How to Dress Like a Gentlemen

Dressing like a gentleman conveys style, class and culture, and it doesn't have to break the bank.

Refined, classy and sophisticated, an elevated style of dress outwardly displays a gentleman's civilized nature and, though it can be at times uncomfortable, this appearance conveys a man's sense of dignity, pride and respect for himself and the world around him. A snappy wardrobe need not cost a fortune, because you can find many items in thrift stores, and it sends a message to other people that you are stable, ordered and not prone to fits of fashion -- ideals that can help you land the perfect job and the perfect woman.

Things You'll Need

• 2 suits, blue
• 2 suits, gray
• 3 pairs of khaki pants
• 3 white, button-down shirts
• 3 blue, button-down shirts
• An assortment of ties
• 1 pair of wool slacks, gray
• 2 jackets, one of tweed and the other of seersucker or a lighter material
• 1 pair of black shoes with laces
• 1 pair of burgundy shoes with laces
• 1 pair of casual shoes such as loafers
• Dress or casual socks in blue, gray and tan

Instructions

1. Acquire two blue suits and two gray suits, all of natural fibers. Single-breasted suits with two buttons are fine and can be worn as daily wear to give a nice, semiformal, refined look using universal colors that can be mixed and matched. One of your suits should be a double-breasted suit, preferably pinstriped for more formal occasions such as business meetings.

2. Keep one blue sports coat and one black sports coat on hand for daily wear. Add to these jackets an assortment of ties, three pairs of khaki pants, three white button-down shirts and three blue button-down shirts. These can be mixed and matched and can be worn to work, outings or any number of occasions aside from special occasions and important events in which a suit is needed. Whether the shirts use regular or barrel cuffs or French cuffs is a matter of personal preference.

3. Wear ties that go well with what you are wearing. Ties should vary in color, as well as design. The objective is not to match the colors of your ties with what you are wearing but to choose ties that look good, visually, with your coat and shirt. A bright, flashy tie and a dull, bland tie are equally distracting. Bow-style ties are a matter of preference but, for the most part, are uncommon in this day and age. Always use clean, fashionable knots when tying ties, such as a Windsor or half-Windsor.

4. Acquire three pairs of shoes, one black, one burgundy and one casual. The black and burgundy shoes should be a classier shoe, namely a wingtip, Oxford or a shoe with laces, whereas the causal shoe may be a loafer. Shoes are typically the most expensive part of the wardrobe and should come from the highest quality companies to ensure that they will last years of daily use.

5. Find comfortable dress or casual socks in blue, gray and tan. Socks should be given the same attention as a tie. Avoid wearing a sock that is lighter than your jacket or vice versa. You can also use suspenders or braces, but always wear a belt with them even though it might defeat the purpose.

6. Iron your clothes, daily if necessary, place them on hangers and kept them in a closet. Always keep the creases in your pants legs, starch your collars to keep them stiff and free of stains, and dry clean your suits regularly.

7. Accessorize your wardrobe according to your personal tastes. If you like the look of an older gentleman, buy suits with waistcoats and attain a pocket watch and chain. If you prefer a slightly more formal look to your jackets, add a pocket square or personalize your cuff links for your French cuff shirts.

8. Limit jewelry to a single ring on the proper finger, a pocket watch or wristwatch and a tiepin or tie chain, if you prefer. The watch color must match the color of the ring and pin (for example: silver ring, silver watch, silver pin), and all pieces should be tasteful and not flashy.

9. Retain one pair of gray wool slacks and a tweed jacket for winter use. As with the suits and sports coats, gray is a universal color and goes with any combination of clothing. Because these items are heavier and warmer, they are not needed for casual wear. Keep a jacket made of lighter material, seersucker if available, for spring/summer use.

10. Have a dinner jacket and black tie in your wardrobe for formal occasions. Because the use of formal wear declined rapidly in the mid-20th century, you needn't worry about an entire outfit or even spending much money on these items. A simple gray and black dinner jacket and black tie will do in most situations.

References

• "A Gentleman's Guide to Appearance"; Clinton T. Greenleaf III; 2000
• "The Modern Gentleman: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy, and Vice"; Phineas Mollod; 2002

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish