Style Advice Archives

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 →

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