Great style according to Batch
Having great style is either the most simple or most complicated challenge. Like anything we must begin with the end in mind and apply some basic fundamentals, the 80/20 rule (Pareto’s Principle), Occam’s Razor, Parkinson’s Law all work wonders here.
Let’s discuss the end goal. “Style” is: individual to you, versatile to your needs, easy to maintain, timeless to a point, and influence your environment in a positive way. Here are the reasons for each need of style:
Individual to you
Your style should be personal, an extension of you. You are unique, there is no other person just like you. Your style should state this, even if in the most subtle way. Clothing does not say a word while still communicating volumes. Communicating through personal style is one of the most powerful allies we have when used appropriately.
Versatile to your needs
Your style should assist you in your day. Not be a burden, or uncomfortable. It should be appropriate for the vast variety of situations you encounter through-out your day. It should be interchangeable, each pieces capable of creating multiple looks.
Easy to maintain
With little effort you should be able to look great and modern. From acquiring the pieces you need to washing and wearing, your style should be easy. You should not be stressed about comfort, wrinkles, or color matching.
Timeless to a point
In this fast changing world there is little that is truly timeless, especially in fashion. 2-5 years is a great goal. Aim to invest in items that will last two to five years. Enjoy your style and evolve it on this schedule and you will look current but not trendy.
Influences your environment in a positive way
Personal style is your media buy, your secret marketing team. Your style announces to the world: status, confidence, affluence, vigor, intelligence – long before you have a chance to open your mouth. There are few things in life that hold this amount of influence for so little effort.
Before we discuss the relationship of our favorite philosophers basic principles to defining your personal style, let’s be grateful. As men, we are extremely blessed to have simple choices: pants, shirts, t-shirts, shoes, socks, and jackets. You need a few of each of these to create great individual style. Like all things in life there is an initial investment needed to start the ball rolling, similar to a downpayment on your car. It is your choice how fun that car is to drive based on your initial investment. As with all things there are techniques to stretch your dollar. Knowledge should be your key ally.
Pareto’s Principle
Occam’s Razor
Let’s move on to Occam’s Razor, usually the simplest answer is the correct one. Easy and applicable to style. Which pieces make you feel the most confident? In which styles do you receive the most compliments? If you do not know the answer to either question, success leaves clues.
Follow a style icon or brand you admire. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel, there are teams of people every day solving these challenges. Try on a lot of different styles and get a second opinion. When you find the winner, maximize it. Invest in every color that looks great on you. Don't try to find 10 different pants from 10 different brands – that is a time wasting disaster. Instead, take the time to find the correct one for you and maximize. Today, this task is simple with free shipping and returns on the internet. No need to endure the mall.
Parkinson’s Law
KISS
Once you have your basic style foundation layer, then it’s time to layer on the personality: your personal style. This can be as simple as the shape of your glasses, or an antique watch. KISS is a great design adage that we utilize here at Batch HQ. "Keep It Simple Stupid". Usually one piece of interest in your style is enough. Like colorful socks? Great make that your thing. Do you collect a brand of obscure dark denim jeans? Perfect, keep the rest simple. Love your watch collection? Awesome, let them shine by keeping the rest of your clothing basic. Occam’s Razor is more true here then ever. The simplest answer is usually the correct one. There is no faster way to kill an outfit than to overdo it. Once you have your key statement, stick to it and repeat it. Turn it into your thing, but focus on one to two key statements. People will remember just one thing about your style, so over doing it is wasting your style and money.
The Key to Great Style
Final Thoughts
With millions of clothing options available style can be daunting. All too often guys are scared to take a style risk and continue to dress poorly. Like finances, style is not a life skill we learn in school. The necessity of dressing well and having great style is as impactful as a great education. Like eating well and being financially savvy, style simply takes a little knowledge and a willingness to learn. And like any skill, the level of our knowledge today compounds our gains over a lifetime.