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What does it mean to dress for your body shape?

To preface this quick guide, we’d like to start by acknowledging that it is a somewhat tricky topic. We can speak of some general tips, but of course, generalizations will not apply to everyone! 

Ultimately, dressing for your body shape is about fit and proportion – two great reasons to consult with your tailor about dressing to suit. There’s an old tailor’s dictum: “compromise on quality if you must, never proportion.”

We subscribe to this thought, taken from Alan Flusser’s book Dressing the Man. “Dressing for your body type is a subject peppered with misguided prescriptions and arcane rules.” The thing is there are some general “rules” for dressing for body shape, but it’s important to remember they’re not hard and fast. 

That said, here are some general tips we can provide:

#1. Start with knowing your body shape

Of course, this is one area where we can generalize, but you may experience variation from the “standard.” A British study revealed five different male body shapes through studying some of the world’s best-known celebrities. You can see them depicted below:

Source

• The oval is a description of someone with more weight stored in the upper half of the body.
• The triangle typically carries a little excess weight around the middle.
• The rectangle is straight up and down, with a flat chest and little tapering to the hips.
• The rhomboid is more common among male athletes. The shoulders protrude slightly in comparison to the hips.
• The inverted triangle is the least common male body shape. The upper body is very broad with noticeable tapering to the waist. This is also more typical among athletes.

How do you work out your own body shape? It may already be apparent to you, but a good way to confirm it is to take your measurements and look at your proportions. For example, if your shoulders, chest, and waist all align, then you’re probably a rectangle.

Of course, within these body shapes, you might have other characteristics that relate to proportion. For example, being tall or short, having long arms or long legs, or being of skinny, average or large build.

Five basic body shapes are identified for men; which one is yours? Click To Tweet

#2. Know some basic rules for body shape

What does it really mean to “dress for your body shape?” As Dressing Like Men puts it, “whether short or tall, portly or slim, most men aspire to look like some idealized version of themselves.” 

In other words, we seek to highlight any traits we consider “good” while minimizing those we consider to be “bad.” The image of the “ideal” male model has changed with each passing decade, but if you were to take an average view across them all, the main goal has been to affect a tall, broad-shouldered, slim-waisted appearance.

Dressing for your body shape means using clothes to emphasize your best features while distracting from anything you’re not fond of. 

Here are some basic rules depending on your body shape (remember, the best fit is always going to come from tailoring!):

Oval shape

If you are an oval, you have slimmer shoulders and chest, a wide waist and slim hips. The goal is generally to use clothing to narrow your waist and create an overall slimmer appearance.

A general rule here is to create vertical lines to balance everything out. For example, you wouldn’t pick a pattern with horizontal lines as this can give the appearance of widening your waist. Dark hues (not necessarily just black) can assist with a slimming effect.

Trousers and shirts of the same color can also have a slimming effect, whereas contrasting shirts can emphasize the size of your waist. 

Triangle

A triangle shape means that you have narrow shoulders, a wider chest and a waist that is wider than both. You may have heard this shape referred to as a “dad bod.”The triangle can give a “bottom-heavy” appearance, so a goal with your clothing can be to bulk up your upper body.

Jackets with shoulder padding and a narrower fit can emphasize your upper body, helping to bulk up its appearance. You should always ask a tailor to ensure the shoulders of your jacket are correctly fitted.

Single-breasted jackets and vertical patterns can help to slim out your lower body, similar to the oval shape.

Rectangle

A rectangle body shape means that your shoulders are in-line with your waist and hips. The goal is often to emphasize the shoulders more, creating the appearance of a more athletic build and avoiding a “flat” appearance.

Anyone with a rectangle body shape should generally avoid vertical stripes as they will make a slight frame look even slimmer. Besides that, the color spectrum is wide open as a rectangle doesn’t usually have to consider slimming colors.

Wide collar shirts and wide lapels on jackets can help to create the illusion of broader shoulders, as can jackets with shoulder pads.

Rhomboid

A rhomboid body shape describes broad shoulders and chest with narrower waist and hips, although not disproportionately narrower. This tends to be a highly desired body shape and the main goal is simply to emphasize your shape with well-fitted clothes.

There are no hard and fast rules for rhomboids, any style or color combination may work. If you are on the shorter side, you might choose vertical patterns to emphasize length.

Inverted triangle

This is the very top-heavy body shape associated with bodybuilders and other athletes. For example, consider Arnold Schwartzenegger in his hey-day of bodybuilding as a good example of the inverted triangle.

A challenge of this body type is that clothing that fits the shoulders often sags heading southward. The inverted triangle may rely upon good tailoring to have clothes that will flatter their body shape.

You can create the illusion of balance by drawing the eye toward the middle of your chest. For example, V-neck sweaters are a good choice.

#3. Dress for the body you have now

It’s common to want to make changes to your body. For example, maybe you’d like to do work to bulk up your chest and shoulders, to lose weight or to gain more muscle tone. 

It’s also common for our bodies to change over time. As you grow older, you don’t have the same metabolism you once did, or perhaps you’re not able to be as physically active. It can be difficult to realize that your body has changed and that you may need to make wardrobe changes to accommodate it.

Which brings us to an important point. No matter what your goals are for your “future body,” if you want to look good, you need to dress for the body you have right now. Clothing bought small to accommodate weight loss, or broad to account for bulking up will create an unpolished appearance on your current body.

If you’re concerned about spending the money on clothing then having to buy more, there are a couple of things you could consider:

1. Buy cheaper clothing that fits properly (as we said earlier, “compromise on quality if you must, never proportion.”)
2. Buy clothing in consultation with your tailor that has the ability to be altered. As long as alterations won’t be too dramatic, this is possible.

#4. Get clothing altered

This is our last, but probably one of our most important tips for dressing your body shape. Get your clothing altered to fit your body.

Whether you’re having clothing made from scratch or buying off-the-rack, tailoring to suit you is always flattering. A good tailor understands body shapes and can advise on the types of clothing you should look at. It is well worth getting fitted if you care about having a polished appearance.

Final thoughts

This has been a very brief guide to dressing for your body shape. As we mentioned at the start, it’s worth remembering that, while there are generalized rules for different body shapes, there are always exceptions to those rules.

