Though the jeans and a t-shirt combo may have served you well over the years, there's much more to men's fashion then that classic outfit. Even if fashion isn't your top priority or you can think of 100 things you'd rather do than go clothes shopping, updating your wardrobe with the latest trends is still a worthwhile investment. Before you hit the mall on a mission to spruce up your look, consider your individual personality and how you can convey it through your clothing.

One of the first parts of your wardrobe that you can look to upgrade is your jeans, which likely form the base of most of your casual, weekend wear. Instead of sticking with ill-fitting, relaxed fit jeans, consider going for a more tailored straight-leg jean instead. This will help add a touch of sophistication to your look, while allowing you to stay comfortable at the same time. If you're up for a more adventurous look, try skinny jeans in black or dark blue denim. Skinny jeans have been especially popular in recent years and are a major component of hip urban fashion.

Though jeans are an important staple item for any modern man's wardrobe, you should consider adding other types of pants to your fashion repertoire as well. Particularly useful for slightly dressier occasions are chinos, which you can choose in classic khaki or a variety of other, bolder colors. As the summer months approach, lightweight chinos will be a welcome treat compared to your stuffy work suits. Cool in both senses of the word, chinos are an effortlessly chic look that is ideal for a picnic or a day at the seaside. Take the look a bit further by rolling up the cuffs and sporting your chinos with boat shoes or flip flops.

As it turns out, the saying 'the shoes make the man' is not just an old wives' tale. Despite making up only a minor portion of an outfit, footwear is a surprisingly important aspect of your overall look. The perfect pair of shoes is like the icing on the cake, as it brings the entire look together into one seamless ensemble. Every guy can do with a cool pair of sneakers, a pair of trendy boots, smart dress shoes, and a semi-casual shoe like loafers or topsiders. Upgrading your footwear isn't just about buying new styles, however, as it's also important that you keep them looking spiffy through the years. Though polishing your shoes may seem quite old-school, it can have a major impact.

So, whether it's going bold with bright red chinos or playing it cool with some leather deck shoes, there are plenty of ways you can update (and upgrade) your look. Even if shopping isn't your favorite activity, you may be surprised how easy it is to spruce up your wardrobe with just a few additional items.

Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.