I know what I’m about to say is controversial at face value. Stick with me and I’m sure by the time I’m done explaining myself, you’ll agree with me.

Image matters, guys. It should matter.

The way we appear, influences the way people treat us or feel about us. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to appear as though we wish to be taken seriously. Many want to distance themselves from the accusation that they care about style and fashion, viewing it as feminine and unmanly. Not only do I disagree with this notion, but fully admit that style and fashion is exactly what I am talking about.

Here is the thing, we put on our best-looking selves on dates, in job interviews, on Sunday, in promotion ceremonies (for military men), even at holiday dinners and luncheons. The truth is we know that deep down people judge us largely based on our appearance.

I understand the “don’t judge a book by its cover” argument, but in a way that saying is lacking. If you were at a book fair and you were indecisive on which book to buy, wouldn’t a book with a beautiful cover and presentation sway you into buying it? Many times, judging a book by its cover is all you have to work with, until you get better information.

We don’t live in an honest world. We can’t wait for people to tell us what they are thinking, what they truly intend to do, or who they genuinely are, before we make a decision; or else, we’d be twiddling our thumbs. We need to keep moving and making relatively quick decisions. Looks are where we start.

Since 13 years old, my attention to my appearance has progressively increased. That increase in attention, and naturally the improvement of my appearance over time, has been directly tied to my growing sense of confidence and self-esteem. There’s an adage that goes, “80 percent of feeling good is looking good.” 80 percent is a tad high, but the point still stands.

Since 13 years old, my attention to my appearance has progressively increased. That increase in attention, and naturally the improvement of my appearance over time, has been directly tied to my growing sense of confidence and self-esteem. There’s an adage that goes, “80 percent of feeling good is looking good.” 80 percent is a tad high, but the point still stands.

The main point is that beauty improves your mental health. It may sound odd for a man to hear this, but I’m not backing away from this comment. It’s not just about the occasion for getting out on a date, or going to a special event. I’m talking about how you dress yourself even when almost no one sees you. It’s an aspect of mental health we overlook, but it’s powerful. Things that are pleasing to the eye make us feel better. Which is why for thousands of years, humans have made beauty a central facet in public life with subjects like architecture, art, and so on. How much more, then, IF we are pleasing, at least somewhat, to our own eye?

A decent haircut, moisturized skin, a nice pair of fitted pants, a sportive jacket, and a highly presentable pair of multi-use footwear takes one a long way. Even at home, a good casual appearance can make a difference.

Recently, I had to fork over a sizeable amount of cash (in the mid to high hundreds of American dollars) to begin remaking my wardrobe. I’m not yet done. So if you have recommendations for button-ups that I don’t have to tuck in, and polos, I’d love to know. But I digress.

The key, in my opinion, is not to just look good formally or semi-formally, but also casually. In other words, not always just for an occasion, but also in your everyday business at home, at the grocery store, on a quick errand. You’re likely to see yourself in the mirror more often at home, or in the commercial storefront window, and I think it’s important to present yourself–at least decently–TO yourself.

It’s not as hard as many men make it out to be. Naturally, the two main reasons a guy would resist this advice is because it sounds like a lot of work, and money. Well, yes, initially. But take my case for example: I don’t expect to spend hundreds of dollars every month. The initial investment in myself was pricey, but it doesn’t mean that maintaining it will be. Besides, my story doesn’t have to be your story. I simply just made a decision tailored to my situation, considering my budget tolerance, amongst other things. That doesn’t have to be you. You can spread out the expense and go at a slower pace if that’s what suits you.

Looking pleasant and presentable benefits us beyond improving our mood, confidence, and self-esteem. It opens doors. People prefer either good-looking or put-together people. They invite them to things more often, associate with them more frequently, or consider them for opportunities. That’s just the way the world is.

We can’t all be genetically endowed like Ryan Gosling, George Clooney or Chad up the street. However, we can look like the most appealing version of ourselves. It may mean experimenting with different hair styles, clothing, and types of footwear. Do it! And enjoy the process. While you’re at it, trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right for you, it probably isn’t.

Now, for a lot of men, maybe you don’t have a foundation. Maybe you don’t know where to start. If I may, I have a few pointers. Let’s build a small foundation from which you can build your own super structure. Let’s talk tees, pants, sweaters, and shoes/sneakers.

For tees, I highly recommend ones that feel tight around the chest, and arms, and loose around the waist (in order to give you a more muscular appearance, and even hide your gut). I think every man should have two categories of tees. The first being either the traditional Crew-neck/V-neck. The second category being the Henley–those long sleeve shirts with the chest buttons for a looser or tighter fit if you so please.

For pants, you can get light and dark pairings of fitted jeans, chino pants, and slacks (grey and khaki). While you’re at it, a nice, warm, high-quality sweatpants with a tapered fit provide a casual but appealing choice. Those are not cheap, but well worth it.

For outerwear, I highly recommend starting with a hoodie or semi-formal sweater; the litmus test is if you can wear either one with a pair of slacks and still look highly presentable.

While we’re at it, get a navy blue blazer when you can. It’s a steady and appealing feature for your mixes and matches. If you want to take it the extra mile like me, make it a crested blazer. That will start conversations.

While we’re at it, get a navy blue blazer when you can. It’s a steady and appealing feature for your mixes and matches. If you want to take it the extra mile like me, make it a crested blazer. That will start conversations.

For footwear, I always recommend my personal Greatest of All Time: A white pair of Nike Air Force Ones. To me, they are literally the greatest pair of sneakers ever made. They go with (almost) everything; they are a perfect complement.

For dress shoes, get the color brown (any variation). They will go with everything better than black. In addition they won’t give such a formal feel as black does. You can also include them in casual wear.

We don’t typically go outside just to turn heads, but it’s still nice when heads turn. It gives a nice boost to our self-esteem. Looking better makes us feel more welcome to places we previously didn’t think were worthy to go to; Good presentability and appearance shifts our sense of self-worth. Please do not underestimate that.

You’re worth the investment. Your friends and family will be impressed as well, even if they don’t tell you.

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