Fashion Tips Archives

Summer Fashion Guide to Hats

July 15, 2014 Blog Fashion Tips hats men's fashion mens style summer summer fashion leiv0

We’re already halfway through the summer – are you making a head-to-toe statement? Too often, men forget that accessories, such as hats, can really stand out among the flip flops, board shorts and Polo t-shirts. Keep reading for a quick guide to this summer fashion accessory and give it a try before the season ends!

Summer Fashion Guide to Hats

Not too long ago, hats were perceived as elegant, distinct and classy. Like most men’s fashion, hats still fit into today’s modern wardrobe. There are many different styles of hats that are perfect for summer and, if you’re looking to make a statement, we suggest the following:

1. The Panama

This traditional brimmed straw hat comes from Ecuador and features a centered crease. It’s often made from plaited leaves and is extremely lightweight and breathable. It echoes of summers on the beach and goes great with loafers and aviators sunglasses.

2. The Trilby

Like a Fedora, this summer fashion staple is narrow-brimmed and has more of a crumpled look. It differs from the classic Fedora with an angled-down brim that is shorter at the front and tipped up in the back. It can be made from several different materials, such as tweed, straw and nylon blends and pairs nicely with cotton shirts and slim-fit shorts.

3. The Pork Pie

Featuring a cylindrical crown and flat top, the Pork Pie hat gets its name due to a close resemblance to a pork pie dish. In Britain, this hat used to represent a “man-about-town” style. This hat is versatile when it comes to summer fashion and can be paired with just about anything.

4. The Boater

This hat carries a more formal look for the summer, usually seen on boaters and yachtsmen while entertaining on deck. The Boater is a staple in itself, so pairing it with button down shirts and jeans will help it stand out.

5. The Patrol Cap

This military-inspired cap is considered a more stylish rendition of the everyday baseball cap. It looks great with a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops as it lends a very carefree style to the wearer.

What are your favorite hats to wear during the summer?

Photo Credit: fashionising.com

Men’s Fashion Mistakes: Summer

June 16, 2014 Blog Fashion Tips Style Advice Cleverfit men's fashion summer leiv0

When it comes to men’s fashion, usually the first thing that comes to mind is suits. While we thoroughly support an ample supply of crisp suits that you can put on at a moment’s notice, the summer weather begs to show a little skin and sport a casual, fun style. While the trends throughout the decades have certainly had their shining moments, the summer of 2014 for men’s fashion is doing away with popular fashion mistakes for good.

Are you making these epic fashion blunders?

5 Men’s Fashion Mistakes Not to Make This Summer

1. Cargo Shorts

Popular in the 90s, the cargo shorts could fit anything from your Walkman to a small child. This unfortunate article of clothing does absolutely nothing for your body as they fit poorly and the big pockets cause extreme sagging. Trade in the cargo shorts for a slim-fitting pair that fits more like your favorite pair of jeans. Shoot for a straight line from hip to hem that come down to about an inch or two above the knee. Continue reading →

Formal Wear: Choosing The Right Suit Color Part 2

March 06, 2014 Blog Fashion Tips black suit formal wear navy blue suit leiv0

In our last post we discussed some guidelines to choosing the right suit colors for you. In this article we discuss the four most common suit colors. Color preference when it comes to suits is an acquired skill. Maybe your grandfather or dad taught you a thing or two on which color suits goes best with a certain skin and hair color or what works best for a certain event. But there are some common factors you should take into account when choosing your suit color. Continue reading →

Formal Wear: Choosing The Right Suit Color Part 1

February 06, 2014 Blog Fashion Tips formal wear suit suit color leiv0

As the old saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a good first impression.” So it’s important when you’re picking a suit that you take every factor into consideration, including formal wear, casual wear and color.

