Style 101: The Fundamentals

The team at Elite Daily strives to enable our readers to be the most informed and polished  individuals in their social circles. We must present ourselves as gentlemen of the utmost character, honesty, and integrity. Our overall success depends on a daily execution of perfect maintenance and composure. 

The combination of a well fitted suit, polished shoes, and a meticulously ironed shirt provides a glimpse into a man who strives only for lofty aspirations. With of all this in mind, this article should help break down a few of the common “do’s” and “don’ts” that separate the elite from the rest.

We know most men go for comfort first and foremost, but there are rules to the game. Not everyone is born with a sense of style, and god knows we’ve been too bold with some of our trends in the past. It is because of this that we must go back to the fundamentals of style. Here are the rules:

Do Match the color of your shoes with the color of your belt

Listen up, because we have personally witnessed this mistake occur on multiple occasions. We cannot stress this tip enough, and it is about time we help to rectify the habit of mismatching the colors of your shoes and belts. Unfortunately, some men still possess this inability; at this moment, if you are wearing a pair of black dress shoes and a non-black belt then you fall into this shameful category. This mismatch ruins your outfit, but hold on to this simple fashion phrase that will always save you: black with black, and brown with brown.

Also, hold off on the matching Gucci monogram belt and shoes. Unless you’re a part of YMCMB, the look comes off as cheesy and contrived. Style should be an understated element of your overall character. One should never look like a walking billboard for poor designs.

Don’t Wear white sweat socks with suit pants or slacks

Although we pretty much covered the footwear basics, we do have to make a small yet very important side note. Unless you’re going for the Moonwalk look, we highly suggest you avoid this combination at all costs!  We have witnessed the most grotesque image of a businessman revealing his white sweat socks under his pants as he casual rested his feet on his office desk.

Please recognize that this particular sight is a sign of one who truly fails to care about their presentation. Gentlemen, do not generate an uninviting and unappealing vibe; just remember to wash your colored socks to coordinate with each suit. Leave the sweat socks in the gym bag.

Do Tuck your shirt into your pants

A clean and neat look requires you to always tuck your shirt into your pants. An un-tucked shirt displays a disinterested and mediocre attitude, but we do acknowledge that some casual situations allow for this type of relaxed look. However, we promote this style only on a very few occasions such as when traveling home after a long day of wearing your a tucked-shirt, in the elevator after an epic night out, but never with the accompaniment of a tie.

Don’t Forget to press your clothes

One must always remember that God Is In The Detail. You can have the most expensive label sewn on the inside of your sport coat, but if you executed it a sloppy manner that label is null and void. Another simple yet crucial suggestion is to find a consistent dry-cleaning service. Most of us without a caring wife do not have enough time or patience to slave over an ironing board, but this lacking should not deter us from looking pressed and fresh. A clean shirt pieces the entire outfit together, but wrinkles or stains will only unravel your effort to look presentable. Only elite gentlemen will take the extra effort to make sure their outfits radiate success, and we adore those that take the extra step.

It may seem like the fundamentals are the obvious details that would not need to be reiterated, but we aren’t giving you that much credit just yet.

Elite.