Your office wear: what you understand by “casual”

Do you always know what is appropriate and what is not quite acceptable for the office wear? Even if your office wear is known as Casual – there is difference between casuals, depending on what you add to this notion. And according to this, each of us may have his own understanding of casual. In order to avoid ambivalence in this matter, you’d better define for yourself, what clothes you wear at the office. Here are some tips for you not to be confused.

At the office give preference to more classic style, avoid unnecessary sports attire and colored things. For instance, t-shirts with text across the front or back will do all right for the holiday and week-end, but not for a working day.

Do not overindulge in wearing cargo pants either. I know that they are practical, and it is not always easy to leave them at home instead of wearing them to work. But mind, you are working at an office and a suitcase will be more appropriate here. Unless you are not interested in your career and tries to use any chance to spoil the whole impression of you, go ahead!

Even if it is hot summer, it doesn’t mean you may wear shorts to work! Never! Nobody will be glad to see your hairy legs just because you are too hot in trousers. If you too warm in cotton or topical weight, wool trousers, try a linen pant, but not short, I beg of you…

Try to keep in mind (at least during the working week) that you are a serious adult, who works for a serious company and does important work. If you have realized it, you will hardly wear a sports cap or a company golf shirt to work. Nobody makes you forget about your hobbies and interests, just remember that work is work and spare time may be dedicated to what you like and what you want (sure thing, wearing what you want)! If you don’t agree, think what you would do if you were boss? Sure, you’d want all your employees not only do their work in a good way, but also look their best. As they say, clothes count for first impression…

Wearing layers in men’s fashion

Fashion is rather unpredictable and very changeable. It really takes quite a lot of efforts to try being always fashionable and looking your best in any situation. And the thing is not in buying expensive clothes if you don’t know how to wear them! Even if you have several nice things in your wardrobe, know how to combine them and how to wear layers, you’ll have your own style – it also means a lot!

The art of wearing layers as well as the art of coordination needs some practice and skills. Here are some tips for beginners.

Rule 1: avoid too big and bulky garments. Otherwise you’ll look like a cabbage in all those pieces of clothes! Remember, that the main aim of layers is to create a neat and sophisticated look, but do not do it too bulky. Thus you’ll only spoil the whole impression.

Rule 2: if you start building your outfit, mind, that you should begin with lighter fabrics and proceed with heavier ones. This will form a complete ensemble and won’t distract anybody’s attention. If you do it vice versa, your whole image will be the same…

Rule 3: combine colors. See to it, that all layers you wear have corresponding and/or matching colors. Make them work in tandem, creating a more united overall composition. Using complementary or matching colors ensures that all the layers in the outfit work in close connection, plus it establishes another level of successful “construction” to the outfit.

Rule 4: be wary of layering multiple patterns. As you have already noticed, the art of combining patterns is difficult in itself, especially dealing with wearing layers. Begin by coordinating a lightly patterned white button-up with a more heavily patterned sweater that uses the same main color. However, until you’ve truly mastered pattern mixology, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and use a 1:1 ratio (one pattern with one solid).

Wearing layers can really enrich your wardrobe, enabling you to reuse different pieces of clothes in different combinations. Do not give up, if sometimes goes wrong from the very beginning, you just need some practice. By the way, nobody said it would be easy…

Once again about Scarves and How to wear them

Once I touched upon the issue of wearing scarves, but I believe that this piece of clothes, sometimes too unloved among men, really deserves your attention and if worn correctly, can become part and parcel of your style. “If worn correctly” means that there are several variants of wearing scarves and you are free to choose something for yourself.

There are several popular knots, which can not only add you more style, but also add you more warmth in winter.

Parisian Knot

The most sought-after knot is also one of the most universal. Here’s how to tie a scarf in a Parisian knot: Take the scarf in both hands and fold it over lengthwise; drape it around your neck; insert the loose ends through the loop hanging in front of you and pull them through. It looks really very stylish and together with the feeling of warmth adds your image more sense and feeling of style.

