37 Essential Lifestyle Hacks For The Modern Gentleman

There are a few things that every man should be aware of to increase their confidence and gain sophistication. First impressions matter, and whether it’s for a first date, a job interview, you want to make a good one. So, in this day and age, what should a modern gentleman do? Style hacks are useful since they help you look better without adding extra steps to complicate your life. The key to quick style hacks is to always be on the lookout for methods to improve any routine you have, including clothing and grooming. Employ anything that saves you time and makes your movements more efficient. If not, consider other options. Take a look at these suggested style hacks below.

Roll your shirt sleeves in the proper manner

Because you can’t wear t-shirts or even short-sleeve button-ups to work or special occasions, you have no choice but to roll up the sleeves of your good dress shirt to keep cool. But how do you do it without looking sloppy and without leaving your sleeves wrinkled when they need to be rolled up later?

Flip the cuff back and pull it to just below your elbow instead of rolling it up your sleeve gently. Then fold the bottom (inside-out section) up, trapping and covering the bottom cuff. Your shirt sleeves won’t unroll, and it will look stylish as well.

Pack a suit without getting it wrinkled

It turns out that carrying a garment bag through the airport isn’t the best method to travel with a suit (or worse, ironing it later). Contrary to popular belief, a suit can be packed in a bag without developing a massive wrinkle.

Take a suit jacket and pop one of the shoulders inside out. Then take the other shoulder and fold it back into the other jacket so the inside of the jacket is facing out. Fold the jacket in half and put it in a Ziploc bag. Finally, take all the air out of it before you pack it

“Sometimes, always, never” rule of jacket buttons

When it comes to buttoning up a suit jacket, there’s a simple guideline to follow: “Sometimes, Always, Never.” It is basically fashion gospel for men (women are generally allowed to button the bottom button). Men’s suit designers often even tailor the fabric so suit jackets and waistcoats look more flattering and unbuttoned at the bottom.

The rule is: the top button should be buttoned on occasion (stylistic decision), the middle button should always be buttoned (it pulls the jacket together and is flattering), and the last button should never be buttoned (it messes up the tailoring and flare of the jacket).

Match your dress shoes and suits

It’s difficult to choose the proper pair of shoes to go with your clothes. If you are wearing shorts, keep your footwear simple. Sperrys and other boat shoes are the most popular choices. You can also opt for casual sneakers such as Vans or Supergas, and if you want to be bold, go for a brighter color.

Finally, men’s espadrilles are a good option. They are breathable and light, making them ideal for a hot day. You can dress up your jeans at times and be completely casual at others. If it’s the former, invest in a pair of oxfords.

Only buy full-grain leather goods

The leather quality is usually stamped on the bottom of a belt or inside a leather goods: genuine leather, top-grain leather, or full-grain leather. Genuine leather not only denotes that the product is made of real leather (which it is), but it also denotes that it is of the lowest grade of all real leather products.

Top-grain leather is the middle-of-the-road quality of leather, and it’s what you’ll find in “fine” leather goods. Full-grain leather is tough as nails and will develop a rich patina over time, and it is widely regarded as the best and most expensive leather available.

Invest in quality shoe trees

Quality dress shoes are costly, but they can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Throughout the day, our feet sweat, and the leather and lining of our shoes absorb the moisture. This can cause the lining to rot, your shoes to stink, and the leather to fracture over time, resulting in the complete destruction of your pricey footwear.

A shoe tree retains a shoe in its proper shape, so it dries properly and prevents leather splitting by wicking moisture away. The absorbent wood also aids in the drying of shoe linings, preventing them from rotting from the inside out.

Always use cedar wood hangers

Cedar hangers are an all-in-one solution that not only looks wonderful and protects your clothes while they’re hanging in your closet, but they are also robust, durable, and made to keep the shape of your garments. They absorb moisture, preventing mold, mildew, and unpleasant aromas.

Cedar is a natural insect repellent. If you buy cedar hangers, you will not have to use dangerous chemicals in your home. Moths, ants, silverfish, and other pests avoid cedar-lined closets. They are costly; however, it is the best investment for the health and longevity of your wardrobe. Also, cedar wood has a lovely aroma.

Fold your sweaters instead of hanging them

The general consensus is that sweaters are meant to be folded. Wool, cashmere, and angora will stretch when hung and, as such, it’s always best to fold your sweaters to keep their shape. Fold the sweater in half vertically and line up the sleeves.

