Mark Twain – “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”
Dressing well is important.
How you dress affects how people perceive you, and treat you.
It makes you feel great.
I’m working to make myself better dressed and wear better clothes.
Here are 100 Tips on how to look great (as a man!)
Dressing well is about more than just following trends—it’s about creating your own style, understanding what fits you best, and knowing how to put together outfits that reflect who you are.
100 Tips on How to Dress Well
Here’s a comprehensive list of 100 tips for men who want to look their best and elevate their style.
1. Understanding Basics and Fit
- Know your measurements: Essential for suits, shirts, and trousers.
- Invest in a good tailor: Tailored clothes make a huge difference.
- Choose the right fit for your body type: Not too tight, not too loose.
- Learn the rules of suit fit: Shoulder seams should end at your shoulders, and with your arms at your sides, your knuckles should be even with the bottom of your jacket.
- Pants should break slightly: The cuff should hit the top of your shoes.
- Roll your sleeves neatly: Master the casual forearm or classic elbow roll.
- Tuck in your shirt properly: Ensure it’s smooth and not billowing.
- Keep your clothes ironed: Wrinkles can ruin a good outfit.
- Always unbutton your jacket when sitting down: To avoid stretching.
- Layer smartly: Balance thickness and colors harmoniously.
2. Building a Wardrobe
- Start with staples: A good suit, a quality white shirt, dark jeans, and versatile shoes.
- Have at least one great suit: Preferably in navy or grey.
- Invest in a blazer: It’s less formal than a suit jacket and very versatile.
- Own a good quality white dress shirt: It’s timeless.
- Secure quality T-shirts: Both in white and in black.
- Invest in good jeans: One dark denim and one lighter shade.
- Get well-fitted chinos: A smart casual essential.
- Acquire a leather jacket: It lasts for decades if cared for.
- Buy a trench coat: Ideal for transitional weather.
- Own a variety of shoes: Dress shoes, casual sneakers, and boots.
3. Shoes and Accessories
- Polish your shoes regularly: Dirty shoes can ruin an outfit.
- Match your belt with your shoes: Especially in formal attire.
- Invest in a quality watch: It’s a timeless accessory.
- Wear no-show socks with low-top shoes: Keep it neat.
- Choose the right tie: It should just reach your belt line.
- Learn to tie a bow tie: It’s invaluable for formal events.
- Experiment with pocket squares: Adds a dash of personality to suits.
- Use a money clip or a sleek wallet: Avoid bulky pockets.
- Consider a scarf: For style and warmth.
- Select sunglasses that fit your face shape: A crucial summer accessory.
4. Color and Patterns
- Understand color theory: Know which colors complement your skin tone.
- Don’t shy away from color: Even a pop can elevate an outfit.
- Master the art of monochrome: Varying textures can add depth.
- Introduce patterns gradually: Start with stripes or checks.
- Balance patterned outfits: If your shirt is loud, keep the suit simple.
- Match tie patterns and shirt patterns thoughtfully: They should not compete for attention.
- Use color blocking: To highlight or downplay areas of your body.
- Invest in neutral colors: They are versatile and easy to match.
- Know when to use bright colors: Perfect for casual wear or statement pieces.
- Understand the basics of color matching: Navy, grey, black, and white work with almost anything.
5. Maintenance and Hygiene
- Develop a routine for garment care: Read labels and understand what each symbol means.
- Use wooden hangers for suits: They maintain the shape of your jacket.
- Store clothes properly: Keep them clean, dry, and properly folded or hung.
- Brush suits with a clothes brush: Keeps fabric in top condition.
- Learn basic sewing: Fixing a button is easier than you think.
- Keep leather conditioned: Especially for shoes and belts.
- Rotate your shoes: Give them time to air out.
- Refresh your wardrobe seasonally: Keep it relevant and organized.
- Use fragrance wisely: Less is often more.
- Maintain good grooming: It complements your outfit.
6. Lifestyle Considerations
- Dress for the occasion: Know what’s expected and what’s appropriate.
- Adapt your wardrobe to your lifestyle: Your clothes should fit your daily activities.
- Invest in workout clothes: You can be stylish at the gym too.
- Own a good swimsuit: Especially if you frequent the pool or beach.
- Consider custom clothing: For a perfect fit.
- Update your wardrobe with trends mindfully: Don’t be a slave to fashion.
- Wear what makes you feel confident: Confidence is key.
- Accessorize according to the occasion: Be it cufflinks, watches, or ties.
- Invest in good loungewear: Comfort at home matters.
- Dress age-appropriately: Adapt your style as you grow.
7. Advanced Style Tips
- Mix textures: Combines sophistication and depth.
- Layer thoughtfully: Play with different lengths and materials.
- Experiment with vintage: Unique pieces can set you apart.
- Focus on details: The devil is in the details.
- Adopt seasonal fabrics: Linen in summer, wool in winter.
- Balance fitted and loose garments: Achieve a flattering silhouette.
- Personalize your style: Monograms or custom details.
