What is the best way to "grow up" my style?

If you are not going to wear your new wardrobe daily then get your basics. Plain front khaki(with a cuff), gray slacks and blue jeans(they need to fit, not too tight nor too baggy. They can go with long sleeve button down collar cotton dress shirts, Polo style short sleeve cotton shirts or heavy weight short sleeve cotton T shirts, choose colors that will not clash with a black or a blue blazer. Matching belts to shoes. Shoes: Tassel loafers(brown) for khaki, black plain lace up dress shoes for gray slacks. This basic list can be provide many different looks when interchanged.
If you can't buy name brand look at the goodwill and second hand stores. Sometimes an estate sale will have top quality slacks and sport coats and occasionally a complete suit. Buy at least one major piece a month and two low cost items. Do not compromise and you won't go wrong. Good Luck

If you are not going to wear your new wardrobe daily then get your basics. Plain front khaki(with a cuff), gray slacks and blue jeans(they need to fit, not too tight nor too baggy. They can go with long sleeve button down collar cotton dress shirts, Polo style short sleeve cotton shirts or heavy weight short sleeve cotton T shirts, choose colors that will not clash with a black or a blue blazer. Matching belts to shoes. Shoes: Tassel loafers(brown) for khaki, black plain lace up dress shoes for gray slacks. This basic list can be provide many different looks when interchanged.
If you can't buy name brand look at the goodwill and second hand stores. Sometimes an estate sale will have top quality slacks and sport coats and occasionally a complete suit. Buy at least one major piece a month and two low cost items. Do not compromise and you won't go wrong. Good Luck

My humble opinion....

in order of growing up...

get some comfy button down shirts .... paterns are ok, but consider what the patterns are...

... comfy plain black shoes .... laces are best, but don't give up on the comfy component...

...and black jeans... and keep them in decent shape (by which I mean wash with a non bleach detergent and replace before faded and/or worn)

...makes a huge difference without a different feel....

Guys have it easy, there are only a few items you really should have at your disposal, forget the Blue blazer, unless super conservative is your style, its too close to black. Instead try brown and black instead, or a brown plaid blazer. You must have a suit, go with Grey, with a nice cloth. Spend the most on the suit, check GQ for more tips on suits. Spend the second most, on comfortable dress shoes-trust me you want something that you can wear all day. Personally, I haven't worn a suit in nearly 10 years, everyone at my company wears jeans and khakis, and I wear Doc Martins for dress shoes, super comfortable and durable.

Pick up a couple pairs of nice jeans, I stick with Levi's or Mavi. I refuse to drop more than a Benjamin on a pair of jeans. Add a brown and black belt, go for leather and forget the cheap stuff, a nice belt with last a life time. Add some nice button down shirts-check Nordstrom Rack for great shirts. I have a few ties, a power tie is good-yellow or red/ stripes optional and then nice modern tie- I go with skulls and argyles, but switch it up to your style. To me skulls are always a solid choice as long they are tasteful.

Dont forget the shoes, my favorite pair of dress casual shoes are a pair of Cole Haan-Nike Air tennis shoes, w/ snake skin around the top of the heel box. They are casual enough for jeans but I can dress them up with a jacket too. You should at least have a pair of Black dress shoes, laces preferred. Forget the Tassels- that is garbage-unless your 45 trying to upgrade your look.

Make sure your pairing shoes with belts, color on color when dressing up, same with socks. I like Underarmour socks, they are long enough to cover the calf, but breath...which is oh so important for long days in dress shoes. Dont forget the shoe trees also, they are essential for making sure your shoes don't get that crinkle in the leather at the base of the toebox. They also help absorb moisture. Again Nordstrom Rack has nicely priced Cedars.

Another side tip, buy colors that make both brown and black look good. For example a nice purple shirt works well with a brown jacket or black- same with yellow, white, blue, etc. Pick colors that work with all your gear.

Here's the last piece of advice, invest in nice accessories, but not all at once. Find a watch that will work with a bunch of looks- Nixon makes cool funky watches. Start with brown or black watches- metal or leather- or even rubber strapped. A classic Chronograph always works- but make it funky. If you have to be conservative in dress- use accessories to show individualism. The same goes with cuff links, ties, and socks. Me personally, I have a huge collection of argyle socks and a couple slick sets of postage stamp cufflinks-also found at Nordstrom(inexpensive) They are great conversation starters.

Guys have it easy, there are only a few items you really should have at your disposal, forget the Blue blazer, unless super conservative is your style, its too close to black. Instead try brown and black instead, or a brown plaid blazer. You must have a suit, go with Grey, with a nice cloth. Spend the most on the suit, check GQ for more tips on suits. Spend the second most, on comfortable dress shoes-trust me you want something that you can wear all day. Personally, I haven't worn a suit in nearly 10 years, everyone at my company wears jeans and khakis, and I wear Doc Martins for dress shoes, super comfortable and durable.

