Posts filed under 'Men'
Today, we’re taking a break from our regular fashion advice to spotlight an excerpt from a very smart reader comment on our Figure Flattery Guide: What to Wear to Flatter a Large Bust.
“The trouble with formulaic rules is that they are in conflict with the uniqueness of each person’s body and so are completely unreliable. Better to do as the Europeans do - dress from your heart and your increasing knowledge over time about fabrics, colour tones, textures and drape (how a fabric hangs). Find the styles that suit you by trying on everything until you know what principles - not rules - apply to your unique shape.â€
-Beverley
Beverley is questioning the "rules" that we provided to flatter a large bust. And she’s right–the advice we shared was not meant to be rules to be taken as law. Rather, we intended for you to take the advice as a guideline.
It’s our philosophy that you should dress based on your holistic body type, instead of merely concentrating on one part of your body (e.g. large bust, short legs, etc). Furthermore, only by trying a bunch of stuff on (yup, trial and error) do you find out what really works for you–-for silhouettes, for fabrics, and for colors.
Please take our advice as a starting point in your fashion exploration. Your body will change over time, as will your tastes, and as will fashion. Excuse the cliche, but finding what styles and colors work for you and what doesn’t–it’s a journey, not a destination. So get out there–try stuff on, both items in your closet and new items in stores. Find what’s right for you. And please continue to share what works (and what doesn’t) for you with the rest of the Omiru community!
Cheers,
Trisha and the Omiru Team
July 15th, 2008
Everybody loves sunglasses. Here’s a primer on how to find the right pair for you:
To find the right sunglasses for you, start with the shape of your face. Everyone’s face is unique, but there are a few general shapes into which faces can be categorized. The basic idea is to get a pair of sunglasses that balances out your face shape; that is, a pair that exemplifies the opposite of your face shape. Moreover, the edges of the glasses should “frame†your face exactly. If the outer edge of the lens’ frame is wider or narrower than your face, the glasses don’t fit. Oh, and always make sure you try on the pair in person before buying them.
Round Face
Jack Spade Chad Sunglasses | $275 at Marqsmen
If you have full cheeks and a curved jawline, get a pair that contrasts this roundness. To balance out your face, you’ll want a pair of sunglasses in a boxier shape. For best results, make sure the edges of the sunglasses are rounded, not pointy or sharp. I love this pair by Jack Spade.
Oval Face
Oliver Goldsmith Mistinguett Sunglasses | $290 (approx) at Adam Simmonds
If your face is long and lean (think Adrian Brody), you’ll want sunglasses that make your face appear wider. A lot of people will say an oval shaped face will look good with any pair of sunglasses, but in my opinion, the ones that widen the face look the very best. Look for lenses that are basically wide rectangles, like this pair by Oliver Goldsmith.
Triangular Face
Prada Aviator Sunglasses | $275 at Saks Fifth Avenue
If you have a broad forehead and a narrower chin, you’ll want a pair that complements that shape. That means you want a pair that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Aviators are ideal here. I like this sleek pair by Prada.
Bonus Sunglasses Style Tips:
(1) The best sunglasses offer both UVA and UVB protection and are polarized. Polarized sunglasses also distort natural colors the least. If you spend a lot of time on the water, these features are a must; the sunlight reflecting off the water is poison for your eyes.
(2) Often, like with the classic Wayfarer (probably the most timeless pair out there), you can put in regular lenses and wear your sunglasses as a stylish pair of regular glasses. Go to your optometrist for more information.
Ray Ban Wayfarer | $110 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Have a great tip about how to choose the right pair of sunglasses? Share it with us in the comments!
July 9th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear a Vest?
You said: 60% of you say Yes to Vests.
Style tip? For men, vests are a great way to gain statesman-like style points. For women, vests are one of our favorite pieces for the menswear-as-womenswear trend. Our favorite way to wear the vest? Wear it with a feminine piece, like a ruffled skirt.
Next question: Big shoulders were on display on the runway, along with other menswear-as-womenswear favorites (including the vest). But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear tops or jackets with big shoulders? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Anabelle Vest | $17.80 at Forever 21.
