101 Style Tips for Men

How To Dress For Your Body Type

Ever see a picture of an amazing outfit then try to replicate it?

You carefully buy the clothes, piece by piece. You take care to copy the colors and style. And after all that effort, you try your new outfit and realize you look nothing like the guy in the picture.

The chances are, you overlooked a small but important factor – body type. You probably don't have the same body type as the guy in the photo. The result? What works for him doesn't work for you.

In this article, we'll teach you how to avoid this mistake in the future by showing you how to dress for your body type.

Before we get started, there are a couple housekeeping rules.

Your body type and shape should always take preference over fashion trends. Know your tailor on a first-name basis. You should trust them like your best friend. Dress for the body you have NOW…don't put off wardrobe improvements for that 2-year diet plan you've been working on.

Learn to emphasize the best aspects of your build and divert attention away from your undesirable features. Let's get into it.

Body Shape #1 For Men – TRIANGLE

Most men are predisposed to being larger around the waist and hips in relation to the top part of their bodies, especially as they get older. This creates a natural triangular shape with the base at the waist and the tip at the face.

Having a triangular body shape does not mean you are in bad shape, but it presents a challenge in finding clothes that make your entire body appear proportional. Most men's clothing is designed with the opposite effect in mind – broad on top and narrower at the waist.

Creating balance and shape with your clothes is a key consideration for you.

Clothing for men with triangle body shape

Tailored patterned blazers: Wear checked blazers and fitted waistcoats with solid trousers. The mix of prints and solid colors will create the illusion of shape and take the focus away from the larger waist.

Wear checked blazers and fitted waistcoats with solid trousers. The mix of prints and solid colors will create the illusion of shape and take the focus away from the larger waist. Vertical stripes: This pattern creates a streamlined effect that elongates and slims down the upper body. Horizontal stripes are preferred only if they are visible from the chest upward.

This pattern creates a streamlined effect that elongates and slims down the upper body. Horizontal stripes are preferred only if they are visible from the chest upward. Jackets with structured shoulders: Slouchy shoulders on jackets (bomber jackets, for instance) will exaggerate your already sloping shoulder line. Structured shoulders (on a topcoat, for instance) square off your frame.

Slouchy shoulders on jackets (bomber jackets, for instance) will exaggerate your already sloping shoulder line. Structured shoulders (on a topcoat, for instance) square off your frame. Single-breasted suits: Instead of going for double-breasted jackets which bulk to the waist, opt for a single-breasted jacket to allow for a more relaxed and slimming fit. Get your jackets tailored for a structured fit on the top but with extra room around the waist.

Instead of going for double-breasted jackets which bulk to the waist, opt for a single-breasted jacket to allow for a more relaxed and slimming fit. Get your jackets tailored for a structured fit on the top but with extra room around the waist. Brighter color panels: Patterns and detailing across the chest and shoulders help broaden the narrow upper torso. Wear jumpers and crew neck tees with color panels across the chest but a slimming darker color like gray, navy, or black around the mid-section.

Clothing to avoid for men with triangle body shape

Fitted polo shirts and roll necks: Both these styles tend to make the neck and shoulders appear slender while accentuating any roundness in the waist.

Both these styles tend to make the neck and shoulders appear slender while accentuating any roundness in the waist. Brighter colors and busy prints: Bold and bright patterns will draw attention to your triangular-shaped torso. Work them into your outfit as accents in the form of pocket squares (how to fold a pocket square), glasses, socks, and trainers. Bold belts will only draw attention to the width of your waist.

Bold and bright patterns will draw attention to your triangular-shaped torso. Work them into your outfit as accents in the form of pocket squares (how to fold a pocket square), glasses, socks, and trainers. Bold belts will only draw attention to the width of your waist. Skinny fits and extreme tapers: Narrowing trousers draw the eye of an observer to the center of your body. Swap them for wide and straight leg fits that add proportion to your silhouette.

Body Shape #2 For Men – INVERTED TRIANGLE

The shape of this body type is a big triangle with the base at the shoulders and the point at the belly button.

Your well-developed chest and shoulders are significantly broader in comparison to your waist and hips. You probably spend hours at the gym every week working up an enviable muscle pump. Hectic training sessions in the gym result in accentuated shoulders and thighs and a narrow waist.

