1) It’s all in the bag.

a. Alenjandro Ingelmo duffle.  Much loved.

b. Hold-all bag.  Much loved.  Brand?  Couldn’t say.

“Any traveling man needs a holdall for those weekend jaunts or three-day business trips.”  (askmen.com)

The plain toe derby’s, 5 button cuff single breasted two button (marvelous buttons) enclosure jacket and jeans that drape more than well divert your attention… I know this.  Pay heed, it’s all in the bag.

c. Jerome Dreyfuss buttery goat skin tote bag.  Men’s totes are becoming more and more prevalent, pay much needed heed in 2012.

“Totes are a modern approach to the classic briefcase.  Resembling an artisan’s bag, the tote is the utmost in casual business attire. Its basic design and usual soft leather exterior allots it a classic status… if purchased in a chocolate brown or black, this bag can add a touch of laid-back masculinity to any casual work wear.” (askmen.com)

d. Blind Chic, Big Bad Wolf 2 messenger bag.  “Blind Chic is a Hungarian bag manufacturer, they make really cool and affordable waxed canvas messenger backpacks. The one featured here is the Big Bad Wolf 2, it features two front pockets, one of them (high pocket) specially made for mini bike pump. The military green bag is made of waterproof military waxed cotton canvas and includes padded shoulder straps and two adjustable straps on each side.”  Courtesy of blessthisstuff.com.

2) Drop shoulder seam t-shirt sweater.  The drop shoulder seams provide the greatest casual fit.  Courtesy of Raf Simons’ Autumn/Winter 2011–2012 collection.

3) Velvet blazer: Jimi Hendrix, the epitome of Purple Haze puts your mind in a daze.  Catch him here sporting this maroon velvet blazer.  A timeless piece for your collection in cooler climates.  Go cocoa brown, rich black, maroon, dark purple, charcoal or Maserati / midnight blue…

4) Footwear, shoe game.

Oxfords (British) = Balmorals (English) = Closed Lace
Derby’s (British) = Bluchers (English) = Open Lace

Forrest Gump: My momma always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where the go, where they’ve been…

Walk on air, tippy toe around the world with something sporty on thy feet.  Here is some direction, always seek perfection, I hope this is inspiration…

a. Antonio Maurizi wingtip balmorals (closed lace): The W extending mid way thru the foot signifies the wing tip (if the wing extended thru to the back-of-the-foot / heel it’d be considered a longwing); best when worn in a formal business setting.  This pair shows nil brogue perforations aka holes in the medallion (area above the toes) and elsewhere.  Such perforations serve as design aesthetics in contemporary use and served as drain holes in the old age, as brought into existence by the Irish and Scottish.  The more perforations the less formal.  If you wear suits daily you should rotate at minimum three pairs of balmorals.  Magnificent Bastard finds this same pair too lengthy as in “the toe shape doesn’t plot high enough.”  I prefer pointy & long although without trying on the pair I can’t say much.  From the looks of it, I see a flattering construction of a dress shoe.

b. Berluti

i. The Piercing collection.  The name says it all–I prefer such a pointy toe.  Shown are whole cut balmorals.  Definitely acceptable with a dinner suit.  

c. Gaziano & Girling Ltd.  Here are balmoral’s with minimal brogue on the medallion.  Given the brogue and screaming brown hue, this pair is unacceptable when coupled with a dinner suit; nor is the shoe whole cut (made entirely of one piece of leather).  One may sport glossy plain toe oxfords as opposed to whole cuts with a dinner suit and that’d be considered acceptable unless of course, dinner suits are of daily occasion for thee.  If wearing calf skin plain toe oxfords with a dinner suit, you must polish, polish and polish that calf skin to illustrate a glossy shine.  Patent leather whole cut oxfords or patent leather plain toe oxfords with dinner suits are the norm.  Sorry, this deems a post in and of itself.  Noteworthy, the square toe illustrated here is out.  Go pointier and rounder.

d. Gaziano & Girling.  Two tone, half suede, half calf skin balmoral wingtips.  Well done.  These work best with formal business attire and may be dressed down with jeans and a sports coat.

e. Go casual with Neil Barret’s artisan bonding collection…

f. Paul Smith Collection.  Loomis Chukkas bring the ruckus…

g. Ronnie Fleg

i. Ronnie Fleg Delancey Boot.  Got swagger, can’t knock the hustle.  I don’t enjoy using the term swagger but I couldn’t help myself.

