MEN’s FASHION VS. STYLE

I recently had an interesting conversation with a client while he was working with me in person to get a new wardrobe. Somehow, we got onto the topic of cryptocurrency.

He told me he doesn’t invest in it because, as he put it, "Cryptocurrencies aren’t backed by anything of real value. Their worth is based solely on the fact that a small group of people agree that it has worth."

I’m not here to debate the merits of cryptocurrency, as we have clients on both sides of the coin (heh). But that comment stuck with me because the same logic applies to clothing.

Just like cryptocurrency, fashion trends rely on collective hype. What’s "in" today can be out tomorrow, and often, it’s not backed by anything meaningful.

When we strip clothing down to its core, why do we really wear it? I believe there are only three reasons:

1. To Protect and Cover Yourself

Clothing has a functional, utilitarian (and often legal) purpose. You pack a coat when hiking Mount Everest to protect yourself from freezing temperatures. You wear a hard hat on a construction site to shield your head. These are obvious, practical choices. But even beyond extreme examples, this idea applies. The right pair of shoes can protect your feet on a long walk, and a well-made winter coat can shield you from the elements.

2. To Signal Something

What you wear sends a message—whether or not you’re aware of it. Every outfit is like a flag you’re waving to the world. Are you trendy and in the know, wearing the latest oversized designer pieces? Are you rebellious, rocking ripped jeans and skull rings? Or maybe you’re signaling that you don’t care about fashion at all by wearing basic, budget-friendly pieces from Walmart.

No matter what the case, your clothing communicates something about you. The key is to ensure that message aligns with who you really are—not just what the world wants you to be.

3. To Make You Look Good

This is the big one. Clothing alters how you look. The right colors can bring out your eyes, while the wrong ones can make you look washed out. The right fit can make you look lean and muscular, while the wrong fit can make you appear shorter or pudgy.

At its best, clothing enhances your appearance. It highlights your strengths, downplays your insecurities, and helps you present the best version of yourself. This is the core reason to invest in great style.

You might argue that you wear clothing to feel something—confidence, coziness, pride. But those feelings ultimately stem from one of these three reasons above. You feel cozy because the sweater keeps you warm. You feel confident because the pants make you look slimmer. You feel pride because your outfit signals that you belong in your peer group. When you wear something, it’s because it fulfills one (or ideally all) of these three needs.

The Fashion vs. Style Debate

This brings me back to the crypto conversation. The frenzy over cryptocurrency reminds me of another recent craze: NFTs. People were paying obscene prices for digital "artwork," only to see its value crash. It was all hype, no substance.

Fashion trends are like that. They’re exciting while they last, but they’re not always rooted in what truly matters.

One client recently told me about a style influencer promoting trendy designer pieces. My client asked, "So, do you think that influencer is wrong?"

He’s neither. Trends have their place. But the fundamental principle of dressing well should be timeless: wear what makes you look good.

In visually driven industries like art, style, and architecture, the core aesthetic principle is that what looks best, wins. This guiding rubric informs the creation, critique, and evolution of work in these fields. We vote with our eyes.

Regardless of the hype, and what’s trending, we need to as: Does this actually make me look good?

Think of it this way: Fashion is like cryptocurrency, driven by hype. Style is like the S&P 500—a steady, long-term investment that always pays off. Trends come and go, but style is forever.

The Easiest Way to Sum It Up: Fashion is for them. Style is for you.

When you focus on style, you’re prioritizing clothing that fits well, flatters your appearance, and aligns with your personal identity. You’re dressing for yourself—not for what’s trending on TikTok or Instagram.

So, the next time you’re tempted to buy into a fleeting trend, let yourself be guided by the question: does this make me look my best? If not, chances are you should leave it behind regardless if it's fashionable or not. The stuff that makes you look good has real value and will always outlive the hype that doesn’t.


Hope this helps.

-Patrick.



P.S. Here are some ways we can help you...

1. We have a load of free resources we put out here for everyone to use to elevate your style right now.

2. The in-person package where you’ll spend a full day with me 1-on-1 to get your wardrobe squared away. Includes tailoring and sorting/editing your existing stuff, and shopping for all new pieces that fit you, your style, and your budget. A minimum of 5K is needed for clothing, and the price is 5K.

3. Our online package where you’ll work with me and our team to get yourself a new wardrobe. We work with you 1-on-1 virtually to show you what looks best on you and why from your hairstyle to your clothing, as well as provide you a full shopping list of new items, and support for 6 weeks as you implement everything. The minimum spend for clothing is 2K, and the price is 2K for the package.

4. If you’re unsure what option works best for you, you can schedule a quick call with me here. It’s complimentary and I can help give you some direction.