You could be a successful professional raking and having recently acquired a swanky car, but if you are dressed shabbily with food stains on your clothes and with two days’ growth of stubble on your face, then you will be judged accordingly. We’re here to make sure that never happens to you! Read on the essential style and grooming tips and get a grip on how to make a great first impression.
1. Fit is King
The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits impeccably. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the shape of your body – without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic.
2. Keep it Simple
You want a wardrobe that looks great on you, but don’t overdo it. Don’t wear more than three pieces of jewelry or more than three colors. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a dressy belt, and your sharpest dress shoes. You could also add a flashy watch or a simple accessory like an interesting necklace, but nothing more. Check out out our article on basics to refresh yourself on what are essential wardrobe items.
3. Change the way you see casual
Casual doesn't have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.
4. Pay attention to your supporting pieces
Some sweaters are lean and others are big and chunky. The first rule of thumb is that your top and bottom halves need to match. If you’re wearing a big, chunky, rugged fisherman knit sweater, your bottom needs to be rugged, too. Don’t wear a fisherman’s sweater with a beautiful silk-and-wool suit pant. Instead, wear it with something as casual as cargos or jeans, or dress it up with a Harris tweed blazer. Wear Proper and Matching Belts, Socks, Watches, Spectacles, Chains and Bracelets according to occasion and time.
5. Never go shopping alone
Most of the time, it’s tough to trust the sales people because they usually work for commission. Shop with a friend who will give you their honest opinion. Shop according to your budget.
6. Sense of Dressing
Don’t overdo it to a fault, but dare to take some risks. It’s always better to be a little bit overdressed than under-dressed in any setting. All you have to do is think about where and who you’re going to be with and just step it up one notch. But make sure you’re not better dressed than someone who is more important in a certain setting, like your boss.
7. Never underestimate the power of details
The last thing on is usually the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. "Details" means a scarf, a subtle pocket square, or the way you tie your tie knot.
8. Invest in a superb pair of shoes
If it’s one thing that women will notice, it’s your shoes. Especially how clean, shiny and sharp they look. It’s easy to wash and press the rest of your clothes to keep them looking new, but most guys disregard their shoes. Show that you’re a man of taste by getting a great pair of shoes and keeping them in pristine condition.
9. Fashion Tees with logos
When you’re going around with a big logo on your shirt, you risk looking like a walking billboard. Lose the lame Coca-Cola shirt and go for a classic v-neck tee or something artsy.
10. Disregard Trends
Beware of buying something just because it’s “in” right now – stick to what you truly like. A lot of people rush to get in on the latest trend and end up with a bunch of clothes they don’t wear. It’s better to learn to build a versatile and timeless wardrobe first – then bring in your own twists with some of the new fashion.
11. Don’t be a sucker for Brand Names
Before you decide to purchase an item, ask yourself if you are buying it simply because of the brand name or because you love the quality and style. Ask yourself, “Would I buy this if there was no logo on it?”
12. Continually Cultivate your Image
Invest more time and money into your image. Cultivate your fashion sense. Your style is a huge mode of communication, and is worth caring for as much as your education, career, and relationships.
13. Ask for Real Feedback
Most of your friends and family aren't going to go out of their way to tell you what looks bad. You have to ask for it. In fact, ask anyone and everyone you trust to tell you the truth. Ask your hairstylist, ask your best friend, ask your mother!
14. Upgrade your shave
Shave regularly to look your best. If you sport a beard or a mustache or a French beard, then make sure it is trimmed neatly and has no stray hairs sticking out in multiple directions. Also make sure that you shave in the same direction as the growth of the hair, and that you soften your facial hair before shaving it. This will ensure that there aren't in growths and also reduce the possibilities of getting nicked while shaving.
15. Smell Good
Sweat is inevitable, but can be beaten. Keep a check on whether you smelling and reapply cologne or deodorant. Also wear an undershirt if you tend to sweat a lot. Use foot powder on your feet to keep your shoes and feet from smelling bad. Don’t go overboard and douse yourself with strong smelling perfume, after using strong smelling toiletries, but pick one cologne and stick with it. Don’t use different smelling soaps, lotions and then apply cologne because the scents could mix badly resulting in a weird smelling mish-mash on you. Don’t ever go cheap when buying perfume. Not only might it react badly with your skin, but also it can never smell as good as the original. Also, never ever try to disguise body odor with cologne. It’s the worst thing you could possibly do! Have a shower instead.
16. Maintain Posture and Be Confident
Posture is very important. Do not slouch and always walk straight because it projects confidence and assertiveness in a man. If you have trouble with maintaining your posture, do some posture exercises regularly till you perfect your posture. When you first meet a person and shake his or her hand, make your handshake firm and look them in the eyes and smile. Not meeting a person’s eye, or giving someone a limp handshake is the worst first impression you can create. It reflects a personality that's is not sure of himself, and is insecure. Neither of these makes for a good impression.
17. After Meals
After any meal, check your teeth for food residue and re-check your face to see if there’s any smudge or dirt. Rinse your mouth out and use mint to avoid you breath from smelling. Brush your teeth or do floss if necessary.
18. Pamper your skin
To ensure that your skin is glowing and that you look fresh, do what the doctor ordered. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day. If possible drink at least a beer glass full of water in the morning. It takes a getting used to but does wonders for your complexion. Get enough sleep so that you don’t have puffy eyes, and also moisturize regularly to keep your skin nourished. Before stepping out, always check your face to make sure you don’t have any smudges of dirt on it, or any stray hair growing or crust in your eyes. This just takes you a few seconds and it will surely add to your look.
19. Take care of your Lips
Chapped lips will never get you anywhere with that girl you like, so use lip balm regularly to keep them moisturized and smooth. Don’t put too much on or it might end up looking like you’re wearing lip gloss. If it embarrasses you to use it, only apply it when you’re in the washroom.
20. Get in the shower
The basic step to staying clean and smelling good even without any cologne. This is a step you are not allowed to miss because it’s as simple as water, shower and towel. So whether you've just come back from the gym, woken up, or are going for a party - shower!
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