60-Second Style:10 Rules I Abide by as Fashion Editor

1. Many times, it’s the most expensive garment in an outfit that’s the most plain-looking.
It might not make sense at first, but the first fashion rule applies here: Invest in classics you’ll wear forever. You can definitely spend on trendier pieces from designers, but how long will you be able to enjoy them? Two, 3 months the most? Not much mileage there, right?

2. Always try a size lower than what you think you are.
Believe me, you might think it’s too small but more often than not, you’ll realize that it’s your true size. (If a size down is too tight then no worries, at least you tried.)

3. And always try everything on.
Sizing across designers and brands are never consistent. I’ll use myself as example: I’m S or XS at Gap and Old Navy, but I’m a medium in Zara and Topman. Regardless, #2 rule still applies—I thought I was an M at Old Navy, but found that size too baggy.

4. The only time you have to match your belt with your shoes is when you’re wearing black and brown.
Black shoes and black belt (and black watch if you have one); brown shoes and brown belt (match the hue as closely as possible). When you’re wearing sneakers, or any other hue, feel free to relax—even break—this rule.

5. I’ve talked to many women’s-magazine fashion editors, and they all agree on one thing: Your pants are too baggy.
They wanna see a nice outline of our asses, guys.

6. I’ve also talked to many women’s-magazine beauty editors, and they all agree on one thing: Your unibrow is disgusting.
Shave it, pluck it, wax it, laser it, thread it, do everything you can to get rid of it. Whenever I have it professionally done, I decline when they ask me if I want the rest of my brows fixed as well, because they always mess up. No unibrow: Good. Girly arched brows? No, thanks.

7. Everyone looks fantastic in a garment with epaulets.
And there’s the added bonus of broadening your shoulders—a study shows that women look at a man’s shoulders to perceive how “strong” and in-control they are. So wouldn’t you want it?

8. Your shoes: Never pointy, never square.
Rounded, slightly elongated toe: Now you’re getting the idea.

9. Try on as many brands as you can.
I know I may be asking for too much—adding an extra hour or 2 to your trip to the mall, but really, having access to many brand names and designers taught me one thing: There’s always one that will completely impress one guy, but will disappoint the other. Once you find a clothesmaker that churns out things you always like, show some love—but don’t be exclusive, because there’s another one that will impress you equally.

10. Finally: Clothes will wear, colors will fade, and jeans will tear.
Throw. Them. Out. I guarantee you’ll find a replacement for them in your next shopping trip.

Images 1-5, 7-10 from men.style.com; image 6 from bellasugar.com