Why no man should ever break these five style rules

Fashions change, but style endures. Here are five rules that every man should be aware of if he wants to dress well

By Evie Prosser

Everyone can spot a well-dressed man, even if they don’t have an eye for fashion. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi that oozes from a gentleman with style.

    ...it’s about carrying yourself with a certain elegance and confidence,...  

It’s not always about being up with the latest fashions. In fact, sometimes being too fashionable can detract from a person’s style, making them seem like a try-hard. Instead, it’s about carrying yourself with a certain elegance and confidence, inhabiting your identity and treating your appearance as an extension of your very being.

So, how do you get it right if you’re a 21st century bloke? Follow these five rules and you’ll be well on the way to style stardom.

Don’t wear brown in town

This men’s style rule is as old as the hills – or the banks, anyway. It originates from the City of London, where a neat black shoe has long been regarded as the only acceptable accompaniment to a sober business suit.

The government’s social mobility commission reckons this rule may disadvantage less affluent job seekers, by imposing an arbitrary standard that they simply aren’t aware of, and which has no bearing on a candidate’s quality.

But put it this way: black shoes don’t cost any more than brown shoes. So if you’re buying footwear to accompany your suit, black is best. Unless you’re Kenneth Clarke MP, who is famous for his brown Hush Puppies (which, as his memoirs reveal, aren’t actually Hush Puppies at all).

Always leave your blazer’s bottom button undone

Another straightforward one, this: if you’re wearing a two- or three-button blazer or suit jacket (and we’d always recommend the former if you don’t want to look like a provincial bank manager), don’t fasten the bottom button. And when you sit down, undo all the buttons so your stomach doesn’t bulge through the material in an unseemly manner.

The only possible exception to this rule is double-breasted jackets, which enjoy the occasional renaissance among fahionistas. While it’s always best to leave the bottom button undone, some style guides, such as this one from Esquire, say you can do them all up, provided the jacket still sits well around your torso. It’s up to you to decide… but, if in doubt, keep it undone.

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of jackets, you know never to wear a suit jacket with jeans, right?

Double cuffs are good for business

Peter Foy, director of Just Recruitment Group Ltd, has a simple rule when dressing for business: “I don’t feel ready for work unless I’m wearing a double-cuffed shirt.”

    ...never roll the sleeves up, unless you’re a doctor or vet...  

This classic style looks smarter, and offers the chance to accessorise with understated cufflinks (see the point about novelty accessories below for further guidance on that score). What’s more, it’s easier to shoot the sleeves of a double cuffer: they have more bulk, so are more likely to stand proud of your suit sleeves in that quintessential James Bond way.

One more shirt-related tip: never roll the sleeves up, unless you’re a doctor or vet on his rounds or a politician trying to look like you can get things done. That’s what David Cameron did in the run-up to the 2010 general election. And look how he ended up.

Avoid novelty accessories. At all costs

You know those snooker-themed cufflinks your daughter bought for Christmas? Or the musical Father’s Day socks? As much as they may bring a smile to your face, it’s probably best not to wear them in public.

Stick with plain, classy accessories that don’t try too hard. You can inject personality into your clothing with a dash of colour in the form of a pocket handkerchief or a striking tie.

But if you want people to know you’re a lifelong Jaguar fan, just tell them when you meet rather than wearing a big-cat tie clip. Or better still, turn up in an E Type. That’ll really make an impression.

Spend wisely on shoes

There are two reasons to choose carefully when you buy a pair of shoes: comfort and appearance.

The first is the most important. If you’re wearing a pair of shoes all day long, you don’t want to be in agony by the end of it. So make sure the shoes you choose are supportive, cushioned and a really good fit.

As for their appearance, shoes are one area of fashion where buying cheap really does show. Whereas an inexpensive suit can still look good so long as the fit is right, as this article from FashionBeans makes plain, cheap shoes will always look, erm, cheap.

If you’re on a limited budget, resist the urge to skimp on shoes. Buy your suit from Sainsbury’s or Burton’s by all means. But go to a decent shoemaker for your footwear. You won’t regret it.

Published: 2 April 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Changes in English football

You may also enjoy: Just testing: Volvo XC90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse Inscription AWD Geartronic

Jobs currently available

New job
Bench Joiner
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913700
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Bench Joiner to join their highly skilled and established team.

You will be working on a variety of bespoke projects — the key purpose of this role is to manage your day-to-day duties, including carpentry using hand and power tools, framing and finish carpentry. This is a team role, working collaboratively across the wider business, to create exceptional joinery pieces.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Own set of tools is a must!
  • Experience in a similar role
  • 3D/2D design experience
  • Joinery background
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Effective analytical skills
  • Systematic approach to tasks

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Over time is available.

Free on-site parking is available, along with a great working environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work with new, automated processes and equipment — full training provided.

This role offers a really competitive package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
CAD Designer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913701
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a successful and growing company based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a CAD Designer to join their experienced and talented team.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of the design process – creating detailed technical drawings for bespoke joinery projects, including cabinetry, furniture, and architectural woodwork. You'll work closely with the internal team to bring custom designs to life, ensuring every piece meets exact client specifications and supports seamless manufacturing.

