Rickz Fine Clothing

Even the best suits need altering. In men's fashion this is probably the most important detail that is not always adhered to. Pants need to be shortened, jackets need to be brought in, sleeves need to be narrowed and buttons need to be realigned with buttonholes.

SUIT OFF THE RACK - If you're going to buy off the rack, you should always buy your correct size, and then have a tailor customize it to your body. Your suit’s shoulders should hug your shoulders (not just out past them). Also, have your tailor size the sleeves so they stop at the hinge of your wrist and to size the pants so they break once. Having your tailor properly fit your suit is the difference between being appropriately dressed and being stylishly dressed.

CUSTOM SUIT - Custom tailored suits and even dress shirts are another option. Custom tailoring means that everything will fit right - and if you need to have a lot of alterations done on ready-made clothes, it may be an economical alternative.

REGULAR SUIT/CLASSIC SUIT - If you're wearing a trim, modern suit with flat-front pants—the kind often shown in men's fashion magazines—you should not cuff your pants. However, if you're a guy who likes a classic suit/high fashion suit with a single/double pleat, go for a cuff—but not more than one and a half inches deep.

SOCKS - Match your socks with your suit. Another must in men's fashion. When choosing socks, the basic rule is to consider the suit instead of the shoe—in other words, if you're wearing a navy suit with black shoes, reach for navy socks. And when wearing a light suit, make sure the socks are darker than the suit but a shade or so lighter than the shoes.

SHIRT - If you're wearing a conventional white see-through dress shirt, you have two options: Skip the undershirt and you'll look clean and stylish. Or, if you're a hairy guy who perspires a lot and you feel safer in an undershirt, wear a crewneck.

WALLET - Buy an elegant, slim leather credit card holder and stock it with your essential cards. Then, fold your cash in a money clip. 

SHOES - Wear brown shoes—with nearly everything. Black dress shoes are easy—they're understated and tasteful. People notice brown dress shoes because they are stylish. They go best with gray, khaki, or navy. Dark brown shoes are easier to pull off than light brown ones.

• Put toe taps on your leather-soled dress shoes. They will significantly increase the shoes' life span.

• If you're going to own one sweater, make it a charcoal gray v-neck. It goes perfectly with a dark suit in fall or winter and with jeans or cords in spring.

• A black belt works with khakis, jeans, suits, everything. It is the one belt every man should own.

Invest in a classic one- or two-button tuxedo with peak or notch lapels. It makes no sense (stylistically or fiscally) to rent a tuxedo each time you attend a black-tie event.