From the crisply folded pocket square to that perfectly slight trouser break, the littlest of details often speak volumes about a man’s style. When it comes to being sartorially put-together, the elegance of effortless congruity should be the end goal. Personal style comes across best when it does not appear that any ensemble was carefully selected, but rather something that the wearer does regularly and inherently. Because of this, subtle detailing many times produces greater effects than affectations. It should be hard when observing an individual to decipher what makes him well-dressed, because all pieces of his outfit are flowing together in harmony and are free of discord. Confidence in what one wears is, of course, paramount, but there are a few simple details that are often overlooked in a day-to-day routine. Don’t take any as set in stone, but rather as guidelines:
 
The Shoes: They should be polished regularly, and stored with shoe trees when not in use. Brown goes with everything except for a black suit or tuxedo. Opt for a sleek, elegant last and avoid square toes and blobby aesthetics.
The Tie: When knotted, should just be touching the top of your belt. The simple four-in-hand knot is the classically elegant choice, and a gentleman’s knot should be ever so slightly askew. Remember, James Bond despised a full Windsor!
The Break: If you follow Luciano Barbera’s rule of thumb, you should be good to go – “I want to see as much of your shoes as I can, but I do not want to see any of your socks.” The 2″ cuff is popular right now, but might not always be. When in doubt, go for a plain bottom hem.
The Jacket Fit: The shoulders are the most important aspect, and should neither dimple nor hang off of your natural shoulder. Strive to show 1/4″ to 1/2″ of shirt cuff from beneath your jacket sleeve. The waist should fit snugly, taken in to just before the point where it pulls when buttoned.
Be sure take these as simple guidelines, and not hard rules. At the end of the day, the goal should be to obtain comfortableness with your own wardrobe – that is the detail that matters most of all!
