Do you often wonder what matches? The closet is full ... how do you decide? Dressing for success is a skill. If you're like most men, it's not one that you were born with. But try these techniques on for size and let the promotions come your way.

At my house I watch my husband go through the same routine day in and day out. He'll hold up a purple tie to his white shirt. "What about this one?" he asks. I laugh and say no, that one won't work with the belt and shoes he's already chosen.

He reaches into the closet and pulls out a red tie with green diamonds and holds it towards me.

"This one?"

Now, I really laugh, "Absolutely not! That one shouts Christmas office party. Honey, it's June, put that one away."

For me, this is fun. For my husband, this is agony. I walk over to his closet, select a tie and hand it to him and begin brushing my teeth.

"How do you just know?" he asks.

My answer is always the same, "I just do."

But, the truth is I know because I've spent a lot of time looking at fashion magazines, studying the way clothes work together, which fabrics go with which, and what is just enough versus too much for any outfit. There is a method and art to dressing for success; and its different for men than it is for women.

Today we'll look at what it takes for a man to get started. There are three key elements.

First: Know your company's written and unwritten code. Every company has a dress code, whether written or not. Study the other men at your company to see what they are wearing. Do they wear ties? Do they slip into casual mode on Fridays? Does your boss like khaki? File this information away on mental note cards or better yet, write it down for reference in our next steps.

Second: When you shop, copy shamelessly. As a man, your goal with clothes is to fit in at work, not to stand out. Your clothes won't do your job, but they will work for or against you when it comes to impressions, so make sure you're clothes are appropriate to your office environment. When you are ready to hit the stores seek out complementary and coordinating pieces so that you're assured that most anything you grab will match. Keep it simple so you can succeed.

Third: Always dress at your level or above, never below. What does your manager wear? How about the vice president? What colors do they wear? Are their shoes slip ons or do they tie? Do they wear white tennis shoes? Are shirts tucked in or left out? Are their shirts button down or polos with collars? If you're a manager look to the VPs. VPs watch your CEO. Men feel most comfortable with other men who are "like them" especially when it comes to clothing.

Put these three simple strategies to work for you ... your mornings will be happier and you'll enjoy the perks of looking like the right crowd.