Lay the garment flat and position the hanger so that the hook lays between the arm and body of the sweater. Wrap sleeves over the shoulder of the hanger, then slide them underneath the bottom bar. Repeat with the body of the sweater. Because the bottom of the sweater is secured, it won’t slide off the hanger.

Wear invisible socks with your shoes

The best no-show socks for men (also known as invisible socks, loafer liners, or no-sock socks) do two things: stay on your feet and do not show. Slip-on socks are extremely light. They are often thought to be ideal for ballerinas and loafers.

These types of socks are ideal for those who dislike wearing socks, and they also save your shoes and feet from stinking up the place in summer. You can get several pairs in high-quality fabrics with cool colors and designs, so you will never be embarrassed to take off your shoes at a fancy party ever again.

Mastering the Rugged Yet Refined Buzz Cut

In the quest for a sharp, no-fuss hairstyle that embodies both ruggedness and sophistication, the modern gentleman can’t go wrong with the buzz cut, as seen on the left side of the image. This close-cropped style is a symbol of confidence, echoing a minimalist aesthetic that is both timeless and practical. It stands in contrast to the more styled and product-dependent look on the right, which may require frequent trips to the barber for maintenance. Why Opt for the Buzz Cut?
1. Time-Efficient: The buzz cut is a significant time-saver. You can be ready to go within minutes without the need for styling or combing, giving you more time to focus on your daily goals.
2. Cost-Effective: Save on expensive hair products and salon visits. The buzz cut requires minimal upkeep, making it a financially savvy choice.
3. Bold Statement: This cut is a bold fashion statement that exudes confidence and decisiveness. It’s a look that says you’re not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
4. Practical: Ideal for the active man, this cut is sweat-friendly and perfect for those who love to work out, swim, or need a quick transition from work to play.

DIY Buzz Cut – How to Do It Yourself – Here’s a simple guide to achieving the buzz cut on your left:
1. Choose Your Guard Size: The image shows a ‘0.5’ guard, which is a great starting point. This leaves half an inch of hair, providing a clean look without going completely bald. 2. Preparation: Wash your hair and pat it dry. This will make it easier to cut evenly. 3. Begin the Buzz: Attach the guard to your clippers. Starting from the front of your head, move the clippers back to the crown in a smooth, steady motion. Repeat until you’ve covered the entire top. 4. Side and Back: Use the same guard size and repeat the motion on the sides and back of your head. You could switch to a ‘0.25’ guard as you move down for a more natural fade. 5. Clean Up: Check for and even out any uneven spots. Don’t forget to clean up around the ears and neck for a neat finish. 6. Aftercare: Rinse off any loose hair and apply a soothing scalp moisturizer to avoid irritation.

Taming Baby Hairs with a Toothbrush

Use leather soap to preserve your shoes

You can extend the life of your favorite leather boots or oxfords by years with five minutes and basic shoeshine know-how. First, remove dirt with a nylon medium-bristle brush, then apply conditioner to your shoes with a clean rag to restore moisture. After it has dried, give it a little buff with a horsehair shine brush.

If you do this once a month, your leather shoes will last you years to come. To prevent a black streak of polish from showing up on your brown shoes, use a different brush for each color. If you have three colors, get three brushes.

Alternate your shoes

It’s recommended to rotate your favorite pair of shoes every other day when it comes to how often you should wear them. This not only enhances the life of the shoes, but it’s also beneficial to your feet. By stimulating different muscles, rotating in a different technique allows the foot and leg muscles to relax.

Rotating your shoes will allow the foam of the sole to fully regenerate, so you get a comfortable ride every time you lace them up, and you won’t need to replace them as frequently. You also allow moisture to dry up, so bacteria don’t proliferate.

Use a non-soap cleanser before shaving

Soap is harsh on the skin. Both liquid and bar soap’s simplicity dries out your skin, leaving it rough and raw. Cleansers, unlike most soaps and body washes, do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which is considered to be a common skin irritant. Face wash can be used as a soap alternative.

The best practice is to exfoliate before shaving rather than after. That is because exfoliation removes dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which keeps your skin clean, unclogs your pores, and helps you achieve a closer shave. Use special shaving cream to shave afterward.

Avoid razor burn irritation

Shaving with a razor is one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods for removing face or body hair. The possibility of razor burn is, however, one of the drawbacks of this method of hair removal. Razor burn is a type of skin irritation that can be a source of pain and discomfort.