One question you may ask is “do I feel good in this?” There are plenty of “rule breakers” out there who pull it off in spite of their body shape because they feel good and exude confidence.

Remember, any body shape can look good with clothing that is made to flatter and fit well.

The men’s trouser, pants or whatever you prefer to call them are a staple in the wardrobe.

These days, you have your pick of a number of different styles which can take you from professional, to business casual, to that informal function after work. 

When we use the term “trousers” it usually refers to garments that have been tailored with a fitted waistline, zipper (or buttons) and pockets. The term “pants” is widely used but is more broad – it may include trousers, but also items such as breeches, sweatpants or jeans. People often interchangeably use the terms, such as by saying “dress pants” or “dress trousers.”

Here we’ve created a quick guide to men’s trousers – take your pick from the different styles:

A brief history of trousers

Trousers have an interesting history. Some ancient artifacts, such as pottery, show that cultures throughout ancient Asia, the Middle East and the Amazon wore trousers, particularly as they were more comfortable and practical for riding a horse.

The Greeks and Romans however, snubbed trousers, looking upon their wearers as ridiculous and “unmanly”. To them, civilized people wore tunics. As the Roman Empire spread, however, trousers saw a surge in popularity. Their warmth and practicality, especially for horseback riding and in colder, northern climates were undeniable.

Trousers were initially a military garment and saw several changes with fashions between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries, including fitted and more “pantaloon” styles. The styles more like what we wear today were first seen in the nineteenth century – looser fit with a button fly and worn in neutral colors. Edward VII was a trendsetter for wearing trousers similar to how we know them today.

King Edward VII (L) with Kaiser Wilhelm II c. 1908 – WikiCommons

Modern trouser styles

There are now many different styles of trousers that can suit a range of occasions, formal or otherwise. If you have a selection of different styles in your own wardrobe, you’ll be prepared for anything. Our key factors for looking good in trousers:

1. That the trousers are appropriate for the occasion.
2. That they have been tailored for a proper fit to your body type and preferences.
3. Coordinate your selections with matching accessories in colors, textures and weight to create an outfit that looks great in the setting in which it is to be worn.

Special Offer: Bring in an outdated trouser and receive a $20.00 credit towards a new pair in the model of your choice.* 

*Limit one per family.

Here are a few top picks:

The wool trouser

Worn in a year-round weight, the wool trouser will be wrinkle-free, breathable and a traditional choice for business-wear. It is a versatile choice in that you can pair them with a matching suit jacket, or choose tailored separates for a more “business casual” look.

The wool trouser is available in different styles to accommodate various body types and preferences. Some examples include a pleated, traditional fit, plain front with a traditional fit and plain front with a slim fit.

What’s the difference between the pleated and the plain front? Well, as it sounds, the plain front trousers are flat in the front and do not have a pleat. Interestingly, this style dates back to wartime rationing, when the pleated pant was considered extravagant due to the extra fabric required to achieve the look. Since then, there has often been debate about whether pleated or plain is better.

Our answer? It depends upon your own preferences and what looks good on you! For example, if you are very tall and thin, plain front may be a better option for you because the pleated trousers can appear to balloon around the waist. It’s about fit and proportion.

Wool trousers are a versatile option for business and business travel Click To Tweet

Traditional fit, double-reversed pleat

Casual(er) slacks

If you’re dressing for business casual, a less formal occasion, date night or any other event where you need to look well-dressed but not overdone, then a more casual style of slacks will be well-suited to the occasion.

These may be in cotton, a cotton/stretch blend or pattern or even a wool blend. When we define slacks, we usually mean pants that are not jeans, khakis or chinos, but that make you look slightly more dressed up.

You will find different styles, colors, textures and weights. A few examples include; tailored trousers in a patterned fabric, Brax Kapok cotton stretch, relaxed leg trousers (a Levi’s 501-type cut) and linen blends (especially good for warm weather). 

As always, your style should be determined by fit – relaxed leg trousers tend to look better if you can get away with a slimmer fit on top, for example.

Brax Kapok trousers

Weekend casual wear 

The field is wide open in terms of styles, fabrics and colors for weekend casual wear pants. Here are a few options which lend both style and comfort to your wardrobe:

Jeans

Different cuts and styles of jeans will suit different body types. You’ll find fits in skinny, slim, regular, relaxed and loose cuts. You might go for classic denim, colors or even corduroys for winter. 

In some workplaces now, jeans are acceptable wear for a smart casual dress code. If yours is one of them, we’d recommend a darker wash for a tidier look.

Here are some examples from our catalog – you can get any of these adjusted to fit:

Chinos and khakis

Chinos and khakis are classic wardrobe staples for casualwear. What’s the difference? It’s based on origin and construction. Khakis originated as part of British military uniforms in 19th century India. They are made from a cotton twill. Stitching and pockets are visible on khakis, which is one way to tell them apart from chinos.

Chinos are a version of khakis that were made in China for soldiers in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war. The stitching and pockets are hidden, they tend to be more lightweight and cut to a slimmer fit than khakis. Chinos always have flat fronts, whereas khakis may be flat or pleated.

If you’re choosing between the two for a more formal look, we’d go for the chinos. Below are a couple of examples from our catalog:

Final thoughts

Every man’s wardrobe should have a selection of these different types of trousers to be prepared for formal or informal wear. Consider different weights for the seasons and branching out with colors or patterns where you can.

The most important thing for looking good in business or casualwear is the fit of the trousers. Look for cuts that are flattering to your body type and fit you well. Your tailor will be happy to help you get the best look for your tastes and body type.

Preparing your wardrobe has never been more challenging or exciting for men. As fall fashion season is upon us, we wanted to take a look at some of the changes as well as the timeless pieces for a fall wardrobe.

Keeping your closet current can require some effort, or otherwise some professional help! We have a plan for multiple outfit options, keeping you prepared for every occasion this fall. Here are our essentials:

Some men’s fall fashion “rules”

Men’s fall fashion actually has very few real “rules.” For the most part, looking your best follows the same core tenets:

• Dressing for your body shape
• Wearing clothes that fit well (preferably tailored)
• Accessorizing wisely (fall brings in possibilities like scarves, hats and gloves)
• Looking after your clothing and your overall appearance.

