Whether you’re buying your first suit or just updating your wardrobe, the question of whether you should buy a suit with one, two or three buttons will likely be one of your biggest dilemmas. Your lifestyle, body type and the trend factor of the garments themselves all play a role in determining which style of suit you’ll want to shell out the cash for. To ensure you’re purchasing the right suit for your body and your current wardrobe needs, we’ve broken down the rules for the who, what, where, and when of wearing one-button, two-button or three-button suits — of the single-breasted variety.

The three-button suit
Best for: The three-button suit is an excellent option for men taller than six feet because the buttons on the jacket reach higher up on the chest, making it more comfortable and visually appealing on taller men. The three-button suit jacket is also an option for waistcoat enthusiasts.

Trend factor: A three-button suit has a ‘60s-mod feel to it. Accordingly, it has recently made a comeback with several influential designers showing three-button suits in their fall 2009 collections. Although they are not as timeless as their two-button cousins, three-button suits are relatively trend-proof — so long as you purchase a classic-cut model.

How to wear it: The recent trend for wearing three-button suits has been to fasten the top two buttons, but this can make the lapels on some suits appear unusually short, and you run the risk of appearing somewhat awkward. If you don’t naturally have an abundance of confidence, close only the middle button for an elegant look. Whatever you do, never close the bottom button; doing so will distort the drape of the fabric. Additionally, though you will never do up all three buttons because it will create a stiff look, you should be able to close the buttons on a good suit without pulling or stretching the fabric.

When/where to wear it: Three-button suits are a good alternative to two-button suits for office wear, particularly if you’re looking to stand out slightly from everyone else in the style department.

The two-button suit

Best for: The two-button suit is the universal standard because its frame-lengthening properties complement virtually all builds, and it has an enduring, classic appeal. If you have a short torso, two-button suits are also the best way to go.

Trend factor: An impeccably tailored two-button suit that lacks unnecessary extras is timeless, so it won’t ever go out of style. However, you’ll want to replace it every five years to make sure your look stays current. If you don’t own a suit or you only keep one at a time in your closet, a two-button suit is a must for you.

We continue to demystify the two-button or three-button suit dilemma, and even talk about the one-button suit

How to wear it: Only fasten the top button on the blazer when you want to wear your jacket closed. Some modern versions of the two-button suit feature buttons that are positioned higher on the jacket to create a compromise between two- and three-button suits. These contemporary models can be especially flattering, so pay attention to details like button placement when you’re shopping for your suit.

When/where to wear it: If you’re buying a ready-made suit rather than having one custom-made, invest in a two-button suit because it’s really hard to go wrong with this style, even when you’re searching for an inexpensive option. Two-button suits are appropriate as work wear as well as for more formal occasions.

The one-button suit
Best for: Men with lean frames who want to appear stylishly sleek should check out one-button suits. However, avoid splurging on this suit; if you already own several two- or three-button suits, you won’t wear the one-button suit as often.

Trend factor: Hugely trendy at the moment and for fall 2009, one-button suits have made a huge resurgence in popularity. If you’re contemplating buying one, bear in mind that they are not appropriate for all occasions and you may be much more limited in terms of where and when you can sport this suit.

How to wear it: When you’re standing up, the button on the blazer should always be fastened. To avoid an unsightly drape, the reverse is true when you’re sitting down. Also, be sure to choose your shirt and tie combination wisely when donning a one-button suit because the low break of the jacket means more of your ensemble is on display.

When/where to wear it: Think jazz-age smooth and break this suit out when a swish evening of picking up glamorous women in glittering nightclubs is in your future. In short, this suit is one you wear for pleasure to appear smoking hot and incredibly suave at the same time, and not because a dress code requires you to wear one.

Whatever suits you
Particularly if you’re not fond of suits, shopping for one can be a harrowing experience. There are so many factors to ponder, beginning with how many buttons your blazer should have. Now that we’ve demystified one-, two- and three-button suits, you know that your lifestyle, your budget and your body type all play a role in determining which direction you should take when it comes to suits. We’ve taken you one step closer to getting the perfect fit, all without even having stepped foot in a shop.

