Rules, rules, rules. Everyone’s got a set they want to hand out and the internet is chock full of sites where people tell other people what to do. I wanted to fight this, instead I’ve decided to make my own absolute definitive guide to being a gentleman. The only problem with this is that it might be too much good advice. I’d like to thank here, here and here for inspiration. So, without further a (gentlemanly) due, here’s my list:

01. One must always walk in a straight line. Zig zagging across the street is undignified.

02. Always ask a girl out first – even when she asks you out first.

03. Learn how to cross the road. It may seem silly now, but it’s a vital life skill. Trust us.

04. Travel to a third world country. When you see the smiles they have on their little deprived faces, you’ll see how much you have. Which you’ll promptly forget when you’re back home and start complaining about the battery life on your iPhone.

05. Don’t play the bongos if you’re on a date.

06. Offer your seat to a woman whenever you’re on public transport. And if she refuses and say’s she’s fine, yell “sit down woman, I’m being a gentleman!” She’ll thank you for your gentlemanly forthrightness.

07. Write letters. On paper. With a quill.

08. The heart is strongest muscle in the body. Use it. To pump blood around your body. Any other use is ungentlemanly.

09. Recite fifteen romantic poems whenever you’re on a date. If your date tells you to stop, carry on unabashed. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do.

10. Don’t forgot birthdays and important events. Some people find it rude when you forget their birthday (surprisingly). Thankfully, there’s now an internet guide to tell you that these things are important.

11. Take all of these loosely related obvious common courtesies and opinions for fact. Otherwise you’re not a gentleman.

In my ongoing attempts to break up the ranting monotony of this column I’ve decided to add some miscellaneous shots I took not so recently. I’ve always wanted to say a phrase ‘these are from my vault’ but these shots are just from the depths of my pictures folder on the Mac.

It’s cliched to say this – especially in the age of Twitter and Tumblr, where everyone is inspired by anything and everything – but I was inspired by my visit to the French press archives. Couldn’t afford to buy anything mind you, but it was worth the visit.

The Graduate, Deer Hunter, Bullitt all share a common thread -they’re all stylish films. And they’re all obvious choices for stylish films. Having rewatched this a few weeks ago, I’d like to nominate Home Alone two as a style inspiration. Yeah, I said it, I meant it, bite my tongue for no one (© Notorious B.I.G). Before you turn away in disgust, take a look at the above cable neck crew neck/plaid shirt combo – guys are paying good money to get that look nowadays.

Take note of the autumnal hues, especially the green coat – looks like something straight out of Garbstore.

Oversized glasses, button down collar striped shirt and plaid check vest. Size up on the model and he could easily be straight from a Band Of Outsiders lookbook.

Camel overcoats, every designer has one out this season. Also, note the wine red scarf and denim shirt.

Backpacks are back and Kevin had one of the best.

Overcoats (again), Corduroy jackets and cardigans.

Polaroids and patterned accesssories – two things that are making a comeback.

Burgundy’s always great in autumn.

Playing with texture in an overcoat, chunky scarf, workwear-esque waistcoat, striped shirt and fingerless gloves. Size down on the cuts and you have a lookbook worthy shot.

Do I even need to say anything for this picture?