10 rules every man needs to know to dress well

There are countless rules in life. And dressing well is one of them. Of course, everyone has their own opinion on what best represents them, because what is good for one person is not necessarily good for another.

However, when it comes to fashion, there are some rules that never change, no matter who applies them. Here are 10 of them:

Know how to wear a suit

The key to a great suit is fit. If you are buying a suit off-the-rack, pay attention to the fit of the shoulders, as this will have a big impact on your bust and waist.

Always go for classic suits, says Davide Taub, Savile Row’s leading bespoke suit expert. “Dark, double-breasted, with minimal detailing is best. It’s never boring. The suit is a uniform. Always think of the suit as a canvas, and then paint your personal elements.”

Invest in a valuable watch

“A watch is a piece of art,” says Don Cochrane, director of Vertex watches. “Buy it because you love it, not because you think it will make you money. It’s a personal thing, a mark of your journey through time. But you have to be realistic.

Look for a watch that is aesthetically pleasing, runs well, is durable, and can go with anything you wear on a daily basis. Yes, of course it should fit you well, so you always feel comfortable wearing it.

Don't avoid color

Whether it’s casual or formal, consider adding a pop of color to make it more interesting. “Most men are afraid of color—they avoid anything that isn’t gray, black, or navy,” says designer Oliver Spencer. “But color can also be timeless.”

For example, a pair of green shoes can be very eye-catching when combined with an all-black outfit. Likewise, items in light pink, blue, mustard yellow or other shades can elevate an outfit.

However, keep in mind that with color, you should consider the “less is more” factor. “You only need a little color, preferably a solid color item.”

Wear your jeans until they belong to you.

Jeans are arguably the most popular and beloved fashion item. However, finding the right pair is not an easy task. According to fashion experts, the perfect pair of jeans for men should be a little looser in the thighs and have a straight cut.

It’s something you can wear year-round, it goes with anything, and it can be dressed up or down with whatever you wear it with. Ideally, it’s a dark, raw, classic style. The best thing about jeans is that they age the way you wear them. Who would want to miss out on that?

Taking care of your belongings

This is the kind of advice you hear all the time, but it’s not a waste. Once you’ve become conscious of your appearance and invested a lot of money in your clothes, take care of them properly.

If possible, use wooden hangers for shirts and dedicated racks for your shoes. Dry clean your suits, and limit the drying process (as it can easily fade and weaken the fabric). In addition, polish your shoes regularly.

It’s not just about fashion, you should also pay attention to your appearance. Brush your hair, dust your clothes, and trim your nails. Because sometimes, people will notice the little things about you.

Choose simple underwear

There are two small rules when it comes to men’s underwear. First, prints are not for grown men. Unlike shoes or jackets, underwear is not about expressing your individuality.

And second, underwear that's too branded is not subtle. Don't follow Justin Bieber's lead and flaunt Calvin Klein on your low-rise briefs.

Cotton boxers with a slim elastic waistband and no branding are the right choice, as they can withstand repeated washing, are breathable and comfortable on the skin.

Invest more in shoes

Shoes are the first thing to consider when evaluating each person's fashion style. For shoes, you should be willing to open your wallet a little more, to invest in pairs that never go out of style. From color, pattern to sole design, you should not be too fussy. Colorful and stylish things may be cool at the moment, but very quickly go out of style. A quality pair of shoes is something you can invest in very properly, to use for 15 years or more.

Wear accessories to the minimum

Accessories like ties and pocket squares can add a classic touch to any outfit. But be careful when using them. Use them in a harmonious way by choosing one or two dominant colors.

Ties and pocket squares should be darker than your jacket. Also, don’t overdo it with accessories. If you feel like something isn’t right, remove one. Sometimes, all you need is one piece to make a statement.

Dress appropriately for the setting

Style shouldn’t just be a personal statement. It should also be appropriate to your environment. Think of your clothes as a way to connect you to your surroundings: are you at work or out at a nightclub? Are you going on a date or just having a lazy morning at home?

The worst style is the one that doesn't fit the occasion. Because it's not just something to wear, it's a sign of respect for others, and how comfortable you are inside.

Don't skip the glasses

Take your time finding the right glasses. Ill-fitting glasses are the reason why many people hate wearing glasses. Only buy glasses that you feel comfortable in, and consider your face shape when choosing a style: straight eyebrows go with straight frames. The same goes for your hairstyle.