Avoid Plastic and Fast Fashion
This one shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s still worth saying out loud. The choices we make when buying clothes matter. Not just how something looks, but what it’s made from and who made it.
Fast fashion is built around rapid and constant replacement. Clothes are produced quickly, worn briefly, and discarded just as fast. A cycle that rarely leads to better style, and almost never leads to better value. Investing in well-made garments that last longer is both a smarter and more satisfying approach to building a wardrobe.
Materials play a big role here. Natural fibres like wool, linen, cotton, and silk tend to age better, breathe more naturally, and feel better against the skin. They can be repaired, reshaped, and worn for years rather than months - which as a result often end up being the more economical choice as well.
Where you shop matters too. Supporting smaller or local vendors who prioritize craftsmanship, transparency, and fair production helps keep quality alive. It also encourages brands that see clothing as something to be worn and cared for, not treated as disposable.
And let's be real - we all know some of the terrible work conditions related to the massive fast fashion production sites.
This doesn’t mean perfection or an all-or-nothing mindset. It simply means slowing down, buying with intention, and choosing pieces you actually want to live in. Fewer purchases, better quality, and a wardrobe that feels considered rather than constantly in flux.
Higher Waist on Trousers
Friends often ask me for advice when buying new clothes, and maybe particularly a new suit. One of the first things I point out when asked for suit advice is the rise of the trousers.
A slightly higher waist is one of the simplest ways to improve your overall silhouette. By raising the visual starting point of your legs, your proportions will look more balanced. Longer legs naturally make you appear taller and leaner, regardless of your actual height.
The added benefit is comfort. Higher-rise trousers tend to stay in place, as they are resting on your waist instead of your hips. They also work better with layering, since knitwear, shirts, and jackets all sit more cleanly without constantly having to re-tuck.
This approach doesn’t need to be limited to formalwear. High-rise jeans and casual trousers offer the same visual advantages and often look more considered with tucked-in shirts, knit polos, or relaxed tailoring. It’s a subtle shift, but one that immediately makes an outfit feel more intentional.
If you’re new to high waist trousers, consider easing into it. Start with a medium-high rise and see how it feels in daily wear. Once you get used to the look and comfort, you can experiment with slightly higher rises to find what suits your body and style best. Like most good style upgrades, it’s not about going extreme, it's about choosing what works best for you.
Off the Rack Will Often Not Fit
Everyone is different, and the chances of a garment fitting you just right off the rack is not very likely. Luckily, a lot of vendors selling suits off the rack will also have some tailoring services available.
While you might not want to do a full re-work of your new garment (if that's needed, consider a MTM service instead), correcting the length of your trousers and jacket arms will take you a long way. Adjusting the waist of both your trousers and your jacket is also a way of ensuring the clothes fit comfortably while giving you a flattering silhouette.
What you generally want to avoid adjusting are the core proportions of the garment. The shoulder width of a jacket is a good example. If the shoulders do not sit cleanly on your frame, no amount of tailoring will truly fix it without essentially rebuilding the jacket.
The same goes for the overall length of the jacket. Shortening or lengthening it too much will throw off the balance between your torso and legs, and it often ends up looking slightly off even if the work is well done. At that point, it is better to try another size, cut, or brand rather than force a garment to become something it was never designed to be.
Elevate Your Footwear
A part of the societal move towards casual clothing is that the classic shoes are becoming less and less visible. Shoes designed for running have become the standard in many settings, and in Scandinavia you will likely spot a few people wearing sport shoes with their suit.
I think there is a common misconception that leather shoes are uncomfortable - and that comfort should always be your only priority. However, a high quality leather shoe that has been broken in by your own feet can offer both comfort and a good level of support for your feet. And let's be honest - style should have it’s priority as well.
There are many shoes that fall within the category of “classic” and “elevated”. You can play around with both color, texture and designs - giving you the appropriate shoe for any occasion.
I believe shoes should be both practical and comfortable, but they should also be a part of your outfit that shows that you are serious about dressing well. It doesn’t have to be a formal shoe at all times, but something that expresses quality and thoughtfulness.
Think loafers instead of sandals on a hot summer day, or a derby for your dinner out instead of sneakers or running shoes. It will make your outfit look more well thought out and ready to be taken serious than something you just threw on because you didn’t have anything else.
Dare to Dress Up
I know, standing out is uncomfortable. We’re social animals, and like most flock creatures, we tend to mirror the people around us. Dressing outside of the norm can feel like stepping out of formation, putting all eyes on you.
In Scandinavia (and especially Norway) I think we are particularly careful about not standing out or taking up too much visual space. But dressing up doesn’t mean peacocking. It shows that you care and that you are to be taken seriously.
Again, you don’t need to take it to the extreme. Put on a coat instead of a technical jacket, an ironed shirt instead of a worn out t-shirt. If you dare, sport a tie to work, paired with a shirt and a sweater. I doubt you will get any negative remarks - if anything, you might get some compliments.
I went through this change some years ago, and in the beginning people would maybe ask if I had a big date or a job interview since I wore a suit to work. Fair, it was new to them. But quickly it became the new normal, and now I only hear compliments.
Ending Note
I want to thank everyone who has been reading my articles during 2025. It’s a project I really enjoy working on, and I look forward to keep writing throughout 2026.
I write because I enjoy writing, but also to give others the same experience I had when I started upgrading my style. I strongly believe that dressing better makes you feel better, and that confidence shows in your actions and your overall outlook on life.
Lastly, I have ambitions to be able to do product, store and brand reviews at some point - if you are working at a company who are looking for collaborators, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy new year!
