WHAT LOOKS GOOD ON ME?
The first rule of fashion: Suit yourself. The key to building a solid, enduring wardrobe is to purchase clothing that suits you particularly well – the complements your figure and face. Nobody is perfect, but since we don’t have to walk around naked, the right clothes can mask our physical flaws and accentuate the positive. The short, thin man can make himself look taller and heavier. The fat man can tip the scales in the opposite direction. While there are exceptions to every rule, dressing for your body type remains the most important strategy in fashion.
Tall
Stress horizontal lines. Stay away from pinstripes; they only emphasize your narrowness. Jackets should accentuate width: shoulders sloped, waist loose, pockets flapped (a ticket pocket helps). Double breasteds are ideal. Wear patterns – Glen Urquhart or windowpane plaid, checks and tweed. Avoid fabrics that cling. Three button jackets, though fashionable, tend to lengthen the body. Similarly, shirts with long-pointed collars and narrow ties make the face look leaner and longer. Try spread collars. Eschew dainty pointed shoes.
Short
Pintripes and chalk stripes (though not too widely spaced) and dark solid colors flatter the short man. Jackets should be singled breasted, square shouldered, two or three buttoned, preferably with long lapels and unflapped pockets. Avoid long jackets; a shorter jacket gives the appearance of longer legs. Choose shirts with vertical stripes and long pointed collars. Tie knots should be smallish (no Windsors . Trousers should be slim in line (you are the one guy who can safely go without cuffs) Stand straight .
Heavyset
Suitinf fabrics should be smooth, not bulky (avoid tweed and seersucker). Double breasteds are a hazard, but the peaked lapels do carry the eye upward away from the waist. Plaid is your enemy, pinstripes is your friend. Medium and dark colors are becoming. Watch out for spread and button down collars – your face usually needs the long pointed type. Wear bold ties – tied long, so that they reach the waistband of your trousers. Suspenders instead of a belt. Narrow-toed shoes and small sized jewelry. Chin up !
Buffed
Athletic men can be a tough fit, since the difference between chest size and waistline (in tailoring jargon, “the Drop”) can be extreme. If your drop is more than eight inches, look for “ athletic suits ” that take this into account. If you’ve got a ten inche or greater drop, you may need custom or made-to-measure tailoring (ditto for shirts). In general, modestly padded or natural shouldered singled breasted suits in dark colors (to minimize bulk) are the ticket. Jackets with a low button stance are desirable. When it comes to sports clothes, wear what you want.You got it, flaunt it !
