Hi, I’m Peter, and that’s Asti.
We run The Essential Man, a Private Personal Styling Agency for Men based in NYC.
We specialize in personal rebranding and building capsule wardrobes. We believe in slow styleover fast fashion.
Over the last decade we’ve helped more than 300 men, and are reguarly tapped by the WSJ, NYTimes, and Esquire for our style knowledge.
Because we are a small team of 2, we can only work with 20 clients a year.
If you want us to help you transform your style, apply here.
We believe great style is simple
The Essential Man started in 2015 with a simple belief: that most style advice makes looking good harder than it needs to be.
After a decade designing menswear, I took the same process I used building collections and applied it to real wardrobes.
We help men develop their personal style through capsule wardrobes that makes getting dressed easy, without a closet full of trends that end up in the back of their closets.
We work with guys in 3 ways
Full Capsule Wardrobe Redesign
Our full-service styling experience. For men looking for a complete wardrobe redesign, want to figure out their personal style, or create a new brand.
For clients in or traveling to NYC
Personal Shopping Day
For men who don't need a full rebuild, just a push in the right direction. A single focused day for men whose wardrobe is mostly there but needs an expert eye for a targeted refresh.
For clients in or traveling to NYC
Courses & Guides
Our guides and courses bring the same Slow Style process to men who prefer to learn at their own pace. From free resources for those just getting started, to in-depth courses for building a wardrobe and developing a personal style.
For clients everywhere
What our clients say about us
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Drew S, Serial Entrepreneur, NYC
“Biggest success has been a look that defines my brand and gives me confidence. I speak at a lot of marketing conferences. The first one donning Peter’s look had five Instagram posts from members of the audience complimenting my look. Exactly what I wanted in order to position myself as a premium consultant.”
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David L, Real Estate, Austin, TX
“It’s so easy to get Peter’s expert opinion on what looks good on me than it is to spend time searching myself, especially if I’m in a pinch for time. That’s one thing I love about being a client”
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Lekan N, Software Engineer, NYC
Working with you completely upped my style. I felt that I dressed well before, but I get so many compliments now. I feel like I dress my age now and am able to put my own twists to it.
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Sourya, Product Manager, NYC
“Peter has completely transformed my personal style. He not only helped me shop the right clothes, but also taught me along the way on why certain clothes go well together and how to build my wardrobe.
But most importantly, he helped me build a style that is unique to myself. I have learned and grown a lot working with Peter. I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend Peter. Above all, he is an awesome person to work with.”
A bit more about us
Peter Nguyen
Founder / Stylist-at-Large
Peter is the founder of The Essential Man and Stylist at large. Prior to opening the styling agency, Peter worked as a menswear designer for a decade.
He spends his free time drawing at cafés, collecting vintage smoking accessories, and trying to convince his wife to get a cat.
Asti Gumilar
Head Stylist / Style Editor
Asti is a Head Stylist and editor at The Essential Man. She and Peter first crossed paths while she was working at a French menswear store in NYC. When Peter was looking for someone to join the team, she was the perfect fit.
She can be found around NYC shooting film, drinking matcha, and avoiding any spot with a long line.