the 10 style principles

CONTENTS

7 . THE IMPORTANCE OF FIT

15 . WHY GOOD SHOES SHOULD BE YOUR BESTFRIENDS

20. PAY ATTENTION TO ACCESSORIES

22. HOW TO BOSS A SUIT

26 . BECOME BETTER LOOKING

30. WHY TIMELESSSTYLE IS THE WAY FORWARD

32 . BUY LESS.

36 . THE IMPORTANCE OF COMFORT

37 . IT ’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

39 . 20% CASUAL/80% FORMAL.

Ready?

In this guide, we’re going to show you 10 style principles that when applied, will have a huge impact on your overall appearance.

But first…

The MFM Philosophy (READ)

Well here you finally are, you’ve found yourself have a willingness to download this guide and you probably stumbled across a magazine that, by first impressions, would solely be about men’s fashion.

Catwalk run-downs, fashion trends and how to wear meggings maybe what you’re dreading right now, but fear not… you’re in the right place.

Comfort zones may of been broken, but the improvements you’re going to see will be worth it. I don’t know you, but if you’re like 90% of today’s generation, I know a little bit about you. I know that:

1. However much you like to play it down, you take care in yourappearance often (I bet you’re playing it down right now.)

2. You’ve also probably checked yourself in the mirror at leastthree times today (reflections from windows count too.)

3. And lastly, over 90% of the things in your wardrobe you hadan input in purchasing.

Right?

From someone who used to dress pretty appallingly, I learnt that enhancing the way we look through the way we dress is all down to one thing… Education. I’m not talking about a PHD either, or a

4-year degree at the London College of Fashion, I’m talking about the lack of basic style education there is for guys right now. To read GQ you almost have to feel like a gentleman, and have a bank balance to back that. Nothing against GQ, we’re big fans, but the majority of guys don’t feel worthy enough to read it. Blogs are almost too personal sometimes, and too much advice from one particular person could have you moulding the way you look into them. We’re looking to create the balance, and offer the solution. You see the majority of us in the modern era are slacking. It’s a statement that’s going to dent your ego, but it’s a statement that statistics and history can prove.

You only need to think about the older generation and notice the way they still dress to date to notice the shift in the way the modern man dresses.

My Grandad, who’s 89 and still runs (irrelevant, but he told me chuck that in there… go on the old boy!) wears a shirt and formal trousers every day without fail. He never fails to tuck his shirt in either. Even if it’s a day at home gardening, or a quick trip to the shops, his attire consists of formal pieces. But when I asked the old man about the reasons behind him dressing like that, he summed it up in three words… It’s our uniform…

Now we’re not asking you to wear a suit every day, and always tuck in your shirt… but as generations have passed, and the modern day man, along with fashion and style has changed, the normality of what us men should wear has taken a lazy approach.

There’s a huge divide between casual and formal, and it’s been proved there’s a strong belief among the majority of men that formal clothing should only be worn on formal occasions. Once again, we’re not telling you to suit and boot every single day, we’re simply looking to educate today’s generations on ways to enhance the way you dress. Style and fashion is of course about individuality, and our aim isn’t to mould your style into something you’re not, but we’re aiming to give you that gentle nudge to go against the norm.

Test: Next time you go to a bar for drinks, take a slight glance at the way groups of guys are dressing.

Why? Well let’s say there’s a group of five guys in a bar altogether, there’s going to be a high chance they’re all dressing pretty much the same. Now that’s simply because the people around us and the way the majority of men are dressing right now is highly influencing the way we dress.

It’s a natural process to follow the masses. If there’s a group of 7 guys in a bar on a night out, and 6 of them are wearing baggy chinos, shoes from their school days, along with a shirt untucked, but there’s a guy wearing tasselled loafers, slim fitting grey wool trousers, a slim fitting shirt and tie with a navy cardigan… Who’s going to be the odd one out? Who’s going to get some stick from the higher majority in the group, but who’s also going to make them slightly envious he dresses like that? Now if you flip that scenario, and you spot a group of 5 guys suited and booted for a night out and 1 guy looks like he’s just finished a gym session, who’s the odd one out dealing with the stick and no envy?

