Let me break it down to you this way ... Dating is about sales. And the three basic rules to success in sales are:

• Rule #1—Know your audience.

• Rule #2—Give them what they want.

• Rule #3—Analyze the competition and do things better than they do.

So why worry about your personal style? Because it is what your target audience wants (see Rule #2).

Still need some other reasons to finally throw out those acid-washed jeans and crop that mullet? How about this ...

A Well-dressed Man = A Confident, Successful Man.

Confidence ... The No. 1 trait a woman seeks in a mate.

Or, try this on for size (no pun intended)—depending on whom you ask, it takes anywhere between seven and 90 seconds for someone to form their first impression of you. Either way, the image conveyed, along with its resulting perception, are both immediate and long lasting. In fact, according to the experts—they're permanent.

Personal style is the single most significant indicator of who someone is, who he wants to be, and who he wants us to perceive him to be.

The Rules

No matter what you're wearing, and whether it's dressy or casual, there are some basic rules that make sense to adhere to:

• Clothes must fit well. If they don't, don't buy them or get to a tailor, pronto.
• Never wear dirty clothes.
• Wrinkled clothes look sloppy–iron them or get them professionally pressed.
• Maintain your wardrobe and keep clothing in good repair (no holes, frayed seems, unraveling hems, etc.).

Formula for Success

Dressing with style and class will set you apart from 80 percent of the male population. So to take the guesswork out of it for you, and get you well on your way, I've listed some classic items that together compile a basic, irreproachable and timeless wardrobe—a wardrobe that is sure to place you on every woman's "Best Dressed List." These classic items will look fabulous on any man, regardless of shape, size, weight, coloring or age (provided, that is, he is older than 18). Each item is one facet of a solid collection of timeless pieces that are of good quality and well constructed. As opposed to more trendy apparel, which looks good today, but quickly goes out-of-style, these items will last longer, resisting wear and tear and remaining in style for years to come.

The Classic Navy Suit

Fashion and fads come and go, but a classic navy suit is here to stay. And if you should need proof before making the investment, you'll find it at any Blockbuster Video store. Simply rent any—or all—of the "James Bond" series. Now, you can fast-forward through each film, so long as you pay attention to the clothes–specifically 007's suits. You will see that there is one constant, recurring, fashion statement that not a single "Bond–James Bond" has gone without—the classic navy suit. For decades it has defined masculine taste, and elegance, while embodying all the sexy sophistication of 007.

Like Bond himself, a well-constructed navy suit is a real classic. Consider the one you purchase to be a long-term investment; it should be as timeless, as classic, and as fitted to you as your budget will allow. It may well prove to be one of the best investments you will ever make.

Suit Buying Tips

• Three-button and two-button suits look good on anyone.
• If your suit has two buttons, you only fasten the top button; with three, it's either the middle button or the middle and the top buttons.
• Double-breasted suits are a bit harder to wear, but look fabulous on tall, thin men–a true scene-stealer. And they have been known to work miracles in business when an imposing appearance counted.
• If you are short or heavyset, you would be best to avoid double-breasted suits.

What to Wear with your Suit

A starched cotton, white Oxford dress shirt and a black knit tie, in silk or wool. This tie is a "must-have," as it is universally appropriate, whether paired with a custom made suit or a pair of Levi's.

You will also need:

• A pair of black leather Oxfords (a fancy name for lace-up shoes), either plain cap-toed or with perforations on the tip.
• A good-quality black leather belt with a plain silver buckle.
• Black socks—the only acceptable sock to wear with black shoes!

The Classic Blue Blazer

So now that your navy suit is hanging in your closet, next on the list should be a classic blue blazer with plain, polished brass, black, or blue buttons. It comes from elite origins, but the blue blazer is universal and complements almost every item in your wardrobe, whether it's a striped dress shirt or a solid T-shirt, a patterned tie, a solid tie, or no tie; khakis, flannels and jeans; loafers and wing tips. They're a staple for well-dressed men, and will be for you, too.

Classic Camel Polo Coat

Paired with your new Classic Navy Suit, the camel coat will identify you as a member of the corporate elite. Wear it with jeans, along with a sweater or Oxford shirt, and you will become the emblem of classic, casual elegance.

Black Leather Jacket

Well, what can I say? The leather jacket is a timeless classic. Women will always find it–and the wearer—sexy! The Cole Haan Lambskin Hipster Coat is a fool-proof choice.

Sweaters

• The Cardigan—In black or charcoal gray cashmere, this can't-miss classic can be worn with a shirt and tie to the office.

• The V-Neck—The V-neck is extremely versatile, especially when it's in black or charcoal gray. It can be worn with a tie and dress shirt, with a T-shirt or just against bare skin.

• The Polo—Like the polo shirt, the polo sweater offers a relaxed, but dressy look beneath a suit jacket. Worn with a shirt and tie, dark T-shirt, or alone, it always looks good.

At least one pair of premium denim

If you want to impress the ladies, you gotta have at least one pair of premium denim. Women know their labels and showing off the right pockets shows that you are hip and trendy. You can wear jeans with anything these days, a button down shirt, crewneck or v-neck sweater, t-shirt, or blazer. Try Oak NYC and BlueFly.com.

T-Shirts

A few white and black ones (to start) are all you need. Those with a little Lycra or spandex look the best because the help give shape. When you feel more daring there is a world of graphic tees on the market that give you the opportunity to make a fashion statement … or a political or personality statement! Find tees online at Forever 21 Mens, Metro Park USA and Urban Outfitters.

10 STYLE TIPS TO TAKE AWAY

1. Brown-haired men should avoid dark brown suits.

2. Men with gray or white hair should avoid pale tones and look best in dark blue.

3. White and blue are the most versatile colors for men. They look good on everyone, and they go with everything.

4. Short men will look taller in dark suits with two buttons, vertical lines, and tapered trousers—no cuffs.

5. Narrow ties for the husky guy, because the narrow line will draw the eye down and up towards your face, thus making you look thinner.

6. Overweight men should abide by the rules of short men. Wear silky jackets that have only slightly padded shoulders. Stay away from pinstripes and patterns.

7. Wear a bow tie only if you're wearing a tuxedo or dressing like a clown for Halloween.

8. No non-breathable polyester. It will make you sweaty, uncomfortable and thus less confident. Don't buy it and if you own it, get rid of it. There can be no other way.

9. "No wire hangers." They will ruin your clothes. Opt for wooden, or plastic if you must.

10. Do not wear your cell phone or pager as an accessory. They do not connote status anymore, considering that everyone and their grandmother has them.

Get more style cues from April Masini's website AskApril.com.