It is true that you need to invest in your appearance, especially if working directly with clients, investors and business partners. No matter how old you are, you certainly need to dress maturely. Men usually confuse youthful and trendy clothes with a teenage style, and think that wearing “mature” suits means wearing old-fashioned ones. Follow these tips to find out how you can easily look both smart and sharp.
1. Layering is both functional and stylish
“All it takes are a few simple outfits. And there’s one secret – the simpler the better.”– Cary Grant
Some men are afraid of mixing different pieces, because they don’t know how to match them. Even if you think you will make a mistake, start with wearing simple sweater with a white shirt underneath. It’s a basic trick to make your outfit more interesting. As the less is more, don’t try to combine completely different pieces.
If you still think that layering is ridiculous, let’s consider some practical sides. The main purpose of layering is heat retention. If it gets warm, you can take off one layer and still look sharp and smart. Men sweat more than women, so if you are constantly on the move, more layers will help in managing it.
Moreover, when matching different clothes, make sure that it is comfortable and it allows you to move freely. Except summer, all seasons require layering, so learn how to successfully combine clothing, and still manage to preserve your unique style.
2. Accessories reflect your personality
“To achieve the nonchalance which is absolutely necessary for a man, one article at least must not match.” – Hardy Amies
Many men don’t feel like business suits allow them to showcase their personality. If you are one of them, then know that you just haven’t found the right fit and style. However, if you are still waiting to come across the chosen one, I advise you to start with accessories. You don’t need to spend a fortune to look sharp, but the one thing that will require money is a perfect watch. It’s not as superficial as you might think – the purpose isn’t showing off your expensive watch in order to be seen as a successful man. These little things allow us to express ourselves and show our true nature. There are tons of different watches, and whether you are sci-fi addict or a vintage gentleman style lover, I am sure you will find the right one.
If you are a smoker, know that it doesn’t suit any style. It may have suited James Dean, but it’s not professional to have your suit smell like cigarettes all the time. Try out some substitutions for cigarettes, and your lungs will be thankful as well. If you are a chain smoker, try out some e-cigarettes that will look smarter than holding a smelly one. If you still cannot give up smoking, have one of these electronic cigarettes, which will be a good addition to your style. Even celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson have turned to vaping.
3. Take care of yourself – style your beard and mustache
“My mother always says people should be able to take care of themselves, even if they’re rich and important.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett
If you have a beard or a mustache, you need to take care of them. It isn’t sexy and masculine to look like a complete mess. Men usually turn to growing a beard in order to avoid shaving every day. However, just having one won’t make you look sharp and smart – you need to learn how to maintain both your mustache and your beard. Simple trimming can make you look elegant and sophisticated. Therefore, you don’t need a fortune to make yourself look professional and stylish – all you need is a bit of grooming.
The same goes for hair. When considering a new haircut, make sure it reflects who you are. You want to look good when you look at yourself in the mirror. If you don’t have time for styling your hair in the morning, aim for messy boyish haircuts.
Personal hygiene is also of great importance. You’d be surprised how good antiperspirant and white teeth can boost your confidence and overall mood, which will make you look comfortable in your clothes. Some men suffer excessive sweating, so it can make them anxious when working in the office, where you cannot adjust the temperature.
So, consider layering your clothing and if it is becoming a real health issue that prevents you from doing your everyday activities, you should consider some laser treatments. Being healthy and neat are always trendy, and they will make you look sharp instantly.
4. A nice bag and wallet will make you instantly stylish
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Gore Vidal
You might think that carrying a bag is just too much trouble, but it is really practical. Once you start carrying one, you won’t be able to leave it at home. There are many designs and types of bags – all you need to do is find the perfect one for you. From a vintage briefcase to a trendy messenger bag, you’ll make your life easier and definitely upgrade your style. Choose the bag based both on what you need to store, but also your personal taste. A good bag will enable you to carry a laptop, iPad, personal items and even an extra shirt.
Throw away your high-school Velcro wallet, and purchase a new leather one. Pay attention to its functionality and choose the right one according to your needs. If you travel a lot, then purchase the one where you can store your passport, business cards, ID, and money.
Choose wisely, because a nice bag and wallet will take your style to the next level in no time. If you saw “The Kingsman,” you know that a true gentleman needs to have a great suit, shoes, a bag and a black umbrella, which matches every style.
5. Posture adds to the overall appearance
“Elegance is usually confused with superficiality, fashion, lack of depth. This is a serious mistake: human beings need to have elegance in their actions and in their posture because this word is synonymous with good taste, amiability, equilibrium and harmony.” – Paolo Coelho
You can wear a well-tailored suit and expensive shoes, but if you have bad posture you won’t look good. You are also more prone to experiencing chronic headaches and back pain. Practice standing properly in order to maintain the health of your body. When at the office, find a comfortable chair and use a foot rest in order to support your back.
Good posture will make the clothes fit better, and will certainly boost your confidence. You cannot expect clothes to shape you and define you. Elegance comes from within, and the way you carry yourself is what matters. Keep your head high, back straight and chest out – you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
6. Plan in advance to avoid style fails
“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgot all about them.” – Hardy Amies
If you don’t have a planned outfit, there is nothing that can make you look sharp instantly. You don’t need to have an expensive suit, but you need to plan some outfits in advance, because it might happen that you get up for work and realize that nothing in your wardrobe matches, and you don’t have enough time to wash a shirt that would be perfect. Because of that, you need to plan some of your outfits in advance. During the weekend, you can put each outfit on a hanger or just go through clothes and plan for the next two days. This will also help you to get ready quickly and not waste your time.
Also, when buying clothes, try to choose ones which match the ones you already have. That way, you’ll always have a bunch of items in your wardrobe that match. Even if you opt for some different items of clothing, make sure you buy the whole look, so that with time you’ll have many possibilities to choose from and get ready in no time.
7. Learn some basics
“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.” – Oscar Wilde
Every now and then our clothes need quick fixes such as sewing a button, closing rips and even applying patches. Don’t spend money on these things, because you can easily do them on your own. Applying patches can seem complicated, but as soon as you learn how to do it, you will be able to fix your clothes in 5 minutes. Moreover, having a messy tie is unacceptable, and a well-tied tie will improve your entire look.
If you have leather shoes, know that you need to take care of them. They’ll last as long as you maintain and polish them. In order to prevent drying use a leather conditioner, and if there are stains, use a damp cloth. The same goes for wallets and bags. Leather is a quality material, and it requires a special care, so don’t neglect it. Knowing some basics will enable you to repair and maintain your sharp look without much effort.
8. Feeling good about yourself can make you both sharp and smart instantly
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent
Your style should reflect your personality. Feeling good in your own skin is the most important part of style. There is nothing you cannot do if you are happy with yourself. Not only you will feel better, but also you will boost your confidence, which will make you ready for new challenges. Don’t ever try to change who you are, but show your personality through style. The two most important things in fashion are that people are happy with what they are wearing and that they can be themselves. The smile is the only accessory that will make your style truly unique.
