1) Look modest, and still stand out

In sober times, there’s one smart way to look : He’s modern, but without appearing too fashion-forward. Whether you’re at your job or in the White House, you want to show confidence but not cockiness.

2) Start at the top

When you buy a jacket, make sure the shoulder pads sit securely on your shoulders. If they dip or droop, the jacket is too big. That will affect the chest and waist of the jacket, which should outline your frame without hugging it.

3) The suit fits the man

Buy for your body type: American-made suits are typically cut bigger and boxier than their European counterparts. Find an affordable suit, and then spend some of your savings on trip to a tailor — as Obama clearly does. It matters.

Remember guys : “If you don’t have fit. You don’t have style. End of story,”

4) Button it right

A two-button jacket, like the one shown here, creates a V shape that elongates the torso; a three-button can make you look stocky.

5) Extend the sleeves

Shirt sleeves should protrude half an inch past the jacket sleeves. That touch of white at the wrist pulls a look together.

It can be hard to find shirts that work perfectly with your jacket, so reverse engineer it: Bring your own dress shirt to the tailor so he can make sure they work together.

6) Show some color

A black suit should be accented with something bright, such as a red tie like Obama’s. Color shows optimism.

7) Fit your knot

The wider the opening between collar points on the dress shirt, the larger the tie knot between them should be. Obama’s Windsor knot fills out that space, and his tie’s clean dimple shows attention to detail.