7 Details that Make or Break an Outfit - Tips for More Stylish Menswear Looks

We've rounded up 7 key details that could break your menswear looks--and some tips to make them better:
gentl.mn/7-make-break-details
#styletips #outfitdetails #notsponosred
SHOP THE VIDEO:
→ Mid Brown and Green Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks: gentl.mn/2VpSEJu
→ Dark Brown Shoelaces Round: gentl.mn/39y5mhu
→ Navy and Yellow Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks: gentl.mn/2Vo7bp1
→ Red Carnation Boutonniere: gentl.mn/3qkKJLp
→ Bow Tie in Soft Ancient Madder Silk with Macclesfield Neats Micropattern: gentl.mn/3mtNY15
→ Cashmere Wool Grenadine Tie in Orange, Gray Wide Stripe: gentl.mn/2HXYxu6
→ Light Blue Veronica Persica Boutonniere: gentl.mn/36t21yk
→ Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Grey and Light Blue: gentl.mn/3qltc67
→ Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Tiger's Eye Balls: gentl.mn/3lrR7gf
→ Cashmere Scarf in Forest Green Herringbone: gentl.mn/3lrSImf
→ White and Magenta Cornflower Boutonniere: gentl.mn/3qh6s77
→ Two-Tone Knit Tie in Black and Magenta Pink: gentl.mn/2HZu8vr
→ Cerulean Blue Pocket Square Art Deco Egyptian Scarab pattern: gentl.mn/2Vn3uQg
→ Navy Socks with Blue and White Clocks: gentl.mn/33B6mh0
GUIDES YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS:
→ Does “Made In” Matter?: gentl.mn/3oe2tq3
→ How To Combine a Pocket Square with a Tie, Suit & Shirt: gentl.mn/39LnhS3
→ Is the Suit Dying? gentl.mn/3ojA0iN
→ Sneakers: Should Gentlemen Wear Them?: gentl.mn/3fVRcHW
→ How To Change The Look Of Your Shoes With Shoelaces: gentl.mn/36tLj1B
→ The 5 Must Have Shoes: gentl.mn/3fXt8Ey
→ 7 Do’s and Don’ts for Men’s Jewelry: gentl.mn/3qiQ2ev
→ Should You Wear a Jacket with a T-shirt?: gentl.mn/3qlfD6n
→ Sleeve Length Guide for Suits, Jackets and Shirts: gentl.mn/2HYBsYe
→ The Preppy Style & Clothes Primer: gentl.mn/3ogcFOY
→ The Oxford Cloth Button Down Shirt: gentl.mn/3od1Ddd
→ Eton Dress Shirts: Are They Worth It?: gentl.mn/2JxG9sD
→ How to Store Your Winter Wardrobe: gentl.mn/3fVLoye
→ Tips & Tricks for Thrift Store Shopping: gentl.mn/2JxSqgG
→ Things That Are Better The Old Fashioned Way: gentl.mn/2JvTh1g
→ Hermes “H” Belt: Is It Worth It?: gentl.mn/37qiSkn
→ How A Suit Should Fit: gentl.mn/3ofZ5uM
→ Suit Alterations: gentl.mn/3orzqQb
VIDEO CREDITS:
→ Script: Jack Collins
→ Camera: Chris Dummer
→ Editing: Jonathan Oster
IMAGE CREDITS:
→ memysuitandtie.com
→ socksnob.co.uk
→ philippeperzi.com
Want to see more videos? Subscribe to our channel!
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00:00 Introduction
Although it may seem simple to put together a menswear outfit, how good the overall result looks weighs heavily on the details used to bring the outfit together. When one starts to consider the individual pieces that make up an everyday look, it’s easy to see how it can be quite daunting when trying to combine items together to create a harmonious ensemble.
7 Details that Make or Break an Outfit
01:12 Break an Outfit # 1: Matching Tie and Pocket Square
03:12 Make an Outfit # 1: Complimentary Tie and Pocket Square
04:24 Break an Outfit # 2: Sneakers with Suit
05:26 Make an Outfit # 2: Go with Classic Dress Shoes
06:55 Break an Outfit # 3: Dress Shoes with Gym Socks
07:48 Make an Outfit # 3: Go with Over-the-Calf Socks
08:22 Break an Outfit # 4: Too Many Accessories
09:05 Make an Outfit # 4: Fewer, Refined Accessories
09:41 Break an Outfit # 5: Wearing Suits with T-shirts
10:28 Make an Outfit # 5: Wear a Dress Shirt
11:47 Break an Outfit # 6: Poor-quality Fabrics
13:47 Make an Outfit # 6: High-quality, Natural Fibers
14:54 Break an Outfit # 7: Poorly Fitting Clothes
15:51 Make an Outfit # 7: Know Your Proper Size
We hope our rundown of these 7 details has been helpful for those getting started on their menswear journey - -and even for those seasoned clotheshorses who just wanted a bit of “tuning up!”
17:25 Outfit Rundown