We’re not asking you to break comfort zones by wearing a pink cardigan on a night out, and we’re not telling you to dress head to toe in what you see on the catwalks, were trying to slightly nudge

you in a better direction when it comes to the way you dress to break the current normality. You see our aim is to educate the basics on dressing better, because it really isn’t that hard…

There’s still a stigma that exists to some extent that fashion isn’t for the typical man, and we’re looking to break that. We’re also looking to introduce outsiders to the industry, because menswear is in a really strong place right now and the industry isn’t, as you’d expect. Our definition is pretty broad, but our aim is extremely targeted. Are you in? Then read on and start applying these 10 style principles…

Written By Paul McGregor (left)

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn” ― Orson Welles

Style Tip 1: Fit

Fit is, hands down, the number 1 essential to dressing better.

You could be wearing a £1,500 suit but if it doesn’t fit, as it should it’s not going to look good.

The issue with fit is guys choose to ignore it because they may be overweight, or they want to feel comfortable.

But you should always pay close attention to the way clothes fit you whatever weight or whatever age you are.

Fit For Bigger Bones

Now you’ll hear me reference ‘slim fit’ throughout this section, but I wanted to get things straight before I carried on.

Yes the title is a little bit harsh, but I wanted to grab your attention.

A slimmer fit doesn’t mean you have to be slim to wear it.

So if you’re piling on a few extra pounds and you want to skim through this section because you don’t feel it’s relevant... DONT.

Fit is important for everyone. Whatever shape or size you are.

If you’re overweight, you’ll tend to want to buy baggier clothes to cover up... but the effect you’re actually creating is the opposite.

Two good examples of fit for the bigger gent from TSBMen.com

Baggier clothes make you look even more overweight, where as a slimmer fit (even if you do don a beer belly) will actually complement your appearance.

< A good example of a shirt being a bad fit

Wearing a shirt that is two sizes bigger in the hope it will make us look slimmer will simply create scrunch when tucked in. Making you actually look bigger than you are.

It will also draw attention to the area you’re trying to cover up, because there will be excess fabric due to the ‘bagginess’.

Therefore if you’re overweight, pay close attention to the tips I’m about to share and let the clothing deceive people.

In other words, you may be sporting a pregnant mothers belly but you may be pretty impressed with the biceps you’ve gained at the gym. Use the elements of fit I’m about to show you to draw the attention away from your belly, and onto your biceps...

Girls do this so much better than us... they know the assets us gents will enjoy more and they dress to compliment these.

Learning The Rules & Applying Them

Now trying to explain the rules of fit through words is pretty difficult, so I wanted to share a great graphic a good friend of mine put together.

Yes, it shows the rules to how a suit should fit but it’s in fact relevant to most items of clothing you’ll own.

The rules for the trousers will still apply whether you’re wearing casual chinos or jeans, the rules for the jacket can be replaced with an overcoat... you get the idea.

But the most important thing you need to remember when focusing on fit is the less ‘unwanted’ fabric the better.

In other words, if you’re wearing a pair of jeans and they’re scrunching up at the bottom... the fit needs some work.

If you’re wearing a shirt and I can grab a handful of fabric from either the front or the back of the shirt... the fit needs work.

It’s about getting the balance right... Yes, The less ‘unwanted’ fabric when wearing the garment the better the fit is, but if it looks

painted on you need to up that size slightly.

Your clothes should almost “skim” the body, smoothing out your shape without pulling or looking tight.

That infographic is from a good friend of ours Antonio from Realmenrealstyle.com – (He’s got an awesome site)

Here are some more visual images too of guys (all shapes and sizes) getting the fit just right.

Style Tip 2: Good Shoes I remember working on a video once asking the women of London what they like on a man, and 95% of them said good shoes.

