A classically cool life is based around respect, personal style, and care for the details. The gentleman’s style code is a set of 10 timeless rules that will help you find success and personal fulfillment in whatever drives you.
01: The Rule of Presence – Is Chivalry Dead or Does it Simply Require Being More Present?
Chivalry isn’t dead. It has evolved into the practice of being present and mindful in every interaction. The way you conduct yourself says everything about your personality and goals. A modern gentleman commits his attention and distances himself from distractions. He listens actively and shows appreciation for the time and conversation of those around him.
This Rule of Presence helps you to stand out in the workplace and makes you more attractive and engaging in social situations.
02: The Rule of Digital Discipline – How Should You Handle Your Smartphone in Formal, Social, and Professional Settings?
Keep your smartphone silent and out of sight. That’s the only way to handle a smartphone in face-to-face situations. A gentleman prioritizes personal engagement over digital stimulus. A smartphone is an innovative tool for communication, but when you’re with people at work, out to dinner, or in any scenario, it should be in the background.
03: The Rule of Introduction – How Does a Gentleman Properly Introduce People?
Introducing people in business or personal life follows a defined structure by announcing each person in order of rank or age. This is a simple, structured approach, and you can enhance it by adding a relevant fact with each person to promote conversation and ensure each name is remembered. This simple rule for a classically cool life works wonders in the workplace or in large social groups.
04: The Rule of Self Assurance: Know the Difference Between Arrogance and Confidence
The key difference between untamed arrogance and confidence is competence. With competence, you can project a quiet and cool confidence rooted in the things you know or perform well at. Arrogance is rooted in the need for external validation and overstating your abilities.
Leverage your skills and knowledge confidently and calmly, and you will avoid arrogance with ease. Ask questions, listen, and respect the skills and opinions of others.
05: The Rule of Fit: How Does Clothing Project Authority and Confidence in a Gentleman?
Your clothing can project confidence when it fits precisely, flatters your figure, and helps you maintain a poised and purposeful silhouette. A few simple tips will immediately improve your fit:
· Find a balance between tight and loose. A perfect fit offers room for movement, but overly baggy clothing looks sloppy.
· Focus on color. Combine palettes that reflect the season or your environment.
· Texturize with accessories like handcrafted hats, ties, belts, or whatever suits the outfit.
· Try wearing suspenders. They can improve your silhouette more than a belt by creating a cleaner line with a natural drape and a more distinguished appearance. Our Crazy Horse Flex Black Slim Suspenders are perfect for formal wear or jeans and a well-fitted shirt.
The Rule of Fit relies heavily on developing a signature look. You can follow our comprehensive style guide to find yours.
06: The Rule of Punctuality: How Does a Gentleman Stay Punctual?
One trait shared between the modern and classical gentleman is a meticulous appreciation for time and punctuality. A gentleman aims to arrive five to ten minutes early for any engagement. Being on time ensures you are prepared for business meetings, it shows appreciation for people’s time, and it projects a sense of respect and attention to detail.
A real watch gives you a more tangible appreciation for the passage of time. Wearing one can also elevate your personal style. The Apollo Men’s Watch is a sophisticated timepiece that dresses up for any outfit.
07: The Rule of a Personal Brand: What are the Essential Daily Grooming Rituals a Gentleman Doesn’t Skip?
Your personal brand incorporates your clothing and accessories, as well as your daily grooming. Essential grooming steps like hair care, skincare, and beard maintenance project diligence, care for presentation, and discipline.
· Moisturize daily to avoid oily skin and reduce aging. A quality water-based moisturizer is the best option.
· Maintain your hair. A light pomade, gel, or spray is the best way to define your hair while keeping a natural look. This Sea Salt Texturizing Spray gives light hold and adds volume. Use a leave-in conditioner for curled hair. It helps retain moisture and avoids a messy, unkempt look.
· Maintain your beard. A beard projects masculinity, but it’s also a subtle psychological sign that you dedicate time and precision to your grooming routine. The Beechwood and Boar Bristle Beard Brush helps to keep longer beards looking defined, while this Shave Care Essentials set is perfect for helping to keep a clean shave or to maintain beard and moustache edges.
08: The Rule of Aroma: Why is a Signature Scent Essential for a Gentleman?
A signature scent is key to a modern gentleman’s lifestyle because it’s the foundation of a personal brand that attracts people and further reinforces your attention to smaller details.
You can choose light scents for spring and summer and deeper, more masculine scents in winter, but some fragrances ignore the rules and cover every season.
The Dear Barber “With Confidence” Eau De Toilette for Men is a unique scent that is suitable for all-year wear. Notes of citrusy Bergamot express perfectly during the warmer months, while deeper Musk, Vanilla, and Leather come to the fore in fall and winter.
Other products like Post Shave Balm and some moisturizers can add subtle notes to your signature scent.
09: The Rule of Integrity: How Does a Modern Gentleman Make His Word His Bond?
A gentleman maintains and follows through by only making commitments he can realistically keep. This is one of the simplest rules to follow. When you recognize that your reputation is your most valuable currency, you will prioritize honesty and accountability. Set expectations that you can uphold.
10: The Rule of Gratitude: How Does Thankfulness Define a Cool and Classy Gentleman?
Saying “thank you” isn’t the same as gratitude. Thankfulness defines you because it is genuine. You can show appreciation by offering a timely, personalized, and sincere acknowledgement when someone has offered you kindness, generosity, or any personal benefit.
Gratitude can be words, something you do, or something tangible, like a gift for someone who has gone above and beyond. Gifts are particularly effective in professional settings. A tie is the perfect gift for a colleague. This Bourbon Row Handprinted Silk Necktie is an example of a simple gift that shows appreciation and reinforces the fact that you are a gentleman of style and purpose.
The Smokin’ Gentleman curates a distinguished collection of men’s style and grooming products to elevate your look and help you embrace a classically cool life. Find your personal style by visiting our Port Jefferson boutique for personalized assistance or order any of our products online. Updating your style and changing your mindset to embody the modern gentleman will help you succeed in anything that matters to you.
Address: 308 Main St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777