How do you define a sharp or well-dressed man? By the attention he draws from others? By the amount of money he spends on his “gear”, as some men like to refer to their attire.

The simple fact of the matter is that a well-dressed man is not made or created by others. A well-dressed man is in all of us, and the key to bringing him forward is to help him realize that he can be comfortable in clothes that fit him well. When a man feels good, his confidence level is higher, regardless of the setting he may enter.

I want to provide you with five basic essential pieces that you may use to help you become a confident, sharp dressed man.

Now that you are covered from waist up, what do you add to tie this look together? The third item you should have is a pair of dark denim jeans, which can range from boot leg to relaxed fit, based on your comfort level. The rule when selecting jeans is to ensure you can do a high kick in them to ensure they fit. You can also try a trick I learned a while back: if the waist fits around your neck when it is folded in half, it will fit around your waist. Trust me…

Trust is an interesting term to introduce the fourth item–a black or brown belt, which is key to matching any outfit you may need to put together. Whether you are entering the boardroom or the local pub, a trusty belt will ensure your pants or slacks stay in place. Make sure it is clean and made strong. Make sure it is something you could wear to an interview, or have a “special” friend find on their bedroom floor.

As we make our way down to the ground, it is safe to conclude with a solid pair of shoes or boots. For interview day, graduation, church, or the day-to-day business setting, it is safe to go with a basic black pair to start out with. A trick to choosing a comfortable, classic pair is finding a pair that will fit you. If you try on a pair and they make you feel awkward, do not buy them, regardless of how much you like them. If you march into the boss’ office demanding a raise, they will not make you feel confident enough to get it. The secret to walking into a not-so-ideal situation with confidence is in the shoes.

These are the five essential items that will help build your confidence level. As a well-dressed, confident man, I will be here to offer you tips and answer any questions you may have on your journey to become one of Austin’s sharp-dressed men.