When it comes to fashion versus style, there are several variations of quotes attributed to different legendary gurus.
The most famous of these is arguably from Yves Saint Laurent:
“Fashion fades. Style is eternal.”
I’m certainly a fan of timeless aphorisms. Still, they aren’t always actionable.
The following style tips may not always be as mystical, but they’re practical. And implementing them in my life has definitely leveled up my own style and confidence.
Even more, I’ve pulled a varied mix of quotes from past legends, living legends, and a few of the most current and up and coming insiders in the style world.
Sir Hardy Amies
“A man should choose his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care—and then forget all about them.”
Sir Hardy Amies, fashion designer, Royal designer to Elizabeth II
Why I Like It: This piece of advice perfectly sums up wearing your clothes, and not letting them wear you. With a “this old thing?” attitude to the most labored-over outfit, you’ll look effortless and confident.
Alan Flusser
“Being able to learn how to dress well isn’t that complicated… What’s difficult about it—getting the right information. What’s easy about it is the fact that it’s finite… I say to customers, it doesn’t cost us any more to give you the right information than the wrong information.”
Alan Flusser, custom tailor and fashion expert
Why I Like It: I love this because it demystifies fashion. What you need to know to look good is right there for the taking. Flusser is essentially telling you that if you go to a good tailor, a trusted expert, you’ll have “finite”, never-changing information (what colors complement you, what your perfect fit is), and you’ll know what to do with clothes for the rest of your life.
G. Bruce Boyer
“For young men just starting out, I would want to persuade them to slowly build a wardrobe based on conservative taste and good quality.”
G. Bruce Boyer, fashion journalist
Why I Like It: A true proponent of restraint, Boyer implores that owning two excellent pairs of shoes is better than six cheap ones. It also makes dressing in the morning so much quicker and easier since you don’t have the paradox of choice hanging over you.
Eric Rutherford
“I believe in dressing up, because you can always take something off to be more casual, but never the other way round.”
Eric Rutherford, style influencer
Why I Like It: It’s the dress code version of wearing layers for the weather. You can always take a tie or suit jacket off, but you can’t magically make one appear when you unexpectedly need one.
Brock McGoff
“Shorter guys should wear small scale patterns.”
Brock McGoff, style influencer specializing in short men’s style
Why I Like It: I like liberating advice that correctly goes against conventional wisdom (“short men shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes”). It’s not about the direction of the pattern, but the scale—go for micro gingham, small dots, or thin stripes close to each other.
Scott Schuman
“…Monochrome is easier. It’s sleeker and once you find your color palette—it doesn’t need to literally be one color—life is so much easier… If you don’t feel like playing the fashion game, then don’t do it.”
Scott Schuman, fashion photographer and blogger
Why I Like It: Some days, when it comes to clothes, you just don’t feel like trying. You can’t go out into the world looking like you aren’t trying though, so it’s helpful to have this monochrome cheat code.
Paul J. Miller
“Style is something that is born in each of us, and it is our responsibility to take risks and make mistakes until we feel that we are living our best life.”
Paul J. Miller, interior designer and lifestyle curator
Why I Like It: It empowers us to make sartorial mistakes because clothes can truly be an expression of something we have inside of us. I don’t think you’re really trying your best to look your best if you aren’t taking liberties at least sometimes.
Chris John Millington
“Work with what you’ve got. You don’t need to spend a lot to look expensive; use t-shirts that fit and trousers that you feel comfortable in. Everything else is just an accessory from there.”
Chris John Millington, menswear specialist, photographer, and model
Why I Like It: I like the idea that you can get the foundational part of an outfit right at any budget, and that you can express yourself however you feel best from there. Style should be for people of all financial situations.
Sven Raphael Schneider
“My third style pet peeve is wearing a matching tie and pocket square.”
Sven Raphael Schneider, style blogger
Why I Like It: If you aren’t used to wearing pocket squares, you might not realize that you shouldn’t match it with your tie. It should complement your tie, perhaps tonally with an accent in its pattern. Both traditionalists and the trend-forward agree.
Simon Crompton
“One of the biggest mistakes with suits is not doing up the jackets. If a suit fits, an undone jacket ruins it.”
Simon Crompton, style blogger
Why I Like It: I like this quote because I’m guilty of forgetting to re-button my suit jacket after I’ve unbuttoned it to sit down. But it’s true, you get the best fit and silhouette from a suit when the top button is fastened.
Dandy Wellington
“Jewelry can be the most versatile in a man’s wardrobe: A vintage tie clip, a signet ring, a wristwatch. These items are staples in many men’s wardrobes; why not make them vintage?”