Since most manufacturers cater to men who are out of shape, buying clothes off the rack can be challenging for this body type.

Clothing for men with inverted triangle body shape

Your goal should be to show off your toned and fit body.

What should you wear if you're muscular? Wear close-fitting clothes that reduce visual clutter and emphasize the clean, sharp lines of your torso. Add bulk to your trim midriff and lower body while balancing the proportions of your well-developed upper body.

Horizontal stripes: Especially from the chest down, to broaden your comparatively narrow waist.

Especially from the chest down, to broaden your comparatively narrow waist. Slim-fit shirts: You can wear shirts to show off your incredibly fit body but remember to size up. You want to hint subtly at your fitness, not scream it by wearing figure-hugging costumes.

You can wear shirts to show off your incredibly fit body but remember to size up. You want to hint subtly at your fitness, not scream it by wearing figure-hugging costumes. Slim cotton polo shirt: A spandex mix will allow stretch across a broad set of shoulders and chest while creating a tailored look around the waist.

A spandex mix will allow stretch across a broad set of shoulders and chest while creating a tailored look around the waist. Regular V-neck T-shirts: The collar shape has a narrowing influence on your chest and draws the eye down and away from the broadest part of your torso. Stay away from plunging V-neck t-shirts.

The collar shape has a narrowing influence on your chest and draws the eye down and away from the broadest part of your torso. Stay away from plunging V-neck t-shirts. Straight-leg trousers and jeans: men's skinny jeans will accentuate your chicken legs. Slim-fit pants will do just fine. Wearing patterned pants, camo shorts, or checked trousers distracts from your comparatively broad upper body.

men's skinny jeans will accentuate your chicken legs. Slim-fit pants will do just fine. Wearing patterned pants, camo shorts, or checked trousers distracts from your comparatively broad upper body. Trousers with larger seat drop: Athletes have the common problem of finding pants that are roomy around the groin area. Look for a larger drop measurement between the waistband and the crotch seam.

Athletes have the common problem of finding pants that are roomy around the groin area. Look for a larger drop measurement between the waistband and the crotch seam. Jackets: Slim-fit jackets that follow the natural line of your silhouette, with a bigger difference between the width of the torso and the width of the waist.

Clothing to avoid for men with inverted triangle body shape

Structured tailoring: Suit jackets and blazers with shoulder padding and wide, especially peak lapels, will emphasize your heavy upper body. Unstructured silhouettes work better in streamlining your frame.

Suit jackets and blazers with shoulder padding and wide, especially peak lapels, will emphasize your heavy upper body. Unstructured silhouettes work better in streamlining your frame. Prints, patterns, and scoop necklines: Any detail, especially around the shoulders, will focus attention on your wide frame and throw your body out of proportion.

Find a good men's tailor you can trust (and try them out!). This is an indispensable part of building a stylish wardrobe for this body type.

Body Shape #3 For Men – RECTANGLE

Men with a rectangular body shape usually have a tall and thin frame. Their shoulders are roughly the same width as their waist and hips.

Clothing for men with rectangle body shape

Use clothing to widen the shoulders and add the effect of a subtle taper from your top-down. You’ll need to create an illusion of structure.

Creating a nipped-in silhouette across the middle of the body is both key and easy to achieve.

Horizontal stripes: Especially across your upper torso (short and long-sleeved Breton tees), as they’ll add width to your slight frame.

Especially across your upper torso (short and long-sleeved Breton tees), as they’ll add width to your slight frame. Structured tailoring: Once you’ve found structured blazers and suit jackets that add size to your shoulders, have your tailor take them in slightly at the back to emphasize your waist.

Once you’ve found structured blazers and suit jackets that add size to your shoulders, have your tailor take them in slightly at the back to emphasize your waist. Layered looks: A button-down shirt and fine-gauge crew neck jumper is a no-fail pairing that’ll add instant bulk to your frame.

A button-down shirt and fine-gauge crew neck jumper is a no-fail pairing that’ll add instant bulk to your frame. Scarves: A neatly tied or draped scarf is an easy way to add a point of difference to your look, as well as flesh out your upper torso.

