A Guy’s Guide to the Rules of Style

One of the more fun reads in Esquire magazine is an occasional feature called “Things a Man Should Know.” Witty, urbane and playful, the feature exposes men’s fashion nonos such as white jeans, tank tops and orange ties.

Now--in time for the gift-giving season--comes the book “Esquire’s Things a Man Should Know About Style” by Scott Omelianuk and Ted Allen (Hearst Books, $10.95).

Although some tips are trite, such as “jeans must never meet an iron,” many are good confirmation for anyone secretly wondering if he can still wear a bolo tie. (Answer: No! And don’t even keep one in your top drawer, in case you die and someone finds it!)

Taking a no-prisoners approach, this is a good guide for the man who wants to be well-dressed in the traditional sense of the word. No doubt, Sean “Puffy” Combs has his own version.

So for the young man who may be ready to drop the baggy skateboard look: “The shirt placket, the belt buckle and the trouser fly should all line up.”

For the new boss: “Even at a company picnic, the boss should never subject his employees to a display of his knees.” (This rule doesn’t apply if the boss is a she.)

Take note, Southern California men: “It is far better to arrive at an event overdressed than underdressed--if you leave early, people will think you’ve got somewhere more important to go.”