The tailor Richard James - the man who has reinvigorate Savile Row - has just produced a collection of off-the-peg suits, jackets, shirts and ties for John Lewis under the name Mayfair. I encourage you to go take a look, as it's all beautifully cut and relatively inexpensive.
1. There are three things to consider when buying a suit. Fit. Fit. And fit. Be aware of the shoulders and chest: too big, and the suit is wearing you; too small, and it looks like something borrowed from your younger bother.
2. Colour-coordinate your accessories. For example, brown belt with brown shoes with brown watch strap; small details that will barely register, but show a certain amount of care - exactly what's expected of a true gentleman.
3. Be your own man. Men should buy clothes on their own, not with their wife or girlfriend.
4. Never get dressed in the dark. Obvious, but far too often you see men on the street with mismatched colours and patterns. Before you leave home turn the lights on and look in the mirror. If you don't like what you see, start again.
5. Wear good quality shoes. Men always look better in classic British shoes that are not overly fashionable. So often you see men have invested in a good suit, shirt and tie, but the whole look is let down by scruffy shoes.
6. Novelty ties are a no-no; they are never amusing. Buy the best-quality silk tie you can afford - handmade using a very high silk count.
7. Don't be afraid of colour. A lot of men feel it's not masculine to indulge colour - start off with a bright tie or pair of socks and then try a lilac or cerise-pink shirt. In the summer we sell lots of sky-blue jackets to men who only thought they could wear navy.
8. A good suit garners respect , be it in the boardroom or ensuring the best table in a restaurant. Suits are designed to improve a man's overall appearance, which in turn increases confidence. The phrase 'dress for success' could have been coined with suits in mind.
9. A simple accessory can transform a look. For example, an elegant vintage watch will make any look work, casual or formal. It is great to see a pair of scruffy jeans worn with a beautiful luxury belt. The devil is in the details.
10. All rules are there to be broken - within reason.