From a style perspective, good shoes can really enhance your overall appearance.

You could be wearing a simple jeans and t-shirt combination, and with the addition of a nice pair of shoes your appearance will enhance.

Brown shoes are your friends.

Forget your lucky pulling pants, brown shoes should become that best mate you can rely on.

Compare the two...

You’re heading out to a bar, wearing dark denim jeans and a white polo shirt, which both fit immaculately. You decide to opt for a pair of new balance sneakers to go with it...

Impressions? Casual.

Wear the same thing, but pair it with a pair of brown shoes (maybe a Brogue or a Double Monk) and BOOM.

The formality of your outfit has increased.

Just one simple minor change, which doesn’t take any effort whatsoever will dramatically increase your look.

Shoes are more important than you think, and it’s something people do pay attention too.

Again, here’s a visual representation. What looks better?

Above Simon Cowell (left) shows you how clothes shouldn’t fit, and the black shoes don’t do much justice. On the right, a casual look is bought to life with the brown shoes.

Styles To Look For

The thing with shoes is you want to invest. So although you may pay more money initially, if you buy into quality then the shoes are going to last you a long time.

A cheap pair of £20 leather shoes will be ruined after a few months of wear. A more expensive, but a better-made shoe will last you years if you shop right.

Now the styles to look out for are...

The Brogue

A classic staple, and every man should own a pair of brogues. Work well with formal attire alongside casualwear too. Opt for either a light or dark brown or black.

The Monk

I prefer double straps, but you could also opt for the single strap if you prefer it. Again, a real classic staple that works well with both jeans and formal trousers.

The Loafer

A more relaxed choice of footwear, they have an Ivy League feel about them. Perfect for the summer, as they can be comfortably worn with shorts too. Feeling brave? Go for a tasseled loafer to add a touch of detailing.

The Oxford

Similar shape to the brogue, the Oxford is subtler. Again, it can be worn with both formal and casual wear.

Casual Options

The Desert Boot

If formal, leather shoes really aren’t your thing, then the desert boot is a great alternative. Casual and easy to wear with a touch of style. If you see 12 months of sunshine though, these might not be for you...

The White Sneaker

Yes, that’s right... the white sneaker is indeed a style staple. Look, it’s not going to enhance your style like the above options but if you want to wear sneakers then keep it minimal. A pair of clean, plain white sneakers are easy to wear and choose the right pair and they’ll still look stylish.

So what are you waiting for?

A simple change, and a by paying a bit of attention to the shoes you wear when going out will enhance the way you look.

Trust me... wear good shoes and it will be the first compliment you get from people.

Style Tip 3: Wear Accessories Again, we have to give credit to the opposite sex here...

Women really know how to use accessories, and women really know how to stand out.

Us men on the other hand though, we’re playing catch up.

Accessories create conversation, and they’re something that showcases how interesting you are. Accessories allow you to add something to a look, which it lacks.

My opinion is over accessorizing is a no no.

Head into a bar with low confidence wearing a purple bow tie, handkerchief, umbrella and a bowler hat and see how many strange looks you get…

Keep it subtle. Invest in good accessories, and use them only when needed.

I remember hearing something before which I always abide by when I think I’m overdoing it… ‘Always take off the last accessory you put on’ Nothings cool about a guy wearing a fedora hat, a bow tie, a lapel pin, a pocket-handkerchief, two watches, fourteen bracelets, three rings and a belt.

Keep it minimal, but cause an effect.

Wearing a blazer or a jacket? Add a pocket-handkerchief to add some detailing.

Headwear is another viable option, alongside neckwear (scarves, ties and bow ties), watches and jewellery.

Subtle detailing through the use of accessories can create talking points, and most importantly will draw attention towards you.

There’s another benefit of wearing accessories too, and that’s the fact that it can draw attention to areas you want to show off.

