As we gear up from our next Trunk Show in Chicago and New York, June 3 – 6, it is time to think about US style and what makes a well-dressed man.

A simple rule to apply to sartorial decisions is Richard Koch’s 80:20 rule – 80% of your outcomes come from 20% of your inputs. This can be just as easily applied to a gentleman’s dress code as to his entrepreneurial activities, in particular the power of accessories.

If 80% of your sartorial impact comes from 20% of your outfit this only goes to emphasise how important those finishing touches can be. Ostensibly your choice of tie, cufflink, sock or shoe can make or break an outfit …so gentlemen choose carefully.

Given the impact accessories can have, perhaps it is time to switch the rules about? Yes, choose your suiting, shirting and overcoat with care. But instead of seeing your accessories as a less important necessity, apply the 80:20 rule and you will see that they in fact are the deal-breakers. How often have you eyed the competition and thought “He’s trouble…nice cloth, well cut suit, great shirt and tie” and then smiled to yourself as you spot the below-par footwear and know that the deal is yours?

It happens all of the time in social situations too. A beautiful woman sits with friends at the bar, is approached by an immaculately groomed gent, he’s got the patter, charm, a nice watch and then she looks down at the shoes….and oh dear, he’s failed the 80:20 rule.  She turns back to her friends…

So gentlemen, come to see us at carréducker@gieves&hawkes and we’ll help you to seal the deal!