Ernest 2025 Guide: How to Define Your Men’s Fashion Style for Back-to-School

With the return of activities, back-to-school season is the perfect time to breathe new life into your wardrobe. For the man who cares about his appearance, it’s the ideal opportunity to showcase a professional and trendy look that inspires confidence, while combining comfort and modernity. In this article, the Ernest team presents outfits that will help you express your personality every day. Follow the guide!

WHY REFRESH YOUR WARDROBE?

It’s no secret: clothing style plays a significant role in first impressions! People often judge someone’s values, profession, personality, activities, or even musical preferences based on their appearance. At Ernest, we believe that every piece of clothing you wear should support the image you want to project—without compromising comfort or authenticity. When your style aligns with your personality, you automatically feel more confident, which is a tremendous asset, especially in professional settings.

Having style also opens doors, as your clothes allow you to make a strong impression in all kinds of situations (e.g., at work, on a date, or at a formal event).

Adopting a new style for the back-to-school season inevitably brings positive effects you might not have considered, such as:

- People around you (colleagues, family, friends, etc.) may view you more positively;

- Your unique beauty is enhanced.

- Your clothing choices can help convey a message.

Your polished appearance “boosts” your confidence (and others trust you more).

One thing is sure: good style isn’t just about looks! It affects how others perceive you, as well as how you perceive yourself. Now, discover some of the most popular styles among fashionable men!

DYNAMIC PROFESSIONAL CHIC STYLE

For back-to-school 2025, the dynamic professional chic style is a must. It’s defined by well-tailored suits with a modern, slim fit, made from high-quality materials—often with stretch for superior comfort. A man who adopts this look for the office, for example, commands admiration and respect, whether during important business meetings or networking events. To further express your active personality, simply invest in carefully chosen accessories—a patterned tie, an elegant belt, or polished leather shoes, for instance.

CASUAL CHIC STYLE

Striking the perfect balance between sophistication and ease, the casual chic style allows you to make a strong impression for back-to-school season—without a formal blazer or tie. It’s the art of looking polished while remaining approachable. At first glance, your outfit conveys intention and mastery, without ever overdoing it.

For a successful casual chic look, your clothes should be impeccable and well-fitted. Chinos, which strike the perfect compromise between jeans and dress pants, are a sensible choice for a refined yet relaxed appearance. Choose beige, gray, khaki, blue, or black, for example. High-quality jeans are also excellent for creating head-turning outfits!

For the upper body, a clean shirt and a sports blazer are recommended. A plain T-shirt (e.g., white) with a crew neck, zip, or V-neck under a wool sweater, or a polo under a cardigan, is also a good option. Avoid overly tight fabrics or excessively loose cuts, as they detract from the polished look you’re aiming for.

In short, a harmonious layering of classic pieces on top, a nice pair of pants, and quality shoes or ankle boots on the bottom is all it takes to achieve a successful casual chic style!

REFINED CASUAL STYLE

Refined casual style is arguably the most popular clothing style among men of all ages. It complements more formal outfits, aiming for comfort and versatility. The keywords? Simplicity and efficiency! This style is perfect for grabbing drinks with friends, running errands, or working (if your job doesn’t require professional attire).

Selecting casual clothes and accessories is accessible to everyone. At Ernest, we make this easier with a selection designed to combine comfort, style, and quality. Among our collections, you’ll find:

- Versatile overshirts;

- Jeans or chinos (brown, blue, or black);

- Quality basic T-shirts;

- Cotton sweatshirts;

- Quality joggers;

- Sport shoes;

- Short-sleeve shirts;

- Capris, shorts, or bermudas;

- Practical accessories like beanies or fine-knit scarves.

Regarding colors, choose shades that complement your complexion (if you’re unsure, visit a store—our experienced stylists will guide you!). Remember: with refined casual style, less is more!

SARTORIAL STYLE (THE ART OF TAILORED SUITS)

Sartorial style draws inspiration from the polished elegance of men who wear bespoke garments made by a tailor. As you might expect, it’s for those who want to invest in a distinguished appearance! By adopting this style, you are well-dressed in all circumstances and inspire respect and confidence, wearing a suit that fits like a glove and stunning dress shoes (e.g., oxfords).

Whether you wear a classic suit (matching blazer and trousers—stick to neutral colors like brown or dark blue) or a three-piece suit with vest, sartorial style requires a dress shirt; white is a safe choice, though a shade that complements your suit also works. Opt for subtle socks that match your pants or shoes for a continuous effect.

Sartorial style is, in essence, the uniform of those whose style inspires trust and authority (businessmen, politicians, lawyers, etc.). With it, you feel ready to impress your interlocutors or captivate your audience! Regarding accessories, don’t overdo it—displaying wealth with overly flashy items can quickly turn this style into bad taste. Often, a pocket square or a beautiful watch is enough to complete your outfit.

