The 8 Looks of a Man's Life

The romantic dates, the weekend getaways, the white-knuckle meetings that could make or break a project: Life presents opportunities for you to make a difference. What you wear directly affects the kind of success and enjoyment you can expect.

Jimmy Fallon photographs by Peter Yang

Model photographs by Aaron Richter

Still-life photographs by Nigel Cox and Sam Kaplan

Illustrations by Elsa Jenna

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Make this year's Spring Guide to Style your playbook as you master the eight essential looks.

For Jimmy's strategies, read Don't Dress Funny.

The 8 Looks of a Man's Life:

• Classic
• Confident
• Adventurous
• Powerful
• Athletic
• Relaxed
• Desirable
• Creative

1. Look for suits that have medium-width lapels-2 1/2 to 3 inches at the widest point.

2. The seam should rest directly on the edge of your shoulder, not above or below it.

3. The true classics: solids, pinstripes, and windowpanes in neutral colors.

4. Most men wear a size too large. Know your size, and be willing to try one smaller.

5. A two-button suit is a timeless choice. Keep it buttoned when standing, open when sitting.

Timely Investments
Find a watch you can pass down to the next generation.

1. MIND THE MATERIAL

Gold, steel, and platinum will best withstand the test of time, says Michael Sandler, Tourneau's senior VP of merchandising. If you buy a rhodium- or gold-plated watch, the underlying metal may show through.

Breitling, $7,715

2. BEWARE OF COLOR

Yes, watches are eye candy, but ignore the ones with Skittles-colored dials and hands. Stick with the classics. That means white, silver, or black dials, and cases that are in the 45-millimeter range, says Sandler.

Officine Panerai, $8,700

3. MAINTAIN THE MOVEMENT

For quartz or battery-powered watches, the two things to manage are battery replacement and checking the gaskets for water resistance, Sandler says. For mechanical movements, aim for a service every three to five years.

Raymond Weil, $2,950

Go for Bold

How's your posture when you're wearing a hoodie? Probably not as regal as it is when you button up a suit. That's no coincidence, says Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at California State University at Los Angeles. "Confidence is a key piece of impression management," she says. "Even a man who may be physically uncomfortable in a suit is likely to feel more secure when he wears one because of what it communicates: status, employment, and importance." The next time you balk at the price of a new suit, consider the self-assurance it affords—and what that's worth in the long run.

—Sandra Nygaard

The 8 Looks of a Man's Life:

• Classic
• Confident
• Adventurous
• Powerful
• Athletic
• Relaxed
• Desirable
• Creative

1. Slimmer suits with sleek lapels are old-school with a modern edge.

2. No need to wear a tie when a contrasting pocket square offers a flash of attitude.

3. Unexpected patterns like these tiny stars keep a tailored look feeling fresh.

4. Bold (not obnoxious) socks complement the look without competing with the shirt.

5. Tan suede asks for a second glance without screaming for attention.

The 3 Essentials
The sumptous luxury of buttery leather, the depth of a serious scent, and the heft of real silver—these three accessories will have you feeling great about your life.

THE BAG

Leave the nylon messenger bags to the hipsters. A rich leather attache case says you're moving up—and this one's refined enough to go along for the ride.

Tumi briefcase, $495

THE SCENT

Intense, woody, and bold, this is a fragrance for the fearless. Notes of green mandarin, cedar, patchouli, pink pepper, and vetiver provide the firepower.

Givenchy Gentlemen Only fragrance, $78

THE ACCESSORY

French cuffs aren't for every man—just the confident ones. Show your passions subtly by wearing silver cuff links that reveal details about your interests.

Thomas Pink cuff links, $195

Color Code of Conduct
Your color choices communicate more than just your ability to match. As you dress for that crucial meeting, choose a tie that will give you an edge before you even open your mouth.

1. ENERGY

A vivid blue, such as cobalt, is elegant and rich, says stylist David Zyla, author of Color Your Style. "It also has a sporty connotation, so there's energy and aspiration to it." Fair skin? Select lighter blues. Darker complexion? Go for deeper hues and join the navy.

Van Heusen Slim tie, $40

2. STRENGTH

You know what a black tie signals: formality and sophistication. But black also projects strength and seriousness, says Zyla. That's why police officers, judges, and clergy often sport dark clothing. Black is the tie color for that overdue talk about green, as in your raise.

Van Heusen Slim tie, $40

3. SINCERITY

Think of pink as your velvet hammer when you want to channel sincerity. "Pink shows authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability," says Zyla. "And that can work to your advantage." It's a smart choice for discussing sensitive future plans, whether career or romantic.

Van Heusen Slim tie, $40

4. CREATIVITY

Make old habits work for you. Since ancient Roman times, when fabric dyed with Tyrian purple was worth its weight in gold, this color has carried imperial connotations. "Purple is also the color of creativity," says Zyla, "because it combines red and blue, or power and vitality."

Van Heusen Slim tie, $40

5. BOLDNESS

Red conveys that you're in it to win it, says Patti Wood, a body language expert. And researchers from the University of Munster, Germany, agree. They found that fighters who wore red instead of blue had 11 percent more strength, as well as higher heart rates during their bouts.

Van Heusen Slim tie, $40

Splurge on This:
LEATHER DRESS SHOES

Good shoes are not only an investment that gives you a firm footing on the corporate ladder; they're also an immediate sign of your good taste. These monk straps from Bally, the Swiss luxury label, signal sophistication and will last for years.

Bally shoes, $695