That’s not free rein to wear your pajamas in public – after all, plenty of well-fitting clothing of good quality is comfortable.

But even the most on-trend or glamorous outfit won’t look quite right if you’re clearly not comfortable in it.

Discomfort will affect your posture and cause you to pull and adjust things all day or night – and that’s simply not flattering.

(Of course, this rule is just as true for men, but women tend to need to hear it more often.)

Men’s sizing can be a lot more predictable than women’s, particularly when waist and neck measurements are used.

But that’s no longer a guarantee that something will fix exactly as you expect.

We know it doesn’t make sense – a 35-inch waist should measure 35 niches! – but if you want to look your best, sometimes you have to take a few extra minutes to step into the fitting room to be sure you’ve got the right size.

If you love something, buy it in the size that fits you, even if that’s a size or two larger than your usual number.

Different brands have different sizing and that little number shouldn’t decide how confident you feel in your clothing.

When you’re in the dressing room and you need a bigger size, it can feel defeating, but it can often simply be because the brand just doesn’t measure things in a standard way.

Some shirts are made to have the sleeves rolled up and others need to fit just right.

Nothing can mess with your professional look more than sleeves that are too long or too short.

If you don’t know your sleeve length, have yourself measured at a men’s store. In fact, have them take all of your measurements and keep them in your phone.

Again, you might still need to try things on, but at least you know which sizes to grab first.

Ok, let’s just get this out of the way – you should wear whatever you want, flaunt what you want, and show whatever parts of your body are legal if you want to.

But if you are striving for classical elegance (and there’s no rule that says you have to!), it’s best to show off just one part of your body at a time.

For example, a short dress should technically cover cleavage. A strapless dress should be on the longer side.

Unless you’re going for the “dad on vacation look,” t-shirts aren’t really meant to be tucked in unless you’re wearing them under a dress shirt.

If you feel like a shirt is too short and tucking it in will make it more secure and avoid baring belly, try buying a tall size instead.

Now, if it’s casual Friday, a day on the golf course, and we’re talking about a polo shirt, then by all means, tuck it.

When we’re not feeling super-confident about our bodies we tend to want to cover up with the most billowy clothing possible. But that’s not doing your shape any good.

If you truly want to look your best, buy clothes that fit your size and shape well or stick to either an oversized top OR bottom – not both.

You can absolutely wear a checked shirt and polka dot tie as long as they’re the same general color. In fact, it looks quite dapper!

Go ahead and mix your patterns – just try to keep it to two at a time.

This can be an intimidating look to pull off at first, so pop into a store for a helping hand.

We might not all love our shapes (but we should try!), but being honest with yourself about what flatters your body type in the moment is one of the best things you can do to dress your best.

Granted, it’s frustrating to love a certain style and not be able to pull it off, but you always have options. Accentuate your positives, whether it’s your legs, waist, shoulders, or even neckline.

Your first step is to figure out your body shape (and ask for advice if you feel like you can’t be objective about it). Then try some clothing on that’s meant to suit that shape and see if you notice a difference in how sharp you look. There’s always going to be some trial and error involved and not everyone is going to fit neatly into a box.

White t-shirts, polos shirts, button-ups, a pair of good jeans, and some khaki pants are usually the basis for many men’s wardrobes.

You might have a different personal style, but if you’re trying to stock your closet with some things to wear to work or for special occasions, grab some classic clothing in neutral colors.

Most of us have done it – we try something on and convince ourselves that it’ll fit later – after we’ve lost a few pounds or gained a few back after being ill. Those are the clothes that hang in the back of your closet, unworn.

There’s so much clothing out there in so many different styles – why not just buy what fits best? You can always have it tailored later if you need to.

If your weight fluctuates and you don’t have the budget to buy clothes all the time, consider renting them from a service like Armoire, Rent the Runway, or LeTote.

If you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing in the dress-up department, it’s always tempting to go with what matches perfectly.

