Are there any universal rules of style every man should know? Find out how to avoid fashion faux-pas and always look stylish. Is it better to tuck your shirt in or not? How to tie a necktie? Below, you will find a brief guide to the intricacies of men’s fashion.
You don’t have to be a self-proclaimed dandy, influencer or blogger to be a well-dressed man. All you need to set yourself apart from your “sporty” friends is to learn a few basic to intermediate level rules of men’s fashion.
Are you sure you know how to tie a tie or when it’s appropriate to tuck in your shirt? One look around at a wedding or any gathering like that is enough to notice how important it is to know these rules (or rather what happens if you don’t). Expand your knowledge to always make a good impression
1. How to tie a necktie?
There are as many ways to tie a tie as there are sailing knots. One of the most universal necktie knots that fits every collar is the half-Windsor. It’s also quite easy to do. A mid-width tie made of thin fabric is the best option for this type of knot. See for yourself how easy it is:
Another universal method is the four-in-hand. Although this knot is also relatively simple, it’s asymmetric, so it requires some practice. It works best with thick, dense fabrics.
Regardless of the type of knot you decide to use, remember that the tie should reach the top edge of your belt. There’s nothing worse than a tie that dangles in the middle of your chest (perhaps with the exception of a short sleeve shirt worn with a suit).
Paul Smith
Silk tie
Alexander McQueen
Silk tie
Giorgio Armani
Silk tie with logo
2. How to wear a pocket square?
If you want to perfect your style down to the very last detail, you can also wear a pocket square. It’s a small handkerchief that can add some panache and style to your look – it also lets everyone know that you’re interested in fashion and you know that the devil is in the details. Tuck the pocket square into your breast pocket. You can wear it to a shirt with one button undone and a blazer or – for very formal occasions – with a suit and matching tie.
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Lanvin
Silk pocket square with logo
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Alexander McQueen
Pocket square with logo
Etro
Patterned pocket square
There are as many ways of wearing a pocket square as there are methods to make an origami crane. You can go with the classic way of folding it in half to create a thicker rectangle. Another way is the triangle fold (which is similar to how napkins are folded at elegant restaurants): we fold it to create a point and put it in the breast pocket so that only the pointed end sticks out. If you would like to find out more about the numerous ways of wearing a pocket square, there are many tutorials available online.
3. How to wear cufflinks?
Let’s start with some good news – in the age of button cuffs, cufflinks are not a necessity. However, there are situations that call for some knowledge on how to wear cufflinks. They should be worn in very formal settings – with a tuxedo, and for special occasions to emphasize the importance of an event. Cufflinks are a unique type of “jewellery”, which can embellish your suit or tuxedo.
Paul Smith
Embellished cufflinks
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Gucci
GG cuff links
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Versace
Medusa head cufflinks
When choosing cufflinks, match their color to other accessories (e.g. a watch) and to the shirt. When putting them on, remember that the decorative details should be visible (they should be on the outside of the cuff). After all, the ornaments are there to draw attention to your cufflinks.
4. Shirt – in or out?
A tucked-in shirt generally looks better – it makes your legs look longer and your silhouette slimmer, preserving the right proportions. An untucked shirt will make you “top-heavy”, lengthen your torso and shorten your legs. You will look stouter than you really are. However, there are some exceptions to the rule.
Burberry
Checked shirt
Giorgio Armani
Smocking shirt
Balenciaga
Printed shirt
Untucked shirts look best when they’re informal – they can be vivid, checked or patterned and worn with jeans, shorts or chinos. Avoid untucking formal shirts when you’re wearing them with a blazer or suit. However, don’t be afraid to experiment in your free time, when you’re on holiday, after work or at university.
5. How to care for leather shoes with household ingredients?
Although a look starts with your hairstyle and facial hair, it is completed with footwear. Shoes that don’t match the rest of the outfit can undo your efforts and planning, and spoil the effect. How to care for leather shoes? There are many methods of doing it at home.
Remember a few simple rules:
1. Impregnate new shoes before wearing them
Coating your shoes with several layers of a water-proofing solution will protect them against dirt, moisture and rain.
2. Clean footwear with a soft, wet cloth
After cleaning the shoes, use a shoe polish suitable for the type of material they’re made of. Then polish them with a soft, dry cloth. If you don’t have shoe polish, you can use a small amount of olive oil. Don’t use oil for suede and nubuck shoes – you can use… the inside of a banana peal instead.
3. Wax leather in winter – it protects it from water and frost
The fastest way to remove water and salt stains from your shoes after you return home is to clean them with water and mild detergent.
4. Change and air the shoes you wear from time to time
Shoes made of soft leather should be stored with shoehorns to preserve their shape.
These five elements of wardrobe with a few simple rules will save you from major fashion faux pas. You can also benefit from paying attention to what other well-dressed men do. Find your inspiration, have some fun with fashion and don’t forget the basic rules. With time, playing with fashion and bending the rules a little will become your second nature.
