The 60’s were such elegant times for America, when men came to the office in those gorgeous slim-cut suits. It’s all coming back again and I couldn’t be happier. There is nothing like a sharp dressed man. While not everything on my list will appeal to you I hope you can find one or two things to try.
1. French cuffs
A lot of men have misconceptions about cuff-links. Cuff-links are a statement. They are a beautiful added touch to a suit, sport coat, or even with jeans. It shows that you pay attention to detail. If you are wearing an expressive suit go for very subtle cuff links, like silver with your initials. When wearing something understated go for a bolder pair of cuff links with color or wear a pair that is an expression of your personality. Visit www.AngelaValencia.Jhilburn.com for some of my favorites.
2. Argyle Socks
Argyle socks are just sexy. It shows you know how to put an outfit together with
colors, which women know is rare in men.
3. Eye Glasses
Most men are self-conscience about glasses but you can find some great eye glasses that are sexy and inexpensive. Try www.classicspecs.com for inexpensive Custom glasses that are really hot. I personally love the look of a man in a suit & glasses.
4. Cashmere sweater
Have you ever felt a baby cashmere sweater? So soft and what woman doesn’t like soft & pretty? Cashmere sweaters are beautiful in the fall/winter and there are so many gorgeous colors to choose from. Try baby blue, red, or camel. Wear it with a collar dress shirt & jeans or under your sport coat.
5. Gingham shirt
The blue & white gingham shirt is a classic-You can wear it with everything from jeans to wool trousers and even a suit. When wearing a tie the perfect look would be a classic silk knit tie.
6. Monogram
This is just another way of showing you pay attention to detail. A monogram shirt is just sexy. Instant curiosity about this man is what comes to mind. I see hundreds of men in suits & ties but only a handful with a monogram shirt. The typical place for a monogram on a men’s dress shirt is on the LEFT cuff. The reason for this is because the left hand is where most men wear their watch.
7. Corduroys
I love Corduroys. I just love the look. Again this is a rare look for men. Cords are sophisticated and sexy with a nice cashmere sweater or a sport coat. A casual look doesn’t have to be jeans, try some cords on the weekend.
8. Custom shirt
Not because we are the #1 men’s custom shirt company in the world…That is not why this is on the list. I have hundreds of clients that complain about the shirts they buy “off the rack.” I have hundreds of client’s who wear shirts that are so big I could make a second shirt out of all the extra fabric. The shirts are too big on the sides, the length is too long/short, the arms are too big, or the neck is too small. When buying a custom shirt we take 11 measurements so the fit is perfect for your body. We have hundreds of fabrics & styles to choose from so you get the perfect color and style. Our prices are less than what you would buy from Nordstrom, Macy, and Jos. A Banks, Zegna, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and Armani, and they are custom! Nothing is worse than seeing a man in beautiful clothes that do not fit him! I see it all day, every day! Size does matter. Visit www.AngelaValencia.Jhilburn.com for your fitting.
9. Paisley Tie
Paisley is traditionally described as a teardrop or droplet shaped design that is Persian in origin. Paisley is a stunning patterning style that can blend many different colors and stitch work into the mix. The paisley print bears an air of dignity, class, and distinction that shows a smart style.
10. No pleats & No cuff on trousers
A flat front trouser streamlines the body and makes you appear thinner! More and more men are turning toward the fitted, straight leg, no pleats and no cuff style. This look is beautiful. Once you go “No pleats/No cuff” I promise you will never go back.
This is not a look for everyone. You must be in pretty good shape to pull this off.
11. A nice watch
To be taken seriously, you must look serious and a nice watch is one visual indicator of your style. A watch is your finishing touch so make it nice & unique.
12. TOD’S Gommino Loafer shoe
These are probably something of an acquired taste, but I think they are among the most beautiful shoes ever crafted. I Love this look (Sky blue) www.Tods.com If anybody buys these please send me a picture. ~Love Love Love~
13. Brown shoes/Brown belt
One of the most overlooked areas of stylish dressing is the relationship between belts and shoes. The first point to make regarding belts and shoes is that you should not actually match them, they should compliment each other. They should work together visually but not match so closely that it looks like you purchased them as a set. The darker the shoe is the darker the belt should be. Chocolate brown shoes and a light brown belt are not advisable.
14. Performance Navy Blazer
What do GEORGE Clooney and GEORGE Armani have in common? They both understand the importance of the Performance Navy Blazer. In the Men’s clothing world, this blazer is making a dramatic comeback. The Performance Navy Blazer is back on as being one of, if not the most important components in any man’s wardrobe.
15. great haircut
Lot’s of bad haircuts out there guys. Sorry but true. Go through a magazine, pick out a haircut you like, bring it to your hairstylist/barber & say, “I want this!”
16. A nice travel bag
I can’t tell you how many times I am in the airport or hotel and see the most awful travel bags. Do guys seriously need to carry a back pack? Or leather bags that are old, dull, and dirty? Or what about the guys who travel with their gym bag? Do they seriously not think anybody sees this? It’s the biggest thing you are carrying around. Please invest in a nice travel bag it speaks volumes. It is the finishing touch when traveling.
17. Slim cut suit
There are many different types of slim cut suits. My favorite, which you can find at www.AngelaValencia.Jhilburn.com is called the Wall Street. The sport coat has 2 buttons, Flap pockets, Notch Lapel and center vent. The trousers are Euro which sits narrow in the seat and thigh and has no pleats and no cuff.
