Men's LifeStyle Blog

Originally posted by vodlka

Fashion says a lot about who you are as an individual, but expressing yourself doesn’t stop there. Your home decor can be equally distinctive, and the two often reflect each other. A quick look around your home can reveal a lot about your typical style. Here’s what you should know about the link:

Retro Chic

Retro styles have made a comeback in both home decor and fashion, and one of the major influences behind this is the successful television program, Mad Men. Interestingly, though, the quirky colors that populate retro chic homes, such as Betty Draper’s orange and blue kitchen cabinets set in dark wood, or Don and Betty’s blue quilted headboard, may actually contrast with their owner’s style choices.

To channel Don’s timeless style, all you need is a well-tailored suit, tie, and pocket square. It’s classic. So while retro home style might suggest an aesthetically adventurous wardrobe, the reality is that classic fashions go together, and that suit will never go out of style.

The Modern Man

In stark contrast to color-rich retro homes, modern dwellings often rely on a minimalist aesthetic with little color, and while some might deem this a decorating mistake, taking a simple approach to design can have a big impact. Just look at Michael Kors’ stunning Florida home. Kors’ home, designed with partner Lance Le Pere, is outfitted in white, black, and natural woods, with lots of glass and a generally mid-century modern style. It’s fashionable but not “precious,” to use Kors’ own word.

So how does the modern man dress? Again, we turn to Kors. Though known for his women’s wear, Kors’ own clothing choices are understated - think white jeans, solid tees, and even flip flops. It’s laid back, but undeniably tailored and clean. And like Kors, many men who favor minimalist home styles are big believers in the fashion uniform. It’s easy, professional, and cuts back on decisions and personal clutter.

The Hodgepodge House

Some of us are more inclined to interior design than others, and those who lack direction with their personal sense of style often fall prey to a particular trap: they buy what they love, which is great, but they don’t know what goes together or when to stop. They also don’t know when to let go of old stuff. We all know this guy - maybe you are this guy; he’s still got a futon from college and a cheap lamp and they’re sitting next to an expensive chair that he got in his 30s. And, unfortunately, the guy whose house looks like a hodgepodge of mismatched items tends to have a wardrobe along similar lines.

Men who don’t know how to let go of old home furnishings also tend to be sentimental about old band t-shirts and sweatshirts full of holes. If it isn’t in shreds, it’s probably still in the office. And this is why both fashion and decor are so important: they show that you know how to let go, how to integrate past and present, and that how you present yourself to the world matters.

Be Fashion Forward

If you’re stymied by the notion of styling yourself or your home, it’s okay to turn to professionals for help. Read blogs and magazines, go to a store where you like the clothes and ask for help pairing items, or meet with an interior designer. You might also take cues from your favorite celebrities or TV shows. As you hone your eye for color and texture, you’ll also begin to understand what feels natural for you and how you feel best moving through the world - and what kind of space you want to find when you come home to unwind at the end of the day.