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For most of the readers to MOB, you are now well aware I am and have been a professional men’s image consultant for many many years. Basically I show and teach men how and what to wear, as most of us men are not to fashion conscious. Actually most men are apathetic to what they choose to wear.

The same cannot be said about the fairer sex. Why is it the malls of our great nation are devoted to almost an 80% occupancy of women’s clothing stores. Men might have two or three stores to choose from. Dress is just not important to us. Why is it important to women and not for men?

During my career I have seen the dumbing down of America’s Men’s Dress Code in the workforce from the obligatory suit and tie, to a tee/polo shirt and jeans during office work hours.

This is truly a shame and one that doesn’t look to revert in the near future. Our job requirements have been upgraded to include all employees must posses a minimum educational standard. That standard consists of earning a Bachelors of Art or Science and in many cases a Masters, in order to collect their first paycheck.  So why do most large and small employers have no minimum dress code standard? They use to back when the economy was thriving. Maybe there is a correlation, maybe not.

To walk into a job interview in a pair of sandals and shorts would be considered suicidal, but hell, once they hire you stick that suit back into the rear of the closet, whence it came.

I feel and have always felt, that when I  interact with a professional person, his or her first impression tells me a lot on how I will come to feel and trust that person. There are still a few professions that a suit and tie is still the standard. For example

If I happened to be standing in court in front of a judge or jury, you bet your sweet ass my consular will be in a suit and tie. Can you imagine trying to win your case being represented by a person in a Ed Hardy Tee, a torn pair of True Religion denim jeans and sporting a pair of new Converse sneakers? And the real kicker is that the above mentioned wardrobe would cost the same as wearing a custom made suit by Hart, Schaffner and Marx, the very same suit that our President wears. It Just Doesn’t Make Sense!

Which Vinny Would You Want To Defend You?

Dressing well doesn’t mean fancy or over-the-top. It means tasteful simple. The dress casual person, who works diligently at his chosen profession do better then his counterpart who is dressed in a well made suit? I doubt there are any statistics that support this question on either side.  But I can tell you the difference on how a man feels about himself when he leaves me after a consultation donning a new suit, shirt and tie. He feels confident, he feels better about himself and those around him without a doubt look at him in a different light. Being in a suit shows others you respect yourself, therefore without a single word being uttered, those he comes in contact with will give him that same respect back.

The only thing a man has in his wardrobe that conotates authority and respect is a suit. The only thing close to a historical measurement of class and civility is a suit. The name in and of itself “suit” has one meaning that is derived from a “suit of armor”,  the one thing a man wore to defend himself against his enemy during ancient battle.

Imagine visiting the Queen and witnessing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace with men in polo shirts and khakis or seeing the most holy Pope without the Swiss Guards in their flamboyant display of dress. I know I am taking this to the extreme, but come on folks what has happened to our innate sense of decorum.

When a man can roll out of bed and pick out the days wardrobe without even opening his eyes. Remember men are lucky if they can coordinate colors that match, let alone take an extra minute to inspect their pants to be without holes.

Of course there are many professions where putting on a suit is ridiculous, and in some cases down right dangerous. I am not talking to THAT PERSON. I am imploring the other 50% or more of men who have the ability and the position to dress appropriately.

Guys,  start a reverse trend and instead of having a Casual Friday, (which turned into casual everyday), start off Monday with that very same suit you got hired in. See what happens. See the comments that are made to you.

I know your employer would not mind, hell he might even remember your name now. I know your clients will surely approve of your new look. And most of all the women you come in contact with, will come to appreciate you more. But ultimately the person who will gain from this will be you. See if maybe, just maybe, you can make a difference one button at a time.

Just remember guys, A well dressed Vinny got to go home with Marisa!

