et’s face it, guys hate shopping but dammit, it’s gotta be done. As appealing as it is to keep wearing your old, worn out Transformers t-shirt and a pair of tattered jeans, that wardrobe isn’t going to do much for you around the office or in a job interview. It’s sad to say, but the business world is pretty superficial and fashion conscious. Talent and a strong work ethic will get you far, but looking good can help push you over the top. With that in mind we present a dressing guide for the modern man.

Before you can start accessorizing, you’ve got to establish a base. The suit is the centre of any strong formal wardrobe, so you’d better get it right! Start with a solid brand. Something like Corlioni, Moschino, Armani, Gucci, Ralf Lauren, D&G, Hugo Boss, or Facconable will set you back a chunk of change, but the aesthetic improvement is priceless. Beyond the name, you’ll need a tailor to fit it properly and there are many variables to consider. There are plenty of guys out there with an ill-fitting suit that undoes all the effort and money they put into buying it. Get this wrong and you’ll look like the same tasteless douche who was lazing around the house in boxers and a wife-beater before you got the suit.

Gucci, Prada and Dior? You might look like you’re trying too hard.

First off, pick the right size. It sounds simple, but every company produces a suit with a slightly different form. Try on a variety of sizes and styles until you find one that properly suits (how about that pun?) your body type. Sleeves that are too long or too short are a definite sign of classlessness. So, make sure that a quarter inch of shirt cuff is visible at all times. Next, ensure that your shoulder pads fit properly.

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The shoulders in a suit frame your entire body, so if they stick out too far you’ll look more like a football player than James Bond. Also, be sure that your jacket closes comfortably without any unsightly gut-sucking. The lapels should always be flush with your body. If you’ve got a beer gut or plan on growing one, then compensate with the cut of your suit (give yourself a little extra room. It’s never a bad thing). In terms of buttons, use two. No more, no less. That’s just how it is.

When it comes to pants there are three things to consider; rise, length, and whether or not to go pleated. It you’re tall, you should go with a medium or low rise. If you’ve got a little man complex then low rise is your only option. Regardless of how tall you are, the pants should fall halfway between the heel and soul of your shoe. No crumpling at the heel. The crumple is the enemy of good fashion. They must be hunted down and eliminated. And when it comes to pleating you have to ask yourself one question: are you a retired insurance salesman? Because they are the only people who should consider the pleat.

Time to talk shirts. A t-shirt and suit combo is good for casual wear, but in all other circumstances, you’ve gotta go for a collar. Ironing is vital (like you didn’t know that already) and white is always welcome, but you should also have a variety of other colours available. Just be sure to keep them dark and cool. That hot pink shirt may look good on the rack, but could possibly look like shit everywhere else - even on you, perhaps. If you’re thinking about popping your collar then you’ve got to decide if you want to be known as a braindead jock or a date rapist. Because those are the only personality types who wear them. If you’re going to go with a tie, keep it simple or monochrome. To quote a Charles Barkley deodorant commercial, “anything else, would be uncivilized.”

Shoes come next. Lace-up or loafer, it’s pretty hard to fail on this front. As long as the colour blends in with the suit, you should be fine. Brown is less formal than black, but you’re unlikely to be fired for not making that distinction. In terms of brands, classic designers like Gucci, Ferragamo and Prada lead the pack, but as long as you’re not buying from the discount rack at Zellers, it’s hard to go wrong. When it comes to belts, keep it black and go with a silver buckle if possible. A nice belt can spruce up even the rattiest pair of jeans, so bear that in mind. If you want to top off the look with a pair of shades, it’s never a bad idea, but the key is simplicity. Buy normal black shades and stay away from Ray Ban aviators unless you’re in your early 20s or in the midst of a midlife crises. Avoid flashier designers such as Gucci, Prada and Dior or you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. Above all, just make sure you have a plan for what you wear. Think about what you buy and never just grab the cheapest item on the rack. Going to the mall to buy these clothes won’t be any less painful, but having an idea of what you want will at least speed up the process. – P.B.