Fashion 14

Does a man wear his fashion, or does his fashion wear him? To find out, simply read this style manual for men!

No amount of talent, charisma and intellect can help a man overcome a poor ensemble; meanwhile, an amazing suit can propel any schmo to stardom. While it may seem unjust, these are just the facts of life in contemporary civilization. As a result, the best choice is to play by the rules of the game.

Now, mature clothing is a staple of distinguished masculine fashion, so the importance of an austere suit cannot be overstated. It takes a rare creature to look good in only a t-shirt and jeans; the rest of us have to craft our magnificence.

Beyond clothing, vital elements of an urbane demeanor include modern hairstyles, well-groomed facial hair, astute hygiene rituals and carefully constructed body language.

To get a head-start, consult these fashion tips for men and become dashingly chic!

Dress with authentic style

To establish a commanding presence, you must never be overpowered by what you wear on the exterior. It’s not enough for a wardrobe to fit the dimensions of your body; truthfully, a man’s fashion must also fit his heart, mind and soul!

If you don’t feel comfortable in it, don’t wear it. The best outfit is a natural extension of a man. Your wardrobe should match your lifestyle.

With the right clothes, a man should never feel self-conscious in what he’s wearing. When you get dressed in the morning, worry less about what others may think. Focus on how the fit feels and if you are truly satisfied looking back into the mirror.

When you imitate styles and follow trends, you’ll more than often run into those problems above. Fill your closet with clothes that are distinctively your own style.   Our Readers’ Favorite ContentPlay Video

Don’t impulse buy

If a piece of clothing isn’t just right, more than often you’ll regret buying it. Purchase new things that meet the requirements for exactly what you want. If you have old clothes that you aren’t passionate about wearing, donate them.

Be smart about your cash, wait for sales if you must. Avoid buying things if you don’t know what you’ll wear them with.

1. Quality over quantity.

Two exquisite dress shirts will always trump ten subpar ones. Always buy better, buy less. Aim for a flexible wardrobe, not a giant one.

2. Timeless

Doesn’t mean anything; it doesn’t even exist. Fashion is constantly changing.

Fit is king

A pricey suit will look like trash if it’s not properly tailored. When it comes to fit, invest your time in getting to know a good tailor. When you ask for alterations, don’t settle for anything less than the right fit. Don’t be afraid to talk to your tailor about it.

1. Body Shape

Know that a man’s clothing should accentuate his body shape. The better your form, the better your clothes will look.

However, if you’re overweight or a bigger man, you do have one advantage: Considerably less tailoring to slim your attire down.

2. Tailoring

Measure twice, cut once.

Color and matching

Pair up color palates with your skin tone before investing in your attire. The minimal approach will help you keep your wardrobe simple when first starting out. From there you can add new pieces to your collection over time.

Aim for no more than two non-neutral colors. Too many patterns make for an outfit no one can understand.

1. Dress shirts:

Softness and simplicity are key.

Aim for solid colors, blue and white are generally a man’s best bet. If you’re looking to add a touch of character, subtle stripes or checks are acceptable. Avoid drawing the wrong attention with over the top patterns, bold colors, theatrical collar shapes, and wild stitching. For buttons, you can’t go wrong with mother-of-pearl.

Consider the fabric. Jacquard weaves will make your dress shirt appear shiny. Twill weaves on the other hand, should be reserved for cotton flannel.

Remember that your undershirt or chest hair will show up underneath unless of course you go with crisp two-ply cotton (2x100s or 2x120s cotton broadcloth). If you have a problem with pointy or dark nipples showing through your dress shirt, conceal them with nipple tape or a band aid.

For men with larger forearms, roll up your sleeves first before putting your shirt on. You’ll not only achieve a better rolled up look, but the process will be much easier.

2. The military tuck:

The tuck is simple: It’s done by pleating (folding) sides of your shirt over before pulling up your pants.

3. Ties:

While a man’s tie may be at the center stage, it should only command subtle attention. Avoid wearing ties that are overly shiny unless they are suitable for evening formal wear. Solid satin gray, navy or purple work well for this example.

Start with a light color tie in the morning. For the afternoon choose a dark color. Wear an even darker tie in the evening. When shopping for the best ties, understand that handmade quality always triumphs ties stitched by machine.

For size, aim for eight centimeters. Remember to go no wider than nine centimeters and no skinner than seven for the best look.

4. Pocket Squares:

When it comes to pocket squares, don’t match exact colors. For example, avoid pairing a navy pocket square with a navy suit. Aim to add a distinctive contrast between the two.

You can do with colors including yellow, white burgundy, and so on. Remember, a pocket square shouldn’t scream for attention, it should naturally complement your overall appearance.

In regards to ties and pocket squares, avoid matching these as well. You’ll make matters even worse if you match the fabric too, don’t do that.

Learn how to fold a pocket square the proper way.