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ACCESSORIES:

Accessories complete the professional look of men. Appropriate and simple accessories enhanced the outlook of your personality. You have the opportunity to express something with every single aspect of your suit with matching accessories. It is very important to wear accessories as per the occasion or events.

BRIEFCASE OR LEATHER BINDER

If you need a briefcase then bring a conservative briefcase or leather binder. Put every thing you need at easy access such as important documents, reference letters, resume copies, notepad, High quality pen etc. Simple not overly ornate Accessories should complement your professional look.

JEWELRY

A wedding band or simple ring (college class ring), that’s it. Looking like Flava-flav or Mister T is a very bad idea. As with all accessories, simple and non flamboyant is the course to stay.

WATCH

A matching designer watch can enhance your personality and status. There are various famous brands available in the market such as Citizen, Rolex, Seiko, Breitling, Omega and many more. Avoid wearing a sports watch.

CUFFLINKS
Good cuff links add a flourish of personality. On a full suit this is the place where you can show a little bit of yourself. Just make sure the jacket sleeve falls ½ inch above the cuff link. Cuff link or cuff-link is a decorative fastener worn by men or women to fasten the two sides of the cuff on a dress shirt. There are numerous styles, including novelty, traditional, and contemporary cuff links. Cuff links are designed only for use with link cuffs, which have buttonholes on both sides but no buttons. These may be either single or double-length cuffs. Traditional dress required that French cuffs be worn with a tie and jacket.

BELT OR BRACES (SUSPENDER)

• Belt color should match shoe color.
• Try to avoid very large or flashy belts. Go for a matte black belt with a flat front.
• Braces are making a comeback. Those who opt to wear them know the drape of the pants lie better, especially pleated fronts. Avoid novelty or flashy braces, simple plain colored ones that go with the color of the suit are best.

SOCKS
It is always easy to coordinate base on the colors of the socks.
• Socks color should match with suit color
• Use same shade or a darker shade, solid color or with a subtle design.
Avoid wearing athletic socks. Or novelty designs.

SUMMATION

Do not judge a book by its cover. But in this world of ours where appearance is a must, looking like a million bucks may very well get you where you want to be. Sometimes, it’s all about looking the part and projecting the right image.

After you got the job dressing correctly should become part of your lifestyle and a daily routine. In the beginning you should work at it until it you are proficient, competent and confident. Find the clothes that fit right, make you look good and are adaptable to other articles in your clothes closet.

Dress according to the type of work you do. Dressing professionally is more important in some industries than others. Conservative careers demand that you wear conservative clothing. Wearing loud and casual clothing may make you come off as not serious or incompetent.

Start with the basics. It is best to start your career wardrobe with some classic clothing pieces: the black or dark navy suit, white button-down shirts, black or dark gray pants, and the tailored sport coat. These pieces are quite versatile. You can mix and match them with a few trendy pieces for those days when you want to dress casually but professionally and tastefully. Also, they never get outdated and that can save you some cash.

When adding color to your wardrobe, try to stay away from loud, brightly colored prints that will make your outfit look a bit strange. Look for items that complement your existing wardrobe. You can still incorporate your own style into your office wardrobe by adding some key pieces.

Out of fashion and outdated clothes make you look dowdy. The key is to look stylish but simple. Look confident but never stiff. Never let the fashionista in you run wild. Save that for Saturday nights on the town. Always keep your clothes neat and clean. Pants, shirts and all your other clothes should be properly ironed and in good condition. When you’re clothes look sloppy, so will you.

Put your best shoe forward. They must not be scruffy and should always be clean and polished.

Pay attention to your workplace image. It is a powerful non-verbal communicator. Appearing stressed or portraying a harried image no matter how smart you are at work can work against you. Take a look at successful businessmen and other highly professional people, they are always busy and have a lot of work to deal with but they are always impeccably dressed and groomed.

Although looks and appearances aren’t everything, first impressions do count. Never underestimate. It is difficult to overcome a poor first impression no matter what knowledge you have in your field.