Dandy Wellington, style influencer and vintage expert
Why I Like It: To give more context, this was Wellington’s advice regarding the best vintage collecting category to start with. As a watch lover, I think vintage accessories mix class with cool, and are more trend-resistant than clothes.
Barron Cuadro
“While classic pieces do exist (think suits, denim, T-shirts, etc.), the way they’re designed and the way we wear them have changed over the decades… Buy clothes that are very “middle of the road” [or] dress for the moment!”
Barron Cuadro, style influencer and blogger
Why I Like It: Dispelling the myth of never-changing garments is freeing. The best we can do is mix garments that are considered “classic” at present with moderate fits and cuts. Don’t go too skinny or too baggy.
Frank Everett
“Brooches may be the easiest way to persuade men to wear diamonds.”
Frank Everett, jewelry expert and influencer
Why I Like It: The idea of brooches or even lapel pins opened my world to the idea of sparkle. It can be masculine, there are special occasions in which it’s appropriate, and it makes you feel like a king.
Antonio Centeno
“Find somebody that inspires you, and then steal their style like an artist.”
Antonio Centeno, style blogger and content creator
Why I Like It: Picasso said that good artists copy, while great artists steal. Nothing’s new under the sun, so why not emulate someone you admire, at least to start, and find ways to make it your own?
Simon Goldman
“If you buy a suit with a tag on the sleeve, take it off. It is not a design detail.”
Simon Goldman, style influencer, fashion designer, menswear consultant
Why I Like It: I like it because it’s true. Ever wonder why that tag is so loosely attached? Suits aren’t a place for logomania.
Ryan Hallstrom
“Some men can certainly pull off the old-timey look without looking like a caricature. It kind of all depends on your personality and your confidence.”
Ryan Hallstrom, style writer and editor
Why I Like It: When you’re shopping vintage, there’s a fine line between homage and costume. I think it’s important to always have that in the back of your head so you can navigate past fashions mindfully.
Douglas Hand
“The clothes must fit and you must feel confident in them. Usually that goes hand in hand.”
Douglas Hand, fashion lawyer and member of the CFDA
Why I Like It: As the author of The Laws of Style, Hand has several excellent style tips under his belt—the leather of which probably perfectly matches his shoes. However, I love that he elucidates to us that two pieces of advice we often hear (“fit matters” and “you should feel confident in your outfit”) are inextricably connected.
Ashley Weston
“I always recommend sticking with a maximum of three colors per outfit.”
Ashley Weston, celebrity stylist
Why I Like It: Of course there are caveats to this rule, but if you’re going for a classic, grown-up look, I agree that you shouldn’t go overboard with colors. Even the most casual combination can look elegant when treated with this kind of understatedness.
Mariano Di Vaio
“It’s not what kind of shape your face is, it’s what kind of shape you want your sunglasses to be.”
Mariano Di Vaio, style blogger and designer
Why I Like It: Here’s another fair jab at convention. When it comes to sunglasses, just wear what you love. Chances are you love it because you think it looks good on you because it does go well with your face shape. It’s a sort-of reverse engineer that gets you there faster.
Chris Beastall
“Forget fast fashion, invest in quality—this method will not only preserve a timeless style but save you money in the long run.”
Chris Beastall, Menswear expert and writer
Why I Like It: This is a reminder for every time you see a cheap garment that looks good at the moment and you think you’re saving money on. We all know this deep down, but it’s a fundamental tenet worth reiterating.
Josh Sims
“The blouson is almost official attire for US presidents… In contrast, there is an everyman quality… being the utility garment of postal workers and firefighters, police officers, delivery men and parking wardens.”
Josh Sims, author and editor specializing in design and menswear
Why I Like It: This isn’t a tip as much as one of Sims’ many expert analyses on a single garment. Still, the message is clear: The blouson, or harrington jacket, looks cool and stylish on anyone.
George Glasgow Senior
“Invest heavily in your bed and your shoes, because if you’re not in one then you’re in the other!”
George Glasgow Senior, master shoemaker
Why I Like It: Bad shoes can really ruin an otherwise good outfit. I like that Glasgow pushes the importance of investing in shoes with a touch of humor.
Karlton Miko Tyack (me)
“A watch should say something about the man that you are, or the man that you want to be.”
Karlton Miko Tyack, writer on the topic of watches, gear, and style
Why I Like It: I’m the least judgmental watch guy on the planet, and I think you should buy what you love. But, if your timepiece represents something about you or your goals for yourself, then you’d really love it.
