November 2013 - Cleverfit

Wardrobe 6 “Must-Have” Items Every Man Should Own

November 28, 2013 Uncategorized leiv0

You don’t always have to follow fashion trends to look stylish and put together. The reality is that fashion varies according to individual style, profession and even income level. However, no matter what your age, personal style or profession there are 6 key fashion pieces every man must have in their wardrobe.

1. Classic Formal or Business Suit – Every man should own a well-fitting and sharply tailored suit, whether they work in a business environment or not. It is the number one must-have item in a man’s wardrobe. A formal suit makes a man look like he can take on the world. It conveys self-assurance and ensures that you never appear underdressed for an occasion. If you don’t own one and you’re not sure what to go with, the best and safest buy is the classic black or grey suit. Avoid double-breasted suit, as they can appear stodgy and old fashioned. Stick with a single-breasted suit in a classic style that won’t go out of fashion.

2. Dress Pants & A Classic White Shirt – If you have a semi-formal event to attend you can never go wrong with a classic white shirt paired with dress pants. The average man in this combo can look exquisitely handsome. It’s an outfit that never goes out of style and should be in your wardrobe.

3. Timeless Sunglasses – Just like with a suit, a man should own a pair of sunglasses that have classic style. A pair of wraparound sport sunglasses or a pair of colored frames can be a lot of fun, but a pair of classic metal aviator sunglasses will make you look good through the years.

4. Leather Belt – Sagging pants are so 1990 and they make you look immature. Make sure you to keep your pants up and looking smart by wearing a belt. Every man should own a set of leather belts, one black and one brown, so that they can coordinate them with any outfit.

5. Classic Black Shoes – Classic black shoes are an investment that you will never regret. Black shoes can be paired with almost every outfit, easily making them the most wearable shoes in your wardrobe.

Tip: The basic fashion rule is to match the color of your shoes with the color of your belt. So if you decide to go with a brown belt make sure you also have a pair of brown shoes to complete this classic style.

6. Jeans – Blue jeans are the easiest, simplest and most wearable item a man can own. They are an absolute must-have in any self-respecting man’s wardrobe. They are adaptable to different looks and can be combined with dressier shoes, sneakers or even loafers to alter a look from casual to formal. However, it’s best to buy a pair in the darkest shade of blue so they don’t fade too quickly.

Styling yourself shouldn’t be a chore; men’s fashion should be fun. If you follow this basic list of must-have items you will be well on your way to having classic style and a fashionable wardrobe.

What’s your must-have fashion piece in your wardrobe? We want to hear from you!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: JonoMueller

Pocket Squares: How to Wear Them

November 21, 2013 Blog man pocket squares tie leiv0

You want your pocket square to complement whatever you’re wearing.

If you’re a man who wears a suit on a daily basis, you know that after the tie, the pocket square is the single most indispensable tool for defining a man’s style; it provides that extra punch an outfit needs. It is also useful if you spill something and need to clean it up, not to mention it’s also a great way to flirt with a lady if she needs a handkerchief!

The guide to wearing pocket squares isn’t too different from the guiding principle on how to dress well: you don’t want to look like you didn’t put any effort into it, but you also don’t want to overthink it. This means not picking a random, or even matching pocket squares too close to the pattern in your tie and shirt. Instead, you want your pocket square to complement whatever you’re wearing. Here are three things to keep in mind when styling with pocket squares.

1. How Many To Carry – The old rule of pocket squares says that a gentleman must carry two; one for the jacket’s breast pocket for looks, and another for the man’s back pocket to use. Now days, many men just carry one for looks because they don’t use it as originally intended: to wipe your hands, face or to blow your nose.

2. Color, Pattern & Coordinating – A pocket square can be a pattern or solid color, and as men are becoming more fashionable, pocket squares are becoming bolder and more colorful. The general rule is that a pocket square should complement some color on the tie. For example, if a tie has a pattern with the color red in it, you should consider a solid red pocket square. However, fashion experts agree you shouldn’t match the colors exactly because it makes you look like you’re trying too hard. Instead, choose a color in the same hue or in a pattern with that color in it. If you’re not sure what to choose, stick with a white pocket square; it can be worn with any color tie, making a white handkerchief an essential part of every man’s collection.

3. The Fold – If you do go with a white pocket square and want to give it that extra oomph, consider how to fold it. Just like tying a tie, there are many methods to fold and present a pocket square. Folding it in different ways can give you a unique style that will set you apart from the crowd.

Whatever style of pocket square you choose to wear, just remember attention to the little details can make you go from an ordinary man in a suit to an extraordinary one.

