But we still need to look good. No worries, we’ve got the clothes you need to style out and survive the next few wintery months – and because this is the UK – you’ll probably need them well into the summer as well.
camel active Men’s Jacket from £175.91
(IMAGE – Marks And Spencer)
Beauty is skin deep, and confidence begins just a layer above that. Chances are you’re the only one who’s going to know what’s on under that three-piece so have some fun and treat yourself to some underwear that makes you feel confident from the second you slide it on.
Don’t go full American Psycho on their asses, but remembering to keep a smile on your face will only work in your favour. It’s the most simple way of displaying confidence, comfort, and openness. Keep flashing those pearly whites and you’ll be sure to get everything you want.
(IMAGE – Marks And Spencer)
A clean shave and a fresh face is always going to be a winner in any situation. However, if you do happen to prefer a little stubble just working on getting that skin shining and beard line sharp will be more than enough to get you noticed.
Like the underwear, you don’t want them seeing this part. But, put aside a little alone time before the event to hit some real power poses that will leave you singing your own praises and displaying the best body language. Think posing like Superman in front of a mirror and you’re halfway there, but to be sure you’re hitting the poses properly maybe scour YouTube for tutorials a little beforehand.
There’s nothing like leaving a little scent in the air – in a good way, that is. Make sure that when you do leave you’re leaving your best impression with a light and lingering scent that will only make them think better of you.
Think fresh, bright and confident – you don’t want to remind them of their Granddad.
Check out a full range of aftershaves from Amazon.
There’s nothing worse than a weak, limp, flaccid … handshake. So practice that handshake on friends and family until you’re happy that you’ve got it nailed. This will be the first and last impression they get from you, so you definitely want to get it right.
So, perhaps this one really counts as starting from the bottom up. The importance of correct footwear can go a little forgotten at times, however, much like the scent and the undies it’s an important part in building your confidence and making a good impression. Classics are always classics for a reason but don’t be afraid to mix it up a little – suited and booted is a phrase for a reason. (Pictured: Blivener Men’s Casual Pointed Toe Oxford Lace Up Business Shoes – from £14.99 from Amazon)
There’s no point in shaping that beard and smoothing that face if your hairs still a hot mess. Head to the barber and get your locks chopped to show up sharp and smart. At risk of sounding like a late 2000’s chick-flick, it’s amazing what a new haircut can do for you, so embrace the change.
(IMAGE – House Of Fraser – Blazer £400 PS by Paul Smith Rollneck £110 Fred Perry Trousers £265 Vivienne Westwood)
If Barney Stinson taught us anything it’s that you can never go wrong with a suit. Whether you keep it simple and classic, or branch out a little more with patterns and colours, as long as it fits well you’re almost definitely going to look the part. Plus, with high street brands really upping their suit game of late there’s no reason for a good suit to cost an arm and a leg anymore: so, find a suit you love, invest and just ensure it fits like a glove forever.
It sounds cliche, however, it’s overused for a reason. Be who you are and do what you can, and no one can ever ask any more of you.
Luckily there are a few tricks to help keep your shirt tucked into your trousers.
First of all, you should make sure you get a fitted or tailored shirt – these could be a little more expensive than off the rack options but you can’t put a price on being dressed to impress.
RealMenRealStyle suggests also that you have a shirt that has at least 3 inches of extra fabric beyond your belt line.
RealMenRealStyle suggests that you create a “Military fold” when tucking your shirt into your trousers.
Firstly you need to take the excess material at the sides of your shirt, just above the waistline and fold it in on itself, so the shirt becomes tighter around your waist. When you’ve gathered enough material you tuck the folds into your trousers.
This isn’t tucking your shirt into your underwear, but an under top, like a vest, which you tuck into your underwear and your shirt sits on top. The fabric of the underwear or vest top should interact just enough with the shirt to keep it in place.
But the best – most ingenious way of keeping your shirt firmly tucked is the shirt stays. Think of braces – but made specifically to keep your shirt ends attached to your socks.
Simply attach the double end to your shirt, one towards the front, the other towards the back and then attach the other, singular end to your socks. Ta Dah! Your shirt ends are going nowhere.
We found this rather nifty pair from Amazon for just £5.99 or these guy suspenders will do the trick.
Watch the video below!
Then start the evening right with a hand-tied bow tie. It’s easier than you may think and there’s a number of classic and more outrageous designs out there to suit your personality. Though please remember, just because you dress like Bond, it doesn’t guarantee to pull the guys, win big at the tables or get entry to that billionaire’s club… though it could just help.
1) LAY the tie around your neck leaving the right end longer.
2) CROSS the longer end over the shorter and pull up through the centre loop.
3) FOLD the shorter end across to form one side of the bow tie and let the longer end fall over the middle of the bow.
4) PINCH the end of the longer piece and push through the loop.
5) JUST pull both ends to tighten the bow.
1. Black Ribbed Tie | TiesPlanet.com £19.99
2. Soham Ivy Wool | NeckWearShop.co.uk £23.66
3. Eton Silva Polka Dot | Dobell.co.uk £49.99
4. Bammy Herringbone plaid | TieRoom.co.uk £19.00
5. Jacquard Dark Green | NeckWearShop.co.uk £21.76
To finish off the look you’ll need a top pocket decoration.
Check out the Rampley & Co range over at their shop.
It might not be the most obvious thing in the world, but a pocket square in the breast pocket of your blazer signifies a confident, sartorially inclined man. Luxury men’s outfitters Rampley & Co have pocket squares to suit the simplest to the most extravagant of tastes and they really hit the spot in creating the perfect classic man-about-town look.