all very good except the straight razor one. It only takes one serious cut with a straight razor to undo months of work "looking good". They are a chore to keep sharp as well.

Buy good safety razors and learn to use them right, and slowly.

robdew

reminds me of "married with children" when al's barber wasn't around and him and his friends went to a stylist. they all had little perms. lmao

MuglyTheWorm

Straight razor? I recommend a safety razor (double edged, or "DE"). I recommend this video and this book. You'll look fabulous and you'll smell like a god.

Scott D. Feldstein

Wear good shoes and a nice watch.

Yeah, we know your beat up sneakers are more comfy and that your cellphone has a built-in clock, but that doesn't matter.

Women notice these things. Trust me.

And let's debunk the shaving myth right now.

A razor is a sharp metal blade and how it's mounted makes precious little difference whether it's naked (straight razor), in a safety razor handle, or mounted in a disposable plastic cartridge or handle.

You can get a shave that's indistinguishable from a straight or safety razor using a disposable Bic if you prep properly and use a shaving cream/soap that's ideal for your skin/whisker type. It's about 80% prep and 20% your dexterity with the razor.

Deprong Mori

What about girls (when it comes to clothing)?

BhavBhavBhav

If typically have a big problem with razor bumps, mostly along the neckline. I've found Tend Skin to be a godsend. No razor bumps at all anymore.

homerjay

@BhavBhavBhav: Less is more

PHermas

@Deprong Mori: Women also notice a clean shaven smooth face. It don't matter how it got that way.

Archnemesis_Goldenhair

@BhavBhavBhav: Watch what not to wear on TV, figure out what type of bod you have, then apply the appropiate rules.

Archnemesis_Goldenhair

@Scott D. Feldstein: The link to 'this video' links back to this article. Just so you know.

Maisiema

I just checked out the "Tend Skin" Web site. Unfortunately, the number one ingredient is alcohol--which irritates sensitive skin. Its active ingredient is aspirin.

I use Paula's Skin Relief Treatment. It does not contain alcohol, aspirin is the number one ingredient, and it appears to be cheaper than "Tend Skin". Just another option for those with sensitive skin.

auctoris

Women seem to enjoy a variety of faces, whether it be clean shaven, or with facial hair, but almost without exception, it must be well maintained and groomed.

Looking like you haven't shaved in a week and having rumpled clothing gives the impression that you have bad personal hygiene which for men is in fact often the case, sadly.

Deprong Mori

c'mon! 3/10 were JUST FOR GUYS and 0/10 were JUST FOR LADIES keep trying.. this is kind of sad.

AnitaJenkins

If you're getting razor bumps, try replacing the blade.

Even though that week-old one still seems to shave adequately, its edge may be worn and have imperfections that pull at your hair and skin, causing irritation, which produces the bumps.

I used to get bad razor bumps all the time on my neck, until I started replacing my blades at least every 4 shaves or so. I almost never get them now.

equazcion

Buy some decent clothes. You don't have to spend tons to get a decent set of gear (check www.bluefly.com for some good deals on great stuff), and if you do, it can last for quite some time. In college I bought a Kenneth Cole black v-neck shirt that I am wearing right now, is still as black as it was then (about 7 years ago) and looks great with almost anything. Go for classic colors, black, white, varying shades of gray, and give it a good look when you buy it. Does it have one crappy seam that you can pull apart with your hands? Or is it stitched well and looks like it will hold up. Avoid stuff with textures that will get caught on stuff and be ruined the first time you get it caught on a fingernail.

derekhaltom

I have almost mastered the japanese art of Tshirt folding

metalmarious

I think the idea here was to address a problem that is typically associated with males, and especially with males in tech fields. Good grooming isn't generally thought of as something that needs to be taught to females. The fact that this article wasn't aimed at you girls should be taken as a compliment.

equazcion

So apparently looking sharp = being male.

alyssa

It's possible to do all of these things and still fail to look sharp.

#11. Fix your posture.

imagia

@AnitaJenkins: Studies have shown that most people are in fact male.

equazcion

I don't have polishable dress shoes, but I do have parade boots for Cadets. 20 minutes with some Kiwi polish, a tooth brush, some warm water and a kiwi cloth gives a mirror finish I could (and have) shaved with.

One tip for shoes: don't forget to do the welts, the part where the main part of the shoe attaches to sole. When I rented a tuxedo for my prom, the store forgot to do this to the patent leather oxfords that came with it. Dirt and dust collects here and lots of people forget to clean it out. Take an old toothbrush and get a bit of polish on it, and gently clean this area. Also, don't forget to polish everything evenly. Try and get everything, even the insides to the same shine.

Never "burn polish" with an open flame or a heated spoon. I have been suggested both of these, and they do work. However, it could dry out the leather and cause probelms down the road and is just not worth it.

