Guy Fashion Stuff: 2012

Rules of Matching Ties and Shirt

Some men become paralyzed when they try to match ties with shirts. But different patterns and textures can look knowingly stylish - if you follow this guide.

Sophisticated

Why it works?
The dominant colors in both shirt and tie are the same tone., but not a perfect match. The flecked texture of wool tie provides a contrast with the shirt's classic windowpane.

Conservative

Why it works?
Stripes and checks can work when the shirt and tie share a common color. Make sure one of the two (in this case the tie) is bolder than the older

Casual

Why it works?
The bigger the checks, the more casual the shirt. Match that feeling with a textured tie in a loose knot. To make it more formal, switch the tie to a silk one and tighten the knot

See the difference of tailored suits on the RIGHT

So are you ready to get that tailored suit now? This is how your tailored suits should fit.

The Shoulder

It should be snug not tight, but not tight. Even the best tailor can't rework a shoulder.

The Waist

The body of the jacket should skim your torso and the waistband should sit at your waist, not lower.

The Hem

Your pants should have a slight break on your shoe. Pant cuffs are appropriate only if our pants have pleats and you're over 5'9". Flat front pants call for an uncuffed leg.

The Button

When you wear 2 or 3 button suit jacket, the bottom button always stays undone.

The Lapel

The tie and lapel should relate to each other in width. A narrow lapel calls for a slim tie.

The Perfect Fit: Dress Shirt

A dress shirt should make you look good and flatter the body you've worked hard to build. A shirt that's too large can make a big guy look bigger, a small guy look tiny and any guy look sloppy. Here's how to find the right fit.

Neck

When your shirt is completely unbuttoned, you should be able to stick one or two fingers in your collar comfortably. If you can turn your head without choking, it's a good fit.

Shoulder

The seam should sit at the shoulder, it can be half an inch over, but never under. If it's more than half an inch over, the body may be too loose r boxy. Too much under and the armhole will be uncomfortable.

Dealbreaker

A collar or cuff that does not fit cannot be altered. A shirt body can be taken in but never let out.

Body

Your body should be able to pinch an inch of fabric on each side of your body. Any more and the fit will be too loose. Look for darting (the sewn-in shaping) which indicates a slimmer fit. The shirt should fall at least seven inches below your waist; you should be able to lift your arms without the shirt coming untucked.

Sleeves

A shirt cuff should sit 1-1.5 inches above your thumb joint. If you can slide your hand through a cuff without unbuttoning it, the cuffs probably to big.

Forever Blue

Get a pair of your favorite blue jeans at this time of month.

Buying smart is all about knowing which items to scrimp on (like regular tees) and which items to splurge on like good quality shoes. Stylish and comfortable shoes can last you several years with out looking out of style and without the danger of falling apart. Tod's shoes are famous not just for their high quality materials and handmade finish, but more so for its enduring reputation as one of the world's best leather goods brand.

Wrist Candy

Used to be that men's watches came in either earth toned leather straps or sporty metal
straps - nothing else. They were meant after all to blend with your outfit and not to be conspicuous. Now all that has changed. Watches come in shocking neon colors with straps in leather, rubber, metal or even a daring combo of both materials. This watch should be apart from what you already have and wearing almost everyday.

It's not true that women dominate the realm of the shoe fetish. Men have it too. They talk about it with their friends compare who has the latest edition of high tech sneakers, or even ask where they can get a nice leather pair for work. They discuss the shoe merits with the detached objectivity and monotone voice of a scientist or inspector. The specs counts. they can;t just be cute or the perfect match to a long sleeve top. They need to be comfortable too as guys will never sacrifice comfort for fashion.

Another more recent addition to this shoe checklist is how seamlessly they can blend in with the wearer's lifestyle. And it is in the vague and fast moving area that the modern shoe hybrid comes to play - welcome the lifestyle shoes. What is it exactly and what it is for? To be honest there's no straight answer to that. They are for whatever purpose you might need them for - a stroll in the mall, a coffee date with your girl or a company outing. These shoes cover that gray area between the dress shoe and the scruffy sneaks.. they're stylized sneaks and dresses-down wingtips. They have metallic strips of color that make them funky enough for clubbing, distressed leather for daily pavement pounding and even shiny patent leather for snazzy, evening events.

Lifestyle shoes - they've got all you gray areas covered.

Layer it Right

The coolweather calls for warmer clothes. Here are the basic tips on how to layer without looking like the marshmallow man.