Note that sartorial style is also recommended for making a strong impression at events where elegance is essential, such as professional meetings, galas, or significant celebrations. To look classy, avoid ill-fitting or worn-out pieces. If necessary, get them tailored—at an Ernest store!—because it’s an investment you’ll never regret.

ROCK STYLE

No matter your age, you can sport a rocker look full of character and confidence. The material that defines this men’s style—more refined than you might think—is black leather, though other colors work as well, such as denim blue or red (if you like to stand out on the street, these bold shades can enhance your presence). At Ernest, we offer leather pieces designed to assert your style while remaining sophisticated.

Among the clothing and accessories associated with rock style are:

- Black leather jacket;

- Sunglasses;

- Jeans;

- The iconic biker jacket (perfecto);

- Denim jacket;

- Plain or patterned T-shirts (or featuring a famous rock band);

- Plaid shirt (e.g., tied around the waist);

- Structured leather pants (sure to draw attention);

- Leather shoes or boots;

- Hat (preferably black);

- Long necklace (leather and metal);

- Leather bracelet (e.g., with eyelets or studs).

A carefully curated rock look is less common in traditional professional settings, but it’s perfect for weekends and outings (bar hopping, concerts, festivals, etc.).

Express your rebellious side with bold pieces designed for a style that is both daring and controlled.

MODERN ADVENTURER STYLE

Exploring breathtaking landscapes, trekking rugged trails, discovering natural spots… Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? The adventurer style is for you! This style evokes outdoor excursions but with an urban touch, so it can be worn beyond the forest.

It includes sport-cut quilted jackets, warm sweaters worthy of a cabin weekend, scarves, beanies, and sturdy boots suitable for various conditions. It’s a style designed for those who love to combine nature and city life.

CONTEMPORARY BOHEMIAN STYLE

Are you a romantic soul, a free spirit, and full of creativity? Bohemian style, which emerged in the 1960s and 70s, naturally complements your personal aesthetic. The modern version of this “hippie”-inspired style is defined by flowing fabrics, rich prints, and a freely expressive attitude.

The foundational piece for the upper body: a light linen shirt with the top buttons undone, subtly open for a relaxed look. Alternatively, a loose, lightweight printed shirt (e.g., floral or paisley) works just as well. A patterned or retro wool sweater is another key piece to evoke the bohemian spirit. For pants, beige, cognac, or khaki chinos with rolled cuffs at the calf—or even harem pants for those who enjoy experimenting—are suitable.

Favorite bohemian accessories for men include beaded bracelets, long necklaces, hats, suspenders, and assortments of rings (especially aged silver). Sporting a beard—or just a mustache—also accentuates the bohemian vibe.

Finally, a well-groomed haircut strengthens the bohemian style—choose a hairstyle that complements your overall silhouette. Discover our list of the best barber shops in Quebec, perfect for maintaining your hair with precision.

The Bohemian style is popular among creative and sensitive men, such as writers, actors, photographers, painters, and sculptors. Beyond these professions, it appeals to any man seeking a relaxed, artistic, and personal look.

SPORTSWEAR STYLE

This style, which has been growing in popularity for several years, bridges athletic functionality and everyday fashion. Its defining feature is flexibility: it’s not tied to any one sport. In other words, depending on your favorite activities, you can adapt sportswear to your daily life seamlessly.

Specific urban influences, such as hip-hop culture, helped shape this style, as many of its followers practice basketball, breakdancing, skateboarding, and related activities. However, your preferred activities include tennis, mountain hiking, golf, or running. In that case, you can still achieve a sportswear look by combining classic pieces (e.g., a sport blazer) with distinctly athletic items such as:

- Quilted hooded jacket;

- Fitted beanie;


- Polo shirt;

- Jogging pants;

- Sport T-shirt;

- Hoodie;

- Sneakers.

A plus for this trend: breathable materials provide superior comfort, especially in summer! Finally, for colors, neutral tones are recommended.

10 TIPS TO FOLLOW

Whatever men’s fashion style you’re aiming for this back-to-school season 2025, it’s essential to avoid certain pitfalls. Here are 10 expert tips to help you always make a great impression!

1. The Right Size

If you don’t know your shirt or pants size, it’s never too late to fix that! Once you have this information, shopping becomes easier and your comfort is optimized. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a fine line between a tailored garment and a tight-fitting one, and loose clothing should never leave enough room for another person! To find pieces that will always fit you, grab a measuring tape, paper, and pencil, and check out our size guide.

2. Quality

At Ernest, we take pride in offering our customers high-quality clothing. In this era of overconsumption and fast fashion, we believe it’s better to buy less, but buy better. In short, owning 20 high-quality pieces that you care for carefully is more cost-effective than having 60 low-quality pieces that you’ll have to dispose of prematurely!