5. Suits:

Need to slim down your silhouette? Button up your suit jacket; it will considerably take off some visual weight. Just remember not to button up more than one at a time.

6. Socks:

Don’t pair short ankle socks with your suit.

Brown shoes should be paired with navy socks, however black socks and brown shoes do not mix. As a general rule, wear dark shoes with your shoes. Save the white socks for running and jogging.

Never wear socks with shorts, nor sandals. When at the workplace, office, or any other business situation always accompany your shoes with socks.

Generally most shoes aside from oxfords are appropriate for a sockless style. The list includes: boat shoes, bucks, moccasins, loafers, boat shoes, chukkas, and bluchers among others.

7. Shoes:

Shoes with bold designs tend to call to much attention to themselves and spoil your attire. As do shoes with super pointy and square toes.

Get a scuff on your white shoes? Don’t worry, use a magic eraser to magically remove it. Synthetic shoe laces can be shortened quite easily. Cut them, then use a lighter to burn the tips for sealed ends.

Invest some care into your shoes. This means resole your shoes, use shoe polish, and pay attention to the condition of your laces.

Don’t be intimidated to experiment when it comes to shoe polish. You’ll be surprised at how often darker shades can produce a deeper and more eye appealing finish than some matched color polishes. Some men even apply black polish to dark brown shoes. Others use navy polish for black shoes.

When applying shoe polish, focus on the number one rule: Time. In between each step wait a little bit. Give the conditioner plenty of time to soak on it before you start to apply the cream polish. The same goes for the cream, before applying wax. And before you reach for that brush to buff, give the wax polish time to settle in.

If you want to reduce the amount of wear and tear on your shoes, get a cobbler to put a metal plate on the toe or heel.

8. Sweater, blazers, and cardigans:

If you’re looking for a bit more character, wooden buttons can be a great touch.

For unruly shirts that don’t fit properly, put on a cardigan. It will conceal an otherwise a messy look.

9. Pants:

For a no-break appearance, fold cuffs inward. For a tapered look, fold over the base of your pant legs, then roll them on upwards.

You can add light texture and character to your pants by using beeswax.

10. Belts:

Pass up on reversible belts, bonded leather belts, etc. Go with solid leather, look for genuine leather. The problem with bonded leather is that the glue breaks down over time, and the leather peels off.

Real leather belts will last for years while bonded ones tend to come apart within a year or two.

11. Wash and care:

For gym and athletic wear, add white vinegar to your wash to remove odors (get some on Amazon here).

Dry sheets inside of shoes can help to reduce any foul smells. Don’t over wash or under wash your clothing. Take the time to properly iron and hang dry your clothes.

Invest in shoe trees; use them religiously. Don’t let budget wire hangers damage your pricey suit; use a proper wooden hanger instead.

12. Improve your posture:

You’ve mastered the proper fit. Invested in elegant suits, shirts, footwear, etc. However, one thing might be literally holding you back. I’m talking about your posture.

If you have a tendency to slouch a lot, you’re fashion sense is going to get quite messy. Not only that, but good posture goes hand in hand with having a good sense of confidence. And there’s no doubt about it, confident men seem to pull off most outfits with natural and effortless finesse.

You want to dress better, but most style advice revolves around suiting up or just around whatever’s trendy this season.

But that’s not what you’re looking for.

You just want to make a better first impression on people you meet in everyday life. You just want to look good in your clothes without looking too flashy.

You just want to look like a better-dressed version of you.

And that version of you still likes to keep it casual.

So what you’re really looking for is some casual style tips for guys who want to look sharp outside of a suit and tie.

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s begin…

1. Stop Dressing Like a Boy, Dress Like a Grown-Up

Many men approach their casual style from the wrong angle; they aim to look youthful.

But if you want to look well-dressed, you should always aim to look mature.

Because maturity is an attractive quality in men. Maturity, after all, is what separates the men from the boys. Maturity shows masculinity and commands respect, and it’s a quality you want people to see in you.

That doesn’t mean you have to dress like your dad. It doesn’t mean you have to dress old. It just means you have to avoid portraying yourself as a teenager… Unless you actually are a teenager.

Just to be clear, that means…

You want to dress like a grown up. Everything overly flashy like the items pictured here simply become inappropriate past  certain age. Funny or cartoony tees are a definite no-go. Wearing a funny tee is basically like being the guy that makes the same joke over and over and over. It might be funny the first time you see the t-shirt, but t gets old fast. Also, avoid anything with slogans.

You want to avoid looking like someone who hasn’t grown up yet — someone who’s stuck in his past.

You want to stop looking like a boy, and dress like a man.

Don’t worry though, I’ll give you some more tips on how to do so. Starting with…

2. Give Up the Graphic Tees for a More Mature Look

The first thing you should do to shed your boyish look is giving up your graphic Tees.

I know you love them. I once did too. In fact, I wore them non-stop.