You should always look your part. Make sure your appearance is consistent with your message of professionalism and success. You are more likely to command more respect or get what you want if you are dressed appropriately.

In our world today, visual aspect has never been more critical. People are apt to make rash judgments of others on how they look and carry themselves. We tend to associate well-dressed individuals with big achievements. Looking polished help us exude an image of confidence and success. Having a successful image attracts greater success.

The SUIT

Suits projects the man’s confidence and power in business as well as stylish masculinity during formal situations. Therefore, selecting the right suit for your wardrobe is very important. There is a choice of either having your suits tailored or getting it off-rack.

Finally the difference of buying a suit off the rack and having one made is like night and day. Consider our Made To Measure suits are $795, the same price you would pay for a better off the rack suit, except this is made for you with your own design leading the way.

Why not take advantage of this. Since 90% of us is covered with clothing, the clothing you choose makes a significant impact and one area where we can effect the greatest impression!

Dressing badly can be taken as contempt for other people or the situation you are in. Clothing is a way to show others that you have respect and consideration for the situation. If you have respect for the theater, you don’t show up in shorts and a T-shirt to a Broadway play. (The same goes for church, a job interview, etc.).

So it’s not a question of being judged. We are judged thousands of times everyday.

It’s a question of whether we want to have an affect on that judging or not.

Are we ready to see what we can do to present ourselves in the best package to project a credible, professional image?

Here are some basic tips, and faux pas to avoid in order to look your best:

1. Never wear a short sleeve shirt with a tie. Short sleeve shirts are perceived as lower class apparel. Fine as part of a uniform or if you aspire to be a fast-food manager, not if you want to project a professional image.

2. Shoes are one of the most evaluated elements of men’s wardrobes. Your shoes should be clean, shined, in good repair and appropriate for the occasion. If you are wearing a suit, wear lace-up shoes. Don’t wear the same shoe on consecutive days and keep shoetrees in your shoes when you’re not wearing them.

3.Trousers should be long enough to cover your socks, and socks should cover your shins even when you cross you legs. Pants are long enough if they have a slight break in the front. Pleats and cuffs are traditional and functional. Pleats let you sit down comfortably and cuffs add weight to the bottoms allowing for proper drape.

4.Wearing both a belt and braces (suspenders) make you look insecure. One or the other please. And if you opt for the braces, please make certain they are the kind that fasten inside your trousers with buttons.
It’s very easy to have a tailor or the alterations person at your dry cleaners put brace buttons on your pants if they don’t already have them. The metal clip-ons are for the guys who wear short sleeve shirts with ties.

5.Socks should match your trousers.

6.Belts should match your shoes in color and texture.

7.Ties should reach your belt line. This is neither arbitrary nor negotiable. Too short of a tie makes you look like a rube.

8.Properly knotted ties have a “dimple” under the knot. Clips and tacks are out of date.

9.Suit and Sports jackets are symbols of authority. However the bottom buttons of men’s jackets are not designed to be buttoned, since King Edward VII gained weight, and started a fashion trend.

About Buttons on Mens Suits
Single Breasted suits can have one, two, three or more buttons. Two and three button jackets are classic, one or more than three get you into the fashion forward arena, which is more suitable for social events than business. With two button jackets only the top button is fastened.

With three button jackets, you can close the middle, or middle and top button. Some suits are made so that the lapels roll to the middle button. On those suits you leave the top button unfastened. Some East Coast hipsters fasten only the top of three buttons!

Four or more button jackets may be designed to fasten all the buttons, even the bottom. If the bottom button of a four button can be closed without a noticeable pulling of the fabric, it’s ok to close or leave it open.

Double Breasted suits are the more formal of the two styles and can have four to six buttons with one or two “to button”. They are often identified by a two-number designation such as 4/2, 4/1 or 6/2 (also “four to two”).

Translated, the first number gives the total number of front buttons and the second is the number of functioning buttonholes. It doesn’t always mean that all the buttons have to be fastened.

