How To Look More Put Together & Expensive (Every Grown Man Should Know This)
Estimated read time: 1:20
Summary
In a video titled โHow To Look More Put Together & Expensive,โ Courtney Ryan breaks down the importance of looking polished without necessarily spending a fortune. She emphasizes that one doesnโt need designer brands to appear expensive; rather, it's about smart choices, such as investing in quality basics, taking care of clothing, maintaining health, and focusing on proper fit. Accessories also play a role, with watches being a standout piece, while incorporating neutral colors into wardrobes adds a refined touch. Furthermore, maintaining good hygiene and understanding clothes' proportions can also elevate a man's appearance effortlessly.
Highlights
- Quality over quantity: choose pieces that last rather than multiple cheap items. ๐
- Taking care of clothes by steaming and using fabric shavers makes them look better. โจ
- A fit physique enhances your outfit and portrays self-discipline. ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ
- Wearing a watch portrays maturity and attention to detail. ๐
- Neutral colors create a versatile, sophisticated wardrobe. ๐
Key Takeaways
- You don't need designer brands to look 'expensive'; invest in quality basics instead. ๐๏ธ
- Pay attention to details: steam clothes, use a fabric shaver, and ensure proper fit. ๐
- Health is wealth: a fit body enhances your look more than pricey clothes. ๐ช
- Keep a refined wardrobe with neutral colors like black, navy, and beige. ๐จ
- Accessories, like a good watch, can level up your style with ease. โ
Overview
Courtney Ryan shares her insights on how men can look more put together and โexpensiveโ without splurging on high-end brands. She stresses the importance of choosing quality over quantity, encouraging men to invest in timeless pieces like quality shoes and watches. Moreover, personal grooming and health play crucial roles in enhancing one's overall appearance.
Courtney addresses the misconception that an expensive look means wearing designer clothes. Instead, maintaining clothing with proper care, ensuring they fit well, and understanding the role of accessories are key. She highlights the impact of wearing well-fitted clothes and prioritizing regular grooming includes skincare, and fitness routines.
Designing a wardrobe around neutral palettes like black, navy, and beige is recommended for versatility and sophistication. By paying attention to these minor details, whether through the Rule of Thirds for proportions or choosing a complementary accessory like a watch, men can develop a put-together look that stands out and exudes confidence.
Chapters
- 00:00 - 01:00: Introduction to Looking Put Together The chapter titled 'Introduction to Looking Put Together' explains that looking expensive doesn't necessarily mean investing in designer brands or spending a lot of money. Instead, it's about appearing well-organized, attentive to details, and making optimal use of available resources. The main focus is on presenting oneself well and conveying a sense of having one's life in order. Courtney Ryan emphasizes that it's possible to dress stylishly and attractively without the need for high-end fashion labels.
- 01:00 - 03:00: Buy Nice or Buy Twice This chapter emphasizes the importance of how individuals present themselves rather than the expense of their clothing. It highlights that the way people wear their clothes, care for themselves, and carry themselves impacts their impression significantly. It introduces a scientific finding that first impressions are formed in just 7 seconds, relying heavily on visual cues like dress, grooming, and demeanor to convey confidence, status, and attention to detail. The chapter suggests that in various aspects of life, such as dating, business, or social interactions, appearing well-put-together provides an advantage.
- 03:00 - 07:00: Proper Care of Clothes The chapter emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to taking care of clothes. It suggests that investing in well-made basics is a better strategy than frequently replacing cheaper items. The chapter highlights that a well-dressed man stands out even more when others put in no effort, and new tips along with basic advice are shared for all to improve their clothing care habits.
- 07:00 - 11:00: Health is Wealth The chapter emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality items, particularly clothing, rather than opting for cheaper alternatives that wear out quickly. The key advice is to prioritize quality over quantity in order to achieve better long-term satisfaction and value. The chapter warns against assuming that expensive items are always high-quality, advising readers to pay attention to details such as fabric, stitching, and overall garment construction to determine true quality.
- 11:00 - 14:00: Importance of Accessories The chapter 'Importance of Accessories' emphasizes the value of investing wisely in wardrobe essentials. While budget constraints might prevent the purchase of top-tier accessories, strategic spending on items like shoes, jackets, denim, and watches is advised. These staple items provide repeated use, thus justifying their cost. The narrator suggests balancing expenditure by saving on other less critical accessories. The chapter also hints at a potential video discussion on how such accessories are made, depending on audience interest.