Lets again say you’re packing on the pounds around the waist, wearing accessories higher up will draw the attention towards your chest (which is an area you might want to show off).

A simple pocket-handkerchief in the pocket of your jacket or blazer, a scarf, or a necklace will draw attention towards the upper part of your body, rather than towards areas you’re aiming to hide.

A Quick Note On Jewellery

I’m not going to advise to not wear jewellery completely, but you need to make sure you get it right.

Fake looking; heavyweight gold chains aren’t a viable option. Neither are tacky rings that pimps wear or stud earrings. Keep it subtle with the jewellery, and even opt for something vintage...

If it’s vintage and it has a story, or the item means something to you this is again great for creating conversation.

Style Tip 4: The Suit

Wow, the suit is powerful.

Not only for perception reasons, but walk around in a suit and feel the power it gives you mentally.

I’ve run the test a few times, walking round a busy city in tracksuit bottoms and a hoody... the looks I got were minimal and personally I didn’t feel confident.

I put on a suit which fitted me and made me feel GOOD. Walking around the same city, the attention skyrocketed and so did my confidence.

You feel like a BOSS.

Not only does this then allow perception of you to be better than it would be normally, it also gives you confidence. Which will help benefit your success on dates, at work, meetings and more.

But look, I’m not asking you to walk around in a suit all day and night.

You’re not Don Draper.

But every man should own at least 1, GOOD suit.

Why?

Because you don’t have to always wear it as a suit.

Dress it down with a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and wear the jacket.

Make a t-shirt look more formal, pairing it with suit trousers and some good shoes.

Wear the full suit with a polo shirt, with a shirt, a t-shirt, dress it up with a tie if needed and accessorize accordingly.

With just 1 suit, your options are unlimited.

You need to make sure you suit fits you though... there’s nothing cool about a suit which hangs off you like a hammy down from your pap.

Follow the rules of Fit from the beginning of this guide and the previous guide you received, to see exactly how a suit should fit.

Opt for a simple Navy two button suit in a wool or a good cotton and you really have a winner on your hands.

*Above. Various ways to ‘break up’ and wear a suit

Don’t stop at one suit though, invest in more as you get used to exactly how they should fit and also invest into separate blazer jackets and formal trousers.

Don’t be afraid to pay more either. You could easily spend £100 on a suit that will last you at most a year before it starts to wear. Or you could spend £500 on a suit, which lasts you for 10 years...

It’s all about investing wisely, which I’ll discuss later.

I recommend buying suits from:

• SuitSupply £££• Reiss ££• Topman £• Mr Porter ££££• H.E By Mango £• InStitchU £ (Made To Measure)

Want to create a statement when wearing a suit? Opt for a wider lapel, and accessorize with acolourful pocket-handkerchief or lapel pin.

*The wide lapel, bracelet and tie creates a statement.

STYLE TIP 5: GROOMING How important is make up to a girl? Have you seen the transformation it creates?

Now there’s nothing alpha about applying or wearing make up... this section isn’t about that.

Do you know the men’s grooming industry is one of the largest growing industries in the past decade?

It’s about time men just opened up and admitted to paying attention to the way they look.

I can still hear your ego laughing at this though.... grooming? Me? NO WAY.

But if you want to improve your appearance then grooming is an essential.

What does your hair look like?

Does your face look like rough?

Do you think people find them unmanaged, long fingernails attractive?

Or that odor because you couldn’t be bothered to wash or apply a fragrance this morning?

All of this is down to the way you groom, and it’s more manageable and easier than you think.

Now I’m a big follower and reader of TSB, and they often do ‘upgrades’ on men. There was one in particular that got a lot of positive reviews...

Take a look at that transformation.

I promise… it’s the same guy!

Yes, his style has drastically improved but notice the difference in grooming. The new, more manageable haircut that is styled to compliment his new style. What about the beard trim? The application of moisturizer for smoother looking skin?

All of this applied created a huge transformation.

