These are the conclusions I drew from shopping with my wife.
All it really takes is a decent shirt to look nice for most people. If that doesn't do it, you need some time in the gym. A decent shirt doesn't mean to go to Wal-Mart and grab something with a collar. You might think you're getting a deal, but you look like trash. If that's not important to you, then you probably found yourself in the wrong thread.
If you want to assemble the whole package, here's what you should hit:
- a few nice polos and button-up shirts (name brands with logos on the chest)
- a nice-looking watch, preferably stainless steel
- properly fitting jeans and khakis (not saggy, not tight)
- black and brown belts (always wear one)
- casual shoes that you wouldn't wear in a gym
- conservative sunglasses that fit your face
Most of these things are for looking nice, but the brands only really matter on the shirts. Everything else is fit and what you like. My philosophy with shirts—if they aren't proud enough to put their logo on it, then you shouldn't be proud enough to wear it. They cost more, and I wasn't always a believer until my wife took me to some of these stores to try them out.
The fit is worth the money. Go find an outlet store and try for yourself. Colors don't matter much. Just grab Polos and other name brands on clearance. Some brands have weird cuts, like Lacoste. If it just doesn't look right to you, find a different brand.
The watch can get expensive, but this one is all about appearance. A nice-looking watch isn't necessarily a nice watch. If you don't mind the time-keeping being imperfect, you can look into Invicta, Infantry, and other cheap brands for good style. We're not all buying Rolex. I've got college loans and a fast car with a modding habit. I'd rather have a decent looking watch than the world's most refined timepiece and no Camaro. If you can swing several thousand on a watch collection, go wild.
Sunglasses are another oddball for people. Bright colors and craziness are not for the refined man. I usually wear aviators or Oakleys—military guys need to check out their Standard Issue site for the best deals. Conservative glasses doesn't mean camo with NRA stickers. It means black, beige, or otherwise not flashy. They shouldn't look out of place. If you're wearing combat-spec lenses made for the battlefield in a suit, you'll look weird. Have someone help you pick out some decent ones. Brand isn't all that important, but it wouldn't kill you to spend a few bucks on some decent shades. You'll probably take better care of a set of Oakleys than some Ray Ban knock-offs you found at the gas station.
Now that I look back at this post, I'm shocked I had that much to say about fashion. I need to drink a beer and eat some red meat to feel like a man again.