18. Sunglasses
Ah, Sunglasses…When searching for the right pair it is important to make sure the style goes with the style of clothing you are wearing and make sure the color matches your skin tone. Dolce & Gabbana and Prada are rather flashy, so you may want to try a little more casual look like Ray-Ban. It’s not the price that matters but how well they suit you.
19. Nice hands
Unless you are in construction or work a job that requires wear and tear on your hands there is no reason your hands shouldn’t look nice. I am not a big fan of manicures (shiny nails) on men. Just put on lotion and keep your finger nails clean. Your hands can look 10 years younger with lotion on them. Trust me women notice.
20. Nice jeans
You have heard of “Mom jeans” well there are lot’s of men wearing “Dad jeans” as well. Invest in a nice pair of Denim. My favorite is our Protégé Edit Wash. www.AngelaValencia.Jhilburn.com I swear they have something magical in these jeans that gives every man that wears them the perfect butt.
21. Polished shoes
Did you know that one of the first things BOTH men and women notice about you are your shoes? “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” very well may have been describing what people think as they evaluate the condition of your footwear. Why do you think “well heeled” means “wealthy”? Always shine your shoes when you first buy them and before you wear them, then on a regular basis.
22. A scarf
It’s amazing to me how many men do not wear scarves. A scarf completes your outfit and makes it easy to update your look or change the look of an outfit. One or two tweaks are all it takes to reach another level. A beautiful scarf is sexy.
23. A nice coat
You clothes are like your car, like it or not, they are a symbol of your status. A wool coat is stylish without trying too hard and it can go with any look.
24. A Pocket square
Simply wearing a pocket square in the pocket of a nice shirt jacket turns the entire ensemble from perfectly fine to superbly refined.
25. Sport coat, jeans, & cuff links
A nice sport coat with cuff links & jeans is my all time favorite look. There is something so sexy about a man dressed in jeans and cuff links. It’s just that little extra “something” that makes him stand out from the rest.
26. Contrast Collar & Cuffs
Contrast collar & cuffs is a dress shirt that has a different pattern on the inside of the cuffs & inside of the collar. I love this look because you can wear it to the office and after work you take your tie off, turn the cuff up on your sleeve, and open a button on the collar and you have an entirely different shirt.
27. Nice belt
A nice Croc belt, A Lizard belt, or even a custom belt www.Jhilburn.com has some of the most beautiful belts. A lot of guys think a belt is like that old pair of socks that you love so much. They just keep wearing it until it breaks. Your belt is like your shoes. Should be shiny & look new. Trust me women notice your belt.
28. Tie Bar
A tie bar is a piece of tie jewelry which slides across the middle section of your tie and attaches to your shirt. Tie bars are available in a variety of styles to compliment the necktie of your choice.
29. A smile
A smile goes a long way & it is amazing to me how many people walk around all day & do not smile. It’s OK to look at someone, say hi, & smile. Wear a smile…It could be your best accessory.
30. A wedding ring
Since the subject here is what makes women take a second look I thought this was rather appropriate since we do notice the wedding ring!
















Love the list. I will definately check out the websites!
Tom,
Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed it.
Great list Angela! I love the slim suit and the Gingham shirt. Do you offer custom tailoring for “off the rack” clothing/suits?
I love the slim suit as well and the Gingham shirt is so hot right now (Pink & baby blue)
If you buy “off the rack” You would just have to take it to your tailor to get altered, but why would you do that when you have me
Well Angela
Based on your list I could be standing right in front of you and be quite invisible. I do however always wear # 30 and once in a while # 29 (if its a good day)
But then again I should be reading a Fiftymag website…
DIck~Your comment has been quite the conversation the last couple days. HA
Your telling me you can not find one thing on the list? C’mon! I have a 58 year old client that wears everything except a wedding ring
Thanks for reading.
This article is brilliant! Every man should check this list out. I specifically like #12 and I also enjoyed the wording in #13 about ” the relationship between belts and shoes”, very well done article.
Thank you Chantel!
I agree with you about every man reading the list and hopeuflly taking something from it.
Wow # 15 the haircut, I guess I need to pay more attention to that one. Thanks for the advice. Love your column.
Craig~
A smile and haircut go a long way!
Thanks for reading.
Well Angela
Based on your list I could be standing right in front of you and be quite invisible. I do however always wear # 30 and once in a while # 29 (if its a good day)
But then again I should be reading a Fiftymag website…
+1
Every women love jewellary and i like too. This jewellary looks so beautiful and i would like to puchase it soon.
ive always had a craze for wearing designer belts with big logos, like gucci, louis v or Hermes. Unfortunately it’s taken me this long to realize they’re not attractive! your tips here are fantastic, i could’nt agree more about the paisley tie and travel bags
Great article. Except for the tie bar. Those are lame
Maam , I happened to read your article and it turned out to be quite helpful . In the meantime , I wanted to get a style-check /advice, customised for me . I presume , given your list , you could be a helping hand for me . Thank You.
thanks a lot angela,i have passion for a good taste of fashion and your tips have inspired me and i really want some help to step up to all tips especially #8,11,15,17,21.i hope will get this so much needed help.thanks a lot,keep up the good work.
Hello Angela,
Awesome article. Is there any chance you have take away advice for winter (probably heavy winter) style? Or do you have a separate article for this? I currently reside in Norway and I was wondering about this.
regards,
TF
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your
website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?