Layer thinner fabrics with thicker jackets or coats. You can still wear you favorite tee from summer or you regular work shirts with you knot sweaters or bulky jackets. Avoid wearing a thick sweater with another heavy and bulky item.

Remember that darker colors will do a better job in keeping you warm than lighter colors. So for instant body heat, black, darker gray and blue are your best bets.

Instead of you usual sports jacket or windbreaker, try wearing vests cardigans - they can instantly warm you up without making you look sloppy and unkept.

Guys be wise - moisturize!

It might seem a touch of enthusiastic to start an anti-aging routine early on, but it's worth knowing that using a good moisturizer as early as age 18 can help slow down the ageing process.

What

Choose one based on you skin type. If you have oily skin, use one that regulates production of oil. If you have dull, uneven skin, choose one that has whitening ingredients. Wrinkled? Get one that contains anti-ageing ingredients.

When

It's important that you moisturize every morning after washing with the added benefit of SPF protection ensures you stay protected against the sun's harmful aging rays.

How

Do not Splat the moisturizer all over you face. Dispense a pea size amount on your finger and gently apply it on key areas of your face - forehead, cheeks and neck. USe an upward circular motion and avoid your eye area.

TOP 3 on our list

The Right Shape of Sunglasses For You

We've all been there. You walk into a store and impulsively purchase a pair of glasses or sunglasses. You wear them once and decide that they make you look like Bingo from the Banana Splits. So you throw them in a drawer and leave them there with the other half dozen pairs you own that have barely seen the light of day. The moral of the story don't go freestyle when buying glasses. Before you make a purchase have a long, hard think about the shape of your face and what types of frames would best suit you.

Ask your optician to fit your frames properly and get the lightest weight lenses possible so that you're not constantly pushing them up the bridge of your nose. If your prescription necessitates heavy lenses, get a pair of frames with ear loops·, or be sure that the temples fit snugly enough to keep your glasses securely on your head.

TRIANGULAR FACE

If you have a broad forehead and a narrow chin, choose glasses that mimic your bone structure and help to accentuate the eyes. A pair of aviators would work well. And consider the lenses: bold tints won't don't work with glasses like this so consider gradient lenses.

OVAL FACE

Long, lean faces need frames that accentuate width. Forget delicate, John Lennon-style glasses and opt for heavy plastic wraparound and frames with oversize lenses.

ROUND FACE

Full cheeks and a curved jaw line call for frames with a contrasting, angular shape. In order to create a sense of balance, make sure the corners are slightly rounded, not sharp.

LOAFERS

The loafer has moved beyond its preppy roots. Wear this basic with any casual look involving jeans or trousers.

OXFORDS

A good pair of oxfords are the cornerstone of a stylish wardrobe. Remember to keep them polished and to steer clear of puddles.

ANKLE BOOTS

Ankle boots are refined enough to wear well with both tailored and casual trousers.

SANDALS

Let your feet breath in the sunnier. Sandals go well with soft linen or cotton fabrics, but make sure they are made of leather.

MONK STRAPS

An elegant alternative to loafers, this slip-on is almost universally flattering.

SPECTATORS

Spectators-cream-colored shoes with brown or black accents-are not for everyone, but they can be very stylish when worn correctly.

WING TIPS

Wing-tip shoes add flair to the serious business look. And yes, only wear them with suits- they're too formal for khakis or jeans.

FLIP-FLOPS

No matter how popular flip-flops become as a summer staple you should only wear yours at the beach or the pool.

WORK BOOTS

The classic work boot protects you from slushy sidewalks and arctic chills.

DRIVING SHOES

The driving moc was invented to let you feel a car's pedals better. Now it's an alternative to wearing slippers in public.

Wearing brightly colored socks is a look championed by Italians and British men who like to indulge their peacock tendencies a little more than American men do. Don't let that put you off: Stripes, dots, argyles, and checks- or just plain color- can make a bold statement. Done badly, however it can make you look like a chump.

Transition from blue, gray, and black by wearing socks in subtle patterns or lighter blues and browns. They'll match the clothes you already have.

While you might not want to go the whole hog, try red socks with jeans and brown shoes.

Stripes, patterned, and clocked socks are for style connoisseurs only. Apply similar rules as the ones for shirts and ties- match colors and balance scale.

Bear the following in mind: Socks are a transition from the pants to the shoe. Try to keep one color constant or blend the two colors being brought together.

When in doubt, lean toward the color of the pants. Think a bout the shirt and tie you are wearing. If you pickup colors from the shirt and tie, your socks will blend seamlessly into the same outfit.

