From Graphic Tees to Grown-Up Style: My Closet Glow-Up

I used to think fashion was something other people cared about. My go-to look was a rotation of band tees, hoodies, and jeans from high school—and I didn’t see a problem with that. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to look good; I just figured style meant spending a ton of money or trying too hard.

But a few years ago, I caught a photo of myself at a wedding. Everyone else looked polished, put together. And there I was, in a wrinkled button-down and jeans that definitely didn’t fit right. I looked like I didn’t even try—and the truth was, I hadn’t. That was the moment I realized: maybe it was time to grow up my wardrobe.

I didn’t want to turn into a fashion guy or chase trends. I just wanted to feel good in my clothes and not stress every time I had to go somewhere nice. So I started small.

The first thing I did was clean out my closet. Brutal honesty was key. If I hadn’t worn it in a year—or if it looked like something I’d worn to a frat party in 2009—it had to go. I donated a lot. What I was left with was mostly stuff that didn’t fit or didn’t go with anything else. It was a wake-up call.

Next, I figured out what I actually liked. Not what was trendy, not what was on mannequins—but what made me feel confident. I started paying attention to guys whose style I respected. Not celebrities, but regular dudes who looked comfortable and cool in their own skin. The common thread? Simplicity.

I started investing in fewer, better pieces. A well-fitted pair of dark jeans. Neutral tees and button-ups. A versatile jacket that actually elevated an outfit. A good pair of sneakers and boots. It wasn’t flashy—but it worked. Everything could mix and match, and I didn’t have to think too hard when getting dressed.

The biggest surprise? People noticed. Not just compliments (though I got those, too), but the way people treated me—at work, on dates, even just out running errands. There’s something about being put together that makes you walk a little taller. You feel more capable. You carry yourself differently.

And I started to enjoy it. Style became less about impressing other people and more about showing respect for myself. I realized that getting dressed isn’t just about covering your body—it’s a way of saying, “This is who I am, and I give a damn.”

If you’re still clinging to that hoodie from college or cycling through the same three t-shirts every week, I get it. I was there. But trust me—upgrading your style doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means becoming a more intentional version of you.

So here’s my advice: start with fit. Find a few staples you love. Don’t chase trends—chase confidence. And when in doubt, keep it simple. The goal isn’t to get compliments. The goal is to look in the mirror and think, “Yeah, that’s me.”