LOUIS COPELAND

The Thread

10 Style Commandments Every Man Should Follow

10 Style Commandments Every Man Should Follow

Clothes don’t maketh the man, but they certainly help. Dressing smartly and stylishly boosts your confidence and makes you look and feel better. So, here’s what you need to know…

Men's Guide Style Tips

Clothes don’t maketh the man, but they certainly help. Dressing smartly and stylishly boosts your confidence and makes you look and feel better. So, here’s what you need to know to up your style game and optimise your outfit.

1. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FIT

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Fit is everything. Even the world's most expensive suit will look shoddy if it isn't tailored to the contours of your body.

Whether it’s formal, casual or anything in between, everything will always look better – and be more flattering - when it fits immaculately.

2. HAVE AT LEAST ONE IMPECCABLE SUIT

Whether you're an office executive who needs to look sharp for the competition or a creative who dresses up every now and then simply because he likes to, the suit is, indisputably, the basic building block of looking good. And that’s why it’s imperative that you have (at least) one that, genuinely, looks the business.

If in doubt for what to go for, a two-button navy suit is a failsafe option. It works during the day; it works at night. In short, it works for just about every occasion you'd wear a suit to.

3. INVEST IN A GREAT PAIR OF JEANS

Finding that perfect pair of well-fitting jeans is worth the price tag. It’s not always easy and it might take time – but the right pair will pay you back, over and over again.

When selecting your dream denims, look for three essential qualities - a slim fit, dark wash, and sturdy construction - and you’ll be able to wear your jeans just about anywhere.

4. BUY CHEAP, BUY TWICE

To the untrained eye, one suit, jacket or shirt might look pretty much like another, but the same eye can’t fail to spot the differences in the price of these items.

As a general rule of thumb, the life expectancy of an item of clothing has a direct relation to how much you pay for it. A cheap one will tide you over for a few wears, certainly, but don’t expect longevity. You really do get what you pay for.

5. UPGRADE YOUR OUTERWEAR

The Irish climate dictates that, even in the summer months, no man is ever far from his coat. That’s why outerwear is something that deserves our undivided attention and investment.

A sharp overcoat that slims your body yet has room for layering is something that deserves a place in every man’s wardrobe. Choose sensibly and it will work just as well with your business suit as it will with your weekend wear.

6. DRESS TO IMPRESS

Your school days are behind you (possibly far behind you), so it’s up to you to make sure your shirts are pressed and wrinkle-free, your trousers are pressed and your shoes are polished.

Regardless of the label on your suit or the price tag on your trousers, if you don’t keep your clothing in pristine condition, you’re not reaching your style potential.

7. MASTER THE ART OF MATCHING YOUR SHIRT AND TIE

Always start with the shirt, not the tie. First, select the main colour of your shirt. The main colour of your tie should contrast with the shirt, and the secondary colour should complement it.

8. EMBRACE PATTERN – BUT CAREFULLY

Embracing pattern is always encouraged - but it needs to be done with care.

As a general rule, aim to match patterns that contrast in size. That means pairing, for example, a fine gingham shirt with a tie in a larger plaid. The resulting balance doesn't clash and, in a definite yet understated manner, shows you’ve put some thought into your look.

Pay attention to the little things

9. PAY ATTENTION TO THE LITTLE THINGS

Assembling a wardrobe of fine clothing is not always a guarantee of sartorial success. The building blocks – overcoat, blazer, trousers and shoes - may all be in place, but it’s the finishing touches that can elevate an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

To personalise your look and stand out from the crowd, consider investing in items such as a tie bar, cufflinks, and, of course, a versatile pocket square. Needless to say, your shoes, too, should be afforded paramount importance – they’re an instant signifier of a man’s status. Rest assured: those in the know will notice.

10. IT IS BETTER TO BE OVERDRESSED THAN UNDERDRESSED.

We’re not suggesting you wear black tie to do the weekend carwash, but it’s always preferable, style-wise, to err on the side of caution. If in doubt, choose classy rather than casual; you’ll win more points for looking sharp than looking drab. As Oscar Wilde famously said: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”