How to dress better with a few basics

Most style advice makes it complicated. It doesn't need to be. People read your clothes in a second, and what they pick up is whether things fit, whether they're clean and whether they go together. You can get all three right with a handful of pieces.

Fit comes first

A cheap shirt that fits beats an expensive one that doesn't. Here is what fitting looks like:

T-shirts

The shoulder seam sits on the edge of your shoulder, not down your arm. Sleeves end around mid-bicep. The hem lands around the middle of your fly.

Pants

Room to sit and crouch, narrowing below the knee, with little or no fabric bunching at your ankles.

Shoes

Clean. That's most of it.

The most common mistake is buying a size too big. If you're between sizes, try the smaller one. If pants are too long, a tailor or dry cleaner can hem them quickly.

The basics

Heavyweight tees

Thin, clingy tees lose their shape after a few washes and show every wrinkle. A thicker cotton tee hangs straighter and looks more expensive than it is. The Comfort Colors Heavyweight Tee (paid link) is a solid pick: thick, soft and slightly washed-looking. Get three or four in neutral colors.

Slim chinos

Chinos are a step up from joggers and gym shorts without looking like you tried too hard. Slim-Fit Stretch Chinos (paid link) in khaki, navy, olive or grey go with every tee you own, and the stretch means you can actually move in them.

Clean white sneakers

A plain white sneaker goes with chinos, jeans and shorts. The adidas Grand Court (White) (paid link) is simple and low-profile. The one rule is that they stay clean: wipe them with a damp cloth after a muddy day, and wash the laces when they go grey.

Keep colors simple

Start with neutrals: black, white, grey, navy, olive and khaki. Everything matches everything, so getting dressed takes no decisions. A tee, chinos and white sneakers is a complete outfit. When it's colder, add a plain crewneck sweater or an overshirt in the same colors. Once that feels easy, start experimenting.

Your haircut is part of the outfit

Your hair is at eye level in every conversation, and a good cut does more for how you look than most clothes. Choose a barber by looking at photos of their actual work, not just star ratings. Booksy lets you browse barbers near you, see their photos and book.

Bring a photo of a cut you like on someone with similar hair, and ask the barber what they'd change for your hair type and face shape. For a short cut, going back every three to five weeks keeps it looking sharp.

Styling: less than you think

A matte product gives hold and texture without the wet, shiny look. American Crew Matte Clay (paid link) is easy to use:

• Start with dry or towel-dried hair.
• Take a fingertip-sized amount and rub it between your palms until it's warm and barely visible.
• Work it in from the back to the front, through the roots, not just on top.
• Shape it with your fingers. If it looks greasy, you used too much.

Look after what you have

Wash tees inside out in cold water and hang them or tumble dry on low, so they keep their size and color. Fold sweaters instead of hanging them. Clothes that look new for longer mean you buy less and look better doing it.