Opt for a trim look.The fit of a garment can be even more important than its quality. Suits and shirts feel most comfortable when they're cut a bit loose, but the extra fabric can make you look overweight or rumpled. You'll look best if your suits and shirts are cut trim (but not tight), even if you're carrying extra pounds.

Narrow-bodied men should ask their tailors to take in the sides of their shirts. Cost: About $20 per shirt.

Short-armed men should have a tailor shorten the shirt's arms -- the cuff bottom should come to the end of the wrist. Cost: About $20 per shirt.

Helpful: You also can order custom-made shirts starting at about $50.

Match your shirt collar to your neck.Men with long necks look best in dress shirts with high collars. Men with wide necks look best in wide collars, and men with short necks look best with short, narrow collars.

Favor long sleeves over short.Short-sleeved shirts are fine for lounging by the pool or playing golf on warm days, but choose long sleeves for most other occasions. If it gets really hot, a long-sleeved shirt with rolled-up sleeves still looks sharper than short sleeves.

When selecting a tie, stick with solids and simple stripes.Ties may be bright but never busy. If you would like to make a bold fashion statement, go ahead and choose a boldly colored tie, perhaps in yellow, pink or teal, but don't select a busy tie with a complicated pattern -- these are distracting and appear undignified.

Buy timeless, not trendy.If you purchase classic-style suits and sports jackets, you don't have to worry about looking dated or keeping up with the latest styles.

Navy and gray solids and very subtle stripes, in medium-weight wool are always in style.

Two- or three-button jackets are preferable to four or five buttons.

Medium-width lapels are better than noticeably thin or wide ones.

Choose white or light blue solid dress shirts unless you're confident of your fashion sense.

Skip pleated pants. Flat-front pants are flattering and stylish for men of all body types.

Match your belt and your shoes. Black belts go with black shoes, brown with brown. Ideally, your shoes and belt would match your briefcase as well.

Pick socks that bridge the gap. Your socks should split the color difference between your shoes and your pants. Example:If you're wearing dark brown shoes and tan pants, select medium-brown socks that fall roughly midway between those shades. Socks should either be solid in color or have only a subtle pattern.

Dress with class even when you don't need to dress up. Many men are at a loss for how to look good when they're not in a suit.

If you want to look sharp even when casual ...

Wear wool pants instead of cotton. Cotton pants wrinkle easily. They're fine for the golf course but not for most outings. Mid-weight wool pants with a pressed crease are always appropriate and can be worn most of the year. Lightweight wool pants can be worn in summer. Choose conservative colors -- black, gray, navy or olive. Favor a classic loafer over boat shoes or sneakers.

Bold-colored shirtsare acceptable when you're not wearing a tie, but avoid busy, distracting patterns. Solids and subtle stripes or checks are best.

Skip the ski jacket unless you're skiing.Ski jackets are particularly inappropriate when you're wearing a suit or sport jacket. Wear a three-quarter- or full-length coat instead.

Courtesy of Bob Mitchell, co-president of high-end clothiers Mitchells of Westport, Conn.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And, of course, Pressed4Time can help you always look sharp with our FREE and convenient twice a week pick up and delivery of your laundry and dry cleaning at your home or office.

Give us a try. Save a stop -- make that two, in this weather!

Scott Randall
599-5325
Scott517@Pressed4Time.com