Saturday 9/14 Edition: 10 Style Rules for Men

A simple set of rules to follow for effortless style.

1. Don’t Wash Your Jeans
When it comes to denim, spend the extra money and get a great pair of selvedge denim. A good pair of jeans can go a long time without a wash. Avoid ruining the feel and the fit by washing too much.

2. Shoes Are Key
It does not matter if it’s a sharp pair of sneakers or brogues, just make sure your footwear looks good. If your leather shoes get wet, stuff and wrap the outsides with newspaper, and don’t wear them again for 36 hours.

3. Keep in Shape
Not counting the obvious health benefits, hitting the gym 3-4 times a week will leave you looking better in shirts and suits and feeling great in everything you wear.

4. On that note: keep it simple at the gym
Don’t treat the gym like a runway. Keep it breathable and comfy.

5. Take care of your skin
Check out NIA 24 and Clinqiue Supplies for men. And give the razor a break. Leave a little stubble, it is actually healthy for you.

6. Cut that hair
If you look in the mirror and think you may need a cut, then others definitely notice and think the same. An expensive cut always shows, but no matter your budget, get it done and keep up with it.

7. Make sure the suit fits
We covered this in a recent feature. This is imperative. Listen, you can spot a suit that does not fit from around the corner. Make the extra effort, find an affordable tailor, and shop savvy. If you are going to wear a suit, there are better options than an off the rack from Macy’s.

8. Smell good
I have received the most compliments from smelling good. Simply paying more does not always mean you will get better results. Try a few different kinds and stick with what gets you the most attention. I swear by Bvlgari Man.

9. Wrinkle free
There really is no excuse for wrinkled clothes. If you can’t hit the dry cleaners regularly, than get a decent iron and use the steam function. Wrinkles are sloppy and should be avoided at all costs.

10. Don’t try so hard
There is nothing worse than looking like you tried. Wear what makes you, you. Use common sense, explore and have a little fun.  Above all, feel good in what you are wearing.

And along those lines, here are a few essential items every guy should have:
1. Desert Boots: we have mentioned it before, Desert Boots just work for casual and dress with their flat soles and stylish lace up look featured in suede or canvas.

2. Gray Blazer: the quintessential go-to when a suit is too much.  The Darker the gray, the better to pair it with a sharp denim and desert boots.

3. Brown Leather Dress Shoes: keep them a lighter brown as opposed to the dark chocolate color to match your navy suits.

4.  Navy Suit: a timeless suit that allows you unlimited shirt and tie combinations.  It also allows you to rock those brown leather shoes for a pop.

5. Leather Watch: Simple, classic and elegant stick to black or brown to match the majority of your shoe colors.

Rosendahl Arnie Jacobsen Roman Wristwatch

6. A classic tie with a pop of color:  a suit will not always require a tie.  The open collar with pocket square is very attractive.  However, a great tie is well needed.

Skinny Tie Madness Necktie

7. Boxer Briefs: keep them solid color and please throw away the boxers.

Baskit Wear Urban Basics Boxer Brief

8. A plain solid color hoodie: keep them fitted, no long sleeves and hip level. A good hoodie can come in handy for all seasons.

Fyasco Rooster T Hoodie

9. A weekend bag: Messenger or medium duffle is perfect.  Canvas and leather in solid colors.  Keep it simple and clean.

  Avallone First Class Leather Traveler

Teamwork Long Haul Military Canvas Duffle

10. Dark Slim Fit Jeans: spend a few bucks on a great pair of denim jeans (check out Acne and Edwin).  Keep them dark, no rips, bunching, baggy or sagging.  A great pair of jeans can make the outfit. Pair with Suede Desert boots, blazer and a pocket square for the perfect look.