7 Rules of Everyday Men’s Fashion to Make or Break Your Style

While individuality is important, there are certain sartorial rules that must be followed by the stylish gentleman. These are eight rules of style that will make a great outfit even better.

Rule #1: Mix Textures

Texture is defined as the unique physical structure or composition of something. It includes the arrangement, size, shape and arrangement of its components. Texturizing a look in fashion is easiest with multiple fabrics. Layer heavier fabrics around lighter ones to make them stand out. Layering colour, pattern and shine is another way to create texture.

• Smart Casual

A great way to add texture and color to your outfit is to use a cable knit or loosely woven sweater. Wear with raw denim jeans or derby shoes in suede, which is the most tactile leather available. The best way to add texture is with linen. For a casual, smart look, wear linen as a blazer with a shirt and pants.

• Formalwear

A pleated trouser can add texture and style to an otherwise boring suit. Pleated pants in wool blend can be worn separately with a grainy wool blazer. A crisp white shirt will balance out the look. You can either wear the neck untied with a loose, paisley neck tie, or with a silk business tie made of woven silk. L.B.M 1911 is the brand that offers the most texture in menswear this season. This guide to suit fabrics can also be your friend.

• Casual

A leather jacket can be worn over tees to add density and shine to casual looks. Relaxed chinos made from synthetic cotton blend and t-shirts give your bottoms a medium textural density and slight shine. Calf skin leather Chelsea boots with studs or material texture are excellent footwear options to rework the hide of the animal. David Beckham is a master of leather texture.

• Sportwear

To balance the shine, satiny nylon puffer jackets can be worn over matte cotton jersey sweatshirts. To balance out the shine, you can wear neoprene track pans (think wetsuit material) or gym shorts made of synthetic shine to the jacket. Singlets and shirts should be kept flat. For sports luxe inspiration, check out Moncler or H&M.

Rule #2: Know your size

Style is about the right fit and how you dress. Jeans and suits are two of the main causes of ill-fitting (along with tees made from Euro-trash material).

• Suits

A professional tailor will know the difference between shawl and peak lapels and how to tell the difference between trouser breaks’ and suit seats. All the stress is relieved by a custom-made suit. Suits should be straight and flat on the shoulders. When buttoned, they shouldn’t pull. The pants should naturally sit at the hipbones and not sag at the back. The trouser length should be slim and not bunch at the ankle.

• Jeans

All denim, except skinny jeans, should be purchased in a slim fit to allow for stretch. The waistband should be easy to slide in with a thumb.

Rule #3: Maintain White Basics

Simple replenishment of basic whites is like replenishing garments. You can go through your drawers every month to find any unpresentable items, including socks, singlets, socks and underwear. You should get rid of them. Uncertain? It’s okay to toss it. Holes don’t provide extra ventilation. Stains are not artistic or sentimental. They are a sign of poor hygiene and a lazy style. Even if your undergarments are still clean for several months, it is important to change them every season. Brightening basic whites makes them look brighter.

Rule #4: Keep one button open

Buttons should be fastened. But not always. One button should always be undone, except for shirts, the Polo, and obviously pants, shorts, and jeans. This style rule applies to suit jackets and blazers. An open jacket prevents bunching and allows for freedom of movement when seated. While standing, the jacket’s bottom button must be undone. Fasten the top button of a jacket with two buttons. A three-button suit should only have the top button, while a two-button jacket should only have the top button. The garment should not look stretched if you only button it in the middle.

Rule #5 Know What To Wear and Tie A Tie

The first step is to choose the right tie for your shirt and occasion. Learn how to tie it. You can find tutorial videos on Youtube depending on the knot you want. A tie that is too short or too long are common master mistakes. A knot that is too short or too long, or that doesn’t fill the space between the collar and the tie. The tip of your tie should be just above the buckle. Make sure that the knot is pressed against the collar. Do not wear novelty ties.

Rule #6: One statement-accessory per outfit

Accessories should complement the outfit, but not dominate it. This is similar to the #3 rule about overt branding. You can mix and match small accessories, such as a signet ring, a silver lapel pin, or a metallic watch. However, two of these accessories should be very minimal and must take the back seat to the glory of the third. A classic watch is a great choice for every occasion, as it balances out any bling from precious metals. For those who prefer plain-tie, a checkered pocket square or matching tie will work well. However, the silk-printed scarf and jewel-encrusted tiepin are great choices.

Rule #7 Keep your footwear appropriate for special occasions

For formal occasions, a well-polished pair of dress shoes is essential. Black is the best choice, especially if you’re wearing a tuxedo. Mix it with darker browns, tan, and add texture to your suit with smooth suede or patent leather.

Sneakers are the king of casual wear, but you can also opt for retro styles like dress shoes. Muddy, tattered trainers, with holes and broken laces, are no good. Canvas Espadrilles or driver loafers make great weekend shoes. Thongs should be left at the beach. Sandals are the next level up, but they should be masculine (no Gladiator impersonations please).

The shoe is the key to smart casual. You can pair white sneakers with jeans, blazers, and even casual suits. For a day event, leather moccasins work well. You can also wear no socks. A chunky sole is a great way to brighten up your look, whether you choose oxford or pop-coloured derbys.