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
Digital Marketing Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC17
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Digital Marketing Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

You will be responsible for driving business growth and boosting brand visibility through digital channels.  The role involves developing digital strategies, managing SEO, SEM, email campaigns, and social media—particularly within a B2B context. Creativity and a strong grasp of digital tools are essential.

After successfully completing the probationary period, hybrid working is available — with a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home each week. Hours are 9am to 5pm.

Duties include:

  • Working with the Marketing Manager to execute the marketing strategy.
  • Drive the development, evolution and progression of websites.
  • Facilitate content population and migration, defining content, meta descriptions and relevant back-end tags as appropriate, manually transferring content and assets as required.
  • Review webpages for accuracy of copy, internal links and downloads.
  • Support the image library collation and upload process, including video content.
  • Integrate SEO into content plans, create and optimise engaging content for the website and social media.
  • Create new web pages to meet the needs of the business and the marketing plan, conducting analysis through tracking tools and reporting.

Vital professional expertise required:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a digital marketing role.
  • Website Content Management Systems.
  • Website reporting and analytics tools (e.g. GA4).
  • A/B testing and other forms of optimisation.
  • Social media platforms and scheduling tools (e.g. Hootsuite).
  • PPC & Email marketing.
  • Prepare reports on marketing and ROI metrics.
  • Working within B2B industry.

 

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
Office Support Co-ordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £25,250 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB05
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with an established manufacturer, based in Tiverton, Devon, to recruit an Office Support Coordinator.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 8.30am/9.00am to 4.30pm/5.00pm.

This is a key role providing front-of-house and administrative support across the business. Responsibilities include managing the switchboard and visitors, coordinating meetings, preparing documents, and maintaining records. The position also supports the HR & Payroll Manager with drafting and formatting documents, ensuring well-organised administration. While it does not involve direct project leadership, it requires a proactive and efficient approach to daily operations.

Duties will include:

  • General administrative support to the wider business, including document creation and record maintenance
  • Support to the HR & Payroll Manager, particularly in drafting and formatting documents
  • Arranging travel – overseas and in the UK, and monitoring the effectiveness of service provisions
  • Carrying out annual tasks, such as driver licence checks for company vehicle drivers, updating and maintaining systems and databases to ensure up-to-date, accurate information
  • Phone cover and switchboard support
  • Visitor management, including sign-in and hospitality coordination
  • Meeting support, including room bookings, refreshments, and logistics
  • Support with the coordination of compliance training and logging of events and certificates
  • Utilising and creating content for our learning management platform – becoming an admin user proficient in creating and analysing reports for compliance
  • Responding to internal support requests and processing outcomes, such as placing orders for personal protective equipment and consumables, maintaining internal records and procedures
  • Assisting with documenting workflow processes to formalise our wider team procedures and ensure continual review to ensure up-to-date practices are in place
  • Administration support of the starter/leavers process, including updating our business systems

Required key skills include:

  • Exceptional communication and customer service skills to include: interpersonal, verbal and written
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.)
  • The ability to communicate professionally at all levels
  • Interested in developing automation tools to improve efficiency
  • Comfortable investigating issues and following through to resolution
  • Discreet, professional, and collaborative in a multi-functional team environmentExcellent written English skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional documents.
  • Familiar with the organisation of events, overseas travel or similar
  • Previous experience in an office support role for a large multi-functional organisation
  • Adaptable, self-motivated, team worker with a can-do attitude who can demonstrate initiative

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
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
Workshop Fitter
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Clacton-on-Sea
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC16
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based near Clacton-on-Sea, to recruit a Workshop Fitter to join their long-standing team.

Duties include:

  • Precise fitting of mechanical and potentially electrical components according to technical drawings and specifications.
  • Operating and utilising a variety of engineering tools and equipment with expertise and safety.
  • Contributing to the overall build process from sub-assembly to final machine completion.
  • Working collaboratively with the experienced team to ensure top-quality output.