The first thing anyone notices about a man’s suit is the color, and believe it or not, all colors are not created equal. There are certain colors that portray formal wear and are appropriate for a single event, while other colors portray casual wear and can be suitable for any occasion. Did you know that most men choose a suit color based off of two factors alone? That’s right! Most men choose a suit based on whether the salesperson says the color looks good on them, or they can’t find anything wrong with the suit itself. The problem with choosing a suit this way is that most men do not know what colors compliment their complexion, so instead, they choose a color that fits in with everyone else. Continue reading →

Good Idea: Lean How to Dress to Impress

January 09, 2014 Blog Fashion Tips Good Idea men Men's Shoes work clothes leiv0

“Looking good isn’t self importance; it’s self respect.” – Charles Hix

For many young men, style and fashion don’t become important to them until after they have graduated college. Once they hit the “grown up” world they realize it’s a good idea to become familiar with style and fashion. Too many young men are starting their professional lives without a clue as to how to dress. Whether we like it or not, we live in an image-centric world where people quickly judge you by what they see. Is your hair neat? Are your clothes tailored? Is that a designer pair of shoes you’re wearing?

In terms of style and fashion, everyone can use a sensei from time to time to help guide them to look their best. For men, the art of dressing isn’t so simple. Though many women will say, “Men have it easy when it comes to clothes. They just have to throw on a T-shirt and jeans,” this isn’t the case. Whether it’s work clothes, play clothes or everything in between, it takes time, effort and a little inspiration to look put-together and effortless. Here are three tips to help you look like a man and not a boy.

1. Style Pyramid – If you’ve always had your mom or girlfriend help you pick out your work clothes because you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to consider using the Style Pyramid. According to the Art of Manliness, it’s a simple three-step rubric: Fit, Fabric and Style. If a piece doesn’t meet all three criteria then you’re better off not wearing it. Here’s a quick rundown.

Fit is at the top of the pyramid. If a garment doesn’t fit well, don’t bother looking at the other two criteria.
Fabric is a crucial consideration. It’s the key in determining the quality of a piece of clothing. If you don’t like the raw material you’re not going to like the finished product, so don’t bother and move on.
Style is about you, your own personal taste and the image you want to present. If it fits and it’s well made, but it doesn’t have the look you want, then it’s not a good idea to buy it. It’s better to find something that not only fits the first two criteria, but that you will also enjoy wearing.

2. Shoes – Whether or not you realize it, your shoes are telling the world a variety of things about you. In a previous blog post, we discussed that a man’s shoes say a lot about him and some people even judge you by your shoes. So it’s a good idea to shell out some cash and get yourself a well-made, classic shoe. A good pair of men’s shoes will last for years and stay looking good without too much maintenance.

3. Ignore Fashion Trends – Mainstream fashion trends change quickly and most young men don’t have the budget to buy new work clothes every few months. It’s a good idea to stay away from pants, shirts and even colors that are trendy or “in” season. Stick to classic clothing staples for the core of your wardrobe and avoid anything that’s cutting edge.

A good tip to leave you with is to never underestimate the power of an iron. The iron is the ultimate tool for looking great in your work clothes. In fact, if you’re not ironing your work clothes, it’s likely you’re not dressing well.

What are your tips to dressing to impress? Let us know!

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: South Granville Live

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

Watch: How to Pick the Right One

October 31, 2013 Blog Fashion Tips Style Advice man timepiece watch wrist leiv0

Ask anyone and they will tell you that the single most important accessory for any stylish man is the watch; it’s an investment and an essential piece of a man’s wardrobe. Wearing a nice watch can convey the message of a smart, confident, successful, well put together man. However, how do you pick the right watch for you? Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect watch for your style.

Wearing a nice watch can convey the message of a smart, confident, successful, well put together man.

1. When deciding what kind of timepiece will work for you, take a look at your lifestyle. It is a good idea to have different watches for work and play. When buying a dressier watch, stick to something classic or something that will last a longer period of time than a trendy watch.

2. You should also consider what kind of wrist you have when choosing a watch. In general, men have three types of wrists: hairy, large or thin. This is important to consider when picking out a watch that will suit you.

3. If you have hairy wrists you should avoid timepieces that have a metallic bracelet with links. These can catch and pull your arm hair. Instead, opt for a watch with a leather band such as the Hermés Cape Cod or Anstead Oceanis.

4. If you have large forearms, consider getting a watch with a larger face. Look for something with a diameter of at least 50mm. A timepiece with small or medium faces on large forearms will look out of place and could appear silly. Your watch should stand out and enhance your look. Esquire Magazine recommends trying the U-Boat U-42 Chrono for your hefty wrist.

