I have some definite know-how when it comes to pulling men’s business attire together but, I don’t know it all. So, I’ve pulled together expertise from a variety of sources, vetted it (some people are not reliable), and created this quick crib sheet on how to coordinate ties, shirts and suits. READ IT – did we get it right?!?
I took some time to review this and, less some of the inane commentary, the article is directionally correct. Blueprint for Style will be doing a follow-up post on specifics (to be included in the Men’s Wardrobe Essentials section along with article) but for now, I want to share a version of Gentleman’s Quarterly‘s insight:
If you screamed “accessories” then you were right! Some of you may have said “jacket,” or “outfit,” or “purse” and, if so, you were wrong….because most people don’t carry multiple jackets, purses or outfits when they leave the house but carrying a few extra accessories is totally reasonable! So you leave the house looking like this in the morning….. You can very easily change it up by removing your jacket and adding (1) a big belt perhaps purple, or (2) a
Here are the staples you should find in any stylish and sophisticated man’s closet: Summer sneaker (not boots or lace-ups): think light, airy and versatile. Make them a little fun with some color—it’s not about matching but about a subdued statement. These Balenciaga men’s sneakers (albeit from 2006) are headed in the right direction
While there is much history to be learned about the subtle nuances, let’s agree on a few key broad strokes that will prevent you from making a fashion faux pas. Blazers were born from sport jackets.
Ok- they are supposed to be chic and hip, and all the rage, and I am NOT a fan of these cutout designs. Rather than achieving something edgy, they are teetering precariously toward ‘hooker-esque’ and for the people I see wearing them, they are not really helping the cause.
That may be a bit of overstatement but, it’s the internet and I can do that! In reality though, Scherer Gonzalez presented a runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin that was elegant, clean, wearable, and feminine! The color palette consisted of lots of ivory, dark red, and topaz (and a few others), and the entire line was silk – can you get any more feminine than silk?!
In Elle’s Fashion Spotlight section focused on “Summer Interview Style”, they show the following out for $823.30 for 4 pieces. The outfit is a terrific basic yet classy outfit that can go from work to dinner and drinks. It consists of the following items: Cotton button down shirt, Theory, $217.80, visit mywardrobe.com Wool-blend flannel pencil skirt, Jil Sander, $495, visit net-a-porter.com Silver beaded cuff, American Eagle, $12.50, visit ae.com Patent peep-toe pump, Banana Republic, $98, visit bananarepublic.com Now let me
Smeilinener’s vision for MBFWB Spring/Summer 2010 was about expressing authenticity, ambition, and passion. She used a lot of free-flowing designs and layering – and definitely tons of color! The line used crepe de chine and duchesse-silk from China, cotton-viscose-jersey, and denim from Japan. The colors that dominated were emerald green, fuchsia pink, lipstick red and mandarin orange (see below). While I do not see most of the items translating to everyday wear, a few of the pieces show promise for special
It was well worth it – 8 up-and-coming designers created their runway show with 5 pieces each and a winner was announced…..SAM FRENZEL! Congrat Sam – it’s on to bigger and better!! .
Anja Gockel was my first Fashion Week runway show and I sat on the front row!! Anja outdid herself for Spring/Summer 2010.
Brown– dominating earth tone from which all others come; can be interchanged with black .
Here are lessons I took away from the King of Pop…..
My consultant has a great eye for fashion and style – but she’s also very practical. She took my lifestyle, body type, and personality into consideration to help me choose items that worked holistically. Her enthusiasm is infectious – so shopping with her is definitely an experience. I learned a lot in the process of defining my personal style and I had a lot of fun doing it. – Vickey M., Marketing; Chicago, IL.
I’m sitting in the Media Center with people from everywhere at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin which is showcasing Spring/Summer 2010 and it’s hectic in here! I’ll be doing several posts with what’s hot and although it won’t hit the States probably for another 6 to 12 months, at least you’ll see it comin’… .
We all know about the baseball cap — which has gotten more airtime and video play than is appropriate. They are used to cover up bad hair days and receding hairlines, to complete outfits and ensure perfect matching, and to denote where you’re from or with whom you are affiliated.
So sunglasses are the ultimate “I’m cool” accessory – they can say so much like “I’m cool and definitely know it”, “Not sure what the big deal is but I only wear them so I don’t squint”, “I don’t want to be seen”….and the list goes on. Whatever they say, you determine it by their shape, size, shading/gradient, material, and embellishments.
For guys, there’s some connection with cigars. I’m a woman so, I don’t know what it is but I need the fellas to clear it up. Cigars are “cool” therefore, if you smoke a cigar, you must be “cool” too.
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
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