But you want to stop wearing them. You have so many better options.

Despite popular belief, they don’t make you look funny, edgy or original. In fact, because every other guy is sporting a graphic tee too, you’ll just blend into the crowd.

Plus, people associate them with guys who refuse to grow up. (Remember tip #1? You don’t want that.)

Just look at the movies. You’ll never see a tough, masculine action hero or a suave rom-com heartthrob wearing a a graphic tee. The only time you’ll see a graphic tee is when the character is either a man-child, an actual child, or a slacker.

You don’t want people to see you as a man-child, do you? Then be a man, and stop wearing graphic tees.

Instead, opt for solid, one-color t-shirts, striped tees or henleys. Just look at these examples:

Don’t you agree these guys look much cooler and more masculine than the ones above? These kinda of t-shirts will make you stand out against an ocean of graphic-tee-wearing men.

You might also consider wearing polo shirts or casual shirts. Just because you’re dressing casual doesn’t mean you can’t wear a collar. And a simple white shirt looks great with a  pair of dark blue jeans, which I’ll cover in the next section of this list.

T-SHIRT SUGGESTIONS

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3. Rock Jeans That Actually Make You Look Good

The go-to casual legwear for any guy is a pair of jeans.

And nothing is wrong with that. Many men come to my site looking to move on from the T-shirt and jeans look. But jeans can look amazing, as long as you´re wearing the right pair.

And FYI, the right pair does not look like any of these.

Avoid baggy jeans. You want to avoid having to pull up your jeans every two seconds. They should keep themselves up without a belt. Also, they should not pool around your ankles.

Also, avoid embellishments. That means: No excessive distress, no rips,  and none of that bleaching nonsense.

And finally — this should go without saying, but I have to say it anyway — Avoid big logos on your ass. In fact, no big logos anywhere on your outfit, PERIOD.

Instead, keep your jeans simple. Go for a clean, dark-blue pair that fits like the ones suggested below. Trust me; you’ll look awesome.

You might have to try a few to find which fit works best for you. If you’re an athletic guy with big thighs, the athletic fit might just be a dream come true for you. For guys with a more average build, any of the others work well. (Personally, I’m partial to slim fit jeans.) If you’re packing some weight, straight fit is probably your best option.

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These jeans won’t just look better, but they’re more versatile. Just look at these examples below and see how easily they can be dressed up and down as you see fit.

Note: I have received a lot of questions on this, so let me clarify. I’m not saying never, ever wear faded jeans, ever. . While you should definitely have a straight dark-blue pair of jeans as pictured, you can certainly wear jeans with a subtle bit of fading. Just avoid those that are overly embellished. 

4. Change it Up Down Below

Jeans are great, but they all look kinda the same, and they’re not your ONLY option for legwear.

Add some variety to your wardrobe by investing in one or two pairs of chinos.

Just look at these examples:

All these outfits could be pulled off with jeans, but each outfit looks completely different when worn with chinos, which gives you a lot more variety.

Adding just one pair to your wardrobe doubles the amount of outfits you can create. Add one more, and you triple that number.

I suggest one basic pair in camel or grey. And get one colored pair to change things up. (Wearing color below the waist is something few men do, so it stands out.)

And you don’t have to go for fire-engine red or lime green. You can go for subdued colors like burgundy or army-green. See some examples below:

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5. Class Up Your Footwear (Because the Ladies, They Notice)

Okay, you may want to sit down for this…

Your dirty, beat-up sneakers will ruin an otherwise excellent outfit. You’ll want to replace them with something more dignified.

And don’t think people don’t notice your shoes. They notice. Especially women.

I can’t tell you how many compliments I get on my shoes from women, and I’m hardly shilling out hundreds of dollars for a single pair, as some guys recommend.

Wear a pair of brown leather shoes instead of your everyday sneakers, and BOOM… You look sharper.

You have many options for footwear so expand your horizon beyond sneakers.

But if you’re used to wearing sneakers al the time and want to ease your way into something else,  let me introduce you to the desert boot:

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Desert boots look much nicer than sneakers, but aren’t as dressy as some other leather shoes. They’re right in-between, which makes them perfect for casual wear.

Plus, they’re super comfortable.

Get yourself a pair and you won’t regret it.

They’re certainly not your only option though. Here are a few other shoe styles that work well in casual looks:

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6. Decorate Your Wrists (Because a Naked Wrist is Boring)

Accessories are another good way to spruce up a dull outfit.

And I suggest you get in the habit of wearing a wrist-accessory first.

Why the wrist?

Because naked wrists are boring.

You can wear a watch, a leather bracelet, or both. Doesn’t matter what you wear, but wear something on there. It just gives your outfit a bit more personality.

You’re saying, “I don’t have to wear this, but I like wearing it.”

You go from someone who clothes himself to stay warm to someone who clothes himself with intention.

