The Gentleman Power Look

It is no secret that how you look usually reflects how successful you are. Clothes are 90 percent of our appearance. They are attires of affluence and power by which people are judged and the initial impression that is created with the right clothes is unquestionably influential in business and social success.

Many men undercut themselves and cause others to undervalue them through rundown shoes, bad haircuts and poorly chosen clothes. Often it is because they think being concerned with their look would seem effeminate. In fact, not caring reflects a fear of success, an unwillingness to compete with the top men.

A gentleman desires simply to dress appropriately for the occasion, be it high-spirited and convivial or dignified and ceremonial. He also understands that good grooming, like any other aspect of the gentlemanly life, is not a matter of just having money.

. A gentleman shops for his trousers at an establishment known for its tailoring services.

. When planning to have a new pair of trousers fitted, a gentleman wears the style of underwear he most commonly wears.

. When searching for a pair of trousers, a gentleman does not lie about his waist size, neither to himself nor to the sales clerk.

. A gentleman chooses his socks to blend with his pants, not so that they match his shirt.

. An undershirt should always be used if the man is given to profuse sweating or if he anticipates an evening of energetic dancing.

. For job interviews, it is wise for a man to wear black shoes.

. Shoes should be regularly polished.

. If a gentleman owns only one watch, he should have one with a classic leather or metal band.  

. When dressing for a funeral, whether he is a member of the mourning family or the attending community, a gentleman dresses in the most somber attire he has at hand. Ideally he wears a dark shirt in black, navy or gray or a simple, clean, freshly laundered white shirt.

. The most useful and elegant shoe for business is simple. It is a shoe that fits the foot comfortably, it merits attention but does not cry out to be noticed.

. When there are more than three colors in a shirt, it should be saved for non-business hours.

. Always recognize that checked or plaid shirts are always a less formal choice than stripes.

. For casual parties, a gentleman may dress comfortably in shorts and a polo shirt or even a t-shirt. But he makes sure his outfit is scrupulously clean and as much as possible, unwrinkled.

. Good leather belt in brown or black with a neat, simple metal buckle is best for wear in the business world.

. Dress socks should never be worn with shorts.

. A gentleman is wise to treat his neck to a simple, unscented lotion or unfussy powder followed by a dash of mild cologne before buttoning his collar.

Whether you set the standards of style in your community or haven't paid any attention to them until now, it is my hope that you will find information of value in this article, absorb it and then take off on your own course.

(Reference: The Gentleman Gets Dressed by John Bridges)