[@madsborup9659]

Preston, once more, your outfit is incredibly put together.

[@terrydrums]

Unfortunately, the main detail that usually breaks my outfits is that I'm in it.

[@terrydrums]

@Selim Mašić Trust me. I’m a massive goofball. Not only am I not the president of my fan club, I don’t even know where they hold the meetings.

[@terrydrums]

@Selim Mašić Yeah, I’m just not one of them.

[@terrydrums]

@Selim Mašić Agreed.

[@ivancho5854]

You do have great wit though. 👍

[@KingKan]

I just died lol.....that was funny

[@majormalfunction3757]

I would pay literal money to hear preston telling a food recipe, his voice and tone is too darn satisfying

[@Jessie_Helms]

As a wardrobe consultant, you wouldn’t believe how often people are surprised when I recommend they *don’t* wear a matching tie and pocket square.

[@skalarhaubitze]

Thats remarkable, avoiding to wear a matching tie and pocket square is one of the first things you'll read in any mens wear guide

[@Jessie_Helms]

@@skalarhaubitze You’d be surprised how little some people get. But I certainly remember when I was in the same place- if you don’t know, you simply don’t know.

[@user-un5xj1wl6p]

people hated me for picking a national colour tie and square combo, it was in the end pretty nice looking

[@desidesigning]

I'm a window cleaner but love coming home and taking a shower and dressing up at night in class. Thank you very much'

[@gamingmarcus]

The point about material composition is so right. I was recently shopping for a winter overcoat and the lowest I found was an advertised "wool coat" with a staggering 5% wool.

[@kaktusdesiberie7196]

You make me think about my grandpa photos. My family was poor but on the weddings pictures people had very well fitted clothes and it made them look very well put together. I bet the fabric quality and craftsmanship was so good that they were able to keep them beautiful for a long time.

[@abhishektalapatra]

I grew up in country where tailoring was affordable and also the norm. Today living in Canada and having an alterations tailor has been one of the best decisions on my menswear journey. Thank you for promoting this on your channel Preston.

[@redzool]

I find that cowboy boots work really well with suits. They are rather long on the leg but because of their nice livery Style it looks very stylish.

[@angelateca5513]

It's fascinating how even just one detail can throw off a whole look. Even if you can't place your finger on it (like I couldn't with some of the examples in the introduction), you still gets that sense of "hmm, something's not right here." Thanks so much for making this video! It's very interesting.

[@rodrigodepierola]

"Thumbs down" Raphael is the best Rapahel.

[@jamesmaksweefeng7096]

hahahahhahahaha

[@timboi3399]

one thing I've realized and love is that because Preston is younger he doesn't have as many clothes so we as the subscribers can watch his wardrobe grow

[@MartinParnham]

Really glad you have mentioned the trainers (sneakers) with suits. I HATE this look and the fact it has become more acceptable. I know it’s a preference thing but I’ve always thought it looks odd and like you don’t have any proper shoes.

