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Men's Matters

Gentlemen’s Q&A

Question: I need a “summer suit” and already have a khaki one. Is that enough? Do I need something else? What else could possibly be out there for me to try…and to quiet my girlfriend? Answer: Khaki is great choice for summer especially in a Super 100 material. The other two truly summer options are a white suit {a la Colonel Sanders} and seersucker {a la a deep South tradition}. The white suit can make you look like a bit

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Grooming

Men’s Summer Suit Q&A

Question: Should I wear wool in the summer? Any tips on the right colors? Answer: Yes; and yes. The right suit colors are light grey, khaki or stone. Interesting that gentlemen from areas with desert-like conditions will tell you that wool is the most comfortable fabric because it regulates body temperature. In it’s thinnest form (super 100’s), wool breathes easily and stretches thanks to the fiber’s natural elasticity. Bonus: creases fall out when hung up ~ that won’t happen with

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Fashion

Men’s Style Tip

No longer does wrinkle-free mean uncool. If you travel then you know how difficult it is to get off a Transatlantic flight and still look fresh {not to mention a trip to Africa of the Far East}; and not everyone has the pleasure and comfort of traveling in business or first class. If you’re like me, you’ll need to be ready to hit-the-ground-running when you land. The answer is wrinkle-free and the best brands to ensure you look like a

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Men's Matters

Perfect Starter Suit For Any Young Man

Today is your lucky day! Mr. Porter is having a huge sale and this fabulous, slim-to-fit navy blue, single-button pinstripe wool suit by Richard James (regularly $1,150) is only $355! A great first suit that will take you up the ranks from entry level…

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Footwear

Eveningwear Edition

You don’t have to go full-on tuxedo for Holiday affairs ~ here’s a great alternate look and it’s one-stop-shopping at Matches: %RELATEDPOSTS%

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Take Care of Your Tuxedo

Whether it’s one- or two-button, double- or single-breasted, tuxedos need love too especially as we go into Holiday/party season. Here are our best tips: DO steam and dry-clean only once a year! Before wearing it, loosen the wool and kill any bacteria by leaving it in a steam-filled bathroom DO store your tuxedo in a dark space in a breathable suit bag ~ do a periodic check to make sure the moths haven’t eaten through it DON’T use a wire

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Toned Down Black Tie

Here are three tips to keep your black tie loose….because as soon as you hear ‘black tie’, most of you give a small groan and immediately think of a penguin, right? Navy … is the new black ~ dark and classic but stands out anyway Velvet … has a light sheen that makes any jacket that much more festive Double-breasted … adds a curated finish that is very ‘brat pack’ like as long as it fits snuggly Don’t forget to

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Manly Inspiration

Dwayne Wade is the business….so I thought it would be great style inspiration! We’re loving the layering of the fitted shirt and vest, and jacket. Plus the gray tweed with the plaid shirt is all about mixing patterns — and the cap tops off the look. {original photo removed}

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Can I Wear Sneakers With My Suit?

If you’re going more formal, stick with darker sneakers Keep the sneakers simple and clean…even though patent leather looks hot! The pants should hit around the third eyelet Make the socks your signature! ANSWER: Yes you can wear sneakers with your suit if you’re okay mixing a few trends including David Letterman-esque, rock star, and repressed millionaire….

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Proper Suit Fit

Now is a great time to think of buying a suit just make sure you’ve got the right information to make the most of your money: Shoulders: the suit’s shoulders should hug yours and the pads should not protrude beyond your own shoulders Chest: you should be able to button the jacket without it straining but there should be no more than a fist’s worth of space between the button and your chest Length: when your arms are hanging straight down, you should

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Double Dog Dare You….

I’m sure we mentioned this at some point, but the double-breasted suit is back. It’s nothing innovative and it shouldn’t be scary; just keep it in a muted color or neutral palette and everything will work out. WAIT! This isn’t the trend for the heftier gent or the man with a little too much on his backside though….tread lightly!   D&G Gucci

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Wedding Sucker!

Seersucker is a southern gentlemen staple, but let’s bring it north.  This is very rakish but choose to tone it down with socks, sans suspenders, and sueded brogues or structured boat shoes.  Again, “What do I wear for my friend’s Hampton wedding?” – – we love this! Note:  Suit, $548 by Tommy Hilfiger. Shirt, $40 by Lands’ End Canvas. Bow tie, $30 by Gilbert & Lewis. Suspenders, $22 by Topman. Sunglasses, $255 by Moscot. Shoes, $89 by G.H. Bass &

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Men’s Wedding Winner!

It’s wedding season and all the gents are asking “What should I wear?”  This medium brown suit is sweet – – the light blue shirt and plaid pocket square finish it off.  There are lots of shoe options, but the spectators pictured are haute! Note:  Suit, $1,850, and shirt, $355 by Gucci. Tie, $125 by Eton of Sweden. Shoes, $198 by Cole Haan. Socks by Falke. Pocket square by Lands’ End Canvas. Watch by IWC

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How Often Do I Clean My Suits?

