Men's Spring/Summer 2013 must-have: The tailored white shirt

The Young Professionals

There are some things in a man's wardrobe that are a must. The tailored white shirt is one of them.
Simplicity and utility are combined in one garment.
Since its inception white shirts are a workwear standard but now with modern style and attention updating this menswear classic.
Breaking out of the office the white tailored shirt is a safe yet stylish fool-proof choice for weekend and smart-casual wear.
The subtle difference with this trend is in the fit and the way you wear it.

Van Heusen

Go for a subtly fitted shirt that goes slightly in at the sides and sits smartly on the shoulders enhancing the male physique.
This look is about showing off your body's best assets and your masculine build.
Stay clear of double/French cuff shirts as these only should be worn with a neck tie and jacket whereas this trend is focusing on a minimal approach. Pick pure cotton shirts as opposed to blended fabrics. The quality is visible in pure cotton versions. Yes, it may take more time to iron and you may have to invest in starch spray but it will be worth it. Being stylish isn't easy!
Avoid shirts with breast pockets. You are after a clean, minimalistic look.


Now for the styling tips; Personally I think there are two ways to wear it and both of these focus on the collar:

1)Wear your shirt collar buttoned up fully for a modern, confident geek-chic inspired result.
2) have the collar open. Go ahead and don't be shy to let those top two buttons open or even a third for the more daring. If you have chest hair (or a 'love rug' as I like to call it) don't be afraid to show a bit of it off. Not too much otherwise you'll look a bit like a 1970s Burt Reynolds and that's not a look we'll go for this season.
You're a man who's proud to be manly. Waxed chests are for porn stars.
Finish the look with some grey, black or navy slim fit trousers and some slick Derbys or brogues with a belt in a matching hue and you're all set.





Thomas Pink standard point poplin slim fit shirt





Curve Collar







ASOS Smart Shirt With Curve Collar




Jonathan Goldstein and Ivri Lider of TYP



Men’s footwear: Gentleman, choose your summer shoes



Not that long ago it was only grandad sandals and cheap backpacker flip flops (which are beyond impractical when worn in the city) that were the only options for summer footwear.

But in recent years men have had a lot more freedom in terms of choice in footwear when the heat is on. From the white canvas pumps craze through to the irrepressible deck shoes and finally resting with last year’s driving shoes, there is now a plethora of comfortable, casual and (most importantly?) cool men’s summer shoes on offer.

Let’s break down the hot favourites and discuss them:



Espadrilles

These really are the love/hate shoes out of the category.
With the key features of canvas uppers and woven straw soles these shoes are easy to wear and perfect for park life as well as seafront strolling.
A friend asked me recently what I thought about them as they were considering buying them but were worried they would look scruffy. I think it’s all about how you wear them.
Wear them with clean lined tailored shorts/chino shorts and a classic polo shirt or shirt for a French Rivera cool.
If you go for a white pair make sure you don’t let them get too dirt and avoid wearing them with jean shorts otherwise you’ll look like Wham! Circa 1983.
Espadrilles should always be worn without socks








Deck shoes

The ultimate shoe of choice for the preppy man about town and once much maligned, but the deck shoe (or boat shoe as it’s often also called. They are one and the same) came back like a phoenix from the ashes and has positioned itself as a staple of menswear. These easy-to-wear amazingly comfortable and hardwearing shoes are smart enough to wear with chinos yet casual enough to wear with jeans or shorts.

Traditionally they are worn without socks but I personally think that if you’re wearing them with trousers socks are acceptable and practical in hot weather.









Canvas shoes by Victoria

Simple, washable and versatile. Canvas shoes come in a wide range of designs to suit all tastes. Perfect for park, beachside, poolside and holiday wear these shoes look best with shorts.

For a classic 1950s/1960s gent inspired look why not wear checked tailored shorts with a fresh polo shirt, raybans and canvas shoes.This outfit is really complemented with short white socks for an authentic nod to old world style (think Don Draper on holiday and you’re half way there).

Finish the look with classic RayBans and a straw trilby for the penultimate summer man-about-town style.










Weejun driving shoes, 1964

For the more dashing style driving shoes cut a slick edge. A firm favourite of French and Italian men these comfortable shoes straddle the line of smart/casual perfectly. Often in luxurious suedes driving shoes are defined by their unique soles.
Versions with fringe details or boat shoe inspired cording through the sides these bad boys are great for wearing with jeans, shirt and a lightweight tailored jacket or for a more casual approach wear with tailored shorts and shirt. N.B: Identity bracelet and Italian accent are optional.