Pick up a couple pairs of nice jeans, I stick with Levi's: www.levis.com or Mavi: www.mavi.com I refuse to drop more than a Benjamin on a pair of jeans. Add a brown and black belt, go for leather and forget the cheap stuff, a nice belt with last a life time. Add some nice button down shirts-check Nordstrom Rack: www.nordstrom.com for great shirts. I have a few ties, a power tie is good-yellow or red/ stripes optional and then nice modern tie- I go with skulls and argyles, but switch it up to your style. To me skulls are always a solid choice as long they are tasteful.

Dont forget the shoes, my favorite pair of dress casual shoes are a pair of Cole Haan-Nike Air: http://www.colehaan.com tennis shoes, w/ snake skin around the top of the heel box. They are casual enough for jeans but I can dress them up with a jacket too. You should at least have a pair of Black dress shoes, laces preferred. Forget the Tassels- that is garbage-unless your 45 trying to upgrade your look.

Make sure your pairing shoes with belts, color on color when dressing up, same with socks. I like Underarmour socks: www.underarmor.com, they are long enough to cover the calf, but breath...which is oh so important for long days in dress shoes. Dont forget the shoe trees also, they are essential for making sure your shoes don't get that crinkle in the leather at the base of the toebox. They also help absorb moisture. Again Nordstrom Rack has nicely priced Cedars.

Another side tip, buy colors that make both brown and black look good. For example a nice purple shirt works well with a brown jacket or black- same with yellow, white, blue, etc. Pick colors that work with all your gear.

Here's the last piece of advice, invest in nice accessories, but not all at once. Find a watch that will work with a bunch of looks- Nixon: www.nixonnow.com makes cool funky watches. Start with brown or black watches- metal or leather- or even rubber strapped. A classic Chronograph always works- but make it funky. If you have to be conservative in dress- use accessories to show individualism. The same goes with cuff links, ties, and socks. Me personally, I have a huge collection of argyle socks and a couple slick sets of postage stamp cufflinks-also found at Nordstrom(inexpensive) They are great conversation starters.

Another key to looking "refined" and "mature" is shopping for and wearing clothes that FIT. Watch Casino Royale and study the fit of Bond's dress shirt here

Wearing clothes that fit (properly) is more important than what logo or design detail the shirt or pant has.

Now it's possible to shop for clothes that fit right off the shelf and it's all good for your basics like t-shirts/jeans but for you bigger investments you should look in to getting them tailored.

For any dress type article of clothing, a tailor can alter them to fit according to your size and build. Tailors are much like hair stylists/barbers. It takes some shopping to find a tailor who can speak English and/or is up to date on all the modern cuts and looks.

Tailoring does cost money.

Combine all the previous posts about button down shirts, slacks, etc. with tailoring your clothes to fit and it will take your wardrobe to the next level (and then some).

i think usually adding a collared shirt "grows-up" a style, also if its cold a nice simple black coat, for example http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51319&vid=1&pid=680771
or even a more casual jacket such as http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51320&vid=1&pid=700069&scid=700069002

A great resource for you to check out is www.mensfashion.about.com They give great tips on grooming, style, fashion and a plethora of other helpful things for guys.

Who ever said you needed to "grow up?" Yes, absolutely, if you are 27 and still wearing the Jack Daniels boxers you bought at Target in college then yes...you need to definitely update.

Depending on where you work or what kind of event you are attending will determine your style of dress...Obviously you aren't going to wear cargo shorts and a printed t-shirt if you work at a bank and you aren't going to wear a suit if you are going to a ballgame. Catch my drift?

If you work in a corporate/office job, are going to a nicer restaurant or some place like that, then dressing more appropriately is something to consider. Slacks, khaki chinos, dress shoes and button up shirts with simple patterns and colors work wonders. Banana Republic, Gap, Nordstrom Rack, Kenneth Cole are all great places to shop for nicer men's attire.

But don't be boring! Just because you may need to update your style does not mean you can't have your own flare or personal touch to something that just looks so bland.

Accessories can be a guy's best friend. Nice simple suit or slacks and button up shirt? Match it with some great eyewear, snazzy tie, cool cufflinks and a stylish watch. Fossil makes great watches for any occasion.

Follow blogs and webpage's like this! Uncrate is a good way to find great items in so many different departments.

And lastly...if you are just lounging around, heading to a game or something simple and fun, you don't have to necessarily dress like Pierce Brosman. There is a difference between wearing fun, stylish clothing and having someone looking at you thinking 'wow, that guy has great style,' then by you looking like someone who just rolled out of a Frat house.

Honestly, t-shirts, jeans and sneakers are JUST fine. But here are some tips for you.

If any of those three are tattered beyond repair or just look beat up and trashy...chuck them.