Personally, I love wearing a leather wrap bracelet with a few bead bracelets as an accent, but even wearing something as simple as a watch will go a long way.

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7. Layer Your Clothes for More Interesting Outfits

Want to know an easy way to make a dull outfit more interesting?

Add a layer.

Many guys feel a bit intimidated by layering because they don’t really know how to match clothes all that well. But you don’t have to know all that much about it. It can be done with very simple clothes too.

Imagine a guy wearing a plain grey sweater and jeans. Nothing wrong with that. It’s a fine casual outfit.

But still, it’s not that interesting.

Now imagine him wearing a simple white shirt underneath his sweater. Boom. Instantly more interesting.

It’s a simple fix, and hardly earth-shattering, but it just gives that bit more detail to the outfit that makes it more visually appealing.

And you don’t have to stop at one additional layer. You can wear two, three, even four layer at a time. So play around!

Check these guys out for some examples:

8. Wear a Jacket That Elevates Your Casual Look

Okay, so you don’t have to suit up to dress well, but that doesn’t mean you can’t smarten your casual look up a bit with a well-fitting blazer.

This favorite of business-casual men can easily be worn in casual outfits too. It’s called smart casual — which essentially means stepping your casual outfit up a notch.

A man in a blazer just looks good because blazers accentuate the male frame like no other garment.

It will give you an easy way to smarten even your simplest outfits up a bit. Plain white tee with jeans? Add a blazer, and suddenly you look pretty damn sharp.

I’d suggest one in navy or grey to maximize versatility.

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9. Ignore the Fashion World; It Will Lead You Astray

When trying to figure out how to dress well, men often look towards the fashion world for help. They look to see what’s trendy.

But the fashion world is only good for men obsessed with fashion. If you’re just a regular guy looking to become a better dresser, knowing what’s trendy won’t help you.

In fact, you should do the opposite…

Focus on getting classic clothes that will look good all year round. Focus on timeless pieces that will still be stylish ten years from now. Focus on looking classy and stylish before you worry about looking trendy.

Trendy done wrong often turns out tacky, after all.

So work on your style sense with timeless wardrobe essentials that never go out of fashion. Focus on mastering the basics of men’s style, and you’ll be a better dresser before you know it.

10. Stop Trying Too Hard, Keep it Simple

Many guys shoot themselves in the foot by trying too hard to dress better.

It results in them looking like jackasses.

They hear they should wear accessories, and they end up wearing a gazillion bracelets and necklaces. Or they hear they should wear color and they end up looking like a bag of skittles with legs.

Of course, I only know that because I’ve been one of those guys (and it wasn’t pretty).

You stand out, but not in the way you want.

Shoot for subtle, simple, understated outfits and you’ll stand out in a good way instead.

Dress Well and Look like a More Polished, Masculine You

You just got 10 casual style tips that should help you dress better. Plenty more where that came from, but these should be enough to get you started.

So go on and start.

Doesn’t matter where.

Whether you start with replacing your graphic tees, getting nicer shoes or decorating your wrists. Just start somewhere.

And after you took that first step, take the next, and the next, and the next.

And before you know it, you’ll look in the mirror, and you’ll see a guy looking back who looks just like you, except…

Most people say it’s your footwear that is the first thing people fix their eyes on – but we’d argue, given it’s location on the body, it’s your hair. And, unlike a subpar pair of brogues or some battered white leather sneakers, you can’t easily slip out of a questionable hairstyle.

With that in mind, it pays to get acquainted with a few classic cuts ahead of your next visit to the chair. Like these nine, chosen by the UK’s best barbers, that promise to work for just about anyone, and won’t fall hopelessly out of favour six months down the line.

The French Crop

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The white T-shirt of haircuts, the French crop is a style that suits most face shapes but is particularly ideal for men going thinner on top. Since you’re taking the hair forward slightly here, leaving length in the fringe can help to cover any receding patches.

It’s a low-maintenance style perfect for someone in and out of the gym or swimming pool, as you can wear it without any styling product, just letting it fall naturally into place.

If, however, you do want to use product, try a little hairspray, as the French crop is a style that’s meant to be left natural. The upkeep with this cut isn’t in styling but in making a point of getting it trimmed every three or so weeks.

The Buzz Cut

Brent Pankhurst, founder of barbershop and grooming brand Pankhurst London

The buzz cut is a timeless style. But to really make it work, you need to have a great shaped head (a noggin like Ryan Gosling’s or Christian Bale’s, for example).

Named after the sound they make, it stands to reason that the look is achieved using clippers, however there are less severe alternatives for those not blessed with a square jaw and perfectly proportionate head.

If that’s you, go for a shape that is slightly square all over [clippered at the sides], with a little more length on the top. Scissor over comb is the Pankhurst technique and I’d highly recommend this rather than clippers exclusively. By cutting, you can work with the shape of the head to make the overall cut more flattering.

