Style matters. However, a lot of men think that being stylist simply means going for broke and stockpiling on expensive designer wear. This isn’t the case, though. You might have all the name brands, but if they don’t come together properly, you’ve just found an expensive way to look unremarkable.

True, sometimes money helps—like getting tailor-made clothes that fit you perfectly. However, there are other, simpler things you might do to help you look suave. So, without further ado, here are the top style hacks we recommend for men.

Buy Quality

Like we’ve said, spending big money on a brand name isn’t always the best way to go. That high cost is mainly going towards the brand-name tax. Instead, we recommend prioritizing the physical quality of whatever you’re buying. Whether it’s a shirt or a pair of jeans, your biggest priority should be what the garment is made of, how well it fits you, and how well-constructed it is. When you find it, you will notice that you look sharp when wearing it. This is because good-quality clothes always look good, and they also last long—which should save you some money in the long run.

Bleach White Shoelaces

White trainers are among the most challenging to maintain. Shoes interact with the ground, and they easily pick up dirt. You can clean them, but with time, they will become more of a challenge to keep spotless.

The laces, though, simply refuse to go back to their pure-white brilliance after a couple of washes. No matter how hard you scrub them, they will not look spotless. That is, unless you use bleach. Simply soak your white shoelaces inside a container filled with bleach. This will brighten them again, and will help your sneakers to look new again.

Complement Your Body

Not every color, pattern, or print fits every skin tone or body type. But when they match, you can look amazing. If you have pale skin, for instance, avoid neutral colors like black and white as well as any washed-out hues. If you have dark skin, the only thing you shouldn’t overdo is brown.

Wearing dark colors—and clothes with vertical stripes—will make you look slimmer and taller. If you’re well-built or a little round around the middle, avoid horizontal lines and cluttered prints; they will make you seem bulkier.

Dress For The Season

Just like you wouldn’t wear something light during winter, you would not want to dress in warm clothes during summer. Yet there are events that necessitate us wearing multiple items of clothing on top of each other—like a summer wedding, where a three-piece suit is essential. On such an occasion, simply ensure that the clothes you’re wearing are made from a thin material, such as voile cloth. This way, you will be able to wear your jacket most of the way without sweating by the bucketload.

Don’t Match Everything

Matching everything is a bad idea. Half the time, you will look like you’re in uniform. Contrasting attire almost always look better than fully matching everything. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t match any of the clothes you wear. Instead, we recommend that you match two items of clothing. This can be your belt and wristwatch, or even your belt and shoes, or another combination that works well for you. But in the end, you’re the one who dictates what you’re comfortable in. So, mix and match and find what suits you best.

Shed The Tee

This is something a lot of models are doing nowadays. Basically, if you’re planning to wear a sweatshirt or jumper, we suggest doing away with the shirt. You will look significantly more stylish because you’ve shed an unnecessary layer of clothing.

However, if you do this, be sure to apply more than enough antiperspirant; you don’t want to stain your top with sweat.

Muhammad Ali was the world heavyweight boxing champion, an Olympic gold medalist, philanthropist, and a fierce advocate for civil rights.

He was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions and regarded as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.

He was a highly politicized figure and a member of the Nation of Islam with Malcolm X as a mentor. Cassius Clay is his government name and part of his legacy was showing his African roots beyond just racism and civil unrest.

He said: “I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” That statement is what we think governs his style.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches  Ali had a great and deliberate command of his presence. The style lesson is simple, be bold because all eyes will be on you anyway, might as well give them a show.

The champ was not only known to be a social activist, or for his unique fighting style in the ring but he was also known for his elegant style and swagger outside of the ring as well.

Muhammad Ali could be spotted rocking anything from a crisp suit during the week or a dapper robe on the weekend.

He was known for bowler hats, flower lapels, custom-tailored suits, and those infamous Wayfarer sunglasses.

Here are 3 of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable looks starting with a classic suit and tie.

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1. Our favorite suited looks

Designer Nikhil Mehra described Ali as always ahead of his time saying  “Muhammad Ali always wore dapper suits. He had rhythm in and out of the ring,” says . “I remember Ali making style statements in colorful, immaculately-designed boxing robes,” says designer Anand Bhushan.

2. The Muhammad Ali Robes

Every man needs a great robe! Something comfortable for right out of the shower, taking business calls on a Sunday, the day after a date night, pick your poison. The key to a comfortable robe is functionality as well as comfort.

Muhammad Ali was known for his robe choice, but the iconic picture below was one of our favorites. Probably not a robe we would pick off a rack but looking at this picture one we would choose without batting an eye after seeing Ali rock it effortlessly.

Here, Muhammad Ali relaxes at home before his last fight with Larry Holmes, August 3, 1980, Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Paul Harris/Getty Images

There’s definitely a certain amount of swag and confidence you need to pull this one-off. Here Ali is pictured in a simple classic white robe but when worn by Ali, it is now a part of history.

3. Keeping it casual

Casual wear isn’t the same for every man, some black men prefer, basketball shorts and t-shirts, some prefer jeans and a button-up, just depends on your mood and the occasion.

If you are an older guy or if you think back to what your father or grandfather would wear casually, it was probably something similar to what Muhammad Ali wore while playing pool.

