Men’s Fashion Basics – Part 99 – The Benefits Of Having A Uniform

Once you’ve spent a couple of years deeply immersed in the world of men’s fashion and style, you start coming to a few conclusions.

Firstly, there is a huge difference between fashion and style, with the ways they can be incorporated into the real world varying significantly. Secondly, no matter how much you want it to happen or how hard you try, you will never be able to resurrect Reebok Classics from the grave. I know, sad times. Thirdly, having a go-to uniform isn’t necessarily the big ‘no no’ you used to think it was.

I touched on the benefits of a uniform slightly in part 98, ‘A Few More Steps’, and figured now would be a good time to expand on the concept. Due to years of being forced into dull, dry, scratchy and starchy school uniforms when we were kids, it seems the idea of a uniform can often conjure negative feelings amongst men.

Not only that, with the amount of clothing options available to guys these days, I can completely understand the urge to dip your toe in every sartorial pool you can find. But there are a lot of positive things to be said for having a uniform.

Your Signature Look

A more accurate name for a uniform in the world of style would be ‘signature look’ – an outfit that once people see you in it, they immediately identify it as ‘you’.

Personally, I find the major benefit of having a signature look is that it allows me more time to think about the parts of style that I enjoy most, such as textures, colours, patterns and shoes. What I don’t enjoy so much is spending ages trying to figure out what to wear in the morning. By investing in pieces that I know fit into my look (chinos/seasonal fabrics trousers, shirt and waistcoat/jacket) I can be ready in a matter of minutes.

For others it could be that it means you remain stylish but understated or that you always show up as the best dressed.