Seven Secrets of Dressing Well - MEN

Personal style is something you can build with a very simple toolbox. Get some quality basics that fit well, and you're there.

By The Editors of Best Life

"Learning how to dress well is not as difficult as it may seem. [Like golf,] it is an acquired skill that can be honed and improved with correct practice."—Alan Flusser
The sad truth about men and fashion: The bar simply isn't very high. Conversely, it's also good news for you. Look around your office. Go to a party. Most men dress like their women dressed them. That makes looking smart and stylish pretty easy for you to pull off with minimal hand-wringing. Let us be frank: You are going to have to go shopping. You are going to have to spend some green—probably more than you've ever spent on clothes.

But there's not a whole lot to buy. You need good shoes and a well-made suit for important occasions. You need a golf outfit that won't embarrass you. You need casual clothes that aren't jeans and something to wear to cocktails at the CEO's house. Here are seven intelligent style ideas that'll help you upgrade your wardrobe instantly. You can't go wrong with this basic uniform if it fits you well.

A New Suit
The easiest way to upgrade your office look instantly is to add a suit that isn't corporate gray. Try a light-brown glen plaid. Rules: A wider-striped tie accents the solid shirt. A pocket square is a subtle addition that says you pay attention to detail. Tailoring tips: When having it tailored, be sure the jacket covers your butt completely. Don't trust the tailor; look in the mirror.
2. Leather Carry-On
Let's banish our black-canvas wheeled carry-ons to the far corner of the attic and forget them. We are not pilots or flight attendants. We are businessmen who travel light. And if we pack right, we can carry a 2-day-trip's worth of clothing in one hand. A smart leather bag looks good against the knee of a suit or jeans. Find one with zippered compartments to separate dirty clothes from clean.
3. Serious Golf Wear
Golf clothing is a minefield. Some of the stuff at the pro shops is downright laughable. Let the other guys wear their parrot reds and yellows. Browns and creams are tasteful and handsome. Your shirt should drape loosely about your shoulders, like a mesh collared shirt—try the Polo brand by Ralph Lauren.
4. Summer-Weight Suit
In addition to your lightweight-wool suits, a well-dressed man should own a quality linen suit. Most men get their suit sleeves too long. At least a half inch of shirt should show at the wrist. To look even sharper, make sure your lapels extend halfway or less than halfway out toward the shoulder line of your jacket.
5. Casual Clothes That Will Slim You
The strong vertical pinstripes and deep V-shaped lapel on a good lambskin jacket have a slimming effect. It's a great look for a casual evening out. Rule of thumb whenever going out with a woman: Dress a third nicer than what you think looks good, and you'll be dressed appropriately.
6. An Outfit With An Edge
If you try too hard to look youthful, you'll look like you're trying. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't push the envelope a bit. A leather jacket in tan or cream is smart. Leather breathes, and it blocks the wind—good for cool summer nights. Other ideas: Flat-front trousers will make you look taller and thinner and ankle-length suede boots update a classic style.
7. Work Bag With Class
Keep the Jansport pack off your back unless you're hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. If you need a rugged bag for work-related travel, try a scratchproof rubber option. It won't look out of place in a good hotel or a thunderstorm.

Enjoy Dressing.

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