Once-around Knot

This knot will be the best variant for those cool days when you need a bit more comfort, but don’t want to wear too much on yourself. The point of this knot is casual warmth. To learn how to tie a scarf in a once-around knot, drape the scarf around your neck allowing one end to be longer than the other. Take the long end and bring it around your neck and let it fall over your chest. If you have a long neck, overlap the scarf in back just a bit so that most of your neck between the jacket and the base of your skull is covered.

Loose once-around Knot

When it comes to knowing how to tie a scarf in a loose once-around knot, the same rules apply as the regular once-around knot: Drape it loosely as though you haven’t the time to finish the job right. In this case the main purpose of the scarf is just “for the sake of its being there”, it is not used for warmth, perhaps for fashion more!



Twice around knot

This knot has something in common with a Parisian Knot and will also provide you with warmth in a winter day. Thus, if you like Parisian Knot, you may change something in your appearance with twice around knot. Here’s how to tie a scarf in a twice-around knot: Begin as you would with the once-around with both ends hanging in front of you, but make sure one is significantly longer than the other. Take the much longer end and circle it around your neck twice; do this without making the knot too tight. Getting the lengths of the ends to match up or come out relatively close will take a bit of practice, but a knot like this will make all the difference on a cold day.

There exists a mistaken belief that only gays wear scarves. This is nonsense, I’d say. If you wear a scarf, it means, that you have the feeling of style many men are deprived of, take care of your health and want to feel not only warm, but stylish and standing out from the herd of others. I wish you didn’t allow perpetuated stereotypes influence your life!

Men’s bags’ trends

It goes without saying that a nice stylish bag is part and parcel of your image. And if you want your image to be complete, you cannot neglect the choice of your bag. There are several classical variants of bags, you can easily change and vary according to your clothes: formal or informal.

Briefcase

This classical bag hasn’t lost its popularity since the times of your grandparents. It is really very convenient and practically all-purpose and may serve you for a long time. The classic shape without the sharp corners, buckles, leather exterior, and practical interior compartments help make this bag a timeless and irreplaceable addition to any working-man’s wardrobe.

Holdall

These bags will be of good avail for those people who have occasional or regular business trips. They also come in variety of colors, shapes and designs from totally sporting to more classic and business. Holdalls are very practical, have leather exterior and enable you to take all necessary things with you.



Messenger bag

Originally used by messengers, messenger bags are still widely used by almost all strata of society: from students to businessmen. Thanks to its various design, different shapes, forms and colors, it acquires new “modern urban” meaning in the 21st century.

Tote

Due to its long handles, totes acquire a kind of contemporary edge. It creates an excellent ensemble with your casual business attire. It’s really very convenient and roomy, thanks to its design and style.




Camera bag

Camera bags, small versions of messenger bags, are meant to be strapped across the shoulders. It won’t do for long business trips, but is sure to serve you long for keeping your belongings while going somewhere not for a long time. You don’t need to take any huge bag – everything you need is compactly hidden in your camera bag.



Newsboy bag

If you prefer active style of life, this newsboy bag is just for you. Being informal, it goes especially great with casual wear. If your students’ years are still in your memory, this bag will be a nice addition to your everyday wear!

As you see, there is quite a nice choice of bags for all kinds of occasions. Depending on what style you like and what image you are eager to have, you are free to choose that bag, which will be a nice addition to your wardrobe!

Winter 2008: facial hair styles

It goes without saying that winter with its changeable, sometimes unpredictable weather demands new approaches to our style, regarding both clothes and appearance in general. Here we cannot neglect our facial hair as well. Because even if you are unlikely to wear beard in spring or in summer, it may be rather acceptable and appropriate in winter. There are some widely spread facial styles you can choose from for this very season.

Trimmed Goatee.

This facial style enables you to look elegant, stylish and at the same time remain classic. Trimmed Goatee adds your personality a restrained urban flair and a shade of sophistication. If you give preference to this facial style, don’t forget to take care of your goatee. If it becomes too long, it acquires a rather neglected looks!

