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[COMPETITION]: This collection includes a contest. Refer to the bonus section for further details.
As the creator of Mytour, I have the freedom to explore various types of lists. While I usually avoid fashion or general lifestyle advice, this topic is a personal interest, so I’m making an exception today.
This guide is designed for men who occasionally or regularly need to step up their wardrobe beyond jeans and a t-shirt. If your style is strictly casual, you might prefer to check out one of our more intellectually focused lists (we’ve published four today).
Consider this a go-to resource for dressing appropriately for job interviews, graduations, first dates, or starting a new office role.
By adhering to the advice in this list, you’ll always present yourself well in public—I can assure you of that.
10. Never Skip Wearing a Belt
Whenever your pants feature belt loops, a belt is a must. Pants with loops but no belt appear unfinished, suggesting either financial constraints or a recent weight gain. Ensure your belt matches your shoes: black with black, brown with brown.
This image also highlights the consequences of disregarding point 8: the jacket and tie share overly similar patterns in size and design, creating a cluttered look. A solid or striped tie would be a far better choice.
9. Avoid Pairing a Belt with Suspenders
This is the flip side of skipping a belt: wearing both a belt and suspenders simultaneously. It conveys only one thing: uncertainty. The rule is straightforward: if your pants have belt loops, use a belt; if not, opt for suspenders. Ideally, suspenders should attach to buttons sewn inside or outside the trousers (the latter being more traditional), though clip-ons are acceptable since suspenders are considered underwear.
Remember, no one should see your suspenders except you and the fortunate individual who gets to witness you undress at day’s end. The image above should clearly show how unappealing the combination of a belt and suspenders can be.
8. Limit the Use of Patterns
The cardinal rule for men’s pattern coordination is simplicity. If your suit or jacket has stripes, pair it with a solid shirt and tie—this combination never fails. For a plain jacket, choose a patterned tie with a solid shirt or vice versa. The gentleman pictured above exemplifies this perfectly: solid jacket, solid shirt, patterned tie, and a pocket square that doesn’t match the tie (refer to point 6). Additionally, avoid combining more than three colors at once. In the example, blue, gray, and tan work harmoniously; anything more would appear chaotic.
Once you’ve mastered the basics or feel daring, you can experiment by mixing patterns. However, adhere to the golden rule: avoid combining similar patterns unless they differ significantly in scale (e.g., a wide-striped tie with a pinstriped suit). For instance, a finely striped suit paired with a herringbone shirt and plaid tie can look exceptional, showcasing your attention to detail. And steer clear of ties featuring cartoons, text, or humorous images.
7. Formal Footwear
Formal shoes are characterized by leather soles (though some may feature rubber Dainite soles for snowy conditions). No other style qualifies as formal, and they are certainly not produced by children in Asia. Avoid shoes with exaggerated or squared-off toes; opt for a natural, rounded shape instead. To add a layer of complexity, there are two primary types of formal men’s shoes: Oxfords, which pair with suits and have lace flaps seamlessly integrated into the upper, and Derbys (or Bluchers), which are worn with mismatched jackets and trousers and feature separate lace flaps attached to the upper.
6. Pocket Squares
Though less common today, some men still embrace pocket squares. The key rule is simple: avoid matching the fabric or color of your tie too closely, as it can appear overly coordinated. A white linen pocket square is always a safe choice, but for a bolder look, select the secondary color from your tie and make it the dominant hue in your pocket square. Matching your pocket square to your tie (except in the case of a tails suit) risks evoking the style of a dated 1980s wedding.
5. Undershirts
Your undershirt, much like your underwear, should remain hidden. This means either skipping the undershirt or wearing a vest if you prefer a business shirt with the top buttons open. A common mistake, especially among American men, is allowing a tee-shirt to peek out from an unbuttoned shirt. This appears sloppy and careless, almost as bad as walking around with your pants sagging and exposing your underwear. The photo above demonstrates how unappealing visible undershirts can look.
4. Always Fasten Your Tie
Avoid wearing a loosened tie as often depicted in movies. That style is reserved for returning home after a night out or starring in a Hollywood film. Always button the top button when wearing a tie; otherwise, it looks ill-fitting. Additionally, the tie’s tip should reach at least halfway down your belt buckle (or where the buckle would be if you’re wearing suspenders). The gentleman in the photo above adheres to all these guidelines (at least from what we can see!).
3. Your Go-To Suit
If you own just one suit, make it gray—preferably dark gray. A dark gray suit is versatile, suitable for weddings, interviews, funerals, theater outings, and more. If you can afford multiple suits, consider adding shades of blue and brown. For the truly affluent, a black suit is an option, but reserve it solely for funerals. Black is a somber color and inappropriate for business settings. Remember, always button your suit or jacket when standing; it’s optional when sitting. For three-button suits, leave the bottom button undone, as they’re designed to be worn that way. Pictured above is Pierce Brosnan in a Brioni charcoal suit from twenty-two years ago—still timeless and stylish today.
2. Designer Brands
Designer labels are often overpriced and designed to keep you coming back for the latest trends. Wearing a Hugo Boss or Armani suit (overpriced and low-quality) will make your photos look outdated in a few years—think 1970s wide lapels. Instead, opt for a timeless, moderately priced suit or jacket with medium-width lapels and no more than two or three buttons. This classic style will last for years, even to the point of needing repairs rather than replacement (a topic for another list!).
If you insist on designer labels and have the budget, focus on Italian brands like Kiton, Isaia, and Brioni. Other brands, including Tom Ford (excellent quality but modern designs), will eventually look dated. Be prepared, though—suits from these brands can cost up to $70,000 (yes, that’s correct). For proof of their timelessness, look no further than Pierce Brosnan in Goldeneye, where he wears Brioni suits throughout the film.
1. Socks
Sock etiquette has varied between American and British men, but the classic rule is to match your socks to your trousers. Alternatively, you can coordinate them with a color from your tie or another part of your outfit. For a bold statement, consider vibrant socks (they’re rarely visible, after all). This trend is more common in the UK and adds a playful touch to otherwise conservative attire. Avoid socks with cartoons or images—stick to solid colors or subtle patterns. Ideally, men’s socks should reach just below the knee, ensuring no skin shows when sitting or bending, as seen in the photo above.
+ Contest
It’s been a while since we hosted a competition, and given my passion for quality menswear, this list felt like the ideal moment to bring one back. To participate, simply leave a comment on this list related to menswear. At the end of the day, I’ll choose the five comments with the most upvotes to win one of five Drake’s of London pocket squares, each worth up to $100 USD. You can explore their pocket square collection here (winners can select their preferred design). Drake’s is renowned for their exceptional clothing, and their pocket squares are my top choice (some of which are featured above).
This contest is open to participants of all genders and from any country. Start commenting now, and best of luck!
