Quick Style Ideas For the Guy on the Go

It's only day two of the new year, and unlike most people—who are still lounging around the house in their pajamas—you've already seized upon the new year. You're looking to make changes, big changes, so that 2015 is truly a year to remember.

But on top of those big changes, you'll also want to do some smaller tweaking. You already have a personal style, but even the best style can use a tune-up.

Here are 15 simple tricks to keep your style game on point in the year ahead.

1. Play up your natural color
Dress in hues that accentuate your natural coloring. If your eyes are blue or green, wear a shirt that matches them. Brown eyes? Go with a color that complements your skin tone. Dark skinned guys look best in whites and creams. Olive skin looks best in dark blue, dark green, black, and yellow. And light skin looks great in browns, tans, and blues.

2. Find our how well your clothes really fit by taking a walk
If you can see your socks as you take a few steps in front of the dressing room mirror, your trousers are on the short side. Pants should touch the tops of your shoes with just a little break at your ankles. Any more than one full break, and they're too long.

3. Align your jacket
Even a casual jacket's shoulders should sit squarely on top of yours. If the seam hits your bicep, the fit is too big. Likewise, the bottom of the jacket shouldn’t pass too far beyond your waistband.

4. Dress all in one color
A monochromatic look hides holiday weight by elongating your silhouette. But be sure to choose a neutral hue, like hunter green, black, white, or grey. Fuschia? Not so much.

5. Invest in one handsome carry-on
Avoid lost baggage by traveling with a rolling bag for shoes and heavier items, and one stylish carry-on for your essentials (think leather weekend bag). Now all you need is to learn how to pack your clothes like a pro.

6. Bookend your shopping trip with cologne
Cologne will smell very different from the time you first put it on versus an hour later. Give the fragrance time to evolve. Spritz a scent when you arrive at the fragrance counter but don’t make your decision until you're ready to leave the store.

7. Wrap yourself up
A good wool scarf can substitute for a jacket when temps are in the 50s, so learn how to tie one. Here’s the easiest way.

8. Coordinate with the weather
Dark clothes hide raindrops and splashes better. So if the skies are dark, pick up navy trousers instead of khaki chinos—and don't forget your umbrella.

9. Play with proportions
Mix fitted and loose articles of clothing to avoid bulging. Try pairing an deconstructed jacket with slim pants or a fitted tee with looser-fitting chinos. The contrasting fits will make for an sophisticated look that's not overly styled.

10. Consolidate while packing
Stow your belts, socks, and underwear inside your shoes to save room in smaller luggage. It will help keep your shoes' form while traveling and keep you from having to check bags for those 48-hour business trips.

11. There’s nothing magical about sawing a man in half
So don’t do it. If you're wearing light pants and a light shirt, choose a light belt.

12. Flap pockets can enhance flatter butts
Don’t just hide yours in oversized jeans. Choose a slimmer or tapered style that hugs your backside. You'll be glad when you catch her checking you out from behind.

13. Don't lace your wingtips like a sneaker
The sawtooth and loop-back styles looks good on your Converse but not on your leather brogues. Try straight-bar lacing instead. 

14. Whiten your teeth
It doesn’t have to be expensive. Chicago dentist Jessica Emery, D.M.D., gave us these DIY instructions: Make a paste of baking soda (1 Tbsp) and hydrogen peroxide (5 drops). Apply it to your front teeth, wait 15 minutes, and brush.

15. Check your tie twice
First, does it run button to buckle? For formal events, it should cover your collar button and most of your pants buckle or button. Second, does it match your lapel? Choose a narrow tie for a narrow lapel, and a thick tie for a thick lapel. The finishing touch: Just below the knot, press a finger in the middle of the tie while pinching inward from the sides to add a stylish dimple.