Aaron Marino's Style Rules for Men

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 11, 2010 -- You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but how you dress still reveals a lot about you. And because judgments are pretty much unavoidable for discerning men in high-profile circles, making an unforgettable impression is every bit as important as making an appearance. So with the style secrets of Aaron Marino, founder and senior consultant of the Atlanta-based Alpha M Image Consulting, a premier image consulting firm that specializes in executing image strategies for men, we help you suit up for every occasion.

“Life is too short to dress poorly,” says Marino, who, as an image consultant, evaluates his clients’ overall image, which includes individual style, wardrobe, grooming, and mannerisms. “I analyze everything from their current wardrobe to their hair style, and even things as commonly overlooked as their smell; overpowering cologne can be as offensive as bad breath or body odor. I then make the modifications necessary to take their style to the next level.”

The image of the modern man has significantly evolved. No longer are men leaving their look in the hands of a partner or spouse. Today’s man actively invests in himself and is conscious and concerned about making the right impression—one that will yield personal and professional advantages in a highly competitive world. And given the fact that men are competitive by nature, dressing for success is more paramount than ever before. “Men need every advantage over the competition,” Marino says. “They have finally realized that ‘casual Fridays’ just aren’t getting it done.”

Of course, image is fickle, and a man’s style often hinges upon his social circle, priorities, profession, personal life and even geography. The Atlanta man, for example, is most concerned about dressing to impress, according to Marino, who cautions that the amount of money one spends on their clothes does not necessarily equate to image or style success. “Atlanta men are more concerned about the labels they wear, as opposed to if their clothes actually fit properly or make them look amazing,” he says. “But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars in order to look like you did.”

Once a man is committed to presenting his best self, it takes surprisingly little effort to sustain. Even the smallest bit of time and energy can have a dramatic impact one one’s overall appearance. The key is consistency (read: routine) and knowledge. “People form opinions within the first 10 seconds of meeting you,” Marino says. “These impressions are subconsciously formed by all non-verbal communication. Paying attention to all aspects of your image will undoubtedly improve your chances of getting the girl or making the sale. Why? Because your competition is not.”

Despite some blurring of the rules when it comes to male fashion, style is largely subjective. But because some rules never change, we asked Marino, with his incredible style savvy, to solve 10 style quandaries commonly encountered by men.

When is it acceptable to wear a belt with a suit?
“In my opinion unless you are wearing suspenders, you should always wear a belt with your suit, but never with a tux.”

Under what circumstances should shirt points be tucked into the collar?

“Collar points should always be tucked in. [Otherwise], unless you are going for that ‘I’m a playboy and super hip’ look, you’ll just look sloppy. Keep it classic and elegant.”

Are pocket squares and handkerchiefs a style do or don’t?
“Pocket squares or handkerchiefs are coming back in a big way. With or without a tie, a pocket square is a fantastic way to jazz up any suit or sport coat. This subtle detail tells the world you are here and a man among men.”

Is it better to wear a t-shirt or a tank top under a white or pastel-colored shirt? How do you lessen the tackiness of either showing through?

“If you wear an undershirt to absorb sweat, wear a V-neck so that it is less obvious. If worried about showing your nipples, wear a white tank top. If neither is a concern, take off the undershirt, you don’t need it.”

When is it acceptable to wear a dinner jacket to a black-tie event?
“It is never acceptable. When in doubt, overdress.”

When is wearing white acceptable?
“Wearing white is a great look if you are at a horse race, in the Hampton’s, on a cruise, at the beach or a polo match, or possibly golfing. If none of the above applies, stay away from wearing all white, which is a good way to point out discolored teeth. So unless you are sporting a great set of pearly whites, you may want to avoid white.”

How should men reveal chest hair tastefully?

“Ladies love chest hair, just not too much. So if you have thick chest hair, start “manscaping.” Don’t shave it off, but do manage it. Use a trimmer with a ¾ inch guard and go to work. Think subtle in terms of the amount of hair that you show.”

How should you wear different types of footwear sharply and a

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