A neatly tied or draped scarf is an easy way to add a point of difference to your look, as well as flesh out your upper torso. Prints, color pops, and detailing: Pops of brighter colors up top or details like epaulets will expand the dimensions of your otherwise slim frame.

Clothing to avoid for men with rectangle body shape

Double-breasted jackets: Unsurprisingly, tailoring cut in the shape of a rectangle does little to nothing for the rectangle-shaped body. Try a single-breasted style with plenty of structure in the shoulders instead.

For tailoring, make sure you opt for single-breasted styles. When off-duty, create shape by contrasting layers such as a shirt or a cardigan over a crisp white T-shirt or vest to create an extended V-shaped panel on the upper section of your body.

Body Shape #4 For Men – OVAL

In a bigger guy, the center of the torso is wider than the shoulders and hips. The rest of the build tends to reflect this as well, with shorter, broader limbs that widen at their midpoints.

Oval-shaped men want clothes that do a bit of slimming and framing.

Clothing for men with oval body shape

Keep it simple and dark. Solid colors are always good.

Trousers : The trouser waist should always be comfortably loose, never belted so tight that it pinches and wrinkles.

: The trouser waist should always be comfortably loose, never belted so tight that it pinches and wrinkles. Suspenders : Men's suspenders (“braces” in the UK) are your best friend. Wear them whenever you get the opportunity. They hold the trouser front out slightly, letting it fall in a smooth front all the way past the crotch. Whether belted or worn with suspenders, the trousers should always be worn at the natural waist, where they can drape smoothly over the bottom of your stomach instead of squeezing it all upward. You don’t want the belly sagging down in front of the belt or trouser waist.

: Men's suspenders (“braces” in the UK) are your best friend. Wear them whenever you get the opportunity. They hold the trouser front out slightly, letting it fall in a smooth front all the way past the crotch. Whether belted or worn with suspenders, the trousers should always be worn at the natural waist, where they can drape smoothly over the bottom of your stomach instead of squeezing it all upward. You don’t want the belly sagging down in front of the belt or trouser waist. Pleats : will help the pants widen slightly when you sit, adding a bit of comfort for men with large thighs and bottoms.

: will help the pants widen slightly when you sit, adding a bit of comfort for men with large thighs and bottoms. Shirts : A good fit is crucial in avoiding either pinching and wrinkles (too small a shirt) or billows that add even more bulk (too loose a shirt). Find a brand that works for you, or else have your shirts tailored. A wider collar spread works well for broad men, especially when the neck and face are broad. Want to know more? Read – how should a man's dress shirt fit?

: A good fit is crucial in avoiding either pinching and wrinkles (too small a shirt) or billows that add even more bulk (too loose a shirt). Find a brand that works for you, or else have your shirts tailored. A wider collar spread works well for broad men, especially when the neck and face are broad. Want to know more? Read – how should a man's dress shirt fit? Jackets : Dark, single-breasted, and only slightly tapered are the keys to a good jacket for big men. A sharp taper at the waist will be hard to button and stretch over the stomach. Just a hint of an inward bend right around the buttons is all that’s needed. The jacket gives the torso a frame, essentially putting it between two narrow lines, making it a worthwhile addition to almost any outfit.

: Dark, single-breasted, and only slightly tapered are the keys to a good jacket for big men. A sharp taper at the waist will be hard to button and stretch over the stomach. Just a hint of an inward bend right around the buttons is all that’s needed. The jacket gives the torso a frame, essentially putting it between two narrow lines, making it a worthwhile addition to almost any outfit. Neckties: Bow ties can be a good way to avoid a tie that drapes over the bulge of the stomach. If you’re not a fan of bow ties, then something decently wide and, more importantly, long enough to reach the belt will work.

Clothing to avoid for men with oval body shape

Tight fits in the torso are a bad choice: and trying to squeeze into clothing that’s too tight is the worst choice of all — it does nothing but emphasize the body’s bulk, and it makes you look desperate besides.

and trying to squeeze into clothing that’s too tight is the worst choice of all — it does nothing but emphasize the body’s bulk, and it makes you look desperate besides. Patterns and visual clutter are a bad idea: as is anything that draws attention to the midsection. Work on outfits that guide the eye smoothly up the whole length of the body and focus attention on your face.

