Tom Ford, Part 2

6. A WELL CUT DARK SUIT - This should be applied to any suit you own. You should really never own a poorly cut suit of any kind but that mistake happens more often than not. I have several nice dark Acne suits that all fit the bill but what every closet really needs is that perfect fitting black or dark blue suit. Preferably two button with a slim notch lapel. Doesn't have to be expensive...just look like it costs a fortune. My suggestion? Buy a nice but not extravagantly priced suit (like one from Suit Supply) and spend the rest of the suit budget on tailoring. And remember: you decide what the tailor does, not the other way around. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a tailor with impeccable taste, so have it tailored on your terms, not his. 

Generic Man Naval

7. A PAIR OF CLASSIC BLACK LACE-UP SHOES - The simpler, the better. Buy a well made pair and take care of them. Learn how to apply polish. Find a good cobbler. Use shoe trees. All of these things are of the utmost importance for this point. Shoes are usually one of the first things people look at when they meet someone (I do it all the time), so make sure your impression is the right one. These from Generic Man are neither fussy, nor expensive.

8. A SMART BLAZER - Blazers shouldn't be limited to special occasions. Buy one (or a few) that you can dress up with a tie as easily as you can dress down with sneakers, and you'll always feel a bit more sophisticated. Suit Supply is, again, a great source but check out the year end sales and spend what you save on tailoring.

Hentsch Man Unstructured Blazer at Mr. Porter

Nudie Raw Organic Tape Ted Jeans @ Ssense

9. A PERFECT PAIR OF DARK DENIM JEANS - This one can be left up for lots of interpretation. Except the "dark" part...not much wiggle room there. Perfect means perfect for your body shape. If you have legs like tree trunks from 200kg squats, then something with a bit more of a relaxed fit will suit you better than some skin tight Nudie's. If they can be mistaken for leggings (jeggings?) then they are too tight. Even if they are jeggings. And never dad jeans. Ever.

A pair of solid dark raw or selvedge denim jeans will wear in perfectly and look like part of you (after that uncomfortable breaking in phase of course. But that's part of the experience right?). Go in to the store and try them on with a pair of shoes you would normally wear with jeans. 

10. LOTS OF CRISP WHITE COTTON SHIRTS - One isn't enough. The yellow collar and pit stains will sneak up on you and rear their gnarly little heads when you least expect it. But several of the cotton ones. No dry cleaning and often cheaper. Plus they even look good a little wrinkled, unlike those shiny poplin joints you wore in high school. Find a brand that fits and buy several. They go with everything, even on your girlfriend.

Ludlow shirt from J Crew

If you haven't already Googled the rest of Tom's list, come back for it on Tuesday (New Year's Eve!!!)