As we enter fall though, more colors are introduced to the fashion palette. These tend to mimic the colors you are seeing outside – olive, burnt orange, shades of brown and darker hues of blue and grey. 

The only other advice we’d add is that you need to consider fabrics that will take you through fickle fall weather. It’s the time of year when you might experience “four seasons in one day.” Consider good quality fabrics offering both warmth and breathability, for example a cotton shirt with a lightweight wool blazer.

A tailored suit is in-fashion in any season Click To Tweet

#1. Professional business attire

What should your professional business attire include this fall? Here’s our shortlist:

• Suits with or without a tie
• Sport coat and trousers
• Shirts
• Sweater vests
• Long sleeve polos
• Pocket squares and other accessories.

Your suit

The classic workhorse of professional business attire is the two-button suit. This provides the sort of versatility that can be dressed up for an event such as a wedding, or dressed down for a business casual day.

In terms of fabric, a crease-resistant wool is a good choice to see you through the different weather patterns that fall can bring. Look for something mid-weight as that is very adaptable. For example, our Canali suit in either grey or navy will keep you looking sharp at any time.

Shirts

When it comes to dress shirts, we favor easy-care options. Your shirt is an absolute wardrobe staple so the easier it is to maintain, the better for your day-to-day look. 

In the fall you may still stick with the summer staple of 100% cotton. This ensures breathable comfort on any given day. For an example, see our customer favorite, the Eton dress shirt. See also the Stenstrom shirt for a fashion-forward style and pattern.

A sport shirt can also be a good option, especially if you’re in a less-traditional sort of office environment. See our Peter Millar Anderson Micro Tattersall shirt.

Sport coat

The sport coat is one of the most versatile pieces for any wardrobe. You can wear it in a professional business setting, but also dress it down for a more casual look. In terms of fall wear, look at the weight of the coat for its versatility in different weather. For professional formal-wear, look for a more constructed design with a lining.

For example, the Samuelsohn soft travel coat is a blend of wool, silk and linen providing a soft feel but with enough weight for some of the more chilly days.

Consider your coat color in terms of ability to mix and match with your shirts and trousers. For example, an oatmeal or beige color will go well with blues, browns, greys and greens, covering some of the most popular fall color schemes.

Sweater vests

Need a quick and simple fall wardrobe update? The sweater vest can be an excellent choice for an added layer of warmth under your suit, or on its own when it’s still a bit too warm for your jacket. Sweater vests are acceptable for formal business attire when worn with a dress shirt and tie. Our pick would be a soft wool blend that you can wear with or without a tie.

An argyle or neutral shade are traditional picks, but you also might like to showcase a bit of personal style with a pop of color. If you’re wanting a little color but not a bold splash, look for a sweater vest that has a pop of color along the neckline.

#2. Casual business wear

Casual business wear has become more and more common as an overall dress code in many workplaces. This often leads to questions about what “business casual” really means!

In terms of fall business casual, here are our picks.

Unconstructed sport jacket

Just like it’s slightly more formal, lined cousin, the unconstructed sport jacket is a very versatile fall option. You wouldn’t wear it in a formal setting, but it will easily get you from business casual to laid-back social occasions.

For example, take a look at this JKT Windowpane jacket, made with a soft construction. This particular jacket will go well with any blue shirts you have:

Slacks

In a business casual situation, you could pair your sport jacket with your regular suit trousers, or you could opt for a pair of slacks that encompasses the casual vibe. Remember, business casual means you’re dressing down your business attire rather than dressing up casualwear!

Our pick of slacks outside of your dress trousers would be a comfortable pair of chinos. These are suitable for after-work occasions too. Our example is the Luxury Brax Chino, which will take you from work to leisure:

Pair your slacks with a sport coat, dress or chambray shirt, or even a good quality wool sweater to pull off a more relaxed, yet professional look.

#3. Weekend ensembles

Fall might see you touring a winery during the day then catching an evening concert before the colder weather sets in. Or perhaps you’re going from a day time activity to date night. One “secret” of fall weekend ensembles is making an outfit go from day to night.

Some basics for this include:

• Good quality plain t-shirts
• A tailored blazer in a mid or lightweight wool
• Dark wash jeans
• Chinos or tailored trousers
• Simple cashmere or wool sweaters.
• Denim and/or flannel shirts
• Dress shoes and nice sneakers.

Here’s an example of a day to night outfit: During the daytime, wear your jeans with a plain white t-shirt and a denim or flannel shirt over the top. Wear sneakers on your feet. To change for night, switch the shirt for the tailored blazer and the sneakers for dress shoes. If you need an even more polished look for the night event, switch the jeans for chinos or tailored trousers.

#4. Formal attire for special occasions or events

Fall may bring weddings, business, or holiday events that you need to be looking your best for. Of course, the go-to for anything formal can be your tailored suit, however, there is a different look if, for example, the event is black tie. You then need to look at a tuxedo and accessories to go with it. 

The regularity with which you attend such events should determine what you purchase for your wardrobe. If you’re only going to very formal occasions once each year, your wardrobe budget may be better spent on getting very good quality suits that you wear more often.

Fall also brings cooler weather and a need to dress for the elements. You may need additional pieces such as outerwear, gloves, hats and scarves.

Final thoughts

There’s also a good chance that you have clothing in your wardrobe already that will work for fall wear. Why not consider a wardrobe consultation with an expert? This will help you to understand how to integrate the pieces of your existing wardrobe and add any that you may need for fall.

Talk to us here at Family Britches. We can provide a professional wardrobe consultation either in-person at one of our stores, or online via a video link.

As we head into the season of family events, we know you want your family looking their best!

Whether it’s for weddings, graduations, birthdays, Thanksgiving or other key events, sometimes you need everyone to be putting their best foot forward. It’s always nice if the event photographs turn out well!