All these should be in your closet - key pieces every guy should own

The backbone of a stylish male wardrobe requires certain essential, wellcrafted pieces. Because these items are enduringly chic, they should be of sufficiently good quality to last for multiple seasons. Some may require a significant initial investment, but their long lifespan will often warrant the investment.
These items are the wardrobe staples every man should own. The golden rule when shopping: stick to neutral colors such as black, brown, gray, navy, white, and tan as they can be easily matched with each other or brighter colors if need be. With that rule in mind, read on to discover which pieces will help you to achieve your smoothest style ever.

Leather belt

The key to a classic belt is to avoid large ostentatious buckles or
shiny, flashy leather.

What you can wear it with: Jeans, flat-front pants, and suits.

White T-shirt

Look for a blend of 98% cotton and 2% Lycra as the stretch from the Lycra means the shirt will fit you to a T, in addition to ensuring the garment retains its shape over time.

What you can wear it with: Provided you avoid overly large sizes, you can wear your trusty white T-shirt with jeans or shorts when it's warm, or as an undergarment under sweaters and shirts in the winter.

Black socks

Unless you're playing sports or hanging out in your pajamas, stay away from white socks.
What you can wear them with: Anything but your gym shoes.

A Suit

A classic staple suit.

What you can wear them with: Black dress shoes, black socks

Black dress shoes

A modern, sleek take on the classic cap-toe oxford is your best bet for a black dress shoe you can wear with anything.

What you can wear them with: Suits and formal attire.

Polo shirt

Typically a short-sleeved, collared shirt made from cotton, polo shirts are the definition of classy, coolly assured casual dress.

What you can wear it with: Khakis, jeans, or slacks.

Jeans

You don't have to break the bank buying these, but you do need to be certain they fit properly, meaning they showcase what's great about your body. They should also be seriously comfortable since you'll be wearing them a lot. Look for a comfortably soft denim weave, but make sure the fabric is thick enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
What you can wear them with: Versatility is the name of the game here, and rightly so, as blue jeans look good with nearly anything, from a blazer and dress shoes to a T-shirt and sneakers.

These are a few we have compiled for you who just might have forgotten how it is to be one. We know that there are a lot of other things but these are what stands out among the rest.

Say "Please" and "Thank You"

Work hard

Mind your manners

Offer a lady your seat

Don't curse

Extend a firm handshake

Keep your words

Respect your elders

Always make eye contact

Open doors for others

Stand up straight

Stay well-groomed

Act chivalrous

Read books often

Have a romantic sensibility

Stay away from gossip

Be punctual

Love well

Stay humble

A toast to all those knights in shining armor who are still living up to these rules at this age. Did we leave out something basic? Feel free to comment.

Jackets for Business Travel

“Business” means wool, and “travel” means nothing too finicky. Leave the linen suits and the Super 150s at home — they’ll just wrinkle en route. Your best bet is a plain, dark jacket in medium-weight worsted wool. That keeps it classy, goes with most trousers and shirts, and will be the least likely to show travel creases and wrinkles. If you’re going long enough to need two, bring one dressier jacket and one sportier one. An easy way to do that is to bring one suit and one sports jacket, and then use the suit jacket with unmatched trousers for a third outfit if needed.

Trousers for Business Travel

By the same token, if you’re going to need a suit at any point, figure on using it both as the matched suit and as two separate pieces for other outfits. A dark gray suit for your most formal occasions easily becomes gray trousers that can pair with a lighter sports jacket for a more casual look. Apart from any pants that come as part of a suit, be thinking in terms of wool or cotton slacks rather than jeans. Jeans are bulky and less multipurpose — if you need to look relaxed and casual, you can do it just as easily in brown or gray slacks or a pair of khakis, and those can be dressed up further than jeans when needed.

Shirts for Business Travel

Unless you’re a die-hard purist, go ahead and go for the wrinkle-free cotton shirts. The treatment is a mild one that’s safe for nearly everyone’s skin, and it’s nice to have the option of not pressing your shirts at the hotel if you’re short on time. That said, cotton dress shirts are the way to go, precisely because they can be pressed — most hotels will provide a small iron and ironing board on request, and it’s a good way to look extra-crisp on business trips. One plain white shirt and one plain light blue shirt is a good pair for your lightest packing; if you have room and need for more than two, make the third something with a little color and pattern that can be worn more casually.