To avoid it you can shave after showering when the hair is softest and only shave in the direction of the hair growth. Take your time with it, and rinse the blade after every stroke. Rinse freshly shaven skin with cold water and put on some gentle moisturizer.

Always tell a new barber when your last haircut was

The initial conversation with your barber, like how long it has been since your last cut and how you prefer to wear it, isn’t just small talk; it is crucial information that will lead to a cut that will look excellent after a shower and may even improve as it grows out.

To maintain your medium-length appearance healthy without growing it out too long, get a haircut every 8 and 12 weeks. If you have long hair, you definitely want to wait more than 2 weeks in between haircuts. Opt for a cut every 3 and 4 months instead.

Tailor your haircut to your face shape

One of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing a new haircut is your face shape. After all, you might have the most beautiful new cut in the world, but if it doesn’t compliment your features, it won’t be everything you hoped for. Rather than following the latest fashion trend, choose a style that complements your particular face shape.

The appropriate cut will elegantly frame and balance your face while showcasing your greatest features for a beautiful and complementing appearance, whether your face is a rectangle, oval, square, circle, triangle, heart, or diamond. There is a haircut for everybody.

How to deal with male pattern baldness

If your hair is thinning and you are starting to bald, there are a few things you can do about it. With scissors or clippers, crop the sides close and the top short, with the hair swept to the side. You don’t want any hard lines bringing attention to the “problem area”; therefore, don’t get any kind of portion. Maintain a short hairstyle.

Short hair, according to barbers, reduces the appearance of balding and provides your hair some lift, making it appear as if you have more hair. Some men don’t believe this and continue to wear their old fashions.

Beard Shaping for a Sharper Jawline

Step 1: Begin by Defining Your Neckline; trim below the jawline to create a clean edge. Step 2: Trim Your Cheek Hair shorter than the beard to elongate the face and accentuate cheekbones. Step 3: Keep the Jawline Hair Longer to add fullness and structure.

Step 4: Use a trimmer to Create a Gradual Fade, blending the cheek hair into the jawline. Step 5: Regular Maintenance is crucial—trim every few days to preserve the contour. Step 6: Apply Beard Styling Products for a polished look that lasts all day.

The Essential Benefits of Morning Showers

Embracing the gentleman’s lifestyle extends beyond fashion and manners; it encompasses personal grooming and hygiene, with morning showers being a pivotal element. For the modern gentleman, starting the day with a shower isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s a strategic choice that sets the tone for success. Overnight, our bodies work tirelessly, leading to the accumulation of sweat, oils, and dead skin cells. A morning shower efficiently washes away this residue, ensuring you’re not just clean but also presenting the best version of yourself.

Moreover, a morning shower acts as a mental refresh, invigorating your senses and preparing your mind for the day’s challenges. It’s a moment of solitude where a gentleman can ponder, plan, and mentally gear up for a productive day. This ritual also enhances the effectiveness of grooming products, as fragrances and skincare treatments perform best on clean, oil-free skin.

Proper Haircut

A well-groomed appearance is crucial for a gentleman’s image; the devil is often in the details regarding haircuts. One common oversight is the ‘unruly side tuft’, a small section of hair that protrudes outwards, disrupting the hair’s silhouette. This can happen when the hair isn’t cut short enough in certain areas, leading to a less-than-polished look.

To maintain an impeccable hairstyle, it’s essential to have a barber who pays attention to the contours of your head and the growth patterns of your hair. During your haircut, ensure that your barber trims these problematic areas adequately. If you notice these tufts post-visit, a light product application or a touch-up trim can be quick fixes. However, the best solution is preventive—communicate with your barber about these potential issues during your appointment to achieve a clean, cohesive style.

Art of the Cardigan Roll

In the realm of men’s fashion, mastering the Cardigan Roll technique can add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble, especially when donning a button-down shirt paired with a cardigan or a lightweight jacket. This method is not only about style; it ensures comfort without compromising on mobility.

To begin, gently push the sleeves of your cardigan or jacket up to your elbows. Next, apply the J. Crew roll to your shirt sleeves – a popular method known for its neat appearance. After rolling your shirt sleeves, carefully tuck the cardigan sleeves into the shirt’s J. Crew roll. The key is in the adjustment: align the layers seamlessly to create a unified, elegant look. This technique prevents the awkward bulkiness that often comes from rolling shirt and jacket sleeves together, ensuring a polished and comfortable fit.

