Getting started with anything is tough. Trying anything new is hard. There are so many style "rules" now, and it can be hard to decipher which ones you should focus on. This post is for the gentleman just beginning his journey.

For some of you, this might seem a little elementary. This is just the first part of a 3-part series, covering intermediate and advanced style tips at a later date. But read this if you feel like brushing up on the basics.

If you're ready to make sure you're covering the basics, let's dive in...

As men, organization isn't always our strong suit.

The little nuances of clothing can be to detailed for our taste and our closets usually reflect this. We throw clothes about wherever and don't pay attention to how things should be ordered.

Sound familiar?

It wasn't until later on in life that I realized actually getting my closet in order made my life a heck of a lot easier. Getting dressed in the morning was no longer a chore. Finding a great outfit was easy.

So I run into this question from time to time. "What is it you do?" and it's kind of hard to fully define. I tell people I'm an image consultant and I get responses like
 

"Oh so you're in PR"... Sort of. 

or...

“You’re basically a personal stylist”… Sort of.

"So you're like Hitch?"... Sort of. 

To help clear up some confusion, here is my attempt at telling you what it is I actually do and my consultation process.

The great thing about the male wardrobe is that it can be broken down to the bare necessities and still keep you looking stylish. As long as the fits and the colors of your clothes are spot on, you can keep your closet relatively simple and still look great. It's one of the best parts of being a man...

It's good to have a little flash to what you're wearing.

Something that makes you stand out, slightly. A little flamboyance on the border right before gaudiness. A gold ring, the recognizable Gucci Loafers, a detailed tie bar, noticeable cuff links, and some loud pops of color. They go a long way.

These things communicate that you care what people think, without caring what people think. You want to look good but you want to look good for yourself just as much as you're giving the gift of your appearance to the world...

I hate buying T-shirts.

Not because I dislike them. Actually, it's the opposite. Behind a good pair of jeans and a well tailored charcoal suit, I think a great fitting navy t-shirt is one of the best pieces in a man's wardrobe...