GQ's Guide on How to Be a Gentleman This Holiday Season

NEW YORK, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- GQ announces its tips on "How to Be a Gentleman this Holiday Season." "Being a gentleman means knowing how to be a courteous host to friends and family during the holidays, being knowledgeable when choosing a bottle of wine," says GQ's executive merchandising stylist Brett Fahlgren, "but above all, it means showing a sincere interest in becoming a better, more confident man."  Brett Fahlgren names his top tips on how to both act and look like a gentlemen this holiday:

1.  Wear the Right Scent

Others should be able to smell your cologne when you are nearby, not when you walk into a room. Spraying fragrance onto your index finger and dabbing it on your neck helps avoid putting on too much. "The One Gentleman by Dolce & Gabbana is a great example of an elegant men's fragrance that isn't over-powering and has just the right amount of spice," says Fahlgren.

2. Tie Your Outfit Together with the Perfect Accessories

• A classic silver tie clip adds a level of cool sophistication to your look and is the ideal match for a dark and dressy suit.  
• A pocket square adds the perfect finishing touch.  It should be folded neatly with just the edge showing, not puffing upwards like feathers.
• Why clumsily carry things in your hand when you can conceal them in a sleekly designed bag? With a nod to tradition, it shows not only your serious, professional side, but your stylish one as well.  

3. Serve the Right Cocktail While Entertaining Family and Friends

A gentleman always knows how to throw a good party. Guests shouldn't have to rummage about in your refrigerator in search of a cold one. Welcome guests into your home with the cocktail of the season. Try serving a tray full of French 75s (gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar) - these tasty cocktails placed in hand upon arrival starts off any holiday party right.  

4. Instead of Formalwear, Go Dark and Dressy this Holiday Season

"It's ok to wear to jeans on dressier occasions," advises Fahlgren, "just make sure they're dark wash and have no distressing." Whether attending an office party or staying home, a nice pair of dark jeans can get any man through his holiday events. If a black-tie event does come up this season, try pairing a bow tie with a point collar dress shirt instead of a raised collar tuxedo shirt.

5. Essential Outerwear: The Overcoat

When adding an outerwear layer to your look you don't have to sacrifice style. Pick an overcoat that fits precisely and has just enough room underneath for a suit. Make sure it's not too long, 3/4 length at the most.  

SOURCE GQ