Often only the middle or upper button is secured on a 4/2 or 6/2, but the Duke of Kent started buttoning only his lower button creating a longer diagonal line across his chest giving the wearer a thinner, more dynamic look.

10.Suit and Sports jackets should fit properly which includes showing ½” of “linen” or shirtsleeve at the jacket sleeve.

11.No pens or pocket protectors in your shirt pocket. Pens go in your suit coat inside pocket, out of sight. Also applies to telephones, etc. worn on the belt. Think about getting a nice briefcase!

12.Hair longer than shoulder length for women and over the ears for men diminishes perception of authority, but increases accessibility.

We live in a complex, crowded society where considerate people dress appropriately for various places and occasions. Dressing appropriately is about respect for your fellow humans and our institutions.

Men’s clothing, unlike women’s, is more traditional and less fashion oriented. It takes several seasons for men’s designers to change even slightly the width of a necktie.

The male business suit is virtually unchanged in 70 years! Part of that is the progression to perfection that has resulted in attire that looks great on most men. The theory is once you reach perfection, don’t mess with it!

So why even bother with fashion? Why not choose acceptable classic clothing items and just stick with those?

It’s important to know what the trends are, so you can update your wardrobe periodically with the fashion items IF they fit your own style and body type.

You don’t want to still be wearing a light blue member’s only jacket and red polyester Sansabelt pants, do you?

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If you are getting a little bored with the same old solid white dress shirt look, then you may find this article useful. Besides covering different color choices, this article will give you a good idea on what collar and cuff styles look best on you. In addition you will find tips on how to best combine non-solid dress shirts with your other pieces of clothing.

The Best Dress Shirt Colors
If you only have room for less than a handful of dress shirts, then the solid white one will be your best choice. It is a color that will match with any suit and tie. In addition it is well suited for any occasion whether it be a job interview or a formal nighttime event.

If you already have a few white dress shirts, then it is time to add a little more color and versatility to your wardrobe. The next best color to choose is a solid light-blue shirt. Similar to white, it is easy to match to almost any suit and tie. Already got one or two light blue dress shirts? Then choose some more season-specific colors. For the spring: pastel tones such as pink, salmon, tea-green, and light yellow are excellent. For the fall and winter darker shades are best such as light browns, medium-blues, gray, and even black.

Collar and Cuff Styles:
When wearing a suit and tie, the collar on a dress shirt is most visible. When choosing a collar style you should consider your body type, the type of necktie you are wearing, as well as the type of knot you are planning on tying. As a general rule, men with a larger neck-size are best suited wearing a wider-spread collar – a style that looks best in proportion to a larger neck. Narrow collars and button down collars are best for men with a smaller neck-size as well as tall and thin men. Next, think about your tie and the tie knot. Larger tie knots, such as the  Full Windsor knot, are best combined with wide-spread collars. They goal is to fill the gap between the collars but not under one side causing the collar to stand up.

Your cuffs should be long enought so that about 1/2 – 3/4 of an inch is showing underneath your suit jacket. If you like wearing cufflinks then choose a so-called French cuffed (sometimes also known as double-cuffed) dress shirt.

Choosing Patterns
Once you have a selection of basic shirts in white, light blue, and one or two other colors, you may want to consider wearing different patterns. If you are always wearing a suit and tie, then this is less important, but if no tie and no jacket is worn, patterned dress shirts are much preferred over the solid color ones. Most popular are stripes and checks. Combining such patterns for the non-necktie wearer is very easy. In this case, the only thing to consider is the harmony & balance of colors.

It is the tie-wearer that needs to pay a little more attention when wearing patterned dress shirts. As a general rule: Combine patterns on pieces of clothing that are different in size. If you wear a dress shirt with a larger checkered pattern, then you may want to wear a tie with tiny polka dots or narrow diagonal stripes.

It used to be fairly easy to get ready for work, a white shirt, tie and a jacket or suit. Now we have to get up in the morning and figure out what goes with what and make sure our colors match, well mostly. So just what is business casual and what are some of the major points and/or rules.