5. The last type is a man who has thin or small wrists. Just like men with large forearms, men with a thin or small wrist will look funny wearing a giant faced watch. If you fall into this category, consider going with a timepiece that has a narrower watch face, like the 38.5mm Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Calissique’s.

6. Once you’ve decided on the size of watch for your wrist, it’s time to consider if you want an analog or digital timepiece. While digital watches are easy to read, many feel analog watches are classier and give you a more formal look.

7. Finally, and some may say this is the most important part of choosing a watch, choose what kind of mechanics you want in a timepiece. Do you want a battery operated watch, a quarts watch or a mechanical watch?

Digital watches are powered by an ultra-small watch battery and will need changing every few months while quartz watches are analog devices that run on a tiny, vibrating, electrified quartz crystal. These watches keep extremely accurate time (within a minute each year). Mechanical watches (which are some of the most popular watches) are powered by a complex array of gears and springs. These watches can command a hefty price as a result of their superior craftsmanship. The downside to these timepieces is they lose about an hour a year and must be wound regularly.

In the end, it’s really about your preference, but these are all important things to consider when adding a new watch to your collection.

Have you bought a new watch recently? How did you pick it? We would love to see a photo! Share in the comments 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: danxoneil

Fashion Tips for Men

October 24, 2013 Blog Fashion Tips Style Advice casual attire Cleverfit fashion man style leiv0

Fashion and style have always been associated with women, but now it’s becoming more common for the average man to be fashion conscious, too. Men are changing their attitude toward their clothing choices and it shows; many men are now swapping out their basketball shorts and t-shirts for khakis and bow ties. There will always be a time and place for casual attire, however, it’s no longer appropriate for every circumstance. It’s important for men to look great for every occasion and the best way of doing that is to develop their own style. Here are a few tips to help him create a fashionable style.

If you want a flashy look think simple but stylish.

1. Listen To The Experts – If you’re having trouble figuring out your style, a good place to start is to take advice from the experts. Too many men rely on their mothers, girlfriends or wives to tell them what looks good, leaving them with no sense of style on their own. Instead, men end up adopting the style their significant other or family member wants them to have. In order to really develop your own look, listen to the experts. Pick up a copy of a men’s fashion magazine like GQ or check out a blog such as MaleStandard.com for ideas and tips. After reading a few articles and checking out the photos you’ll be able to see which looks you may want to try out.

2. Keep It Simple – You want a wardrobe that looks great on you but isn’t over done. Don’t dress like a rock star just because that’s what’s trending at the moment. If you want the flashy look, think simpler but stylish. Try sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, dark jeans, a unique belt and a pair of stylish shoes. Also, don’t overdo it with jewelry or accessories. Remember less is more; try a flashy watch but nothing else.

3. Simple Doesn’t Mean Boring – There’s a reason black and white paired together is classic; they are simple colors but they make a perfect contrast to each other. Try combining the two with a few textures to liven it up. Consider pairing a white shirt, black tie, tweed hunting jacket and jeans together for a casual look.

4. Mix It Up – One of the things that make iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s style classic yet modern is his ability to mix and match patterns and textures. Don’t be afraid to play with your style. Try pairing a check vest with a stripped dress shirt and even add an animal tie. Just be sure you’re using colors that mesh well together.

5. Don’t Shop Alone – We all know women love to shop in groups; it gives them time to bond and help each other pick out the “right” outfit. Men, however, tend to shop alone. Shopping by yourself could put you at a disadvantage because, while it may seem easier, shopping alone as a man makes you a prime target for a sales people. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if they really feel an outfit suits you or if they’re just saying that to get you to buy the piece so they can make a good commission.

Finally, the best way to find your own fashion style is to experiment with clothes. You need to think outside of your comfort zone and try different types of outfits on to see what might look good on you. So many men are afraid to express themselves through fashion and it holds them back. The truth is once you start trying on different options, you’ll see it’s not only fun, but it could attract that special girl you’ve had your eye on!

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: The Smart Stylist