What the Stylish Man Knows: Tips to Up Your Game

Sep 23

Legendary actor Steve McQueen poses with his vintage 1956 Jaguar XKSS.

A Man for the Ages: The unassailable cool of Steve McQueen.

Incredibly, it’s not uncommon to witness mismatched heterosexual couples everywhere. Decently attired women on the arms of slovenly, unkempt men often dressed like toddlers, though not nearly as adorable. It’s impossible to discern whether these guys descended into not giving a shit as a consequence of long-term relationships, where once you’ve bagged your prize, you stop caring about your looks. Or whether they’ve always lacked the style gene but made up for it with disarming humor. (Women adore funny. It covers many shortcomings.)

The competition can be stiff if you’re among the millions of straight dudes on the hunt. So listen up: Common sense and restraint will serve you well when making sartorial choices. Despite some evidence to the contrary, women take notice. This is not the moment to fly your freak flag or express your charming quirkiness or sports fandom bona fides.

Let’s sum it up with one question: Ask any woman to name their dream date. Chances are, the reply will be George Clooney. Consider all that that implies. Make Clooney your North Star.

Rule #1: Dress like a man, not a moron.

Classic style endures and asserts confidence. It signals your priorities and worthiness and demonstrates self-awareness. Unless you are a fashionista (in all seriousness), you’re wise to stay in your lane and embrace the tried-and-true with sensible solutions that fit your body type. Make a point of educating yourself on the finer points of style and grooming. Become acquainted with a reputable tailor who can enhance your assets and conceal any shortcomings. An informed, refined look will always win out over extravagance, which pegs you as eccentric or narcissistic. The sweet spot, for the majority of men, exists between the extremes.

For you older gents, go easy on the hair color. It’s never convincing and undermines your credibility. If you choose to add a little pepper to your salt, have it done by a skilled professional who understands discretion. The idea is to enhance, not deny, your age. Women adore a silver fox, while those pretending to be young elicit sympathy rather than lust. And if you’re balding, a completely shaved pate is the only option. Fortunately, it looks badass and confident, qualities women swoon for. Own your age and work with what you’ve got. Experience counts for a lot. Take command of your personal style.

Rule #2: Take Fitness and Nutrition Seriously

To wear a suit like Clooney does, commit to forswearing Big Macs. Ditch the convenience and junk food. Forever. Ditto for soda, energy drinks, iced teas, sugary juice, and insane calorie-bomb coffee drinks. Reject anything labeled diet or low-fat (it’s a head-fake). Avoid gloppy salad dressings, ketchup, salsa, pasta sauce, canned soup, processed meats, flavored yogurt, etc., all laden with chemical enhancers and packed with sugar and sodium. Opt for real, unprocessed, whole foods. If you must, snack on nuts or fruit instead of sweets and chips. Enjoy drinking in moderation, but skip sugary, girly cocktails like Mojitos and Margaritas. Common sense stuff, when you think about it. Hit the resistance machines. (Moderate weight, high reps.) Take the stairs. Don’t gravitate to the closest parking spot. Yes, it requires effort and, above all, consistency. But small actions deliver with compound interest, like a penny stock that, over time, amasses a fortune. Reap the rewards and make her proud to be on your arm. —J Heroun