Taking Advice from Tom Ford: A Masterclass in being Fabulous.
Why should you always listen to Tom Ford?
Tom Ford isn’t just a name—it’s a whole vibe, a revolution, a freaking earthquake in stilettos!
Picture this: It’s the ’90s, Gucci’s on life support, and in struts Ford like a fashion messiah. Bam! Suddenly, everyone’s drooling over leather and sex appeal. Gucci? More like Gucci, damn!
But wait, there’s more! YSL gets the Ford treatment, and honey, it’s like couture on steroids. Classic? Check. Edgy? Double-check. Mind-blown? Absolutely.
2005 rolls around, and Ford’s like, “Hold my champagne.” Launches his own brand and—surprise!—it’s a sexy perfection incarnate. But fashion’s not enough for Tom Ford. Hollywood calls, and he answers with films so stylish they make the red carpet jealous. “A Single Man” in 2009? Devastatingly chic. “Nocturnal Animals” in 2016? A glamorous gut-punch.
Controversy? Ford eats it for breakfast. Penis necklaces, ads that make nuns sweat—he’s serving looks and shocks in equal measure. Even Jay-Z’s dropping his name in tracks. I mean, come on!
Ford isn’t just ahead of the curve; he is the curve. Fashion, film, fragrance—he’s the triple threat that keeps on threatening. So read up baby. You’re about to get schooled by the master of all things fabulous. Tom Ford’s wisdom coming at you—try not to faint from the fabulosity!
1. Self awareness, honey
It’s time to be more self aware!
“When I see people dressed really poorly, I think my God, you have got to get a full length mirror. That sounds terrible, but you have to be brutal with yourself, you have to assess yourself in a kind of architectural way.You have to say, wow, is my head too big for my body?Because if it is, guess what? A shoulder pad will make your head look smaller.” Ford said to GQ
Tom Ford’s advice:
1. Use a full-length mirror
2. Be self-critical: Don’t be afraid to honestly assess your appearance and identify areas for improvement.
3. Think architecturally: Consider your body’s proportions and how different clothing items can affect them.
4. Balance your silhouette: If one part of your body seems disproportionate, use clothing to create balance.
Tips on how to balance your silhouette:
-Strategic ruching: Ruched fabric can camouflage areas you want to downplay while adding shape.
-Monochromatic looks: Dressing in one color from head to toe can create a long, lean silhouette.
-Asymmetry: Asymmetrical hemlines or necklines can create visual interest and balance out proportions.
-Structured shoulders: Use structured jackets or tops to balance wider hips or create the illusion of broader shoulders.
Accessorize wisely: Use accessories like scarves, necklaces, or ties to draw attention to or away from specific areas.
Proper fit: Ensure clothes fit well in key areas like shoulders and waist to maintain proper proportions.
Tailored jackets: A well-fitted jacket can instantly streamline your silhouette and balance your proportions.
5. Pay attention to details: Small changes in your outfit can make a significant difference in your overall appearance.
6. Dress thoughtfully: Put effort into choosing and combining your clothing items to create a cohesive look.
7. Understand clothing’s impact: Recognize how different pieces can alter your body’s perceived proportions and use this knowledge to your advantage.
8.Trust the mirror: Always check your entire outfit from head to toe before leaving the house. Think 360 by Charli XCX
If you’re looking for a full length mirror, here are a couple of cool ones.
2. How to Make an Entrance
Cultivate confidence, not arrogance: Be self-assured without being cocky. As Tom Ford advised in GQ,
“You don’t want to walk into a room being an asshole. You want to walk in, generally smile, stick out your arm, and say hi.”
Embrace fragrance boldly: Don’t be timid with scents. Choose a great fragrance and wear it generously, as Tom Ford told MrPorter,
“Why smell only a little good when you can smell great?”
Be memorable: A strong, pleasant scent can leave a lasting impression. Ford notes,
“No one will complain that you have too much on; rather, they will want to get near your neck and take a deep breath.”
Maintain fresh breath: Always carry gum or mints to ensure your breath is as pleasant as your fragrance.
Diversify your scents: Keep a selection of fragrances for different moods and occasions
1. Seasonal scents: Rotate your fragrances with the changing seasons. Opt for lighter, fresher scents in spring and summer, and richer, warmer notes for fall and winter.
