Q Is it acceptable to go for a formal do without shaving? Do women find that sexy?

A Sure, if you're this year's Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor, Spaniard Javier Bardem. While you're at it, grow out your hair and don't comb it: Let's go for the full hobo effect.

Facial hair can be a tricky thing. Why do some men look hot with a five o'clock shadow while others just look unkempt?

The stubble has to be neat, even and have some shape, preferably accentuating your features or distracting from problem areas like a weak chin. In short, it should not be accidental.

This is easier to 'cultivate' if you're naturally hairy.

Chinese guys can easily go without shaving for two days, and the result could still be more comic Lao Fu Zi than rugged Marlboro Man.

You need to rethink your wardrobe, too. The more stubble you want to show off, the spiffier the outfit should be. If not, you would just look sloppy or worse, be mistaken for a certain fugitive.

Casual chic is about as basic you should go. That means wearing a shirt and fitted jacket with boot cut jeans and leather loafers or, at the very least, clean sneakers.

You'll look more dapper and suave in a tux or in a suit (pick fitted rather than boxy cuts).

Take the cue from Bardem, 38, if you want to pull off the rugged look. Think modern rogue banker rather than outback cowboy.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Mar 6, 2008.