Body Shape #5 For Men – TRAPEZOID

An “average” build refers to what most designers use as the foundation of their designs.

In other words – Most off the rack clothing will fit you well – pending minor adjustments.

The waist is the narrowest point on an average man’s torso. The rib cage widens steadily up to the collarbone and shoulders, which are the broadest parts of the torso. This gives the body an overall trapezoidal shape with the shorter side at the bottom.

Clothing for men with trapezoid body shape

Showcase your athletic body shape in slim and fitted clothes. Take advantage of sports-inspired modern looks.

If you’re both average build and average height, you could be in danger of blending in with crowds. Try to have a few distinct details in your outfit at all times. Just a colored pocket square in the jacket’s breast pocket goes a long way. A good watch and shoes have a similar effect.

Trousers : Avoid baggy clothes. Find a brand with a close fit, or have your trousers tailored. Stylistically, most colors and patterns should work just fine with your build. Cuffs and pleats are up to personal taste.

: Avoid baggy clothes. Find a brand with a close fit, or have your trousers tailored. Stylistically, most colors and patterns should work just fine with your build. Cuffs and pleats are up to personal taste. Shirts : Vertical stripes will make you appear a little taller. Checks and plaids add horizontal bulk, so pick which one you need based on your height.

: Vertical stripes will make you appear a little taller. Checks and plaids add horizontal bulk, so pick which one you need based on your height. Jackets : A blazer or suit jacket tapers your waist, making your stomach seem slimmer, and your shoulders seem broader. Wear it buttoned with a single button at the waist for maximum effect.

: A blazer or suit jacket tapers your waist, making your stomach seem slimmer, and your shoulders seem broader. Wear it buttoned with a single button at the waist for maximum effect. Neckties: Stick to a normal length (the tip should be right around your belt buckle) and a normal width (about 3 to 3 1/2 inches). Short, skinny, fat, or otherwise oddly-sized ties throw off the balance of your torso.

Clothing to avoid for men with trapezoid body shape

A perfectly paired ensemble is easily ruined by wearing clothes that don't fit your body correctly. Any well-dressed man will tell you that the secret to comfortable and flattering style comes down to fit.

An average build needs clean lines and a good personal style to look sharp. The biggest no-nos are anything loose and saggy and any outfits that are completely bland and generic-looking (unless you want to vanish easily in groups).

A little visual clutter is a good thing, as long as it leaves the basic shape of your body (and especially your torso) intact. Start by implementing these men's style upgrades.

Recognize your body shape? Just right to it using this handy contents section:

Click below to watch the video – How To Dress For Your Body Type

Style Quiz — The Laurie Loo

What is my style?

You’ve probably gone down into a Pinterest rabbit-hole trying to figure out what your style is, but let’s dig out of there. I’ve created this insanely accurate style quiz to help you figure out where you are in your style journey, and fast. Don’t spend months pinning pictures of outfits you like but would never wear. Take this quiz, choose your answers carefully, and then boom, you’ll know what the next steps to take are for your style.

Style isn’t just about choosing pretty pictures you like. That’s why image-based quizzes are no good. Your style is about you and your personality. You’ve got this. Fashion and personal style can be really hard, I’ve been there! But figuring out your place on the style journey is is the first step to you revamping your closet and looking your best in no time!

It doesn’t matter if you’re boho, quirky, classic, or something I’ve never even heard of. Let’s take the first step to figuring out your style!

101 Style Tips for Men

It can seem like there’s a lot to know about good style, and there is, at least if you want to be enrolled in its master class. But looking sharper than 99% of other guys is actually fairly simple and merely requires knowing and doing little stuff right. The kind of stuff that can be encapsulated into short, easy-to-remember principles and adages.

Below you’ll find the best of the best of such tips: a hundred things (plus one extra) that you can be doing, right now, to make yourself look sharper. You can thank us later.

1. Throw out or give away anything you haven’t worn in over a year.

You get two “beloved old favorite” exemptions here, as well as formalwear. Ruthlessly pitch or donate the rest.

