At the heart of any polished head-to-toe look are impeccably tailored bespoke garments that not only flatter your form, but also reflect and complement your individuality. The essential pieces in a true gentleman's wardrobe include suits, blazers, shirts, shoes, a few sweaters and the right accessories. Additionally, owning a well-balanced variety of textures, styles, patterns and colors makes daily mixing and matching an effortless routine.

It is no surprise then that the keys to classic style are cohesion, harmony, and fine detailing. While it may seem intimidating at first, getting that perfectly put together look is easier than it seems. It's simply a matter of following a few general guidelines.

Texture:

Keeping the texture consistent between jacket and pants is ideal. However, avoid a boring block of uniform texture by ensuring your shirt contrasts and stands out. Limit the number of textures present in your look; the idea is not to overwhelm. For example, a suit with a distinct texture, like houndstooth, should not be paired with another statement piece, such as ostrich leather shoes.

Pattern:

It is advisable to limit the amount of patterns per look. A shirt with a bold pattern would require a solid colored suit and tie. If you would like to pair a pattern tie with a pattern shirt, ensure they are different in both scale and shape. If the shirt has narrow stripes, for example, choose a tie with large polka dots or, if your suit features wide stripes, choose a tie with a small paisley design. Argyle socks may also add an interesting pop of pattern to an otherwise subdued ensemble.

Color:

Refine your style with suits in shades of gray, navy, and brown. Placing these tones alongside each other using shirts and accessories is advisable. Similar to the texture guideline, it is best to avoid a big monochromatic block. If your suit deviates from these traditional color palettes, select accompanying shirts and accessories in calming neutral tones.

Proportion:

It is important to be mindful of the overall flow of your ensemble. If you are tall, avoid short or skinny ties. If you are smaller than average, it is best to keep away from long jackets or long and narrow shoe styles.

Before stepping out the door, take a moment to look in the mirror. Does anything look off? Trust your instincts, they are probably correct. As you grow more and more comfortable with these guidelines, it will become easier to play with fashion, take risks, and develop your signature style.