*Collaborative post.

Admittedly, men have it a little easier when it comes to fashion. When all else fails, a well-fitting shirt and pants can work for almost anything. If you need to get fancy, there are a few designs of suits to choose from. As men’s attires are simple, we can virtually mix and match almost anything.

However, given how simple things are for us, it often becomes a little bit more of a challenge on the occasions where we’re supposed to dress up, especially during winter. While there are things that can help with getting this look started (a brief look into our Bogner men’s vests, jackets, and pants during the cold days or nights) there’s a lot more work involved when it comes to styling our looks for those special occasions.

If you’re looking to add a little more style and flair to your wardrobe without going overboard, here are two tips you can follow:

1. Your look depends on you, not just on your clothes

Clothes do make the man, but on the occasions that they don’t, it’s the man who carries the clothes. You can have the best clothing in the world but if you don’t have the confidence or the personal style to pull it off, you might not achieve what you want. There’s a subtle art to carrying men’s clothing, a mixture of your own personal esteem and a reflection of how you carry yourself.

In simpler terms, the best thing you can start with is your posture. Clothing for men often emphasizes a wider frame, encouraging the wearer to occupy as much space as possible and enhancing areas, such as the shoulders. You’re supposed to solidly occupy the space that your clothes do, and simple things such as straightening your back and squaring your shoulders can work wonders.

2. Less is more

There’s an inherent expectation for men to pull off more by doing less, and this is best exemplified in how formal attire works for them. A few things are as striking or as suitable as a three-piece suit for a reason; the simpler the outfit is, the easier it may be for a man to carry it. Men’s clothing should conform between being utilitarian and stylish—not too much, but not too little that it limits your individuality.

One of the best ways to boost your style without being too conspicuous is wearing an accessory or two. Things like cufflinks, wristwatches, rings, and necklaces can all be incorporated tastefully into a man’s wardrobe with little to no work needed, though great care must be taken when choosing these accessories. Sometimes, just a single accessory can ruin an entire look, so choose carefully.

If you keep these tips in mind while dressing up, you can avoid some mistakes that could cost you your self-confidence once you step out of your room. There is a perfect time to dress up and the right way to do it. If you do this carefully and with much thought, you can stand out at any party or occasion you attend.