How to dress successfully

By: William Pattee

Staff Writer

When it comes to menswear, the devil is indeed in the details. Even boring and plain outfits can be interesting with the right finishing touches. But sometimes those same details can break what would be a nice and put together outfit. This is usually because the details are too loud and too high in quantity. This ruins the pleasant simplicity that often makes menswear so delightful. Between socks, ties, jewelry, etc., it’s important to know when to add and when to subtract.

1) Check your colors

One of the biggest pitfalls of a potential outfit is when the color scheme is off. If you find yourself balancing this tightrope, refer to the color wheel and breathe. Instead of complimentary colors, go for alike combinations that are pleasant, but change things up. Never overplay a color in your outfit.

2) Count, and never exceed four

99 percent of the time you should never have more than four accessories in your outfit. Keep this in mind if you plan your outfits ahead or simply check yourself when you’re finished getting ready. If you need to know which pieces to ditch or keep, refer to the first rule.

3) When all else fails, break out the social media

Sometimes, a mirror and Snapchat can be a saving grace from stepping out of the door in something you’ll regret. Never be afraid to get a second eye. Don’t just ask for a general consensus though. Ask specific question about parts you feel shaky about. For example, “Is this lapel pin too much?”

4) Fit is king

One of the most pleasant parts of menswear is simplicity. Sometimes your best accessory is the parts of your outfit that already exist. For example, even the dullest suit can be elevated into a nice piece when it fits correctly. A well-fitting garment will always speak louder than a colorful or even expensive accessory to compliment it.

5) Invest

You get what you pay for in menswear. That being said, paying more for a few tasteful pieces and accents will go far longer than many cheap pieces. Be sure your next shopping list includes pieces that are well-known and well-made. Your chances of going wrong become much slimmer.