Not often…unless you don’t want them for very long. Unless it’s visibily stained or has an odor, try spot cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Woolite. Proper storage and upkeep when not in use will also play a large part in determining the frequency of drycleaning. If you wear it more than once a week, give it break on alternating weeks Make sure to air it out after each use Avoid leaving plastic drycleaning bags on as it speeds up

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New Career Opp But Same Old Wardrobe

If you sport a suit to work most days, but need to dress-it-down for a new job or interview here’s our recommendation: Opt for chinos/khakis instead of dress pants Nix the suit jacket; a sportcoat is more casual Spice it up but keep it cool with colorful socks No dress shoes – try loafers or the like Print/plaid tie rather than conservative blue is a winner! You want help getting it right, click here!

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Does Your Suit Suit Your Shape?

If you’re not a suitmaker’s dream (a Drop Six which means your chest is six inches larger than your waist), then know your shape.  Are you a Square, Inverted V, Slim or Athletic?  Here’s a quickie lesson: Square ~ break up the square with a 2-button suit and double vents • keep the shoulders balanced Inverted V ~ a 2-button suit with a deeper gore elongates the frame • pinstripes and chalk stripes are good • balance slimmer waistline with strong shoulders

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What’s the Perfect Fit for My Suit?

Big question with a long answer — so, we’ll break it up into segments! The ideal construction would have layered panels of fabric gently and skillfully attached to the outer cloth by hand. Note that less expensive suits use glue (and feel stiff/hard).  Brooks Brothers is a great option for a well-contructed suit that isn’t overly pricey.

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How Many Suits Do I Need to Own….Again?

First the four foundationalss of every man’s wardrobe: Solid Charcoal, Solid Navy, Charcoal Pinstripe, Navy Pinstripe.  These four classics will cover almost any situation and provide a good mix of tradition and style. From there, expand based on personal preferences and focus on your personal style (i.e., modern colored pinstripe or a sleek sharkskin). For a more subtle look, go for a traditional plaid or classic charcoal herringbone.  And plan to add a light linen or cotton suit for the summer months.

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When Do I Wear a Tuxedo for a Wedding?

Hard and fast rule: If the wedding is 8 pm or after, wear a tuxedo even if the invitation doesn’t suggest so.  If the wedding is at 7 pm-ish, use your best judgment.  Lastly, if the invitation indicates ‘Black Tie Optional’ always wear a tuxedo. In this situation, you cannot overdress.  For afternoon weddings and early evening summer weddings consider leaving the tuxedo behind. .

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Melt in Your Mouth Not in Your Hands

This chocolate men’s summer suit featured in GQ is spot-on! Dark brown is too hot, camel is an everyday treat, but this milk chocolate coloring is unexpected but totally appropriate! [Items pictured: Suit, $400, by Perry Ellis Portfolio {generous cut}; Shirt, $40, by H&M; Tie, $20, by Topman {one of my favorite men’s shops}; Shoes, $168, and socks by J.Crew; Pocket square by J.Press] Perry Ellis Portfolio Suit

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A Not-Quite-White Suit

Can there ever be a summer without at least rocking your summer ‘whites‘ once?  To avoid looking like you’re part of An Officer & A Gentleman or Colonel Sanders, go a little off in your white! [Items pictured: Suit, $100, by H&M {just get one!}. Shirt, $50, by ck Calvin Klein {sizing is fairly generous}; Tie, $40, by Lands’ End Canvas {great site for spruced up classics}] H&M Off-White Suit

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Lovely Linen Suiting

This summer’s suiting for men needs to be hot but keep you looking cool.  A linen suit is a staple, so this suit is perfect….wear it well and fear not the slight crinkling! [Suit, $386, by J.Crew {expect a leaner but manageable cut}; Shirt, $36, by Sean John {wearable by most} Tie, $40, by Express; Shoes, $79, by G.H. Bass & Co; Socks by Smart Turnout] J Crew Linen Suit

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Straight from the Pages of GQ

It’s the kissing cousin to seersucker….whipcord.  It goes to work and play a tad bit easier that seersucker especially for you northern boys!!  [Items pictured: Suit, $248 by Express {expect a slim cut}; Shirt, $45 by Van Heusen; Tie, $13 by Uniqlo {should be your go-to spot for summer gear}] Whip it with a Whipcord Suit

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Top Spring Trend: Blue, The Color, Not the Mood!

Blue, the color not the mood, was a prominent shade in men’s collections for Spring 2011.  Don’t let this color get you down though! Instead of drowning your entire look in blue hues, embrace it with accessories and shoes.  Accessories are an excellent way to take up a trend while still maintaining your own uniqueness.  Of course, do still experiment with blue garments such as sport and chino pants (wonderful for the spring weather!), lightweight button-down shirts, blazers, and tees. Gents, choose

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Men’s Spring Transition Essentials

Here are the top 5 men’s transition essentials for spring–those items that you love for winter and you can now repurpose for the spring season filled with warmer days but still cool evenings. A check shirt–in colorful patterns and a lightweight cotton (great for layering–a big trend right now).  Wear it with a blazer and jeans or under your favorite suit (pick a solid tie).  It’s not just shirts either, try a check patterned jacket. Etro Updated Check Shirt A double-breasted suit or jacket–the

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