As menswear becomes ever more rich and varied, more experimental and abundant, more trend-aware, in moments of confusion and self-doubt, this can help to have a valuable fall-back position that cuts through the clutter. These ‘rules’ tend to be founded in history, have worked for generations, so might as well be assumed to work in present times. And they tend to be founded in the obvious, so obvious they’re often overlooked: a preference for good fit, high quality, versatility, good value, lack of extremes and keeping it decent.

1. Rock that pair of jeans

The perfect pair of jeans is holy grail of a man’s casual wardrobe. Denim can be dressed up or dressed down and worn to pretty much any event short of a black tie gathering. Don’t be discouraged if your body type won’t allow you to fit into the latest trend in jeans. Stick with a classic cut that complements your body type.

2. Splurge on shoes

Quality shoes are the kind of investment that should last you 15 years or more. Opt for classic styles such as brogues, loafers, or a plain, dark, five-eyelet Derby on a round-toe.

3. Play with colours

Menswear has to find a good balance between the dominant colours of suits and shirts and the accent colours of things like neckties and pocket squares. Combining colours tastefully is one of the hallmarks of a truly well-dressed man, so go for colours that really say something about you.

4. Accessorise to a limit 

When it comes to curating shirt and tie combinations, wear your tie or pocket square in a darker shade than your jacket; and don’t overdo the accessories either. If in doubt, think less is more and take one element away. Accessories like these bring individuality to classic clothing, but be careful how you use them!

5. Your appearance is everything

If you’ve invested money and thought in your clothing, look after it. Have your suit dry-cleaned and pressed, wash your clothes regularly and, ideally, don’t tumble dry them (it can degrade the fabric), and polish your shoes. Equally, it’s not just the skin of your leather jacket that you need to care for, same goes for the one you wear every day. Establish a simple, but no less solid, grooming regime, brush your hair and cut your nails. After all, the devil resides in the details.

6. Up your watch game

“A watch is like a piece of art,” argues Don Cochrane, managing director of British watch brand Vertex. Aesthetically functional, rugged sports models go with anything and can take the hard knocks of everyday wear. Yet, a watch still has to fit you. It should feel comfortable and be right in terms of size and depth relative to your wrist as well – 40mm is considered the ‘Goldilocks’ size.