But nothing makes you look like your mom dressed you more than wearing an identical pocket square and tie.

Just go with the general color scheme and you’ll be ok.

And no one said you had to wear a pocket square anyway!

If you truly love an item in style this season and can afford it, by all means invest!

But keep in mind that wearing every new trend at once just makes it look like you bought your style off a mannequin.

By mixing classic and on-trend items you show that you know what’s cool while being able to sensibly incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Your tie should end at the middle of your waistband or else it will probably look too short.

If you’re tall or you like to use a Windsor knot on your tie, look for an extra-long version so you don’t lose any length.

You might need to start over again if you got the knot wrong the first time, but eventually, you’ll get the hang of it.

The most beautiful, expensive outfit in the world won’t look quite right without the correct undergarments.

Be sure you don’t have bra straps or panty lines showing or that you invest in good shapewear if you wear it (the stuff that doesn’t roll down!).

You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you should consider these pieces the foundation of your entire outfit.

If you wear suits (even if just for special occasions), invest in an overcoat to wear on chilly days.

Your Spring jacket or bomber jacket is going to throw off the look of your suit if it’s shorter than your suit jacket.

At the end of the day, if you feel like you look good in a certain style, that’s the right one for you.

Trends come and go and plenty of people will give you advice on what you should wear. But you know your body best, so if there’s a silhouette or color that you know looks good on you, invest in a couple of pieces that will stand the test of time.

This one is simple – there can be some slight variation, especially when it comes to brown, but at the end of the day, you’ll always look more put together if your belt and shoes match.

Investing in high-quality items is a good idea here since the good stuff can last for years.

Your finest clothing should be the stuff you wear the most, whether that’s denim, a pencil skirt, a blazer, or a plain white t-shirt.

You can always add a little flair, but investing in good-quality basics upfront will always keep you looking your best and allow for a little leeway when it comes to adding a fashion piece.

Only a complete novice (or someone who forgot to change socks after the gym) would wear athletic socks with a suit.

In fact, they really don’t belong with any of your dress clothes.

Save those for when you’re wearing sneakers.

It seems like no one appreciates a good tailor anymore, but we promise that the first time you visit one to spend a little money on having things adjusted to your body type, you’ll realize what a great investment it is.

For work clothes, in particular, you’ll want to have pants and skirts hemmed to the right length. Bring the shoes you plan to wear them with and you’ll have an outfit you’re proud to wear for years.

After all, men get to buy things for their height all the time!

A good rule of thumb is to have your hems just graze the top of your shoes and be 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch off the floor unless you’re purposely buying ankle pants.

Of course, you can wear what you like, but if you’re trying to formulate your own classic style, it’s best not to go overboard on the accessories until you’re confident that a piece really suits you (no pun intended).

For daytime, your watch will be enough of an accessory if you feel like you need one. And glasses count as an accessory as well (even though for many they are a necessity).

Anything flashier than that and you run the risk of looking overly “blinged.”

We’ve yet to meet the person who likes the way they look from behind, but even when you feel like you look your best and are ready to walk out the door, it’s always best to get a look at your backside.

That’s when you’ll notice any panty lines or bra bands showing.

This will depend on the weather, but there are plenty of ways to layer a lightweight sweater over a dress shirt and even top it off with a sport coat for a slick look.

If you’re unsure how this will look, just wear the other parts of your outfit to the store and try some sweaters on to see if it looks and feels good.

Menswear or menswear-inspired items such as vests, chunky watches, or even ties can look great on women.

If you feel like it makes you look too masculine, you can always balance it out with some jewelry or bright lipstick.

Don’t let anyone tell you you must have something simply because it’s in style.

Sometimes men hate shopping so much that they grab everything suggested to them by the salesperson just to get out of the store. Salespeople know this and take advantage of it.

Just practice saying “no thanks, that’s not for me” – or whatever you feel most comfortable saying – firmly before you go shopping.