It’s hard to recognize the guy, he looks more attractive and all he did was get a haircut, a beard trim and probably apply some moisturizer.

There are no excuses chaps.

A Recommended Grooming Routine

1. Get a haircut: That old style of yours probably needs anupdate. Head to a recommended barbers (read reviews online if not) and find examples of styles you’d like. Your barber will be able to advise what hairstyle you should go for...

Hairstyles change, but keep it timeless and keep it neat. You’re upgrading your style here; you’re going to be dressing a little bit more formally... so have a haircut to match that.

2. Wash: Sounds basic, but washing once a day is somethingyou should already be doing. Use a good body wash, and even go one step further to use a body moisturizer if you want to.

3. Dental Hygiene: Again, you already clean your teeth right?Well make sure you’re using an electric toothbrush for at least a minute. Mouthwashes, floss, scrape that tongue... Bad dental hygiene leads to bad breath that is a huge turn off.

4. Face Wash: Wash your face daily, and even go to the level ofexfoliating. This will help remove dirt from the face, removing spots and blemishes in the process.

5. Moisturize: There’s nothing feminine about moisturizing, andyou should do it daily. There’s various products out there targeted to just men, but go for something that isn’t ‘heavy’ and something that’s refreshing. The Kiehl’s range is great.

6. Keep Trim: I suppose this could mean a few things, but mostimportantly keep body hair in control. Trim where needed, and remove that back hair of yours. Talking of keeping trim, exercise more! We spoke about the importance of fit, and even why you should still consider it if you’re overweight. But most importantly if you’re overweight, you should be striving to lose it. You’ll feel better in yourself, and your appearance will improve.

Making It A Habit Simple.

You clean your teeth right? Every day? (I HOPE SO)

Well every time you clean your teeth from now on, make sure you floss, clean your tongue and use mouthwash. Also use this time to apply some moisturizer.

You wash your body every day right? Well now every time you do so, apply some face wash and have a trim up.

Simply add in your new grooming rituals into your current grooming routine. Every man has one... (Unless your a caveman)

Not due a haircut? I don’t care... go get a new one.

It’s time to make a change.

STYLE TIP 6: KEEPING IT TIMELESS Catwalks? Fashion week? The latest trend? If you really have no interest in ‘fashion’, it simply shouldn’t affect the way you dress.

You see you don’t need to know anything about fashion to be stylish.

See the issue arises when you believe you have to follow style like a ritual... you don’t.

With us being men we’re lucky, because think back to the style in the 1920’s, the 30’s and the 40’s and elements of it is still in style now.

It’s called a ‘Timeless Style’.

The blazer is an essential, and a navy blazer was fashionable back in the 1930’s as it is today.

Brogues are shoes that my Grandad used to wear... and I wear now.

That white buttoned down shirt you might buy tomorrow, will still be in style in 50 years time.

There’s no need to follow trends, as menswear is all about keeping things timeless.

But What’s Timeless?

• Suits (Neutral colours, classic cuts. You know theimportance of suits...)

• Accessories (I’ve got ties I inherited from my Grandadwho’s 89, accessories are timeless)

• Shirts (Again, neutral colours and classic cuts. The whiteshirt is a style staple every man should own)

• Shoes (Brogues, Monk Strap Shoes, Oxford or DerbyShoes... these are all classic, timeless shoes)

• The Chino (Again, a classic wardrobe piece. Chinos willbe wearable in 30 years time)

• T-Shirts (No, not them graphic prints or slogan t-shirts...classic styles. A simple crew neck white, black or navy t-shirt can be worn for years to come.)

• Denim (Again, avoid trends. Classic dark denim jeans aretimeless, allowing you to wear them over and over again.)

In fact, look over some photos of stylish chaps in the past 50 years and see what’s readily available now.

Flares? No.

Slogan T-Shirts? No.

Gold chains? No.

Ink died clothing? No.

Keep it classic, keep it timeless and your style will improve dramatically.