The General Business attire category is a mere mini step away from the Traditional Business classification. For men, this category still demands a tie and it’s still worn with a dress shirt. However instead of a suit, this category includes a tailored sport coat worn with dress trousers.

Many companies have instituted a business casual dress code, and invitations to business functions often suggest that guests should wear “business casual” clothing. However, the term is somewhat nebulous, and sometimes leads to widespread confusion. It is clearly different than business formal, which suggests a tailored suit and tie, but should not be confused with casual wear such as jeans and t-shirts either. A general rule of thumb for business casual is that the individual should be neatly dressed, well put together, and professional looking. If you are ever unclear on company policy about business casual dress, ask to see a dress code manual.

Clothing should have a good fit. Clothing should not be too tight or loose, and should not reveal cleavage, stomachs, lower backs, buttocks, or bare ankles. Minor tailoring may be needed to ensure a smooth fit for business casual clothing, but is well worth it to keep the dresser looking professional. In addition, clothing should be pressed and in good condition, meaning that it has no fading, holes, or dangling threads, and is also wrinkle-free.

Jeans and knits should be avoided. While ties are usually not required for men, high-level business casual includes suits worn with dressy sport shirts or fine-gauge knits and tailored separates, such as dress trousers, dressy collared sport shirts that do not require a tie, fine knit shirts and sweaters, as well as sport coats. Low-level business casual includes khakis, chinos, and knit golf shirts. To command respect, wear all-leather belts and shoes; sandals and sneakers do meet a true business casual standard.

Tops such as button-down cottons and collared polo shirts are acceptable business casual wear for both genders, while women may also wear sweaters. T-shirts and apparel with logos are usually not considered appropriate for the office, unless the shirt is branded with the company name. Tank tops and cut-off shirts should be avoided, and short sleeved shirts should only be worn in warm weather or more casual office environments. A sport coat in subdued colors can be used for a slightly more dressy business casual look.

Accessories such as discreet jewelry are permitted or of course a watch. Many men prefer to wear ties with business casual attire, as a tie can always be removed if it seems too formal for the situation. If a belt is worn, it should be made from leather, and shoes should also be made from leather. Patterns and prints for business casual attire should be subdued if they are worn at all; subtle stripes are acceptable, while vibrant tropical patterns are not.

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Today I thought to go in depth about an accessory that one of our most colorful employees by the name of Arthur is never caught without in his daily wardrobe. That namely being the Pocket Square or Pocket Silk. Just what is it and why.

The first handkerchief solely for the face was used in conjunction with religion. These early handkerchiefs, called “facials,” were simply small pieces of silk tissue used by priests at the altar and then left there when the service was completed.

In early times the handkerchief functioned both as a utilitarian accessory and as a showy dress item, carried in the hand as opposed to being tucked into a pocket. By the time of the early Renaissance, handkerchiefs were considered an essential accessory, prompting Erasmus to note that “To wipe your nose on your sleeve is boorish.” Soon handkerchiefs became more ornate, at which point they also began to serve as tokens of a man’s love for a woman, and vice versa.

Originally, the Romans used the “orarium” and “sudarium” to wipe their faces and mouths. These were sumptuous cloths that were impregnated with perfume and would be worn around the neck, on the shoulder or in the hand. The pocket-handkerchief is in fact only 400 years old. It was the ingenious idea of an aristocratic Venetian lady to cut a square out of pure flax and then to decorate it with lace. She showed it in the course of a promenade in a public garden, where the delicate handkerchief excited the general curiosity of the on lookers. From Italy, the handkerchief soon crossed the Alps and spread through France where it found a great success with the lords and ladies in the court of Henry II. The handkerchief of this period was made with the most expensive fabrics, adorned with embroidery, and were objects of great luxury. It isn’t until about 1850 that Germany adopted the handkerchief, but was only used by royalty and the very rich. Up until the 18th century, the handkerchief came in many forms: it might be square, round, triangular, etc. One day at Versailles, Marie-Antoinette made the observation that the squared form would be more esthetically pleasing and convenient, Louis XVI therefore published a decree ordering the length of handkerchiefs produced in the kingdom would be equal to their width.