A good barber will take everything he knows about you into account, from your personality to your style to your day-to-day living, to provide a cut that suits you. Remember you wear your haircut 24/7, so it needs to work for all scenarios.

The Slick Back

Joe Parker, barber at Ruffians Covent Garden

The modern slick back first made an impact in the 1920s. At the time, it was useful to have a hairstyle that wouldn’t be messed up when wearing a hat (a status symbol and indicator of one’s class around the early 20th century). Since then, it has become a timeless classic.

Straight hair is best for this – the more curl you have, the harder it is to slick back properly. As for what face shape suits this style, it’s pretty versatile, as it will allow facial features (like beards, moustaches) to be more prominent, with the hair essentially framing the face. Unfortunately, for those with a receding hairline, the slick back look won’t be ideal as it’ll make recession far more prominent.

The back and sides need to be tapered, natural and fairly tight, with graduation up to the slightly heavier top. If you’re going for an undercut, there needs to be a disconnection here, but blending would be a better option for finer hair.

To style, blow-dry the hair back (if you have hair that grows forward, this will take longer) – bear in mind it takes practice to do this effectively. For a traditional slick look, use a water-based pomade and comb through when damp, or try a matte paste for a softer, more contemporary finish.

The Side Parting

Joe Parker, barber at Ruffians Covent Garden

Particularly popular from the 1920s-1940s and again in the 1960s, this style has been revived in the last decade as an easier-to-achieve alternative to the slick back.

As the basis of the haircut is a simple short back and sides, the style is pretty versatile and will suit most hair types and face shapes. That said, this can run the risk of looking like a comb-over if the hair is too long and thin on top.

When in the chair, ask for a classic taper on the back and sides, and for the top to be left long enough to part, but short enough to be neat and tidy.

The styling product you should use depends on your hair density: those with thicker hair should try a paste, while a matte clay works best for finer, less dense hair types.

Actually parting the hair can be tricky; the best approach is to put the product in the hair when damp (not wet) and part using a comb. You should try to establish where the natural parting is, perhaps with the help of your barber initially. If you’re struggling, comb the hair backwards, and you’ll see where it starts to fall and separate.

The Shoulder Length Cut

Jamie Stevens, celebrity hairstylist

Classic and refined, this style has featured in fashion for years, likely because it is versatile enough to be adapted to several situations. By keeping your hair longer and having your barber or stylist add in some layers, you can switch between a beach-ready textured look and a Gordon Gecko boardroom do.

Probably the toughest part of achieving this style is growing your hair. There will always be a day when you can’t stand it and want to cut it all off, but before making any rash decisions try setting a goal length and make a decision once your hair has grown to that length on whether or not you want to stick with it.

When getting your hair cut, take time to discuss it with your stylist, making sure you mention what your limitations are. There’s no point having a messy, choppy layered look when you have to appear smart and put-together for work.

Like with most cuts, the success of this style is dependent on the hair texture. Very straight hair won’t stay in place as easy as hair that has a subtle wave; equally, excessively curly hair will be difficult to keep smoothed out.

Keep styling products to a minimum, as this style is at its strongest when it looks completely natural. With that said, you could try some salt spray to add softness for a messier take, or apply some texturiser to soften very curly hair and make it more manageable.

The Modern Hi-Top Fade

Jamie Stevens, celebrity hairstylist

Two words: Will. Smith. The Fresh Prince paved the way for the popularity of the shaped <ahref=”https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/black-mens-haircuts-hairstyles/” target=”_blank”>afro, giving rise to variations and interpretations like this alternative take on the classic hi-top fade.

This isn’t the most versatile look, as it’s designed to stay in the shape that it’s been cut, so there’s not much room to change it up. Therefore, you need to make sure you’re committed to the look and it’s one that works for you. It goes without saying that afro or extremely curly hair is essential.

Before your cut, make sure you take the time to discuss with your barber or stylist the degree to which you want the shape of your afro to point out; getting this part right is crucial so that you can brush it into shape easily.

There are so many different variations on this style so it might be worth taking some images of styles you like with you to your haircut. Guys often feel embarrassed taking pictures with them but the more insight the person cutting your hair has, the better.

Make sure you go to a barber who knows how to work with your hair type and get yourself proper tools like an afro comb to style.

The Pompadour

Alex Glover, master barber at Murdock at Liberty, London

The pompadour has been popular in many different lengths and variations since its debut on Madame du Pompadour, chief mistress to the French King Louis XV in the 1750s. Originally a feminine style, this is a hairstyle with hundreds of years of history. You can’t get more classic than that.

The pompadour works for most but does require some degree of thickness to the hair so that the style can support itself once created. Different face shapes can be flattered by varying the style’s structure. For example, if you have a narrow face, you could wear your pompadour wider and softer; or if you have a round face, it’s worth slicking the hair at the sides of your head right down to slim the overall silhouette.