Alternately, don’t be afraid to try something on that’s suggested to you even if you don’t think you’ll like it. You might be surprised. BUT if you’re unsure, snap a pic and send it to a partner or friend for a second opinion.

If you end up hating it AND hate going to the store, it will just sit in your closet (and on your credit card) collecting dust (and interest).

Nude pumps are a great closet staple because they go with nearly anything.

Of course, “nude” is going to be a different color depending on your skin tone, so if you want to use nude heels to lengthen your legs, pick a color close to your skin color.

Nude shoes can always be your go-to when you’re stumped for how to match your shoes to a multi-colored dress.

Unsure what to wear for an interview, a meeting, or a special event? Well, for most events you can just ask. But if it’s something more professional, you have to consider the context.

Think about who you will be meeting with, what you will be doing, and whether you’re there to make a good impression.

Err on the side of dressing more formally if you’re unsure. You can always take off a suit jacket and tie and unbutton the top of your dress shirt if you need to de-formalize. And you’ll be ok in khakis and a polo or dress shirt for even the most casual meeting.

Men rarely look embarrassingly overdressed for events unless they’re wearing a suit to a soccer match – that they’re playing in.

We don’t always have the money to spend on an “investment piece” but some of our less expensive purchases can be upgraded with some new buttons.

If you have a favorite coat or cardigan that has cheap plastic buttons (especially flashy gold ones), head to the craft store and look for a nicer version.

No sewing skills? Take it to a tailor or ask a friend – or practice on an old piece of clothing after watching some YouTube videos.

Men feel just as unconfident as women do sometimes and are just as capable of getting into a style rut.

If your partner (or, goodness forbid, your mother) has been dressing you well into your adult life, it might be time to find your own style.

And it’s easy – there’s no need to buy a stack of fashion magazines. Just do a Google image search for “men’s style” or some variation or scroll through some clothing on a store website to get some ideas.

If you’re content to let your mom dress you for the rest of your life, we imagine you’re not reading “75 style tips” anyway.

No matter how cute your outfit is, chances are that most of the time you run into people when it’s cold out, you’re going to be wearing your coat.

A good coat is also a great investment piece and you can always have buttons and linings repaired as you go as long as the material the coat is made from is good.

If your buddies know you from your keg stand days you might get a little flack as you start dressing like an adult (especially if they’re still stuck in the past).

Don’t let the people around you dictate your style. Laugh off or ignore the comments and work on being confident in your own skin (and your second skin) and pretty soon you won’t even hear them anymore (usually because they’ll give up once they see it doesn’t bug you).

Now, if your friends stage an intervention because your hoodie collection hasn’t been washed in months, you might want to listen up.

The fashion industry is incredibly wasteful. But if you’re looking for a nice pair of leather boots or a camel coat or some other classic piece (like a beautiful handbag) – whether it’s a blazer to a black dress – consider vintage and second-hand websites like RealReal (which will authenticate designer pieces).

Not only will you be able to upgrade to good designers because of the discount, but you’re likely getting better quality clothing since it has already stood the test of time to some extent.

To top it off, you’re not adding more fast fashion to a landfill!

And it’s always nice to be able to say “oh, it’s vintage” when someone wants to copy your style and know where you got that amazing wool coat or beautiful handbag.

Ok, so confidence is key. Just like women, men need to feel good in what they’re wearing.

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your style, a watch is always a good bet.

Now, men can get just as caught up in obsessing over expensive brands as women can with handbags and other accessories. But, chances are, people aren’t judging you nearly as much as you think.

Buy what you can afford and wear it proudly (after all, you’re wearing it because you like it!).

Just because something is 75% off doesn’t mean it belongs in your closet.

Clothing waste is a huge problem today and tons of cheap polyester ends up in landfills and oceans.

Invest in good clothing that lasts a long time and don’t be tempted to fill your drawers and closets with things you don’t need just because you spotted a deal.

