The saying goes that you never truly know a man until you walk a mile in his shoes, but what about his socks? A man’s socks can tell you just as much about him as his shoes. It’s these details that lie under the surface which define sophistication, and clarify exactly what it means to be a man of the world with a keen sense of style and aesthetic. Let’s take a look at what defines sophistication in menswear.

1. Being Stylish Versus Well Dressed

You can project sophistication by being well dressed, but true style resides on another level — a level that only comes with experience. One could define well dressed as getting all the details correct, whereas being stylish involves using fashion as a form of self-expression. For example, matching your socks to your pants would fall under well dressed. Donning a pair of VKNagrani men’s socks in an unexpected clash of color shows a personal sense of style. Being adventurous with your wardrobe may not be at the top of your priority list, but sophistication and refinement is what sets a man apart.

2. Elements of Sophistication

Sophistication isn’t simply choosing details that are unique; it’s also keeping tabs on the fundamentals. Any worldly man knows not to leave things like a torn hem go unnoticed. Start with the basics, you need to find a tailor to alter your damaged designer garments and give your clothes a more personalized fit. Once you have a trustworthy tailor, it’s important to know your measurements and keep them on hand, especially in the following key areas: neck, shoulders, sleeve length (both shirt and jacket), and waist.

3. Simplicity Is Always in Style

Once you’ve got the well-dressed aspect down, it’s time to take your game to the next level. However, that doesn’t mean you should go out and spend money on loud and impulsive purchases. Keep things simple. Piling on labels and ostentatious accessories is going to make you look ridiculous, so avoid looking like you’re trying too hard. Try to envision the aesthetic you want to project, and what is going to be the best representation of yourself. You can of course experiment with that image, and that’s where smaller details like socks, ties, belts, and cufflinks come in. There’s such a wide range to deal with and every detail contributes to the way others perceive you.

4. Know Where to Wear

So you’ve established your style fundamentals and refined your look. The last step is nailing how to pull off your look in context. Sophistication isn’t about a designer wardrobe. It’s about presenting yourself gracefully in any situation. If you’re attending a casual event, show some personality with a pair of unexpected or atypical sunglasses or socks with a daring, playful pattern. Developing your own personal brand and aesthetic is key.

Sophistication, like luxury, is in the eye of the beholder. While you can buy designer clothing, you can’t buy into sophistication. It’s a quality to build and maintain over time. So go ahead. Take that first step toward a more stylish, more sophisticated lifestyle.