Oh Wise You, GQ

On the way back from New York, I read the December issue of GQ "cover-to-cover" (code for "the articles on fashion".) Men, here's a re-cap to keep you dap:

*Keep your look to one style only. If you're going to wear a suit, wear a nice topcoat and leather gloves, not a ski jacket and gloves for a snowboarder. If you're doing professional, do professional in its entirety. Your nice black casual shoes, no matter how comfortable they feel and look, will not go with a two piece business suit. And switching from your Ferragamos to your trainers for the walk home is unacceptable.

*Your clothes should fit you well. You're not a rap star, so your shirt should never billow in the wind. Pants should be at your waist, not making a coin slot, and your inseam must hit and break properly where it meets your shoe, whether you're dressed up or doing casual. If need be, invest in your good wardrobe pieces and get those things hemmed and tailored. Let the tailor rid you of excess swatches of fabric. And just because your off-the-rack suit had its sleeves and cuffs taken up does NOT mean it fits you well. Have the entire jacket and pants cleaned up by a reputable tailor.

*Messenger bags and soft-sided briefcases should be worn on one shoulder, not slung across your body like you're a NYC bike messenger. It could wrinkle your clothes, especially your shirt, and cut your overall look into halves.

*People notice details. People look at you, on the bus, on the subway, in the meetings, at the restaurant. You may not notice them, but they're taking inventory. Take advantage of that. Tuck in your shirts. Wear belts that coordinate with your look. Keep it nice and clean, sloppy is naughty. Your shoes say so much about your personality. So does your form of entertainment, whether it's a book, the sports section, or the earbuds and mp3 player. (Speaking of which, get a decent pair of earphones with quality sound. The stock ones that came with your music player cost the company two dollars to make, and people notice them as well. Nice earphones will make your music truly sing.)