Ariel and Shimon Ovadia





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Stonewashed jeans: Back from the brink



JC Jeans & Clothes from Cafe magazine



Their presence was noted both on the catwalks and in the audience of Fashion Week this year and they are clawing their way back into the Great British high street. Not only in Britain but also in Europe. Whilst I was on my annual trip to Stockholm, Sweden that I noticed in some of the painfully cool Scandinavian menswear magazines a few trend stories involving stonewashed denim. From that glimpse of effortlessly cool Swedish style in print I began to see jeans in literally a whole new light...(or should that be wash?)

Stone washing is the process used to give newly made denim a worn-out look. The fabric is placed in large industrial drums with stones (normally pumice) and spun so that the stones pound and beat the fabric for a softer feel with a vintage, repeatedly laundered look.
If someone had told me a few years ago that’d I’d soon be rushing out to buy jeans in the same hue as the ones I wore in 1988 (think Bros, The Smiths fans and Nick Kamen in that Levi’s launderette advert ), I’d have laughed.



Nick Kamen in 1980s Levi's advert

But last week I purchased my first pair of stone wash jeans (post 1980s of course).
I’m used to wearing slim or straight fit jeans in a dark 1950s style indigo shade, so I was really breaking out of my comfort zone in an ultra slim pair of stonewashed jeans.

And what a change they made! Not only did they give me a very 1980s rugged rock look but they made me feel quite edgy. I chose to keep it true to the 1980s inspiration and wore them with some canvas shoes and a grey sweater with a David Bowie print to the front.



ASOS authentic blue slim fit jeans

 As I always wear dark jeans for smart/work wear I decided there and then that my new stonewash jeans would be my jeans of choice for casual wear and weekends.

Due to their lighter shade stonewash denims are perfect for summer. Keep it classically cool and wear with a simple t-shirt, go for the indie kid look and team them with a graphic printed tee or update them with a simple tailored shirt.

For footwear canvas and deck shoes are an obvious choice but you could wear them with some classic brogues for a boho romantic look that’s sure to cut a fine figure of a man on the mean streets.
There is something wonderfully rebellious about worn looking stonewashed jeans (In a nonchalant kind of way of course).

With a wide range of cuts available to compliment your style and shape you’ll easily be able to find the perfect stonewash jeans in your preferred cut. So go on, break out of your comfort zone, tap into your inner 1980s rocker and get a pair of stonewash denims this spring/summer.



Classic 1980s Morrissey in all his stonewash denim glory

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The problem with backpacks...

The journey in to work is never going to be the most amazing of trips but recently I have seen something that I found truly shocking…

As I endure my daily commute, my eyes have been drawn to something so terrible that I find it hard to retell…

On more than one occasion I have had the dismay of witnessing an average businessman wearing his well-made well-tailored suit accessorised with nothing other than a shabby backpack.

Wearing a backpack when you are not hiking or in fulltime education is bad enough but to put so much effort into making yourself look professional and smart, and then to go and ruin it with a backpack is just baffling.

It is not only a crime against fashion, but does it really send out the best message? When a promotion is on the table it could just be the difference between you and Dave from accounts with the dapper briefcase.

Ok, so perhaps I am getting carried away, but detail is important both in outfitting and at work. ‘What can I use instead?’ I hear you cry, well, the obvious and most traditional bag for men of the working world has always been the briefcase. The briefcase has recently been enjoying a renaissance and all the top designers now offer their update on the menswear accessory classic.

But then there is also the satchel with a shoulder strap that makes it both incredibly stylish and practical. Then, of course there is the modern ‘man bag’, in fact there’s a wealth of stylish yet practical options for us chaps to choose from for work. There is really no excuse.

I personally like to match my bag with the rest of my leathers of that day, so for example; if I’m wearing brown leather loafers, my belt and watch will be in the same shade along with my bag for the day. It makes a subtle but confident statement. But for your first transition from backpack to grown ups bag, just a stylish bag is enough.

So men of the city I appeal to you to please bin your backpacks and invest in a new bag that you can carry off with style, let the backpack wear you no more and show Dave in accounts just who’s boss.

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You're cordially invited…to wear corduroy!

With the autumn chill having firmly gripped the nation it’s time to reach for the warmer fabrics.
The once much maligned corduroy fabric is one of this season’s key trends and features from everything from trousers, shirts through to shoes and hats.

