DRESSING WELL

Dressing well is not as elusive as you think. It is something every man can readily accomplish, regardless of his body type.But before we embark to discover the secrets of dressing well, we must accept the fact that no one has the perfect body shape. To dress well, we need to first acknowledge our own flaws and virtues. Only then can we learn to select our wardrobe with an eye for harmony, sense of balance, proportion and an awareness of silhouette. A balanced silhouette can be achieved by paying attention to fit, colour and pattern.

IT PAYS TO DRESS WELL

Since the beginning of history, men have known the wisdom in being well dressed. It is irrefutable, that in an affluent society such as ours, we tend to place a man by his clothes or rather, his outer appearance. As soon as you enter a room and before you can even utter a word, your clothes have already given a first impression of you. That first impression is the determining factor in whatever endeavor you are about to embark upon. A well-dressed man in outstanding clothing will certainly give the impression of success and integrity. Think about it, would you have confidence in a shabbily dressed doctor or bank manager?

It is therefore worthwhile to pay considerable attention to our clothes. It will inadvertently cost you more not to dress well, because it will have a bearing on your social and commercial advancement. Women know that there is much to gain in being well dressed and this applies to men just as well, if not, even more.

TIPS ON DRESSING UP - THE TALL MAN

1. Although a tall and slender man may seem to have an ideal physique, some can appear to be too slender and thus giving the impression of being weedy. This can be overcome by creating a more solid silhouette. Rather then stripes, fabrics with patterns and checks are recommended.

2. The tall man's jackets or trousers should not have too close a fitting but should rather hang slighty loose and easy. Jackets should be cut slighty wider in the shoulders and a little longer in length.

3. Short jackets on short men, tall jackets on tall men.

4. For the trousers, they should be cut fuller in the leg. A pleated front also helps to give the impression of fullness, as do cuffs.

TIPS ON DRESSING UP - THE HEAVIER MAN

1. Avoid close fitting clothes. Skimpily cut, tight-fitting clothes will accentuate heaviness and not to mention a source of discomfort.

2. Both jackets and trousers should be made of smooth fabrics, since bright colors and bold patterns tend to increase the sense of bulk. It is better for heavier men to wear dark shades and muted pattern. Narrow-striped fabrics also help to create the impression of slimness. Always avoid light or checked fabrics, which creates an impression of weight.

3. Jackets should be slighty longer in length.

4. Vent-less jackets have a slimming effect for the hips.

5. Besom pockets (pockets without flap) can help achieve a smoother side body.

6. Two buttons, single-breasted or double-breasted would suit a heavier man. Contrary to general opinion, double-breasted jacket actually helps to cover a prominent paunch.

7. Front pleats on the trousers help to disguise a paunch.

8. Trousers should be on the trim side and slightly tapered.


TIPS ON DRESSING UP - THE SHORT MAN

1. Avoid wearing long jackets, which tend to give the impression of short legs.

2. Use a higher shoulder pad to lift up the jacket.

3. The waist of the jacket should be cut higher and slightly tapered.

4. By making details like the lapels and the pocket flaps smaller, you make the person appear taller. Thus it would be advisanle to aviod jackets with wide lapels.

5. Two-buttons jackets are better suited for the short man.

6. Side vents on the jacket would accentuate the waistline and give the illusion of height.

7. The trousers should be cut with a higher 'rise'. Trousers length should be as long as possible and without cuffs. The trousers legs should taper modestly from thigh to bottom to help give the illusion of a long silhouette.

8. Fabrics: Should avoid large bold patterns, rough textured cloth and horizontal stripes, which tend to interfere with the vertical flow. Discreet pin stripes rather than bold chalk stripes are a better choice.

TIP ON DRESSING UP - THE THIN MEN

1. Jackets and trousers should be cut on the loose side rather than cut to sit close to the body.

2. Jackets should have fuller lapels (at least 3"). Pockets should have flaps and the shoulder line should extend out far enough so that the shoulder tip is as wide as the thickest part of the upper arm. This gives not only broader shoulders but a fuller chest and back as well.

3. Trousers - should be pleated and cuffed.

4. Shirts - Collars should not be too close, they make a thin neck look thinner.

5. Neck tie - Medium width ties are best.