Skip to main content

This Venn Diagram Can Reveal Your Signature Style

Discover a Signature Style That Suits Your Unique Character

Finding your signature style is one of the first steps to helping you discover the kind of image you want to portray. This doesn’t mean you can’t venture out of your individual style. On the contrary, figuring out who you are style-wise will help you understand the best ways to break free of the rut you may find yourself in when getting dressed.

When you get bored with your wardrobe, it’s easy to feel frustrated when looking for something to wear. We at The Manual have developed a way to help you discover your signature style as a starting point to rejuvenate your look, and more importantly, grow from it and expand upon it.

Related Videos

Signature Style Venn Diaphragm

The Diagram of Signature Styles

If you’re looking at this and feeling overwhelmed, it’s ok. I mean, who doesn’t feel like they are all over the map? Just because you don’t work in an office, doesn’t mean you don’t wear suits. Just because you find yourself on Wall Street Monday through Friday, doesn’t mean you don’t know how to rock a flannel and escape to the wilderness.

This is less about fashion and what you wear, and more about a lifestyle. Your signature style reflects what you value out of your wardrobe. You can wear many different items of clothing in numerous ways. Remember, Indiana Jones and Frank Sinatra both wore a fedora, albeit very differently.

There are three primary archetypes – The Adventurer, The Socialite, and The Dapper, and three secondary archetypes – The Creative, Commander in Chief, and Bond, James Bond. The seventh archetype is the one we should all strive for: the well-balanced combination of all of the above. The Debonair Man. You may bleed in and out of a few at a time, but most of us will find ourselves planted in one more than the others. Here is what each one means.

Outdoor man in jacket

The Adventurer

This is a man of action. He doesn’t have time or patience for fluff and pleasantries. He bends the world around him through brute force and mastery of skills. His style is rugged, valuing function over fashion. If he wears a smartwatch, it isn’t about status; it’s to keep an eye on his health. He wears the fedora like Indiana Jones, not Frank Sinatra. He cares little for trends but deeply for long-lasting garments that assist his lifestyle. 

Examples: mountain men, outdoorsmen, Indiana Jones, Bear Grills, and blue-collar workers

Man in suit with gloves

The Dapper

Image is everything to this person. They see their status in this world reflected in their appearance. They believe that dressing to the nines actually makes people treat them better. They rule their world through money, influence, and connections. They value impeccable tailoring, timeless classics, and the highest quality. These men won’t always be wearing three-piece suits, but they will always be the best dressed in the room. 

Examples: CEOs, Titans of industry, hedge fund managers, the elite 1%, Harvey Specter

Man in glasses with sport coat

The Socialite

This person bends the room to his will using his charm and charisma. People are attracted to him; his magnetism is how he has made it through most situations in his life. He doesn’t concern himself with the rules of society as he would much rather just make his own. His style is fashion-forward, opting to stand out with bright colors and the latest trends. Others often compliment him on his attire, and he values his look’s impact on his sphere of influence. 

Examples: salesmen, party hosts

Man in turtleneck and jacket

Bond, James Bond

A combination of The Dapper and The Adventurer, this is the man most of us wish to be in some capacity. This is the action hero, the gentleman spy, and the man that values himself above all, and not in an arrogant way. He knows his worth and spends time improving himself. He values quality and impeccable tailoring but needs a high function to help him live his lifestyle. This man is just as comfortable wearing a three-piece suit in the boardroom as he is donning a plaid flannel and catching his own food in the mountain wilderness. 

Examples: James Bond, Ivy League collegiates, alpha males

Man in leather jacket, white T-shirt, and sunglasses

The Creative

A combination of The Socialite and The Adventurer, this man is career-focused and values his freedom. He is the tech giant or the industry leader that commands the admiration of many followers. His style is less dapper and more street wear and smart casual. He enjoys indulging in the latest fashions and usually sets his own standard and trends. He values the functionality of his wardrobe and likes to keep it simple, letting his focus be on changing the world. 