Don’t be afraid to introduce trends into your style, but don’t let them dictate it.

That moves on to the next tip.

STYLE TIP 7: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Improving your style is about being smart.

It’s not about having a huge choice; it’s about having the correct choice.

Women own too many shoes, they impulse buy and that’s not what we want to do.

Us men can get away with two pairs of shoes. 1 casual and 1 formal if we wished. As long as we choose the right casual pair and the right formal pair, we can still enhance style.

Do you know you could have a wardrobe with just 10 pieces... and you’d be able to put together multiple looks for multiple occasions?

It’s true.

1. A GOOD Navy Suit (You can wear the blazer and thetrousers separately like I’ve already mentioned)

2. A Knitted Tie (Other ties will suffice, but I prefer knitted ties.They offer more of a style edge)

3. A Pair Of Dark Denim Jeans (Again, focus on goodquality and get a pair that fit really well)

4. The Brogue (My choice of footwear, a brown brogue can bedressed up or dressed down)

5. The White Sneaker (Your casual choice, but if they’reminimal and clean... they can also be dressed up.)

6. A White or Pale Blue Shirt (Go for a buttoned down shirt,which means the collars are simply buttoned down or a cutaway collar. This will allow you to wear it with both formal and casual looks.

7. A V-Neck Jumper or Cardigan (Go for wool or cashmereand treat your knitwear like a king.)

8. The Overcoat (Again opt for quality. An overcoat which hasa formal edge will always win in my opinion. The Pea Coat or the Trench Coat are options.)

9. A Leather Watch (Again, I prefer brown leather. Make sureit’s a good timepiece)

10. A White T-Shirt (Classic. Perfect for casual outfits, but alsoyou can dress it up when you need to.)

Now I could easily create a wardrobe based around just them 10 items. Yes, pants and socks I haven’t included but come on... give me some praise here.

Here are just a small percentage of the looks I could put together with the above.

Look 1: Navy blazer, white t-shirt, jeans, watch and brogues. (The perfect smart/casual combination I could wear to a date or a bar)

Look 2: Full Suit, White Shirt, Knitted Tie, Watch and Brogues (The ultimate formal look. Perfect for the office, weddings or other formal events) Look 3: White T-Shirt, Jeans, Jumper and White Sneakers (A casual look perfect for a quick coffee) Look 4: Jumper, Shirt, Trousers From The Suit, Watch and Brogues (Again, another smart/casual look I can wear to a bar) Look 5: Overcoat, V Neck Jumper, White Shirt, Jeans, and White Sneakers (A smart/casual look which can be worn on colder days) That’s 5 looks already, and I could easily piece together some more... Yes, I know you’re going to have to wash them in-between wears but this just goes to show how it’s more about quality over quantity. You don’t need a lot of clothes; you just need to right clothes.

Having a wardrobe filled with timeless pieces you know fit you, and knowing what and when to wear them is exactly what being ‘stylish’ is about.

I always say if you gave me 3 minutes to get ready for a night out, and you asked someone who had no insights to these fundamentals I’m sharing with you you’d get a huge difference.

Why?

Because I know what’s in my wardrobe, I know what goes with what and I know everything in there fits me. It takes 30 seconds to think about what to wear and to pull it from the wardrobe, and then I’ve got 2 and a half minutes to put in on.

Watch this, I love this video. It’s Patrick Grant who’s a Savile Row tailor showing how he gets dressed in 30 seconds.

Watch it here (short video)

The end result is decent right?

He just knew before hand that the look would go well together, and he knows that it all fits him, as it should.

It’s also important to note that if you want to focus on quality over quantity, then you need to invest.

A £30 blazer from H&M isn’t going to last you long... where as a more expensive, but a better made and a better fitting blazer will last you much longer.

We want to create less fuss, so spend a bit more and focus on buying clothing that is well made and timeless.

Simple.

STYLE TIP 8: COMFORT I’ve been meaning to make this point for a while now, and that’s that you still need to be comfortable with what you wear.

