The well-dressed exec: tips for him.

• Author: Sweeten, Elizabeth
• Position: Executive Living

CLOTHES DON'T MAKE THE MAN.

But, undoubtedly, your attire can unmake you in the business world. "When you run in circles of successful people, those people know the difference," opines Dale Grant, owner of the stylish haberdashery D. Grant Ltd. "They dress the best. They look at the people they're doing business with, and they know if they're up to par." First impressions matter, and nothing speaks louder than your appearance. Follow these tips to look pulled together.

Suiting and foundation pieces

"When business starts to slump ... better executives reevaluate where they're going," says Grant. "Most of them have elected to start dressing up, to start looking professional again." The classic two-button suit remains a winner, but the three-button is also a strong seller. And truly debonair men may opt for the incomparable double-breasted suit. "It's a great look, a romantic look," enthuses Grant. "It's with us to stay."

Whichever style you choose, finer brands translate into a finer fit. Canvas clothing and basted suits have been sewn by hand, while fused suits are actually glued together. Dry cleaning a fused garment can result in dimples on your lapels and shoulders -- the tell-tale signs of a cheaper suit. It goes without saying that a handcrafted suit will fit your frame, wear better and have a longer life span.

Winter weather necessitates "meaty, textured fabrics," says Grant. He encourages customers to alter their look with layering pieces -- vests over shirts and ties, lightweight cashmere and wool sweaters. And he recommends jackets and overcoats in leather, suede, wool and cashmere -- comfortable, soft materials. "Ladies started out with (clothing) that feels good," Grant says, "Now men have the same thing."

Grant encourages men to build a fashionable wardrobe from good foundation garments. "There are intelligent ways to put your wardrobe together to get the biggest bang for your buck," he says. "We're going to start with a basic blazer, basic gray flannel slack, basic tan gabardine slack, basic navy chalk stripe or pinstripe or charcoal suit. We start in a classic way, so you can get more mileage out of that look by changing your shirts and ties."

Furnishings

"Your focal point is the chest," explains Grant. "Your visual focus is on the lapel of the suit. What kind of lapel does it have, what kind of collar on the shirt, what...