You really have to get measured for this and wear your dress shoes when you do.

Men already have the advantage of having their pants come in a variety of lengths, so take advantage of that and know your ideal length in both denim and dress pants.

You don’t want fabric pooling around your shoes or else it’ll look like you bought a cheap suit off the rack.

We’re so critical of ourselves that we hardly ever register compliments most of the time.

But maybe you have a pair of shoes or a great top that people always call out. Keep those in rotation for a rainy day when you’re feeling down, uninspired, or like you have nothing good to wear.

Unless you know what you like, ask for a hand in the shoe department when it comes to choosing a style. You might want dressier shoes if you wear mostly suits compared to mostly khakis.

And you might need a pair of even fancier dress shoes for special occasions.

It probably goes without saying, but in case it doesn’t, only wear black shoes with grey pants and brown shoes with blue pants (unless you’re trying something very daring and intentional, like a stylish blue and black suit).

Clothing doesn’t become “off-limits” when you hit a certain age – it’s all about how you wear it.

So don’t resign yourself to a certain style once you enter a new decade. It’s all about rocking your clothing.

If you wear glasses, keep in mind that they’re more than just a practical tool. You can use them as part of your overall style as well.

That doesn’t mean you need a bunch of outrageous frames, but do take the time to pick out something that suits your face shape, personal style, and that you like the look of.

After all, you have to wear those things on your face all day. You might not see them very often, but they’ll be one of the first things other people notice.

Cheap fabrics look cheap and they often feel cheap too. But the first time you buy a real silk (or sustainable alternative) top or a pair of pants without the polyester, you know what it’s like to feel fine.

It’s better to own a few classic neutral pieces of good clothing that you will take care of properly than a bunch of cheap items. You’ll look AND feel better.

You never know when an opportunity to wear formalwear will present itself. Even if your boss invites you and your partner to the opera and it sounds like an utter nightmare of an activity, you know it’s in your best interest to attend and dress the part.

You don’t need to go drop $2k on a tux, but at least own a dark suit and dark tie so you can mimic black tie.

Walking into a rental store will give you high school prom flashbacks – in a bad way.

Whether red hair is in or mint green is everywhere, those colors just might not suit you. Just because they’re “in” doesn’t mean they’ll make you look good.

You’ll always look best in colors that flatter you.

But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid colors completely if you like them – play around or invest in an accessory in that fun shade.

You might think you’ll never need to wear a suit in your whole life, but chances are the need to tie a tie will come up at least once in your life.

Even if you’re well into your adulthood and still can’t do it, there’s no need to fear (or even admit it to anyone now that we have YouTube).

Just remember that practice makes perfect and you won’t get it right on the first try. That’s why it’s best not to leave learning the skill until the last minute.

Whether you need to dress up a black suit or get ready for a date straight from work, a beautiful statement necklace in good materials (nothing that tarnishes too easily) can be your best friend.

Sometimes you just need a little sparkle.

It’s every bit as manly (whatever that even means) to be able to wear a suit well as to know how to operate a jackhammer.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that any man who cares about the way he looks is lame.

Part of dressing well is having respect for the people around you as well (that’s why we require people to wear clothing in public, after all!).

We all lose and gain a few pounds throughout the year. And, frankly, there’s no reason to hide it.

But if you just don’t feel like yourself when you’re carrying some extra weight, try nipping outfits at the waist with a thicker belt.

And don’t cinch it too tight just to punish yourself!

Everyone is welcome to wear neutrals for the entire lives. There’s no one stopping you.

But sometimes an outfit might catch your eye and make you think “hey, I’d like to look like that.”

Give it a try! Sure, there’s a chance that it won’t work on you, but that’s why we can return things to the store.

So that bright orange tie or light pink shirt? Go for it!

That fake Louis Vuitton is not only going to be wildly obvious to anyone who knows their stuff, but true counterfeits are illegal and could get you in a lot of trouble at places like the airport where these items can be confiscated.

