If you want to know the answer, don’t ask your friends, your workmates or your tailor. Ask a woman…
KIM CATTRALL (actress)
GOOD – A scarf. It adds colour and flair to a conservative or relaxed style. And a scent. Something subtle that you remember.
BAD – Men wearing knee-high white socks when they’re not playing cricket.
JOAN COLLINS (actress, author)
GOOD – A man can’t go wrong in a well-cut suit with a beautiful shirt and tie and well-polished shoes. I like jeans – if they fit – with an open-necked shirt, a leather jacket and loafers.
BAD – Speedos or budgie-smugglers. Hideous, even on professional swimmers. Low-slung jeans do nothing for me, either. Men with too much jewellery are suspect. Underwear showing is horrid, too.
CARLA BRUNI (singer, model)
GOOD – What looks good on a man? A dark suit. Jeans and a white shirt, too. And I miss hats and gloves – very chic.
BAD – Bow ties. Unless it’s on evening wear. Or a shirt with short sleeves. I think short sleeves are like the devil to me.
EVA LONGORIA (actress)
GOOD – A suit. It should be tailored and fitted. And a good watch, classy and understated, as opposed to flashy and statement-oriented.
BAD– Never wear too much cologne. And I hate knitted sweaters. It just seems really feminine for a man to wear a knitted sweater with a shirt. Men should never wear high-waisted pants.
STACEY SMITH (menswear buyer, matchesfashion.com)
GOOD – It’s about wearing what feels comfortable, and having confidence in how you dress – some of the best-dressed men ignore “the rules”. That said, every man should invest in the best shoes they can afford.
BAD – Not taking care of yourself. Make sure shirts are pristine white, keep clothes well-ironed and well looked after.
NAOMIE HARRIS (actress)
GOOD – It’s all about confidence. Being comfortable in your own skin, there is something so attractive about that.
BAD – A man should never, ever wear Ugg boots. I love my Ugg boots, I live in my Ugg boots, they are life-changing. But a man shouldn’t do it. It is not cool. Ugg boots worn with confidence? Now that’s a difficult conundrum.
ALISON LOEHNI (president, net-a-porter.com)
GOOD – It’s a simple formula: a perfectly cut jacket, a crisp shirt, a great cashmere sweater, chinos. A great pair of sneakers or shoes by John Lobb.
BAD – Tuck fitted shirts in nice and tight – the last thing you want is anything looking too blousy. And a man should never wear shorts in the city.
DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD (designer)
GOOD – I love long hair on men.
BAD – Tattoos – with the occasional exception. Most people are lacking in culture and choose images that don’t mean anything. Also, a man shouldn’t wear his shirt over his trousers. Every now and again it works. But mostly they end up looking like babies.
HELENA CHRISTENSEN (model, photographer)
GOOD – Clothes that are an expression of a man’s spirit, charisma, humour and intellect.
BAD – As long as it’s a true extension of their personality, men should just go for it. They can look good in pretty much anything, even dresses. Maybe not knee socks.
LENA HEADEY (actress)
GOOD – Humour and confidence. And the occasional well-fitting tuxedo never hurt anyone.
BAD – Too tight trousers. No one needs to see a man-toe wrapped and wrinkled, sweaty fabric.
GARANCE DORE’ (photographer)
GOOD – I like a man who’s not afraid to play with fashion. When it’s too polished, its distracting. And good scent is the perfect to-die-for touch.
BAD – I’m not a fan of deep V-necks. And I have a problem with pointy shoes.
TRACEY EMIN (artist)
GOOD – A well tailored waistcoat is the sexiest thing that a man can wear.
BAD – High-waisted red trousers.
BRIT MARLING (actress, writer, producer)
GOOD – Suits look good. But a police uniform looks even better! Jimmy Nesbitt in his [Danny Boyle’s] Babylon is a sight to behold.
BAD – Sweatpants. With the ankles bunched up.
CATHERINE HAYWARD (fashion director, esquire UK)
GOOD – Baseball T-shirts with a contrast raglan colourful sleeve – emphasises a strong shoulder . A cable knit chunky sweater in navy or neutral cream, with a white T-shirt and dark jeans.
BAD– V-neck sweaters – runs the risk of stray chest hair peeping over the top. Also, cheap shoes with a pointed toe.