Nobody likes a one-trick pony. But if that one trick happens to be a kick-ass styling move that – no matter how many times it’s rolled out – never fails to impress, we’re willing to make an exception.

When it comes to dressing well, some things just work, always. But figuring those things out often involves a lot of trial (and a lot of error).

To save you the tedium and embarrassment, and fast-track the development of your personal style in the process, here are invaluable lessons from the world’s best-dressed men.

Jeff Goldblum

Age means appropriate, not boring

The man is knee-deep in his sixth decade of life and yet manages to scrub up better than most guys in their 20s or 30s could ever hope to. When we grow up, we want to be Jeff Goldblum.

Timothée Chalamet

Your younger years are for experimenting

The lesson here is simple: sometimes in life, you’ve got to take a chance. Colourful tailoring, patterned suits, velvet, suede; experiment it all like Chalamet does.

Oliver Cheshire

Casual can still be sharp

Just because you’re not suited and booted, it doesn’t follow that you can’t look sharp. With the right checks and balances in place, there’s no item of clothing that can’t be given the upscale treatment, just ask Cheshire.

Zayn Malik

Print is powerful

Follow the Malik method and stick to one attention-seeking item, leaving the rest of your look pared-back. For example, try slotting patterned shirts over simple jeans.

David Gandy

Double-breasted isn’t just for beanpoles

We’re going to let you in on a little secret that Gandy no doubt learns from countless hours on set: the double-breasted blazer is a lot more democratic than it’s given credit for.

Johannes Huebl

Shop according to your shade

The takeaway? Take stock of where your largest organ lies on the colour chart and make sure that you’re stocking your wardrobe accordingly.

Ryan Gosling

Find something that suits you (and stick to it)

When selecting a ‘uniform’, be it for a season or a century, the key is to take into account how you like to dress, your lifestyle and your budget.