It is quite obvious that the early pocket squares had more of a practical than a fashionable purpose. They were not displayed in the breast pocket of a jacket as men do today. So how did this, more modern way, of showing pocket squares come into fashion? It is said that this was made popular during the 1920s – an area that many fashion experts call the “high times of mens style and fashion”. It is said that initially men put a clean pocket square in their breast pocket not as a fashion accessory, but to keep it clean until it is needed. Then, once used, the pocket square would end up inside a pants pocket. Then in 1924, the year the Kleenex company was founded, the linen handkerchief was replaced by a disposable tissue paper one. The practical use of linen pocket squares was on the decline. What stayed was the pocket square as a fashion accessory.

By the turn of this century, handkerchiefs made of silk, linen, or cotton were de rigueur for the breast pocket of a gentleman’s suit jacket, and he could not be considered properly dressed without one. Of course, during the 1960s most men eschewed handkerchiefs in their breast pockets, but today – as in the 1930s – they are still the choice of the well-dressed gentleman.

The suit jacket is made with a left breast pocket not to hold pack of cigarettes or a pair of glasses but to hold a handkerchief. Without one, an outside breast pocket appears to be an unnecessary detail, and a man looks as if he hasn’t finished dressing.

A simple white handkerchief is all that is necessary to complete the business ensemble. It is also the least expensive way a man can quickly elevate his level of style. The handkerchief, like the hose, gives a man one more opportunity to do something a little out of the ordinary, something a bit more inventive. A white handkerchief placed in the breast pocket of a dark suit offers a touch of elegance and is sure sign of a confident and knowledgeable dresser.

The finest white handkerchiefs are made of linen with hand- rolled edges. While they are difficult to find today, they are worth searching for. The virtue of linen is that because of its inherent stiffness, it retains its starched quality throughout the day. It is the only handkerchief fabric that looks as fresh in the evening as it did in the morning, when it was first folded.

While a white linen handkerchief is the easiest choice for many, since it is always proper, for those more adventuresome dressers, there are handkerchiefs in colors and patterns. In this case, it is generally the tie that is the determining factor in choosing the proper pocket square. The pocket square must complement the tie, though it should never directly match it in pattern or color. Some of the nicest colored handkerchiefs are made of linen in traditional Oxford shirting colors, or in pure white with colored borders. Another possibility is silk. These come in a wide array of solid colors. But instead of solids, wear silk in the traditional English ancient madder patterns, such as paisley or foulard. The colors in these are muted and give a more subtle effect.

If your tie is of silk, a handkerchief of a dry linen fabric looks best, while if your tie is of wool or cotton, silk in the breast pocket will add the proper textural balance to the chest area.

There are several ways to fold a handkerchief. The multi-pointed and the triangle effect are certainly the most elegant and are for use with handkerchiefs of linen or cotton with hand-rolled edges. Silk handkerchiefs look better with the puffed method. The square end (or TV fold), a popular style in the 1940s and `50s, seems a little staid today. Yet whatever method is chosen, the placing of the handkerchief must not appear overly studied. The material should show above the pocket no more than an inch to an inch and a half.

So there you have it from a utilitarian useful piece of cloth to now a symbol of a well dressed man. Most importantly if you do use a pocket silk, make sure it is folded correctly. Men being a visual animal the video below from our friends at you-tube will help make your job of inserting the pock square to your breast pocket.

