There are enough rules in life the way it is. However, some are there to help. Like the rules that govern how well you dress. Of course, any man or woman who has an opinion on such matters speaks from their own experience – and there is no doubt that what works for one may not always work for another; or what works for one person, what seems too avant-garde to one or too avant-garde to another. Therefore, clothing should always be taken at face value. They are powerful suggestions and not the last word on style.
- Wear a good suit
The key to a good suit is fit. When shopping for casual wear, your focus should be on the cross-shoulder fit as changing your bust and waistline is a relatively simple task, according to David Taub, head of tailored suits at Savile Row Tailored Gieves & Hawkes. “Use caution when wearing a period suit unless you want a comprehensive look at your period because the suit looks like new in isolation,” he adds. The classics are the best and most advantageous – dark, two buttons, single row, moderate in detail.
- Invest wisely in an hour
“The watch is like a work of art,” says Don Cochran, CEO of the British watch brand Vertex. “Choose it because you love it, not because you think it could make money. Watches are personal, they represent the passage of time. But they also have to be practical.” Aesthetic, functional and durable sports models go with everything and withstand the hard bumps of everyday life. Still, the watch has to suit you.
- Don’t be shy about color
Treat yourself to a bit of color, whether it’s casual or formal. “Most men are wrongly afraid of it – they are afraid of anything that is not navy or gray,” says menswear designer Oliver Spencer. “But color can also be permanent.” A green suit, for example, can look extra luxurious, while Spencer recommends using pinks, greens, mustards, and lighter blues as a particularly versatile shade that enhances your overall look all year round.
- Spend money on shoes
“Timelessness is about design that is simple and most important in shoes,” says Tim Little, owner of the traditional shoe brand Grenson. “The color, the pattern, the sole – you don’t want it too heavy. Anything that is too picky may look good now, but it looks weird very quickly.” Quality shoes – Goodyear buyback examples are the gold standard – are the type of investment that should last 15 years or more. Opt for classic styles such as pumps, loafers or a simple dark derby with five holes on the round toe, but don’t forget to find high-quality dress socks too.
- Keep the accessories to a minimum
Accessories like bow ties and custom pocket squares make for a classy outfit, but be careful how you use them. “The best way to combine them with what you’re wearing is by choosing a color or two. Or even combine them completely, ”says Michael Hill, Creative Director of the men’s accessories brand Drake’s. “What you don’t want is a match between them.” When it comes to shirt and tie combinations, wear a tie or pocket square that is a darker color than your jacket.
- Know when to break the rules
Know when to adhere to a dress code like a black tie and when to break it. Some are there for a good reason, mostly because the occasion demands it or a higher authority – perhaps your boss – expects it. But similarly, as Drex Hill notes, “we can stick to the rules and there’s always a reason to tear them up.” So the style gradually evolves. “Enjoy the freedom to make mistakes now.”