A button-up shirt with two pockets, a belt, and comfortable pants.

Photo by Paul Harris/Getty Images

Below, Ali opted for a collard button up again with a single pocket.

Your old man will tell you that he needs a pocket so that he can put his pen or a small note pad for those Saturdays he head’s out to the betting shop. Either way, it’s a classic style that has never really gone away.

Muhammad Ali died at the young age of 74 on June 3, 2016, in Phoenix, Arizona, after being hospitalized for what was reported as a respiratory issue.  He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and spinal stenosis.

If he were alive and well, we would still be taking style cues from the man who refused to ever dim his light in the ring and show off his style outside of the ring.

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Gents – The sense of smell is a powerful thing. The right fragrance at the right time can convey everything from light and playful to power and authority.

Today, we’ll help you sift through or should I say sniff through some of the top colognes for modern men on the market today.

There are hundreds of different colognes available to buy, all of them claiming to be the best. So, it can get a tad confusing when choosing what to buy.

Colognes range from hard, masculine scents to fragrant selections, and it can be a bit of a challenge to pick the one that best suits your personality.

For all the girls I might take home. I got the Johnson’s Baby Powder and the Polo Cologne”. – Slick Rick

Whatever you decide, we recommend starting out with the scent you like best.

If it’s a scent you’re already familiar with, it can trigger nostalgia that will make you feel empowered and confident. There are also various scents for work, social occasions, and of course, dates.

To help you decide from the myriad of offerings out there, we’ve sniffed out some classic choices. These are the staple colognes that you and every other guy should own.

In no particular order, let’s get started!

Paco Rabanne 1 Million

This is one of the most recognizable colognes of the 21st century, and with good reason. Introduced in 2008, Paco Rabanne 1 Million entwines Indian patchouli and masculine leather with notes of mint citrus, grapefruit, cinnamon, blood orange and more.

The flamboyant fragrance is perfect for the modern man whether in his twenties or older. Everyone wants to look and smell like a million dollars.

Not only does its scent fluctuate between woody and oriental notes; it is also powerful and lasts long. Though the fragrance is a tad overwhelming, it is still incredibly appealing in small amounts. It’s also a hit with many women.

Dunhill Icon

This is arguably the best fragrance for fall. Dunhill describes Icon as aromatic woody. This is because of the cologne’s accord, which blends wood-based resins with herb and aromatic notes.

More specifically, it blends notes of neroli, black pepper, cardamom absolute, silver sage, oakmoss, vetiver, oud, Orris-leather accord, and more.

At just $50, Dunhill Icon feels like a fragrance that should cost a lot more. Before the oily resins come out, the cologne’s cycle phase lasts a good while—mainly because of the neroli and cardamom.

It’s also an “Eau de parfum”, which lasts longer and is stronger than “Eau de toilette” fragrances.

Also, for you “Car Guys” out there, consider Dunhill Icon Racing. This one is considered to be more dapper with distinctive notes of Bergamot and Cardamom scent in a refined British racing green bottle.

Giorgio Armani Code

If it’s winter and you’re going on a date, you won’t find a better cologne. Giorgio Armani Code has a composition that includes a citrus head, woods, and various spicy and oriental notes.

More specifically, it contains head notes of lemon, bergamot, and black pepper, heart notes of vanilla, olive blossom, and star anise, and base notes of amber, tonka bean, guaiac wood, and labdanum.

They blend together to form an understated but seductive profile that women love. The scent also manages to merge youthfulness with sophistication.

Giorgio Armani Code isn’t the longest-lasting. However, if used in the winter, it will last longer. Furthermore, if you use it for a date, then the duration won’t be a problem.

Pour Un Homme De Caron

This is a classic that every man should own, regardless of your preference or age. Introduced in 1934, it’s a vintage that still holds up to this day and trades blows with the best offerings from other brands.

Widely regarded as the first men’s fragrance, Pour Un Homme De Caron is subtle and elegant. It opens crisply and refreshingly with mild bergamot and a blend of lavender and rosemary.

Once those notes subside, it reveals vanilla, clary sage, and sandalwood. And after entering the base, the lavender and vanilla coalesce with musk, oakmoss, and tonka bean.

The cologne is unique compared to other masculine fragrances. It’s not overbearing or brash, and in fact, it’s considered one of the best all-time fragrances.

Terre d’Hermès

Terre d’Hermès is an excellent choice for the office. It’s mature and elegant, and it won’t suffocate your colleagues or clients.

It’s not just good for the office; virtually any working environment will work. And you can even use it on a date, for a scent that’s a little different.

It’s a woody spicy fragrance, but that’s not all. It also has harmonious notes from a wide range of families.

It kicks off with a fragrant blast of grapefruit and oranges, followed by peppers and geranium.

Finally, it ends with notes of benzoin, patchouli, cedarwood, and vetiver.

Conclusion: 5 Colognes Every Modern Man Should Own

If you’re like most men, you probably wear cologne for two main reasons — to smell good and to attract women. A dab of cologne also, makes us feel more confident and adds the finishing touches to our overall swag.

A few notable mentions are Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue, Gucci Guilty, Bvlgari Man, and of course the classic Polo by Ralph Lauren.