2. Get everything adjusted.

Well, okay, not everything. But most things: nice pants, shirts, and jackets should all go to the tailor for adjustments, unless they came custom-tailored already.

Here’s what can and can’t be adjusted on your clothes.

3. Spend more money on less pieces of clothing.

Quality lasts longer than quantity, and you look better in it.

4. Shop for a suit in person.

Even if you don’t need one. Just get the experience of comparing jacket styles, fabrics, and cuts.

Make sure fit is your number one consideration.

5. There are more shoe colors than brown and black.

Colored leather and suede are fantastic shoe options. Get a little crazy with reds, blues, and grays. Don’t worry about matching a belt to each one — a black belt with gray shoes or a brown one with oxblood red is fine.

6. Trouser cuffs should “break” on the tops of your shoes.

That means they rest very lightly on the leather itself. You shouldn’t have a gap between your pants and your shoes.

7. Wear a pocket square.

Any time you’re wearing a jacket. No exceptions.

Check out our tips for rocking a pocket square, and how to make your own no-sew version.

8. Buy something in a pattern that occurs nowhere else in your wardrobe.

9. Next time you go to put on jeans, grab a pair of slacks or chinos instead.

Then make the rest of the outfit work with them.

Check out our guide to khakis, as well as our gallery on how Steve McQueen rocked his.

10. Belts or suspenders — pick one.

Never both at the same time.

11. Wear a necktie when you don’t have to.

Just for fun.

Check out our infographic on necktie tips.

12. Watch any movie starring Cary Grant.

Now ask yourself: “What can I do to dress a little more like that?”

13. Gym shoes are for the gym.

Ditto athletic socks.

14. Wear a lightweight sweater under a sports jacket with some jeans.

Doesn’t that look good?

Check out more tips on layering your clothes and rocking a sports jacket and jeans.

15. Get a pair of colored trousers.

Something funky. Red, green, yellow, orange, whatever.

16. Go read a book on style .

Or a magazine. Or an article. Something about fashion. Old and out-of-date is okay, and even fun sometimes. Just get exposed to something new.

Check out our entire collection of style archives.

17. Match the color of your socks to the color of your trousers.

Most of the time. When you want to be daring, wear a bright, contrasting color instead.

18. Have a removable top layer.

In the dog days of summer, you can go with one shirt. The rest of the time, have at least two presentable layers on top. You never know when you’ll want to loan a lady your jacket/shirt/whatever.

19. Invest in a really nice suitcase and day bag.

Your luggage is part of your style.

Learn about choosing the right bag for your trip.

20. Shop with a friend.

Sales people are paid to sell you things whether they look good or not. Take a friend who’ll tell you to your face when you look like an idiot.

21. Own a watch you can wear with a good business suit.

Handsome. Functional. Classic. It’s amazing how such a small accessory can greatly enhance how you look and feel.

Read up on our wristwatch primer.

22. Understand contrast.

It will help you get the right amount in your outfits. If you don’t know what that is, read an article like this one.

23. Own more shoes.

How many pairs do you own? Get some more. Vary the styles. Shoes are the most underrated tools in a guy’s style arsenal.

Read up on the 3 types of shoes every man needs, as well as the dress shoe hierarchy.

24. Traditional light blue denim is a great color for jeans…

…if you’re building houses or ranching cattle. Otherwise, get a dark indigo instead of light blue, or go with a different color entirely.

25. Take your measurements.

Write them down and tuck them in your underwear drawer or something. They always come in handy when you’re shopping.

Here’s how to accurately take your own measurements.

26. Check the size of your favorite pieces of clothing.

Those numbers are worth writing down too. If a shirt fits perfectly, you probably want your other shirts in about that size as well.

27. Always dress like you might decide to drop by a restaurant or nightclub with a dress code.

Because you might. And even if you don’t, you might as well look like a guy who’s got plans.

28. Practice rolling up your shirtsleeves a bunch of different ways.

Do you like a fat roll? A thin one? Tall, short, rumpled, crisp? Play around with it.

Check out the complete guide to rolling your shirt sleeves.

29. Flip through a slideshow of images from a men’s fashion show.

Nine-tenths of the things you see will be way over the top and useless to you. Use the other 10% for inspiration.