Counterfeit goods aren’t made by legitimate business people either, so there’s a good chance the money you shell out is going to fund some shady activity.

Elegance is all about accepting what you can afford and making the most of it.

There are very few instances in which fabric with shine to it doesn’t look extremely cheap.

If you’re looking at shiny material and you’re just not sure, give it a pass.

There ARE stylish suits that have a satin finish, but those are next level and you have to be pretty confident about what you’re doing to pull one off.

If you love and can afford Chanel, more power to you.

But if you can’t, that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish and fashion-forward.

It’s just as easy to carry a beautiful vintage leather bag with no logo at all than one with LVs all over it. In fact, many very high-end brands (like Celine or the Hermès Birkin) don’t even put big logos on their bags.

That doesn’t mean you have to go buy something well beyond your means, but if you own suits the cost under $200, chances are they are going to wear out a lot faster, even if you’re dry-cleaning them properly.

Just be aware to take a close look at the buttons and lining every now and then to make sure there are no obvious signs of wear.

Many suits can be mended before they are tossed, so don’t give up at the first sign of wear.

Who ever said a strand of pearls couldn’t be a bracelet? Or that an old brooch can’t be turned into a charm for a necklace?

If you have a stash of jewelry you hardly ever wear, see if you can find a creative way to repurpose it. Even old pearls can be restrung and new chains found for old pendants.

Shoes with scuffs or stains can easily make you look sloppy.

Invest in a shoe care kit and learn to shine your shoes every now and then to keep them in their best shape.

If that sounds terrible, just keep in mind that the better you care for them the longer they will last (and the longer you can go between trips to the store).

Unless your house is on fire and you had to run to safety in the middle of the night, there’s no reason to wear pajamas in public.

It looks sloppy, it makes people wonder about your hygiene, and it makes it pretty clear that you don’t have much respect for yourself, the venue you’re in, or the people around you.

You don’t have to decorate yourself like an ornament just for other people to look at, but you can at least change into some day clothing during the day.

There are plenty of cotton and linen dresses, for example, that are comfy and don’t make people wonder if you’re still covered in drool.

In a formal work environment you may have less leeway, but novelty socks can be fine in a work environment. Just be sure they don’t have anything offensive on them.

Socks with your college logo are fine. Socks with naked ladies on them are not.

Go ahead and wear white after Labor Day or pretty much anywhere else you want, but even when the color is trending, it’s never ok to wear to a wedding.

This is an old-fashioned rule that still stands today because it’s more about manners than style.

You’re certainly going to draw attention if you break this rule – but probably not the kind you want. (And this goes for you too, mothers and mothers-in-law, unless you were specifically asked that color! Another woman’s wedding is not your day to shine.)

It’s expensive, but if you plan to buy new clothing every season and really hate choosing items, you can walk into a men’s store and tell them your budget, how much you need, and let them help you put together outfits.

If money is no object, all you have to do is stand there while people tie your shoes and neck ties.

We’ve seen a handful of people break the rule with success, but a denim top and bottom (unless one is black or white) is always a bad idea.

Unless you’re headed for a hoe-down.

Nothing makes you look more like an amateur than an ill-fitting suit.

When you buy new clothing, you’re likely to have someone help you find the right size.

But when that size changes, you need to do more than stuff yourself into your old clothing.

If you’re headed for a dinner party or a small-town symphony you might be stumped on what to wear.

But instead of just throwing on your jeans and assuming it will be fine, you might trade that in for a simple black dress or dress pants and a blouse instead. And you can even tuck a pair of vibrant earrings or a big, bejeweled necklace in your bag if things are even dressier than you imagined.

Reign it in (politely and privately) when someone shopping with you says anything along the lines of “oh, he doesn’t like to wear…”

You’re a grown man and no matter how ambivalent you are about shopping, if you’re right there you can speak for yourself.

Want to look put together but not think about it too often? Adopt a classic signature style or “uniform.”

