There were days when dapper pertains to a man with washboard abs and biceps to boot.  But those are the days. While having a fit body is a plus, you don’t have to achieve those six-packs in order to look dapper. 

Nowadays, being dapper has more to do with confidence and cleanliness.

And when you work in real estate, chances are this kind of great first impression on clients works in your favor. Although who are we kidding, any working professional can benefit from knowing this knowledge.

Read along on how you can easily achieve this by following these simple tips. 

Press your clothes for Pete’s sake

How many of you are guilty of heading to work with that wrinkled shirt? While some have the luxury of hiring outside help to iron their clothes, most do not. But that doesn’t give you an excuse to skip the ironing board. 

The way your shirt creases tells a story about you. It tells of how much you take care of yourself. So to speak, it may also tell how much you can take care of a client. And in a competitive industry, aftersales are a big plus.  And the more you pay attention to the creases and folds, the more it will pay off. 

Not only are creases and wrinkles eyesores, but they can also ruin the fabric. And ironing your shirts and trousers before wearing them will also improve the color of the fabric. It’s amazing how simple steam or press can bring out that vibrant blue hue from your old shirt. 

A wrinkle-free shirt makes you look more professional. You also get to inspect the smell of your suit beforehand, especially if you just got them out of the hamper.  

A well-groomed man is a dapper man

Read this. Designer labels will not make you look dapper, cleanliness will. You must groom in a way that puts your image and personal hygiene the priority.

Regular bathing, brushing your teeth, and making sure you smell clean and fresh should be part of your daily regimen. Don’t forget to keep your nails trimmed and dirt-free. Also, keep that facial hair in check. A faded beard may look nice and sexy, but an unkempt beard will not make you look dapper. 

In addition, part of good grooming is making sure that your clothes are stain-free. Wearing a stained shirt or suit may not translate to nice things about you.

Try on Aveda Men’s Grooming Cream

Mind the belt

The dapper man pays very close attention to even the minute detail of his clothing. And this includes the belt. While a belt isn’t really something that people will notice instantly when they meet you, it’s very important to wear belts that are in pristine condition.

And by pristine, it means that it should not be worn out or tattered. It should not also look like it’s something you would have worn when you were still a confused teenager. 

It should have the right size and the right color. Black and brown belts are often preferred over colorful ones. 

A decent black belt may be all you need. And a leather belt, though a bit pricier, is also a very good investment. 

Above: Hugo Boss Reversible Italian-leather Belt

Wearing a decent belt also tells of how attentive you are. If you pay attention even to the very tiny details of your ensemble, then you will be too at work and even in relationships. 

And here’s a secret. Women pay attention to your belt more than men might think. So that’s something to think about whenever you are meeting with a female client. 

Stop wearing ill-fitting clothes

Some men may want to flex their muscles, hence they wear very tight-fitting clothes. And why not? They have spent hundreds of hours at the gym. So might as well flaunt it, right? But should you really? Well, a big no.

Wearing trousers that make you look like a sausage casing isn’t attractive at all. Not to mention, it is inappropriate for work. 

On the other hand, wearing loose clothing isn’t attractive either. Though it may be more comfortable and airy, it will make you look beaten up and old. 

The key is to wear clothes that are in the right proportion for your body. The pants should not drag the floor nor should they be above your ankles. The sleeves of your shirt must hang a bit over the wrist, but they should not cover your entire hand. 

Too tight fighting clothes make you look unprofessional. Reserve those teeny weeny shirts for the weekend or your company outings if you’re in the mood to flex those biceps. 

The risks of wearing loose clothing are that they could make you look inferior and unconfident. And therefore, clients may think twice before making a transaction with someone who is not confident. 

Go easy on the colors

Wearing perky colors can brighten up your mood. But be careful not to overdo them. There’s a thin line between being perky and being funny. And while being funny may warrant laughs from your clients, it might not warrant a sale or a deal.

You can mix and match colors. But you have to be careful not to use too many colors at once. Also, going monochromatic with perky colors is a bad idea. If you love purple or orange, it can go well with a neutral shade. But don’t attempt to do an overall ensemble with it unless you wish to be mistaken for a dessert.

If you’re going to wear one bright piece, the rest of your ensemble should be of a neutral shade. 

No to too much sparkle

When it comes to jewelry, women seem to have the power to accessorize with multiple layers of sheen. But for men, it’s not the same. And if you love bling, you must be careful about how you wear them with your suit.

Piling up on the gold and going big on the sparkle will not win you brownie points for style. It will otherwise have the opposite effect. Remember, it’s very easy for men to over-accessorize; even one big ring can make you look too blingy. Unless it’s a wedding band, then go ahead. 

As such, tie clips, shirt studs, and watches are the go-to ensemble to look dapper. And if you do not know how to match these, you can always get away with a nice watch.

With these tips, you have a headstart to master the art of being dapper. Remember, to look dapper means to look neat, tidy, and stylish. That’s why you also have to keep your grooming in check. And while style is always a personal choice,  you have to keep it subtle and not over the top. 

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