Choosing the Perfect Footwear for Your Grey Suit

Selecting the right shoe color is crucial when styling a grey suit, as it can significantly impact your overall look. Avoid light brown shoes, as they tend to clash with the refined subtlety of a grey suit.

Achieving a Sleek Shirt Appearance

To avoid the unflattering “balloon” look of a poorly fitted shirt, begin by partially tucking the front part of your shirt into your trousers, leaving the top button open for the moment. Use your thumbs to guide the shirt smoothly around your waistline from the front to the back, ensuring the fabric is flat and free from creases.

Important Underwear Choices

Choosing the right underwear for your body type enhances comfort and appearance. For short, thin men, briefs are ideal as they don’t add excess fabric, while trunks suit tall, thin frames for a proportionate fit. Muscular men can benefit from the snug fit of trunks that accentuate their build, and boxer briefs are best for those who are both tall and muscular, providing ample coverage.

Fit individuals have the flexibility to wear briefs, trunks, or boxer briefs effectively, regardless of height. For those who are bigger, boxer briefs offer the best fit, especially for taller individuals, while those with wide hips should opt for boxers to balance their proportions.

Finishing Touches for Lasting Hairstyles

Elevate your grooming routine with smart styling techniques that ensure your hair stays sharp throughout the day. Begin by applying your chosen styling product, doing so before combing allows for even distribution. For added security against drooping, a swift spray of hairspray will lock your look in place—just remember to spray from a six-inch distance to prevent any unsightly clumping.

Opt for a lighter hold for flexibility or a stronger one for a firmer grip, but use sparingly to avoid a brittle appearance. Alternatively, for a subtle, refined hold, warm a dab of hair wax between your fingers and weave it through your locks. This method gives you control and definition, perfect for maintaining a polished presence from day to night.

Balanced Facial and Chest Hair

To achieve a cohesive and well-groomed appearance, it’s essential to harmonize your chest and facial hair. Your grooming should reflect a unified style; a rugged beard pairs well with a more natural chest hair length, while a clean-shaven face or a neatly trimmed beard complements shorter chest hair.

To ensure your look is balanced, style your facial hair first, then adjust your chest hair accordingly. Stand before a mirror to assess the overall symmetry—your aim is for your head and body hair to seem like a natural continuation of each other, creating a look that’s seamlessly put together.

Trick to Avoid Razor Burn

For gentlemen seeking a smooth shave without the dreaded razor burn, there’s a clever hack to add to your grooming arsenal. Use the lathering magic of Zote soap—a light, foamy texture that it leaves behind acts as an excellent shaving primer.

Simply wet the bar and glide it softly over your shaving area to create a protective lather. This creates a slick surface, allowing the razor to slide effortlessly across your skin, reducing the risk of irritation and razor burn, and ensuring a clean, close shave.

Wash your hair only three times a week

Most experts recommend washing your hair every 2-3 days as a general rule. Of course, this will differ based on your hair type. Thin and fine hair types, in general, tend to get greasy quickly and should be washed more frequently, perhaps over 3 times a week.

Although there’s no “golden rule” for how many times a week you should wash your hair, the oilier the hair, the more often you will need to wash it. Hair grease is healthy in moderation. It is called “sebum,” and it’s naturally produced by a sebaceous gland that’s connected to the hair follicles.

Fix any stain with table salt

Let’s say your date drops a glass of red wine. Sprinkle some salt on top of it straight away and rub it in with your hands. Allow it to sit for a few hours before vacuuming it out. Salt has significant drying qualities and will draw any moisture to the surface.

If you get an oil or grease stain, quickly clean it up by rubbing one part salt and four parts rubbing alcohol into the stain. When you get home, put the garment in to wash right away. Blood stains are a bit more challenging, but salt water can do wonders.

Use walnuts to get rid of wood scuffs

There’s a simple hack you can do to fix any scratches or scuff marks on your wooden furniture with a household item. Crack the walnut (or similarly oily nut, like pecan or macadamia nut), then rub the meat of the nut over the scratch.

You want to make sure the oil really soaks into the wood, so warm the area with friction from your finger and go over the scratch from different angles. This hack is best suited for grooves that don’t go too deep. Be sure you clean away the walnut remnants before entertaining any guests with nut allergies.

Fix your credit-card magnetic strip with cellophane tape

When paying in stores, cover the magnetic stripe on your card with clear tape (or a plastic bag) if it has worn out. The signal loss due by heavy usage or physical damage is believed to be reduced with this simple technique. However, if your debit or credit card is bent, the transparent tape will not assist.

