Rules are laid to guide people to conform to certain norms and behaviour. They apply to every facet of life. When it comes to fashion, breaking rules give room for indecency, misbehaviour and ruggedness. Men of style hardly break rules even though they are in the fashion game as pacesetters. They know that dressing well is not just for themselves but to be taken seriously. This is the icing on the cake, that seals deals, grows connections and self-confidence most importantly. If you want to step up your fashion and style sense, you will need to abide by the rules below:
1. Wear a suit well
A suit is a uniform. Go for bespoke suits. The key to a suit looking good is fit. If you’re buying off-the-peg, focus on the fit across the shoulders because getting the chest and waist altered is a relatively easy job. Be careful less you commit a fashion blunder when wearing a period suit unless you’re pursuing a total period look because in isolation the suit starts to look like a novelty. Stick to classics. The idea is to think of this suit as a canvas to build individual style around it.
2. Invest wisely in a watch
A watch is not just an accessory, it is like a piece of art. Choose the one that you love and suits your style. They should be personal because a good wristwatch also marks your passage through time. It should also feel comfortable and be right in terms of size and depth relative to your wrist as well.
3. Don’t shy away from colour
Men are usually more conservative when it comes to colour but a lot has changed now. Whether it is casual wear or formal wear, indulge in a bit of colour. Put on a pink or green suit, it is allowed, just know how to mixmatch the colours to bring out the best version of you in the piece of clothing.
4. Wear fitted jeans
Denim, the all-time most useful cut of the world’s most popular garment, is timeless even though that it ages with the way you wear it. It could be wider in the thigh and so comfortable, but narrow. It goes with any footwear.
5. Look after your appearance
Use wooden hangers for shirts and shoe trees for your best shoes. Also, have your suit dry-cleaned and pressed. Ensure you wash your clothes regularly and, ideally, don’t tumble dry them (it can degrade the fabric); and polish your shoes. Establish a simple, but no less solid, grooming routine by brushing your hair and cutting your nails.
6. Pay attention to your underwear
Style isn’t only what everyone else can see. Of all places where you might have the confidence not to have branding, your underwear should be it. Invest in cotton boxer shorts, likely because they withstand repeated washing, breathe well and are comfortable against your skin.
7. Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!
Spend money on shoes. When you buy shoes, consider the colour, the pattern, the sole – you don’t want it fussy. Anything fussy may look good now but will look strange very quickly. Quality shoes are the kind of investment that should last 15 years or more. Opt for classic styles such as brogues, loafers and so on.
8. Keep accessories minimally
Accessories like ties and pocket squares bring individuality to classic clothing, but be careful how you use them. Harmonise them with what you’re wearing by picking out a colour or two or even to juxtapose them entirely. Don’t overdo the accessories either – if in doubt, think less is more and take one element away.
9. Know thyself
Socrates once said “Man know thyself”. This is a valid advice as there is no way you can step up your fashion game without knowing who you are.There are few things less stylish than a man dressed as he thinks he should dress rather than in what he genuinely feels suits who he is. Whatever you’re wearing, you have to own it.
10. Dress for the occasion
Style goes beyond self-expression; it’s also about being dressed appropriately for your environment. The worst style is one which is out of place. Is this a kind of conformity? No, as one of Tom Ford’s oft trotted out fashion quotes explains, it’s a mark of respect for others.