You wake up in the morning, look at your schedule for today, and realize you've got that interview of your life, and a date. But what's a guy to wear? Well here is your complete guide on everything you need to know so you can turn some heads.
The Outfit
Obviously, it's going to be a suit. What else could give off that professional vibe? Now of course a purple suit with pink pin striping isn't going to work.
Start off with a straight black or black with white pin striping suit. It's clean, basic, and doesn't blind anyone. Plus it's easier to keep clean throughout the day than a lighter color. Although you may want to keep a lint roller handy just in case.
- You're going to need straight black tube socks, so they cover your ankles if the pants ride up. Black leather dress shoes is your best bet. Don't try to use black sneakers.
- Use a plain black tie, a real one, never use a clip-on. A four-in-hand or half windsor should work nicely.
- The dress shirt should be white. You need to have some contrast somewhere.
- Use a black or brown leather belt, preferably black.
Now that you know what you need to wear, how should you wear it properly? Here are some suit etiquette points to remember:
- A quarter inch of the shirt should be showing on the collar.
- No socks should be showing. That's why you're wearing matching black socks, so no one can tell the difference anyway.
- You don't want the suit to bunch when you're sitting.
- The suit should be made of wool or cotton, not linen or polyester. Silk if you can afford it.
- A quarter to half an inch of the shirt showing on the wrist.
Be sure to follow these to give off the best sense of class and style.
Grooming, Smell, Basic Hygiene
First off, grooming. You can't have a beard, at all. It just looks far too unprofessional, and gives off the appearance that you're too lazy to shave. If you have a mustache, you can keep that, just make sure that it is trimmed and clean.
As for the hair on your head, try and find a hairstyle that will suit you well. Then go take a shower, comb your hair into that style, and use some gel if needed. Just don't make your hair crusty, only enough to hold it in shape.
Try exfoliating your face with a mild exfoliating cleanser as well. This will remove any dead skin, and help give you a cleaner appearance. Put on a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and smooth. If you have any blemishes on your face (i.e. acne, dark spots, dark circles), then put on some makeup. If you have your own great, if not, get some, or use someone else's. Blend it with your skin tone, and make sure it looks natural. Don't forget to brush your teeth well and put in a breath mint if you need one. If your teeth are very yellow, try and get them whitened. If you have the means to go to the dentist, then go there for professional whitening. If not, try something like Crest's Two Hour Whitening kit. It will at least help.
You want to smell masculine, but without overkill, or being cheap. Try some Armani cologne if you can. American Eagle is cheaper, but still classy. Just use what you can. Put a few sprays or drops on your wrists, neck, chest, armpits, and hair if you want. Put spray deodorant on your clothes as well. Make a quick sweep underneath your armpits, and an X across your chest does nicely.
A few more points to consider before you head out:
- Make sure your fingernails and toe nails are clean, trimmed, and filed if necessary.
- Use a toothpick to get plague off your teeth if you need to.
- Clean your ears well with a Q-Tip.
- Drink a lot of water, it will make you glow.
- If you've got the smile, then smile. It will make you look more confident.
- Don't put your hands in your pockets unless you're getting something. It will make you appear reserved.
- Always carry a pen, and notepad.
- Carry some shades if you have them.
- This one you can't change right now, but if you're not already, get in shape. You'll feel much better.
There you have it, everything you need to know about how to look classy and professional. Now all you have to do is go out and rock it.
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