How do you wear your pocket squares? We want to hear from you!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: Jason Lander

A Tie: What It Says About You

November 14, 2013 Blog Fashion Tips Style Advice blog fashion fashion tips general information knot style advice tie leiv0

Did you know there are 85 different ways to tie a tie?

Do you know what your tie says about you? Are you a standard Windsor knot guy or are bow ties more your speed? Believe it or not, the color you choose to wear and how you choose to tie your tie can speak volumes to the world. The right choice of tie can make or break your overall appearance in the workplace, and many men go to incredible lengths just to get that perfect fit, not to mention the perfect Windsor knot! Here are a few things you should know about your ties and what they say about you.

The Knot

Did you know there are 85 different ways to tie a tie? Most men are actually only familiar with one or two methods. Learn what these four methods say about you.

Windsor Knot – This is the staple knot of the workplace. It is classy, safe and, most importantly, it goes well with most men’s neck length and face structure. The symmetrical knot also gives a sense of power.

Half Windsor knot – This it the junior version of the full Windsor and doesn’t live up to the professionalism of the Windsor. If you want to portray power, go with the full Windsor knot.

Four in Hand Knot – If you have a shorter neck, this could be the knot for you. It’s a narrower kind of style and is the most-used type of knot However, keep in mind that this knot is more casual.

Bow Tie Knot – This is a knot is in a class of its own. It requires more practice and may be foreign to many men because a bow tie is most often worn to formal events; it provides an air of superiority.

Color

What color of tie you wear can also reveal a lot about you. Color is the first thing that others notice and recall. The use of color can be an easy and effective way to convey a message to the world and to create an impression. Here is what these colors say about you.

Red – Known as the power color, you will be viewed as authoritative, determined, a born leader, intelligent, wealthy and powerful.

Blue – It will show you as trustworthy, confident, loyal, mature and honest. If you opt for a light blue color, it will portray you as youthful and a free spirit.

Black – You should wear this color if you want to be perceived as being classy, serious, polished, stylish and dignified.

Brown – This may not be a color you reach for, but you should. It will portray you as approachable, stable and masculine with a humble and patient persona.

Green – People who wear this color tie are perceived as someone who loves a challenge. It implies you are adventurous, a team player and are connected to nature. However, if you reach for a lighter shade of green, it resonates as wealthy and has connotations of energy.

What’s you’re favorite color of tie and what do you think it says about you? Do you stray beyond the classic Windsor knot? Share a picture below!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: most uncool

Suit Trends Men Should Look Out For

November 07, 2013 Blog Fashion Tips Style Advice jacket season suit trends leiv0

Men’s suit trends, just like women’s fashion, are constantly changing. One season big jacket lapels could be in style, and the next, no collar jackets could be the trend. So what can you expect for the Fall/Winter 2013/14 suit season? Here are a few trends to look out for.

This season retro, sophisticated classics, futuristic styles and even safari and military styles are very on trend.

Long Jackets & Three-Piece Suits – This season retro, sophisticated classics, futuristic styles and even safari and military styles are very on trend.
Accessorize – If you are looking to stand out this season, try taking a look at the small details; pants with low scye and cuffs, belt-cummerbund, zipper and graphic elements.
Belts – Many designers are looking to make statements with belts, especially with military designs. If you’re really looking to mirror men’s fashion run way looks, think about wearing your suit with a belt around the jacket. Not all men can pull this look off, but if you can, you’ll definitely make a bold statement.
Fabrics – As most of us know, suits are traditionally tweed or another type of wool fabric. This season however, designers have expanded their fabric horizon to leather, denim and even velvety textures. These designers don’t stop there; many of this season’s suit jacket lapels are being designed with satin or other fabrics with shine to make them standout.
Color – Black and grey suits are always in style, but now other colors are making waves in the suit world. Designers are looking to chocolate, beige, red, burgundy and emerald colors to be the new standards. They are also using shades of cobalt blue, rust and dark ink colors to make the collar and lapels of jackets standout. One option if you want to be really stylish this season is to pair a bold colored jacket with a neutral pant.
Prints –Designers aren’t stopping at bold colors for suits; they are also experimenting with prints. Checks, strips, graphics and abstract prints are the latest trend this fall/winter season.
Mixing Prints & Materials – One of the hottest suit trends right now is the combination of materials in different textures and colors to create block designs on a suit jacket.

What do you think are some of the most outrages style trends this season? Would you wear a plaid suit? We want to hear from you!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: DoodleDeMoon