[@georgelush1998]

The overall effect of wearing sneakers with a suit is “disharmonious.” Well said. That is a very diplomatic way of phrasing it.

[@troydennis96]

It’s also very accurate. It’s not classic menswear so it makes no sense in the rest of a classic menswear outfit.

[@Eli_Is_Cool]

Just came in from working and what pops on my phone? What good timing!

[@shakilmirza4368]

Why haven't yall made a video on winter boots yet, it's almost winter season out here??

[@CoolChevere]

The funny thing is that all the models wearing sneakers and a t-shirt looked nice. I remember last year riding the bus to work wearing sneakers and a suit and getting a disapproving look from Preston 😄.

[@waltski4375]

I like the clip of the Three Sartorialteers walking together.

[@BramClaes]

A t shirt with a suit or sports jacket indeed looks off most of the time. I personally find that if you want to go a bit more casual with your suits, a turtleneck is a great substitute for a shirt in the colder months. In the warmer months, I sometimes wear long sleeved polo's in stead of a shirt. Works very well with casual linen suit. I believe Michael Corleone wears a linen suit + polo combination in the Godfather part II (in the hotel in Cuba)

[@1960aragorn]

Great advice, thanks😊!

[@dmax9946]

Helpful and succinct I really appreciated this video

[@barnabymerriman9860]

Another brilliant video from one of my favourite KZbin channels

[@nathanieleisenman2487]

If you're tempted to wear a tee under tailoring, try knitwear instead. Polo collar or turtleneck works.

[@waltski4375]

A turtleneck under a suit jacket or sport coat is one of my favorite fall-winter outfits.

[@threeoeightwadcutter2820]

Preston, I fully agree! Thanks for sharing and your work. Could you do a Video on shoe maitnence basics? Thank you and Greetings from Germany

[@PrinceAntony989]

I have never seen the ring around the tie. Is that a thing people actually do/did?

[@claremiller9979]

King George V apparently did it a lot, Preston talk about it in the old timey jewellery video (a fascinating one to watch)

[@m.p.jallan2172]

Great tips thanks, you guys always look sharp, make it look easy.

[@douglasmusic4797]

Dress shoes will definitely outlast trainers or "sneakers" for the americans. It's not even a competition.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Great video gentlemen 😌

[@jermainemjoiner]

Great video gentleman.

[@MatthewJBD]

Great video idea

[@endautrestermes]

0:20 Preson, glorious looking outfit there, that kind of jacket is going straight to my wish list

[@angelr.4882]

Greetings from Puerto Rico I'm new to the channel, Great video .. looking sharp Preston.

[@TommyHail]

I would just like to point out that the image at 7:20 is actually from the blog StreetxSprezza and the image was taken by the creator of the blog, Ethan Wong. Not doubting that you guys found the image where you credited it, but the original image is found at StreetxSprezza.

[@GregCoconut]

Preston is the man.

[@arnolddean7154]

This might just be my opinion but I feel that a lapel pin and pocket square is too busy. I prefer either one or the other

[@kiarashkermani3009]

Very good 👍👍👍❤️

[@philippkoch4387]

Could you please do a detailed video on shoe care?

[@animeboitiddies6146]

how would you recommend doing winter boots?

[@TheRacso2552]

White socks and loafers is definitely a look tho, very ivy!

[@jamesR1990]

John Wick needs those gym socks for performance lol. Never know when you'll have to sprint as an assassin

[@f4_faris]

2:16 I know Christmas is near but, those matching ties & pocket squares look like candy canes & straws.

[@MrFrankenthaler]

Excellent content once again, and an interesting topic! However, one aspect I don't quite agree with, namely that a natural material with a small amount synthetic fiber added is automatically less durable (and made to save in cost) than a fully natural material. Quite the contrary - especially with wool, and specifically with hard-to-wear garments such as socks or gloves, wool is sometimes significantly improved in durability with some percentage of an added cheaper synthetic fibre.