- Use accessories to reflect personality: Let your accessories speak.
- Plan outfits ahead: Avoid last-minute mismatches.
- Follow style icons: Draw inspiration from well-dressed men.
8. Shopping Smart
- Buy off-season: Often cheaper.
- Know when to splurge: On timeless pieces.
- Shop at trusted stores: Know where to get the best quality.
- Use technology: Apps and websites can offer styling tips.
- Set a budget: Keep your finances in check.
- Learn from past purchases: Invest in what works.
- Do a wardrobe audit regularly: Keep only what you wear.
- Shop with a list: Avoid impulse buys.
- Try before you buy: Especially important for fit and comfort.
- Watch for sales and discounts: But don’t compromise on quality.
9. Personal Development
- Develop a signature style: Be known for a certain look.
- Be open to feedback: Sometimes others can offer valuable insights.
- Take care of your body: A fit body complements any outfit.
- Stay informed: Keep up with fashion and style news.
- Practice good posture: Clothes look better when you stand tall.
- Travel and explore: Different cultures can inspire new looks.
- Document your outfits: Helps with future planning.
- Embrace change: Don’t be afraid to evolve your style.
- Learn fabric care: Proper care will extend the life of your garments.
- Be a role model: Inspire others with your style.
10. Ethical and Sustainable Fashion
- Support ethical brands: Brands that pay fair wages and avoid child labor.
- Choose sustainable fabrics: Such as organic cotton or recycled polyester.
- Repair instead of replace: Extends the life of your clothes.
- Recycle old clothes: Donate or recycle clothes responsibly.
- Reduce laundry: Saves water and energy, and your clothes last longer.
- Buy less but better: Quality over quantity.
- Educate yourself about fashion’s environmental impact.
- Support local artisans and producers: Boosts local economy and reduces carbon footprint.
- Investigate the supply chain: Know where and how your clothes are made.
- Promote sustainability: Share your knowledge and choices.
With these 100 tips, you can refine your fashion sense, enhance your wardrobe, and approach each day with a new level of confidence and style. Remember, dressing well is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Keep learning, adapting, and enjoying the process of curating your personal style.
Related Quotes
Coco Chanel – “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
Giorgio Armani – “Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.”
Oscar Wilde – “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”
Tom Ford – “Dressing well is a form of good manners.”
Ralph Lauren – “Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”
Gianni Versace – “Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.”
Yves Saint Laurent – “Fashions fade, style is eternal.”
Christian Dior – “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion.”
Mark Twain – “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”
Vivienne Westwood – “Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.”
Learn More
Learning more about fashion and how to dress well can be a rewarding endeavor that enhances both your personal and professional life. Here are some effective ways to deepen your knowledge and refine your style:
1. Read Fashion Books and Magazines
Start by exploring books and magazines that focus on men’s fashion and style. Classics like “Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion” by Alan Flusser provide a thorough grounding in menswear. Fashion magazines such as “GQ,” “Esquire,” and “Vogue Men” offer insights into current trends, designer interviews, and style tips.
2. Follow Fashion Blogs and Influencers
The internet is replete with fashion bloggers and style influencers who share daily content about men’s fashion, offering both inspiration and practical advice. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube are great places to see how various styles are worn in real life.
3. Take Online Courses
Consider enrolling in online courses that cover fashion design, styling, or fashion history. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer courses taught by industry professionals that range from beginner to advanced levels.
4. Watch Fashion Shows
Keep up with the latest collections by watching fashion shows. Many designers stream their shows online, and you can watch them on platforms like YouTube or on the fashion houses’ own websites. This can give you a sense of the direction in which fashion is moving and help you understand the designer’s creative process.
5. Attend Workshops and Fashion Events
Look for fashion workshops, talks, and seminars that may be offered in your area. These events can provide valuable networking opportunities and the chance to learn directly from professionals in the fashion industry.
6. Experiment with Your Wardrobe
One of the best ways to learn is by doing. Experiment with different styles and outfits to find what works best for you. Pay attention to fit, color combinations, and how different fabrics work together.
7. Visit Boutiques and Talk to Stylists
Spend time in clothing boutiques and talk to the stylists there. They can offer personalized advice based on current trends and what might work best for your body type and personal style.
8. Subscribe to Fashion Podcasts
There are many podcasts dedicated to fashion that discuss various aspects of the industry, interview designers and stylists, and offer advice on personal style. Listening to these can be a great way to get information while on the go.
9. Join Fashion Forums and Online Communities
Engage with communities of fashion enthusiasts online. Forums like Styleforum and Reddit’s r/malefashionadvice are platforms where you can ask questions, share information, and discuss all things related to men’s fashion.
10. Keep a Style Journal
Document your style journey in a journal. Note what you wear, how you feel in those outfits, and any compliments or feedback you receive. This can help you refine your personal style over time.
By combining these resources and approaches, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of men’s fashion and personal styling, helping you make more informed decisions about how to dress well and develop a personal style that suits you.
