Dressing with Class

You may not be a slave to the runways, but you would like to look respectable. You do not have to be fashionable to have timeless style. Knowing what items suit you and will look good in years to come is a delicate balance that requires a lot more expertise than you might think. Here are the basics to get you started in developing a classy style.

Always wear dress shoes

Your shoes set the tone for your entire outfit. Start with one pair of high-quality leather dress shoes in dark brown, with a view to expanding your collection to other colors. You can wear dress shoes in most situations, even when you would otherwise be dressing casually, to instantly make yourself appear more respectable. Your go-to shoes should be lace-up rather than slip-on loafers. Other than when you?re exercising or partaking in physical labor, you can always wear dress shoes, although it may take some getting used to.

Collared shirts

Your shirt should always have a collar. For most work and play situations, a dress shirt is perfect. If you are in a casual situation and cannot bear to wear a dress shirt, go for a polo shirt instead. Watch out for wrinkled shirts; taking the time to iron properly freshens up your look. Aim to have a collection of shirts in both plain and patterned styles. Find a clothing company that makes shirts that fit your body well, and follow them religiously. If you cannot find anything off the rack that fits well, you can get shirts made to measure and they are well worth the investment. It is common for men to buy shirts that are too big, tucking in the excess. You will look much classier with a shirt with only a small amount of give. Say goodbye to plain tee shirts and tank tops; they are not the most sophisticated of pieces.

The perfect suit

The most important outfit you own is your suit. Whether you dress up for work every day or only get into a suit on special occasions, it is crucial to have at least one incredible suit. Get one custom made and it will look like a second skin. At the very least, get your suit adjusted by a tailor. Try to have something unique and old-fashioned about your suit, such as pinstripes, for timeless style.

Beware the bargain bin

The way you shop could be the undoing of your impeccable style. You may not want to update your wardrobe with the latest each season, but you do need to be aware of trends, so you do not inadvertently purchase out-of-date stock. For example, a little while ago, geometric prints set runways ablaze. If you were unaware, you may have picked up some geometric pieces on sale, thinking you have gotten a good deal on some nice looking pieces. You will look pass? without knowing it. Knowing what fashions are will allow you to avoid them, and instead go for pieces that will not date quickly.