Balbo.
This facial hair style presupposes a three-part look - separate mustache, soul patch and chin beard. It looks elegant and very stylish. Guys, who give preference to Balbo, represent a clear penchant for all things classic and refined.

Heavy stubble.

This facial hair style is sure to add your image a bit of negligence and sports looks. Though it looks rather untidily, it’s a nice opportunity for guys who are constantly dealing with a heavy beard. Besides, heavy stumble doesn’t require everyday care as in two previous examples and adds you’re a masculine looks!

Scruffy beard.

If you are not afraid of becoming discussed and keeping your facial hair a bit untidy, give preference to scruffy beard. It looks especially stylish with an extremely sharp suit. Besides, this facial hair style doesn’t look great on everyone – make sure that you are not ridiculous and don’t look like a tramp! If still you choose scruffy beard as your facial style for winter, you prove to be a calm, cool and collected person!


Full beard.

Full beard is sure to add you a masculine grown-up appearance, so be careful. If you don’t want to look older, do not have it. On the other hand, if you are eager to acquire more qualities of a real man, full beard is a real bingo this winter!

Notwithstanding the fact, which facial hair style you prefer, you should feel that it is really yours, that in such a way you look your best. Do not follow the fashion blindly; it won’t do you any good.

Men’s overcoats for winter 2007-2008

You want to look elegant and stylish in all situations, don’t you? If yes (otherwise you are not reading this) have a look at the modern collection of overcoats for winter 2007-2008. Wearing these coats, you are sure to look your best in all situations and will be ready for all kinds of events.

Kenneth Cole Reaction dress coat

This coat will do all right for both: office and corporate parties, if you wear a suit under it, or for unofficial situations with your favorite sweater. Being neither short nor long, neither avant garde nor conservative it will serve you many years, because it is really very convenient.

Zegna wool overcoat

Wearing this winter overcoat from Zegna, you are sure to feel very comfortable and convenient. The three-button closure enables you to be buttoned up without feeling cramped, and the strong shoulder line allows the coat to drape over you instead of fall around you. Besides, its gray tone enables you to pair it with different color of your suits and add your personality something of enigma.

John Varvatos Star USA coat

This winter coat is sure to emphasize your advantages due to its three-button closure, notch lapel, killer drape and the strongly tapered line under the arm down to the hip. In this overcoat you’ll always feel younger.

London Fog Piermont overcoat

If you are a real inveterate traveler or it’s the specific character of your job, that demands lots of business trips, this is the best offer for you! The all-weather material with zip-out lining adds this all-season coat the kind of versatility we are looking for in clothes these days.

Brooks Brothers Balmacaan coat

This tweed winter overcoat will never go out of fashion. Generous cut of the shoulders and arm holes that keep your suit jacket free of wrinkles, leather buttons make this coat a real gem of this season.

A good modern stylish overcoat creates your style and put the last dot in your appearance. Don’t neglect this excellent opportunity to say something more about yourself by means of clothes you wear!

Do not let sweat be in the way of your style!

Fashion is a real art and not everybody possesses this very art. For some one it is a real torture to go shopping and choose clothing corresponding to his lifestyle, work and figure. Especially, if this person has some peculiarities, which should be taken into account while buying clothes. For instance, if you sweat much, you should give preference to certain fabrics, which will enable your skin breath and which will make you feel more comfortable.

Choosing a breathe-easy wardrobe begins with understanding what fabrics to use for a solid foundation. You should be looking for those fabrics that are considered “breathable.” Breathable fabrics are those that are composed of unique fibers able to transport moisture from one side to the other. So, as the body sweats, the fabrics allow the moisture to move outside the garment.
The best variants in this category are cotton and wool. These two breathable fabrics, woven from natural fibers, will always be your best bets. Luckily, both cotton and wool come in a variety of blends that offer wonderful foundational pieces on which to build a breathe-easy wardrobe. Buy 100% cotton undershirts, pima cotton sweaters in the fall, and linen shirts and pants in the summer. If this problem is familiar to you, give preference to 100% cotton, pima cotton, seersucker, linen, 100% wool, merino, and cashmere.

