I need advice

[deepgreen]

Hello!
I am a 23yo guy living in Vienna, Austria and i could really use some advice.

For years i have been dressed in a very casual "skater" style. It is comfortable, turns few heads and is very normal among my peers. This has definitely molded peoples image of me and also the one I have of myself. I work in a place where the dresscode is also very casual, sneakers and hoodies are the thing to wear.

But I LOVE classic and elegant menswear. Suits, ties, shirts and dress shoes are what I am visually most drawn to. They excite me and always make me feel great whenever a rare opportunity for me to wear them arises, which sadly is very rare.

So I want to start dressing more smart. A part of me wants to go all out, but on the other hand I am quite anxious over the reactions I might get or the assumptions made of me because of the change.

Has anyone had a similar experience of wanting to drastically change ones style?
Should I slowly transition to a better dressed me or just go all out?

All the best
deepgreen

 

[Quesjac]

Hello!
I am a 23yo guy living in Vienna, Austria and i could really use some advice.

For years i have been dressed in a very casual "skater" style. It is comfortable, turns few heads and is very normal among my peers. This has definitely molded peoples image of me and also the one I have of myself. I work in a place where the dresscode is also very casual, sneakers and hoodies are the thing to wear.

But I LOVE classic and elegant menswear. Suits, ties, shirts and dress shoes are what I am visually most drawn to. They excite me and always make me feel great whenever a rare opportunity for me to wear them arises, which sadly is very rare.

So I want to start dressing more smart. A part of me wants to go all out, but on the other hand I am quite anxious over the reactions I might get or the assumptions made of me because of the change.

Has anyone had a similar experience of wanting to drastically change ones style?
Should I slowly transition to a better dressed me or just go all out?

All the best
deepgreen

Sounds good, but you're right to think that drastic isn't the way to go.

1. Take your time, especially when buying stuff you're not used to wearing
2. Do some reading. This forum, putthison.com and similar
3. Expect to make a few mistakes along the way, but also enjoy the successes

Good luck!

 

[deepgreen]

Sounds good, but you're right to think that drastic isn't the way to go.

1. Take your time, especially when buying stuff you're not used to wearing
2. Do some reading. This forum, putthison.com and similar
3. Expect to make a few mistakes along the way, but also enjoy the successes

Good luck!

Hey Quesjac!

Thank you for replying!
I will take my time, research and start building a solid wardrobe i truly love.

Thanks again and all the best
deepgreen

 

[maxalex]

You live in a large, cosmopolitan European capital where many men still wear suits and ties daily. So in the broader sense of your locale, you’re not going to turn heads in tailored clothing.

It sounds like you will definitely stand out at your place of work, and here is where you will need to follow your own muse. That is to say, are you the type of guy who pays no mind to the opinions of the little hoodied people? Or are you worried that being the best dressed man in the office will grant you promotions, pay raises and hot dates that you certainly don’t deserve?

It boils down to confidence, but you would not be wrong to go all-in, or adopt a more measured stylistic progression, as your comfort dictates.

 

[S.R.M. 1977]

Start with the essentials:
black oxfords
navy trousers
grey trousers
white dress shirts
solid ties
navy blazer

Perhaps, buy used to experiment for cheap.

 

[ClosetEvolution]

Winter can be a good time to layer sweaters on button front shirts without a tie. This can be a more casual transition and can be dressed up or down by pant style (slacks to dark denim), shoes, and the presence or absence of a tie.

You could also bridge the gap between classic and casual by starting with athlesiure like Lululemon at first and then progressively working to more traditional tailoring. Due to relocation, I have been doing the reverse of what you are looking to do.