The man, the myth, the legend. It's the perfect description for Tom Ford, a self-made man who was born in a sleepy Texas town and went on to be one of fashion's most influential and impactful designers. And the guy certainly knows a thing or two about living well, looking sharp and taking care of oneself. So we've rounded up some of his best thoughts on how to be a modern gentleman in this day and age.

“ You should put on

the best version of yourself when you go out in the world because that is a show of respect to the other people around you.”

Shouting is wasted energy. It embarrasses people in front of other people.

"The most important thing a man can do is exercise and maintain his weight. Because that's the key to looking youthful."

Every man should have a smart blazer, lots of crisp white shirts, a pair of classic black lace-up shoes, the perfect pair of jeans and always new socks and underwear (throw away the old ones every six months or so).

Manners are very important and actually knowing when things are appropriate. I always open doors for women, I carry their coat, I make sure that they're walking on the inside of the street. Stand up when people arrive at and leave the dinner table.

“ I'm a pretty calm person. That came from living in Italy for a long time. Nothing works, nothing is on time. You have to learn to deal with it.”

The secret to a long-term relationship? Choose someone great to begin with, then stick it out.

Like white teeth, white eyes matter. Use Visine.

"I worry constantly and obsess over things, but I don't let fear stand in the way of doing something that I really want to do."

I don't like showers. Why do anything standing up that you could do lying down?