A Debonair State of Mind.

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Not too long ago a very close friend of mine asked me what I thought were the essentials he needed in his wardrobe. I knew what answers to give him immediately but I realized that I had so much more to learn about menswear. One thing I know for sure is that a great man is made of more than just his apparel. I find it such a pleasure to see a well dressed poised man and a greater pleasure to find that he has a great mind and exemplary character! Menswear shopping itself can be quite the challenge let alone being this "great" man. Nonetheless, it's always good to have a list that we can refer to in order to achieve a debonair look and state of mind.

In my opinion, these are the thirteen quintessential things that every man should have:

1. A good sense of humour
I believe that this goes hand in hand with a great mind and hard work.

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2. Confidence, charisma and good character.
These qualities make you a tad more pleasant!

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3. A daily read.
Why read? It exponentially builds your vocabulary, improves your concentration, improves your imagination, improves memory, makes you more interesting, reduces stress and so forth. It could be a newspaper to start your day, a magazine or an interesting book.

4. A pleasant signature cologne.
Why isn't this number one again?

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5. A constant work out and a sport you love.
You have to take care of your body as much as you take care of your intellect and your apparel. Don't slack and gain flab! Engage yourself in a sport that you love and you are good in. A good constant work out to keep that body fit. One question: have you seen any ladies swooning over a sluggish man? Nope! Well, think about that! Lol!

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6. Wardrobe fundamentals.
A crisp white cotton shirt, a plain (white/black/grey) tee, plain black and white vests and a new pair of socks.

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7. Tailoring
An impeccably fitting suit: dark coloured, well cut and well tailored. This conveys nothing less than power and authority.

"A well tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men"

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8. The casuals.
A pair of blue denim jeans with perfect fit. It should neither be too tight nor too loose. Friends, avoid these extremities. One should also have a pair of low top sneakers such as vans, plimsolls or converse shoes and a pair of smart moccasins.

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9. The right cover up.
A marl grey sweater, a smart and well tailored blazer, a sport coat, a black leather jacket, a double breasted pea coat, a well fitting trench coat, a woollen jacket that hits right below your hips and/or a casual duffle coat with toggles. Make sure it isn't too long though lest you look like you're in the Matrix. Haha!

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10. Good shoes.
Derbies, loafers, oxfords, wing tips, monk straps, brogues, desert, boat shoes e.t.c. Whichever tickles your fancy! Just keep them clean and in mint condition.

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11. Efficient accessories
A simple dark tie, a good bag (one you can put your documents in in case of an interview), a classic leather wallet or a money clip (avoid bulkiness and keep it simple), a clean handkerchief, a good pair of cufflinks and a classic leather or a metallic banded watch. Never too flashy!

  "Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication" -Leonardo Da Vinci

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12. Cool accessories
The perfect sunglasses and maybe a good hat to wear once in a while.

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13. Last but not least, a great smile! :)

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There are obviously many other qualities that make up a dandy man but why not start with these essentials? You've got to live well, eat well, carry yourself out impeccably and dress absolutely dapper! Watch how those simple moves will change your lives my friends.

Have an amazing weekend filled with love and laughter and send this to a man who needs it!

xx
Mimmie.