10 Rules to Look Good in a Suit Read more

1. Stop Today to Solve Next Month’s Style Emergency
That’s right. Even if there’s nothing on the agenda. “Always have at least one combination in your closet that you can pull out in a pinch,” says Lauren Solomon, a New York City-based personal-image consultant and author of Image Matters. You’ll want a traditional suit (such as a Dolce & Gabbana pinstripe) with a proper new dress shirt and all the requisite accessories. Now you’re ready for any last-minute invite. Or funeral.

2. Show Up at the Right Time to Make Your Lunch a Success
If you’re hosting: “Show up 5 to 10 minutes early or, if you don’t have a reservation, 15 to 20 minutes early, depending on the popularity of the place,” says Bryan Curtis, coauthor of A Gentleman Entertains. “Your guests have only an hour or so for lunch and don’t want to spend 30 minutes waiting for a table.”

If you’re a guest: “Arrive on time, even if it means driving around the block or taking a short walk,” says Curtis. “Get there early and you’ll have to take responsibility for your party, which involves decisions best left to the host.”

3. Flash Your Dress Watch
When it’s time to seal the deal.”Wear a dress watch when important matters are on the table,” says Lloyd Boston, an NBC style correspondent and author of Make Over Your Man. Wearing a watch that rises to the occasion when you’re proposing, signing a loan, or shaking the hand of a potential employer will convey that you’re a man of taste, and a man on time. Or at least a man with a really cool watch.

4. Replace Your Briefcase to Celebrate Every Promotion
“You have new responsibilities,” says Amy Wolf, senior director of product design for Samsonite. “Does your bag have all the features you need to look professional and well organized?” If the promotion doesn’t come, replace the briefcase every 5 years. “The anchorage points (where the shoulder straps and handle attach) on a good-quality bag shouldn’t wear out for at least that long,” says Wolf. But if you haven’t gotten a major bump in 5 years, you should probably hit the road. Which is another really good reason to buy a new briefcase.

5. Dry-Clean Your Suit Within 48 Hours of the Big Spill
“That’s true of any garment,” says Steve Boorstein, author of The Ultimate Guide to Shopping and Caring for Clothing. “Otherwise, stains can set.” You need to dry-clean your suit only two or three times a year, which also means it will last longer. “Inspect it for stains,” says Boorstein. “If you’ve got a stain on your lap or wrinkles in the crotch, have your pants cleaned. The jacket can wait.”