There are already too many regulations in life. Some, on the other hand, are there to assist. The principles that govern how to dress well, for example. Of course, any man or woman who has an opinion on such matters does so based on personal experience – and what works for one person may not work for another; or what works for one person may be regarded too pedestrian or too avant-garde by another.

As a result, they must always be regarded at face value when it comes to dressing. They’re only suggestions, not the final word on fashion.

In moments of confusion and self-doubt, having a valuable fall-back position that cuts through the clutter can help. As menswear becomes ever more rich and varied, ever more experimental and abundant, ever more trend-aware, it can help to have a valuable fall-back position that cuts through the clutter.

These ‘rules’ are usually based on history — they’ve worked for generations, so they’re likely to work today as well. And they’re usually based on the obvious, which is sometimes overlooked: a preference for good fit, high quality, versatility, good value, avoiding extremes, and keeping things simple.

There are undoubtedly many more rules than those presented here. Some of these may have previously been discovered by you. After all, trying new clothing on, seeing if it suits you, and seeing how it makes you feel is part of the fun of dressing, which no law should prevent. These criteria, on the other hand, have endured the test of time and, when combined, serve as a surefire guide to dressing effectively today.

Read more: Buying a Tailor Made Suit Online: A Guide

  • WEAR YOUR SUIT PROPERLY.

The most important aspect of a suit’s appearance is its fit. If you’re buying off-the-rack, Davide Taub, head of bespoke suits at Ferruccio Milanesi, recommends focusing on the fit across the shoulders because altering the chest and waist is very simple. “Unless you’re going for a comprehensive period look, avoid wearing a period outfit since it starts to look like a novelty when worn alone,” he adds. The best and most functional style is the classic – black, two-button, single-breasted, with mild details. “It isn’t monotonous. A suit is a sort of dress code. The aim is to think of this suit as a blank canvas on which to paint various expressions of individuality. It’s how you wear it, not the label on the inside, that makes an impression.”

  • WISELY INVEST IN A WATCH

“A watch is like a work of art,” says Don Cochrane, managing director of Vertex, a British watch company. “Pick it because you enjoy it, not because you believe it will make you money. Watches are personal in that they mark the passage of time for you. However, you must also be practical.” Aesthetic, functional, and robust sports models go with everything and can withstand the rigours of daily use. Even so, a watch must fit you. It should be comfortable, and the size and depth should be appropriate for your wrist — 40mm is regarded the ‘Goldilocks’ size.

  • DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOR.

Indulge in a splash of colour, whether it’s on your casual or formal clothes. “Most men are unduly afraid of it — anything that isn’t navy or grey intimidates them,” says menswear designer Oliver Spencer. “Color, on the other hand, can be timeless.” Spencer also advises pinks, greens, mustard, and brighter tones of blue as very flexible year-round shades that will enhance your entire outfit. However, when it comes to colour, he believes that little is more: “All you need is a smidgeon of it in one garment.”

Read more: IF YOU WANT TO STAND OUT IN THE OFFICE, YOU MUST DRESS FOR THE PART

 

  • WEAR YOUR JEANS UNTIL YOU OWN THEM.

According to Alex Mir, co-owner of Sheffield-based company Forge Denim, the most practical cut of the world’s most popular garment is “slim-tapered.” “It’s wider in the thigh, so it’s comfy, but it narrows at the ankle, so it goes with sophisticated shoes or sneakers,” he suggests. “It’s the ultimate all-year-round, anything-goes, dress up or down style.” The smart will also wear dark, raw denim and avoid the pre-distressed. “The beauty of denim is how it matures depending on how you wear it. Why would you want to miss out on that?”

 

  • AFTER YOUR APPEARANCE, TAKE A LOOK

It’s the kind of advise your mother might give, but if you’ve put money and thought into your clothes, take care of them. Have your suit dry-cleaned and pressed; wash your clothes periodically and, ideally, don’t tumble dry them (it might deteriorate the fabric); and shine your shoes. Similarly, you must take care of not only the skin of your leather jacket, but also the one you wear every day. Brush your hair and trim your nails as part of a simple yet effective grooming routine. The devil, after all, is in the details.

Read more: How to Dress for Summer: 9 Summer Fashion Tips

  • KEEP IT SIMPLE WITH YOUR UNDERWEAR.

Style isn’t limited to what others can perceive. There are two rules to follow when it comes to men’s underwear. One, quirky prints aren’t for grown men — as shirt and underwear designer Emma Willis points out, “your underwear isn’t the place to express your “personality.” And, two, underwear with a lot of logos lacks refinement. Willis continues, “Of all the places where you might have the confidence not to have branding, your underpants should be it.” Cotton boxer shorts have, of course, passed the test of time, owing to its ability to withstand multiple washings, breathe well, and feel pleasant on the skin (as linen does).

  • BUY SHOES WITH YOUR MONEY

 

“Timelessness is about basic design, especially with shoes,” says Tim Little, owner of Grenson, a heritage shoe manufacturer. “You don’t want anything fussy in terms of colour, design, or sole. Anything fussy may appear beautiful right now, but it will rapidly become strange.” Quality shoes, such as re-soleable Goodyear welted examples, are an investment that should last at least 15 years. Classic styles like brogues, loafers, and a basic, black, five-eyelet Derby on a round-toe last are all good choices. “The contour of the toe is incredibly important – and round never goes out of style,” Little explains. “It’s pointed or square toes that appear to be the most impractical. Nobody else has feet like that.”

 

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