July 7th, 2008
Not all of us have 5% body fat. That’s fine. What you want to do is slim your silhouette and draw attention away from your midsection. Here are 15 tips how to slim your silhouette:
(1) Button your jacket unless you are sitting down. As Tom Ford says, “It takes 20 pounds off your silhouette.â€
(2) Avoid bold patterns. Simple, solid colors are your friend.
(3) Dark colors make you look slimmer.
(4) Don’t buy clothes that are too tight.
(5) You want to draw attention to your chest, not your stomach. Wearing a pocket square and a jacket that does not have sloped shoulder (but slightly squared shoulders instead) can help do this.
(6) Minimize the stuff you put in your pockets. If you have a fat wallet, invest in a cardholder and carry folded cash in your front pockets.
(7) Don’t wear cargo pants.
(8) Pleats attract attention to you midsection and they make your thighs look bigger. Wear flat front pants without cuffs.
(9) Wear pants with a longer hem. This creates the illusion of longer, slimmer legs.
(10) Not wearing a belt will help do this too.
(11) Don’t wear chunky sweaters or bulky blazers (this one’s true no matter your build).
(12) If your wear stripes, they should be subtle and vertical.
(13) Your jacket length is key. If it’s too short or too long, it will look awkward.
(14) If you can, wear suspenders with your slacks. This will float your pants and you won’t have to choose between buttoning your pants above or below your waist.
(15) Keep clean. Keep your hair (and your beard, if you must have one) short.
Picture courtesy of The Sartorialist.
Have a great tip about how to dress to flatter a heavy build?
Share it with us in the comments!
July 2nd, 2008
We asked: Would you wear The Color White?
You said: Yes! 87%, an overwhelming majority is all for White.
Style tip? How do you keep your whites fresh–and stain free? One word: Scotchgard. Use Scotchgard Fabric Protector to prevent stains on both natural and synthetic fabrics. Just test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Next question: Vests are a key piece in the tailored, menswear-as-womenswear movement. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a vest? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Sash Waist Tunic Dress | $58 at Gap.
June 30th, 2008
Q: Because of environmental issues, I try to consume less and re-use as much as I can; however, I find that I buy too much clothing, over half of which I barely wear. I know that it’s not entirely possible to have a 10-item-only wardrobe, but what 10 items do you think could make a complete wardrobe that would last forever (i.e. wear well and not go out of style)?
Item 1: Navy Suit
A staple of every gentleman’s wardrobe, the navy suit is versatile not only because of its color, but also because you can also wear the jacket as a navy blazer, which is another must-have for men. Get a wool blazer in a dark, inky-blue color and you’ll be set for life.
Item 2: Grey Suit
Charcoal Wool Modern Three Button Suit at Banana Republic
A trim gray suit in heather grey or charcoal grey never goes out of style. You could also argue that there is nothing more in style right now, either.
Item 3: Jeans
Loomstate Jeans | $96 (sale) at Saks
You can’t go wrong with a pair of straight leg denim jeans in dark navy and a simple pocket design. This pair by Loomstate is all these things and more: the company uses certified organic cotton and socially and environmentally responsible methods of production.
Style tip: Keep your denim dark by infrequently washing them inside out with detergent specially formulated for dark items, like this one from The Laundress.
Item 4: T-Shirt
Make sure your shirts are trim and well-fitting, like these from Splendid Always. The pima cotton used in these shirts are pesticide-free, making it as eco-friendly as it was stylish.
Item 5: White Oxford Buttondown Shirt
Solid Vintage Oxford Shirt | $59.50 at J Crew
I can’t think of a single thing with which a crisp white buttondown doesn’t look good. Enough said.
Item 6: Black or Brown Lace Ups
You’ll need a good pair of dress shoes, either in brown or black. Brown suggets luxury, black suggests sleekness. Whichever you choose, spend a little more and get a pair in cordovan leather. Also, if you really are practical, go with black; black shoes can go with colors that brown don’t (such as black pants).
