Whether your dress is masculine, feminine, or non-gendered, there are always tricks and tips we can use to look our best.
No rule is right all the time – and they’re fun to break as well, depending on the occasion – but plenty of advice has stood the test of time because it just works when it comes to looking your best.
If you’re not abiding by the guidelines below, don’t worry! But sometimes it’s good to get a grip on some traditional advice.
1. Masculine dressers: Try to match your leather
While women can get away with patterned shoes and colorful handbags and don’t wear belts as often as men, those who prefer a masculine style should consider abiding by the rule to match your leather.
That means if your belt is brown, your shoes should be as well. And yes, there are many shades of brown, so when you’re feeling unsure, go with the closest match.
2. Feminine dressers: Dress for your shape
Kind of a no-brainer, right? And yet, you’re always free to wear whatever you wish.
But the simple (and totally unfair) fact is that not everything looks flattering on every body type.
Curvy with a waist? Lucky you! Try some A-shaped skirts. Thin and tall? You can pull off billowy looks without making it look like maternity clothing.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of your shape (the grass is always greener, right?), you can take your measurements and get a good idea of your standard shape and look up some ways to compliment your figure. After all, feminine dressers have a lot more options!
3. Masculine dressers: Watch the length of your tie
Do you feel like your tie is too short in the morning? Then it is.
The bottom of your tie should touch the top of your pants. Anything else looks, well…like you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you just can’t get your tie long enough without ending up with a comically short end, consider extra-long ties. Most stores have them for tall men and those who prefer the double Windsor knot.
4. Feminine dressers: Invest, but take care
Did you spring for the Jimmy Choo or the Hermès scarf? Good for you, but the important part is not treating it like the rest of your stuff.
Designer shoes need to be cared for, kept dry, and sometimes resoled to maximize your investment. Silk and other fine materials need to be dry cleaned, sometimes by a specialty cleaner. Keep that in mind when you think about what it will really end up costing you.
If you care for things well, they’ll also hold their resale value! (So keep those designer boxes too!)
5. Masculine dressers: Keep the accessories to a minimum
Watches, pocket squares, belts, tie clips, hats, and even necklaces, rings, and earrings – there are plenty of accessories made for men.
But don’t go overboard unless you’re going to own that style (in which case, grab a walking stick while you’re at it!).
Most guys will be relieved to know a belt and watch is really all you need to look professional.
6. Feminine dressers: Be careful with bling
There are so many accessories for women that we’re no double, triple, and quadruple stacking our necklaces and bracelets!
And, again, if you can pull it off and it feels good, go for it.
But if it’s going to be a distraction or you’re just trying to show off your wealth by wearing all your bling at once, you should probably know it doesn’t make you look at cool as you think.
7. Masculine dressers: Don’t match your tie and your pocket square
Nothing says “I rented this suit for prom” like having an identical tie and pocket square. In fact, if you’re in the store and they sell them together, you’re probably in need of a better store.
While some guys can get away with “power clashing,” mixing it up can be as easy as a patterned tie and a solid pocket square.
8. Feminine dressers: Buy clothing that fits when you try it on
We’ve all done it – we’ve loved something and thought “I’ll lose a few pounds in a week or two and then it’ll look perfect” – and now it’s sitting in the back of the closet with the tags still on it.
Don’t waste your money on something that doesn’t fit when you walk out of the store. So much can happen and you don’t want to beat yourself up about how you shelled out cash for a dress that you’re never able to zip.
9. Masculine dressers: Focus on fit
Listen, we know there are plenty of people who hate to shop. You just want to go in the store, buy your size, and get out. And we understand. But in that case, make sure they have a return policy you can live with.
You really do need to try things on and know what flatters you. Some people can pull off the untucked shirt, others just look sloppy. Plenty of people can fill out a suit jacket and others need it nipped in at the shoulders.
If you’re going to spend money, do it on clothing that flatters you. And ask for help at the men’s store when you need it.