30. Head to a thrift store and buy every sports jacket that fits you…

…and costs less than $20. Okay, maybe not every single one, but at least four or five. Even the weird ones. You’ll use them.

Learn more about outfitting your wardrobe from the thrift store.

31. Button-down collars aren’t business dress.

Yeah, you’ll see guys wearing them with suits. Don’t be those guys. A business suit deserves a business collar, and that means no buttons at the tips.

32. Shine your shoes more often than you think you need to.

About once a month is good.

Get the lowdown on shining your shoes.

33. Wear a boutonnière in your lapel.

Not for a wedding, and not with a tux. Just for fun some day. Any old suit or sports jacket will do.

Nervous about pulling it off? Read this guide to wearing a flower with manly style.

34. Put some product in your hair.

If you already use product, try a different kind of product.

Check out our guide to men’s hair products.

35. Iron your own shirts .

It’s a useful skill for traveling, and it’ll save you money at home.

Check out our illustrated guide on how to iron your dress shirts.

36. Get some dress slacks without belt loops. Then wear ’em with suspenders.

37. Don’t wear T-shirts with graphics on them…

…for anything that isn’t housework, a workout, or a rock concert. Upgrade to a solid-color tee, or another lightweight option like a henley or polo.

Be sure to read the best damn guide to t-shirts on the internet.

38. Try a decorative lining .

Suit and sports jackets sometimes come with them; as do some dress shirt cuffs.

39. Wear jewelry.

Not every day, and not always the same piece. But a ring here or a necklace there is great.

Check out our guide to wearing jewelry, as well as our ring-wearing primer.

40. Have two nice white dress shirts.

Be sure they’re free of stains and wrinkles, ready to go at all times. They go with everything.

41. Try wearing cologne.

You can get small testers from most department stores. Try a few and see what goes well with your natural scent.

Check out our guide to wearing fragrances.

42. Clean your wallet out regularly.

The slimmer it is, the less wear and tear on both the wallet and the pocket it’s shoved into. It’ll also look nicer when you pull it out to pay for things.

43. Wear a scarf.

Not just because it’s cold outside, but also as a fashion accessory.

Make sure you know a few different ways to tie your scarf, too.

44. Expand your belt collection.

The easiest way is to own belts that can snap open for interchangeable buckles, and then to hit the internet looking for vintage buckles — that way you’re only buying two or three pieces of leather for dozens of looks.

45. Own at least one dark business suit.

Then, if you can afford it, own one lighter social suit as well.

Check out what we like to call “the suit ladder.”

46. Use patterns to flatter your body type.

Grab broad checks to add a little weight and breadth, or use light vertical stripes to add height and slim down your appearance.

47. Live it up a little .

Wear that Hawaiian shirt or those bright red pants once in a while. Nobody needs to be the textbook timeless gentlemen every day of his life.

Maybe try wearing pink every now and then too.

48. Get your jackets pressed.

Light, unstructured ones are particularly prone to wrinkling, so press ’em early and often. Rumpled backs ruin the whole look.

49. Gold or silver metals — pick one.

Your wedding band is an exception. But other than that, keep it to one kind of metal.

50. Clean your clothes regularly .

Launder the things that can be; take what can’t to the dry cleaners. Brush wools off to keep them from pilling and gathering fuzz.

New to, or not very good at laundry? We even have a guide for that.

51. Your necktie and pocket square can share a color family, but they shouldn’t be a perfect match.

They don’t even have to share colors — the square could complement a color from the shirt or jacket instead.

52. Sometimes less is more.

A couple plain, dark solid pieces with one bright accent can do more than a flashy, patterned suit or shirt.

53. Then again, sometimes more is more.

Go over the top with color and pattern once in a while — maybe when you have something to celebrate, or just when you’re in a really bouncy mood. But don’t make a habit of it.

54. Keep the top and bottom balanced.

If you’ve got a sleek, streamlined jacket and a simple shirt, don’t wear big, fuzzy pants with lots of texture. Similarly, don’t pair a cable-knit sweater with ultra-fine wool slacks. Stay consistent all the way up and down.

55. Wear seasonal colors .

Dark earth tones and shades in autumn, grays and blues in winter, colorful pastels in spring — you get the point.