Style tip? Getting a toe tap for a dress shoe with a leather sole will greatly extend the life of the shoe.
Style tip 2? Even the best dress shoes will get worn down with use, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw them away. Instead, get them refurbished. According to Esquire, Allen Edmonds will add new soles, heels, welting, foot beds and laces to the shoe, then condition and polish the leather, all for about $100. Just be warned: if the leather is cracked, you will have to get a new sole.
Item 7: Tie
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Tie | $90 (sale) at Ralph Lauren
Solid or stripes are always a safe bet, but if it’s practicality you want, go with a solid tie. Solid ties can go with any kind of shirt (i.e. check, stripes, solid, etc.).
Item 8: Khakis
Favorite Khaki Pants | $105 at Neiman Marcus
You want to wear khakis that don’t make you look like you just came from a country club. Get a pair that’s trim but not too-skinny–a pair of flat front khakis with no cuffs. I love the fit and color of this pair by Save Khaki. This pair isn’t meant to be worn with a navy blazer, but you know what? I’m tired of the navy blazer/khaki look, even though it is considered timeless.
Item 9: Wool Overcoat
You don’t ever ever ever want to skimp on your overcoat (trust me, east coasters). Your overcoat should be as slim and tailored as your suit. My style is a bit more modern, so I prefer overcoats that are bit shorter in length than traditional ones; look for one that falls no longer than the top of your kneecap. Get your overcoat in a dark color like navy or charcoal. Treat it well and you will never have to buy another one again.
Why an overcoat and not a peacoat, you ask? Pure practicality. Most peacoats hit at the waist or just below, and as such, you wouldn’t want to wear a suit or blazer underneath because the jacket would peek out from under the peacoat.
Item 10: Sneakers
Common Projects Leather Low Top Shoes | $278 at South Willard
If you have to get only one pair of casual shoes, make them plain white sneakers in leather or canvas. The only color shoes I buy (except for dress shoes and loafers) are white. Look for Jack Purcells or Chuck Taylors–or shoes by Common Projects.
June 25th, 2008
Here at Omiru, we ask why you would spend $500 when you can spend $50 (or less) on great looking clothes. But how do you build a wardrobe of budget pieces that actually look expensive? Here’s what to look for in cheap chic clothes that can (almost) double for designer pieces:
Fit
The most important thing for an item of clothing to appear expensive is correct fit. In fact, without correct fit, even the most expensive item of clothing (even that perfectly made designer shirt) will look cheap. So don’t compromise when trying on clothes in the dressing room. If that dress shirt fits just okay–but it doesn’t fit perfectly–leave it in the dressing room. Trust us–you’ll thank us later when you have a closetful of clothes that fit you to a T. Fit truly makes the difference.
Pictured: Issac Mizrahi Taffeta Couture Dress | $49.99 at Target
Color
The trick with color is realizing that some colors are available at all price points, and some colors are mainly seen at higher price points. Basic black, white, beige, and even navy can be found at all levels, from budget to couture. But some colors–such as that gorgeous shade between peach and rose pink or that deep jewel toned blue aquamarine–tend to be more common at higher price points. Sure, colors like them are seen at lower price points, but the hue is often a bit off. But occasionally, you’ll find these gorgeous colors at budget price points. Snap em up–they’re instant chic.
Pictured: Subversive Silk Crystal Beaded Necklace | $59.99 at Target
Pattern
Have you ever noticed that some patterns look expensive, while other patterns look cheap? I look for clean shapes, and patterns that are classic-yet-quirky. Stripes, for example, can be a cheap looking, boring, vanilla pattern. But get the right stripes–perhaps in an interesting color palette, or maybe in varying widths–and suddenly they look like they belong on the runway.
Pictured: Jessica Stripe Skirt Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Details
The beauty of clothes is largely in the details, as they give garments that extra special touch. A plain vanilla shirt, for instance, can be taken to a whole new level with special details like tiny pleating, shirring, or even something like topstitching. So when you’re shopping budget lines, look for special detailing. You’d be surprised how often you can find designer-type detailing on low priced lines.
