// Aaron Diaz’s 20 Style Tips//

Not long ago, Aaron Diaz (@dresdencodak) listed a quick 20 tips on style that I enjoyed and was part of the reason why I wanted to take some steps towards a classier look. I met him in person a little less than a year ago, and while I could never pull off three piece suits almost every day, I appreciated that he took such measures to look good. Thanks Aaron!

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You don’t have to spend a lot of money, just make sure things fit you.

Step 1: Never have a collar gap - http://putthison.com/post/7215023321/collar-gaps-shoulder-divots-an-explanation

Step 2: If you have a fitted jacket, don’t wear unfitted pants like jeans, because you’ll look like a goon.

Step 3: Swordcanes. Get one.

Step 4: Don’t wear a fedora with a t-shirt.

Step 5: If you must wear a t-shirt and are over the age of 12, do not tuck it into slacks with a belt. Also no wolves on said t-shirt.

Step 6: in the sartorial world, “steampunk” is code for “I cannot match vintage clothing.”

Step 7: Combat boots are not formal wear.

Step 8: Wearing a bow tie takes 3 years of training, *minimum*

Step 9: Unless you are Phil Collins, do not wear sneakers with a full suit.

Step 10: Ascots and Cravats require at least two years of bow tie training before that. Skipping this damns you to eternal douchebaggery.

Step 11: Is there a cartoon character on your necktie? If yes, either take it off or put on rainbow suspenders.

Step 12: If you have a pocket watch it must go in a vest pocket. It is not a wallet chain. Also you may be late for your train to Prussia.

Step 13: Unless you have dark skin, black suits & ties look bad in the daytime. This is partly why tuxedos are night wear.  Unless you have dark skin, black suits & ties look bad in the daytime. This is partly why tuxedos are night wear.

Step 14: Ideally, you should look as if you put thought into what you’re wearing and then, once dressed, no longer think about it.

Step 15: Neckties - Four-in-hand = basic/default; Half Windsor = narrower collars; Full Windsor = wide collar/formal

Step 16: Girls can wear suits too! Basically all the same rules apply, and it’s super duper classy for ladies to wear such things.

Step 17: When buttoning a jacket, you should only button the top on 2-button ones, and usually the middle on 3 button ones.

Step 18: Ties should be darker than their shirts. None of that white tie on black shirt stuff, that’s for clubbing in 1992.

Step 19: Just like in character design, you should really never have more than 2 main colors in an outfit.

Step 20: Above all else, dressing up should be comfortable & give you confidence. It should never be a chore or unnatural. Have fun with it!

In short, dressing well is less about spending money on clothing and more about knowing how to fit things and present yourself.