Fashion: Fellas It’s Time To Step Up Your Game
The holidays are no longer vastly approaching, they’re here. With that said, the invitations are trickling in and some of the events will require you to dress to impress and the basics just won’t do. The days of wearing the same thing multiple times are over and thanks to social media, we know that your pics will hit someone’s page or blog faster than you can say, Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer or “ho-ho-ho!” Ladies, we know you’ve got it on lock when it comes to what to wear. From that little black (or red) dress, or a great slinky (but appropriate fitting and sometimes foundation assisted) jumpsuit to a great printed maxi-skirt/crisp boyfriend shirt combo; I’m certain you will slay and kill it all season long! However, when it comes to the men, the day of the black suit doubling as a tux while doable often looks lazy and borders on being passé’ (pas·sé, adj. no longer fashionable; out of date) unless paired with the right accessories. This holiday season and especially special occasions or events that require you to make some effort; you’ve got to step up your game fellas! There are too many options for you to look like a box store catalog model from 1997. We proclaim this the season as the well-dressed man season. So let us help you put some “Lyfe” (see what I did there) back into your closet.
According to GQ and We Concur, a great seasonal sports coat is a must! One word of caution, nothing drab and dreary, the weather will handle that. A great plaid sports blazer is great and can also double to layer what you’re wearing.
Three-piece coordinates were all the rage last year and make a command performance this season as well. Coordinates are great for transitional office to dinner/ event occasions and another wonderful way to stretch the wardrobe when paired with the right accessories (i.e., vests and slacks, cords or jeans (again depending on the occasion). Coordinates will make a fashion statement that speaks on so many levels without uttering the first word.
Earlier, I mentioned the back suit doubling as a tuxedo. The only way that works is if it’s not your mainstay
black that is often weather-worn and pulled out for every funeral, wedding and first Sunday. The investment in more than one black suit is never a bad thing (Side note: If you attend more than three formal or dress events a year, you should own a tuxedo.) I always advise my male clients to own a “special black suit” that is for those occasions that require something more.
Special occasion dressing is not limited to just tuxedos. Finding great patterned blazers or tuxedo blazers are a sure way to get noticed when walking into the room. A unique print or textured blazer with or without the satin lapel still turn heads. Bold is beautiful but don’t overdo it. You don’t want your fellow attendees to only see the blazer and miss you or your lovely date or handsome mate. While we understand that purchasing multiple items may not be in the budget, a simple change of accessories will create different looks with the tux blazer being the focal point and the accessories breathing new life into the look As a rule of thumb, “less is more” but there are those occasions where you want to push the envelope. If in doubt, hire a stylist or find a local men’s boutique or haberdashery with experts who will guide you in the right direction.
I love what CoCo Channel says, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”Don’t be afraid
to break tradition unless the event says “black tie only,” then you need to adhere to the request. BUT!, if it doesn’t color is in and navy blue and Burgundy are the two colors that are making fashion statements for the well dressed man.If you’re fashion conscious but fiscally practical, invest in a Burgundy suit purchasing a black shirt for evening and a white shirt for daytime. (Pictured: Burgundy peak lapel embossed tux blazer with a geometric bow tie and coordinating pocket round and a crisp white Egyptian cotton shirt or this Navy shawl collar tux blazer paired with black slim trousers and an black shirt and paisley bow. Pictured: Burgundy suit with both shirts and ties to take it from day to evening)Dressing well is the opportunity to express yourself without saying a word, but the “fashionstatement” will leaving them remembering you were there. Boring is not an option you should ever exercise, like Dr. Seuss said, “why fit in when you were created to stand out! Amen Doc!