You probably have your getting-ready routine down and your favorite closet staples, too. We’ll skip the obvious go-to items and enlighten you on essentials that will streamline your life. Here are some wardrobe and self-care additions that will take your look to the next level and ensure you are ready for whatever comes your way!
5 Essential Closet Staples You Might be Missing:
1. A Clothing Steamer - A significant component of putting your best foot forward is not to show up wrinkled. Generally, wrinkled clothes give off a sloppy, lazy vibe for anything more elevated than a weekend hang, and you want to take pride in your appearance. A clothing steamer is the easiest way to keep all your clothes wrinkle-free - from dress shirts to slacks. They are easy to use, quick and convenient, and dummy-proof, whereas ironing a shirt takes some practice. While at it, ensure you have a fabric shaver and lint remover to look polished and fresh. A fabric shaver gets those little fabric balls off sweaters, and a lint roller is handy for everything from dog hair to lint and fluff. You can also take a few essential steps with the laundry to make sure you are getting clothes out of the dryer less wrinkled; here’s how:
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- For synthetic fabrics, use the permanent press cycle. It has a cool-down period that allows the fibers to relax to their original shape.
- Dry clothes with natural fibers on high heat and remove them immediately so the wrinkles don’t set. Alternatively, remove them while damp and hang them until fully dry.
2. A Good Sport Coat/Classic Blazer instantly elevates any outfit, adding an air of professionalism. Depending on what you pair it with, this jacket can seamlessly transition from casual to formal. Choose between classic colors like navy or gray. A good blazer covers many bases—from a network event to a semi-formal wedding.
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- When buying a blazer, ask the store associate for advice to get the fit just right. The blazer should fit snugly but not tight across the back, with the top of the sleeve starting where the shoulder naturally ends. The blazer cuff should fall just to where a watch is visible.
- If you already have a neutral blazer in your closet, elevate your look by adding a linen or tweed blazer.
3. A Casual Shoe that Matches Your Personality - You have your go-to sneakers and your dress shoes, but what goes in between? Well, we have lots of options. Here are our favorites:
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- Simple white sneakers - These shoes are having a moment! The key is to ensure they are clean, or they will lose their elevated look. Wear bright white tennies with jeans, chinos, shorts, or even a suit for a modern twist.
- Rugged boots—These have a more fall/winter look but are the ultimate masculine style. Wear them with jeans or chinos and a button-down or sweater.
- Boat Shoes - The preppy classic from the 80s is making a comeback! Pair them with just about anything.
4. A Nice Leather Belt - This is the ultimate outfit completer, pulling everything together to make you look polished and professional. This belt should match your nice dress shoes, which should be black or brown. A good leather belt can last for years.
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- Match your belt color to your shoe color, black to black, and brown to brown.
- Pick a simple buckle for a neutral belt that will work for many occasions over many years.
5. A Neutral Crew Neck or V-Neck Sweater - A neutral crew neck or V-neck sweater is perfect for occasions that call for something sharper than a casual beer meetup but don't quite require a blazer. A classic and simple sweater in a neutral core color can be worn just about anywhere, dressed up or down. Just remember:
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- Make sure it is fitted - but not tight! The key is that it hugs the shoulder but is not restrictive.
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Have seasonal options - wool or cashmere for winter, cotton or blends for spring and fall.
Now, let’s head to the bathroom. You probably have your getting-ready routine down pat, but we have five ideas to improve it!
5 Essential Bathroom Staples You Might be Missing:
1. Beard and Body Groomer - Men learn early on about taming facial hair, but taming body hair is essential, too. Keeping the chest, back, pits, and more trimmed can help minimize sweating and body odor - but not just that, trimmed body hair can also enhance muscle definition, making a fit physique more noticeable. And - if a beard is your go-to, it needs to be kept trim and clean to avoid looking too shaggy.
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- Trimming rather than shaving body hair creates a more natural look and helps to reduce body odor without the irritation that can come with shaving.
- The MicroTouch Solo Titanium is a full-body precision groomer that trims, edges, and grooms hair anywhere. It has three pro grooming guides for the exact length you want and an ultra-flex precision head for more control.
2. Signature Scent - And it doesn’t have to be cologne. Men’s Journal asked a sampling of women what they thought of cologne - the result? Not all women like it, but they like when a man has a subtle scent that reminds them of him.
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- If cologne isn't your style, get creative. Try a great-smelling shampoo or a fresh, clean-scented laundry detergent to keep you smelling great all day.
- Scent and memory are about closely linked. Plus, scent plays a major role in attraction!
3. Face Cleanser—A survey of more than 1,000 men over the age of 18 showed that most don’t use face wash. 11% had never even tried it! Why? They think bar soap is fine, shaving their face is enough, they don’t really know about it, or they think it’s only for women. But the fact is, to nourish your skin, age well, and prevent breakouts, you need a face wash.
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- You’ll age better. It removes dirt buildup, cleans pores, and better absorbs moisturizers and anti-aging products.
- It actually prepares the skin for a smoother, closer shave. Don’t overthink - any basic cleanser will do.
4. Magnifying Mirror and a Trimmer to Go With It - Nobody wants unsightly hairs to poke out of noses, ears, or random spots. It’s a great idea to take a long look in a magnifying mirror before leaving the house to avoid an embarrassing situation.
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- Avoid hot waxes for brows or nose hairs; they can damage delicate nasal tissue and facial skin.
- Upgrade—don’t settle for everyday tweezers. The MicroTouch Titanium Max tames unruly hairs in seconds without nicking or cutting. It is perfect for ears, noses, brows, sideburns, goatees, beards, and mustaches.
5. Sunscreen—Because men don’t wear makeup daily like most women, they often don’t pay attention to sunscreen. Many men don’t know that UV rays cause 90% of skin aging and damage. Many who work in an office all day don’t think it’s a big deal, but SPF is still important.
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- Daily sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk. Men over 50 are at higher risk for melanoma than women, and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70—prevention is key.
- UV damage occurs more often than you think, whether walking to the office, driving to work, or even sitting near a window. Be prepared!
Explore these essentials that could be missing from your closet or self-care routine. They’re designed to help you get ready faster and elevate your style. Plus, MicroTouch products are a game-changer for making grooming easier!