- 14:00 - 19:00: Fit Over Brand Names The chapter titled "Fit Over Brand Names" discusses the importance of choosing clothing pieces wisely rather than following trends without thought. It emphasizes the value of a carefully curated wardrobe as opposed to an overflowing one filled with poorly made items. The chapter advises readers to be intentional with their purchases for better functionality and long-term service. Additionally, the text highlights the significance of taking proper care of clothing to maintain a good look, as unkempt clothes can quickly detract from one's appearance.
- 19:00 - 20:00: Incorporate Neutrals This chapter offers practical advice on how to maintain and present your clothing, emphasizing the importance of looking neat and polished. It suggests steaming or ironing clothes to remove wrinkles, especially after theyโve been left crumpled. The use of a lint remover is recommended, particularly for those who have pets or wear dark clothing that shows fur and lint easily. Proper storage of clothes is advised to avoid wrinkles and fading, and a fabric shaver is highlighted as a valuable tool for removing pilling from garments like sweaters and coats. Overall, the focus is on the importance of clothing care in achieving a polished appearance.
- 20:00 - 24:00: Shoe Holy Trinity The chapter "Shoe Holy Trinity" emphasizes the importance of proper clothing maintenance. It discusses how detailed care for your garments can significantly improve their appearance, ensuring a crisp and smooth look synonymous with quality attire. The care put into maintaining clothes not only enhances their look but also reflects one's personal sense of refinement and attention to detail. This is true even for simple outfits like jeans and a t-shirt, as well-cared-for clothing drapes better on the body, improving overall impression.
- 24:00 - 28:00: Gentleman's Hygiene In the chapter titled 'Gentleman's Hygiene,' the importance of maintaining well-structured shirt collars is highlighted. The text emphasizes that neglected shirt collars, even if the shirt is clean and pressed, can ruin an entire look. Properly structured collars can elevate a man's appearance, making him look more polished and put together. The chapter introduces 'Slick Collar,' an adjustable collar support that discreetly sits under the shirt collar, providing perfect structure.
- 28:00 - 32:00: Rule of Thirds and Conclusion The chapter discusses the importance of wearing clothing that suits one's size and the impact that a well-framed collar can have on one's appearance. It emphasizes that various sizes in shirts, such as regular, slim, and athletic, are available to cater to different body types and preferences. The chapter also highlights the slit collar, which helps in achieving a neat look effortlessly.
How To Look More Put Together & Expensive (Every Grown Man Should Know This) Transcription
- 00:00 - 00:30 Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel. I'm Courtney Ryan and a lot of guys hear the word expensive and immediately assume it means designer brands, spending a ton of money, or that women only care about status. But that's not what this is about. Looking expensive is really just about looking put together like a man who has his life in order. It's about attention to detail, presenting yourself well, and making the most of what you have. You don't need to wear high-end brands or spend a fortune to achieve that. In fact, some of the best dressed and most attractive men
- 00:30 - 01:00 aren't wearing anything expensive at all. It's how they wear their clothes, how they take care of themselves, and how they carry themselves that make the biggest difference. And just to add in a little bit of the science behind this, studies show that people form first impressions in just 7 seconds before you even say a word. The way you dress, groom yourself, and carry yourself instantly communicate confidence, status, and attention to detail. So whether it's in dating, business, or just social settings, looking put together gives you an edge, especially
- 01:00 - 01:30 in a sea of other guys who are putting in no effort at all. Now, I've done similar topics in the past, but I have some new tips to share along with some of the basics that every single grown man should just know. So, let's get into it. Number one is buy nice or buy twice. And this point is all about quality over quantity. You don't need to spend a fortune to look put together, but there's a big difference between affordable and cheap. And I feel like a lot of people have a hard time distinguishing between the two. Investing in well-made basics that are
- 01:30 - 02:00 going to last you longer is better than constantly replacing lowquality items. So instead of buying multiple, I don't know, $20 dress shirts that are going to fade and lose shape easily, get one highquality shirt that's going to fit you perfectly and also last. A quick reminder, though, is just because something is expensive does not necessarily mean that it is high quality. So, make sure you're looking out for things like the fabric of the garment, the stitching, the way it's all put together. There are usually these little details about a piece of clothing that will tell you how well the garment
- 02:00 - 02:30 is actually made. So, maybe I can do a separate video about that if you guys would want to see it. Maybe a short or something like that. Um, but these are definitely little things that you want to pay attention to. Now, with the buy nice or buy twice being said, sometimes it's not necessarily realistic to buy the absolute best of everything. I think a key point here is knowing where to invest and then where to save. So, I would personally recommend spending more on things like shoes, jackets, denim, watches, things that are going to be staples in your wardrobe and you'll get the most wear out of. And then go more
