There are already too many rules in life. Some, on the other hand, are there to assist. The principles that govern how to dress well, for example. Of course, any man or woman who has an opinion on such matters does so based on personal experience – and fashion rules that works for one person may not work for another; or ones for one person may be regarded too pedestrian or too avant-garde by yet another.
As a result, they must always be regarded at face value when it comes to dressing. They’re only suggestions, not the final word on fashion.
These ‘fashion rules’ are usually based on history — they’ve worked for generations, so they’re likely to work today as well. And they’re usually based on the obvious, which is sometimes overlooked: a preference for good fit, high quality, versatility, good value, avoiding extremes, and keeping things simple.
1. Cover your butt
This is something we can’t stress enough. We don’t mean in a metaphorical sense; we are talking about literally covering your butt. This may imply the use of a belt. And, for God’s sake, if you’re bending over outside and the sun is burning your buttocks, take action.
2. Learn how to wear short shorts the proper way
If you’re wearing short shorts, we recommend not letting them hang free. Tight, short shorts, on the other hand, aren’t ideal.
3. Suits should not be worn with white socks
This should go without saying, but alas, it does not. I recall a friend of mine who would match his outfit with white socks. His polyester suit was lime green. Actually, his biggest fashion concern wasn’t the white socks.
4. Dress appropriately for the occasion
It is not all about you. When attending a formal function, show some respect for the occasion and the host. It’s a sort of self-expression to dress up like you’re from the WWE or something similar, but at the end of the day it’s not all about you.
5. Play it safe if you don’t know what you’re doing in terms of fashion
Plaids, for example, are difficult to deal with. It’s tough to pair plaids with anything other than solids. You’re probably not going to be able to pull it off.
6. It’s fine to defy fashion standards now and then
When you do, it’s good to know you’re breaking the rules.
7. Examine your accessories
You may be over-accessorized if you appear to have escaped from a chain gang. Duct tape over your spectacles is also a fashion faux pas unless you’re going to a geek convention.
8. Pay close attention to your footwear
Purchasing high-quality shoes can be more cost-effective than purchasing low-cost shoes. It might be worthwhile to resole nice shoes, for example. We don’t mean cramming new newspapers into them when we say resoling.
9. Underwear should be purchased for comfort, not for show
People don’t want to see your boxers in public, in general. We would like to return to the first point. Nonetheless, do yourself a favor and invest in some quality underwear.