Are you productive or lazy? Proactive or reactive? Stylish or untidy?

These characteristics are all built on habit. Brian Tracy said, “Successful people are simply those with successful habits.”

I have another version geared towards style: Just replace one word.

“Stylish people are simply those with stylish habits.”


Yes, even style is built upon habits -- which are easy to learn, even if you have no idea where to start.

In fact, some of the most stylish men in the world have put systems in place to help them. With that in mind, here are a few habits of stylish people, some of which you can implement immediately, even if you don’t know anything about style.


1. HAVE CONFIDENCE IN WHO YOU ARE

This is the foundation on which style (and life, for that matter) is built.

What message do you want to send to the world? Men who know themselves dress accordingly.

Are you a banker? Are you a personal trainer? Maybe you’re in a rock band.

You might fall into several categories, meaning you’ll have a different style based on what you want your message to be.


No matter the story, if you appear skeptical about your attire, you’ll come off as “fake” and betray the trust people have in you.


2. MEMORIZE YOUR MEASUREMENTS

This helps speed up the shopping and alteration process that many men dread.

When you’re heading out to make a purchase (or to get an item tailored) you can quickly rattle off the exact sizes you need, which saves precious time.

Another area this helps quite a bit in is the online shopping space.

Nowadays, entire wardrobes are purchased online, so if you have your measurements memorized you can speed through and get things done.

Keep in mind that it might take some trial and error at first, especially when trying a new brand.


3. PREPARE OUTFITS THE NIGHT BEFORE

Brainpower is a limited (and precious) resource.

There are enough decisions in a day that require a large amount of mental energy, so having outfits laid out the night before allows you to set your mind to cruise control in the morning and not waste any energy (or time) piecing outfits together -- just grab and go.


4. PRESELECT THE ACCESSORIES

In tandem with preparing full outfits, it takes some thought to match accessories together, too.

The details are what can separate you from the crowd.

In a sea of business casual co-workers, you’ll be able to stand out with just a few minor pieces.


Every jacket hung up in your closet should have a pocket square pre-set.

This takes thought out of the picture when you’re getting dressed -- the goal at the end of the day is effortless style.


5. KNOW YOUR PROPORTIONS

Men come in all shapes and sizes -- some are tall, some are short. All stylish men have learned exactly how clothing works in relation to their proportions, meaning they don’t have to ask if something makes them look taller or shorter.

They know their body type and how to dress for it.


Here's a quick example:

To look taller, short men should focus on:


• Slim pants (Baggy pants create a shorter look)

• Monochrome outfits (For a streamlined silhouette)

• Vertical Lines (To look taller)

You can use style to put your best foot forward and help hide anything that might make you a little more self-conscious.


6. KNOW THE POWER OF COLOR

Color scientifically signals different messages (Ex: Red = Power).

This is why leaders and political figures focus on the dark suit and red tie look.

You can also use color to guide people’s eyes.

What on your body would you like to hide? What would you like to show? Adding color draws attention to that spot.


Example: Want to cover up a slight belly?

Wear a structured suit to build up the shoulders and a red tie with a thick double windsor knot to draw attention up to your face.

Add a light blue pocket square for some extra spice.

Additionally, avoid a belt because the color of the belt will cause people’s eyes to stop at your midsection, dividing the outfit in half.

Suspenders or pants with side adjusters are great alternatives.


The goal of color is to guide people’s eyes effortlessly from feet to face without breaking anywhere to take notice.


7. UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF AN INTERCHANGEABLE WARDROBE

Buying full outfits all at once gets expensive. Instead, focus on individual timeless pieces that can pair easily.

A few examples are:

• White button-downs

• Light blue button-downs

• Light colored micro patterned dress shirts (Checks, pinstripes, etc)

• Navy blue suit

• Gray trousers

• Khaki chinos

• Brown semi-brogues

• Brown double monk straps

You can end up with 8-10 items, but if they ALL match each other you can make around 100 outfits from them.

This saves money and allows you to focus on quality of clothing.


8. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT HYGIENE

Grooming is another essential habit to build.

Skin, hair and teeth are not the most popular of subjects to cover when you’re out with the guys for beers.

But the pretty lady at the bar will take notice of your trimmed cut and pearly whites over your buddies’ coffee stained dentures.


It’s a subtle but noticeable game changer because it takes effort to maintain.

When she notices this, you’re sending the message that you care about your health and overall presentation, which in turn boosts your confidence even more.


9. RESPECT THE OCCASION

I’ve seen plenty of men refuse to follow a dress code because it “wasn’t their style.”

This is a very simple but often overlooked concept.

Dressing for the occasion is not about you. It’s about showing respect to the host who invited you.


Don’t show up to weddings in a T-shirt (or a tuxedo, because the groom needs to stand out).

Upstaging or downstaging is disrespectful to the hosts who invited you to attend.

Dressing for the occasion is a sign of respect, so make it a habit to always follow the dress code at events.


10. KEEP YOUR CLOSET ORGANIZED

The easiest way to add stress to your life is to have a black hole for a closet.

When you have to dig through last week’s jeans to find your wrinkly blazer underneath it takes a toll on your mindset.


Keeping your closet organized relieves the stress of last minute searching and is a gateway for organization in other areas of your life.

Everything should have a place.


A well organized closet should look something look like this:


• Suits (and matching trousers) should be in one section.

• Blazers & sport coats next to it

• Dress shirts

• Polos

• Odd Trousers

• Workout gear

• Shoes

Obviously you can divide it for what works best for your personal style, but this is a good starting point.