Shoes for Business Travel

If you only have room for one pair, make it plain black leather oxford balmorals. If you’ve got room for two pairs (and you almost always do, especially since one can be worn onto the plane), bring the black oxfords and then a pair of dark brown leather shoes.
The brown ones can be a touch more casual, but should still be something you’d feel comfortable wearing a suit if you needed to.
If you’re willing to wear one and pack two — which is getting crowded in carry-on luggage, but doable — the third can be something casual like loafers or topsiders (boat shoes).

Alternatively, if you know that exercise is going to be part of your networking needs (or if you’re just really, really dedicated to hitting the gym even when you travel), bring a pair of tennis shoes instead of casual leather ones.

Accessories and Sundries for Business Travel

It’s always the little things we forget, so make sure you’ve got all the small items you need to complete your outfits:

• Neckties — one for each day of the trip
• Pocket squares — one plain white, and one or two more in color
• Socks — one pair per day, matched to the trousers
• Underwear — one pair per day
• Undershirts — ditto
• Belts — one to match each pair of shoes you bring (tennis shoes don’t need a matching belt)
• Cufflinks — only if you wear French cuff shirts, obviously
• Any tie accessories (clips, pins, chains, etc.) if you use them
• Toiletries (a Dopp kit is a nice way to keep them all together)

There’s no need to look for “travel” versions of most of these, apart from the liquid toiletries, which will need 3-oz. containers for air travel. The key thing to be thinking about, like the larger items, is interchangeability — you want to pack as few ties and belts as possible, so choose the ones that go with multiple pairs of pants, shoes, etc.

FLANNEL PAJAMAS

While cotton should be the default option for pajamas, cold winter nights call for the warmth
of flannel.

UNDERSHIRT

Buy your basic white undershirts in bulk for winter warmth. Always wear beneath a shirt unless you
work-for Tony Soprano.

BRIEFS

Whether you wear them every day or just for the gym, these are your best bet for support.

BOXERS

Whatever you're packing, you'll have more freedom in a pair of boxers.

BOXER BRIEFS

Boxer briefs offer the support of traditional briefs with the roomier fit of boxers.

ATHLETIC SOCKS

A thicker sock gives you the cushioning you need when running or playing ball.

DRESS SOCKS

Keep a drawer full of cotton blend socks in basic colors. When they're threadbare toss them, never wear them .

Make sure most of your tops don't emphasize your waist line.

Whether you wear single or double-breasted blazers, avoid any
baggy areas under the arms or in the shoulder area.

To avoid looking like a lollipop, don’t wear blazers or jackets with big
shoulder pads.

Jackets fall right under your buttocks. A shorter jacket will emphasize your
height as well as your skinny waist, arms, and legs. A longer jacket, on the
other hand, can make you look like a stick covered in blanket.

Your pants should be just above your hips.

Avoid monochromatic looks since this will make you look more slender.

Go for lighter colors, this will make you appear slightly larger.

Don’t wear vertical stripes, instead choose horizontal stripes. Go for square-toed or pointed shoes to balance out your shape.

Stay away from skinny jeans. A straight-cut or boot-cut jean will suit you best.

THE LACES

The rules for men's footwear may be less stringent, but it is an inescapable fact that a lace-up still looks better with a suit than a slip-on. The general rule is that the more eyelets the shoe has the more formal it is. Classic cap toes and wing tips should have at least five.

THE COLOR

Black will always be dressier than brown. If you're suiting up for a board meeting or a formal event, go with the former. If necessary., however, you can pair brown lace-ups with suits-especially navy or charcoal-as long as they're Scuff-free.

THE MATERIAL

Glossy leather is the fail-safe choice, but you should feel free to experiment with suede-starting with a pair of classic bucks and progressing to exotic materials like alligator and ostrich or the growing number of antiqued leathers. Note: Battered isn't the same as
distressed.

THE TOE

An elongated toe is unequivocally classier than a square. That doesn't mean all your lace-ups should be pointy-lots of elegant cap toes have squared-off tips but unless you're aiming for mid-nineties nostalgia, no shoes you wear should have a blunt, squared-off toe .

THE WELT

Well-made lace-ups should have a close welt- the seam where the upper meets the sole and creates the outer edge of the shoe. It should be visible, but it shouldn'textend so far past the edge of the shoe that it creates
a ledge.

THE SOLE

A thin sole is the hallmark of a cheap shoe-plus, it not only looks cut-rate, it wears out more quickly. Yours should be at least a quarter-of-an-inch thick and preferably leather, not rubber.