To get this style, you’ll need to start by growing the front out. Get your barber or stylist to cut in a graduated top for you. Then, each time you have your hair trimmed, the graduation should be altered slightly to retain all the length at the front, while keeping the back shorter.

Once you’ve grown three inches of hair at the front, you’ll be able to create height by using a hairdryer and a mousse or sea salt spray. Pull the hair up as you dry it to create root lift. Once nearly dry, use your fingertips, or a hairbrush to give the ends some movement, allowing the style to be pushed back on itself.

It’s worth experimenting with products to find the best fit but avoid overloading your hair with product. Add your product to the back and sides before working through the top – remember you can always add a little more in, but you can’t take any out without washing. Finally, groom into place using hairspray for hold for your chosen finish – whether an Elvis-inspired greaser style or a more James Dean-esque dishevelled take.

The Quiff

Dion Padan, a hairstylist and finalist in the L’Oréal Men’s Image Award

A less polished alternative to the pompadour, the quiff is an iconic style that suits a wide range of ages, face shapes and personal styles. Like the pompadour, though, the quiff isn’t best suited to those with receding hairlines as it exposes the forehead.

Before your cut, make sure you’ve decided whether a classic or contemporary take on the quiff works best for you. The classic quiff features a softer back and sides which are kept short, but not severely so. The contemporary take can feature a dramatic contrast between long hair at the top of the head and a tightly clippered back and sides, producing a ‘disconnected’ effect.

Face shape is also an important consideration. Since the quiff offers natural volume, it’s best not to take the hair at the sides and back too short if you have a long face.

To style, apply a wet styling product to towel-dried hair and comb through to evenly distribute. Then, blow-dry the hair using a hairdryer set to the highest temperature setting and the lowest speed, while simultaneously using a vented brush to sweep the hair into your preferred shape.

Remember to finish off with strong-hold hairspray to make sure your efforts don’t go instantly to waste.

The Textured Cut With Fringe

Daniel Davies, general manager at Pall Mall Barbers

First things first, you’re going to need a good bit of length in your hair before you schedule a cut for a style like this. Also worth noting is that this textured style works best with thick rather than fine hair, and if you’re receding, then this isn’t the style for you.

Guys with double crowns or cows licks should definitely consider a textured look, as it’s a style that lets your hair lie the way it wants to. It’s best not to battle against these hair problems.

When it comes to achieving the textured look, take a picture with you to demonstrate exactly the type of cut you want. A good barber will be able to tell you from the picture if it’ll suit you and your hair type.

One thing to watch out for is thinning scissors; a lot of barbers tend to get trigger happy with these, but they should never be used on the top of the hair as they can make ends wispy and hair at the root excessively bulky by comparison. Instead, ask for the top to be point cut.

When styling a textured look, you need to make sure the hair is dry. Once dry, work a little texture enhancer, clay or putty into the hair with your fingers. But remember that this is a carefree style, so you don’t it want to look too groomed.

The holy grail for guys who like to get the most out of their tailoring, separates – combining non-matching jackets and trousers – will not only breathe new life into an existing suit rotation, they also let you create a wealth of smart casual or formal looks.

Yet while anyone can throw together two different garments, it takes a little thought to nail the best colour and fabric combinations, especially when the rules of tailoring are in flux as they are right now. To ensure you are successful, here are seven fail-safe separates pairings that utilise pieces the majority of men already have in their wardrobe.

Grey Jacket + Navy Trousers

  480p low geselecteerd als afspeelkwaliteit

Brooks Brothers

One of the most timeless combinations available to men, a grey blazer teamed with navy trousers is a match made in sartorial heaven. Worn to the office or for drinks at the weekend, this tag team of masculine hues will ensure you always look confident and stylish.

It’s worth mentioning that, although we recommend a grey jacket with navy trousers, this combination works just as well in reverse – offering up two go-to outfits to add to your repertoire.

To complete the look, utilise other capsule wardrobe essentials, such as a crisp white shirt, neutral tie and black lace-ups for the office, switching to a printed T-shirt and loafers or sneakers for a meal with the other half.

Key Pieces

Black Jacket + Grey Trousers

Zara

Best for those who like to appear smart and understated, black and grey – when combined with a shirt or roll neck and shoes – is the ideal combination for life’s more formal occasions. While monochrome separates may conjure up images of the boardroom, make a few alterations and you have a sharp off-duty weekend look.

Perfect for fancier nights out, try ditching the tie or sub the shirt altogether for a polo shirt or lightweight knit, and switch the smart shoes for more relaxed trainers.

As with the grey and navy pairing, this combination also works both ways. Opt for a grey jacket and black trousers, and the outcome will be just as effective.