Here are a few tips to be prepared for any family occasion:

Do an inventory of what you have first

Has your family ever faced this scenario? You’re getting ready to go out when someone has an issue with their wardrobe. “Dad, my shoes don’t fit,” or “there’s a hole in my shirt!” It always adds tension to the situation when there is a last-minute mishap that needs attention. You end up trying to make do or purchase a replacement at the last minute.

Our first suggestion is that you do an inventory of what each member of your family has available well beforehand. This includes trying the whole outfit on so that those holes, stains or items that don’t fit anymore can be found early.

Knowing what you have available and what condition the items are in will kick-start you with a plan for getting everyone dressed for the event. We recommend you do this two or three weeks ahead, but not so early that younger kids have time to grow out of their outfit. 

For the adults, this also gives you the opportunity to get any needed alterations made, such as having suit jackets taken in or hems repaired. One of the top tips for looking good is to ensure that clothing fits well.

Know the dress code

As part of your planning, do you know the dress code for the event and what it means? For example, weddings are a common event where the whole family may be invited, especially if the wedding is within your own family. Some typical dress codes include:

1. Black tie – Very formal and usually reserved for evening affairs. For men and boys that means tuxedos while for women and girls, floor-length evening gowns.
   
2. White tie – More formal than black tie. It is relatively rare for any event suitable for “family” to be white tie as this is the code for events such as state dinners. White tie means full-length ball gowns for females and tuxedos with long tails, white vest and a white bow tie for males.
   
3. Casual – This may be themed in some way if it is a wedding or other type of special occasion, in which case, dress to the theme. In most cases, “casual” for a wedding will mean summer dresses for females and dress pants with a button-down shirt for males.
   
4. Beach formal – Formal summer dresses for females and linen suits for males.

If the event is taking place in a church or place of worship, there may be other aspects of dress code to consider. For example, many such places require that shoulders be covered and some also expect clothing to go below the knee. It’s always a good idea to check before going to any sort of school or religious venue.

Whatever the dress code is, one thing you should always consider, especially if you’re dressing kids, is their comfort. Think of layers that meet the dress code but are easily added or taken off to suit the conditions. Consider also the type of fabric they are wearing. Kids are less likely to fuss and fidget if they’re wearing comfortable, soft fabrics. 

Always consider comfort when dressing kids for family events Click To Tweet

Consider location and weather

When you’re planning outfits, besides the dress code, location and weather should be key considerations. Everyone will be much more comfortable if they’re dressed appropriately for the elements – for example, perhaps hats are necessary for a beach wedding.

There are also fabrics that are better suited to some weather conditions than others. For example, any fabric choice for summer or hot weather should absorb moisture and keep you cool. Cotton or linen are great choices, but most synthetics are not. In the winter, warmer fabrics such as wool or a heavier cotton weave will be more comfortable.

Consider which accessories or layers you might need for the location and weather. Strappy sandals might be an uncomfortable choice for an outdoor event that involves some walking to get there. An indoor event at a warm venue may mean you should think about light clothing.

Consider color preferences

In the case of many weddings, there may be a theme that dictates color preferences so that photographs have a uniform look. Otherwise, colors may be dictated by dress code, seasons and your own photograph preferences.

We recently wrote a piece about choosing colors that suit – if everyone in your family has different undertones, there are some colors that are “universal.” These can be a good choice for coordinating outfits while keeping everyone looking their best.

If you need some inspiration for how multiple generations pull together for event portraits, the official portraits of British royal weddings are a good example. Dress code and coordination are observed, and everyone, down to the youngest baby pulls off a chic, vintage aesthetic.

Source

Allow sufficient time

Most people would love to pull off the perfect family photographs that the British royals seem to hit every time. However, there is a not-so-secret secret to their success – everything you see is very well planned and executed.

You can take a leaf out of their book by allowing sufficient time to plan for the outfits that you need and make any necessary purchases or alterations. If you leave it too late, you won’t be able to get key items tailored or find coordinating clothing for the kids who have had a growth spurt. 

Speaking of growth, how do you allow for that when you’re planning ahead? We recommend that you have outfits ready at least a month ahead, but have them made so that they’re easily adjustable. A visit to your tailor within a week or two of the event can have any last-minute alterations made for a perfect fit.

Remember this with shoes too. Kids seem to grow a shoe size virtually overnight, so buying a “perfect fit” too far ahead may not be a great idea. Use your best judgment – a half to one size too big, but bought weeks ahead may work out for you.

See your tailor…

Importantly, when you’re visiting your tailor, make sure you give them the time and the key event information so that they’re able to ensure the whole family looks good. We can advise you on looks for dress codes, color coordinating, accessories and of course, flattering fit.

We hope your next big family event is a great success and that you have the perfect pictures to prove it!

Have you ever wondered about the secrets of stylish women?

Some people manage to look effortlessly chic, no matter the occasion or the weather. However there are two things to remember here; 1) most weren’t always seen as stylish, and 2) it really isn’t without effort!

In fact, the most stylish women you see out there tend to be planners. That is just one secret to pulling off an “effortless” look every time. Here we’re delving into some of the secrets of stylish women:

#1. They have good daily habits

The most stylish women you see around tend have developed good habits or routines in their daily lives. Here are just a few examples:

1. They keep their closets organized, with clothing hung nicely on good hangers. This keeps their clothing in good condition and helps them to be able to clearly see what they have for quick, appropriate outfit decisions.
   
   
2. They plan outfits the night before. When you do this, you physically lay eyes on the clothing you have in mind and can see if it needs laundering, steaming or mending. Last minute scrambles are often the death of style.
   
   
3. They keep an eye on the weather forecast! If you live in an area where four seasons in one day is common, then being prepared is essential. There’s nothing worse than ending up too hot, too cold or drenched!
   
   
4. They give themselves plenty of time to get ready. This includes ensuring they have the right undergarments for the chosen outfit.

#2. They focus on fit

If clothing fits a person well, they can look good in almost anything. The most stylish women find a master tailor to ensure that their clothing fits properly. This helps to give a polished appearance and is a big part of that “effortless” look. This means avoiding overly loose and sloppy looks, or equally, clothing that is too tight. Even basic items such as your jeans can look stylish when fitted properly.