- 02:30 - 03:00 budget friendly on like trendier or seasonal items, things that you're not going to get as much use out of or wear as much. A carefully curated wardrobe though will always look better than an overflowing closet of poorly made pieces. So, I think being intentional about what you spend your money on will give you much more functionality in your day-to-day, but also serve you so much better in the long run, too. Okay. Number two, here we have take proper care of your clothes. Nothing cheapens your look faster than wrinkled, peeled, or poorly maintained clothing. Women
- 03:00 - 03:30 notice if your shirt looks fresh or if it's been sitting crumpled up at the bottom of your laundry pile for about a week. So, make sure you steam or iron your clothes before wearing them if they need a little bit of extra TLC. Use some sort of lint remover. This is a must in my house with two fluffy white ragd doll cats and someone who likes to wear black quite often. Um, and also make sure you're storing your clothes properly to prevent those wrinkles and fading. A fabric shaver can also be a game changer for removing peeling from things like sweaters and coats. I use these on a lot
- 03:30 - 04:00 of my knitwear and it makes such a big difference. All these little details can really help maintain your clothing and keep them looking as new as possible. Taking care of your clothes properly can achieve a crisp and smooth look that is often associated with that well-maintained and highquality attire. This attention to detail is going to signal a sense of care and refinement, which will enhance your overall impression, even if you're just wearing something simple like a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Properly taken care of clothing also tends to drape a lot better on the body, which will make you
- 04:00 - 04:30 look better, too. Make sure that you're also paying attention to your shirt collars. I think this is something that a lot of guys neglect that actually makes such a big difference. Even if your shirt is perfectly clean and pressed, a sloppy collar can ruin the entire look. A well structured collar instantly elevates your appearance, making you look more polished and put together. But not all collars hold their shape on their own. And that's where today's sponsor, Slick Collar, comes into play. The Slit Collar is an adjustable collar support that sits discreetly under your shirt collar, giving it the perfect structure without
- 04:30 - 05:00 any sewing or expensive alterations. Whether you're wearing a dress shirt, a polo, or a more structured button-down, there's a size that's going to work for you. The regular size fits most dress shirts. The slim is great for polos and lightweight collars, and the athletic size provides extra support for larger collars and neck sizes. A well-framed face is one of the very first things that people notice about you, and your collar actually plays a big role in that. With the slit collar, your shirt collar will always sit just right, enhancing your overall look with minimal effort. The slick color kit includes all
- 05:00 - 05:30 three sizes, 10 premium collar stays, and an everyday carry storage box perfect for keeping your accessories all nice and organized. So, if you want to take your style up a notch with minimal effort, check out the slick collar kit and enjoy having the perfect shirt collar all the time. Remember, the little details make all the difference and your collar is certainly one of them. Also, another big one here is pay attention to how your clothes smell. You don't want to walk around smelling like a musty gem bag. Keep your clothes fresh by washing them properly. Always make
- 05:30 - 06:00 sure you look at that little garment label inside of your clothing and also storing them in a clean space. But there's nothing worse than that like musty dirty smell that sometimes clothes that have not been washed properly just hold on to. Pu. Okay. Number three is health is wealth. Now in the past expensive looking men were defined by tailored suits and luxury accessories. And there's still some relevance there. But I also think today one of the biggest indicators of status and self-discipline is being in great shape.
- 06:00 - 06:30 Think about it. Having a lean, well-built physique is going to signal that you take care of yourself. You have discipline and you prioritize your health. It's something that money alone just cannot buy, which is why it's becoming a modern symbol of success and honestly such a flex in my opinion. In a world where so many people neglect their health, being physically fit instantly sets you apart. Now, you don't need to look like a bodybuilder, but a strong athletic frame is going to make any outfit look so much more expensive. Clothes are going to naturally drape
- 06:30 - 07:00 better on you. You're going to exude confidence, and you naturally will carry yourself with more presence. A $20 t-shirt on a fit body is going to look better than a designer one that was, I don't know, $200 on someone who's out of shape. And I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but it's just the truth. So, prioritize regular workouts. Make sure you're eating well and taking care of your posture as well. That's one that a lot of guys overlook. A strong, healthy body isn't just about aesthetics. It's a sign that you're in control of your life, and that is always attractive.
