1. Clothes too big or too tight

Whether you buy a $200 suit or a $2,000 suit, it won't look good if it doesn't fit. In terms of importance, the shoulder seam should rest right where your arm meets your shoulder (and that goes for jackets, dress shirts and T-shirts, too).

2. Dress the night before

A stylish man is a prepared man. If you picked out your clothes the morning of, you're late to your day.

3. Clothing as an investment

Purchase pieces that are well made. If you take care of them, they'll take care of you.

4. Best foot forward

Well-made footwear can be spendy, but a good pair of shoes should last 20 years if taken care of. Dry out leather shoes on a shoe tree and never wear the same pair two days in a row. They need time to dry and reform.

5. Tailor made

A tailor should be at the center of your wardrobe. A tailor can fix things like sleeve length, trouser length, how it fits your torso, and even the length of a jacket.

Aimee Blanchette