If you’re looking for ways to up your image and improve your luck with the ladies, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve got five tips to give you a leg up.

Some can make an immediate change that’s easy to recognize, while others take more time, but they’re all beneficial to helping develop your personal image. In case you’re unsure, your image is more than just what you wear — it’s who you are and who you present yourself as, so let’s jump right into it.

5. Upgrade your shave

When was the last time you changed up the facial frontier? Changing up your facial hair can drastically change how people look at you. I’m not saying jump straight to James Harden levels of growth, but don’t be afraid to give different styles a try. Even if your fashion is solid, an unkempt beard can be an attraction killer. Even men who choose to emulate the great ZZ Top look will tell you, a good beard requires good grooming. With that in mind, it’s also important to be honest with yourself. Not all men can grow luxurious locks below the lobes, and there’s nothing wrong with that — just don’t try to pull off the Anthony Hamilton look.

4. Never go shopping alone

There’s a reason that women love to shop together. Aside from a good excuse to get mimosas and getting a chance to gossip, it’s because they surround themselves with opinions they trust. It can be tough to trust the salespeople because, often times, they earn commission for their sales — meaning they may be more inclined to make the sale instead of making you look your best. Shop with a friend or two who will give you their honest opinions. Taking friends along gives you time to build a better bond with the guys you consider close, too.

3. Ask for real feedback

Even if you take a friend or two with you on your next image expedition, most of your friends and family aren’t going to go out of their way to tell you what looks bad on you. Keep in mind that they care about your feelings, and may be reluctant to point out flaws — those dad bod pounds or a bad fit. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics with their opinions. Their judgement shouldn’t be the final call, but it should be factored into the decision making process. Men don’t like buyer’s remorse, and many stores don’t offer full refunds. 

2. Don’t Buy the Brand

Bottom line, don’t be that guy. We all know that guy. Within our community, there are a lot of those guys. The guy that knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing. 

We’re all aware of the major brands in men’s fashion — Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Louis Vutton etc. — but don’t be afraid to venture beyond the brand. Before deciding to buy something, even that $30 polo you saw, ask yourself if you’re buying it because of the brand or because you love the quality and fit. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it. Simple as that. If you wouldn’t buy it without the brand name, don’t buy it. Not to mention the numerous black-owned brands that offer top quality wares. If you can, support your local entrepreneurs before you go throw out $50 for a bowtie from J. Crew.

1. Create new experiences

Get out of your comfort zone, not just with your wardrobe, but with your life as a whole. The best way to better yourself is to get out there and try new things.  Chances are, you’re living a life that’s pretty routine. You wake up, go to work, eat at the same places, go to the same movie theater or mall, and for some guys go to the same clubs, bars and strip clubs over and over again. There’s so much more to the world than seeing the same places and the same faces every weekend.

Go out and do something new. Take a weekend road trip, try a new restaurant, get active, give back to your community. There are plenty of options in the world, but if you do what you’ve always done then you’ll get what you’ve always got. So many men are afraid to express themselves and lead the life they really want — don’t be one of them.

Your image starts with what makes you feel confident and comfortable, but it’s also built upon what people think of you. You can’t control what people think of you, but you can control what fuels their opinion, but that’s a topic for down the road.