Stylish Men Start Here: Your Style Guide

Hello!

Ladies, let’s talk about the men in our lives. Whether it’s your husband, partner, son, brother or friend, we all know that some UK men aren’t exactly leading the way in style. In fact, if left to their own devices, many would still be wearing the same tired jeans and a questionable band T-shirt they’ve had since university.

But what if we told you that with a little guidance (from you, of course), they could look effortlessly stylish without even realising it? That’s where we come in.

Welcome to your Ultimate Guide to Men’s Colour & Style in 2025. We’re keeping this lighthearted and fun, but by the end of it, you’ll be armed with everything you need to gently nudge the men in your life towards a wardrobe that makes them look polished, confident, and put-together.

Why Colour & Style Matter (Even If He Thinks It Doesn’t)



Let’s start with the basics. Most men don’t realise that wearing the right colours and styles can instantly make them look healthier, younger, and more confident. It’s not about dressing like a catwalk model—it’s about finding the shades and shapes that naturally work for them. A good colour analysis can help pinpoint whether he looks best in warm or cool tones and bright or muted shades. When he’s wearing the right colours, he’ll get more compliments (and we all know how much they secretly love that).

Then there’s fit. Many UK men default to wearing clothes either too tight (a relic from a brief gym phase) or far too baggy (hello, comfort zone). But the right fit for his body shape can do wonders. Whether he’s tall and slim, broad and muscular, or carrying a little extra weight, there are cuts and styles that will make him look effortlessly sharp. And the best part? Once he sees the difference, he’ll never go back.

Work & Casual Wear in 2025: Blurring the Lines

Post-pandemic dressing has left many men in limbo. Gone are the days of rigid office wear—most workplaces now embrace smart casual or even casual dressing. But ‘casual’ doesn’t have to mean scruffy. The trick is knowing how to mix casual and workwear to create an effortlessly stylish office look that still commands authority.

A great place to start is with structured, well-fitting pieces that can be dressed up or down. A jacket thrown over a quality T-shirt and trousers instantly looks smart without being stuffy. A premium knit polo with tailored trousers is a fantastic alternative to the traditional shirt-and-tie combo. And let’s not forget shoes—swapping out old trainers for sleek leather or suede loafers or stylish brogues can elevate any outfit.

For men working from home, the key is to ditch the ‘just rolled out of bed’ look. A well-fitted half-zip sweater or a crisp, casual overshirt makes a great impression for video calls while still being comfortable.

Dressing for His Body Shape - (Because One Size Does Not Fit All)

UK men come in all shapes and sizes, and dressing to complement their frame makes a world of difference. If he’s tall and slim, layering is his best friend—chunky knits, structured jackets, and heavier fabrics will add some visual bulk. If he’s shorter, wearing one colour top and bottom will to help elongate his frame. Broad and muscular? He should avoid overly tight cuts and opt for structured tailoring that enhances rather than squeezes. For men with a fuller midsection, V-neck jumpers and an open jacket help create a streamlined, flattering shape.

Style for Young Men: Finding Individuality Beyond the Crowd

For men aged 18-30, style is often dictated by peer groups, fast fashion trends, and what’s deemed ‘safe’ to wear. But this is the perfect time to start developing an individual sense of style that reflects personality, rather than just blending in. Whether still at university, entering the workforce, or building a professional image, it’s all about making conscious choices that elevate their wardrobe while staying age-appropriate.

Moving beyond the ‘follow the crowd’ mentality means understanding personal colouring and body shape early on. A young man doesn’t need to spend a fortune to look well-dressed—he just needs to invest in a few well-fitting, quality basics and then inject personality through colour, texture, and accessories. A structured overshirt, a great pair of straight-leg jeans, premium knitwear, and classic white trainers can form the backbone of a stylish wardrobe.

