How to Look Handsome (Boys)

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

There is more to looking handsome than just having good looks and a dashing smile that would make even Prince Charming envious. Having the right attitude and personality is also just as important. After all, the way you act can affect how others perceive you. This wikiHow will show you not only how to look handsome, but also how to act the part as well.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Developing Fashion and Style

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1
Establish a sense of style. Your clothes and how you wear them say a lot about you, and will have an effect on how people perceive you. Wearing unflattering or extremely poorly-sized clothing says you don't care about how you present yourself.
- The particular style is not as much a factor as how you wear it. You can wear whatever style is comfortable for you, whether it be trendy, alternative, casual or sporty, as long as it's appropriate to who you are. For example, if you're 30, and dress like you're 15, you'll look like you're trying to recapture your youth, not like you're a trendy 15-year-old. The same is true for any style—if it doesn't accurately reflect who you are, it will be seen as either clueless or fake. Neither impression will suggest "handsome" to anybody.
- Men typically have far fewer options than women do when it comes to style, so the details are what count. For example, instead of a basic plaid button-down and cargo shorts, opt for a modern pattern or contrasting color to your skin tone and chino shorts.^{[1]
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2
Keep an eye out for men you consider well dressed. When you're at a mall or walking down the street, take note of guys who appear to be fashionable. What things do you first notice?
- Women often look at shoes—a detail many guys gloss over. Because so many guys gloss over that part, taking the time to select, wear, and maintain a nice pair of shoes is a great way to boost how you're perceived.
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3
Hire a personal shopper. If you have absolutely no fashion sense and have the money, hiring a personal shopper can be a good initial step. They will help you identify your style, select clothes for you and then show you where to obtain these clothes on your own in the future.
- If you don't have the money, have a stylish friend or relative go shopping with you for the day.
- Listen to them, but be aware that they may have their own style sense that's not quite your style sense. If most of the choices they're suggesting don't appeal to you, don't feel like you have to go with their suggestions. Thank them for their time, and try another personal shopper more attuned to your sense of style.
4
Adopt signature pieces. Having a signature item of clothing can help you stand out and draw attention to your style. Take Steve Jobs, for example. His signature look was a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance running shoes.
- Jewelry, such as a trademark ring, necklace, or watch can be effective, and useful too.
- Tinted shades. You should only wear these outdoors, but a good pair of aviators or tinted shades draws attention to your face.
- Cologne. Avoid run-of-the-mill cologne and get a light and masculine scent that no one else has.^{[2]
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  Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} This can be a great conversation starter. Don't wear too much, though, or the conversation it starts will be behind your back, and it won't be complimentary.
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Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist

Cultivate a high-end look through minimalist shapes, neutral colors, and quality fabrics. Look for clothing or accessories crafted from luxurious natural materials. Opt for simple yet classic designs with earth tones and neutrals like black, white, beige, and navy. Make your style exude sophistication and class.
We all know how to talk, but being able to speak clearly and enunciate well will enhance how you are perceived.Know that voice is an impression itself.

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Grooming

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Wash your hands regularly. Your fingernails should be free of dirt and trimmed evenly. Do not bite your fingernails, or chew on your cuticles—you'll look nervous and neurotic.
^{[3]
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Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} With extremely rare (and often accidental) exception, walking out of the house with bed head never looks good. Wash and brush your hair on a regular basis. If you have the time and inclination, consider using a paste or gel to style your hair, but follow the "less is more" rule with styling products, and don't use too much.
Many people, perhaps unfairly, associate bad skin with bad hygiene. Wash your face thoroughly, especially after any physical activity. Avoid razor burn if at all possible. If you're prone to acne or other skin conditions, see a dermatologist to help you get your skin in shape.
Do this every day—it's an invigorating way to start the day, and looking clean and smelling good doesn't hurt in the perception department, either!
5
Eat healthy. Eating healthy will help with many things such as keeping a good weight, avoiding cavities, having a good complexion, and being energetic.
- Reader Poll: We asked 232 wikiHow readers for their go-to strategy for staying hydrated during the day, and 63% of them said, always having a bottle of water on hand. [Take Poll]
  - Drinking plenty of water is part of every healthy diet, so don't forget your water bottle!
Getting eight hours or more of sleep every night will do wonders for your complexion, energy and overall appearance.
Looking handsome goes beyond your style. Exercising regularly not only helps with your appearance, confidence, and energy, but releases endorphins that make you feel good, and therefore more appealing to others.

Part 3

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Exhibiting Attitude and Personality

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Be confident. Nothing—not bone structure, not a haircut, not even sensible shoes—will do more for how you are perceived than exuding a sense of self-confidence. Cultivate it, work to achieve it, and follow the steps in this section to build it. Just be aware that it can't be faked—it has to come from the inside.^{[4]
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Stand up straight. Hunching over can not only cause back problems but makes you look as if you have no self-confidence. Sit up straight too, for the same reasons.^{[5]
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Smile. Smiling will make you appear happy. confident, and outgoing. It will also keep you from looking tired and in despair.^{[6]
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It's only polite when talking to someone to look them in the eye. Don't stare—look at different parts of their face occasionally, but beyond that, maintaining good eye contact will show confidence and self-assuredness on your end.^{[7]
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A study in 2014 found that your mood affects your physical appearance. Be positive and girls - or other boys if you're gay or bisexual - will find you more attractive. Smile as much as you can; try thinking of something to smile about.^{[8]
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Be the person you are and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

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Stay positive be proud of who you are self Confidence counts.

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