- 07:00 - 07:30 Number four, we have wear a watch. A watch sends a message. It signals attention to detail and maturity. Women associate a nice watch with a man who has his life together. This is without a doubt my all-time absolute favorite accessory for a man. Not even a question. It's just a true classic. And I stand firm on the statement that every single man out there looks better with a watch on. I don't care how old you are, what your personal style is, or what size wrist you have. A watch simply looks good on anyone and automatically
- 07:30 - 08:00 makes you look so much more polished and put together. There are truly so many wonderful options out there at a more affordable price point. So, don't feel like you need to spend a ton of money in order to look nice. And if you know me or you've watched any of my fashion videos, you know I just have to say choose a real watch, not an Apple watch. Okay. Now, if a watch just is not your thing, I think other accessories can completely elevate your look, too. Something like a sleek belt, sunglasses that are going to complement your face shape, a tie bar or cuff links if you're
- 08:00 - 08:30 wearing something like a suit and tie. Just don't underestimate the power of these small details. I think intentional accessories always make a guy look more expensive and put together. Now, a little bonus tip I also like to include here is that accessories can help elevate your outfits, but don't overdo it. I think doing too much tends to have the opposite effect and can actually cheapen your look. So, just a little bonus tip from my personal opinion. Okay, next up, number five, is focus on fit over brand names. A lot of guys wear clothes that are either too tight or too
- 08:30 - 09:00 baggy, both of which are going to make you look sloppy. A well- fitted outfit automatically looks expensive, even if the clothes themselves are not. So, you want to pay attention to some little things like sleeve length. If you're wearing a dress shirt, this should hit right at the wrist, not over your hands, and not too short either. Also, your pants break. Slim or tapered pants should slightly touch your shoes, not bunch up in a puddle. And shoulder fit, which will of course depend on what type of clothing you're wearing. There's different things you're going to want to keep in mind if you're wearing, you know, something like a sport coat versus
- 09:00 - 09:30 a t-shirt, um, a dress shirt, little things like that. There is so much helpful information online and like little graphics that people have made that really do a good job showing you exactly where different parts of the shirt should be hitting. Um, so if you need a little bit of extra help, I think those are wonderful resources. But my point here with all of this is that even basic t-shirts can look nice and high-end when they fit you right and when they fit you properly. If needed, also get your clothes tailored. I like to think about the cost per wear of an item and see if it makes sense to invest in tailoring. If it's a versatile piece
- 09:30 - 10:00 that you're going to get a ton of wear out of, I think taking it to a tailor so that it fits you like a glove is well worth it in my personal opinion. Okay, number six, incorporate neutrals. Of course, you want to keep your personal style in mind here, but neutrals always look more expensive. Things like black, navy, gray, white, beige, olive, colors like this. These are the foundation of a refined wardrobe and are such a great way to always have something to wear. They are incredibly versatile and create a fantastic foundation for any scenario
- 10:00 - 10:30 that you could possibly be in. Also, monochrome outfits wearing different shades of the same color create such a clean, upscale appearance. And I don't typically see guys wear this, but when I do, I notice because I think it looks fantastic. Number seven, we have the shoe holy trinity. Your shoes say more about you than you think, especially to us women. Worn out, scuffed, or dirty shoes can instantly downgrade even the best outfit. Now, I think every man could benefit from having these three staple pieces in his wardrobe. If I were
- 10:30 - 11:00 working with clients one-on-one, these would be my top three recommendations for a lot of guys just to make sure that you have all your bases covered and you have that maximum versatility. Number one in my shoe holy trinity is a pair of leather loafers. I adore these and they are perfect for smart, casual, and formal occasions. They add such an effortless touch of sophistication. Obsessed with loafers. Number two would be a pair of smart sneakers. clean, minimal, and versatile enough to dress up or down. Of course, I'm not telling you to wear these with a suit, but I think they'll work for a lot of
- 11:00 - 11:30 different situations and have you covered for your more casual situations that you could be in. I want to emphasize, I am not talking about a dress sneaker. Okay. And then number three is a pair of boots. These can be sort of rugged yet refined, ideal for elevating your casual looks while staying stylish and practical. If you live somewhere like I do in Cleveland, Ohio, you need to get yourself a pair of boots. Okay, so leather loafers, smart sneakers, and boots are the Courtney Ryan shoe holy trinity. Also, I think keeping your shoes in top condition is
- 11:30 - 12:00 just as important as owning the right pairs. So, make sure that you're regularly cleaning them, polishing them if they're leather, and replacing worn out laces. Women always notice shoes. And whether you realize it or not, they can make or break your entire outfit. Like I said before, I actually have a pair of Veha sneakers. I think that's how you pronounce it. I'm not totally sure. And I have worn these things to the ground. Okay, but a couple weeks ago, I decided to clean them off, and I'm like, "Okay, this has gotten out of control. I got some soap and water, cleaned them off, swapped out the laces,
