Looking Great Without Overdressing

CEBU, Philippines - You walk into the reception area for your interview with that cool Tech start-up. You notice that all eyes are on you…for the wrong reasons! You're wearing a suit in a casual work environment. Embarrassing!

Most guys don't overdress on purpose and just want to make a good first impression. But the intention of making that good first impression can backfire if you don't do research and consider your surroundings.

There's a difference between dressing up and looking sharp. And it has everything to do with understanding certain things.

Know The Dress Code

Your environment matters. This doesn't mean though that you must dress exactly like everyone. You just have to be aware of the status quo. When going for a job interview, take cues from what the other employees are wearing so you don't stick out.

Is everybody buttoned-up or in T-shirts? Do they stroll around in dress shoes or sneakers?

Upgrade The Quality

Clothes of better quality sharpen your look further with small details (or lack of them). Take dress shirts for example. Are there loose threads? Are the gussets and placket sewn neatly? Those are some ways to tell whether you might want a new shirt from a different brand.

What if you're aiming to look more professional, trustworthy or something along those lines? That's when it pays to upgrade to a "higher" outfit than the norm. If you're a lawyer in a small town - it helps you express "I'm your guy!" better than less formally dressed lawyers.

But remember not all occasions call for top-quality clothing. Sometimes it's about modesty. If you're not the star, don't dress like you are.

Understand Your Fit

This is the #1 rule to wearing anything well. Fit reigns supreme. You wouldn't want to look less in shape than you really are!

Why do most suited up celebrities own the red carpet? The key is understanding size. Take it directly from some of Hollywood's expert stylists:

Jeanne Yang, Alexander Skarsgard's stylist:

"Every 38 thinks he is a 40, and every 40 thinks he is a 42 … Too big of clothes makes you look bigger, shorter, and slovenly."

Jeff K. Kim, Michael B. Jordan's stylist:

"Buy something that fits you properly, and looks amazing on you, you'll end up training yourself to buy the right size all the time."

It's really helpful to work on fit with a tailor. Tailors who understand construction can do wonders with that blazer or pair of jeans you just purchased. Having a tailor adjust the fabric enough to complement your body - it takes 10 minutes and a little cash. There's no harm in getting their help.

Discover Your Colors

That's right - everybody has their colors that look best on them. The key point of reference is your skin tone. Colors that flatter you the most create a strong contrast with your skin. Darker tones contrast with light-colored clothing while lighter ones contrast with darker shades and deeper hues.

Monochrome generally works for most of the population. Studies show black, white and gray are neutral colors - meaning most clothes don't look strikingly odd in them. They also denote someone of authority (gray) or someone who means business (black). So remember the psychology behind these colors.

Wear Versatile Outfits

There are cases when you're not 100 percent sure how to dress. You might be heading to different places on the same day. What if it's a sales role between rural and urban settings? Or what if you're heading straight to a date after work?

The solution is an outfit that can "transform" into something less formal while still looking good. A shed jacket or fancy tie can be good options. These are items you can easily take off or put back on - and they make a huge difference. You need flexibility to send the right messages in back-to-back situations.

Use Accessories

Some of us get so fixated on clothes and forget about accessories. Bear in mind people might notice an accessory before they look at everything else. It might be a nice watch - crystals like synthetic sapphire and mineral glass make excellent watches. Or maybe it's your bag or pair of shades.

Women have purses, men have bags. Don't underestimate what the bag you bring to work says about you. It can complement your outfit. It can make you look smarter and more respectable. So go with something classy like a messenger bag (made of leather). Match it with your belt and shoes - leather represents wealth.

Bonus Tip: Practice Wearing The Outfit To Build Confidence

We can go on and on about dressing up nicely but personality carries just as much weight (if not more). Your outfit should highlight - not replace - the charm and confidence you can exude. Clothes alone don't fully impress. You must be personable as well.

If you do find yourself overdressed for something, remember how easy it is to break that wall between you and the rest. There's power in smiling and giving firm handshakes.

Just keep it in the back of your mind to never be too serious about your outfit (or anyone else's). Clothes don't tell the whole story. - Antonio Centeno (www.realmenrealstyle.com) (FREEMAN)