UrbanUpdate

The most stylish suit on the planet doesn't mean a thing if the proportions aren't right. And that same suit doesn't stand a chance against an out-of-control facial-hair situation. But when it comes to a suited man's beard, exactly how big is too big, and how bushy is too bushy? Bradley Cooper showed up last night to InStyle's annual awards ceremony wearing a Tom Ford suit (read: the official suit of handsome movie stars). His tailoring was on point, the suit's peak lapels were appropriately dapper, and there was even a touch of sheen to the thing.

But above the neck, all we saw was hair. Look, Cooper's beard isn't that bad. In fact, it looks well cared for. But last night it was so big it looked like it was somehow merging with the side wispy bits of his slicked-back hair. When your beard gets this bushy, it's actually doing you a disservice. Instead of accentuating a strong jawline, it softens and puffs up the edges of your face (and a puffy-looking face is never good). When you're rocking a suit as legit as this Tom Ford number, you should aim for facial hair to match. In practical terms, we'd suggest trimming Cooper's beard on the highest clipper setting. That'll leave him with plenty of scruff, but none of the puff.

It's also worth noting that Cooper's long hair and enormous tie are exacerbating the problem. When your hair and beard compete for wild bragging rights, everyone loses. As a general rule, one should be kept shorter and more conventional than the other. Lastly, if you can put the effort into wearing a suit well, you should know how to cinch your tie knot. Cooper's chubby tie is adding weight and width to his neck, and not in a good way.

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