There are also some fabrics, which are out of the question for the guys with heavy perspiration problems. Here we refer some cotton and wool blends: corduroy and flannel respectively. Silk is another natural fiber that should be avoided. Though considered breathable, silk can’t withstand constant moisture, which means that a guy who sweats a lot is going to need to wring out his shirt several times a day. Synthetic fibers won’t do as well. Polyester, polyblends, nylon, and acetate don’t possess the necessary characteristics that allow fabric to breathe, so profuse “sweaters” don’t want to be caught in them. Even worse, these synthetic fabrics, because of their stifling properties, will compound your problem and can make you sweat even more. So you’d better avoid such fabrics as corduroy, flannel, silk, polyester, polyester blends, nylon, and acetate.

Color may also hide your problem or at least make it less noticeable. On this issue, it’s safe to say things are black and white - almost. Black and white are near-absolute color values, so they don’t show sweat marks as readily. Thus, guys who sweat a lot want to shop for black, navy and pure white as these colors easily disguise sweat marks. And for variety’s sake, patterns also provide great camouflage for profuse sweating. Consisting of varying shades, patterned fabrics appear textured and variegated, which means sweat stains are harder to identify. On the other hand, light colors like grey, green and light blue shouldn’t be included into your wardrobe. They change there color at the first sight of moisture, thus will betray you on the spur of the moment. You’d better wear clothes of black, dark navy, dark hues of any color, white, and any sort of pattern.

If you know how to choose your clothes and mask your problem, you should also know how to get rid of antiperspirant stains and sweat stains. The first problem is easy to avoid letting your antiperspirant dry before putting on your shirt. For salvation the second problem, there exist several ways, used by many people. You have to try some of them and see which one work in your case. Simply soak garments in cold water before washing. If that’s not enough, try adding a ¼ cup of white vinegar into a cold water wash; dry your clothes in the sun, which will help bleach stains out naturally. Besides, drying your clothes on the warm-hot cycle will only cause the stains to turn darker and set in deeper. Of course, before you do anything, be sure to read the care instructions on the label as to prevent damage of a more serious nature.

The information given above will be of good avail for both: heavy sweaters and other guys who sweat from time to time (I mean some big dates or other important events). Thus you’ll feel more self-confident and will not allow sweat interfere in your life!

Several steps to perfection

Men are said to be too lazy to take care of themselves constantly. But we shouldn’t take it as a rule, let’s better regard it as misunderstanding and try to prove first of all to ourselves that we are better and do take care of ourselves. Otherwise it is ridiculous to accuse your girlfriend of putting on several kilos or appearing in the office without makeup. Women do not forget to take care of their looks, ‘cause this is their main weapon in conquering our attention. Why do then we let ourselves appear far from being thoroughly shaved (unless it is our distinction from the others and obvious attempt to follow the fashion, of course) or wearing not quite fresh clothes? It’s time we changed the situation!

Do not forget about physical exercises!!! Make it a rule to attend gym and maintain your form. If you don’t feel like going to the gym, practice regular exercises up to an hour. It’s desirable that you should get such a habit of doing physical exercises. Thus you’ll get more energy for your everyday activity, improve your health and appearance and forget about problem with overweight if you have any.

Pay more attention to your face!!! While shaving consider what really suits you or what not. Some men look very sexy with designer beard, and some men look much older and even scrubby! Assess your reflection in the mirror and make the right choice.
Use some moisturizers and creams to take care of your skin and take care of it after shaving.