My final tip is one that I personally have not tried but others have and swear by it. If you forgot to do your shoes and you need a shine, try this. Take a cloth and buff out any scratches. Then, apply fresh polish to the toe of the shoe and run hot water from a sink or bathtub and run it over the toe.

Dragonis

If you're buying a suit make sure the shoulders of it hug your own, then get it tailored so that it fits perfectly. It doesn't have to be expensive, as long as it looks right.

Girls are hard to dress for, since many prefer specific and different styles on men. As long as you look groomed and dress true to your character, things like confidence and charm matter far more.

XRTwenty

Buy clothes that fit. I know that most of us want to be smaller, but if the measuring tape says your waist is 44", well, it's 44". Anything smaller will probably be uncomfortable and you won't feel (and therefore look) your best. Also remember that dress clothes and casual clothes are made of different material, so you can actually be a 42" in jeans and a 44" in dress slacks. The moral here is to get measured before you purchase anything. If you're male, and you have to wear a tie and present, sometimes you can get away with having your shirt collar 1/2" larger than the measurement - it'll give your throat room to move so you won't feel like you're being strangled.

sfines

For us ladies, dress to suit your body shape and get a haircut that flatters your face shape. Then, learn how to put on makeup properly. Not how to put on *lots* of makeup, just how to avoid raccoon eyes and the like.

drekadair

@undefined:

MyPetFly = FashionFail ;)

MyPetFly

@Archnemesis_Goldenhair: that show can have some tacky stuff. i've seen things and was like "what??" ... just because there's clothing available by a certain label doesn't mean it looks good.

for girls, if you go into a store that sells work clothes, pick out the nicest dressed girl (or one of them) and ask them to help you? or just wear clothes that look nice, that's all.

@PHermas: awful advice! no one will take you seriously if you look like a hooker. that's the wrong message you'd be sending.

pinkskittles

@alyssa: Most women know how to look sharp. They've got a whole sections in department stores just for that and dozens of magazines.

Guys just bumble along without guidance, even from commercial sources.

No man I've ever known, even gay mean, has ever asked someone how they looked in an outfit. It's not in our genes, it's not in our culture.

So give us a break, we can use all the help we can get.

Zadaz

On ties: Sure you could learn a perfectly symmetrical W or Half W, but really the simplest is the best.

The four-in-hand.

Honestly, if you're best man and want to show up the groom? You get yourself a good tie and you give yourself that extra bit of artful dishevelment that makes you a magnificent bastard. It's also perfect for being Bond or a skinny-tied Reservoir Dog.

Solaricide

Gentlemen, for more formal occasions / work / a red hot date, if you're wearing a suit, it should be fitted, a double cuff shirt with cufflinks is an absolute must, and a silk tie with a windsor or half-windsor knot will finish it off nicely. For footwear, go for a good pair of brogues.

Nothing bulky should be carried in any pockets (spoils the cut of the suit) and a breast pocket on a shirt is a definite no-no. Jewellery should be kept to an absolute minimum (anything more than a watch or wedding band is simply poor form).

Make sure face furniture is properly trimmed (e.g. sideburns) and you've had a good wet shave. A good eau de toilet, brushed white nashers, and you're ready to cut a dash.

Vestan_Pance

@auctoris: Yeah, for some reason this pisses off a lot of people. I have sensitive skin and it only bothers me if my skin is wet or damp when I apply it.
I'm almost out. Maybe I'll give Paula's a try.

homerjay

@pinkskittles: Point.

But really make sure your clothes fit right, not almost.

Archnemesis_Goldenhair

if you squint for a long time on the first picture it looks like a floating head getting a hair cut .. loooooool kinda funny

sorry for the offtopic

hellbAsement

@imagia: Absolutely! Shoulders back!!

Ajh

@equazcion: it's true. according to 2005 world census data 101 men per 100 women.

Ajh

@BhavBhavBhav: How to look sharp as a woman? Clothes style?

Both looks require you to have nice fitting underwear. Get bras that fit, bras that are comfortable. Web search on bra fitting to see how they should fit and then go to a store and find some in the right style for you. Slips and shaping garmets are nice if you have a lot of fine fabrics also.

Casual: Look for jeans that fit well. For short women with big chests like me that means flare. Boot cut looks good on just about anyone though. If they're too long get them hemmed up. Hip huggers are NOT attractive on most women.

Depending on your body type you can wear different things. Low cut's a nono for me because I look like a hooker, but my cousin has a small chest and isn't really curvy and looks nice in stuff that shows a bit of cleavage. If it needs ironing iron it. I hang my tshirts up because I am THAT BAD at folding.

