You’ll want to ditch the check shirt though – the ubiquitous ‘lumberjack’ aesthetic is on its way out with the beard. Instead, try a luxe sweatshirt, simple Oxford button-down or classic blue chambray shirt:

Leaders Of The Pack

Take a look at some of the leading men already cutting a sharp figure with clean shaves.

Tom Hardy

A man of many guises. Proven to hold equal appeal with the opposite sex whether he’s bulked up as Batman‘s Bane or slimmed down for Inception, Hardy’s taken to the cleaner look with the greatest of ease.

Mark Strong

Blessed with a strong bone structure, British actor Strong looks strikingly good with a closely shaven head and face. Couple that with his killer style and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

Miles Kane

This musician’s modish leanings allow him to pull off this cleaner look with aplomb. Super sharp silhouettes and a palette of neutrals work to complement his closely shaved face too.

Mark Ronson

In spite of always being branded as something of a menswear enthusiast, Ronson’s never given in to the beard trend. He looks top-notch sporting a fresh face, whether he’s donning slick streetwear or block-colored tailoring.

David Bowie

What can we say? This gentleman was something of a pioneer back in the 1970s and 1980s and truly changed perceptions of what it is to be a man, paving the way for a world where it’s OK for guys to take pride in how they present themselves.

Final Word

The return of shorter facial hair and closer shaves marks the end of an era for the beard. And while we’re sure it’ll no doubt be back at some point, now’s a good time to try your hand at a new, fresher appearance.

Will you be giving your beard its marching orders? Or do you feel a clean shave lacks a sense of ruggedness? Perhaps you will opt for a happy medium: stubble?