Consider what you wear!!! Are you wearing one and the same pair of jeans for the second month already? Give preference to dark colors? I wish you didn’t do that! Depending on the chosen style have some combination of clothes you may easily vary and look different every day!
What’s also very important, wash and iron your clothes! Never go out looking like a real tramp, it is not your style!
Another tip: do not add weight and years to your personality by wearing only dark colors! What about a white shirt? Always fashionable, stylish and really fresh!!! It suites jeans, classical trousers and is appropriate for any formal and informal occasion! Keep this in mind while wearing another dark-brown pullover!

I think, there are rather obvious and well-known things, each of us knows but only some of us keep to! If a care of your body and appearance becomes your vital necessity you’ll never think why you do that again and again. You simply cannot do it in a different way. Make your self-improvement the credo of your life!

Once again about jeans

It won’t be a surprise for anybody, if I claim once again that jeans have been and remain part and parcel of your wardrobe and your style. But still it’s not always easy to find the right pair of jeans, taking into account numerous modern trends and tendencies. For you not to get lost these simple tips which will help you with the jeans choice.

Place to wear jeans
If jeans are not an appropriate piece of clothes at work, you don’t need to worry much about the style. In this case you are likely to look for jeans for everyday life, going out or home wear. Regarding all this, you can buy jeans you like and jeans that suit you. That’s the easiest variant. But on the other hand, you’ll have to spend more time on looking for a good suit! J
If jeans are OK to go to work, give preference to more conservative style and design.

Style and design
There are several types of jeans, which despite the uncertain fashion will always remain in.
Original blue jeans: these jeans are suitable for almost every occasion, work and party time. If won’t miscalculate, if you have them!
Dirty denim: are not so universal as blue jeans, but are resistant enough to the demands of time.
Slightly faded blue jeans: in a combination with a stylish coat or shirt they will always look great!

Feel comfortable
If you buy the jeans of the latest fashion, but feel uncomfortable wearing them, it’s a bad variant to attract attention. You’ll look ridiculous or funny, but not stylish! Before buying jeans, walk around the shop to see whether you feel OK, whether there’s enough place in the pockets to put your keys, wallet or handy. Try the jeans on with the pair of shoes you wear often and see whether you’ll have to hem the legs. You if you have to, do not be in a hurry and avoid hemming the legs unless you wash your new jeans, otherwise you are risking getting breeches instead or your stylish trousers!
If you have your favorite belt and don’t feel like changing it, see how it is combined with the jeans and if the loops hold your belt properly.

Take care of your clothes
If you want to keep your jeans’ original look, wash them alone inside out and never put them in the dryer. Better lay your jeans on the towel to dry.

Enjoy your style
If you keep these tips in mind, you are sure to find good jeans without spending much time and money and enjoy your style without problems!

Be sure to choose the “right” tuxedo

Man in a tuxedo is always an event! We tend to wear tuxedos for some formal and very important occasion when we have to look our best, but we don’t always know how to choose it correctly. There exist certain rules of finding appropriate tuxedo.

First, regard what kind of occasion it is going to be. You can choose tuxedo of different colors: black, white or grey (grey tuxedos are preferable in the day-time, while black ones will be more appropriate for evening or night); long or short tailcoats, a cummerbund, bow tie and other matching parts should create a complete image and make you feel comfortable and self-confident!

If you are going to some day event, give preference to dark grey tuxedo with stripes. Day tuxedos are usually without long tails, and are single breasted with wrap or peak lapels.

For an evening or night event you’d better choose a black tuxedo. Taking into account the fact that black tuxedos come in variety of styles and forms, think it over which tuxedo you are choosing. For formal events a black double breasted tuxedo with full tails will be the best variant. For all kinds of white tie events wear the most formal tuxedo, and for all the rest you may easily refuse to wear tuxedos with long tails giving preference to something less formal.

Nowadays the collections of tuxedos are very rich, and it shouldn’t be very difficult to choose an appropriate one. If still you are not sure which tuxedo to choose, consult the professional and win everybody over by your stylish and impressive look!

How to avoid fashion mistakes

It goes without saying that only desire is not always enough to look stylish and feel self-confident. There are several mistakes, common for the majority of men. And making these very mistakes we should avoid come wind, come weather.