For those looking to upgrade their shopping habits, classic high-street brands like Zara, COS and Reiss offer stylish, well-cut essentials. If they want to push the boat out a little, independent brands like Percival, Universal Works and Folk provide unique, high-quality pieces. For something a bit more daring, A Cold Wall, Represent and Axel Arigato bring a more streetwear-inspired edge.



As always, women play a vital role in shaping these young men’s style journeys. Whether it’s offering advice, gifting a great wardrobe staple, or booking a colour analysis to get them thinking about what suits them best, the earlier they embrace style as a tool for confidence, the better!

How to Build a Foolproof Capsule Wardrobe for Him

If your man currently has a wardrobe full of random items that don’t go together, it’s time for a reset. A great capsule wardrobe should be made up of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Here’s what every stylish UK man needs:

A jacket in your best dark neutral colour – Looks great over a T-shirt, shirt or knitwear. Perfect for dressing up jeans or trousers.

Well-fitted trousers in neutral colours – Navy, brown or forest green for autumns; navy, tan or dove grey for springs; black, navy, grey or pine green for winters; navy, blue-grey or light rose brown for summers. These neutral options will pair with all their seasonal colours.

Dark-wash jeans – A slimmer (not skinny!) cut in a quality denim will instantly upgrade his casual outfits.

A selection of premium T-shirts and polos – This is where you can add a pop of colour into your outfit. Try using some of your brighter colour options here.

A quality knit sweater – A lightweight merino or cashmere option adds warmth without being bulky.

A statement coat – Whether it’s a wool overcoat for winter or a lightweight jacket for spring, the right outerwear makes a huge difference.

Versatile shoes – A great pair of leather or suede trainers for casual days, suede Chelsea boots for smart-casual outfits, and classic brogues for dressier occasions.

A leather belt that matches his shoes – Because details matter!

Once these core pieces are in place, he’ll have a wardrobe that works without the morning struggle of ‘what do I wear?’.

The Best UK Menswear Brands & Where to Shop Online

Let’s be real - most men hate shopping. Luckily, there are some fantastic UK-based menswear brands that make dressing well easy. For high-quality essentials, Sunspel, Oliver Spencer, and Reiss offer refined, well-made staples. Charles Tyrwhitt is great for smart casual shirts, while Uniqlo and Marks & Spencer are brilliant for well-priced basics.

For shoes, Loake and Barker make classic British styles that last for years. If he prefers shopping online,

Mr Porter and END Clothing curate the best of high-end and contemporary menswear, making it easy to build a stylish wardrobe without stepping into a shop.

How You Can Help Him Elevate His Style

Most UK men won’t suddenly wake up and decide they need a wardrobe revamp, which is where you come in. Dropping subtle hints, strategically gifting stylish pieces, or even booking a colour analysis or personal styling session as a ‘fun experience’ can all work wonders. Once he sees how much better he looks and feels, he’ll be more open to embracing a refined sense of style—without needing constant reminders from you.

So, next time you spot him reaching for that ancient hoodie or wearing the same pair of jeans for the third day in a row, just remember: with a little guidance (and maybe some strategic wardrobe edits), he can step up his style game effortlessly. And who knows? He might even start asking you for fashion advice!

Final Thoughts:

Style doesn’t have to be complicated — with just a bit of thoughtful effort, we can elevate the men in our lives from 'meh' to 'magnificent'. Armed with the insights and practical tips from this guide, you'll have all the tools you need to give their wardrobes a gentle upgrade (without turning their world upside down). Remember, it’s not about bring fashionable, but helping them find a look that fits their personality, lifestyle, and body shape. With your support, they’ll not only look polished and confident but feel it too—and ultimately, isn’t that the real goal?

Enjoy your weekend! Next week, The Weekend Read is all about being the best dressed wedding guest. Look out for that next Saturday!

Best wishes,

Judi & Jenny x

Judi Prue

Personal Stylist

Celebrator of Individuality

Curator of Confidence

Tel: 07904 347847

e: judi.prue@houseofcolour.co.uk

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