To avoid coming to this, use an old hotel key card protection sleeve or get a sleeve from your bank. Not only will the sleeve protect your card from demagnetization, but it will also protect it from dirt and scratches on the magnetic strip.

Wrap some duct tape around an old gift card

It’s difficult to come across a tiny roll of duct tape to keep in your office. Take an old gift card and wrap some duct tape over it to make a smaller roll. You can then store it in your wallet or a drawer so that you always have it with you.

Duct tape has now become multipurpose and is used for general sealing, patching holes, packing boxes, and repairs. Some duct tape can also stick to rough and uneven indoor and outdoor surfaces such as wood, stone, plaster, brick, and metal. It can get you out of a pickle!

Use a lingerie bag to wash garments

Though a lingerie bag can be used for underwear, it can also be used to wash loafer socks, watch straps, and other items that may get lost in the wash. Some lingerie bags can only hold one garment, while others can hold nearly ten. The zippered mesh bag stops the delicate garments from twisting inside the washing machine, preventing damage.

The bag will protect the contents from becoming stretched out and keep hooks from snagging on any other clothing you are washing with them. It can also go straight into the dryer. It will extend the life of your underwear.

Avoid machine drying your clothing

A recent study revealed that machine dryers shrink clothing twice as much as washing alone. According to the study, it is the agitation and forced air that impacts the fabric’s size, not the temperature of tumble drying. Overdrying certain clothing items, such as cotton shirts, can be hard on them and lead to shrinkage and ripping of fabric.

What experts suggest is to air-dry your laundry. Air-drying will save money, reduce wear-and-tear of clothing from tumbling in the dryer, and ease concern about ruining expensive clothing. Also, air-drying your clothing outside is also better for your health and the environment.

A trick to wash tennis shoes in the washer

Whenever you want to wash your dirty shoes, there is a hack to keep them from tumbling around in the dryer. If your dryer does not have a drying rack, you can close the door on the shoelaces, so the shoes will hang there, still getting dried by the heat, but without the dreadful sound and the potential for dryer and/or shoe damage.

However, even with all these precautions, your shoes will not last as long if you dry them in the clothes dryer. It is better to dry your shoes using the newspaper method or simply a fan.

Use your thumb to tell if your steak is cooked

The difficulty with using a meat thermometer is that poking a hole in the flesh with a thermometer can let juices escape, which you would prefer to keep in the meat. As a result, most experienced cooks use the “finger test” method when cooking steak.

Feel the fleshy part below the thumb by bringing your index finger and thumb together. That is how rare steak feels. Do the same technique with your ring and thumb, and you will have a medium grip. The same goes for when you connect the pinky and thumb, which correlates to a fully cooked steak.

Eat chicken wings the right way

Have you ever tried to remove all of the meat from a chicken wing but couldn’t get around the bones? Well, it takes a few seconds to slip the bones out of the end of the chicken wing to take advantage of the meat.

Place the wing in between your index finger and thumb of both hands. This way, you can easily remove the bones from either end. Pull your chicken wing apart at the hinge if it’s V-shaped. When getting the meat off of the smaller section, simply put the bone in your mouth and scrape off the meat.

Buy quality knives

A sharp knife is a must-have in every kitchen, and a chef’s knife is one of the most important tools they can own. It can be used for mincing, slicing, and chopping vegetables, fish, and meat, among other things. Investing in a quality chef’s knife is a good idea, as it will likely be the knife you use most.

Maintaining the sharpness of your knife, regardless of which one you choose, is essential. Cheaper knives generally do not hold their sharp edge as long as more expensive knives do. German and Japanese knives are known to be among the best.

Sharpen your knives with a ceramic mug

Unglazed ceramic is tougher than metal and works well as a sharpening stone. All you have to do is flip the mug over and run the knife blade along the edge, keeping the angle between 15 and 20 degrees. Repeating this process will lead your knife blade to shrink quickly.

This works out because unglazed ceramic is harder than metal and can be used just like a sharpening stone. In cases in which you have a dull knife and cooking to do but no ceramic in sight, the top edge of a rolled-down car window will work just as well.

Know what kind of whiskey to drink

The possibilities are both intriguing and scary if you are unfamiliar with the variety of flavors and ways whiskey is served. American Bourbon whiskey is the one type of whiskey that beginners will enjoy.