Crisp, solid color V or U neck shirts are great for under a cool button up plaid shirt.

Baggy, Insane Clown Posse looking jeans? Goodbye. Jeans should fit your shape and not drag nor high-water. Dark denim always looks a lot nicer than light blue or acid washed jeans. You aren't going to the farm or an ACDC concert.

Do your shoes talk? Shut them up by getting rid of them. Chucks, never go out of style. A nice pair of tennis shoes, black or brown in style can be dressed up or dressed down.

Do you want to wear a ball cap? Cool...I suggest it. I love seeing people sport something they like. But guess what, you are not 'Lil Wayne or Fred Durst...so don't wear it like you are a rapper or some sport star. In fact, they shouldn't wear like that either. You will look like a douche. And no fancy crap or colors to where you can't even tell what team you are supporting.

If you are going to wear a Red Sox hat, it better damn well have the red socks or the classic B. Non of this every color to match every shirt I own.

You know what makes you look like you are 20 and what makes you look a little more your age. Use good judgment and don't be afraid to look to men's style websites or magazines to help you along your journey.

Good luck!

The easiest way to dress up you style using your current and existing wardrobe would be to add some v neck sweaters.

Banana republic and GAP comes out with them every fall in every solid color. They even fit great too. Throw one of those on over a tshirt that doesn't look too beat up. While you're at the GAP or Banana pick up some straight fit or low rise boot fit pair of jeans. Whatever wash you want is fine, just remember that the darker the jean the more formal it looks. So it's upto you how you want it all to look.

The beauty of those outfits are that they
1) are timeless. solid v neck sweaters with a nice pair of jeans never goes out of style for men. Just make sure they both fit well.
2) It's flexible. I can go from a cashmere v neck from BR with a t shirt underneath, low rise, vintage fit Levis, drivers cap, and Converse All Stars during the day. At night, throw on some broken in wing tips, or ankle boots, and add a brown leather bomber and you're good for a dinner downtown.

If you're just starting out just stick with solid sweaters at first and low rise straight fit jeans. Once you have this foundation down you can start to get creative. Eventually, add a scarf, a trench, start mixing colors to stand out(in a good way), add boots, a stripped button down underneath, etc, etc.

I still get compliments for this simple combination that I've been wearing for years. The trick is to just MAKE SURE everything fits well. Otherwise, you'll just look sloppy and get the opposite effect you were going for which was "grow up."

Hope this helped. good luck

"Growing-up" one's style is tricky. For someone in your shoes you probably never wear anything relatively formal unless it is for an interview or dinner. Try finding middle ground where your outfits can classify both as casual or as formal, but make sure your clothes represent you.

Integrate polos and button-downs shirts, both long and short sleeved, into your wardrobe. These can be worn with basically anything: chinos, jeans, suiting pants, and shorts. Upgrade your "everyday-items" from a Nike hoodie to a nice v-neck sweater or peacoat, Adidas sneakers to Sperry's. Lastly, one's accessories must fit this formal/informal balance where they can be worn around home as well as out on the town. For more casual events wear polos.

Banana Republic, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and J Crew are fashionable, masculine, and relatively cheap. J Crew always has great sales where one can probably pick up a trio of long-sleeved button-downs for $60-$120.

"Growing-up" one's style is tricky. For someone in your shoes you probably never wear anything relatively formal unless it is for an interview or dinner. Try finding middle ground where your outfits can classify both as casual or as formal, but make sure your clothes represent you.

Integrate polos and button-downs shirts, both long and short sleeved, into your wardrobe. These can be worn with basically anything: chinos, jeans, suiting pants, and shorts. Upgrade your "everyday-items" from a Nike hoodie to a nice v-neck sweater or peacoat, Adidas sneakers to Sperry's. Lastly, one's accessories must fit this formal/informal balance where they can be worn around home as well as out on the town. For more casual events wear polos.

Banana Republic, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and J Crew are fashionable, masculine, and relatively cheap. J Crew always has great sales where one can probably pick up a trio of long-sleeved button-downs for $60-$120.

"Growing-up" one's style is tricky. For someone in your shoes you probably never wear anything relatively formal unless it is for an interview or dinner. Try finding middle ground where your outfits can classify both as casual or as formal, but make sure your clothes represent you.

Integrate polos and button-downs shirts, both long and short sleeved, into your wardrobe. These can be worn with basically anything: chinos, jeans, suiting pants, and shorts. Upgrade your "everyday-items" from a Nike hoodie to a nice v-neck sweater or peacoat, Adidas sneakers to Sperry's. Lastly, one's accessories must fit this formal/informal balance where they can be worn around home as well as out on the town. For more casual events wear polos.

Banana Republic, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and J Crew are fashionable, masculine, and relatively cheap. J Crew always has great sales where one can probably pick up a trio of long-sleeved button-downs for $60-$120.