MANILA, Philippines—Listen up, men.

Here’s a little primer to help you dress with more style. Clothes make the man now, more than ever, especially in the workplace.

First impressions last, and how you package yourself can determine how others will assess you in the workplace—say, in a job interview or meeting with clients, on a night-out with friends.

To move with confidence, have a wardrobe that’s fashionable and that suits your personality and lifestyle. Clothes are your means of personal expression, within the bounds of appropriateness and dress codes.

Bottom line is, you can look fashionable while showing your unique sense of style. You don’t have to be gay or a metrosexual to be well-groomed and dressed impeccably.

Our tips:

Update your wardrobe by going through your closet and removing things you don’t need. Throw out those ratty socks and underwear. If you haven’t worn an item for at least a year, give it to charity or a garage sale.

Clothes that are well-cut and simple in design make strong statements.

Wear the right size of clothing. If an item is too loose or too tight, you can’t create the right proportion. If your clothes don’t fit right, have them altered.

Dress according to your body type. Thin men can wear tight-fitting styles, while those with a bit more weight or a beer belly can’t. Taller men can wear loose clothing while shorter men should wear streamlined pieces cut close to the body. And generally, a one- or two-button single-breasted jacket is more flattering than a double-breasted one.

Dress according to your age. Although there are hardly any rules and boundaries nowadays, a 45-year-old man in baggy jeans and bling is a turnoff—even if that’s your personality.

Follow dress codes. Casual means you don’t have to wear a suit or jacket but must still dress nicely. Semiformal requires a dark suit. Black-tie optional means you can wear a suit or a tuxedo, while black tie requires that you wear a tuxedo.

Dark colors such as black, navy and gray are safe options for men. But try to inject a pop of color to show your personality.

Black belt equals black shoes. Brown belt equals brown shoes.

To bag or not to bag? It’s a personal choice, but anything smaller than a laptop computer may look feminine. Invest in a leather satchel you can sling over your shoulder or across your body.

Accessorize with care. Less is more, but if you must wear those rings and bracelets, try not to mix metals. Match them with your watch and belt buckle, if possible. Keep those beaded and leather pieces for more casual outfits and occasions, and wear your chain necklaces inside your shirt.

Little extras such as sunglasses are much-needed final touches. Aviators look good on most people. Pocket squares that can be worn with a blazer (no tie), or cufflinks are also dandy touches.

It’s a no-no to wear expensive clothes with cheap accessories. Invest in quality accessories to dress up wardrobe staples.

Stuck in a time warp? Time to buy a pair or two of slim-fit, straight-leg, non-pleated pants that can make you look longer and leaner.

Invest in the following wardrobe basics: a dark slim-cut suit; a crisp white shirt; a tie; straight-cut denims; non-pleated, straight-cut pants; a white T-shirt; a woven collared shirt; a good watch with a steel or silver strap that will match anything in your wardrobe.

Shoes make the man, too! Make sure yours are clean and in good condition. Invest in the following: a pair of black lace-ups you can wear with a suit or jeans; sneakers; driving shoes or moccasins; a masculine pair of leather sandals.

E-mail the author at afashion@inquirer.com.ph