How To Acquire Good Taste And Look High-Status as a Man
What separates a man who simply looks good from one who radiates presence, power, and polish?
It’s not just money. It’s not just education. It’s not even just style.
It’s taste.
Taste is the silent language of high status. It’s the lens through which men make decisions—from the clothes they wear to the wine they pour. And in today’s hyper-visual, status-conscious world, developing good taste is a competitive advantage.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn what good taste really is, how to build it across key areas of your life, and how to use it to command respect without saying a word.
I. What Is Good Taste (And Why Does It Matter)?
Good taste is the ability to consistently make choices that reflect discernment, elegance, and depth—whether you’re selecting a suit, speaking in public, decorating your home, or choosing a bottle of wine.
It’s not about being pretentious. It’s about being intentional.
And here’s the truth: Men who display good taste are treated differently. They’re trusted more. They’re seen as leaders. They attract higher-quality relationships and opportunities.
Every well-dressed, well-spoken, well-respected man you admire follows these core principles—whether consciously or not.
1. Awareness and Exposure
Good taste starts with broadening your perspective.
Travel to new places. Read widely. Visit museums. Taste foods you can’t pronounce. The more beauty, diversity, and excellence you expose yourself to, the more you refine your sense of what’s worth noticing.
A man who has walked through the Uffizi Gallery in Florence won’t see design—or color—the same way again.
2. Quality Over Quantity
A high-status man doesn’t hoard. He curates. He knows a few exceptional things outperform a pile of mediocrity.
One tailored navy suit will serve you better than five ill-fitting ones.
A handcrafted pair of leather boots will outlast a dozen fast-fashion knockoffs.
One well-chosen book, deeply read, will enrich you more than skimming five.
3. Simplicity and Elegance
Great taste often whispers instead of shouts. That’s why minimalism and refinement consistently rank as high-status indicators.
Think of the clean lines of an Aston Martin. The timeless design of an Omega Speedmaster. The quiet power of a crisp white dress shirt.
Men of taste aren’t brand-chasers. They don’t wear something just because it’s expensive or trending. They wear it because it resonates.
Good taste means understanding what suits you—your values, body, lifestyle—not what influencers push.
5. Balance of Tradition and Innovation
A tasteful man respects timeless rules—but also adapts.
He might appreciate the structure of classic tailoring, but he’s not afraid to wear a well-cut hoodie with dress trousers. He respects old-world etiquette but embraces new-world tools.
III. A Brief History of Taste
For centuries, “good taste” was a cultural weapon of the elite. The aristocracy and intelligentsia used it to signal education, status, and social worth.
From the salons of Renaissance Italy to the philosophy circles of Enlightenment Paris, taste wasn’t just about beauty—it was about influence.
Today, good taste is democratized. Any man—regardless of background—can develop it. But only the intentional few do.
IV. Personal Grooming: Taste Starts with Self-Respect
How you care for your body is your first taste signal.
Skincare
You don’t need a 12-step routine. Just the basics:
Cleanser (daily)
Moisturizer (morning and night)
Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
If you’re over 30, a retinol serum is a worthy upgrade.
Haircare
Find a signature cut that flatters your face and suits your lifestyle. Then stick with a barber who knows your head better than you do.
Invest in a boar-bristle brush. Use conditioner. Know when to retire the gel.
Fragrance
Scent is invisible style.
Daytime: Fresh, citrus or aquatic (e.g., Acqua di Giò)
Night: Warm, woody or spicy (e.g., Tom Ford Oud Wood)
Rule: Apply to pulse points, not your clothes.
Fitness
Being fit isn’t about vanity. It’s about presence, posture, and energy.
Whether you lift, run, swim, or spar—do something that builds discipline and confidence. Style always looks better on a strong frame.
V. Clothing: Wear Your Status with Purpose
Wardrobe Staples
Navy blazer – versatile, timeless, powerful
White dress shirt – from interviews to date nights
Dark jeans – clean, fitted, elevated casual
Wool trousers – business smart and masculine
Tailored suit – navy or charcoal to start
Footwear
Oxfords or Derbies – formal occasions
Loafers – smart casual
White leather sneakers – clean and minimal
Chelsea boots – the tasteful man’s rocker edge
Accessories
A quality leather belt (match your shoes)
A classic watch (analog over digital unless you’re working out)
Pocket square or cufflinks – for special occasions, not every day
VI. Culinary Taste: Know Your Way Around the Table
Know How to Cook
A man of taste can feed himself with skill and confidence. Start with:
A steak, medium rare
A rich pasta (like aglio e olio or carbonara)
A proper omelet
Wine & Spirits
Don’t fake it—learn it.