[@laurentius2306]

There we go, another video of Preston 🥳

[@vaderprime923]

I knew all of these rules but had a good time watching the whole video anyways 😁

[@brucedin1534]

Do you have any tips for adjusting ones clothing attire to accommodate disabilities like over sizing attributed to various braces (leg, neck, back and wrists), in an emergency ?

[@taraznzoro]

Is it ok to match the colors of pocket square and boutonnière?

[@kevinbaltarejo4875]

Sure. 👍

[@ElPedicabAvenger]

Any chance we can get a video on "How to Wear Spats", as I have been on the hunt for a good pair of those for a while now.

[@noiamgoodlol8547]

I wore my blue suit with a pair of vans, it actually worked pretty well.

[@syedabdul716]

I really like your smile

[@glengraus4529]

What kind of glasses do you have on?

[@nathanhunt9105]

Perhaps not with a suit, but I think that a darker and more minimalist (particularly leather) sneaker can look good with separates

[@YoussefRahoui]

White leather sneakers like Common Projects can look good with a navy suit in Neapolitan style

[@CS-rw4es]

I’m curious to see what your wear to the gym

[@dpledford1]

I need to buy a boutonnière!

[@midnightreading8617]

i'm sorry but that ring on the tie actually looks very visually pleasing (8:51)

[@r0bw00d]

I got a suit while I was in South Korea, as it was one of the main suggestions everyone made: "While you're here, get at least one suit; it's extremely cheap here." Well, I went ahead and got one, but I didn't know anything about them, so my entire outfit is 100% polyester. I think it looks great on me and I wear it on rare occasions, so I'm sure it'll last me a while. Still, had I known that suits were made from anything other than whole cloth, then I would've been more scrutinizing.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

An advantage to poly suits is that they are washable, rather than requiring you to visit the cleaners. Of course it's a preference thing, but that does make care easier.

[@whosfelix]

The best Hermès belt’s outfit is Freeze Corleone’s in Desiigner- Color Show

[@akimbofurry2179]

Not even a minute in, and I am already getting flashbacks to when I 1st started tieing a tie... or when my tie won't tie right in general...Or some other small detail that drives me up a wall.

[@lizaluk]

👍 vedio

[@rodrigooi123]

I would like to know if the shorts and suit trend is something cool. I have seen many boys wearing a suit with shorts of the same color and fabric, and I think it is beautiful. but I would like guidelines, how to size shorts, how to combine them together, please make a video about this trend

[@TheDobbermn]

I think the 3 inch cuffs on the pants should be in the "break an outfit" category......

[@Acemans]

5:04 got the drip

[@Shoehandler1142]

Would a red tie and white shirt work with a dark grey suit and oxblood shoes?

[@johnnychin]

Yes, provided the red tie is not a bright red tie. A burgundy/maroon tie is amazing with almost every outfit

[@IStillLikeIke]

I’ll never understand all the hate for synthetics on this channel. A synthetic dress shirt can be so much more comfortable than cotton especially in hot weather. They’re sweat wicking and stretchy unlike cotton.

[@carlkeim6134]

Typically synthetic shirts are poorly structured. A well tailored and structured shirt can look good..

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

Sneakers with suits or even formal gowns (women) was a regular features of red carpet events in the mid 80s.

[@Gustavogukpa]

What is the name of the song?

[@offbeatbassgear]

And Happy Holidays 2021 to everyone checking in on this clip at the one year mark

[@scott-xg1il]

Hello, your videos are great for stylish menswear, but the brand you recommend is not available in my county, if are they are too costly so most of people dont prefer them, men in every country follow different style, but if you make a video on core foundation; for example which fabric to use for formal shirts and pants, the material for shoes etc. and share its benefits too. My point is rather that recommending brand, please recommend the format shirt fabric or material which is comfortable for men, we live in different countries so what kind of shirt material is good for hot equatorial climate or cold climate etc. I hope you guys at Gentalemens Gazetee reading it.

