5 Tiny Details That Make or Break Your Look
This is how you turn heads—in a good way
Getting dressed is one time it’s OK to sweat the small stuff. Purposeful details add interest to your outfit, and show your boss (or lady friend) that you pick up on the little things. Here are five quick and cheap upgrades.
Socks
There are two types of men: one with a drawer full of solid-color socks and one who’s fun to grab beers with. The fun guy knows that socks add personality to dull duds like khakis and navy dress pants. A colorful stripe or a hit of camo will also earn you a nod of approval.
Our favorites: Nice Laundry ($49 for six, nicelaundry.com), Richer Poorer ($12, richerpoorer.com), and Stance ($20, stance.com).
Cuff Links
The right cuff links can hint at strong poker skills, a love of old coins, or your college ball days. Solid metal is simple and classic; flashy gem styles say you miss Liberace.
Look for options from Thomas Pink ($185, thomaspink.com) or Ted Baker ($85, tedbaker.com).
Belt
You wouldn’t wash down a Kobe rib eye with a PBR—and you shouldn’t pair a casual belt with dress pants.
Trousers require a slim, sophisticated leather belt with a subtle buckle. Belts meant for denim and casual pants are thicker, with bolder hardware.
Both should roughly match your shoes in color and texture. Extra-long belts are fine for boxcar hobos; for you, a fastened belt should extend only to the first loop. We like the color variety Upton belts offers ($130, uptonbelts.com).
Shoelaces
If you’re wary of bright shoes, limit the colors to laces. Even brown dress shoes can shine with green or orange laces. Deeper hues are understated, while neon brights add attitude.
Buy them at The Tie Bar ($3, thetiebar.com), Hook & Albert ($32 for four, hookandalbert.com), or Cole Haan ($7, colehaan.com).
Tie Bar
You’ll need at least one or two tie bars depending on the type of ties you wear. The rules: 2-to 3-inch bars work for traditional widths, while a 1-inch bar is for slimmer ties—that is, 2 to 3 inches at their widest.
Place the bar just above the third shirt button—no lower. It can cover part of the tie or go fully across, but it shouldn’t extend past the tie’s width.
Buy them at J.Crew ($30, jcrew.com) and The Tie Bar ($15, thetiebar.com).
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