Examples: Steve Jobs, Ralph Lauren, musicians, actors, and tech wizards

Man in blue suit and red tie

Commander in Chief

A combination of The Dapper and The Socialite, this man is acutely aware of the message his image sends and has spent his life learning how to make others love him and believe in him. He enjoys timeless classics with a dash of trendy. His look is more of a tool to accomplish his goals than a genuine part of his personality. He is comfortable in a suit and driving progress. His look is a uniform, an extension of who he is. 

Examples: politicians, talk show personalities like Steve Harvey and Jon Stewart

Man in tan suit

The Debonair Man

This is the ultimate goal of all the above men: Become a balanced specimen of all archetypes and find yourself comfortable and impactful in all situations. You know the difference between quality and imitation. You find the items that give you the function you need and determine the trends that affect you and those that don’t deserve your attention. You have your fingers in all areas of style and can competently navigate them. 

Examples: David Beckham, Barack Obama, JFK

You may have a little bit of yourself in each of these areas, and that’s great. You have a head start on finding balance. Once you discover where you are most comfortable, you have a base for expanding your style. Sticking to the areas closest to your signature style and perfecting those will set off a chain reaction to a well-balanced sense of style.

Editors' Recommendations

The 10 most expensive men’s watches in the world
These are the best watches to invest in to upgrade your collection — if you're a millionaire, of course
best rolexes for men rolex suit

If you want to get an insight into a man's status without delving deep into his finances or work history, or without asking any awkward questions, look at his wrist. Men's watches are the easiest way to show class, elegance, style, and status. While there is a wide variety of brands, price points, and styles to choose from, only some watches will instantly elevate your status the moment you slap it on your wrist. Though rolex watches and Cartier watches are easily recognizable and suggest sophistication and class, you might be surprised to find they don't dominate our world's most expensive watches list.

If you find yourself ready to drop the kind of money needed to buy a private island, here are the most expensive men's watches that will put you in the rarified status of having only nine other men on your level. These aren't watches you can get your hands on by walking into a jewelry store and pointing at the glass counter. These are watches you can only get by putting on your best tux, grabbing a number, and bidding against some pretty stiff competition.

Read more
St. Patrick’s Day: What to wear (without looking like a leprechaun)
Look stylish while participating in St. Patrick's Day customs

Every holiday has its own traditions and customs. And St. Patrick's Day is no different. While it is customary for people to wear green to honor the patron saint of Ireland, one of the most significant customs is that you get pinched if you forget to wear emerald, forest, sage, or lime green. Here are a few ideas on subtly keeping your style intact while protecting against the invasion of pinches the day brings.

We've rounded up our favorite gear picks from our favorite brands for this green-centric holiday. You don't have to go over the top and throw on shamrocks left and right. Subtle retro sneakers, a handsome olive green crewneck, a classic green tie ... all of these picks will work more than acceptable for a day we love to celebrate (in style and responsibly, of course).

Read more
The 10 best men’s workout shirts to help you get fit in 2023

There are multiple things to consider when purchasing new workout apparel. You want to make sure you do your due diligence beforehand. When looking for the optimal workout shirt, functionality often takes precedence over style, for most men. After all, a minimalist cotton t-shirt is ideal, but it won't look (or smell) so great after an hour-long workout, especially if your working out, outdoors. That's why, in the past decade, some of our favorite activewear brands like Lululemon, Vuori, and Under Armour have developed breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking and odor-fighting technology that are now practically must-haves for any exercise gear, especially when it comes to making high-quality shirts.

That being said, not all workout tops are created equal. When it comes to finding the right workout fit, make sure it doesn't feel too tight or baggy around your underarms, your shoulders, or across your chest, i.e., the areas you exercise most. We sifted through some of the most popular brands to select the best workout shirts that are as practical as they are fashionable. Here are our top picks for the best men's workout shirts of 2023.

Read more