- 12:00 - 12:30 and they look like a brand new pair of shoes." So, you don't necessarily have to keep rebying things, but I think it is important to make sure that you're taking care of the things that you have, and giving them a little bit of TLC, right? You can make your shoes look totally new just by switching out the laces and giving them a little clean. So, make sure you're doing that as well. Okay, next is an important one, and that is gentleman's hygiene. Your grooming routine says a lot about your level of self-care. Women are going to notice if your hair looks overgrown, if your beard is uneven, or if you have dry, flaky skin. So, try to maintain a clean,
- 12:30 - 13:00 intentional look by doing a couple different things here. One being getting those regular haircuts to help keep your style sharp and looking nice. Uh, keeping your facial hair neat and well trimmed or going clean shaven depending on, you know, what you're into. Some guys look better with a beard, whatever. using a simple skincare routine. I think moisturizer alone makes such a huge difference and a lot of guys are not doing this. Also, make sure you're keeping those nails trimmed and clean. Women notice your hands as I've told you probably 1,01 times at this point. Guys
- 13:00 - 13:30 with long nails immediately know. Okay. Also, don't forget your oral hygiene and your scent as well. Make sure that you smell fresh and clean from head to toe. Now, I have done so many videos on grooming routines, hygiene, all kinds of different beauty stuff from a woman's perspective. I think women tend to go a little bit more in depth here because we have more things to worry about and focus on when it comes to like beauty routines and things like that. So, I have shared so many tips from a woman's perspective that I think could really help you guys out. And I'm not just talking about the basic stuff that you
- 13:30 - 14:00 hear in every single video. I'm talking scalp scrubbers, tongue scrapers, gouachas. If those three words I just said sound like I'm speaking another language to you, you've got some work to do. So, go watch my other videos to make sure that you're up to speed. But really here, as I said, make sure that you're smelling fresh and clean from head to toe. And lastly, here we have the rule of thirds, which I've talked about in other videos, but I think it is such a powerful thing to think about that makes you look so much more put together and polished that so many guys have no idea
- 14:00 - 14:30 exists or just totally overlook altogether. So, I wanted to also include it in this video as well. I know sometimes I might repeat things from past videos, but if I'm repeating it, it's for a reason. Probably because I think it's important. So, just something to note. But really, the rule of thirds here is just about understanding proportions and how to use your clothing to your advantage. The proportions of your clothing can either elongate or shorten the body. This is why following the rule of thirds can be so incredibly helpful. Essentially, it's that your shirt should be onethird of your body and then your pants should be the other
- 14:30 - 15:00 two/3s. I'll give some examples here up on the screen so you guys can see what I'm talking about. Um, but if you're wearing something like a long baggy shirt, this is going to make your legs appear so much shorter. So, especially if you're a shorter guy, you want to avoid that. It's going to reduce your overall perceived height and make you just look a little bit more sloppy. The height of your pant waist is important, too. So, wearing trousers with a higher waist paired with a shorter jacket can make your legs appear a lot longer and create the appearance of added height. It's also going to look much more interesting than wearing a sort of half
- 15:00 - 15:30 and half 50/50 outfit. A big part of looking more expensive and put together is really just wearing things that are going to flatter you. Um, so understanding your body type, the rule of thirds, proportions, these are all going to be super helpful. And again, looking expensive and put together is not about wearing designer brands or spending a fortune. It's about the details that are going to make you look refined, confident, and intentional. The truth is, us women do notice the small things. And when you take care of your appearance, it says a lot about who you
- 15:30 - 16:00 are to us. And I know I'm giving you a woman's perspective and a lot of you watch me to get that woman's perspective so that when you're dating, you know, you can understand what women like and what women don't or what makes you look more attractive. But I think even when you take all of those things out of the equation here, looking put together is important for business settings, for social settings, for just looking and feeling your best without women being a part of the equation at all as well. So, this is not just you dressing for women, but more so dressing to look and feel like the best version of you, which I think is really important and will also
- 16:00 - 16:30 help your confidence as well. And you don't need a huge wardrobe or an unlimited budget to elevate your style. Focus on fit. Invest in those quality pieces when you're able to and pay attention to the subtle details because those are what make the biggest impact. When you look polished, you naturally give off the impression of a man who just has his life together. And that more than anything is what makes you stand out. Again, as I mentioned, in a sea of other guys who are putting in absolutely no effort and acting like they don't care about, well, anything. So, if you're here watching this video
- 16:30 - 17:00 or putting in any effort at all, you're already doing more than most people. So, congratulations. If you like this video or find it helpful, be sure to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel to be in the loop for when I release new content. If you haven't already, be sure to also follow me over on Instagram at Courtney Christristine Ryan. I love connecting with all of you guys over on there as well. As always, thank you all so much for watching and I will see you all next time.