come winter this year. This allows you to shop more consciously whilst actually having the space to introduce new items into your wardrobe.
To read the full guide, visit www.schooloflife.com/mini