10. Feminine dressers: Invest in classics
Whether it’s a little black dress or a crisp white button-down shirt, everyone should have a capsule wardrobe of classics at their fingertips.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Your little black dress can have tassels hanging off of it for all we care. Just keep in mind that a good dark dress, well-fitting jeans, a nice trench, a button-down, and some neutral shoes will probably be around a lot longer than the trend-of-the-moment impulse buys.
It’s not always the case that the best clothing is more expensive, but it is often the case.
11. Masculine dressers: Avoid pre-distressed jeans
Don’t let anyone talk you into them.
The only guys who can pull of this look are the ones who are entirely confident that they look great. And even then, some of them look ridiculous.
Frankly, this goes for women as well.
And to be fair, these distress marks only get worse with time and wear, and pretty soon you have to buy a new pair of ragged jeans.
12. Feminine dressers: Show skin tactically
First of all, a woman is never to blame for how someone else reacts to her body. Wear what you want, show what you’re comfortable with, and demand to be treated with decency.
However, if you’re wondering how to strike the right balance, a good rule of thumb is to show skin in just one area. In other words, go with either bare shoulders or a short skirt and keep it conservative on the other side.
13. Masculine dressers: Grooming is key
A haircut and shave are a given. But please don’t ignore your fingernails.
We’ve seen some disturbing stuff in our day and we’ve ever heard more than one story about grungy nails being a deal-breaker for everything from job interviews to first dates.
And for goodness sake, don’t chew them! Just clip and file and keep them clean and you’ll be fine.
14. Feminine dressers: Hem your pants
It’s rare to find the exact right length when it comes to dress pants right off the rack. That’s why plenty of stores offer free tailoring if you spend a certain amount. Make use of it! Or find a seamstress. Or learn how to do it yourself.
And it probably goes without saying that it’s easier to shorten pants and skirts than to lengthen them.
Pants should skim the tops of your shoes, not cover your feet.
15. Masculine dressers: Keep the setting in mind
It’s usually better to be overdressed than underdressed.
If you’re not sure what the guidelines mean, you can always ask.
It doesn’t matter how well you style your outfit if you’re dressed for the golf course during a presentation.
16. Feminine dressers: Get a bra that fits
The first time you put on a bra in your actual size will be transcendent. We’re not saying that it will automatically become comfortable, but it certainly won’t be as torturous.
And you’ll learn what it actually means to “lift and separate” and what a favor it does to your figure.
Also, consider the size of the band around your back. Go thicker for a slimming effect!
17. Masculine dressers: Choose eyeglasses with care
Has it been 10 years since you’ve changed your frames?
Why is that so common with men?
You don’t have to do anything funky, but it is wise to accept that everyone’s face changes with time, and what was flattering a decade or two ago might not be anymore.
You can even order glasses for at-home try-ons if you don’t want to make a fuss in the store.
18. Feminine dressers: Grab a scarf
Scarves are pretty much the most magical thing you can tuck in your bag. They can save your hair, be thrown around your shoulders when you’re chilly, tie back your hair, and even hide a stain – all in addition to being a great little outfit add-on.
If your bag is too small to fit it in, look for some stylish ways to tie it onto your handbag.
19. Masculine dressers: Own a good suit
We don’t mean you should own at least one $1,000 suit, just own one that fits you well and that isn’t oddly shiny or thin.
Even if you only wear it twice a year, you can mix it up with different ties and no one will be the wiser.
Now, if you’re really looking to expand your horizons, you can even get 2 suits – one in a spring/summer fabric, and a wool one for winter.
20. Feminine dressers: Know what you own
Love that black sweater? Sure, we all do. And we all have 16 other black sweaters in our closets.
It’s good to know what you own in terms of style, material, color, and cut.
If you love something (like classic Oxford shirts or pencil skirts), sure, buy a bunch. But if your new garment is just going to cause you to push the old, similar one farther into the closet, save your money – and the Earth. Most of us already own too much.
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And remember, if you’re following a “rule” and it just doesn’t make you feel good, feel free to break it. Your confidence is the best accessory.
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