What makes a well-dressed man?

There is no greater challenge, palanggas, to the well-dressed man than knowing what to wear, when to wear it, where and how. Think you’re smart? Think again.

You have to measure up to the style icons belonging to the hip, the chic, the conservative, the classic, or the dapper type. You are probably ho-humming over the titles that have been going around cosmo Manille for eons: The best dressed, the worst dressed. Some of these lists are voted by prestigious judges who really know what a best dressed title is all about while others by wannabes who know nothing at all.

So when moi was asked to give my opinion on the matter, I hesitated. But the smooth, convincing power of STAR Lifestyle Editor Millet Mananquil prevented me from saying no, dahlings. After all, it just takes a great sense of style to do such a list.

"Clothes make the man," so the saying goes, and believe me, there is truth to this statement. Take this example of a well known young, attractive executive, always impeccably suited in Giorgio Armani or Gianfranco Ferre. He asked a young working socialite for a date. When the executive collected the young lady, sans his regular Armani or Ferre but rather wearing a pair of shabby pants and printed colored T-shirt, the socialite was cringing all throughout their "horror-night" of a date. This is so true, dahlings, even the smallest faux pas can turn off a girl in a big way.

Well-dressed men are comfortable in their clothes while keeping up with the times. They don’t look like fashion victims. They look good in a suit, tux, or in a T-shirt and jeans. That’s because they have an eye for detail and the ability to absorb the influence of those around him.

What makes a well-dressed man? Moi asked some personalities who can spot one a mile away.

Carla Reyes Tengco, classic Castillan beauty and wife of a mega high-ranking executive: Nothing that is too contrived. Mustn’t look like he is trying too hard. I like casual clothes that are worn well. That they must go with the right belt and shoes is a must!

Linda Oledan, world traveler and popular jeweler: A man shouldn’t look like he cares too much about what he’s wearing. The bottom line is really not about clothes at all, but about self-confidence and assurance.

Vickie Perez De Tagle, magazine publisher and STAR columnist: Very clean hands and fingernails and very good shoes are the most important things. What goes in between does not really matter to me.

Pepito Albert, top couturier who brought TV fashion host Elsa Klensch to her feet during one of his shows: The sexiest male garment that was ever produced is boxer shorts; the biggest turn-off is the muscle shirt.

Josine Elizalde, "The establishment!" Been there, done that, married, divorced, will never marry again. Currently involved in her drug and alcohol rehab center New Beginnings Foundation: A man who has a natural style and looks like he hasn’t thought about it too much makes a man well dressed. As long as the man looks good, I don’t really give a hoot. I hate brand watchers.

Susan Reyes, absolutely gorgeous, cause and civic oriented socialite: A man that carries his inner confidence.

Vicky Zubiri, one of the country’s best-dressed women: A well-dressed man is one who wears clothes that fit. I like a man in well-tailored clothes.

Janine De Padua, house manager of the prestigious Manila Golf Club: His shoes and his watch. He can be in jeans, or what-have-you, but the shoes and watch are what will make the big difference.

Margarita Araneta Fores, working heiress and restaurateur specializing in Italian gourmet delights: I love a man in a good fabric, in well cut shirts. Preferably in an old shirt, maybe one that belonged to his father or even his grandfather – that way the fabric is thin and worn. He must look effortless in putting himself together.

Maricris Cardenas Zobel, stunningly gorgeous mother of four and wife to one of the country’s top polo players: I feel that a well-dressed man is one who has a slightly odd sense of style. I don’t like perfection at all.

Raul Tuazon Manzano, one of cosmo Manille’s impeccable dressers, renowned banker and entrepreneur: Anyone who wears designer labels from head to toe can never be well dressed. It will make him look like salesman of a designer boutique.

Marivic Rufino, artist par excellence, writer and woman of substance and style. Recently married to Governor of Bangko Sentral: It’s a combination of how a man wears his clothes and the clothes he wears. He must be comfortable, strong, confident and sexy.