Peter Nguyen
“Surround yourself with stylish people (even if it’s online)”
Peter Nguyen, personal stylist and blogger
Why I Like It: Nguyen also brings up the saying that you’re likely the average of the five people around you. If you can’t find stylish people in your vicinity, but you want to level up, thank goodness for internet influencers and style bloggers.
Megan Collins
“In no way does it detract from your masculinity to take pride in your personal appearance.”
Megan Collins, style writer
Why I Like It: This is less of a tip, and more of a piece of reassurance. Moreover, Collins helps guys dress for the female gaze, so it’s good to know that women find us more attractive when we take care of our appearance.
David Coggins
“When you open your closet door, you should be greeted with a serene setting, like a monk entering his cloister. Don’t confront the chaos… and be forced to reckon with stacks of unwanted sweaters, billowing trousers and, have mercy, the dreaded square-toed shoes.”
David Coggins, author and style expert
Why I Like It: One of the biggest style hacks is doing everything you can to take the stress away from dressing up. This piece of advice makes dressing up downright meditative.
Jonah Weiner and Erin Wylie
“Yes you should dress your age… a lack of self-consciousness is cool and liberatory to a point. But if you forego all self-consciousness, you risk getting dressed with an outdated image of yourself in mind.”
Jonah Weiner and Erin Wylie, culture and style writers
Why I Like It: They use non-judgmental and universal reasoning as to why one should dress their age; one that allows individuals to decide what that means for them.
Brian Sacawa
“…quality does not always mean having to lay out a lot of cash… always buy the absolute best that you can afford… if it looks cheap, it probably is.”
Brian Sacawa, style influencer, fashion writer, blogger
Why I Like It: The original style influencer reassures us that a little creativity can ensure a high-quality wardrobe at any budget. Wisely, he tempers the advice with a warning about cheap clothes which can be tempting.
Beau Hayhoe
“Be it a pair of white canvas sneakers or perhaps a more adventurous pair of basketball-inspired high-tops, there’s room for every style in a well-rounded sneaker rotation.”
Beau Hayhoe, style and general men’s lifestyle writer
Why I Like It: Sneakers, especially low-profile leather ones, are officially classics as they’ve gone in and out of style enough times.. Even the most pro-dress-code guy can tell you this
George Frazier
“Wanna know if a guy is well dressed? Look down.”
George Frazier, fashion journalist
Why I Like It: If you’re going to invest in style, start with the shoes and the watch. They often say more about you than your shirt, and unlike suits or ties, they’re worn in every dress code.
Sir Hardy Amies
“To achieve the nonchalance which is absolutely necessary for a man, one article at least must not match.”
Sir Hardy Amies, fashion designer, Royal designer to Elizabeth II
Why I Like It: Aesthetic effortlessness plays a huge role in classic masculine style. Fortunately, Sir Amies gives us a quick, actionable piece of advice to make it happen instantly.
Oscar Wilde
“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.”
Oscar Wilde, poet and known dandy
Why I Like It: You have to know how to tie a tie. Nothing makes you look less well-adjusted and less grown-up than a badly tied piece of neckwear.
Herbert Harold Vreeland
“Clothes don’t make a man, but clothes have got many a man a good job.”
Herbert Harold Vreeland, successful businessman and philanthropist
Why I Like It: Okay, so Vreeland isn’t a fashion expert per se. However, he is a business expert (and frankly a life expert in that he was wildly successful). If he says dressing well will bring you things you want, like a dream job, then I concede.
Christian Louboutin
“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.”
Christian Louboutin, shoe designer
Why I Like It: What makes this tip different from the other pro-shoe tips on this list, is that Louboutin correctly spotlights how a good pair of shoes transforms not just how people see you, but how you see yourself. You stand taller and look more confident.
Anna Wintour
“If you can’t be better than your competition, just dress better.”
Anna Wintour, fashion media executive
Why I Like It: Obviously, looking good doesn’t take the place of being a quality person or quality career man. However, being confident and faking it until you make it is sound advice until you get there, and clothes are one of the most important parts. Remember, dress for the job (and life) you want, not the one you have.
Ralph Lauren
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.”
Ralph Lauren, fashion designer
Why I Like It: Basically, who cares what the brand is if you don’t like the piece? No one. Avoid the consumerism part of fashion and instead use style to express yourself.
G. Bruce Boyer
“London, Milan, New York City in that order.” (on where to shop)
Bruce Boyer, fashion journalist
Why I Like It: I used to find quotes like this limiting, but in the age of the internet, this is possible for anyone.
Cary Grant
“All it takes are a few simple outfits. And there’s one secret—the simpler the better.”