Mistake 1: wearing sandals with socks. It’s really outrageous and not at all funny! If you feel like wearing something warmer, wear better sneakers and jeans, but avoid looking like a clown wearing sandals with the socks!

Mistake 2: backpacks. Mind that even your favorite backpack is not always appropriate, especially at the office. If you are engaged in mountaineering or go hiking, it’s the best variant, but at office in combination with a suit it won’t do. As far as I have noticed, this is the most typical mistake for the majority of men. Don’t make it again!

Mistake 3: shiny or glittery clothes. Don’t dress as a magpie, choosing only glittery clothes. In this case you are sure to stand out from the herd, only in negative connotation. If you are looking for something special for the party or nightclub, give preference to the classical black shirt. It will make you look more stylish and less funny!

Mistake 4: blaring designer label. Don’t let designers use you as a walking advertisement! If your clothes contain too many labels, it doesn’t mean that they are of high quality – it means you want to look stylish, but don’t know how to do it correctly! Take this information into consideration and mind, that if some thing is of high quality, it is seen with the naked eye and doesn’t need any proofs!

Mistake 5: loose clothes. Unless you are too fond of hip hop, choose clothes that fit your body. It may take some time to choose the right cut and style, but the results will be even better than you expect!

Mistake 6: unflattering colors. Mind that colors as well as cut of your clothes may either emphasize the pluses of your figure or vice versa make the minuses more noticeable. See to it, that you choose colors according to the color of your eyes, tone of your skin etc. You should feel complete harmony and convenience!

Be frank: have you recognized yourself at least in one description? There’s nothing to be ashamed of – we can learn on our mistakes and easily improve the situation by one critical look at our wardrobe!

Feel cosy, warm and stylish wearing a scarf

As far as I have noticed, men are divided into those who wear scarves and those who don’t. Besides, the latter would never agree to wear it for love or money. They consider it to be too womanly and mistakenly believe that scarves cannot add anything good to their macho-image.

Scarves are not only a very practical piece of your wardrobe, they may also make you look more appealing to the opposite sex. Men, who wear scarves, usually leave an impression of a more sophisticated, intelligent and self-concerned person in comparison with those who despise them.

Scarves in variety of colors and sizes are part and parcel of modern trends and modern collections. They go into different combinations, are included into both, casual and office styles and are recognized and respected by all famous couturiers.

What you should know choosing a scarf for yourself:

Give preference to high quality fabric. Cashmere and lambs wool is popular and very comfortable. They will give you a pleasant feeling of warmth and prevent from any allergy caused by synthetic materials.

If you doubt what color to choose, you’d better prefer black, muted charcoal or other dark colors. They suit almost everybody, add some charm and elegance to your image and at the same time correspond to the other clothes you wear and do not make you too noticeable. (If you for some reason want to burst upon the eye, you may get a scarf with cartoon characters, wacky shapes, rainbow bright colors – modern fashion can satisfy all your most fanciful desires! But think, before you leap!!!)

Wouldn’t you like to change your attitude towards scarves? Several years on end scarves are an integral part of wardrobe of both sexes. And one means here not only their original function of bringing additional warmth, but adding some special appeal to your even everyday image!

For fashionable strong sex only

Hi, my name is Alex Loudermilk and I’ve opened this blog for those not indifferent males who do care what they wear and what they look like. I stick to the point that men as well as women should try to look their best not for somebody else’s sake, but for their own. It is psychologically proved that if a person likes his/her reflexion in the mirror, he/she is likely to feel more self-confident and target at an object with better results. Another problem which arises here is that very often men do not pay much attention to their appearance and as a result of this choose those clothes they should never wear. The main purpose of this blog is to keep you informed of all new products at the market of fashionable clothes for men. I’ll try to inform you of all modern tendencies and point out plusses and minuses of modern collections. Together we’ll find out what is good and what is bad for any occasion. Ready to answer your questions and take all your suggestions into consideration.