Stylish women come in all shapes and sizes, the important thing is that they always wear clothing that fits well and that suits them. They often refer to a trained sales associate or tailor who can advise and provide feedback on items they are considering.

One of the secrets is that the most stylish among us often develop a relationship with their tailor or sales assistant. This way they have someone who knows their tastes and takes pride in providing genuine assistance, rather than simply earning a sales commission.

Clothing that fits well is an essential secret of the stylish Click To Tweet

#3. They don’t focus on trends

Some people look to the latest catwalk shows for fashion ideas, but those aren’t always a good example of style.

“Fashion fades, style is eternal,” said Yves Saint Laurent. This is a key distinction when you’re examining the secrets of the most stylish people out there. They don’t tend to focus on the latest trends, at least not exclusively, instead, they have a developed sense of style, usually leaning toward more timeless looks.

There is a distinct difference between fashion and style. While fashion trends tend to come and go quickly, style is something that is enduring. Coco Chanel’s pantsuits and Audrey Hepburn’s “little black dress” are classic examples.

You’ll see stylish women build up quality, key staples in their wardrobes, occasionally borrowing from current trends to supplement an outfit. For example, if a certain type of print is in, perhaps they accent an outfit with a scarf in that print. 

#4. They find a comfortable outfit formula

Stylish women tend to develop “signature” looks that work for them repeatedly and in any situation. For example, it might be that jeans and blazer that work incredibly well together, or that quality coat that lifts every outfit.

You’ll often find that stylish people don’t necessarily have huge closets of clothing – they ensure that their purchases make sense and that they have high-quality staples. It’s about knowing that they can mix and match everything in their wardrobe to coordinate an outfit for any occasion.

As part of a comfortable outfit formula, stylish women often opt to work from a select palette of colors. For example, neutrals can be used as a basis for any outfit. In fact, “keep it simple” is a mantra that many live by to establish a chic look.

#5. They keep accessories to a minimum

Accessories can really make a simple outfit pop, but the style secret is not to go overboard. Too many accessories can weigh down an outfit and result in it looking more tacky than stylish.

Adopting a “less is more” approach works. In fact, sometimes just one key accessory can be enough to make an outfit pop and give some more interest. One technique is known as “spotlighting,” where the outfit is kept simple yet stylish, while an accessory is used as a statement piece. For example, you might have a neutral outfit with a brightly colored hat or purse.

#6. They dress for themselves

The effortlessly stylish aren’t dressing to impress others – they’re dressing for themselves. They find the clothing that makes them feel good and boosts their confidence, bringing them joy when they wear those pieces.

At the same time, they’re comfortable re-wearing their pieces, often incorporated into different looks. While people are often conditioned these days to think that “new means better,” this is often not the case. Quality clothing can be reworn often, whereas newer items of “fast fashion” often look aged after one or two wears.

#7. They take proper care of their clothes

Stylish women have quality staple pieces and they look after them well to ensure their longevity. This starts with a few basic “rules” of clothing care:

• Separating clothing appropriately and laundering according to the label instructions
• Finding a reliable dry cleaner for those delicate pieces
• Hanging clothing on good quality, wooden hangers
• Owning a steamer, iron or both (and using them!)
• Treating any spots or stains promptly
• Taking care of any mending needs quickly (loose buttons or threads).

Taking care of how clothes look at any given time is another secret. For example, carrying a small lint roller and repair kit with stain remover, thread, pins and buttons can help rescue any mishaps while out and about.

#8. They shop strategically

Impulse buys are often stylish wardrobe killers. Closets easily end up packed with “bargains” bought in the moment, making it difficult to stay organized or coordinate outfits quickly.

Stylish women shop strategically as much as possible. They wait to get quality pieces that work with other items they already have. This is a great way to develop a reliable wardrobe and avoid contributing too much to the waste clothing issue plaguing America’s landfills.

Final thoughts

Anyone can be stylish with a bit of planning – in fact, that’s probably the biggest secret of all. Looking stylish isn’t really as “effortless” as it might appear, it has been planned for.

Finding what works for you and makes you feel comfortable – ensuring that clothes fit well – and shopping strategically to put together a quality mix and match wardrobe can ensure you’re always stylish too.

Find a good tailor and develop a lasting relationship with them. This way, you can work together to ensure that you’re always stylish for any occasion.

Have you ever considered which clothing colors might be best suited to you?

Choosing the right colors is another part of the equation for dressing well. Colors that suit you will flatter and enhance your look. Combine that with smart tailoring and you’ll always be sharply dressed.

Understanding the colors that suit you can also help you to step outside of your “box.” Many people are afraid to experiment with color, sticking to a relatively bland palette. When you know which tones will look flattering, you can experiment with new looks.

Here are some tips to know about choosing clothing colors to suit:

Know your skin tone

Skin tone is the place to start when figuring out “your colors.” Similarly, anyone who dyes their hair or wears make-up should start with their skin tone. You can find trained associates or tailors who are able to help you pinpoint what your own tone is, or you can take a few minutes to discern it for yourself.

When we talk about skin tone for defining the colors that suit you, we’re not talking about your skin color per se, but the undertone that reflects through. Your outer skin color may change according to a number of factors (such as sun exposure or use of medications), but your undertone tends to remain constant. Depending on your undertone, there will be colors that particularly flatter and some that should be avoided.

The three main undertones are cool, warm or neutral. Those who are “warm” will have green, yellow or golden undertones, “cool” has a bluish undertone while neutral is generally difficult to discern between these tones.

Colors that suit you are determined by your “undertone” Click To Tweet

Determining your skin tone

Here are a few different tests for determining your skin tone:

1. Look at the veins on your palm or wrist. People with warm undertones have green-looking veins while people with cool undertones have blue-looking veins. Someone who has neutral undertones may have the appearance of both or simply be difficult to determine.
   
   
2. Hold a piece of white paper up to your face and compare how your skin looks in contrast to that piece of paper. Skin that looks green, yellowish or light brown will tend to be warm-toned. If your skin looks blue, pink or rosy then you are probably cool-toned. If your skin appears to be grey or ashen, you are likely neutral-toned. A tip here is that if your skin is overly tanned or you have a skin condition affecting the color, get someone else to look at the color in the crease behind your ear as this is usually unaffected.
   