56. Find an outdoors jacket that you really love.

Leather, wool, denim — doesn’t matter. Something battered and beloved that you can wear from the first cool days of fall on up to winter parka season, and again in the spring.

Consider the harrington — it’s been a men’s style staple for decades.

57. Brown or black leather — pick one.

They don’t all have to be identical shades, but you shouldn’t be rocking a black watchband with a brown belt or anything like that.

58. If you wear suits in the winter, wear a long wool overcoat.

Anything short enough that you can see the bottom of the suit jacket poking out beneath the hem of the coat doesn’t make the, ahem, cut.

Do your homework and get yourself a Swiss army overcoat.

59. Don’t believe in absolute rules.

White trousers after Labor Day. Plaids with stripes. You’re told not to do ’em, but there’s always a reason to break a rule once in a while. Don’t be afraid to. But remember that the “rules” are usually there for a reason, too, and use some common sense.

60. Overdress.

There’s nothing wrong with being the best-dressed guy in the room. Be aware of social norms — don’t wear a three-piece suit to serve meals at a soup kitchen or something — but in general, plan on looking nicer than other guys in your social group at any given gathering.

61. Learn a new necktie knot.

Heck, learn a dozen. Some are convenient, some are fancy, and a few are both. Know your favorites.

Here are 4 common necktie knots to get you started.

62. Laugh at trends.

They’re a way to separate style illiterates from their money. Keep your look timeless. Trends can be a fun inspiration if they appeal to your existing sense of style, but don’t pursue them just because they’re “in.”

63. If the designer’s logo is visible, it’s not as stylish as you think.

See previous point about trends, and add some emphasis. You’re nobody’s billboard. No visible brand names.

64. Pamper your skin.

Get some good skin cream and use it. Find the product that solves your particular problems, whether that’s oily skin, dry skin, or something else entirely.

65. Pair a nice suit with some colored canvas sneakers.

Rockstar.

66. Own accent pieces.

Scarves, hats, jewelry, funky shoes, weird belts. Get some unique items and use them whenever an outfit looks okay, but boring. Thrift stores, eBay, and Etsy are all great sources for these.

67. Backpacks are for school kids.

If you’re not going to class right this minute, trade up to a messenger bag or a briefcase. For that matter, trade up even if you are in school.

68. Sunglasses are part of your look as soon as you put them on .

Own a couple pairs in a couple different styles — you’ll end up needing them as you vary your look.

69. Keep your jacket buttoned except when you sit.

The taper toward the waist is half the point of a jacket. Don’t lose the effect by going unbuttoned.

70. On that note, the bottom jacket button always stays undone .

Close the top button on a two-button coat, and either the middle button only or the top two buttons on a three-button coat. There are other looks, and someone’s always trying them out, but these will always be right.

Know the “Sometimes, Always, Never” rule.

71. Your outfit is only as good as the clothes in it.

At the end of the day, you can’t look like a runway model in clothes from Walmart. Be prepared to spend at least a little money if you want to look really good.

72. Fix damages sooner, rather than later.

Missing buttons, fraying edges, torn seams — get ’em into a tailor and get ’em fixed. No excuses. Wear and tear looks terrible in public.

On the road or in a pinch? Check out these 11 clothing hacks for fixing problems on the go.

73. Casual leather shoes make any everyday outfit look more stylish.

Have some good brogues, saddle shoes, or loafers for your day-to-day get-ups.

74. Don’t overthink it.

If everything fits and the colors aren’t an obvious clash, your outfit is probably presentable at the very least. The rest is just details.

75. Keep yourself well-groomed.

Trim your nails, shave regularly and with care, brush your teeth. A raggedy body under nice clothes jars the eye (and looks gross).

Keep a regular grooming routine with a checklist to stay on top of things.

76. Shirt cuffs should be visible past the ends of your jacket sleeves.

“A half inch of linen” is the old-fashioned rule of thumb. Don’t obsess about it too much, but show at least a little shirt cuff.

77. Ties can be fun.

Paisleys, variegated stripes, figure patterns, knits — mix it up. Look for textures beyond basic glossy silk (or synthetic) and for varied colors.