ii. Ronnie Fleg Seneca Boot.  Swagger to the max.  These are benevolent.  I don’t enjoy using the term swagger but I really, really couldn’t help myself.


h. Zonkey Boots

i. Walk miles in style…

ii. Walk the Saharan in these Zonkey’s.  Pull out your tongue like MJ and wiggle it with Monitor Lizards, slip-n-slide with Sand Vipers, conspire with Deathstalker Scorpions and take a minute in the fast lane to run sideways on the desert highway with flightless Ostrich.  I prefer all black desert boots with a minimalist heel but these will suffice.
 iii. Who needs toe warmers when walking wonders in the Zonkey collection.  Plain cap-toe wool collection…

i. H by Hudson Hudson

i.  Mcgeachy shoes.  Hybrid fabric, multi-tone, half plaid wool, half calf skin…

ii.  Mcgeachy shoes.  Hybrid fabric, multi-tone, half plaid wool, half calf skin.  I call it the urban desert collection…

iii. Nickel Derby’s in brown (plain toe).  I’d only sport these with jeans.  Only with jeans.

j. Patta Kangaroos Hiking Boots.  Who needs a bike when you hike, everyday is a hike, if you need a LIKE sport these, be a good sport, tell the haters take a hike…

k. Common Projects Calf Velvet Shoe, fellas pay heed…

l. Saucony… retro

m. Alden.  Blue suede tassel loafers.  Inspiration courtesy of Shoe Snob.

n. Pierre Corthay.  Parisian bespoke shoemaker.  If you’re a novel observer of footwear I advise you click on Pierre Corthay above (I’ve linked it), browse the collections and read snippets about the collections.

o. TOMS.  I save the best for last.  TOMS was founded on the simple premise, “For every pair you purchase TOMS will give a new pair to a child in need.  One for one.”  Shown here are black wool fleck fleece Botas (Highlands).  Courtesy of TOMS.com.

5) Hat game

a. Borsalino, bowler / derby hat.  “A bowler is a sturdy hat with a rounded crown. The brim of the hat extends out a few inches and is similarly rounded. The origins of the hat date back to approximately 1850. The bowler hat got its name from the makers of the hat – Thomas Bowler and William Bowler. Historians believe the bowler hat was created as a stylish way to protect the head when on horseback.  Charlie Chaplin, as well as Laurel and Hardy, were know for their bowler hats. In the United States, a bowler hat is known as a “derby,” while in England it’s called a bowler.”  Courtesy of accessories.about.com.

A phenomenal combo when worn with a paletot overcoat (paletot is depicted below in the post).  Bowlers don’t suit me.  However, Barbisio makes a fine bowler.

b. Barbisio fedora / trilby / Indiana Jones hat / Humphrey Bogart hat / gangster hat.  “A fedora is made of soft felt and is most recognizable by its pinched front and the crease that travels lengthwise on the crown. The brim extends out and is sometimes bent down over the eyes. Most fedora hats feature a hat band.  Fedoras first appeared in the late 1800s, however this style of hat didn’t become popular until the 1930s. Still popular today, fedoras are often associated in modern times with wealth and class. Men ranging from Humphrey Bogart to the fictional Indiana Jones are known for their fedora hats.”  Courtesy of accessories.about.com.

c. Barbisio bucket hat / Gilligan’s hat (Gilligan’s Island) / sailor hat / dixie cup hat
d) I save the best for last.  The south side of Chicago is deemed “The hat capital of the world.”  I highly recommend those in and around the city to visit Optimo Hat Co.  Click here to watch their video.

6) Overcoat / morning coat / top coat.  How does a young spank decide on when to wear what type of coat?

a. “The Paletot has a wide spectrum of use and is the ideal companion for a number of occasions.  In a plain navy cloth, it is the perfect city topcoat that can be worn with pin striped suits as well as with  tuxedos or even tailcoats. It is also a great choice for a Stroller suit or a morning coat. With the addition of a detachable fur collar or lapels and cuffs of matte silk, it becomes a very special evening overcoat. It looks particularly dapper with a contrasting velvet collar.”