   
3. Under natural light, wear gold jewelery on one wrist and silver on the other. Look at each hand to figure out which enhances your complexion better. If it’s the silver, then you are probably cool-toned while if it’s the gold, you’re probably warm-toned. Neutral is a possibility if it is difficult to determine a winner.
   
   
4. Consider how your skin reacts to the sun. People who tan easily instead of burning tend to have warm undertones. People who burn easily tend to have cool undertones, although sometimes people with dark, ebony skin that doesn’t easily burn may also have cool undertones. People with neutral skin tones may either tan or burn, however they won’t have an obvious appearance of yellow, olive or ruddy skin.
   
   
5. Eye color. If your eyes have golden flecks they will tend to be enhanced by warm-tone colors. Blue or grey flecks can be enhanced by cool tones. It is often the case that warm-toned people have brown, hazel or amber eyes, while cool-toned people have blue, gray or green eyes.
   
   
6. Hair color. Using your natural color, warm tones will tend to have red, orange or yellow undertones while cool tones will usually have silver or ash undertones. 

One thing that is important to note is that, while your overall skin or hair color may vary over time, your undertones remain constant. Also, while determining your undertones is a great place to start when choosing flattering colors, it doesn’t mean you have to slavishly stick with those colors. If there are colors that you particularly like that aren’t part of your undertone palette, then consider wearing splashes of that color, such as with accessories.

Colors for your undertone

Which colors are suited to each undertone? The table below shows color palettes that are flattering for each:

Tone	Colors to go for	Neutrals	Colors to avoid
Warm- toned	Honey, Olive, Coral, Cream, Gold, Peacock blue, Oranges, Magenta,Reds and Amber.	Taupe, Winter white, Hot chocolate, Cream	Jeweled or icy shades.
Cool- toned	Royal Blue, Bright Blue, Lavender, Rose, Gray, Emerald, Amethyst, Deep purple, Ruby, Bright rose.	Gray, Navy, Crisp White	Oranges and yellows
Neutral	Medium blue, Jade, Peach, Dusty Pink, White	Taupe, Gray, Off-white	Vibrant or bright colors. Toned-down yellows will work.

Your main skin shade can also determine which colors will look the best on you. One rule of thumb is that colors which create a contrast in brightness with your main skin tone can be flattering. For example, “jewel” tones like ruby or emerald can flatter paler skin, while oranges and yellows can flatter darker skin, no matter what the undertone is.

“Universal” colors

There are some shades that strike just the right balance between warm and cool. These colors tend to work on everyone, no matter what their skin undertone is. It’s useful to know these colors, especially if you’re looking for something to wear in a pinch or if you need to outfit multiple people (bridesmaids, groomsmen, uniforms, etc.). Here they are:

• Stone
• Teal
• Eggplant
• Sand Pink
• True Red
• Navy.

Pantone color examples (L -R): Stone, Teal, Eggplant, Sand Pink

Coordinating your wardrobe

When you’re putting together a wardrobe, selecting clothes that will mix and match is your best way to ensure you always have something to wear. This includes assessing your colors and having the right mix of them.

It’s important to understand how colors work together, so here’s a quick primer. Basically, colors are made up of primary (red, yellow and blue), secondary (a combination of the primary colors) and tertiary colors (a combination of primary and secondary colors).

The color wheel is a great tool for viewing the different colors and how they work together. When matching colors:

• Those that are directly opposite on the color wheel are complementary. For example, red with green or yellow with blue.
• Analogous colors are where two or three are matched that are immediately next to one another on the color wheel.
• Triadic colors are a combination that are equidistant from one another (like a triangle) on the color wheel.

You can often put muted tones from what you see on the color wheel together, especially if you feel that the colors on the wheel are too bold.

You might also choose to go with a monotone chromatic color scheme, which is where you select a single hue and its variations. This can be a bit bland, so it’s a good idea to spice it up with some pops of color from accessories or accents.

A monotone achromatic color scheme consists of only neutral tones ranging from black to white. Using this color scheme with one bright color as a highlight can be an effective way to dress professionally.

Final thoughts

Choosing colors that really suit you can be tricky. People often have a tendency to either just pick colors that they like or to choose “safe” colors that might not be so flattering.
Knowing the colors that suit you can help you to look sharp for any occasion and to present well professionally. We always recommend that you get the help of a seasoned tailor to determine your colors – this way you can wear the right tones and purchase clothes that are a perfect fit.

Everyone loves a good clothing sale. We skim racks for bargains and get joy from discovering a good deal.

In fact, studies show we’re wired to gravitate toward a sale. The more we want a desirable item, the more the pleasure center in the human brain lights up. The pleasure in getting a bargain also lights up our brains, outweighing the pain of cost.

Have you ever experienced a sense of disappointment after making a bargain purchase though? Sometimes that clothing item that seemed like a steal at the time turns out to be just another item taking up space in your closet.

Here’s what you should be aware of when looking at a clothing sale:

#1. The clothing isn’t always what it seems

People often get excited when they see a major label on sale. You see this playing out when they flock to clearance outlets or to department store sales. However, that hot deal on a new name-brand suit might not be as much of a deal as first meets the eye.

Sometimes those pieces look exactly like the full-price alternative, but they’re really not. An investigative piece a few years ago revealed that it’s common practice among some outlets to stock label-brand clothing that has been specifically made for the outlet. This means that the pieces are often made more cheaply, such as with quicker sewing, different buttons or a slightly different cut. This makes sense – they wouldn’t want to make a more expensive version that they know is for an outlet store. Here’s an extract from that article:

“In reality, much of the merchandise at the outlets of major department stores is made or bought specifically for those outlets, with designers and vendors creating familiar-looking pieces at a lower cost that often indicates inferior quality.

Neiman, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys New York, and Saks Fifth Avenue all have their own outlets; customers flock to these stores for the brand-name cachet and believe they’re shopping last season’s carefully curated inventory. However, this isn’t exactly the case. Nordstrom Rack, for example, confirms to Racked that only 20% of what it sells is clearance merchandise coming from their stores and website, while the rest is bought expressly for the outlet.”

