Tips for the Gents - Being a Modern Man - PART ONE

The other night on twitter, I noticed a trending topic - #genttips. These were tips for the modern man on how to be a gentleman and it was receiving positive feedback from women. So, I thought to jump in by writing this post. After all, you attract a classy woman by knowing how to be a gentleman yourself. 

Now these tips are just my opinion somewhat influenced by the opinions of some of my friends, family  and of course my life experience. It should be noted though that these are also some of things interviewers look for when sizing up applicants to see if a man is well put together. So gentlemen, are you ready?

The Modern Man Should possess:

1. Dress Shoes : This does not mean a pair of desert eagle clarks - sorry to disappoint you. Dress shoes are shoes that can be polished and typically come in a laced up oxford style. Sneakers and loafers no matter how expensive they are are not appropriate for every occasion and there will come a day when you have to attend a funeral/wedding/dinner/interview/presentation and borrowing a friend's shoe that is two sizes smaller is not a good look. Here is an example of a classic style:

2.   A well-fitted black suit and tie: Now, a suit is an investment piece. You don't necessarily have to buy or make this but if a suit is handed down to you from your father, older brother or cousin it is in your best interest to have it tailored to fit you. Now it's very important that you have at least one classically tailored suit before you get one that is trendy because in a couple years if you wear that trendy suit you will stick out like a sore thumb. And really, very few things are hotter than a man in a well-fitting suit.

3. A proper wallet: you don't have to shell out a bag of money for a wallet that doesn't close with velcro. You want to get one in a classic colour like brown, black, grey or navy in a durable material - whether real leather or faux leather that has enough compartments for what you carry around. Wallets with large graphics, flashy logos and velcro closures make you seem for want of a better word...'idle' or childish.

4. A plain dress belt: there seems to be an epidemic among our men nowadays to see who can wear the most ridiculous looking belt. Gentlemen, no one equates the size of your belt buckle to anything so you don't have to try so hard. Just an fyi fellas, a belt isn't supposed to be attention-grabbing. It is supposed to be complementary and serve its function. A plain belt with a plain buckle will serve you well. There are even belts that are reversible now - black on one side, brown on the other for those that are thrifty.

5. A gentleman's watch: Personally, I am obsessed with watches. This is actually one of the first things I look at when I look at a man and for a long time I've judged men by their watches. Again, the value of the watch wasn't what was important but the fact that he was wearing one and that the style of the watch more often than not said something about the man. Flashy watches were usually accompanied by more flashy jewellery and a flashy attitude; conservative old school watches usually meant they were a gift from an older female relative and he didn't choose it himself; but the stylish watches that could swing for a number of occasions - suit & tie or jeans and a polo always always caught my eye. And it was usually the men who didn't wear watches that were never on time...(*and ain't nobody got time for that*)

 6. Cologne .. ...to be continued.

I'll see the fellas next week same time, same place for Part Two of this post. Till then, if you have any questions or comments, you can email me or leave a comment below. 

Thanks for reading, and till later...

**Jane

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