Black is always a good bet, but the possibilities are infinite.

On the girly side? Invest in a few different sheath dresses and cardigans.

Like a more masculine look? Get some nice pants and a couple of great button-up shirts.

You can also add a very “you” accessory for extra sass – such as a cool pair of glasses.

If you have a certain amount of money to spend on clothing, you’re better off buying a few quality pieces than a ton of cheap pieces. It’ll save you money in the long-run when you don’t have to replace them every few months.

Good clothing is also easier to tailor, so it can last you even longer if you take care of it well.

It’s a fashion rule we’ve been taught to break but we’d like to meet the first person not to look wider in horizontal stripes.

Now, if you love stripes, go for it! And if your body type is not narrow and lithe that doesn’t mean you have to avoid the style altogether. There’s nothing inherently bad about looking wider than you are!

Just be aware that there are certain patterns that aren’t going to do you any favors – and if your goal is to have your clothes flatter you, horizontal stripes are probably not the way to go.

If you want to look stylish, you need to put in some effort, but there’s no use in obsessing over it.

Confidence is the best way to look great, so wear your favorite pieces with the knowledge that they look great on you and don’t worry about whether you need to keep up with your colleagues.

It’s pretty annoying when you make a great discovery and everyone else in your office goes out and buys the same coat or earrings. All of a sudden you’ve gone from style maven to member of the clone club.

We’re no longer in 4th grade and looking forward to “twin day” when we can dress like our besties.

No one can tell you what to buy and what not to buy, but don’t be surprised if you get the side-eye after you ask your co-worker where she got her coat and waltz in wearing it the very next week.

If you’ve lived a life of comfort in jeans and sweatshirts, you’ll notice all of the sudden that people treat you much differently when you’re wearing a suit.

It’s kind of unfair, all considering, but experiencing it helps us understand just how much we judge people based on their appearance.

The benefits of retail therapy are fleeting.

Bad body image or feelings of inadequacy should be addressed head-on, not covered up with fancy clothes.

If social media, summer, or new trends have you down about your body, do something constructive about it or mention it to a loved one or health professional if you think those feelings could turn destructive.

Don’t try to spend them away.

There’s a reason shoes come stuffed with all that paper – it helps them keep their shape.

It’s always a good idea – especially if your shoes are in storage for a season – to put something in them to prevent the leather sagging and creases that can make your shoes look old and worn before their time.

Can’t picture yourself in a moto jacket or ankle boots?

If you feel like you need a new look (or just a jump-start) and don’t know how to get out of your style rut, try thinking outside the box.

Let the sales girl help you out or tell her to give you some time to yourself – whichever you prefer – while you look at yourself in a whole new light.

Good clothing requires a thicker hanger, otherwise, all your sweaters and shirts are going to end up with hanger bulges (or “sweater nipples”).

For good clothing, invest in a few suit hangers to keep your shoulders in shape while things hang in your closet.

Don’t invest in a bunch of “dry clean only” clothing if you know you’re not going to get it cleaned very often.

If you know you’re going to stick everything in the dryer without thinking, don’t waste money on cashmere!

Some items can’t go in the dryer, others need to be washed on cold.

If you know that you’re going to simply stick everything in the washer and dryer and not remember to separate your clothing, be sure to buy items that will stand up to that treatment.

It’s always best to take your dress clothes out of the dryer as quickly as possible so you don’t get wrinkles, but if you know that’s not going to happen, it’s best to look for wrinkle-free fabrics.

Confidence can only keep you so warm. If you have the perfect outfit planned for an event but you find out the weather will interfere with your plans, you need to be flexible.

If it rained earlier in the day and a wedding is in a park, you’ll want to avoid the stilettos.

If the temperature is 15 degrees cooler than you expected, don’t stand around and shiver.

And if a heatwave comes through and you’re wearing fine silk, those sweat stains are going to be more obvious than your fashion sense.