“If you are looking for one coat that is suitable for almost all occasions, then a Paletot made of flannel or tweed in charcoal or navy might be the best choice. For example, a plain dark gray and blue tweed Paletot can be worn with a plaid tweed suit as well as with a business suit or evening wear and I am sure the wearer will always look quite well put together.  Especially for students or gentlemen with a limited budget, the Paletot is an ideal topcoat that is suited for such a wide range of events and occasions. Later in life, you can upgrade and refine your topcoat wardrobe, but there is always room for a good Paletot.”  Courtesy of gentlemansgazette.com.

By the way, popping the collar on an overcoat is acceptable; one being style and two, to protect thy neck from sheets of ice.  Popping collars on garments other than coats is usually unacceptable although I am guilty of it from time to time  (only during casual occasions within a close circle of friends) given my neck is quite long.

Mind you, anything double breasted makes you look fatter than you are.  The 4 x 2 button enclosure is quite unique although it adds the flare.  This too deems a post of its own (morning coat, Paletot, pea jackets, bomber jacket, ulster, frock etc.).

b. Seamless shoulders work best in formal business attire, they drape exquisitely.  Courtesy of Raf Simons’ 2012 collection.  The purple here screams too loud for my camouflage self, I like to fit in.  Of importance, the tailored, body contoured, fitted look is never going away.  The extra relaxed look as shown here comes and goes; it’s trending big for 2012.

7) Hoodie weather.  Keep a set of quality hoodies.  Pay close attention to the quality of the hood itself; I prefer a heavier hood.

a. ASAP Rocky here of NY is seen in some funny looking camouflage capris and in a hoodie for his boogie night ahead.

b. Yelawolf.  In an interview when Sway asked Yela of his first encounter with Eminem, Yela cites Eminem introduced himself as, “What up, I’m Marshall.”  Funny isn’t it, as Yela responded, “Yeah I know dog.”  We found that funny.  Watch the interview.  Catch Yela in a hoodie here.  The boy has style, you reckon?  We also love his song Animal.

Scarves.  Decorating oneself in a scarf is a style in and of itself not to mention the plethora of scarf knots that further signify your niche.  Pay heed to this extra long scarf, courtesy of Burberry Prorsum.  BTW, nice duffle.

When in scarf talk, a staple collection is inclusive of tartans in wool, 100% cottons / cashmeres in solid neutral hues in fine herringbone or twill accompanied by fringe tassels, cable-knits, cashmeres in houndstooth with fringe tassels etc. and for those more fashion forward, silk stoles.  Such neckwear has become an imperative accessory to the well attired man allowing gentlemen to add that much needed flair to their ensemble.  The variations are endless, to each his own.  When suited in solid attire go with a plaid or striped scarf.  The scarf doesn’t have to match your tie, rather make it compliment your complexion and outfit.  Fringe adds that touch of upper echelon class.  If you’re not dodging wind chill and sheets of ice, let the scarf knot hang loose around thy neck.  Get some gloves too.  No one likes a cold handshake; be a man!


9) Drop crotch denim.  Marithé et François Girbaud denim.  Wow, very stylish; I haven’t had a pair of Girbaud’s since my university days.

10) Parka.

A parka is a winter jacket with an attached hood trimmed with a fur ruff.  The aboriginal parka pulls over the head and covers to the mid-thigh.  The hood is very deep, especially in places like barrow which experience ground blizzards.  The body and sleeves are often sewn of caribou, ground squirrel or sealskin.  Wolverine or wolf is used for the fur ruff.  In Eskimo communities like Barrow, Kotzebue and Nome, the slim legs and formidable claws of the wolverine are used as decorations that depend from the shoulder onto the front of the parka.  Front legs are used for men’s parkas; back legs, which have longer fur, for women’s parkas.

Contemporary fancy or dress parkas lean toward velvet, corduroy or velveteen on the outside, with a lining and trim of wolf, fox, rabbit or polar bear fur.  They usually zip down the front.  Everyday parkas may be liked with Thinsulate TM or quilted fabric, wit fur trim only around the hem, cuffs and hood.  Modern hoods may be only half as deep as traditional North slope hoods; they act more as photogenic frames for the face than as protection from subzero wind.

Muskrat and hare are the least priced furs available, and commonly used for children’s parkas.  For Alaska Native adults, parkas may be sewn of sea otter.  The most expensive parkas are sewn entirely of wolf or wolverine.

Making a fur parka is a labor intensive process that, traditionally, begins with the trapping of the animals whose fur is required.  Then the pelts must be tanned.  In times past, urine was saved and used for tanning.  Repeatedly kneaded and handled over many days, home tanned furs are softer and more resilient than furs commercially tanned with chemicals.  Trim may include borders of non-Alaskan material, such as light and dark calfskin chevrons or calfskin with village scenes inked onto it.

