Rinske Fris is a men’s personal stylist who helps founders upgrade their style and simplify their wardrobes so they can lead like their next-level selves. At MLM, fashion is about confidence and how we see ourselves and how others see us. Greg sat down with Rinske to talk style strategy and learn more about her 1:1 Curated Reset experience. Read it here:
Step 1: Get Back to Your True Self
“The most important thing to start with is to get back in touch with who you are outside of your work, outside of your family life.” Beneath all the roles we play, there is a core individual identity waiting to be rediscovered. Many men become so entangled in their professional and family responsibilities that they lose sight of their authentic selves.
“Many men think, ‘I don’t have a style’ or ‘I don’t know,’ but when you dig a little deeper, you always know what you like.” This means taking time to reflect on moments when you felt most confident and true to yourself. Consider the times when your clothing felt like a genuine expression of your personality, not just a uniform dictated by external expectations.
Step 2: Explore Your Current Closet
“A very simple way to start is in your own closet. What do I like and why? What do I not like and why?” This process is about deep self-examination and understanding your current fashion choices. Pull out each piece and critically analyze why you own it, how it makes you feel, and what it says about you.
“There is always a time in your life where you did feel completely like yourself and your clothing as well.” By carefully investigating your existing wardrobe, you’ll begin to uncover patterns in your style preferences. Notice the colors, cuts, and styles that naturally attract you, as these provide valuable insights into your inherent fashion sensibilities.
Step 3: Understand Fit Matters
“Fit is everything.” This means moving beyond the comfort zone of wearing the same sizes you’ve worn for years. Our bodies change constantly – through age, fitness, lifestyle – and our clothing should adapt accordingly.
“Slight alterations are really important.” A perfectly tailored piece can transform your entire appearance. Pay attention to how clothes drape on your body, the way shoulders sit, how trousers break at the shoe. Don’t be afraid to have items adjusted to suit your specific physique. The right fit can make an average piece look exceptional.
Step 4: Create Outfit Formulas
“We can create outfit formulas for every kind of scenario of your life.” This approach simplifies dressing while maintaining personal style across different contexts – work, travel, casual outings, and home. The key is developing a flexible base that can be modified slightly for different situations.
“Maybe you love being on stage in an overshirt with a structured jacket, but you can switch it up by changing fabrics, trying different t-shirts, or varying your jean color.” This method allows for creativity and personal expression while maintaining a consistent core style. Think of it like a signature recipe that can be subtly adjusted based on the occasion.
Step 5: Invest in Quality
“I’m a big believer in the fewer but better principle.” This means moving away from the impulse to buy multiple similar items just because one thing works. Instead, focus on selecting high-quality pieces that truly represent you and will stand the test of time.
“Curation always wins.” This approach is about being intentional with your wardrobe. Rather than filling your closet with disposable fashion, invest in pieces that make you feel confident and authentic. Quality over quantity ensures that each item has purpose and meaning.
Step 6: Understand Your Lifestyle
“I want to know how you spend your free time. What is typically you? How would people describe you?” This approach goes far beyond simply selecting clothing. It’s about understanding the holistic picture of who you are and how your style can authentically represent your life’s various dimensions.
“We really get into the nitty gritty of who you are,” which means exploring not just what you wear, but how you live, what you value, and what your typical week looks like. Your clothing should be an extension of your personality, reflecting your professional needs, personal passions, and individual spirit.
Step 7: Create Your Style DNA
“I start with your style DNA,” which involves creating a comprehensive guide that captures your unique essence. This isn’t about following trends, but about developing a personalized approach that feels genuinely you.
“Does everything feel aligned? What do you think about the colors?” This collaborative process ensures that the visual representation matches your internal vision. Your style DNA becomes a roadmap for understanding how to dress in a way that feels authentic and confident.
Step 8: Don’t Fear Accessories
“When it comes to jewelry, be mindful about if they really mean something.” Accessories aren’t about following rigid rules, but about personal significance and expression. Each piece should tell a story or represent something meaningful to you.
“I don’t think there are any things that guys of a certain age cannot wear anymore, as long as it feels good to you and it feels like it makes sense to you.” This approach liberates you from restrictive fashion rules, encouraging personal expression at any age.
Step 9: Consider Your Entire Wardrobe
“If working out and fitness is a big part of your life, you’re gonna need good clothing for it.” Your style isn’t confined to formal wear or social outings. It extends to every aspect of your life, including workout gear, loungewear, and casual attire.
“You don’t want to walk your dog looking like a slob or end up in a coffee shop looking like nothing.” Every outfit is an opportunity to express yourself, regardless of the setting. Intentionality in dress applies to all moments of your day.
Step 10: Invest in Yourself
“How you dress is how you will be addressed,” which means your clothing is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. It’s an investment in yourself that goes far beyond mere appearance.
“The sooner you accept that and do something about it, the more return on investment it will give you.” This isn’t just about looking good, but about feeling confident, being perceived authentically, and honoring your own worth through thoughtful, intentional style choices.
