It sometimes strikes me…

By Derreck the Distinguished Rootsman

It sometimes strikes me how easy it is to undermine an otherwise excellent impression.

Not with one dramatic mistake.

More often, it’s the accumulation of small ones.

A gentleman may spend considerable time choosing the right suit, shirt and shoes, only to let the details undo all that effort.

Good style is rarely about perfection.

But it is very often about paying attention.

Here are a few things I notice more often than I would like.

Neglecting your shoes

People notice shoes.

Perhaps not consciously, but they do.

Well-maintained shoes instantly elevate an outfit. Poorly maintained shoes have the opposite effect.

Polish them. Care for them. Rotate them.

Your shoes work harder than most of your wardrobe.

Treat them accordingly.

Wearing clothes that don’t fit

Too tight.

Too loose.

Neither is your friend.

A well-fitted garment should follow the shape of your body without restricting movement or drowning your frame.

The difference between expensive and elegant is often simply a matter of fit.

Too much going on

Colour is wonderful.

Pattern is wonderful.

Accessories are wonderful.

But not necessarily all at the same time.

The most stylish men understand restraint.

Allow one or two elements to stand out and let the rest support them.

Ignoring grooming

You needn’t look as though you spend hours in front of a mirror.

But a little effort goes a long way.

A neat haircut, trimmed nails and a well-maintained beard — if you choose to have one — are details that rarely go unnoticed.

People may not always identify what looks right.

They usually notice when something doesn’t.

Wrinkled clothing

Some fabrics, such as linen, earn the right to wrinkle.

Most others do not.

Take a moment to hang your garments properly and allow them to rest between wears.

It makes a difference.

Mismatched details

Your belt, shoes, watch strap and accessories need not match perfectly.

They should, however, look as though they belong in the same conversation.

Harmony is often more elegant than precision.

Wearing every trend at once

Fashion changes constantly.

Style evolves more slowly.

The goal is not to wear everything that is currently fashionable.

The goal is to wear what suits you.

There is a difference.

Overdoing fragrance

Fragrance should be discovered, not announced.

If someone can identify your cologne before shaking your hand, you may have applied too much.

A subtle fragrance leaves a far stronger impression than an overwhelming one.

Dressing without purpose

Different occasions call for different clothing.

Not because society demands it.

Because dressing appropriately shows awareness, confidence and respect.

A gentleman understands where he is and dresses accordingly.

Final thoughts

The details matter.

Not because anyone is keeping score.

But because details reveal care.

And care is often what separates a well-dressed man from a merely well-dressed outfit.