The average shirt worn by a man is typically designed to serve a purpose: as a covering. It gives protection, and acts as a temperature regulation mechanism. However, even in these designs primarily aimed at pragmatic use, there can be found a lot of trends in fashion. Think back to the paintings of the classical painters wearing their collarless shirts with roomy, billowing sleeves. Compare that to the button-down shirts worn as formal attire in the twentieth century. As the marketplace becomes more and more global, it seems that men’s shirts and fashions are changing faster than ever.
One of the most interesting developments in men’s shirts and fashion of the 20th century was the development of the polo shirt. Some people have come to also call this a tennis shirt. It was actually invented by Rene Lacoste in 1929. Who was Rene Lacoste? He was a famous French tennis player.
The polo shirt provided a loose alternative for the tennis player to the rigid dress shirts they had traditionally worn. The commercialization of the polo shirt really didn’t peak until Ralph Lauren developed its Polo collection in the 1960s. This Polo collection stayed in fashion for many years. In fact, it was popular so long that it came to be considered a common clothing category. It isn’t worn by tennis players much anymore, but the polo shirt is still seen among common people of many cultures. Read the rest of this entry »
Much ado is often made in discussions surrounding men’s fashion about neckwear, blazers, dress shirts, and leather outerwear – often at the expense of understanding the rest of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Not only are well appointed and properly fitted pants and footwear extremely important to the overall look and image of any particular outfit – they are integral to your comfort throughout the day!
Considerations of Colour
Whether they be dress, casual, corduroy, denim, or any other fabric – pants are ultimately the most flexible and important part of any man’s professional wardrobe. Pants anchor the look entirely, setting the tone of the wardrobe conversation and immediately setting in motion the overall feel of any particular outfit. For example, corduroy pants imply comfort, a relaxed feel, maturity, and a sophistication not normally found in denim. Fine wool dress pants, on the other hand, send a signal of refinement, class, and high style.
Socks should, whenever possible, match the pants they will be worn with – the major exception being of course with denim, in which case they should either be navy (as worn with most blue jeans) or tan (as worn with brown shoes). Important to keep in mind when considering matching socks to pants is that they should preferably be within range of the shade of the pant fabric without being too much the same. For example, a nice chocolate coloured argyle print sock with blue accent colours might be an excellent match for a pair of tan or bark coloured casual pants coupled with a french blue sportshirt. Read the rest of this entry »
Selecting the Best Style and Fit of Clothes for the Office
Along with the suit and tie, the dress shirt is the main article of clothing that creates the proper look for a businessman. Dress shirts vary by style, size, fit and features.
Choosing a Dress Shirt Style
Under almost all circumstances, a dress shirt for business that is worn with a tie should have long sleeves. In some offices, or outdoor work sites, short sleeves may be appropriate. Look at the example set by your supervisor and respected colleagues. If these people wear short sleeves, then it may be okay in that situation…
When dressing to impress, do not follow the standard of the office non-conformist. Sleeves can always be rolled up if necessary.
Collars come in different styles, usually a normal pointed collar and a spread collar. Spread collars are newer and show a contemporary fashion. The spread accents the tie, and therefore look better with a wider tie. Some shirts have different color collars than the shirt which appears bolder.
Long sleeves are closed by straight cuffs with buttons, and French cuffs that require cufflinks. French cuffs add more flair to the look, but may be too fashionable for a more conservative setting. Read the rest of this entry »
In the worlds of business, finance, marketing, sales and any other monied profession dealing with people and profits – sartorial style cues are sure to influence even the most staid and conservative of men who work in these industries. In order to avoid the trap of conservatism when it comes to business fashion choices, one’s selections should be bold, bright, and powerful – imparting a sense of confidence, knowledge, and an assertive presence.
The Power Tie – Designer Neckwear from Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Paul Smith
When it comes to assembling a power outfit, the necktie is surely the most important item in the wardrobe. The tie is literally the showpiece of the entire power suit, it is the most naturally attractive item on the menu and must literally pop – meaning that bold prints and bright, attractive colours are necessary when choosing a piece of neckwear to compliment the power outfit in the business fashion sense.