2. Occasion-specific: Choose different fragrances for various settings:
– Fresh, clean scents for the office
– Bold, distinctive fragrances for evening events
– Light, subtle scents for casual daytime activities
3. Mood enhancers: Select fragrances that complement or influence your mood:
– Energizing citrus notes for a morning boost
– Calming lavender or vanilla for relaxation
– Confidence-boosting woody or spicy scents for important meetings
4. Signature scent: While diversifying, consider having a signature fragrance that becomes associated with your personal brand.
5. Layering: Experiment with layering different scents to create unique combinations that suit your personality and the occasion.
6. Storage: Properly store your fragrance collection away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their quality and longevity.
Recognize the power of scent:
“Remember that how you smell can make as much of an impression, if not more, than how you look.”
These fragrances will make anyone stop and ask you what you’re wearing.
Tom ford tip: “I always spray on a bit of fragrance before I go to bed. I find it enormously relaxing after a tough day.”
3. Beauty
take care of your face card, so it never declines!
“Take care of your skin. Notice where it is dry and where it’s not. Always exfoliate with a fine muslin cloth and a good cleanser. Make sure to wash your face not only in the morning but before bed too. Moisturize your skin while it’s still damp and wear sunscreen.” – Tom Ford,
as told to MrPORTER.
For serious skincare enthusiasts, Medicube’s multi-functional device is a game-changer. It combines six advanced technologies: Electroporation, Microcurrent, EMS, Electric needles, LED therapy, and Sonic vibration. Suitable for all skin types, this device has worked wonders for my complexion. I’ve also had great results with Medicube’s exfoliating and moisturizing products. Together, the device and products create a powerful at-home skincare system. If you’re looking to elevate your routine, Medicube’s offerings are definitely worth considering…seriously!
Sunscreen will literally save your life and is the best way to age gracefully. I recommend using SPF 50 or higher. Always remember to reapply. Try to stay out of the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM. You won’t regret it!
“Eyebrows are just about the only thing on your face, it is actual facial architecture that can be changed without cosmetic surgery. This is a very definite thing on your face. Just brushing them up and making sure they are groomed is very important.” -Ford to GQ.
This eyebrow wax makes all your brow hairs stand up and give it a natural tint.
TIP: If you have sparse eyebrows, you can also use rogaine on them. Apply it with an eyebrow brush. I have personally used this and it works.
“It’s not changing the way you look, it’s about being the best version of yourself.” – Tom Ford
Note: While some people do use Rogaine (minoxidil) for eyebrow growth, it’s important to consult a dermatologist before applying any medication to your face, as it may cause side effects or interactions with other products you use.
Ford says,
“The most important thing a man can do is exercise and maintain his weight. Because that’s the key to looking youthful.”
Another huge perk: exercise helps reduce depression.
4. Building the Wardrobe for the Life You Want
”A good white poplin shirt is something every man should have a few of in his closet. I like the crispness of a white shirt worn with a dark suit. It always looks good and somehow the pop of white makes me feel sharper.” Ford told MrPORTER
5 Get Suited Up!
“I love black, I could design in black, because black for me it’s all about sculpture. Sculpture, texture, fabric, shape, loose color, you lose color, so you just have the shape, body of the fabric, or the difference between satin or velvet or those textures. It’s very pure and very sculptural.” -Tom Ford
Asymmetric tailored cropped blazer
Trousers
A well-fitted black suit is a wardrobe staple that every individual should own. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from fashion week parties to job interviews and even casual outings when styled creatively. A quality black suit serves as a blank canvas, allowing you to express your personal style through accessories and pairings.
Once you have a great tailored black suit, consider these style tips:
Mix and match: Wear the jacket with jeans for a smart-casual look, or pair the trousers with a crisp white shirt for a business-casual outfit.
Accessorize: Experiment with different ties, pocket squares, and lapel pins to create unique looks.
Layer creatively: Try wearing a turtleneck or a colorful sweater under the jacket for a modern twist.
Play with textures: Combine your suit with textured shirts or knitwear to add depth to your outfit.
Dress it down: Pair the suit jacket with a t-shirt and sneakers for a relaxed look.