Key Pieces

Unstructured Jacket + Pleated Trousers

Mango Man

Laid-back layering that’s smart enough for the office doesn’t get easier or more comfortable than this. The foundations are formal, but softer materials and more relaxed fits de-stuff the look for a smooth transition from business hours to happy hour.

Up top, look for a jacket without all the usual padding. This gives a softer drape over the shoulder and through your body. Patch pockets, shawl collars and working cuffs keep things casual, as does a wider choice of materials, including cotton twill, wool-blends, jersey or soft denim.

Fuss-free colours work best on this duet, so stick to grey, beige, blue and black for the chinos. Borrow combinations from other pairings in this list or go tonal with shades of beige, brown and white. Finally, ground the smart-casual vibe with a pair of minimalist trainers or low-fi loafers. Easy.

Key Pieces

Chore Jacket + Wide Leg Trousers

Zara

Tailoring doesn’t necessarily mean ‘blazer and trousers’. You can swap out the officey top half and go with a chore jacket instead – it instantly tones down the formality of a look yet still remains elegant, especially if paired with some properly sleek trousers.

Again, there is a difference between the trousers we’re aiming for with this look and your regular suit trousers. The latter are all too often made from a smart but boring worsted wool, and unless you shell out for something made-to-measure or designer, the fit will be lacklustre.

Instead, look to wider cuts for this combo – we don’t mean billowing, but there should be plenty of room in the thigh, with a gentle taper down to the hem. It’s a little bit workwear, a little mid-century modern. And a hell of a lot cool.

Key Pieces

Textured Blue Jacket + Trousers

Boggi

Separates don’t have to mean separate colours top and bottom. It is entirely possible to pair a jacket and trousers in similar tones without looking like you’ve got your suits mixed up. Greys can work, but blue is the safest colour option when going tonal.

The only rule to keep in mind is making sure there’s some point of difference between the upper and lower body. This could be a noticeable gear-shift in colour: a petrol blue jacket with navy chinos, or a navy jacket on sky blue trousers. Alternatively, you can keep the tones similar but add some distinction with the material. Try a crosshatch pattern on the jacket or a different fabric entirely.

To finish the look, bring some contrast in with a white shirt (adding a tie for smarter occasions) or stick to casual dress with a complementary blue shirt under the jacket. Allez les bleus.

Key Pieces

Work Shirt + Matching Trousers

Universal Works

We’ve discussed how tailoring trends have transformed the suit over the past year or so, and how it can be worn right now. One of the new menswear moves becoming increasingly popular is ‘the new suit’; two garments made of the same fabric – an overshirt and trousers for example. These still act as separates, and you’ll probably find you wear them on their own more often, but when combined there is no easier way to look well turned out.

Think about it. One of the pleasures of wearing a suit is how easy it is – you throw on two matching pieces, a couple of accessories and you’re good to go. The same applies here, yet with none of the stuffiness typically associated with tailoring.

Many brands are now making this look a reality, but especially those that table in workwear like A Day’s March, Universal Works and Folk. Look for fabrics such as brushed cotton or wool twill and aim for navy or charcoal for maximum versatility – either piece will work with virtually every other garment in your wardrobe.

Key Pieces

Bold Jacket + White Trousers

Reiss

Any outfit that features white trousers is a reasonably daring one, and this summer-ready separates combination is no different.

Scream Riviera style by opting for a blazer in either a check pattern or a bold shade such as sky blue or green, and team it with white jeans or trousers for a sophisticated look, no matter where you reside.

To create a memorable outfit, roll the trousers’ hems a couple of times and go sockless with espadrilles and a T-shirt for an evening out on holiday, or try an open-necked shirt and loafers for a summer wedding reception.

Your skin tone should influence the colour of your jacket. For those with dark or olive skin, you are pretty much free to take your pick from any colour, primary or pastel. If you are fair-skinned, however, it’s best to opt for a slightly darker hue to avoid looking washed out – think a deep red or petrol blue.

The fit of the jeans or trousers is also paramount. To maximise on style (and to allow a little air-flow), go for slim rather than skinny cuts and you’ll nail that sense of effortless chic that our continental cousins pull off so well.

Key Pieces

So you’re bored with your look and want to do something cool to your hair, but you’re short on time? Luckily for you, we at Bright Side have solutions. These 10 easy-to-create hairstyles are for those of you who are running late or just feeling a little lazy. Enjoy! 

1. The twisted bun

• Part your hair down the middle into two equal sections.
• Tie them into a knot, and secure with bobby pins.
• Twist the top section, and pin your hair as you wrap it around the knot.
• Repeat with the remaining section of hair, twisting in the opposite direction.
• Hide the ends under the bun.

2. PompadourADVERTISEMENT

• Create a pompadour by teasing a section of hair from temple to temple. Push it against your usual parting to increase lift. 
• Grab small sections of hair, twist them, and lock them into place with bobby pins. 