Brioni is a leader in men’s fashion, and is regarded very well worldwide for their handmade, beautifully inspired ties. Traditionally speaking, a Brioni tie will knot exceptionally well, is made entirely of high quality silk, and is a bit thicker than your average storebought necktie.
Brioni ties are typically very bold in patterning – this season’s offerings being found in such high fashion outlets as Neiman Marcus, Harry Rosen and others seeming to intimate that Brioni is offering a variety of large print paisley’s this season, ranging in colour from beautiful purples and lavenders onward to attention grabbing reds and crimson.
Ermenegildo Zegna is another top name in designer neckwear; Zegna is very well known for producing excellent striped ties that work very well as power ties due to their great versatility and ease of co-ordination with common shirt patterns. Most Zegna neckties offered at the designer level contain a variety of complimentary colours, whether they be offered in polka dots or even a fine cross-hatch.
Finally, Paul Smith is an excellent choice for men who love floral patterns – this season being expecially strong for these organic contenders. Paul Smith offers beautiful patterning in extremely large, oversized prints that will be sure to attract the right kind of attention; this label is certainly not afraid to experiment when it comes to aesthetics and retains a near avant-garde / high fashion flair sometimes lost in translation to commercial fashion. Read the rest of this entry »
Designer Clothes and Vintage Style, the Best Fit, Colour
Whether one is considering purchasing an expensive designer suit along the lines of Canali, Armani, Boss, or Calvin Klein or simply cruising the local thrift or consignment shop for a trendy new look it becomes increasingly important to consider the style of closure that your garment will have – the most popular contemporary styles being the 3-button and 2-button suit.
Advantages of the 3-Button Suit
The three button suit is a a very classic look that bestows a more formal look upon the wearer – usually the case wherever buttons are concerned. The more buttons, typically, the more formal the garment. By this reasoning, 1-button suits that are very much in vogue currently are weighted heavily towards style rather than for convention.
The 3-button choice is a bit more conservative in nature and for this reason can be better suited for everyday wear in a business environment. Taller men might enjoy the higher closure of a suit of this particular make, providing a tighter fit around the chest and a typically straight silhoutte.
It can be difficult to find a fashionable and appropriate three button suit at a thrift store, or a consignment shop. The lack of variety and size range in particular styles can be limiting, as a three-button suit is possessed of a more difficult fit for most builds, the higher closure leading to a less accomodating chest measurement. This does not mean that a greal deal cannot be found, however.
Popular colours in three button suits tend to trend in more traditional colours, simple black or navy.
Advantages of the 2-Button Suit
The two button suit has been increasingly in popularity over the course of the last few years, and is now quite easily the more common of the two styles, especially amongst designer labels as the style is currently the tops when it comes to fashion.
The two button suit is an excellent choice for casual wear, lending itself perfectly to being worn with denim, whether that be designer jeans or even quality vintage jeans with a slight tint or wash. When paired with a fitted dress shirt, sport shirt, or even a well co-ordinated t-shirt or ringer, a two button blazer or suit jacket is the perfect item to pull a smart casual look together with impact and cohesiveness.
The two button suit can also be great for shorter men, especially in formal or semi-formal situations. The construction of a two button suit accents the shoulders, making them appear broader and straighter, while simulaneously lengthening the appearance of the torso – an aesthetic plus and extremely complimentary. This is not to say that taller gentlemen will not benefit from the above attributes as well, as they certainly might.
With regards to purchasing such garments secondhand, it is much easier to decide on a purchase – due in part to the logic applied earlier with regard to casual wear of two button blazers and suit jackets. An improvement in colour variety is also a great advantage when considering a two button suit, colours ranging from light gray to taupe to chocolate pinstripes are very popular and acceptable amongst this more liberal fashion style. Peak lapels really cement the fashion-forward image projected by a well fitting two button suit.
Whether a gentleman chooses a three button suit for wear at the office or a wedding or a two button blazer for wear with a sharp new pair of dress jeans, the importance of fit and construction can never be ignored.
Certain silhouettes and closures can make or break an outfit, so be sure to choose the style that best fits the figure, the outfit, and the context.