Corduroy has been a much loved favourite of farmers and good countrymen alike and often comes in vivid shades such as burgundy red, moss green or bottle blue.
In the USA there is even a corduroy appreciation society that involves mottos, secret handshakes and even strange rituals!

Aside from dove tailing with autumn menswear’s hot heritage trend, corduroy gives you excellent warmth with the deliciously soft cord texture of the fabric.
The velveteen-esque corduroy gives a cosy feeling on wear as well as screaming ‘touch me, touch me’ to others (making it a perfect choice for those hot dates).
Wear classic corduroy trousers with a check flannel shirt for a ruggedly rustic look or wear a corduroy shirt with jeans for a laidback style.

Mixing corduroy with other touchable fabrics like chunky knits, chambray and flannels really makes a simple yet effective statement. Perfect for keeping those autumn blues well at bay.

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Fall for autumn style…

The possibilities of summer are gone, and the chill of winter is on the horizon. The skies are turning grey and the wind and rain are a weekly occurrence.
It’s certainly getting colder but the warmth of summer still hangs in the air like the smell of beer long after the party is over.
With winter quite not with us and summer fast becoming a distant memory it can be pretty difficult to decide what to wear each day. Not quite chilly enough for your new duffle coat yet not warm enough to strut about town in your polo shirt.
As a self-proclaimed fan of this season over all I feel I have autumn style down to a fine art.

Tops:
Layering is your keyword here. Wear short sleeved tops like polo shirts or t-shirts under jumpers or cardigans. This keeps you warm yet if you’re in a hot bar, stuck on public transport during rush hour or the air conditioning at work is on the blink you can quickly and easily de-layer to cool off.
Plain polo shirts under patterned or colourful knits or checked short sleeve shirts under simple knits are a fool-proof look.

Bottoms:
As always, you can’t go wrong with a decent pair of jeans. To vary your autumn style try the chinos you bought for the summer and wear them with bright or strong coloured jumpers or patterned shirts for a fresh trans-seasonal approach.

Coats and jackets:
There are reasons that certain styles keep appearing on the catwalks and highstreet year after year and it’s because they work. No where is this more true then with the trench coat, the waxed jacket and the Harrington.
They shelter you from the wind and rain, keep chills at bay and give you a classic yet still strangely modern look. Trenches and Harringtons are your best friend for both spring as well as autumn and can easily be dressed up or down to suit your mood and the occasion.

Footwear:
When it comes to your feet you want something that protects from the elements.
A good pair of boots works wonders. Also deck shoes, the casual shoes of choice for men in the know, are perfect for this time of year. They were made for sailing after all! Their specially grooved outsole ensures there are no embarrassing slips on those wet shop floors or pavements. The specially treated leather (if you get a proper pair) will keep your feet perfectly dry during those blustery showers.

Accessories:
To finish off your look reach for a classic flat cap to keep your hair dry and in check during wet and windy days.

Here are some key items to see you comfortably and stylishly through this changeable season:



http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Baracuta+G9+harrington+jacket/142056292,default,pd.html



http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Barbour+Chesterhope+wax+jacket/140634662,default,pd.html

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Paul+Smith+Jeans+Trench+coat/136704895,default,pd.html

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Ralph+Lauren+Short-sleeved+polo+shirt/114501726,default,pd.html

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Marlboro+Classics+Short+sleeved+coloured+checked+shirt/133951760,default,pd.html?cgid=20000

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Kurt+Geiger+Jacks+brogue+boots/142718713,default,pd.html?cgid=0007

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Gant+Flat+front+chino+trousers/100593834,default,pd.html?cgid=2090




http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/New+Lingwood+Donegal+hat/138205350,default,pd.html

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Carry on Harrington!

The chill of the autumn is making itself felt slowly but surely.
The time to fold up your shorts and pack away your flip flops is nigh.
With early morning starts you certainly need to cover up more and more.
But it’s not exactly arctic temperatures quite yet so you don’t want a full on wool number just yet.

Enter the Harrington jacket.
This lightweight, waist-length jacket was first made by British clothing company Baracuta since 1937. These easy to wear jackets are the perfect choice for these in-between weathers. Light enough to keep you cool, yet substantial enough to keep those chilly winds at bay.

Since their early days Harrington’s have grown from strength to strength with Elvis Presley and James Dean wearing them in the 1950’s then Steve McQueen and mods sported them during the 1960’s.

