How to Dress Classy (for Men)

Co-authored by Tavia Sharp

Last Updated: January 11, 2023 References

People really do notice when a man knows how to dress nicely. But how can you nail a stylish, classy look on your own? Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Keep reading for plenty of tips on how to nail the perfect outfit and walk out the door looking like a million bucks. Here are 9 tips to get you started.

1

Choose crisp, cool, and well-fitted clothing.

Wearing the same old expensive suit for all occasions will never help. A cool pair of denim jeans with a lightly colored, well-fitting shirt followed by a lightly colored pair of Converse shoes will do the magic. This combination is affordable and decent. That said, none can say that a well-fitted Raymond suit is not cool. That's the best a man can get but it's not the only option.
- A great-fitting dress shirt can make a big difference in your wardrobe.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tavia Sharp
  Certified Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}

2

Invest in clean footwear for almost anywhere you go.

A good pair of shoes can really help you look sharp. In fact, it’s often forgotten how much a stylish pair of sneakers can jazz up your look. Most girls love guys wearing a good pair of shoes.^{[2]
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3

Factor your skin tone into your clothing color.

Every skin tone goes especially well with certain colors. However, bear in mind that there are limits; for example, a neon-colored high-necked tee with pink shorts can never be attractive, no matter what skin tone you have. Always choose decent colors. A lemon-colored shirt with a white pair of skinny trousers can be a good option.^{[3]
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4

Steer clear of shorts.

They are never cool unless you are in the pool or gym. Don't wear them home after exercising either!

5

Choose the right items for your wardrobe.

Having some standard, quality basics makes it easy to dress with class. This list offers some suggestions for clothing items that the classy guy would do well to have in his wardrobe:^{[4]
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- A pair(s) of dark, well-fitted jeans^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tavia Sharp
  Certified Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- At least one good quality suit^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tavia Sharp
  Certified Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- One or two ties (neither too fat nor too thin)
- Both dark and lightly colored shirts
- Trousers in decent colors
- Round neck and polo T-shirts
- A pair of good quality sneakers and a decent pair of party shoes.

6

Add good accessories.

Accessories do not necessarily need to be expensive but they should be mature. Ask your girlfriend or elder sister to help you to choose.^{[7]
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7

Add your favorite fragrance.

Apply cologne, deodorant, antiperspirant, or something similar. That's the icing on the cake. Even an alpha male with body odor will be found repellent to those with sensitive noses.^{[8]
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8

Take good care of yourself so that you have a good body.

By adding some lean muscles, you will look good in almost everything. Hit the gym once or twice a week to keep it clean.^{[9]
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9

Take proper care of your clothes.

Clean garments are always the best option. Even an expensive shirt with a line of dirt around the cuff will kill the impression instantly. Always keep your clothes clean and tidy. The following suggestions might be a help:^{[10]
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- Keep everything arranged neatly in a dresser or wardrobe.
- Keep untidy clothes aside, perhaps in a laundry bag or basket.
- Make sections for pants, shirts, blazers and under garments.
- Clean your clothes yourself, as you know which parts need more cleaning.
- Keep all of your clean clothes pressed.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can a guy look rich and classy?

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery.

Tavia Sharp

Certified Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Fit is everything! You cannot go wrong with having a very classic navy suit in your wardrobe that fits you like a glove.
Question

I'm ftm transgender and still have long hair, what should I do with it?

Jade Gash

Community Answer

Have it restyled to what you want it to be. If you want to keep it long, you can look for inspiration from movies where men have long hair (like pirates, man buns, etc.) and get inspired to have something similar. Or, opt to have it short, which will really help bring more of a masculine look that you are looking for.