Experiment with footwear: Alternate between dress shoes, loafers, heels and even clean, minimalist sneakers depending on the occasion.
“You can never have too many pairs of underwear, a necessity of modern life, and have different pairs of underwear for any occasion.” – Tom Ford
Quantity matters: As the quote suggests, you can never have too many pairs of underwear. FACTS! Having an ample supply ensures you’re always prepared and can change as often as needed.
Variety: Stock different styles of underwear for any situation:
– Comfortable, breathable cotton for everyday wear
– Moisture-wicking, athletic styles for workouts
– Seamless or thong options for form-fitting outfits
– Luxurious silk or satin pairs for special nights
Fit is crucial: Ensure your underwear fits well. Ill-fitting underwear can be uncomfortable and create visible lines under clothing.
Material matters: Choose fabrics based on the activity and weather. Breathable cotton for hot days, warmer materials like modal for colder days.
Replace regularly: Underwear should be replaced every 6-12 months, or sooner if they show signs of wear and tear.
Invest in quality: While it’s tempting to buy cheap multipacks, investing in higher-quality underwear can improve comfort and longevity.
Separate your underwear: Keep pairs for different purposes separate – for example, don’t wear your “special occasion” underwear for workouts.
Care for them properly: Follow care instructions to maintain the quality and life of your underwear. Some delicate fabrics may require hand washing.
Have a dedicated drawer: Organize your underwear in a dedicated drawer to keep them neat and easily accessible.
Note, underwear is the foundation of your outfit. Having the right pair can boost your confidence and comfort throughout the day.
Get a valet de nuit! It will help you visualize and organize outfits. Instead of throwing your clothes on the floor, you can place them on your valet de nuit. Honestly, it’s such a chic addition to the bedroom. He told Vogue in 2019,
“I know what works on me. Black, brown, grey. White for tennis. I wear the same things day after day, I take them off at night and hang them up on a thing that nobody uses anymore, a valet de nuit. I put my jacket on it, I flip my pants over it, I dump my pockets out, and then the next morning, I get up and Jack’s (Ford’s son) running around, and I’ve got to get him to school. And so I just put it all back on.”
6. Style
”You don’t need to change your style or your fashion just because fashion changes…Think about icons for an example, they never change their style.”
Take Karl Lagerfeld (my favorite icon), the king of monochrome, as an example. He had an iconic look, featuring a black and white ensemble: high-collared white shirts, black tie or cravat, and slim-fitting blazers. His accessories included fingerless gloves, dark sunglasses, and silver jewelry. With his white ponytail, slim trousers, and heeled boots, this carefully curated appearance cemented Lagerfeld’s status as one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the fashion industry, may I say in the world?
“If you don’t feel comfortable in it, don’t wear it no matter what the trend is or someone tells you to wear. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t wear it.” – Tom Ford
Here’s How:
Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Ignore pressure: Don’t let others dictate your style choices.
Be selective with trends: Only follow trends that align with your personal taste and comfort level.
Develop your personal style: Focus on what makes you feel confident and authentic.
Consider fit and fabric: Ensure your clothes fit well and are made of materials you enjoy wearing.
Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to how different clothes make you feel.
“Dress the part and it will come to you, dress like what you want to be in life!”
Tom Ford’s blueprint for living your most fabulous life isn’t just about slapping on a designer label and calling it a day. It’s a whole lifestyle, a fucking art form.
Ford’s serving us the tea on confidence – not that try-hard, in-your-face bullshit, but the kind that lets you glide into a room like you own it, all easy smiles and firm handshakes. He’s all about the details, honey. That black suit? It better be tailored within an inch of its life. And please, for the love of all that’s holy, douse yourself in a scent that makes people want to bury their nose in your neck.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about looking prim and proper. Ford wants you to dig deep, find your angles, work that self-care, and stock up on silk undies like your life depends on it. It’s about being unapologetically you, but the absolute best version.
Ford’s basically saying, “Darling, elevate your everyday. Romanticize it. Make it fashion. Make it art. Make it fucking fabulous.”
It’s about curating your life like it’s the hottest exhibition at Fashion Week. So go ahead, embrace your inner glamazon, and live like Tom Ford’s watching. Because in this game of life, fabulous isn’t just an option – it’s the only way to play.
written by Kimberly Mortensen