3. Get Rid of Old Clothes

Have you gained or lost weight, and your clothes no longer fit? Did you go through a themed phase (tropical, gothic, etc.) and no longer want to wear those clothes that remind you of your past? Do you have a beautiful winter coat you haven’t worn in at least 5 years?

There’s no need to clutter your wardrobe—donate your unused clothes to charity. Not only will you be doing a good deed, but your drawers and closets will make space for new pieces you’ll actually want to show off! For example, you can donate in good condition to these reputable centers:

- Renaissance

- Value Village

- Salvation Army

4. Step Out of the “Jeans” Lane

We agree: having jeans in a men’s wardrobe is a must. However, limiting yourself to them is a shame! Chinos are an excellent alternative, as are capris, dress pants, or cargo pants, depending on the season. Explore your options—you might be pleasantly surprised!

5. Don’t Hesitate to Layer

Layering clothing, when done tastefully, always adds character to a look. Ask our specialists for advice to master this highly aesthetic technique! Well-thought-out layers add depth and character to your silhouette. To avoid a cluttered or messy look, opt for harmonious cuts and complementary materials. Our in-store stylists can guide you in creating a balanced and sophisticated layered outfit.

6. Avoid Excessive Embellishments or Loud Patterns

Unless attending a fashion or contemporary art event where flamboyant outfits are encouraged, exercise restraint with embellishments, shiny finishes, or patterns (stripes, polka dots, checks, floral prints, etc.). That said, mixing patterns is acceptable, but the result must be harmonious… When in doubt, consult a stylist!

7. Build a Solid Foundation with Timeless Essentials

No matter the style you choose for back-to-school 2025, a well-thought-out wardrobe relies on quality basics: a well-tailored pair of pants, a white shirt, a neutral sweater, or a structured blazer. These pieces allow you to create varied outfits easily.

Are you a man over 60? For advice tailored to your maturity, check out our article on the topic.

8. Wear Comfortable Underwear

Wearing underwear that is too tight at the waist, rides up, or constantly gets stuck in your buttock crease (or “crack,” if you prefer!) can ruin both your mood and your look. Choosing stylish, well-fitting luxury boxers is a great way to boost your confidence—even if no one can see them. Discover our superb models from SAXX, Timeless, and Anthony of London!

9. Don’t Forget Accessories

Once your clothing is chosen, add the accessories that make all the difference! Even though time is displayed everywhere, especially on smartphones, true style-conscious men wear a nice watch to give elegance to their masculine wrist! Check out our watches and bracelets—you’ll surely find a model that pairs perfectly with your shirt or blazer.

Depending on your outfit, a tie or bow tie always makes an impact! Just be sure you know how to tie them properly, or ask someone to help. Depending on the occasion (ball, wedding, gala, etc.), a pocket square is the finishing touch that gets noticed!

Additionally, stylish men can carry their wallet, keys, tablet, etc., in a messenger bag or briefcase that is both chic and practical. Bonus: your pants will look better without bulging pockets!

We cannot repeat this enough: a belt isn’t meant to hold up pants that are too big, and suspenders aren’t accessories to prevent your pants from falling to your ankles! Belts and suspenders are central pieces of a men’s look, so they should be chosen carefully. A leather or woven belt in a neutral color like black or cognac will elegantly define your waist, while suspenders add an irresistible touch to your ensemble!

Have you noticed how men wearing headwear attract all the attention? A cap or hat (e.g., Fedora style) that matches your outfit is sure to earn compliments! And don’t forget the power of a stylish beanie, which perfectly complements many outfits.

Especially in summer, quality sunglasses are a must, and in cold seasons, a scarf adds character to any ensemble. Visit your Ernest store to discover a wide selection of trendy men’s accessories!

10. Stay in Your Comfort Zone

To showcase your style with confidence, you must fully embrace it! Therefore, for bolder pieces, it’s better to take it slow. Otherwise, you may feel “costumed,” and it will show!

Looking for ideas to create your own style? Observe the looks of public male figures (actors, athletes, musicians, politicians, content creators, etc.) for inspiration!

Bonus Tip: Cultivate Your Stylistic Eye

To develop your taste in men’s fashion, stay curious and attentive to the evolution of men’s style (check out websites such as YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest to see what’s trending) and be ready to apply the guidance from this guide or other reliable sources.

Now you have a clearer idea of the style(s) that inspire you for back-to-school 2025—or maybe you want to explore more than one, depending on your activities? Ernest offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories to help you define a style true to your personality. We have handpicked items from reputable brands known for quality, and we offer collections of shoes and accessories for all tastes and budgets.

We look forward to seeing you!