The above content is quoted from Alaska’s Arts, Crafts and Collectibles by Ann Chandonnet (Chandonnetjuneau@gci.net) and courtesy of alaskahouseny.org.

For those not in the Arctic, a recommendation is the Alpha Industries parka in cocoa brown.
Alpha Industries has portrayed the great ability to cross the lines of military to fashion forward rather easily.  Find their historic timeline here.

If you’d like to drop $950 on a vintage sheepskin B-7 Alpha Industries Parka here’s what to expect…

–Jay

And inspiration can be found everywhere.

Online, there’s always helpful information for us clueless cave men. We browse all the sites and blogs, keeping a pulse on what’s going on in the world of men’s style.

We’d like to say thanks to the talented creators for helping us look good. It’s not easy to know where the best deal is, the best look or best trend to ignore or follow, without their help.

Here’s a round up of the sites we like and hope you do too.

Valet Mag offers up everything for the modern man. Great tips on style and living, plus they have a nice question/answer section.

The GQ Eye is the men’s magazine blog, posting frequently on men’s topics and trends. A daily snapshot from the experts.

Get Kempt also posts frequently but their topics are less mainstream and they have fun doing it.

Magnificent Bastard keeps it simple. You ask a question on style and they answer it, with fearless wit and sharp satire.

Sartorially Inclined’s a blog with leanings towards prep. We’re not sure how he posts so frequently with such good content. Also, shoot him a question and he won’t blow you off.

Put This On is a two man operation recommending a modern look with old school fundamentals. Also, they have great insight on good deals.

One Man’s Style is for those that want something with a visual impression. Four photos per post, each represent his sense of style, wants and desires.

Feel free to let us know the sites you follow.

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A white tee shirt should fit your build. You don’t want them too long or loose, but close to your frame so a dress shirt can easily fit over it and be worn without. We found this helpful guide on some good choices on white tee shirts. We like the pocket option as it lends a bit more tee shirt and a little less undershirt.

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Or was it? It seemed like a shame to toss them out.

I decided to cut the legs off and make them “new” again. I could also save myself some dough from buying a new pair of shorts.

I got to work.

I marked them with a pencil just beneath my knee cap. I laid them flat over a table, marking the other leg at the same spot. I lined up a ruler on the pencil mark, making certain it was parallel with the bottom of the pant cuff. I traced a line across with a pencil and did the same with the other leg. I then cut the pant leggings where I marked the pants.

Don’t make the mistake of lining up your ruler with the top of the pant. Most men’s pants have a rise in the back and a dip near the front. If you use the top of your pants as a barometer, it will leave your shorts with a rise on the outward side. This is not good.

You can either leave them with a fray or get them hemmed. Shorts with a fray are trendy this season, but personally, I’d rather wear something that works for any season. I took them to a tailor and $5 later, I had a “new” but “old” pair of comfy shorts.

I was ready to make new memories.

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The thick, one fold cuff seems to be the trendy pick. I think it looks ok, but garners too much attention to your feet. Also, a thick cuff makes a man look shorter.

I prefer a shorter cuff and if I need to roll them up, go for a skinny roll, though, I think he rolled them a little too high. Showing ankle is better left to the ladies.

Then there’s John Turturro (always terrific in a Spike Lee or Coen film) who doesn’t seem to care and looks good doing it.

So I guess it really depends on what type of jeans your wearing, the length and cut but mostly who you are. Don’t follow the trends out there, but roll or cuff as needed. Necessity never fails, making your appearance natural rather than forced. Here’s an example of a thick roll but it works because he’s trusting his own style.

Regardless if you roll or cuff your jeans, it looks best over dressier type shoes instead of sneakers, unless your sporting chino’s.

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Recently, pocket squares have had a renaissance thanks to our friends over at Sterling Cooper. AMC’s “Mad Men” has resurrected a fashion sense from over 40 years ago. Slim tailored suits in somber tones are complimented with collar pins, cuff links, tie bars and of course, pocket squares.

So how do you wear one? Well, there’s quite a few options but its best to keep it simple, not distracting from your look and avoiding an origami project.  I like the basic flat pocket square fold.  For other folding options, here’s an extensive list.

