10 Fashion Challenges That Build A Better Man

 

No.7 Clean Your Closet

An organized closet is the No. 1 weapon in the war for looking half-decent on a daily basis. It helps you keep stock on what you have, know what you need and ultimately spend money more wisely. No matter the degree of disorder, this challenge should rest on one rule of thumb: if you haven't worn it in more than a year, say goodbye. It's a tough task, so hoarding types are strongly advised to invite a friend with nerves of steel.

No.6 Make Sure You Have One Good Suit

It would be nice to have a closet full of $10,000 Tom Ford suits, but that’s not a reality for most of us. In truth, all you need is a single go-to selection that works in a pinch. And the good news is that it doesn't have to cost more than a fraction of Ford’s fine tailoring. The key is to find one that fits. Fortunately, it’s possible to do just that by shopping for an affordable find off the rack and then getting a little help from your neighborhood tailor (hint: this job will require more than a hem). Finally -- when it comes to color -- you’re probably thinking charcoal or black are best. Navy, however, will prove to be the most versatile.

No.5 Invest In One Expensive Pair Of Shoes And A Belt

There are few times when it really pays to pay, but your shoes and belt are worthy exceptions. Go for the cheap stuff and everything else will drift down-market, too. Pricier accoutrements, on the other hand, can make bargain-basement finds look like a million bucks. When the time comes to put down the plastic for these items, remember that leather is king and he hails from Italy (or England, depending on your personal allegiance).

No.4 Use Shoe Trees

Ever wonder why your kicks look beat after just a few months of wear and tear? You can clean and polish them all you want but if you’re not slipping in a cedar shoe tree after hours, creases in the leather will deepen and your shoes will lose their shape. That’s not a good thing especially when you were just advised to drop a decent amount on at least one pair.

No.3 Select A Style Icon

Sure, Tom Ford is a fashion maven, but your personal preference can (and probably should) hit closer to home. The only requirement is that you admire your icon not only for the clothes he wears but the way in which he wears them. Let him serve as your guide to style. And if you happen to pick up a habit or two of his, well, copying is indeed the sincerest form of flattery.

No.2 Find A White T-Shirt That Fits You Perfectly

If there were ever a single wardrobe staple, the white T-shirt might just be it. You can dress it up, you can dress it down and you can live in it. Most men rely on a couple of baggy ones that have seen better days. Break away from the pack and hunt for one that suits your silhouette and isn't see-through. Once you've found it, buy a dozen of them.

No.1 Replace Every Hanger You Own

Chances are you have a closet full of mismatched hangers -- random plastic hand-me-downs, mangled wire ones from the dry cleaners and the occasional bulky kind from something you snagged at a department store. Point being, it’s likely that there isn’t a single wooden one among them. And when it comes to hangers, wood is where it’s at. Yes, they’re durable, but most importantly, wooden hangers are best for keeping your clothes in tiptop shape.