How To Be Stylish

In today's day and age, what exactly does it mean to be stylish? Does it mean that you go to the nearest men's store at the mall and buy every item that is featured on one of the mannequins? Or does it mean that your wear head to toe trends, copying the latest celebrities? Although one may think that being stylish is all about dressing in the latest fashions and most up-to-date trends, I argue that this is not true. Being stylish is not just about duplicating another person or the store's portrayal of what is hip; instead it is about defining your own personal look.

The number one most important tip that men should consider when it comes to style is that no matter how fashionable your clothes are, you will never look stylish if you have straggly hair and a Grizzly Adams beard. Proper grooming is of the utmost importance. Short hair loses its shape quickly, so you should be seeing a hair dresser for a trim at least once a month. If your hair is going gray, don't stress it. There's nothing wrong with gray hair. Just make sure to keep it neat and well cut. It is equally important to think of grooming in terms of your clothing items as well. Take the time to iron button down shirts before you put them on. Use a lint roller before you leave the house. Invest in some nice wooden hangers, and make sure to always hang your pants in your closet. Even an expensive, nicely tailored pair of khakis will look junky if they have been balled up and sitting on your closet floor.

Now if you are consistently well-groomed and your clothing is well cared for, you already have a major leg up on style. The next step is about assembling a core of versatile and stylish clothing pieces. The primary rules for purchasing a stylish wardrobe are: 

• Don't buy all your apparel items in just one place. Shop in different stores for different pieces. No, you cannot get away with buying every single item in the men's department of a department store.
• If you find an item that fits perfectly, resist the urge to buy 5 of the same thing. If your wardrobe has no versatility, you are not stylish.
• Never pass up on an item that you think may be "too dressy." You should always dress for success. As Stacy and Clinton say on the popular TV show What Not To Wear, dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
• Buy a piece you love even if it doesn't fit perfectly. But then take it to the tailor the very next day.
• Mix trendy pieces with classic pieces. For example, if you love the look of the trendy vintage-look cotton silk screened tee shirts, try layering one over a collared shirt and a dark pair of jeans.
• Reserve athletic shoes only for athletics. If you like the comfort of sneakers, look for a pair of fashion sneakers such as Sketchers or Pumas.
• Do not dress only in neutrals. Head-to-toe oatmeal and khaki tends to be very blaaaaah. Try bright colors such as fuchsia, teal, sea green, and dark purple.

Once you have started to build a stylish wardrobe, don't be afraid to add in interesting or unique pieces to create your own style signature. Being stylish is definitely not just about reflecting what is "in" or popular. Look at Andre Benjamin, for example. During Outkast performances, he often wears brightly colored three-piece suits, and even fur-trimmed coats. It comes across as a little bit wild. But he sure as heck is stylish because he is not afraid to dress a little differently than everyone else. Risk-taking is stylish, and it always will be.

Author: Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. The right necktie accessories can ensure you look professional and help you stand out for the right reasons. Now you can be confident knowing your tie knot looks great. For more information, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com.

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