It’s recommended to match your pocket square with either your dress shirt or suit’s color and patterns. It doesn’t have to be a perfect match but something close. We provide pocket squares using the same material as your dress shirt. If you’re uncertain, play it safe and go with white. It’ll work with most of your suits and still make a visual impact.

Exclusive pocket squares are made from silk, but linen and cotton are just as effective. Something to keep in mind with silk, is it can slip down out of site, giving the impression of storing chestnuts. To avoid this, go for a puff type of fold to maintain support.

Due to its recent popularity, it’s important to use a pocket square with some discretion. There’s no need to wear one with every suit, just if the situation seems appropriate. If you’re in a casual setting and don’t want to wear a tie, use a pocket square to add a touch of formality. So use a pocket square when it seems right but don’t let it distract from your overall look, complimenting it instead.

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A look that would do fine today: boots, trousers, sports coat, argyle V neck sweater with collars just doing their thing. Casual cool.

I’d be relaxed too if I had Jack Purcell’s on my feet.

Chino’s, V neck, pocket watch: classic but rumpled, making the look his own. You should too.

Aviator sunglasses will never lose their appeal. And everyman should wear a watch.

The look that started it all: a classic white T

The coat’s lapels give away his pea coat. Trousers aren’t tight but give enough room to take some chances.

Doing what he did best. Looking cool.

The artist at work in a striped Oxford.

It all starts with being comfortable in your own skin.

And the “Little Bastard” that did him in.

There are plenty of good discussions on how James Dean portrayed that ultimate cool and originality, but the important thing to keep in mind, is he took risks, taking on what life has to offer.  So live life the way you want to and take some chances. Do what you’re afraid to do because life is short. As it was for him.

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But let’s dig a little deeper, beneath the gloss. Mad Men is a step back into another era, a different time. We know what we can expect. Their way of living was simpler and slower than the hustle and bustle of today’s technology and lifestyle demands. Perhaps this is what pulls us into the show, being able to unplug online and sink into our sofa’s, watching their world unfold. They have safe jobs during the birth of corporate America.They work but can have a smoke and a drink during a stressful workday. They live during a time when the economy was honest and a man came home to dinner.

It’d be delusional, though, to want to be in that world. While it’s nice for an escape, the social barriers regarding civil rights had yet to be broken down. Women had few options for a career or lifestyle. Besides, using a typewriter could be cumbersome.

What’s interesting is the show’s premise. It’s at the dawn of advertising with the rise of television. Marketing is about clever slogans, jingles and commercials. Now, that method is dying as we Tivo and block out direct marketing noise. Instead, we connect online through social media, talking directly with those creating the content we’re interested in. So while we watch Don Draper swagger through the birth of his advertising age, we are now experiencing the decline of his time.

What we can embrace are the show’s old world fundamentals, great style and substance. We could use more of this today, with everyone capable of participating online with these new tools now at our fingertips. So while we enjoy the show, we can also bask in the new technology that has allowed us to savor the moment.

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Every dress shirt is a combination of its weave, thread count and fiber. Ultimately, this combination will determine the feel and look of the dress shirt. This is what determines the final product.

Fibers

Cotton dress shirts breathe very well and can also be very soft, feeling the most comfortable of all fibers. It’s a good conductor of heat, feels and looks natural and provides the best overall quality, which can make it expensive. Keep in mind it does wrinkle easily. Blended shirts are common because they are less expensive than cotton, are wrinkle free and provide good warmth, though, less comfortable than cotton. Since they are a combination of cotton and polyester, they are not breathable, so avoid it during the summer. On the other hand, linen is perfect during a hot day, but is notorious for wrinkling. Personally, I avoid linen because I don’t want my shirt looking like I slept in it.

Weaves

Oxford cloth is one of the more popular weaves, due to it’s softness and good durability. It can be worn for formal or casual occasions. It has a “basket weave” appearance, the fabric crossing over in pairs. Pinpoint Oxford is a higher end Oxford, having a lighter weight and finer texture. Royal Oxford is finer still, usually worn for formal occasions.

Broadcloth is a tightly woven fabric with a silky texture, giving it a smooth, formal appearance. It’s one of the most formal dress shirts you can wear, displaying patterns, such as stripes, with great detail. Also, it’s great during the cooler months, providing insulation, during Spring or Fall.

Twill dress shirts use a diagonal pattern, giving it a unique look but also has a strong texture which looks great on shirts with a solid color, making the patterns more visible. It’s generally light weight, lighter than Oxford and Broadcloth, but also very durable, not soiling easily.