Essentially, what you might be getting is a watered-down concept of the original design, made at lower quality in order to sell more cheaply. Outlet stores like Neiman Marcus’ talk about targeting the “aspirational shopper” – the person who wants the products that look like the full-price labels in their main stores, but don’t want to pay the regular price.

If you’re aware of the practice, you might be quite happy to purchase the cheaper item knowing that it may not meet the same quality standards. However, shoppers are often confused about what they’re getting. Look at store labeling in many of these outlets and you’ll see something like; “$120 – Compare elsewhere at $400.” Perhaps the full-price of the better-quality item is $400, but the piece made for the outlet shouldn’t be.

Clothing “bargains” may simply be more cheaply made imitations Click To Tweet

#2. You get what you pay for

A “great sale” that you spot may simply be last season’s merchandise that has been discarded by manufacturers. This is common practice and most shoppers expect it, but remember the “buyer beware” adage.

It’s not that you’re never getting a great deal on clothing – sometimes you really are getting a steal. However, remember that you’ll often be looking at very seasonal items. Perhaps the colors, patterns or style are “done” for now and you’re unlikely to get much wear out of them. 

You can try looking for the classic cuts and colors, but these tend to be the items in hottest demand. You’ll have to move quickly!

#3. That online deal may not be worth it

Roughly twenty seconds on the internet will turn up amazing “deals” that could be yours. However, shop online with great care. It’s not always easy to determine quality or things such as whether the clothing will fit you well.

We have to emphasize that looking good is all about fit and quality. Of course, every picture you see advertising garments online will look great, but that’s not always the reality of what shows up in your mailbox.

Online sales can be prone to the same pitfalls you’ll find in outlet stores, particularly if you’re looking at known labels. Outside of those, you get the bargain sites that promise amazing deals on different brands. However, a lot of these deal sites are sourcing their clothing directly from an offshore factory. The piece that looked good in pictures often turns out to be more “fast fashion”, made from cheap fabrics and with poor-quality construction. The sizing may not be what you expect either, especially when the clothes come directly from another country. That deal may not be so great after all.

#4. Return policies are often changed

It is common for retailers to change their return policy, especially for big sales. This is something to check, especially if you’re inclined to shop quickly under the assumption that you can return items later.

You will especially see this when retailers try to liquidate “as is” merchandise. Their aim is to get the inventory out of their stores and warehouses so they don’t want it to come back. 

When retailers sell “as is” merchandise with no returns, they will put out clothing that needs repairs or even clothing that is mislabeled in terms of size. This is something to be very aware of – it’s a good idea to try before you buy and ensure that you’re getting the size you think you have.

#5. They’re using psychological tricks on you

… Of course they are. Sales are all about getting inside the heads of customers and finding those little triggers that push them to buy. When you’re looking at clothing sales, any number of psychological devices may be used to push your buttons.

For example:

• Discount pricing, or the appearance of it. At sales run by professional liquidators, it is typical for prices to be marked up by 20 to 30 percent compared to what they were, then they will show a “clearance” price that may be 5% more than the original pricing. Some major retailers have faced lawsuits for doing similar things. For example, they might say that a pair of trousers are regularly sold for $200 when in fact they’re sold for $170. They then say that the $170 price is a discount (this is obviously a very dishonest practice!)
  
• Free shipping on orders over a certain amount. This is an online sales trick that tends to get people searching for that extra item so that they can have free shipping. Realistically, they probably don’t need the item and would have actually saved money by buying the item they came for, along with shipping.
  
• Multiple purchase pricing. Similar to the shipping, we’ll often work to find that extra item so we can get the “three for $200”, or whatever the deal is.
  
• Clever language. The signage may say “up to 70% off” to get you into the store, but in reality, only two items have 70% off while the rest are mostly 20% off.

Final thoughts

It’s easy to get sucked into a sale – we’re programmed to get excited about the idea of a bargain! However, when it comes to clothing or indeed any other product, remember the adage “buyer beware.”

Remember to look for the things that you otherwise would look for when you purchase clothing – good fit and good quality. Remember that it is common practice in some places to sell a more cheaply made alternative to the full-priced item as a “clearance” piece.

Importantly, know what you’re looking for and what to look for. This helps to avoid those impulse buys of items that never see the light outside of your closet.

Your tailored suit is an investment piece that can be a core part of your wardrobe.

When you first put on a newly made tailored suit, you feel confident and well-dressed. People probably compliment you on your sharp appearance. 

As time goes on though, it would be nice to keep that suit looking its best. Not only do you stay looking sharp, but you can prolong the life of your suit. Here are a few tips for making a tailored suit last:

Always hang and air out your suit

A suit should be hung on a quality, wooden coat hanger and aired out to keep it fresh and free of creases. If you’ve invested in a tailored suit, you definitely shouldn’t go cheap with the hanger! Good wooden hangers, wide enough to reach the ends of the shoulders help to keep the suit in shape and avoid any snags.

While some people get their suits dry cleaned week after week, this will quickly shorten the life of your suit. The dry cleaning chemicals start to wear away at the natural fibers.

A rule of thumb that many tailors suggest is to give your suit the sniff test. If it smells a bit ripe, definitely take it to the dry cleaners but if not, it’s probably fine with a good airing and any necessary spot cleaning.  A little water and a soft towel will usually help you to spot clean any small stains. Also, pressing a suit instead of cleaning, is a good option.

If you’re storing your suit for a longer period (such as summer or winter-weight suits out of season), use a good quality, breathable suit bag to store it. This will keep lint off and moths away while avoiding a “stored” smell.

Many people dry clean their suits too often. Try airing and spot cleaning first Click To Tweet

Don’t weigh down your pockets

If you’re in the habit of weighing down your pockets with an excessive inventory, it will take a toll on your suit. Weighty pockets quickly start to pull and stretch, possibly altering the profile of your suit.

Stick to the basics, or carry what you need in a satchel or briefcase. Your suit will love you for it longer!