Pictured: Boy Meets Girl Dress | $39 at Twelve by Twelve
Have a great tip about how to buy affordable clothes that look expensive? Share it with us in the comments!
June 20th, 2008
Khakis and a button down shirt don’t have to make you look like an extra in Office Space. You can make the classic khakis and a button down combo chic–here’s how:
Fit: By far, the most important piece of the puzzle is Fit. You can make a plain white button down shirt from the Gap look like a million dollars–if it fits you to a T. But if your shirt doesn’t fit you quite right, it’s going to look cheap, even if you paid a small fortune for a designer brand.
For button down shirts, look at how the shirt fits at the shoulder. Most everything about your shirt (sleeve, waist, etc) can be tailored to fit you, but the shoulder is the one place where you can’t alter the shirt. We recommend that the shoulder seam (the line of the shirt that connects the body of the shirt to the sleeve) should rest in the little gap between that little bump at the end of your collarbone and your arm. For more information on fit, read John’s tips on how to fit a button down shirt.
Color: Sure, you could go with a standard blue or white shirt, but why not find a shirt whose color suits you? Be bold and try a different shade. Try navy instead of traditional medium blue. Reach for a royal purple shirt. Or be really bold and try a salmon colored shirt. Remember, getting dressed should be fun–make it that way with a shirt that’s completely you.
Shoes: Finish off the outfit with a great pair of shoes. Skip the sneakers, and opt for a slip-on style in leather or suede. Slip-on styles are inherently more casual than lace-up styles, and they fit the relaxed feel of the khakis and button down combo.
Have a great tip about how to wear khakis and a button down? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 18th, 2008
Q: I recently discovered just how difficult it is to buy suits for shorter guys! I am about 5′6" and have a slim physique. I need a dinner suit for weddings/ formal dinners and another suit for work.
A: GQ hit on the 5 most important things a short man should look for in a suit:
(1) Buy Short Length Suits
(2) Wear your pant legs with very little break.
(3) Visually lengthen your arms by showing a little bit of your shirt cuff.
(4) Peak lapels help to visually elongate your body, making you look taller.
(5) Look for suits with a low stance (the place where the two front pieces of the jacket meet).
Beyond this, be sure to check out the different “How to Buy a Suit†guides by magazines such as GQ and Esquire, and men.style.com. GQ recently had a feature of “best suits under $500.†Esquire has an article on the best suits under $500, $1000 and $2000. GQ also has a general how to buy a suit guide that I highly recommend.
Now there are plenty of guys that wear $500 suits that look $2000 and plenty of guys that wear $2000 suits that look $500. The trick to making any suit look good (even one that is $500) is tailoring and fit. As for where to go to find this perfect fit, here’s where I would recommend starting your search.
$250 and below: H&M (really)
$250-$500: J. Crew, Banana Republic,
$500 - $1000: Hugo Boss (I personally love the fit, but we have different body types)
$1000 - $3000: Neiman Marcus, Saks, or Bergdorf (if you are in New York). Personally, I have found Paul Smith London to be the best fitting designer time and time again, but again my body type is different than yours (6 feet, 185lbs).
$3000+: Go bespoke…but I don’t recommend your first suit being bespoke.
Have a great tip about how to buy a suit for a shorter man? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Suit for a Short Man, courtesy of GQ/men.style.com.
June 11th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Purple?
You said: Yes! Purple won the hearts of 95% of Omiru readers, while a mere 5% voted against the regal color.
Style tip? Men, we encourage you to give Purple a shot. While purple looks lovely on women’s dresses and blouses, it also looks wonderful on men’s shirts and sweaters. So go on, give Purple a try. The least you can do is try on a purple shirt the next time you’re shopping. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.
Next question: Remember making tie-dye shirts as a kid? There’s something sweetly retro about tie-dye. But would you wear it now? Tell us, would you wear Tie-Dye? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Feathers State Line Shirt | $29.99 (sale) at Urban Outfitters.
June 9th, 2008
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