Key skills required:

  • Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering workshop environment is essential.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of engineering tools and equipment, and a track record of using them effectively.
  • Skilled in fitting parts together and building complex machinery with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in your work.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

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
Order Processing Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC15
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit an Order Processing Administrator to join their long-standing team.

The role will primarily focus on uploading orders and quotes, accurately interpreting dimensions from drawings, and demonstrating a keen eye for detail to ensure items are produced with the right first-time approach, meeting customer requirements.

Duties include:

  • Vetting of customers' drawings and orders
  • Uploading orders and quotes onto the internal system
  • Ensuring all orders are checked within the agreed KPI’s
  • Sending orders to out-sourcing and responding to queries and questions that may arise
  • Processing delivery notes and invoices
  • Investigating and processing remake paperwork
  • Undertaking any administrative functions within the office as and when required

Key skills required:

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational skills to manage the workload for the team
  • Confident with technical information (or confidence to learn)
  • Self-motivated
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Computer literate (Excel/Word)

 

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
Customer Service Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC7
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit a Customer Service Administrator to join their long-standing team.

You will be responsible for delivering a high level of customer service to both regular customers and internal stakeholders, including production, accounts, transport, and the sales team. You will work towards key KPIs to ensure that the highest standards of customer service are maintained and continuously improved.

Duties include:

  • Vet customer orders ready for processing onto the system.
  • This includes applying the correct delivery dates to suit the customer requirements whilst ensuring it fits in with the production dates, capabilities and delivery areas.
  • Proactive response to answering the telephone within 3 rings.
  • Enthusiastic attitude to deal with and resolve customers' queries or issues promptly.
  • Proactively follow up with customers to resolve queries if they have not responded. Ensure all verbal correspondence is confirmed in writing and the system is updated with correct information.
  • Support the end-of-month invoicing procedure, investigate and find any missing delivery notes.
  • Routinely speak to key accounts and regular customers to grow a productive working relationship with them.

Key skills:

  • Exceptional customer service skills - must have a friendly and positive phone manner.
  • Energetic, self-driven and motivated.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to continually multitask.
  • Ability to prioritise your time to plan and organise your day.
  • Ability to learn and absorb information.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm.

 

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
Logistics Administrator
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913731
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Logistics Administrator to join their team on a full-time basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse/logistics team with all admin and office-based tasks, managing the transport and delivery of products as required.

Key duties include:

  • Managing stock levels and ensuring timely deliveries, reviewing sales orders and assigning which stock should be picked in line with first-in-first-out (FIFO) principles.
  • Monitoring warehouse activities, including shipping and receiving, making sure the quality of goods received and goods sent out is to the right standard and supported by the correct documentation.
  • Ensuring paperwork is filed and available to be accessed by any auditors.
  • Tracking deliveries in/out and providing updates to customers and sales colleagues.
  • Work closely with colleagues across different departments to ensure successful and timely delivery to customers, and that the company have the raw materials needed to successfully produce the finished product.
  • Requesting certificates of analysis from the quality team and ensuring the relevant pallet and delivery labels, as well as relevant paperwork, are attached to all deliveries to customers.
  • Carrying out regular stock takes of raw materials and finished products.
  • Calling off raw materials from 3rd party warehouses in line with production plans to ensure production never runs out of materials.

Role requirements include:

  • Proficiency in logistics systems and processes.
  • Experience in warehouse operations.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management principles.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills - you pick up the phone or speak to people in person where possible instead of sending an email.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Computer literate – able to follow processes across different systems and maintain records in Excel.
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills, ability to organise own workload and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and lead times required for deliveries to different locations/customers.
  • Able to work autonomously or as part of a team, you take a positive, proactive, problem-solving approach to tasks.

The working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm.

This is an office/site-based role.

Due to the working location, you will need access to your own transport.

This role offers a competitive salary with company benefits, and it is an excellent time to join the expanding business.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
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