Slimmer fitting clothing tends to scream ‘uncomfortable’ to most guys... so do suits, formal shoes or anything that will enhance their style.

Being comfortable is still a huge element to looking good.

If you’re wearing something you feel restricted in, and you’re wearing something you’re uncomfortable with it will show. Meaning your appearance and your overall game will decrease.

Therefore I’d rather you go for something a bit more relaxed and comfortable if ‘uncomfort’ is going to throw your game off.

Believing that suits, slim fits and dressing smartly are uncomfortable is a myth though.

If you get a suit that fits your body perfectly, what’s more comfortable than that?

What’s the difference of wearing a hoody to wearing a relaxed deconstructed cotton blazer? Not a lot. Both are comfortable just one looks a lot better.

Don’t believe that dressing smartly means you’re going to not feel relaxed. Focus on fit and you’ll have no issues with discomfort.

STYLE TIP 9: ATTENTION TO DETAILING I spoke about it a lot when I mentioned the use of accessories, but smaller details create conversation.

Men’s style is all about the detailing too, as a navy suit is a navy suit right? It’s just the detailing you apply to that navy suit which makes you stand out.

It could be the size of the lapels, the way the trousers are cut, the fabric, the buttons, the pocket-handkerchief you add to the blazer pocket, the amount of cuff you show, buttons undone or done up? The lapel pin, a scarf... all of these are finer details which make a huge impact.

These smaller details showcase the fact you know what you’re doing...

They show character and they show individualism.

Anyone can put a Navy suit on; it’s just what you do with that navy suit.

I see so many guys I’ve consulted before apply the principles I’ve shown them, but they let themselves down in the detailing.

The tie they wear isn’t tied right, their laces are undone, and they’re not adding detailing through accessories...

It does sound really minimal and really fussy but it creates a big impact.

People notice them.

So focus on the detailing.

The white shirt is a style staple every man should own.

Why?

Because it can be worn with anything.

Jeans, a suit, worn with or without a tie, it can be worn for weddings, funerals, a date, on a Sunday... It’s the must have piece.

But it’s just a white shirt right?

No.

Again the finer details make a white shirt the DADDY of all white shirts.

The collar, the fabric, the buttons, the fit...

All of these finer details make up a better overall appearance.

It’s all in the details baby.

STYLE TIP 10: THE 80/20 PRINCIPLEHave you heard of the 80/20 principle?

Pareto.

If not, don’t worry.

In a nutshell it basically is a principle which is used for multiple reasons, and it’s based on the fact that 20% of the things you do produce 80% of the outcomes and vice versa.

I like to use this principle with style.

Meaning that if you wore 20% of formal pieces in an outfit, you’d create an 80% style impression.

Meaning that a look based around casual pieces can be transformed with a small 20% of formal pieces. It could be a pair of formal brown shoes with a casual look, or a blazer... these will create a huge effect.

I like to keep a basis of 80% formal, 20% casual where possible though.

You’ll make more of an impression this way, and it’s easy to achieve.

The 80% could be made up of: A blazer, an overcoat, formal trousers, and formal shoes.

The 20% could be made up of: A t-shirt.

You almost always want to inject some casualness into your look, because looking too formal makes it look like you’ve tried too hard.

Always dress smart, but apply touches of formal, relaxed pieces that will make it look less ‘try hard.’

Remember.

80% Formal. 20% Casual.

GET DRESSED There we have it.

10 style principles that will transform the way you look.

Apply them all, and you’ll see huge improvements. Apply just the first 3 and you’ll still see improvements.

If you want to improve your confidence, your career, your love life, and your overall life… the way you look plays a huge part in it.

Questions? You can email me…

Want to learn more? Head over to www.mensfashionmagazine.com for hundreds of style, grooming, fitness and fashion articles.

Paul McGregor Email - [email protected] Follow me: www.pmcgregor.com

the 10 style principles

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