Harringtons are wonderfully easy to wear yet cut a cool look that oozes classic masculine confidence.
Often seen with tartan lining and button details to the neck and pockets, these jackets are excellent for wearing both on work days and weekends out and about.

Wear them with jeans, a polo shirt and trainers for a classic Brit lad look or dress them up with tailored trousers, loafers, shirt and trilby hat for a nod to Sinatra.
Whatever your personal take on the Harrington there is a wide choice available for you to truly make this menswear classic your own.

Baracuta Clothing Home of the Original Harrington Jacket

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Men's knitwear: not for the sheepish

The glorious summer is on its way out and the chills of autumn are creeping in closer with each passing day. The drop in temperatures does not forecast a gloomy outlook. Au contraire, the drawing in of the nights means that you can wrap up in wonderfully warm and trendy knits. Free those winter warmers from the back of your wardrobes or use it (like me) as the perfect excuse to go and get some new ones.

Never before have men had such a great choice in jumpers and cardigans. Knitwear has seen several trendy updates such as shawl neck collars that wrap around your neckline give a snugly, cosy feeling on wear through to whilst the toggle fastenings add a subtle rustic edge.
From the ever popular argyle golf inspired jumpers through to the classic Fair Isle pattern, jumpers can say as much or as little about your personality as you wish.

A chunky cable knit cardigan says you like comfort. A modern man with a respect for the past and one eye on the ball of style. An argyle patterned jumper hints at a traditionalist nature who likes to be well turned out and smart yet comfortable in his attire.

The Fair Isle knit gives a wonderfully rustic look and when worn with jeans gives a quirky twist.

The traditional Scandinavian inspired ski knits are the perfect choice for those who love colour and shapes as well as a bit of attention.

Whatever your own look, there is a knit that is perfect for you this season.

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'Bang it baby!' New men's fragrance by Marc Jacobs

OK chaps and chapettes, here is yet another review on a men's fragrance.
Launched on 26th August Marc Jacobs Bang is Marc's newest fragrance invention and his first male scent in almost ten years.
His new design goes against the grain of traditional fragrances with a disconcerting and at first alarming aroma.
In true Marc Jacobs style Bang blends irony and irreverence with a dash of glamour.
Bang on first sniff is almost overpowering in its pepper scent. As it quietens down, its real pleasure and appeal come through and soon enough you are hooked on the delicious smell of masculine woods, explosive peppery woody spices and sensual white moss and patchouli.
Bang is undeniably masculine with a modern elegance and sophistication.
This fragrance is perfect for awakening dulled noses with a burst of energy that tickles and tantalises the senses, injecting a calming and euphoric tranquility with each inhale.
Available in 50ml(a reasonable £39) and 100ml (£49) the range also includes aftershave balm, shower gel and deodorant stick allowing you to keep the Bang scent pure and untarnished with other scented toiletries.

Bang truly is for the gentleman of style and elegance, a scent that improves with every blissful insufflation.

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How to wear pocket squares

Right now formalwear is having a resurgence of popularity. For far too long ‘smart casual’ has been the order of the day and a lot of men have grown tired of this dull way of dressing. Attention to detail and the finer things in life have become de rigueur of menswear.

Following on from the popular Mad Men style are the pocket squares, a basic essential of any well heeled businessman of the mid 20th century. But wearing them can be a landmine of potential faux pas. Here is a quick brief on how to wear pocket squares following the rules of both etiquette and style.

Formal occasions such as weddings, interviews, and black tie events require you to wear a suit or at least a jacket and tie. Part of this attire is a nicely folded pocket square in the breast pocket of your jacket.
Choosing a suitable pocket square can be a landmine. But it need not be. The tie and pocket square should not match perfectly, this looks cheap. To be a bit safer (and more suave), buy the tie and pocket square separately, but ensure that they complement each other.

The pocket square should echo the colours of your tie or bow tie (unless your tie is a plain colour then match away).
For example, if you have a black tie with purple paisley details a purple pocket square would look very dapper.
Pocket squares and pocket handkerchief are terms used interchangeably, but how do they differ?

A pocket handkerchief is made from linen woven cloth or white cotton cloth. These are perfect for giving a clean and fine finishing effect when placed in a breast pocket.
Pocket squares on the other hand are those made from a wider range of fabrics like silk or cotton. Silk fabrics, silk blends, cashmere or wool are most commonly used for squares as they are softer.

For a final flourish why not learn a smart way to fold your pocket square? There are several websites and youTube videos to choose from with various styles.
Go forth my good man. Straighten up and fly right!

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