Key duties include:

  • Technical drawing and design:
  • Create detailed 2D CAD drawings for custom joinery projects using AutoCAD.
  • Develop accurate and detailed technical drawings for manufacturing, including plans, elevations, sections, and detailed joinery components.
  • Interpret and translate client briefs, architectural drawings, and design concepts into technical drawings.
  • Ensure all drawings comply with industry standards, company specifications, and project requirements.

Collaboration and communication:

  • Work closely with the design team to understand project requirements and offer design input.
  • Collaborate with the production team to ensure drawings are feasible and align with manufacturing capabilities.
  • Liaise with Project Managers, Architects, and clients to resolve any design or technical issues.

Quality control:

  • Review and revise drawings based on feedback and ensure the accuracy of all final deliverables.
  • Maintain up-to-date project documentation and version control of drawings.
  • Conduct regular checks to ensure drawings meet company standards and regulatory requirements.

Role requirements include:

  • A degree or diploma in CAD, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Proven experience (3+ years) as a CAD Technician, ideally within the joinery or woodworking industry.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential.
  • Experience with other CAD and 3D modelling software, such as SolidWorks, preferred but not essential.
  • Strong understanding of joinery techniques, materials, and construction methods.
  • Excellent attention to detail and a keen eye for design.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Professional, reliable and willing to learn.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a great team, offering a very competitive package and further development.

Working hours are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Cleaner (part-time)
Sector: Customer Services
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Ipswich
Role: Part Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-IPS-C-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Ipswich, seeking an experienced Cleaner to join their team on a temporary basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for short-term evening work.

Hours: 5.00pm to 9.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Role responsibilities include:

  • General office cleaning across multiple floors
  • Cleaning of toilets, canteen areas, and communal spaces
  • Lifting and transporting heavy cleaning equipment up and down stairs
  • Ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the building

Requirements:

  • Previous cleaning experience is essential
  • Capable of handling heavy equipment
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable working independently across various areas of the building

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Evening hours – ideal for fitting around other commitments
  • Supportive team environment

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Technical Support Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913720
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based in Sudbury to recruit a Technical Support Supervisor to join their long-standing team.

Due to business growth, this newly created position is responsible for supporting technical operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical systems, processes and projects under the guidance of the division's business leader.

The role is crucial in aligning the company’s technical capabilities with business goals, ensuring that the products are designed and manufactured/assembled to operate effectively and securely.

You will need to demonstrate experience in project management and implementation, technical experience and industry best practices. You will also need to show knowledge of compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.

Key requirements include:

  • Troubleshooting skills, to investigate and resolve technical issues relating to products
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members, including sales
  • Support the development and implementation of new products
  • Ability to produce accurate bills of materials (BOMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and the ability to produce product drawings
  • Basic software programming skills would be an advantage
  • Sound understanding of electronics

This is a site-based role.

This role offers a very competitive package and a great working environment.


Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Product Sales Executive
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business based in Sudbury, looking to add a Product Sales Executive to its long-established team.

Due to continued business growth, this newly created role will be responsible for building and managing relationships with both direct customers and distributors to drive revenue. The position forms part of the sales and marketing team.

Key duties include:

  • Qualifying and identifying customer needs, presenting product features and benefits, negotiating sales terms and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Selling to existing and new customers, building and maintaining client relationships, meeting sales targets, and developing your industry knowledge.
  • Identifying, qualifying, onboarding, and managing key partners to ensure they are motivated and aligned with business goals.
  • Demonstrate monitoring and reporting capability.

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience in product sales.
  • Experience in qualifying and prospecting for new clients.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building and written skills with the ability to build rapport with customers, listen to their needs and effectively communicate product information.
  • Nurture relationships with existing customers to ensure satisfaction and identify repeat business opportunities.
  • Ability to demonstrate product features and explain benefits.
  • A solid understanding of the sales cycle and sales techniques is critical. Ability to close deals, negotiate and handle objections.
  • Effective time management — to be able to prioritise tasks, manage sales activities and meet deadlines.

This is a site-based role, but there is an expectation that you will spend a significant portion of the role outside the office with clients, prospects, and business partners.

This role offers a very competitive salary and package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Industrial Sales Manager
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913719
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based in Sudbury, looking to add an Industrial Sales Manager to their team.

Due to continued business growth, this is a newly created role for a high-performing Sales Manager with a background in engineering sales.

The key purpose of this role is to build and manage relationships with industrial users of their systems and channel partners across numerous sectors.

You will be experienced in developing and executing sales strategies to expand market reach and deliver growth in sales.

Specifically, you will have a track record of identifying, qualifying, onboarding and managing key customers, specifiers and partners, ensuring they are motivated and aligned with all industrial products and company goals.

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience in engineering/industrial sales.
  • Experience in qualifying and prospecting for new clients.
  • Possess excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building, and written skills, with the ability to build rapport with customers, listen to their needs, and effectively communicate product information.
  • A solid understanding of the sales cycle, purchasing process and sales techniques in industrial sales is critical.
  • Ability to develop and execute direct sales and channel strategies, aligned with the company’s goals.
  • Ability to demonstrate effective time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage sales activities, and meet deadlines.

This role offers an incredibly competitive package including company benefits and incentives.

The role is primarily office-based, with regular travel required to visit clients, prospects, and partners.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more