The distinct sweetness of bourbon, which comes from the corn mashes it is made of, makes for an excellent first taste of whiskey. Then you can move up to Scotch (from Scotland), Irish Whiskey, Canadian Whiskey, and Japanese Whisky. With time and patience, you’ll be able to taste the notes of wood, spices, and sweetness. Breweries will add different flavors, such as orange, chocolate, and caramel.

Learn about balance in cocktails

The key to delicious cocktails is balance. When we talk about balance in cocktails, we usually mean the balance of sweet and sour flavors. Sour ingredients include lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, and pomegranate juices, but there are other ingredients that are acidic as well.

Sweet ingredients are used to balance sour ones. These include many liqueurs, plus sweetening agents including sugar, honey, maple syrup, high fructose corn syrup, molasses, and so on. The gold standard cocktail ratio for sour is 2:1:1, which is two parts liquor to one part each of the sweet and sour ingredients

Remember this simple “stirred versus shaken” rule

All-spirit beverages should be stirred, whereas drinks including egg, dairy, or citrus should be shaken (unless otherwise specified). It happens on occasions when people shake when they should stir, and it changes the entire mouthfeel of the drink.

The rule of thumb is that “if there’s something other than alcohol in the drink, you shake it.” Also, stirring merely chills and dilutes a cocktail whereas shaking additionally changes its texture.

Let lemon and lime juices sit out to age

Allowing lemon and lime juices to settle for 4 hours improves their flavor (bottled, sealed, or refrigerated). Aged citrus juice seems to taste more mellow, while the top notes seem to pop more.

After 10 hours of storage, the juices seem to lose some of their aromas, and after a day of storage, bitterness becomes quite unpleasant. When it comes to oranges, though, fresh squeezed is the way to go!

Know how to make an Old-Fashioned

The old-fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey (typically rye or bourbon) with a couple of ice cubes, and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry.

It’s traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass (also known as rocks glass), which predated the cocktail. You’ll need a cocktail set, which includes a Boston shaker, bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, and muddler.

When adding ingredients to cocktails, always follow the “cheapest leads” rule

One method for mixing noncarbonated drinks is the “cheapest leads” concept. It’s a little old-school, and it’s based on the musings of a budget-conscious bartender. You won’t waste the liquor, which is the most expensive ingredient, if something goes wrong in the pour, like adding too much cranberry juice or cracking a sour egg.

“Cheapest leads” is a good approach for sour drinks, such as the whiskey sour, margarita, and sidecar.

Make simple lemon syrup for your cocktails

Lemon syrup brings the bright flavor of citrus into any drink, even in seasons where good citrus is scarce. Combine equal parts brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Add the zest from one lemon, and bring to a low boil.

Stir it and keep it going until you can no longer see any granules of sugar. It’s great because it won’t drastically alter the taste of the drink.

Declutter your wardrobe of things you don’t use

Narrowing down your wardrobe selections to the pieces you actually wear regularly will help alleviate decision fatigue and enable you to create looks faster.

After you have worn an item, return its hanger to the wardrobe facing the opposite direction. After a couple of months, you will quickly start to identify the pieces that you feel most comfortable in and those which you’re never going to wear. Donate the excess.

Learn to layer your winter clothing

One of the few advantages of winter is the ability to layer clothes, which, in addition to providing more warmth, can also help you lose a few pounds visually.

Wearing an open shirt over a T-shirt, for example, will break up your frame and make you appear taller and slender. It also gives you a chance to wear more colors and mix more patterns. Winter isn’t that bad, after all.

Always match your belt with your shoes

It’s never a good idea to match your accessories with your tailoring. Contrasting pocket squares and ties always win out over matching ones. That isn’t to say that every component of your outfit should be unique.

If your belt is brown, make sure your shoes are too. Just remember never to match all of them: belt, watch strap, and shoes. You should always be aiming for two out of three.

How to use check pattern shirts

A check pattern on a short sleeve shirt, like stripes, gives a way to create a focal point to an outfit without going overboard. Checks, like the standout shirt, should be paired with simple pieces to prevent looking cluttered.

When it comes to traditional, timeless style, pattern mixing is never a good idea, so stay away from anything with a print that can clash with the checks on your shirt.

How to use statement clothing

When wearing a statement piece, whether it is a jacket, T-shirt, short sleeve shirt, or something else, it’s always best to keep the remainder of the ensemble simple.

Focus on modest colors, discreet detailing, and minimum branding elsewhere in the outfit instead of two or more loud clothes battling for attention. Your statement shirt will be able to sing and be heard in this manner. It should never outshine you.