I recently wrote an article for the Sunday Times offering 10 Style Tips for everyday. I’m not sure how many of you actually saw it, so I thought I would take some time to maybe share it here on the blog. Not only do I think there is some really valuable advice in there, but let’s be honest, I’ve been a little quiet on this side over the last few weeks.
It’s basically a collection of my favourite Dapper Dexterity and Dressiquete posts rolled into one with some love and care given to detailing each.
The outfit? Well, just some fashion inspo from one of my OOTD on Instagram, it kinda covers everything I mention in the article too. Here we go folks, in no particular order are my 10 style tips to use everyday.
1. Fit first
Above all make sure your clothes fit you properly. The most expensive suit will look cheap if it doesn’t fit you properly, so always go for fit over price. If it feels a little small, it’s probably perfect. A well-tailored suit is to a woman what lingerie is to a man.
2. Never buy cheap shoes
It is impossible to appear well dressed in cheap shoes. In strong contrast to rule number 1, when it comes to shoes, spend as much as you can afford and always buy leather. Good leather shoes will last you much longer and often look better with time so consider it an investment.
3. Don’t let the outfit wear you
Confidence is key when you wear anything. The moment you look uncomfortable in what you have on, you will appear badly dressed. If you choose to wear something risky, then own it, I guarantee you’ll get far more compliments that way.
4. Don’t give in to fashion
Never buy anything that you can’t immediately pair with at least three items you already own. Men often make the mistake of buying something they think will make them standout or be fashionable, then quickly realise they don’t know how to wear it. When in doubt stick to something classic that suits you, after all style has nothing to do with fashion.
5. Every occasion has minimum standards
Check your invite. What does it say? If it says formal, don’t show up in a pair of jeans and a button up shirt with pizza stains. Looking good isn’t self importance, it’s a sign of self respect and better yet, respect for your host in dressing accordingly to their event. Remember, you can never be overdressed or over educated
6. When you’re asking for money, wear a tie
You can have anything you want if you dress for it. First appearances count, so you always dress for the job you want and not the job you have. Wearing a tie is always a good first step, so make sure you tie it properly. Remember the bottom of the tie should reach the top of your pants – no shorter or longer.
7. Get noticed without trying to get noticed
Take the time to plan your outfits or buy your clothes, consider every detail, then wear it nonchalantly as if it required no effort. Here’s a little tip – make sure one thing on your outfit does not match, it will definitely get you noticed.
8. Know the rules
Men’s fashion is actually pretty simple, it hasn’t changed in the same way that women’s has. For the most part we have the same clothing we have had for more than 100 years. There are rules in place for how we are meant to wear them; things like matching your belt to your shoes or your socks to your pants. Once you know and practice the rules, you can learn how to break them.
9. In the navy
If you’re only going to own one suit, make sure it’s navy. A navy suit is the most versatile you will own (followed closely by charcoal) as it works for both evening and daywear and can be dressed up or down in any which way you want. A simple adjustment like brown shoes over black, can take your navy suit from formal to casual.
10. The only thing that should come in pairs are gloves and shoes
Never purchase anything that comes pre-packaged, like a shirt and tie combo, or a tie and pocket square. You will quickly find that they are poorly made and will make you look poorly dressed. Besides, it takes all the fun out of injecting your personal style into your outfit! The same goes for pre-tied bow ties, learn how to tie a bow tie and you will never look back.
That’s pretty much it. Stick to those guidelines and you should be good to go.
Okay. Stay Fancy.
Where would you suggest getting good quality leather shoes from? I LOVE the double monks you have from Paul Evans but Oxblood won’t fit most of my colour pallet and they’re out of my price range for the moment
Are you or have you done a post on the rules?
Some of the rules can be found under the dressiquette category of the blog Jacinto
Great article. Thanks.
Stunning red coat and shirt combination.Like it.. http://fashforums.com/blog/
Well said my friend, well said.