I need to be honest with you about something.
Every week, I meet guys who’ve spent months (sometimes years) scrolling through GQ articles, following Instagram influencers, and trying to dress like the models they see online. They buy the exact pieces, copy the exact outfits, and somehow still feel like something’s off when they look in the mirror.
Because copying someone else’s style guarantees you’ll never find your own.
So in this post, I’m walking you through why copying others fails every single time, and the simple framework for discovering the style that’s already inside you waiting to come out.
The Copying Trap Destroys What Makes You Unique
You see a model in GQ wearing a perfectly tailored slim-fit suit with Chelsea boots and a turtleneck, and you think “I want to look like that.”
But here’s what nobody tells you:
- That model was styled by a professional team for a specific body type
- The clothes were literally pinned and clipped to fit perfectly for the photoshoot
- That style might not match who you actually are or where you actually go
Maybe you work at a chill place where turtlenecks would feel stuffy, or maybe slim-fit silhouettes don’t work with your athletic build, or you just genuinely prefer a more rugged aesthetic over polished menswear.
When you copy someone else’s style, you’re building a wardrobe for their life.
Your Girlfriend (or Wife) Is Probably Dressing You Wrong Too
I get calls about this all the time.
A partner tries to help, picks out clothes, gives feedback, and somehow the guy ends up looking good but not feeling like himself.
That’s because (unless they’re professionally trained stylists) they’re unconsciously dressing you the way they would dress themselves. The colors they love become your colors. The silhouettes they’re drawn to become your silhouettes.
I actually had this happen to me with a friend who tried styling me once.
She picked everything that would look amazing on her—including colors and silhouettes that were completely wrong for me. I came out of the changing room and said “dude, this would look great on you, but these aren’t my colors at all.”
You Already Have an Innate Sense of Style
Every client who says “I’m just not stylish” or “I don’t have a personal style” hears the same thing from me.
You absolutely do. Think about it:
- You like specific music genres over others
- You’re drawn to specific art styles and aesthetics
- You choose specific movies and shows that appeal to you
That’s taste. That’s style. You just haven’t figured out the clothing version of it yet.
Your personal style is already there—reflected in the aesthetics you’re naturally drawn to in every other area of your life.
Gather Inspiration Without Copying Outfits
Developing personal style starts with visual inspiration and pattern recognition in what naturally appeals to you.
So go ahead and create a Pinterest board or save images on your phone.
Need a starting point? Check out my Pinterest board where I curate men’s style inspiration across different aesthetics—it’s a great place to explore what speaks to you.
But don’t just save outfits from models who look like you “should” dress that way. Save anything that catches your eye instinctively, without judgment. Then analyze what you’ve collected.
You might be drawn to rugged pieces, minimalist aesthetics, bold prints, or sleek modern cuts. Those patterns reveal your authentic style preferences. Identify the style elements that genuinely resonate with you, then build a wardrobe around those authentic preferences.
Your Next Action Step
This week, spend 10 minutes creating a quick style inspiration board.
Save 15-20 images of outfits that appeal to you naturally, without overthinking whether you could “pull it off.” Then look for patterns—what keeps showing up? What colors? What silhouettes?
That’s your personal style trying to come through.