Poplin, similar to Broadcloth, is made up of 100% cotton having a soft, comfortable feel, not requiring much ironing. It makes a good summer shirt. It has a very smooth look, though, there is a fine horizontal ribbed effect on the surface. Also, it drapes very well to the body so it’s important to have it sized properly.

Herringbone is a custom dress shirt that is tightly woven with a fine ribbed effect. It’s used with Twill, creating a weave made up of rows in opposite directions, forming a zig zag pattern. It looks great on solid colored shirts, bringing out the unique details of the fabric. Compared to an Oxford shirt, the Herringbone has a smoother feel and classier appearance. Not a common weave, but definitely unique.

The final piece is the thread count, which tells you how many threads were used to make the fabric. Most dress shirts range from 40 — 160.  The higher the thread count, the higher the quality, such as a softer, finer finish. A lower thread count usually produces less quality but it could also mean a heavier fabric, for cooler weather. Another factor to consider with thread count is the ply, which means how many threads were twisted together before making the fabric. Two ply takes two strands, twists them together, and produces a durable, smooth fabric. Single ply uses one strand and therefore, produces less overall quality. So a two ply, 80 thread count dress shirt would be better than a single ply, 120 thread count shirt. Take a look at the fabrics we offer to get a better idea.

Ultimately, the final product crafted by the tailor or designer will determine the quality of your dress shirt,  but knowing the fundamentals of what goes into a dress shirt will help you get what you want, whatever the occasion maybe. This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding fabrics, as there are many different styles, preferences and opinions on what makes a great shirt, but the basics will never change, even when your style does.

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]]> http://www.deoveritas.com/blog/mens-dress-shirt-fabrics/feed/ 7 http://www.deoveritas.com/blog/clothes-guys-shouldn%e2%80%99t-wear/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clothes-guys-shouldn%25e2%2580%2599t-wear http://www.deoveritas.com/blog/clothes-guys-shouldn%e2%80%99t-wear/#comments Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:14:10 +0000 AR http://www.deoveritas.com/blog/?p=435 Read More »]]> So hopefully you were able to learn a few things from our last post on what to avoid with men’s fashion. There are many trappings that we’ve all succumbed to at one point or another, with the right intentions but with the wrong outcome. So without further delay…

• Novelty Tee Shirts: We’ve all seen them. Maybe it was a gift with good intentions or at the time, it just seemed so funny you had to have it. Well, it’s not so funny when that hottie thinks you’re a dork but digs your friend in the blazer and button down. These shirts are trendy, tacky and won’t work in most situations, other than buffing polish on your dress shoes or hanging out at home. Personally, I like plain tees or something with understated graphics. Don’t think Ed Hardy.

• Baggy Clothes: Unless you’re going for the baggy look or you’re a hip hop star or you’re 15, try to avoid wearing clothes that are too big for your britches. Sloppy, loose fitting clothes give the impression of laziness, not only with your clothes, but your lifestyle as well. Wear clothes that fit your build comfortably. So avoid overhanging sleeves and pants dragging the floor when you walk. And if you work out, then you should wear something that reflects all that hard work. Not tight pants or shirts like it was painted on, but form fitting, letting it drape. It’s especially important to wear suits that fit properly because it’s usually for an important situation.

• Designer Logo or Labels: Logos from designers in easily visible locations on your clothes is like seeking approval when we were in high school. We don’t need branding because we’re confident right? D&G logos or Gucci on the front of your shirt will make you seem insecure and maybe even a snob. If you’re wearing something of quality, the people that need to know — will. If you really need to have people know you spent $300 on your jeans, then maybe you need to take a hard look at your priorities. Most designers have caught on to this so it’s a relatively easy choice to go for a subtle appearance and not compromise on quality.

• Skinny Jeans: Unless you’re related to Joey Ramone or in a punk band, please leave these where you found them. This is a current fad that should fade and be forgotten. It’s a battle to squeeze them on, especially if you work out or slightly chub.  Let the ladies squeeze them on instead. Like the image below, this looks best if you’re under 21 or have the right build.

So there you have it. Following these simple tips should lead to a better looking you.  Also, have you seen anything that I may have missed, helping us to avoid the pitfalls of men’s fashion?  If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let us know.

Also, for tips on the finer points of dressing up, follow the guidance from the men’s style forum, Ask Andy.

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