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After losing ground to the casual Fridays approach, suits are finally making a comeback.
Men’s suits survived the long hiatus and are now being embraced in the workplace; yet, judging from the questions we are receiving, they are presenting challenges to some men who have simply forgotten the basic “do’s and don’ts” of wearing a suit.
For those wanting to shed the casual look and get back to business wearing a suit, here are a few tips to follow:
* Single-breasted suits are always appropriate, and come in a variety of styles, including the classic two button, as well as the more contemporary three- and four-button styles. The three-button suit is very popular right now, but all are fashionable. On a single-breasted suit, the bottom button should always be left undone. On a three-button single-breasted suit, you may choose to button the top two buttons or the middle button only.
* A suit should lie smoothly and comfortably on your body, and should not pull across the back or the chest. The collar should lie flat against your shirt collar without any gaping between the two.
* Color has made its way even into the most professional, tailored outfits, but should be added with care. The best way to add color is with a tie or a colorful dress shirt, while taking a conservative approach to the suit itself. This way, your suit will travel with you across seasons, and you can make easy updates by keeping up with trends on the less expensive and more rapidly changing fashion items.
* Loosening your shirt collar and tie looks sloppy, not trendy. Edgy new looks are pairing T-shirts and sweaters, which is great if that is the look you want, but if you are going the traditional route, then do it right. This also means wearing a long-sleeve dress shirt.
* There are many ways to tie ties, and the width of the knot you choose should be proportionate to the width of your collar. The necktie should have a small indentation under the knot when tied properly, and the tip of the tie should just cover your belt buckle.

The following is a reprint from about.com and worth a quick read.

Men’s suits: An ill-fitting suit can be seen from miles away and has a damaging effect on your image. So getting the right fit in a suit and having it tailored is rather important, that is if you have any concern about how you might come across in an interview, to a client or to your peers. The first thing to do, if you haven’t already, is get properly measured (which any reputable retailer can do for you). This includes: neck, shoulders, sleeves, chest, waist and inseam. Once you know your size you are free to hit the dressing rooms. And when you do go shopping for men’s suits, keep these things in mind:

Choosing a Fabric Let’s get one thing clear, unless you have a closet full of suits and want something different, worsted wools are your best bet for a suit. These include gabardines or mid-weight corded wools. You will often find suits that say “Super 100” ( most of all our suits are 120 or above) which are very popular these days–all this means is that the yarn has been twisted more often than the usual 60-80 twist wools. Either way they are considered mid-weight. And good fabric will spring back without wrinkling after it’s squeezed. Just remember that worsted wools wear well and are typically good year-round depending on where you live.

Fit of Your Trousers Make sure that the waistline of your trousers is comfortable and that you can stick two fingers into the waist while you’re wearing them. And as far as pleats are concerned, it’s usually a personal preference. However, as a general rule, pleats are better for those with larger tummies and not a good idea for those who are thin. This is because a flat front trousers accentuate your tummy if you have one and pleats help cover it up. And conversely, pleats make a skinny guy look even skinnier, and not in a good way.

The Hem on Your Trouser Nothing says sloppy more than a pile of fabric at your ankle. Your pants should reach your shoes and have a slight break. Cuffed or uncuffed is your choice, but keep in mind that cuffless makes you look taller if you happen to be a little shorter and cuffs looks better on someone with long legs. Cuffs also appeal to a more mature consumer.

The Length of Your Sleeves Make sure your sleeve length is right on, otherwise you will look like you borrowed someone else’s suit. If the sleeve covers your shirt cuff, it is too long. It should just reach the base of your thumb, revealing a half inch to an inch of your shirt cuff—very classy.

The Waist of the Jacket The jacket should fit easily across your stomach. The traditional American cut suit with two buttons, which has been a mainstay for many years, is being replaced by suit jackets which are more fitted and have three and four buttons. However, the classic two-button style remains popular, and some two-button jackets offer a fresh twist with higher button placement similar to the three-button style and is often more flattering. Whether your preferred style is classic or modern, look for fitted waistlines that enhance the shape of your body.

The General Fit of Your Suit: When it is all said and done, you should be able to stretch and bend easily in your suit. Make sure that you that you have free movement of your arms. As a test, bring your arms out straight in front of you, and also try sitting in a chair and pretend you are working. You should always be comfortable.

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