…I don’t know what it is, but if you’ve seen the silent film The Artist, you will know what I am talking about. There is a certain charisma that French actor Jean Dujardin exudes off the screen. Something that not just any actor could pull off without speaking!
When I stumbled across these photos in this months GQ I had to share with you! Jean Dujardin to me seems like a more charming, dashing version of Jon Hamm. Maybe it’s the accent? Check out this great quote from his GQ interview; “I learned to tap-dance for The Artist. I love dancing in general, and making girls dance. My generation doesn’t do it enough.” YES! All men take note.
Enjoy the fashion in this photo spread. Lots of stylish plaid suits to come for spring/summer.
Notice, no socks? If you are wearing a light summer suit it is essential that you do not wear any socks! Which means you’d better be wearing some nicely kept leather loafers!
Plaid shirt with a plaid suit. This works because of the ratio the shirt to the suit. The shirt has more of a bold larger check, and the suit is subtle. The pocket square keeps it nice and classy, despite the lack of tie.
This is a bold look, you’d have to be very confidant to pull this one off! Reminds me of 1970′s James Bond. If you want to try this, avoid over referencing the 70′s by keeping your shoes modern and your lapel and shirt collar narrow.
Every guy should try this look. It’s a classic, and one of my personal favorites. You could wear this with dark jeans for a semi-casual look or wear the full suit to a wedding, without overdoing it. Notice the pocket square? I’m sensing the pocket square is the new tie.
If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the trailer for The Artist. (I recommend checking it out before The Oscar’s on Feb 26th, because its sure to win)
Last week Jude Law made an appearance at the Beyond Time: William Turnbull premere wearing an awesome look for fall. Jude is known for his edgy but effortless style, and I love this look because it’s easy for men to wear and for you to modify to fit your personal style.
If you are more classic, stick to a straight leg cuffed jean like Jude has done, and if you are more fashion forward go for a skinny cut jean tucked into your boots. Maybe fedora’s aren’t your thing? Go for a slouchy touque/beanie instead.
Take a look at my Get The Look style sheet below for some inspiration. All the items you can purchase online at Asos.
Point being, a proper fitting suit should be a closet staple. Every adult man should try wearing one now and then, instead of still wearing this:
I giant tie, with a giant boxy shirt and pleated high-waisted pants or khakis is a menswear SIN. Next time you’re shopping, make sure you TRY EVERYTHING ON, and ask a sales associates opionin on size and fit.
Due to the recent flood of great weather, I feel the urge to guide men in the area of buying shorts. Similar to my ladies shorts post, there are quite a few nice styles at Urban Outfitters. First, here’s a few tips when buying shorts:
-If you are under 5’9″ the length of the shorts must be 1″-3″ above the knee. Anything longer will end up making you look shorter.
-If you are over 5’9″ you can wear a longer short. No capri’s please!
-Think about the footwear you are wearing- it must be a sandal or a casual city shoe, NO chunky white gym shoes or dressy loafers.
-Do NOT wear socks. If you must due to a foot issue, make sure they are ankle socks!
-Trunks/board shorts are NOT meant to be worn anywhere else but the beach!!!!!!
$49
$34
$98
$68
$49
Footwear from Urban Outfitters that is appropriate to wear with shorts:
$50
$84
$45
$55
$18 If you are wearing a flip flop, just make sure its at the beach!
So the new hat for men (and woman) this season is the fedora. Its a classic look but paired with a neck scarf and slim jeans makes it a modern hipster look for spring. You can never go wrong with basic black- but if your daring try a printed fedora or colored one. Don’t over think it! Just be confident in your new look.
- Make sure its the right size! You don’t want it sliding over your ears or leaving a red mark on your forehead when you take it off.
- Wear it so that the brim is tilted slightly towards your eyebrows. You can also wear it slightly askew.
- If you have larger more angular facial features, you should wear a lager brimmed fedora, ( like the London ) if you are shorter in stature and have a rounder face think of a fedora that almost looks like a bowler hat- small brim, and rounder. (like the Balboa)
www.petergrimm.com has a large selection of trendy comfortable hats. You can shop online and they ship to Canada. They also have a size chart online, just to make sure it fits right!
Gentlemen…looking to update your winter wardrobe for spring and not spend thousands of dollars? The key is ACCESSORIES!
A hot new fashion look for spring is, cuffed pants! This doesn’t cost you anything- all you have to do is make sure your STRAIGHT leg pants are long enough to cuff! Make sure the cuff is only about 1″- 1 1/2″ wide, and only roll up your hem twice, otherwise it will start looking too bulky.
Another not so expensive way to update, sunglasses!
Plastic colored frames are a great new look.
For suiting- forget all the back. Try new colors, even if that means just buying a new tie. Popular colors for men this spring are: orange, kelly green, yellow, aqua, lavender and pink.
You also want to think about your shoes. With cuffed jeans or skinny jeans a neon color converse or a white sneaker is a great new look. With dress pants opt for a brown or tan colored shoe.
On a final note- in order to achieve this updated look you WILL have to go shopping! Its not that scary, just trust your instinct and the salesperson!
Dandy- a man who places particular importance upon his appearance, refined language and the cultivation of leisurely hobbies.
Giorgio Armani, fall ’08
Dries Van Noten, fall ’08
Neil Barrett, fall ’08
Although the look of a dandy is to wear a 3 piece suit, the key to pulling off the look of a dandy is HAIR and SHOES.
For hair go with a slick cropped style. Think George Clooney or Jude Law.
At the end of a perfectly tailored narrow leg pant, you should find the perfect statement shoe. Here are a few ideas from Gravity Pope.
This is a great look that you can wear to the office. Once you take your blazer off its a great look for wearing out after work. Feel free to add a scarf and instead of the tie for a more funky look!
so, I am sure you all know how to tie one- or at least your girlfriend does…but they key that most men forget is HIGHT and WIDTH of the tie.
Height: When you are finished tying your tie, it must have 1 dimple just under the knot- and it MUST sit AT your belt buckle. The tip of the tie must skim the belt. This is a key error I see way too many men doing!
There are current trends that show a shorter tie, but only attempt this if you are wearing a high fashion, well tailored suit and you have washboard abs under that poplin!
Width…I am all for the skinny tie, but if you are an older gentleman or don’t have the best waistline, go for the regular fat tie but keep the rules of hight in mind! A skinny tie is always a bit more casual…so if you’re heading into court or meeting the boss- this might not be the best look for you.
Print Mixing:
Don’t be scared! You can do it! Just think, OPPOSITE. If your shirt has a skinny stripe, your tie should have a wide stripe. If your shirt has a bold flower print, go for a smaller less dominant pattern with your tie.
But don’t forget COLOR! Try to match at least 1 color in the shirt and tie.
