Clothes can have an amazingly powerful effect on how people perceive you. You could be an intelligent, rich captain of industry and yet have people blank you because your outfit doesn’t look the part. Likewise, a poor man can get treated like a VIP if his clothes say the right things. Looking great can also help improve your self-confidence. There is a lot of truth in the saying “When you you look great, you feel great”.

Far too many men these days seem to think that polyester is a good suit fabric and that tracksuits are acceptable as everyday casual wear. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! Polyester suits look tacky and are prone to odours and tracksuits just make you look like you are up to no good. Men just don’t take pride in their appearance like they used to. And don’t get me started on those who feel a prominent logo or brand name is a measure of how good looking their appearance is

A lot of men only make an effort to look really good when they feel there is a specific need to do so such as attending a job interview, asking for a raise or attending a special event. I feel it is important to make an effort everyday, even if there is no reason. The reason I say this is because well dressed people get noticed. They also get respect. Many people will assume that someone who makes an effort to look good always is the sort of person who takes pride in their work. There is also the fact that many people associate being well dressed with success.

So what are the hallmarks of a well dressed man? Allow me to give non-exhaustive list.

• Well-fitting clothes that match the occasion and season
• Clothes that are well ironed and wrinkle free
• Shoes that are clean and well polished
• Tidy, well groomed hair
• Clean shaven face, or tidy facial hair (if applicable)
• Well manicured nails
• Correctly fitting shirts made from a good quality fabric
• A complimentary colour scheme - e.g. a tie that goes with the suit colour and matching shoes and belt.
• Discrete use of appropriate accessories - e.g. cuff links, tie clip and pocket squares
• Restrained use of appropriate cologne

I should point out that it is all too easy to overdo your appearance. A suit that is too powerful along with too many accessories will only make you look like a car salesman, and trust me that is not a good look.

Over the next few weeks I will look at gentlemens clothing and appearance in detail. In the meantime why not think about your current clothes and outfits and see what little changes you could make to improve your appearance. Where gentlemanly looks are concerned, it is the small changes that make the big differences.