Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Style doesn’t have to be complicated, flashy, or expensive. The truth is, a few intentional changes can elevate your entire presence. Whether you’re heading to the office, meeting friends for dinner, or just going about your day. And in 2025, it’s less about trends and more about refining your basics.
Here are seven simple style upgrades every man should make this year to look sharper, feel more put together, and make a stronger impression without overthinking it.
1. Upgrade Your Apple Watch Band
You don’t have to give up function to add style. If you wear an Apple Watch daily, the default rubber or nylon band can start to feel a little… uninspired. Upgrading to a quality leather band makes a huge difference in how your watch blends with the rest of your outfit.
Longvadon’s men’s Apple Watch bands are a standout choice. Made with full-grain leather and available in colors like chestnut, black, and slate, they pair just as well with business casual as they do with a simple T-shirt and jeans. The stainless steel clasp adds polish, and the bands age beautifully over time.
This is the kind of small detail that people notice—especially in meetings, on dates, or during events where your wrist is constantly in view.
2. Invest in Tailored Basics
You don’t need a closet full of designer clothes to look sharp—you just need basics that fit you properly. That means ditching boxy tees and overly long pants and replacing them with items that follow your natural lines.
Start with three upgrades:
- A properly fitted white or navy oxford shirt
- Slim (not skinny) dark denim or chinos
- A tee with structured shoulders and a tapered waist
If you haven’t yet, take your best pair of pants to a tailor and get them adjusted. You’ll be shocked how much more confident you feel.
3. Choose Real Footwear
Your shoes speak louder than you think. While sneakers have their place, most men are overdue for a proper upgrade in the footwear department. A well-made pair of leather boots, loafers, or minimalist sneakers instantly changes the tone of your entire outfit.
Look for styles that are versatile, durable, and easy to pair. Brown leather Chelsea boots? Perfect with jeans or trousers. White leather sneakers? Ideal for casual Fridays or weekend outings. Shoes don’t have to be trendy—they just have to be clean, functional, and intentional.
4. Stop Ignoring Your Grooming Routine
A good haircut is the cheapest style upgrade you can make. But that’s just the start.
Take a hard look at your daily grooming habits. Do you use moisturizer? Do you clean up your beard line? Are your nails presentable? None of this takes more than a few minutes a day, but it can dramatically change how you carry yourself and how others perceive you.
If you’re unsure where to begin, upgrade your grooming arsenal with:
- A good electric trimmer
- A facial cleanser and SPF moisturizer
- Quality nail clippers
Think of it as part of your overall aesthetic, not a separate category.
5. Embrace Outerwear That Works Hard
Outerwear often gets overlooked, but it might be the most visible thing you wear in cooler seasons. A worn-out hoodie isn’t cutting it. Instead, go for a jacket that adds structure and polish without sacrificing comfort.
Good options include:
- A lightweight bomber for casual layering
- A tailored wool coat for winter
- A denim or utility jacket for weekends
Bonus: these kinds of jackets can elevate even your most basic outfits. Throw a bomber over a tee and jeans and suddenly you look deliberate, not default.
6. Add One Signature Piece
Every guy needs one item in his wardrobe that gets compliments. It could be a unique watch, a vintage leather jacket, a patterned shirt, or even your Longvadon band. The point isn’t to be flashy—it’s to express personality.
If your wardrobe feels a little too safe, this is the upgrade that makes everything else pop. Choose something that reflects your style or adds texture, color, or shape that you wouldn’t normally wear. A signature piece doesn’t have to be loud to stand out.
7. Simplify, Then Upgrade Accessories
Let’s be honest: most guys don’t need a closet full of belts, sunglasses, or jewelry. But you do need a few reliable accessories that match your overall style. The key is to simplify, then upgrade.
Swap that fraying nylon belt for a solid leather one. Donate sunglasses that don’t fit your face shape. Replace your gym bag with a canvas or leather duffel that doesn’t look like it belongs in a locker room.
And if you’re wearing an Apple Watch, make sure the band matches the rest of your outfit—whether it’s a crisp white shirt or a soft hoodie. A clean men’s Apple Watch band from Longvadon brings it all together.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your style doesn’t mean replacing your wardrobe or becoming someone you’re not. It means making thoughtful changes that reflect where you’re headed in life. The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once.
Start with one area—your watch band, your shoes, or your grooming habits. Then build from there. These small upgrades have a compound effect. And when you feel good in what you wear, people notice.
Because confidence isn’t built with a single piece. It’s built with consistency, and that starts with what you wear every day.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
