the men’s wellness wardrobe

4 outfits for the guy who needs an easy wardrobe upgrade

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Hi everyone,

As promised, we’re back with Part 2 of the Wellness Wardrobe series. The other week, we talked about the unexpected link between what you wear and how you feel – and this week we’re diving into it for the guys.

Here’s the thing: men’s wellness is often narrowly defined. Think protein powders, biohacking, or 5AM gym routines – rarely does fashion make the list. And yet, what men wear every day plays a powerful, under-discussed role in how they show up physically and mentally.

There’s a persistent gap in how men are encouraged to think about style. Societal expectations around masculinity (stoicism, utility, “not caring” about appearances) can leave room for self-expression. Research backs this up: studies have shown that rigid masculine norms not only discourage emotional openness but also reduce the likelihood that men seek mental health support or explore personal aesthetics.

But that’s starting to change.

More men are reclaiming style as a form of personal identity and self-care – finding comfort, confidence, and even calm in what they wear. That’s why I teamed up again with my stylist bestie Sophia (IG: @styledbysophiav) to create a capsule wardrobe for the modern man - one that makes it easier to express yourself while still looking sharp.

These four intentional looks are each built around a different kind of men’s wellness energy: grounded, focused, relaxed, and revitalized. Whether it’s for you, your friend who’s stuck in a college sweatshirt loop, or your brother whose sneakers have seen better days - this is your summer starter pack for dressing well and feeling better.

Revisiting “Enclothed Cognition”

If you missed it in my last wellness wardrobe post: researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky coined the term “enclothed cognition” to describe how the clothes we wear can influence our mental processes. Their 2012 study showed that people who wore what they were told was a “doctor’s coat” actually performed better on attention-based tasks than those wearing the same coat framed as a “painter’s coat.”

Bottom line: what we wear holds meaning, and that meaning impacts how we show up.

Here’s how to use your closet as a wellness tool… or to dress your brother, son, or boyfriend up for success.

🌞 1. The Weekend Look – The One That Turns Heads

Playful, but pulled together

This is the outfit to throw on when you want to feel your best — and look it too. Whether you're heading to a rooftop hang or a date night with HER, this one brings the charm.

It’s easy: a breezy button-down, maybe open at the collar, paired with well-fitting pants and the kind of accessories that do the talking for you (think: classic shades, a hat with personality, or clean Dries van Notens). It’s playful, confident, and still feels like you.

Psychologists call it “dopamine dressing” – wearing clothes that genuinely lift your mood. Because when you feel good in your outfit, it shows. And that confidence? That’s the real head-turner.

💼 shop the weekend mood fit here.

🧖‍♂️ 2. The Men’s Reset Look

Breathable, soft, still sharp.

For the days when you need to slow down — whether you’re lounging at home, catching a flight, or taking a quiet walk around the block — this outfit is all about comfort that still looks put-together.

Think soft fabrics, a matching set or relaxed joggers, and a breathable tee in a calming color. It’s the kind of thing that feels good the second you put it on—and helps your mind follow suit.

Research shows that physical ease can help reduce stress and support emotional regulation. So yes, what you wear on a slow day does matter. This look is like a nervous system reset, without ever looking like you rolled out of bed.

💼 shop the reset look here.

💻 3. The Getting Sh*t Done Look, Minus the Suit

Structured. Sharp. Still comfortable.

Some days call for more than sweatpants - but not quite a full-on buttoned-up vibe. This outfit hits the sweet spot: comfortable enough to move through your day, polished enough to get in the zone.

Think a lightweight collared shirt, relaxed chinos or performance pants, and sneakers that are clean without trying too hard. It’s put-together, but not precious.

Studies show that dressing even slightly more formally can boost focus, confidence, and creative thinking. So whether you’re working from home, bouncing between coffee shops, or heading into a casual meeting, this look quietly tells your brain: we’re showing up today.

💼 shop the productivity fit here.

🛋️ 4. The Off-Duty Set

Casual, but you still look good

This is the outfit for those in-between moments—when you’re not dressing up, but you’re not checking out either. Perfect for running errands, meeting a friend for coffee, or ending the day with a drink on the patio.

It’s built around easy pieces: relaxed shorts, a favorite T-shirt, and maybe a lightweight layer you can throw on without thinking. Add some clean sneakers and sunglasses, and you’re good to go.

There’s something grounding about an outfit that feels effortless but still signals you care. Comfort helps your body settle—but looking pulled together, even just a little, can give your brain a boost too.

💼 shop the off-duty set here.

Wrapping It Up

Here’s the thing: men haven’t been taught to see clothing as a wellness tool. But what if it could be?

Most guys aren’t looking for a full wardrobe overhaul: they just need a few go-to pieces that help them feel confident, clear-headed, and comfortable. That’s it.

And the men’s style space doesn’t always make that easy. So if you’ve got a man in your life whose closet could use a little care, this is your cue to send him the link.

Because dressing well creates a necessary alignment between how you feel and how you show up.

And that’s something we all deserve.

Delaney <3