[@CoronaTheVirus]

They're selling their own brand

[@MannyBrum]

Raphael's favorite outfit wearing a suit jacket with underwear and no pants isn't on this list. I guess it doesn't break an outfit.

[@claremiller9979]

Zoom meeting approved classic menswear?

[@sagard1089]

what are your thoughts on using smart watch?would like to know everything about smart watches in gentleman gazette prospect.

[@CoronaTheVirus]

Formulate your own opinion

[@maniakoverlord8742]

@@CoronaTheVirus He’s just asking for their opinion/suggestions. That doesn’t mean he can’t have his own.

[@chains-chains]

i think from a classic perspective, you shoould opt for a mechanical in a leather or metal bracelet. from a modern perspective, i think a smartwatch on a metal bracelet would look fine given the minimalist design when the screen isnt on. all depends on your personal style 👍

[@johnnychin]

Gentlemen's Gazette is not the place to discuss watches IMHO. As a watch collector and also a fan of classic styling, their expertise on watches are not the best to me. Brian Sacawa on He Spoke Style is the guy to go to when it comes to watches and outfits. I personally would not recommend smart watches unless you have a very specific usage for it, especially if you are planning to use them for sports/fitness tracking. Apart from that, a mechanical watch or even a good quartz pairs better with most outfits. I have yet to see a smart watch that is actually small and classy enough to work as a dress watch. Not only that, smart watches are not designed to last. Their software and hardware are meant to be obsolete in a few year's time, while the good traditional watches can last as long as you want to keep it.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

If you find a round one you like, it would look better than a square one. The more classic mechanical-looking it is, the better it will match a suit.

[@SiluTsu]

Okay, sneakers and suit don't match, but brown suit and white high sneakers of 10th Doctor are very fitting

[@ridwanmujahid_2.020]

Me in fifteen years looking for new clothes: We're reaching levels of casual that shouldn't even be possible!

[@davitiani]

what are these cufflinks at 11 minutes?

[@claymitchell997]

Did anyone else notice that Preston didn't blink until maybe the 10:30 mark in the video. Not only in his dialogue but also in any cameos and other appearances.

[@SpirithunterBOMB]

i have slowly shifted away from gentlemen gazette's fashion sense, and now prefer italian style suits as opposed to british that seems to be more common on this channel.just got a couple new suits from orazio luciano and bought two coats from loro piana.

[@smellslikeparad1se]

1:22 looks like someone bought stock vidro with russian mall on it

[@syntacticalcrab]

It's absolutely hilarious to see younger and more energetic styles being put on a dowdy middle-aged man with a dad belly and self-deprecating smile in the most nonsensically clashing colours and textures you can find as evidence that the styles don't work. (No shade to Raphael, who looks great when he's not trying to look awful on purpose.)

[@syntacticalcrab]

@Wheeler Dealer Oh. xD Oh wow.

[@lesigh1749]

Break an Outfit #2 Sneakers with a suit. *Doctor Who has left the chat.*

[@Jessie_Helms]

I’d say leather cap toe sneakers are the 1 exception to “no sneakers with suits.” A white pair in good shape makes for an extremely sharp look. One of my favorite outfits is a pair of white ones with a French blue suit, no break, a pink (but not too bright) shirt, no tie, and a pink floral pocket silk with some blue in it.

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

I avoid white because it gets permanently stained day one. Is there any way to avoid this? Some people think im evil an are intimidated by my love of black. Also most dress shoes get creased when putting them on or if they bend at the toe joint if they are flexible. Ive "destroyed" stuff dress shoes putting them on in the store an the more flexible after a few toe raises. How do you avoid this?