Know the difference between a Cabernet and a Pinot Noir.
Learn why Islay Scotch tastes smoky.
Know when to serve Champagne (hint: always a good time).
Etiquette Matters
Learn to:
Use cutlery properly
Toast without clinking
Order wine at a restaurant confidently
You don’t need to be James Bond—but you should look like you could sit at his table.
VII. Taste in Art, Music, and Literature
Art
Start by visiting local galleries. Then dive into the big names: Monet, Picasso, Caravaggio. Read about movements like Impressionism or Bauhaus. See what resonates.
Music
Don’t stop at Spotify Top 40.
Add jazz (Miles Davis, Coltrane)
Try classical (Bach, Debussy)
Sample world genres—Afrobeat, Fado, Bossa Nova
Literature
Great men read great books.
Fiction: Hemingway, Tolstoy, Fitzgerald
Philosophy: Seneca, Marcus Aurelius
Contemporary: Alain de Botton, Ryan Holiday
Taste is revealed in how you spend your free time.
VIII. Athletic & Lifestyle Hobbies That Elevate You
High-status leisure builds skill and character.
Tennis: Combines grace, discipline, and social class
Golf: Teaches patience, precision, and networking
Polo or Equestrian Sports: Refined and rare
Sailing: Technical, stylish, and adventurous
IX. Communication & Social Etiquette
Taste is often silent—but when it speaks, it’s articulate.
Speak clearly. Avoid filler words.
Ask questions more than you give advice.
Don’t interrupt. Ever.
Say “please” and “thank you”—and mean it.
Digital Etiquette
Respond to emails in a timely manner.
Avoid airing drama or ego on social media.
Curate your digital presence like your wardrobe.
X. Your Home: A Man’s Taste, Manifested
You don’t need a mansion. You need intention.
Use neutral palettes—greys, navy, tan, deep green.
Invest in timeless furniture: a leather armchair, a quality bed, framed art.
Keep it uncluttered. Cleanliness is class.
Hosting a guest? Offer drinks. Play soft music. Make them feel seen.
XI. Travel: The Tastemaker’s Classroom
Choose Destinations With Depth
Kyoto for culture
Florence for art
Buenos Aires for architecture and steak
Practice Cultural Respect
Dress modestly where required
Learn basic greetings in the native language
Observe before acting
Travel isn’t just escape—it’s education.
XII. Lifelong Learning: Always Be Refining
Pick New Skills Often
Learn photography
Try calligraphy or cooking
Join a chess club or take a dance class
Learn Another Language
French, Italian, Spanish—even the basics will deepen your travel and appreciation of culture.
A man of taste is always evolving.
XIII. Financial & Ethical Responsibility
Good taste includes how you spend and invest.
Track your spending. Know your net worth.
Invest in assets, not liabilities.
Support craftsmanship and sustainability.
Buy fewer things—but better things.
Money doesn’t define taste. But how you use it does.
XIV. Relationships and Social Reputation
Tasteful men treat others well.
Build a network based on trust, not leverage.
Give genuine compliments.
Don’t gossip—ever.
Support your community: donate, volunteer, mentor.
Reputation is the compound interest of good behavior.
XV. Final Thoughts: Taste Is the New Power
Good taste isn’t about perfection. It’s about attention.
It shows up in how you dress, speak, eat, move, spend, and treat others.
It’s how you quietly tell the world: “I know who I am. I know what I value. And I’ve chosen this.”
If you want to look high-status, don’t just buy expensive things—develop excellent taste.
Because true refinement can’t be bought. It must be built.
I'm Antonio Centeno, the founder of RMRS. I'm a former Marine Corps Officer with a BA in Evolutionary Biology and Philosophy (Cornell College 98') and an MBA from The University Of Texas at Austin (07'). I studied the Science of Style in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok and have created over 5000 videos/ articles to help men dress better. Click here to discover more about me and our mission here at RMRS.
Ready to earn more money and command respect with the right clothing? Want to start dressing sharp today? Click here to discover The Style System , the BEST Professional Style Course on the planet!
