How to Look Handsome (Boys)

Developing Fashion and Style

Establish a sense of style. Your clothes and how you wear them say a lot about you, and will have an effect on how people perceive you. Wearing unflattering or extremely poorly-sized clothing says you don't care about how you present yourself. The particular style is not as much a factor as how you wear it. You can wear whatever style is comfortable for you, whether it be trendy, alternative, casual or sporty, as long as it's appropriate to who you are. For example, if you're 30, and dress like you're 15, you'll look like you're trying to recapture your youth, not like you're a trendy 15-year-old. The same is true for any style—if it doesn't accurately reflect who you are, it will be seen as either clueless or fake. Neither impression will suggest "handsome" to anybody. Men typically have far fewer options than women do when it comes to style, so the details are what count. For example, instead of a basic plaid button-down and cargo shorts, opt for a modern pattern or contrasting color to your skin tone and chino shorts.

Keep an eye out for men you consider well dressed. When you're at a mall or walking down the street, take note of guys who appear to be fashionable. What things do you first notice? Women often look at shoes—a detail many guys gloss over. Because so many guys gloss over that part, taking the time to select, wear, and maintain a nice pair of shoes is a great way to boost how you're perceived.

Hire a personal shopper. If you have absolutely no fashion sense and have the money, hiring a personal shopper can be a good initial step. They will help you identify your style, select clothes for you and then show you where to obtain these clothes on your own in the future. If you don't have the money, have a stylish friend or relative go shopping with you for the day. Listen to them, but be aware that they may have their own style sense that's not quite your style sense. If most of the choices they're suggesting don't appeal to you, don't feel like you have to go with their suggestions. Thank them for their time, and try another personal shopper more attuned to your sense of style.

Adopt signature pieces. Having a signature item of clothing can help you stand out and draw attention to your style. Take Steve Jobs, for example. His signature look was a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance running shoes. Jewelry, such as a trademark ring, necklace, or watch can be effective, and useful too. Tinted shades. You should only wear these outdoors, but a good pair of aviators or tinted shades draws attention to your face. Cologne. Avoid run-of-the-mill cologne and get a light and masculine scent that no one else has. This can be a great conversation starter. Don't wear too much, though, or the conversation it starts will be behind your back, and it won't be complimentary. EXPERT TIP Alena Le Blanc Alena Le Blanc Personal Stylist Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University. Alena Le Blanc Alena Le Blanc Personal Stylist Cultivate a high-end look through minimalist shapes, neutral colors, and quality fabrics. Look for clothing or accessories crafted from luxurious natural materials. Opt for simple yet classic designs with earth tones and neutrals like black, white, beige, and navy. Make your style exude sophistication and class.

Take voice lessons. We all know how to talk, but being able to speak clearly and enunciate well will enhance how you are perceived.Know that voice is an impression itself.

Grooming

Keep hands and fingernails clean and neat. Wash your hands regularly. Your fingernails should be free of dirt and trimmed evenly. Do not bite your fingernails, or chew on your cuticles—you'll look nervous and neurotic.

Take time to comb and style your hair. With extremely rare (and often accidental) exception, walking out of the house with bed head never looks good. Wash and brush your hair on a regular basis. If you have the time and inclination, consider using a paste or gel to style your hair, but follow the "less is more" rule with styling products, and don't use too much.

Care for your skin. Many people, perhaps unfairly, associate bad skin with bad hygiene. Wash your face thoroughly, especially after any physical activity. Avoid razor burn if at all possible. If you're prone to acne or other skin conditions, see a dermatologist to help you get your skin in shape.

Take showers. Do this every day—it's an invigorating way to start the day, and looking clean and smelling good doesn't hurt in the perception department, either!

Eat healthy. Eating healthy will help with many things such as keeping a good weight, avoiding cavities, having a good complexion, and being energetic.

Sleep well. Getting eight hours or more of sleep every night will do wonders for your complexion, energy and overall appearance.

Exercise regularly. Looking handsome goes beyond your style. Exercising regularly not only helps with your appearance, confidence, and energy, but releases endorphins that make you feel good, and therefore more appealing to others.

Exhibiting Attitude and Personality

Be confident. Nothing—not bone structure, not a haircut, not even sensible shoes—will do more for how you are perceived than exuding a sense of self-confidence. Cultivate it, work to achieve it, and follow the steps in this section to build it. Just be aware that it can't be faked—it has to come from the inside.

Stand up straight. Hunching over can not only cause back problems but makes you look as if you have no self-confidence. Sit up straight too, for the same reasons.

Smile. Smiling will make you appear happy. confident, and outgoing. It will also keep you from looking tired and in despair.

Look people in the eye. It's only polite when talking to someone to look them in the eye. Don't stare—look at different parts of their face occasionally, but beyond that, maintaining good eye contact will show confidence and self-assuredness on your end.