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

If i can ask a third. "accessories". I have smaller keys chain (huge electronic starter) , cigarette box, small wallet, an i carry several other items like a tiny soap bottle, gum, wipe, etc. How do I carry this needed baggage because putting them in the suit pockets looks silly an stretches it out?

[@giovannigobbi4832]

If you just watch out, you'll not stain white

[@carlkeim6134]

Tee shirts are a must for good shirts. It keeps the sweat off and the fabric lasts longer. As for the shoe problem, it happens to us all, be sure the shoe isn’t too tight across the ball of the foot and shor trees minimise this problem.

[@innocentspectator2842]

who's is going to buy Suits during the Corona sale, when stores are trying to sell everything they have in 80% mark down? meeeee

[@sebasrip1]

And chelsea boots with a suit ?

[@leroy592]

Wearing a necktie with a short sleeve dress shirt is also a big fashion mistake.

[@onerandombruh]

Sad thing is that after watching this video, is painfully evident to me that my way of dressing is plain horrible.

[@chaosdracos]

These videos are mainly just guidelines for a specific aesthetic, if that's your intended style just take a few ques and incorporate a couple. But at the end of the day, wear what ya want. Life's too short, wear your clothes

[@tacticalsweater5119]

It's all good. This channel reminds me I don't have much money lol.

[@anthonia2949]

Hi

[@fleischwurstfan6312]

Hello

[@hannamakela6989]

I love how the GG people, Raphael especially, act out the worst-case scenarios and relish in their disgusting qualities. :)

[@QV1010]

6:56 Yeah I only have gym socks to wear....that is all I can afford.

[@nathanhunt9105]

I don't disagree that the matching pocket square and tie is a bad look, and the asymmetry and fast fashion reasons were solid, but perpetuating it as a rule seems snobbish

[@romancarlise4738]

I want to wear nice shoes, but I try to stay away from leather/other animal products. What should I choose instead?

[@sjmevans]

Where was the blooper?

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

Oh I expect those Jordans with a suit... EDIT: Yep, here they are

[@dimthecat9418]

Did Preston just criticize Keanu Reeves’s fashion lol

[@gottfriedosterbach3907]

He is a great guy, but he knows how to dress as well as he can effect a British accent.

[@robpaulson6568]

Earlier than last time

[@Allofthempowerful]

17:26

[@goodebening6564]

You can were all white sneakers with a suit and t-shirt if you are under 30 years i think. But it isnt preferable

[@firearmsstudent]

7:28 Keanu Reeves can break the style matrix any time he likes

[@layouts77]

Honestly I feel the prevalence of lapel flowers on the GG hosts does more harm than good. I would not wear one outside a wedding.

[@MikeXCSkier]

I agree. I don't care for boutonnieres. I don't even like pocket squares. Perhaps I'm too minimalist but if you have a good-looking tie that should be enough.

[@maxwellerickson7066]

I appreciate the occasional boutonniere - I think crossing the line comes with wearing both a boutonniere and pocket square. 99% of the time, there's just too much going on, particularly if the outfit is intended to be on the formal side of the spectrum. In more whimsical outfits, with a greater variety of patterns, fabrics, cuts, colors etc. such as the ones Sven sometimes likes to put together for summer, I think the look can work.

[@geadkins966]

Is it appropriate to wear a button down collar dress shirt with a double breasted suit?

[@austintackett8603]

Could you please do a video on concealed carrying firearms in classic or vintage and business attire. If that’s not something you’re knowledgeable of or a topic you gentlemen don’t feel comfortable with I understand. It would really helpful for men like me who concealed carry and like dressing in a classic professional outfit without things like flashing or printing and other issues like fit and accessibility.

[@fullskull891]

translation, "i don't like it because ive been told not to like it so therefor its a mistake, even though many men do these things and enjoy doing these things, ive been told not to like it so its a mistake"

[@Johannes_Englmaier]

They are dressing like in the golden age.