THE BROGUING

Traditionalists will tell you that the more broguing-decorative stitching and perforated and serrated edges-a shoe has·, the less dressy it is. But while it's true that heavily embellished bucks look better with sport jackets and tweed than with pinstripe suits, this rule is flexible.

If your jewelry or cufflinks are the first thing somebody comments on when they look at you, they're probably a little too much. A watch should be discreet, not opulent. It should
go with everything.

It's fun to wear things that are "of the moment." Just not everything. That's too much.

You need to sense the body underneath the clothes. When you can't see the body underneath the clothing, it looks sloppy.

I really admire men who can wear ties. I love the idea of it, but men my age don't feel comfortable in a suit. I feel like such a prick in one, like I'm pretending to be the big guy here. And I'm really sick of that suit-with-sneakers-and T- shirtlook. The shoes are key. I hate when you see someone in tailored pants and brand-new sneakers and you can just tell it's so not their personality. I want to tell them to get a nice pair of brogues.

A suit needs a nice classic shirt. Opulent prints and bright colors are better with jeans and chinos than suits. I think guys are definitely less intimidated by the whole concept of grooming in the last few years, but it has nothing to do with those five guys [from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy]. It has more to do with people like David Beckham, a straight guy brave enough to go out in a skirt or pluck his eyebrows. And he's the most
masculine soccer player, married to this beautiful woman. That's more influential than those five guys.

A few little squirts of fragrance on your chest is better than ten squirts on your neck. And unless you're really, really handsome, don't get highlights.

You have to be a certain type to carry off a leather jacket. If you do wear one, it should be tailored. A boxy one will age you.

When it comes to dressing, I think men have to try a little harder, a little less hard as well. It's contradictory, but I think we're lazy. You have to be a little adventurous, but you have to listen to your soul and have good instincts. You know if you look like a dick. You have mirrors.

How to wear sweater in 3 different occasions

BASKETBALL GAME

A sweater and dark jeans are evening wear, especially if the evening consists of standing up
and cheering .

SUPERMARKET RUN

Khakis and a sweater make errands easy work.

DRESSING FOR FALL

To keep your layers from getting bunched up under a coat, wear a sweater instead of a jacket. You'll still be all business but you'll be warm.

Tweed Jacket

The is the autumnal equivalent of summer's soft shouldered blazers. Whether you're tempted by the kind of loud checks that characterized 1970's tailoring, these are the jackets to reach for as a seasonal default.

Great Coat

In recent years the overcoat has shrunk to the point where it's little more than single breasted peacoat, but this season more elegant shapes are available and they look and feel right once again. The inspiration is the kind of broad-shouldered
double breasted overcoats that men used to wear before the advent of central heating.

Denim Shirt

Once upon a time denim shirts were durable work wear designed for men toiling under the Californian sun, but these days their chief virtue is the depth of colour and texture that they bring to the outfit. The denim's shirt position as weekend wear is unassailable, but its also interesting to mix it with more formal clothes, try one under a tweed jacket.

Halloween Costume Ideas

Let me just say that women have it easier on Halloween. I have compiled a few outfit ideas for you clueless monsters out there.

Captain Jack Sparrow

If you can pull off that bad-ass pirate look like Johnny Depp then why not?

300 Spartan Deluxe

Well, since girls have an excuse of wearing practically nothing during this occasion, why can't you? The more muscles, the better. For those countless hours spent on the gym, I think you deserve to just show it off!

Ghostbusters

Now this would look great with your girl. Plus she gets to be in this sexy outfit that matches yours, so cheesy. But I'm sure she will absolutely love this idea.

US Navy Seal

Admit it! You have somehow dreamed to be on this one. Women love men in uniform and this would be just what you need to get all 'em girls.

Guy Fashion Stuff

Rules of Matching Ties and Shirt

Tailored Suits

See the difference of tailored suits on the RIGHT

The Perfect Fit: Dress Shirt

Some Things Worth Splurging Before Christmas

Get The Pair To Match Your Lifestyle

Layer it Right

Guys be wise - moisturize!

The Right Shape of Sunglasses For You

Shoes 101

How To Wear Colored Socks

All these should be in your closet - key pieces every guy should own

Rules of a Gentleman

What to pack during a business travel?

Underwear Options

Fashion Tips for the Skinny Man

Shoes Basics

RULES OF STYLE

How to wear sweater in 3 different occasions

Fall must-haves this week

Halloween Costume Ideas

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