10 Easy Ways to Kick up Your Style in 2013. . .

A closet full of tweed jackets reblogged from A Tailored Gentleman.

Here are ten easy things you can do right now to kick up your style in 2013 without taking the time to build a new wardrobe from the ground up. . .

1) Pull up your pants to your natural waist and keep them there!

Few things will make you look less pulled together than a pair of pants worn at your hips and all bunched up at your ankles.  Why so many guys let this happen is beyond me, since it’s so easy to avoid.  For one, purchase pants that are the correct length, or have them altered by a seamstress or tailor.  Another way to avoid the saggy-baggy pants look is to. . .

2) Buy a belt and wear it for cryin' out loud! 

Ideally, you’ll want to have a leather belt to match in color, as closely as possible, each pair of your dress and casual shoes (dark brown, tan, cordovan, and black).

3) Tuck in your shirt darn it! 

Repeat as necessary during the day each time you visit the men's room.  Again, something that’s very easy to do, and a tucked in shirt makes you appear slimmer and more pulled together instantly, regardless of the social or professional occasion.

4) Avoid shoulders that are too wide in suit coats and sports jackets. 

Try going down a chest size or two than you think you should wear.  Once again, it helps to have professionally taken measurements written down on an index card to take with you whenever you shop for clothes.  In other words, see your tailor!

5) Comb or brush your hair. 

Why in the heck is this so hard for so many ostensible adults?  Part and comb (or brush) your hair after showering in the morning, and repeat as necessary throughout the day when you visit the men’s room.  Not much more to say about that, is there?

6) Trim and clean your finger (and toe) nails routinely.

And don’t you dare chew on them or your cuticles.  Nothing says angst-ridden and neurotic man-child like gnawed cuticles and red, ragged fingertips.  Ick!

7) Invest in a few pairs of leather dress and casual shoes. 

This should be the most expensive thing you add to your wardrobe.  Don’t chintz or buy anything with squared toes!  Good leather shoes, with proper care and maintenance, will last for decades, and your feet won’t stink like they do in footwear manufactured from manmade materials.  Watch for sales online and in stores if you want to cut corners, or try thrift and consignment shops.  In any case, for the love of God, leave the sneakers, hiking boots, and flip-flops for the basketball court, hiking, and the beach or pool.

8) Get some interesting, calf-length dress socks. 

Don’t be afraid to add a splash of color here.  While the standard navy, charcoal, and dark brown have their place, don’t restrict yourself to just those three traditional stand-bys.  How about some Argyll, stripes, or polka dots?  People will dig it when they notice too.

9) Rein in any and all stray nose and ear hair.

It's not hard guys.  Use a battery operated trimmer that you can find in most drugstore chains at fairly reasonable prices.  You don’t want to look like my middle- and high school guidance counselor!  And no self-respecting (potential) romantic partner wants you to either.  Trust me.

10) Get routine haircuts that help you resemble an adult male. 

Find a good hairstylist or barber and make appointments for about every six or seven weeks.  Go for fairly conservative, classic masculine haircuts instead of something trendy that looks funny in three years.  And whatever you do, don’t get that funny looking teased up and moussed mohawk fringe that lots of guys are sporting right now.  Ugh!  That particular look succeeds only in making you look like you’ve experimented with a tube of your grandmother’s Alberto V05, following an afterschool snack and Transformers reruns on TV.