WARDROBE
Clothes that fit well, are clean, neatly ironed and smell good are very important. Don’t recycle clothes that have been chucked into your laundry basket because you have run out of clean, ironed clothes. You won’t fool anyone with that trick! The fit also is very important to looking good. It’s no use wearing expensive shirts and branded trousers if you’ve got the fit wrong. People will only notice that your clothes are hanging on you or alternatively, are too tight for you.
Shiny shoes. Men are judged by their shoes. If you don’t know this yet, you’ve obviously no idea about the typical standards used to judge men. If you are wearing formal shoes, make sure they’re not scuffed and dirty. They should be polished and shiny. Casual shoes should also be clean and avoid tattered shoes at all costs!
1. Always match your belt with your shoes. This is a good rule to follow and it keeps things simple. It's best to stay with traditional colors such a black, dark brown or a rich tan. Other colors will be difficult to match, and generally speaking, should be avoided. If you wear sneakers every day that probably means you are wearing jeans in which case I suggest trying a belt made of fabric or something equally as casual, but please avoid dress belts with jeans and sneakers.
If you wear suspenders, I am compelled to ask you why, but I digress; just don't wear a belt and suspenders together, it's one or the other.
2. Matching Ties and Shirts. For a while, the solid-colored shirt with a tie of the same (or slightly-off) color was seen everywhere. This is now a somewhat dated look. Try mixing things up a little and experiment with colors. Ties are great way to express yourself, but keeping it tasteful is your best bet. You can't go wrong with diagonal stripes, modern polka-dots, plaids and subtle patterns. Just make sure your tie compliments your shirt, suit, sweater or whatever you will be wearing it with. Novelty ties are best avoided since the novelty is short lived.
Note: Ties should be tied in whatever style most strikes your fancy. You should know that there are many different ways to knot your tie, and different knots say different things. As for clip on ties, just say no.
3. Pleats vs. Flat-Front. Why so many men have avoided flat-front trousers has always been a mystery to me. Flat-front trousers look better than pleated pants, at least most of the time. Plus pleats make you look less slim. I have heard guys wear pleats because it’s more comfortable or because flat-fronts are more for athletic bodies. Truth is most men can wear a flat-front trouser. If you want more room then buy them a little big and have them brought in at the waist. This can be done at the store where you buy your clothes or by an independent tailor. And lastly, flat-font trousers are much more fashionable.
4. Socks. The more official rule on socks is that they should match the color of your pants, though preferably not the exact same shade unless, of course, you are wearing black in which case it's okay. However, I personally like to wear socks with patterns, such as stripes in various colors. But I do try to match my socks with my pants and shoes.
Note: Although it should be obvious! Please note white socks should be reserved for the gym.
5. Watches are the single most important accessory a man can own. I really suggest investing in one good watch that suits your lifestyle and taste. However, if you are someone who likes to own more than one watch, wear the appropriate timepiece for your outfit: black band with black shoes and belt; brown band with brown shoes and belt; and silver band for either.
6. Eyeglasses are one of the few ways you can really express yourself. I have worn glasses for many years and I love having a few pair in different styles. They don't have to just serve a function, but can enhance your overall look. Do your best to find a pair of glasses that not only compliments the shape of your face, but also expresses your personality. Ask people who wear glasses for a place where you can get good advice about what shape and style looks best for your face shape and features.
Men's Wardrobe Essentials - Must have!!
Where to Start?
When it comes to building a functional wardrobe, the first thing a guy must do is assess his lifestyle. Does he need to wear a suit every day? If so, then he will need several suits. Is he in a more casual setting at work? If so, then perhaps he needs more khakis or jeans than trousers or suits. No matter what his particular situation though, there are things every man should have in his wardrobe.
1. A suit (navy or gray)
Even if you only need a suit a couple of times a year, you're glad to have it on hand when those occasions arise. Navy or gray suits are classic and neutral and can be dressed up or down. You can even wear the blazer with khakis or jeans. This is an item worth spending some money on.
2. Black shoes and belt
These can be worn with khakis, jeans and your suit. This is an essential combo. Before buying brown, get black. I think you will find you get more mileage out of them, especially when attending more formal or evening functions.
3. White dress shirt (good for day and night occasions)
White dress shirts look good on just about everybody. They look sharp and are versatile but should not to be worn as a casual shirt.
4. Solid tie
Solid ties are easy and versatile. If solid isn't your thing, try a classic diagonal stripe. Having several tie patterns on hand will ensure you are prepared for interviews, weddings and evening events.
5. Blue blazer
A blue blazer is good for all year round and easily coordinates with khakis and other items.
6. Khakis and jeans
No explanation necessary here. Jeans are a staple of the American wardrobe. Khakis are the same.
7. Briefcase
A briefcase does not necessarily mean a hard case. It can be soft, a rucksack or messenger bag style. In a man is has to carry files and other documents, this is an essential.
8. Athletic wear
Even for non-athletic types, athletic wear is great for those lazy weekends.
9. Casual shirt
A casual shirt such as a polo or button down is a must have to wear with jeans or other casual pants.
A word of advice: start simple and expand according to lifestyle. Classics don't mean boring.
FINAL POINTERS
Maintain Posture. - Posture is very important. Do not slouch and always walk straight because it projects confidence and assertiveness in a man. If you have trouble with maintaining your posture, do some posture exercises regularly till you perfect your posture.
Firm handshake. - When you first meet a person and shake his or her hand, make your handshake firm and look them in the eyes and smile. Not meeting a person’s eye, or giving someone a limp handshake is the worst first impression you can create. It reflects a personality of insecurity.
Sweaty Stuff. - Sweat is inevitable, but can be beaten. Keep a check on whether you smell and reapply cologne or deodorant. Also wear an undershirt if you tend to sweat a lot. Use foot powder on your feet to keep your shoes and feet from smelling bad.
Double Check. - During your day at work or during your night out, your clothes are sure to shift or crumple or get food stains on them. Make sure you check yourself in the mirror to see if you need to adjust anything in your attire. After any meal, check your teeth for food residue and re-check your face to see if there’s any smudge or dirt. Rinse your mouth out and use mint to avoid you breath from smelling.
Looking good and projecting the confidence that comes from it will get you noticed by people, and is sure to create a great first impression for you. Use a mirror to check regularly if your look needs any adjustments and you’re sure to create a lasting impression with your suave self.
Brotherly love!!