I was recently pointed out by one of my oh so faithful male readers I was neglecting this particular demographic, so this is my very own Father's Day treat for all the stylish Daddies and Daddies to be I know!!!
I've never understood men's reticence to acknowledge when another man looks good. Okay so maybe I do, but trust me,you will not sound less manly by pointing out the obvious. It's not that I expect a man to go 'Oh that guy looks just like Daniel Craig in his Brioni suit', but a 'he's all right' would do it for me. We girls operate on a whole different level. We see a girl looking hot and even if we hate to, we'll have to comment on it.
Truth is a man knows when another man looks good whether they're willing to accept it or not. Men's style has always intrigued me. I could write daily posts on women's style and some basic guidelines, but men are a whole different story. My husband for instance, hates shopping, yet he likes to look good. To me those two words just weren't meant to be used side by side...ever... Hate and Shopping, what???!!!
But he does know his body and his fit well and the few pieces he'll buy for himself he'll choose carefully and accordingly. He has one brand of jeans he'll always go for, two or three brands for shirts and tees he'll stock up on in different fits and colors, and perhaps two shoe brands he'll buy without even trying on. He does have a thing for suits and ties, right now he's going through a skinny tie phase, though he rarely gets to wear them, his work dress code is pretty much casual friday all week long. But when he does get to wear them he'll rock his suit and may I say look smokin' hot in it!!!
Sometimes I see guys wearing so many wrongs I'd almost like to approach them and offer a makeover (don't worry, I haven't actually done this...yet...) but it must be really hard for a guy to get his style right. I think this is a skill that comes naturally to most women, to men not so much...That's why when I see a guy wearing perfectly fitted jeans and a beautiful shirt or comfy tee perfect for their body type, I can't help but admire (not in that way...) But just like we woman make a real effort and take our time to look good on special occasions or on any regular day, I admire men who make this effort as well. We are not even talking about spending major bucks on a new wardrobe each season, just a man that knows his body type, the brands, colors and fits that will bring out his best features, and will wear them with grace and confidence, whether he's wearing a $10K suit or a vintage tee and torn jeans.
I can never emphasize enough how style is a reflection of personality. It has nothing to do with trends, it's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin. Sure Ryan Gosling looks good on that GQ cover, but hey if that's not you and you're not feeling that suit, it's OK. Just take the time to discover the real YOU. What it is that you like, what you feel comfortable in, what fits and flatters your body type, what enhances your features, and I promise you, you'll get to your style ... eventually.
If your girl is a regular on L'Art de Vivre, she probably knows how this works, I do the research you do the styling, so here are a few Style Manuals for Men I recently discovered, and a few tips of myself that might come in handful during your next visit to the mall, and even make it a little, just a little bit more bearable.
Don't fall for big name brands and buy something because it'll have the brand's logo written all over your chest. There are many discrete less notorious brands out there with great fits! Don't be a sucker for brands!
Once you've found your true size and fit, do the same with colors, prints and washes in case of jeans. If you're not sure what color suits your features best, don't be shy or embarrassed to ASK FOR HELP!
If your girl is a regular on L'Art de Vivre, she probably knows how this works, I do the research you do the styling, so here are a few Style Manuals for Men I recently discovered, and a few tips of myself that might come in handful during your next visit to the mall, and even make it a little, just a little bit more bearable.
1. Know and Accept your Body Type
Take a good look in the mirror. Identify your best body and facial features, deep down you already know what they are (don't worry, I won't tell, just lock the door and tell your girl you're doing something manly in there!) And hey, If you're not happy with what you see it is never too late to change anything or everything, hit the gym, break a sweat, look and feel great, but do it for YOU, be the healthiest version of yourself!2. Embrace Shopping
Sorry this had to be so high up on the list but really, go out there and try some clothes on and enjoy the process. If not to actually buy them, but to do your very own market research, get acquainted with all the brands out there and discover which ones suit you best. One same brand may have different fits, classic fit, slim fit, relaxed fit...determine which one flatters your body type best and stick to it. Remember different fits work for different occasions. Try each brand's different fits, since you will find one brand's classic fit will suit you, but not its slim fit. That's okay. For that specific fit move on to the next brand and so on. Just try to keep it down at three brands top. This will make your shopping trips easier, and even allow you to buy online.Don't fall for big name brands and buy something because it'll have the brand's logo written all over your chest. There are many discrete less notorious brands out there with great fits! Don't be a sucker for brands!
Once you've found your true size and fit, do the same with colors, prints and washes in case of jeans. If you're not sure what color suits your features best, don't be shy or embarrassed to ASK FOR HELP!
3. Build Your Wardrobe
Once you've determined all of the above, build your wardrobe with the classics and essentials every man should own. I will not even aspire to elaborate a list, for your essentials will depend on your job, social life, family life, lifestyle in general, and of course your budget! But every once in a while invest in classic timeless pieces, visit a tailor regularly and never underestimate the importance of accessorizing (yes! men too!)4. Groom
Please, just do.MEN'S STYLE MANUALS
1. DETAILS MEN'S STYLE MANUAL - DANIEL PERES
From the Editors of DETAILS Magazine, a piece by piece evaluation of your wardrobe, the best clothes for your shape and a detailed explanation of basic articles of clothing. Its colorful illustrations give a great visual support, including the anatomy of the perfect shirt and the map of the well dressed man. You'll also find Rules of Style by renown designers. A fun, energetic, stylish, upbeat read!
2. ASKMEN.COM PRESENTS: THE STYLE BIBLE - THE 11 RULES FOR BUILDING A COMPLETE AND TIMELESS WARDROBE - EDITED BY JAMES BASSIL
A simple, very basic yet essential guide for building a versatile wardrobe. Including guidelines on how to know and dress right for your body type, collect your staple pieces, a whole chapter on jeans, suits, accessories, timepieces, and grooming tips. The perfect addition to the clueless in style man's library!
3. ESQUIRE'S THE HANDBOOK OF STYLE - A MAN'S GUIDE TO LOOKING GOOD - THE EDITORS OF ESQUIRE
From the editors of Esquire Magazine. Every year Esquire treats us to a special style issue called The Big Black Book... The Handbook of Style is the mother of all black book issues! You won't want to miss Esquire's trademark humor in this illustrated guide to men's wardrobe essentials and maintenance.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU STYLISH DADDIES OUT THERE!!!
XO
All book images belong to AMAZON.COM, Visit www.amason.com to buy these books or click on the links above.
Hi, great post! Fine tailoring, crisp fabrics and a great cut combine to create shirts you can wear time and time again no matter what the occasion. Dressed up or dressed down, we have the designer shirts for men at fashion-shirts.com that can be taken from day to night effortlessly and that will become firm favorites you'll wear over and over. Men should know the basic guide to his style. Thanks for sharing!!
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