3. Half-up Dutch side braidADVERTISEMENT

• Create a Dutch braid down one side of your head, and secure it with an elastic band.
• Tease your hair, starting with the hair right behind the braid and continuing all the way back to where you will be pinning. 
• Take a piece of hair from the front, and drape it down to meet the braid in the back.
• Twist the two a bit, and pin into where you had teased.

4. Flat iron waves

• Spritz your hair with a heat protection spray.
• Starting at the front, take a small section of hair and clamp the flat iron at the root of the hair. Give it a half turn, and wrap it around the flat iron.
• Pull the flat iron slowly through the hair, keeping it in the same position. 
• Once you are done curling all of your hair, finish by misting your waves with a light hairspray.

5. Elegant ponytailADVERTISEMENT

• Brush your hair back into a sleek ponytail.
• Grab a little piece of hair from the underside of the ponytail, and wrap it around the hair tie. Secure it with a bobby pin.

If your hair is a little thin for a luscious ponytail, you can always brush it up at the roots, then take the top part and give it a little twist before putting it with the rest of your hair in a high ponytail.

6. Quick and easy updo

• Gather your hair into a ponytail.
• Pull the tail end through, and secure with a bobby pin.

7. The double ponytailADVERTISEMENT

• Gather your hair into two ponytails, one above the other.
• Tease up the top section for extra volume. 

8. Triple topsy tail

• Divide your hair into three sections. Create three ponytails, one on top of the other.
• Flip the tail ends up, tuck them in between your head and the elastic bands, and pull them out through the bottom.
• Tuck the top two tail ends down through the ponytails below them.

9. Super-short styling

• Dampen your hair, and apply a heat-protecting leave-in conditioner.
• Brush your hair back and dry it a little, using a nozzle on your hair dryer.
• Smooth over the top using a soft bristle brush.
• Flat iron any pieces of hair that are long enough.
• Finger-comb your hair in the opposite direction, and apply a bit of styling cream.

10. A loose side braid.

• Brush all of your hair to the side.
• Divide your hair into three sections, and start creating a simple braid.  Stop before you reach the bottom of your sections of hair, and secure your braid with a rubber band.
• Gently pull the braid apart to volumize it.

A nice tie can bring a whole outfit together. They also allow you to easily diversify your wardrobe simply by mixing and matching ties with different shirts and suits. But ties are delicate. If you don’t take care of them, they can easily become worn and tattered. Instead of being a punctuation point to a sharp suit, an unkept tie will make you look dopey. Here’s a short run down on how to care for your ties.

Untying your Ties

Care should be taken when removing your tie. After a long day of work, I know you probably just want to get the damn thing off. But fight the temptation to pull the thin end of the tie through the knot. While this is the easiest way to get your tie off, it ruins the shape of the tie in the process. If you want to make your ties last, remove your ties by following the tie-tying steps in reverse.

Storing Your Ties

When putting away a tie, many men roll them up, stuff them in a drawer, or lay them over a chair. But ties are made of delicate fabric and are extremely impressionable. So as soon as the tie comes off, drape it over a coat hanger or closet rack. Hanging your ties properly makes it easier for the creases and folds from a knot to fall out.

A nice tie rack is a good investment. Tie racks make storing and organizing your ties much easier. The Executive Ladder is a nice quality rack that sells for under $15. Spend a little on a rack now, and save money in the long run by making your ties last.

When traveling, fold your ties into fours and place them in your coat pocket. That will help maintain your ties’ shape while traveling.

I think one of the reasons I’m popular again is because I’m wearing a tie. You have to be different.” – Tony Bennett

Cleaning Your Ties

A small stain can ruin any tie. Use care while eating with a tie on to avoid getting food on it. If you do stain your tie, take action quickly. Blot the stain with cold water as this prevents it from setting. Seltzer water or club soda works best. If you get any greasy materials on your tie (like juice from that medium rare steak you’re eating), water won’t do. Get some talcum powder on your tie ASAP. The powder will absorb the grease. After a few hours, brush off the remaining residue and clean with a soft cloth.

If you take your ties into a dry cleaner, specifically request that they don’t press your ties. Most dry cleaners do, but ironing a tie presses down on its rolled edges and ruins its shape.

Removing Wrinkles from Your Ties

As mentioned above, ironing ties should be avoided. But it’s inevitable that your ties will start to wrinkle. The best way to get the wrinkles out without ruining your tie in the process is using steam. For easy wrinkles, simply hanging your tie in the bathroom while you take a hot shower will do the trick. For more stubborn wrinkles, consider purchasing a hand held steamer. Conair makes several good ones for a decent price. A couple of passes with this baby and your wrinkles are gone.

Tie Tacks

Tie tacks are nice because they keep your tie in place and out of your food. However, tie tacks leave holes in the fabric of your tie. To avoid these holes, insert the tie tack through the fabric keeper on the back and then through your shirt. No holes, but your tie will be kept in place.