78. Pinstriped suits always look best with plain white pinstripes .

There are other options out there, but none are as timeless and sublime as the plain white pinstripe on a dark charcoal or navy suit.

79. Your cell phone is part of your style these days.

Get a case, and make that case something that works with your basic tastes. Funky is good; so is slim. The less of a bulge in your pockets, the better.

80. Yes, you can wear a double-breasted jacket.

It can even be a blazer, rather than a suit jacket, so long as you keep the trousers and shirt conservative. But don’t you dare wear that double-breasted jacket unbuttoned.

81. Wear the lightest fabrics in the summer .

If you don’t own at least a few pieces in lightweight linen or seersucker, you’re torturing yourself needlessly.

Check out more easy ways to boost your summer style.

82. Visit a menswear store you’ve never been to before.

See what you like. You never know.

83. The man purse is never going to catch on.

If you’ve been waiting for everyone to wake up and realize how stylish yours is, stop.

84. Jeans can sit on your hips. Everything else gets worn at the natural waist.

85. The shinier your shoe is, the dressier it is.

Assuming we’re talking about leather dress shoes, a higher gloss is dressier, while a softer texture is more casual.

86. Bow ties don’t just come in black.

Wear a patterned one in place of a regular necktie some time.

While you’re at it, bone up on how to tie a bow tie.

87. Tie your necktie so that the tip touches the top of your belt.

A little longer is okay; shorter is not.

88. Your off-duty clothes still get looked at.

Swimwear, pajamas, workout clothes — someone’s going to see you in them eventually. Buy ones you look good in, and replace them before they wear out.

89. Facial hair needs to look deliberate.

You can have a full beard if you really want one, but shape the edges with a razor so that it doesn’t look like you’ve just let it grow. You want people to think you’re making a statement, not being lazy.

Check out the science behind what your facial hair signals to others.

90. You want people to notice your face.

Wear clothes that guide the eye upward toward your chin and mouth. There’s a reason classic menswear tends to open upward (think about collared shirts and suit jackets).

91. If you mix patterns, vary the scale of the patterns.

Small checks with wide-spaced stripes — no problem. Big checks with big stripes — problem.

92. Dress the body you have, not the body you want.

It’s great to be working towards a fitter physique, but don’t look like a total schlump until you get there.

Here are some style tips for larger men, as well as advice for skinny guys.

93. Have one or two big, soft flannels or cardigans for cool nights.

Half the time you’ll end up giving these to a girl to wear when she gets cold — and that’s just fine.

94. Organize your wardrobe.

Make it easy to reach in, grab any couple of items, and have an outfit that works. That means finding a home for the less-stylish utility pieces that’s far away from your good clothes.

95. Never let a woman plan your outfits.

Even fashionable women are working with a different stylistic language from you. Unless one or both of you are cross-dressers, don’t make a habit of taking regular style advice from a woman.

96. Pants beat shorts, even in hot weather.

Shorts cut the leg in two; a pair of lightweight linen, seersucker, or cotton pants will create a sleeker, more put-together silhouette, and always look better than shorts, while only being slightly warmer to wear.

If you do wear shorts, at least follow this guide.

97. If you like a store, subscribe to their e-mail list.

Yeah, you’ll get advertisements that you don’t want. But you’ll also get sales and coupons that you will want, and that they don’t offer anywhere else. If you limit yourself to two or three of your top favorite brands, it’s well worth the inbox clutter.

98. Really good dress shoes make a bit of noise when you walk.

Don’t be shy about it. Embrace the authoritative tap-tap-tap of stacked leather heels.

99. Resist the urge to correct other people’s style.

Even when you know they’re doing something wrong. They’re not going to take it as a kindness no matter how sweetly you say it.

100. There are worse fates in life than dressing like someone’s dad.

Or even someone’s grandfather. The generations before us knew a thing or two about looking sharp.

And most important of all…

101. Never wear a bad fit!

Ever. If it isn’t a close, flattering fit with no pinching or sagging, don’t wear it. This is the ultimate rule for looking good. Seriously. If you’re going to take one thing away today, take this one. NEVER WEAR A BAD FIT.

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Written By Antonio Centeno

Founder, Real Men Real Style

Click here to grab my free ebooks on men’s style