Business: JC Penneys had a $200 skirt suit on sale for $20 one time. I snatched it up and got the skirt taken in for me for a modest tailoring fee. Shaping garments are nice here. You can actually get away with wearing the same suit 3 days in a row if you mix it up. One day I wore it with the jacket and a camisole. The next day I wore the skirt with a nice shirt. The third day I wore the jacket and camisole with some nice pants. After the third day I said screw it and looked for different work but yeah. Tailoring is the key here. Clearance racks and tailoring.

Ajh

@Ajh: I said "generally" and "typically". Of course there are exceptions. The article is aimed at the group with the general issue, not the exception.

equazcion

@equazcion: Or a sign of assumptions being wrong... My mother taught me none of these mysterious secrets for looking sharp. My grandmother taught me a few, and my stepmother a few more...the rest were from using google to search various things in an attempt to teach myself.

Ajh

Okay....but how do you avoid razor bumps on your legs?

Ajh

@drekadair: Google taught me how to do all of these things.

Ajh

Don't wear your cell phone on your belt. At least put it way in your pants or jacket.

AlessandroSils

@imagia: posture can even to a small extent hide some of those things that youre not very good at keeping up with, in my experience that is, i dont clean shave but i tend to forget to trim up but that little fact gets ignored on occasion because i dont slouch when i walk. if you look confident but not arrogant people are gonna notice you.

stryker1800

@Deprong Mori: A Ginsu and a plastic knife can each cut carrots, but everyone will know which one you used.

I used electric razors and disposables before switching to a dual edge safety razor. There is definitely a noticeable difference in the result, which isn't surprising considering that the surgical stainless steel blades that I use could cut through a disposable razor.

Even if I were to concede that there is no difference in result, the fact that there is a difference in method is enough of a reason to discriminate among shaving techniques.

elgilicious

@Scott D. Feldstein: There's just something about shaving with a stainless steel DE from Germany and applying Italian shaving cream with a British-made badger hair brush that makes safety razor shaving about as cool as straight razor shaving, but much more economical and efficient.

elgilicious

think sharp and pay attention

waicool

@Ajh: Wax?

BhavBhavBhav

@PHermas: That's nice but I'm a C++ developer so I am not sure how well that's go down....

BhavBhavBhav

@Ajh: Ugh, I am short and well endowed as well, so I always have trouble with my jeans. Luckily I have recently learned to use a sewing machine.

I find that long sleeved clothing usually serves me well if I have a little boobage showing, so that might work for you. Then again, I live in Canada, and it's always cold where I work.

BhavBhavBhav

Also: CLEAR SKIN, EVERYBODY. See a dermatologist if you must.

BhavBhavBhav

Ladies: I think the big hair thing for us would be making sure our hair is styled every day? Women seem to look so much sharper when their hair actually looks done (i.e. straightened or defined waves/curls). Then again, it takes me roughly 40 minutes to do my hair each day, which is far more effort than is deserved by my developer colleagues, imo.

BhavBhavBhav

@undefined: The trick I use with a dress shirt and a tie is to unbutton the top button once you've got the knot just right. Everything looks kosher and you get plenty of breathing room.

fluxrad

this is for the ladies as well as the gents, and it is regarding "freshen your breath without mints" (item #5 on the list above)---

what's a small, plastic tool; typically costs a buck or two (can be found at just about any $1 store); is better than any 'breath cover-up' (i.e., mints, herbs, mouthwash, gum, etc.); is ABSOLUTELY indispensable and a must-have for overall optimal oral health, hygiene and, yes, you guessed it: fresh breath (long and short term); takes LESS THAN 60 seconds to use; is significantly convenient and small enough to keep handy just about anywhere (even in your pocket if absolutely necessary!); a lot less expensive and easier to use than any herb or food items (i.e., it does not need to be consumed and therefore possibly leave particles of herb or food in between teeth, which is UNsharp in ANY setting!); and everyone SHOULD have one of these, though a lot of people don't even know that it exists???

hint: it's NOT a toothbrush nor does it have any bristles.

The Limority Report

Funny. I have people telling me I need a haircut and shave all the time lol.

jordanswogger

@equazcion: I remember reading somewhere that the reason why razor blades go dull is not (primarily?) from use, in the sense of as a result of being dragged across skin and whiskers, but from micro rust that develops on blades after use due to the blades being left damp. The article recommended blowdrying blades after use, and this article also suggests the same approach. Not sure whether the cost / benefit would be on the side of blowdrying, given the time, electricity and extra and wear-and-tear on the blow dryer, but maybe someone else has some thoughts on this?

planetthoughtful

On Wetshaving: The above link goes to an instrucable that doesn't exist any more. Try this:

[www.instructables.com]

Good Luck!

jabbrass

@Zadaz: I didn't say it was wrong for the article to be helping dudes; I just thought it was annoying that it acted universal at times and then at other times had rules that apply only to men.