Cary Grant, movie star and style icon
Why I Like It: It’s the men’s answer to Coco Chanel advising women to take one accessory off after they’ve gotten dressed. As men, we have the luxury of being able to use simplicity as a way to up our attractiveness. Take full advantage.
Vivienne Westwood
“Buy less, choose well.”
Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer
Why I Like It: When you’re starting out, you may have to settle for a few B- pieces, and that’s okay. However, the truth is, the better you get at style, the less you may end up having in your closet. It’s the old quality over quantity adage.
Steve Calder
“Hard work pays off. Always. Want that pair of Aldens? Put in the work, save the money, make it happen. Wish you had Jason Statham’s body? Train hard. Diet hard. Hard work pays off.”
Steve Calder, style influencer and entrepreneur
Why I Like It: Just because you can’t afford your perfect wardrobe now, doesn’t mean you can’t one day. The harder and smarter you work, the sooner you can get there (just don’t skip bill payments).
Adam Gallagher
“Details are really important. Anyone can put on a suit, but it’s the accessories that really do the talking.”
Adam Gallagher, style influencer, blogger, model
Why I Like It: Men’s style is relatively simple compared to women’s style. However, Gallagher reminds us that there’s room for self expression and distinguishing one’s self through accessories.
Ben Clymer
“There is no such thing as a men’s watch. Similarly, there is no such thing as a women’s watch.”
Ben Clymer, entrepreneur and watch expert
Why I Like It: So many small-wristed men refuse to scope out the “ladies” section and end up with what looks like a dad’s watch on their son’s wrist. Often, the gender categories are based on size rather than style. Trust me, I wear a 28-millimeter ladies Omega Seamaster.
Matthew Zorpas
“We break every rule and every single one of us needs and should own whatever is necessary to them.”
Matthew Zorpas, style consultant and influencer, blogger and entrepreneur
Why I Like It: Classic style rules, though possibly applicable to many, aren’t hard and fast but guiding lights and wise suggestions. Why would a logger who doesn’t go to upscale restaurants need to spend thousands of dollars on a tuxedo? Every type of guy has their own iteration of what being a stylish gentleman is.
Todd Snyder
“You can get at least five outfits by breaking up the suit”
Todd Snyder, fashion designer
Why I Like It: Suit separates are way more versatile than most people realize. Try wearing suit pants in a casual situation (with sneakers and a polo perhaps), to expand dapperness into every dress code.
Gianni Versace
“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.”
Gianni Versace, fashion designer
Why I Like It: I’m not anti trend. However, for grown men, I think that they should be approached cautiously, and it seems the legendary Gianni Versace agrees.
Yves Saint Laurent
“We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.”
Yves Saint Laurent, fashion designer
Why I Like It: Don’t be afraid of quality clothes. Relatedly, don’t act pretentious or better than others when you’re in quality clothes.
Bill Blass
“When in doubt, wear red.”
Bill Blass, fashion designer
Why I Like It: Red isn’t a trendy color, but it’s also less neutral than the browns and blacks of the world. I’m not saying wear red dress shirts or suit jackets, but red accessories are great ways to be remembered. I wore red or maroon ties to every college interview, internship and job interview, and every first date. Let’s just say I’m a happily married man, with two Harvard degrees, who’s literally gotten every job I’ve ever applied for.
Dries Van Noten
“There’s so much information now, and everybody sees everything. When we were young kids, we really wanted to shock… it was the time of punk, and there was a lot of rebellion… Now it’s a bit more conventional.”
Dries Van Noten, fashion designer
Why I Like It: Don’t make your fashion goal to shock anyone. Since everyone is so clued in, it’s near impossible to do that these days anyway, unless you’re straight-forwardly trying to be offensive, and that’s just cheap.
Daniel Simmons
“Layering can do so much for your outfit.”
Daniel Simmons, style influencer
Why I Like It: Structure and architecture can make a regular casual outfit an exceptional one. Leather jackets, textured pull-overs, scarves, and tweed are your friend. Something as simple as a light utility shirt over your crewneck during the summer brings more intent to your aesthetic.
G. Bruce Boyer
“Style is what happens when a person bends fashion to his personality.”
G. Bruce Boyer, fashion journalist
Why I Like It: Because style, even with all its rules, isn’t a constraint. It’s a way to be yourself.
50 quotes throughout time, from a range of sources, is still a pretty small number. However, these are actual tips. Calls to action, even.
Some are long-lead missions, like learning to use accessories to express yourself, while others are fast and easy, like taking the tag off of your suit jacket sleeve.
As Tom Ford once said, “dressing well is a form of good manners.”