And um, I don't look to magazines for how to look nice. I would end up spending thousands of dollars and I would have horrible self-confidence.

alyssa

I really like that spice mix from the Indian restaurants..does anyone know where it can be bought online? (or what it's called?)

karlawithak

@AnitaJenkins: or perhaps women don't need this kind of list?

karlawithak

@The Limority Report: what, dental floss?

Unseen Ultra

This isn't covered very often, but getting your "colours done" (finding which colours and shades suit your complexion) will stop you from looking tired or sallow.

amandakerik

@planetthoughtful: I'm sure this has been covered somewhere on LH, but it's recommended you have a glass of rubbing alcohol in your bathroom to rinse the razor after a shave.

The alcohol mixes with the water and evaporates quickly, reducing the amount of possible rust. They don't call it metal mould for kicks.

amandakerik

cut your nails. you have no idea how many people forget that...and it's very unappealing. Keep your hands in good condition people, they get noticed, trust me.

aurooba

I suggest getting the Spray Pump as well. It makes application much easier. You'll also get many more applications per bottle since you use less per application with the spray pump (i.e. you don't waste any putting it on a cotton ball or other applicator).

auctoris

@Ajh:

Just to add to the jeans comment: The person who popularized low-rise jeans has a special room in Hell awaiting them. Low-risers shorten your legs, flatten your butt, call attention to your midsection, all but guarantee plumber's crack when you sit down, and cause the dreaded "girl love handles" on women of all body types.

Mid- and high-rise jeans are a lot harder to find these days, but they're worth it. Just don't go too far and start wearing those ridiculous superhigh-waisted styles.

Superawesomerad

If you are balding don't grow your hair longer. And if you think that growing a beard is going to distract from your thinning hair, it is not.

If you are going bald, cut the hair very short and don't let the stylist leave any wispy hair to comb over. A good professional buzz cut looks far better than a silly fringe, and wispy hair.

If you have lost most of it and you have a decent shaped head, shave it clean and keep it shaved clean. Stay neatly dressed to avoid looking like a thug and scaring people!

baquwards

@undefined: no (but dental floss is good, too!) --- actually, it's a tongue scraper (or a small spoon can also do the same tongue-guck-scraping trick. :)

The Limority Report

@undefined:

Seconded.

dasverlangen

I find it funny that you suggest using a straight razor to be a man's man, yet make no mention of going to a real barber shop.

UnderLoK

On haircut reminders: Schedule your next 6-8 week out haircut (or whenever best suits your style) while paying for your current haircut.

chiieddy

@amandakerik:
Have heard of this before, but how do you get it done? (For both male and female)

I think most of us get an idea from feedback about colors, but still a challenge to figure out.

etnie21

@AlessandroSils:
This is an absolute. I don't care if you have a smartphone/pager/phone and some other device to carry around. Figure out anything other then carrying your device on your belt!

etnie21

@sfines:
This is still a general feel for clothes. Manufacturers clothing is not all the same.

Ie. A 31 from calvin klein is not the same as a 31 from gap. Same goes for shirts. I have been a small, medium, or large depending on what I was buying.

It gets even worse with women's clothing.

etnie21

has anyone really done the baby powder in the greasy hair trick successfully? Come on - if you are not a morning person, then at least shower and wash your hair at night.

computermom

I recently got the best shaving tip of my life. When shaving, rinse the blade in cold water. The shave will be much closer than usual.

ThickSkinned

A tip for women on a date: show up

iain010100

Be on time!

Xiu MeiZefron

I don't think having hair cut and being clean shaven is such a priority anymore. Maybe it's just because I was temping alot, but no one seemed to mind my neat goatee and tied back hair. Infact, I even think it gave me an edge over every other worker, who managed to all look the same with perfectly short hair and a smooth face.

The_Prince_Of_Rinse

Oh come on, these are 'just for men' sure, but they're for the men who seem to have no idea. Hopefully there are few of them out there, and the ladies already have a decent idea! If not, ladies, go buy one of the million magazines geared toward just this purpose -- men have very few options in this regard. Even these tips are pretty lame. Shaving and razor bumps people -- you need to spend more time (1) moisturizing your whiskers with steam, hot water, or lotion before shaving, and (2) plucking hairs with a tweezers to prevent the ingrowns from becoming bumps.

VimalScratchy

A few thoughts for the guys...

Either shave or have a beard; nothing in between. Stubble just gives the impression that you haven't washed recently. Urgh.

Try to make sure your colours harmonise. It's amazing how many people just don't do this. You can stand out simply by wearing clothes that actually go together.
If you struggle a bit with this, the 'one thing coloured and everything else black' rule works pretty well.

If you're in your mid-thirties or later, beware of jeans, as it's quite possible that your bottom's starting to shrink and/or migrate downwards, and jeans will really emphasis this. Unless you want to go for the sad-aging-rocker look, jeans may not be doing you any favours any more.

And finally...
Don't be British. Seriously; have you seen the way men dress here?

PaulOfCongleton