Avoid the iron

You’re going to have wrinkles in your suit at some point, but how you manage them can either prolong or shorten the life of the suit. Ironing should be avoided if at all possible. All sorts of things can go wrong with ironing – for example a dry iron can leave a sheen on your suit or an iron that’s too hot could burn it. Excessive heat and pressure can also distort the lining of your suit, meaning it never looks the same again.

The best method is to steam the wrinkles from your suit. A steamer for home use is quite inexpensive these days, or you can hang your suit in the bathroom while showering. Alternatively, there are wrinkle release sprays that are safe to use.

If you’re getting your suit dry cleaned, they will usually press it too. However, they use professional equipment operated by people with experience. Or, just ask them to press the garment that needs it.

Be careful about storage

At the end of the day when you get home and want to relax, taking a few minutes to carefully hang your suit is another step that can prolong its life. Leaving suits draped over beds or chairs, or even in a pile on the floor causes them to gather more wrinkles. Of course, you also run the risk of dust or dirt transferring to your suit from other surfaces.

Hanging helps to not only keep your suit in good shape, but to air out any smells or dampness too. Storage should be in a clean, dry place, out of direct sunlight. This helps you to avoid mustiness or fading.

Rotate what you wear

Just like any other clothing, your tailored suit will last longer if you’re able to give it a break in the clothing rotation. A few ideas to do so during your work week include;

• Wear a different jacket with your dress pants if possible
• Have at least two pairs of matching dress pants
• Have two tailored suits that you can rotate
• Partake in casual Fridays if your company has them and wear business casual

Your suit needs a break sometimes to keep it at its best. It’s the same for wear and tear on anything.

Care in between cleans

Give your suit regular brushing with a good-quality suit brush. This helps to remove dust and restore the natural luster of the fibers of your suit. You could do this in conjunction with using a lint roller to capture any stray bits of fur or lint. We recommend carrying a small lint roller with you to work so that you can give your suit a quick sprucing whenever needed.

If your suit smells like smoke or food, try hanging it outside for a couple of hours before you rush to the dry cleaners. This is often enough to air the smell out and prolong the time between dry cleans. (Remember, you want to avoid dry cleaning too often!)

What about those times where a little food, drink, mud or other staining substance ends up on your suit? First of all, there are different treatments for different types of stains, so ensure you’re taking the right steps for the offending spillage. Secondly, time is always of the essence – prompt treatment is your best chance at successful stain removal. Thirdly, if it’s a major stain, now is the time to head to your professional dry cleaners.

Here are a few tips:

1. Try water first. If you’re unsure as to what the source of the stain is or if it hasn’t yet set in, blotting with water and a washcloth or towel is generally a safe first step.
   
   
2. Remove the stain by blotting it up rather than scrubbing at it. Scrubbing can grind the stain further into the fabric.
   
   
3. Avoid being near heat (heating vents, fireplaces, sunny areas etc.) while you’re removing the stain. Heat helps stains to set in.
   
   
4. Test any stain removing products on the interior of your suit first, rather than immediately on the front. If you’re using a stronger stain-removing product, the idea is to check that it doesn’t harm the fabric by trying on a discreet area.
   
   
5. Avoid hot water on wool suits. Hot water can damage the properties of the wool.

The table below shows some common stains and treatments:

Stain type:	Treatment:
Coffee	White vinegar
White wine	Cold water
Red wine	Denatured alcohol followed by white vinegar
Grease stains	Dry cleaning fluid or an absorbent powder such as baking soda or cornstarch
Grass, meat or egg stains	Clear dishwashing detergent or an enzyme cleaner
Juice or vegetables	One part white vinegar with three parts of water
Lipstick	Dry cleaning fluid followed by white vinegar
Beer	White vinegar
Tea	Lemon juice
Smoke	White vinegar
Sauces	Dry cleaning fluid followed by white vinegar
Ballpoint ink	Glycerin followed by clear dishwashing liquid and water
Mud	Dishwashing detergent followed by white vinegar.

As an added tip, for any stain that is “gloopy”, such as a splatter of ketchup, gently work a plastic spoon from the outside of the stain to the center first, to remove any excess.

Pack properly when traveling

Travel can be hard on your clothing, so packing it properly to maintain shape and avoid too much creasing is a must. When traveling, use a garment bag wherever possible to keep your suit in shape.

Sometimes it may not be practical to carry a garment bag, in which case gently rolling your suit into your suitcase can help to keep it free of creases. Once you reach your destination, hang it up in the bathroom for a gentle steaming while you shower.

Final thoughts

Your tailored suit represents an investment of time and money and should be looked after well. You can make it last longer by taking a few steps to care for it.

While it may be tempting to deliver it to the dry cleaners every week, remember that dry cleaning in the long term will shorten the life of your suit. The fibers are impacted by the cleaning process and it causes wear and tear.

You can often get more wear out of your suit by airing, brushing, lint rolling and spot cleaning as necessary. Always note the care instructions for your suit and ask the advice of your tailor when in doubt!

Have you ever observed someone who always seems to be well-dressed and wondered how they do it?

Some people manage to look stylish with no effort, as though they can throw on anything and look good, but the real secret is that they’ve mastered the art of dressing well. Once you do this, you can be dressed with style in minutes.

Interested in displaying your own effortless style? Here are some key style tips for men:

#1. Style is a skill you can learn

Have you ever heard someone say “I’m just not naturally stylish?” That’s what many people think, but you’ll usually find that those people who appear to be “naturally” stylish have worked on it – often with help from a trusted expert with whom they have developed a relationship. They weren’t born that way!

Look back at some comparisons of well-known people from years ago until now and you’ll see many examples. Style is a skill that they cultivate over time – many people made “interesting” choices prior to their current stylish reputations!

George Clooney – Then and now

It’s a bit like a muscle that you need to train. Most people whom you’d now consider stylish will have some regrets over past clothing choices. Practice – and a trusted advisor – is the key. If you work to understand the look that you like and that suits you well, you’ll get better at looking “effortlessly” stylish yourself.

#2. Always shop for your suit in-person

There are some things that you should never buy online without being fitted, and your suit is one of them. A good suit is an investment piece. It’s a staple in the well-dressed man’s wardrobe and should be of good quality.

Being fitted properly is essential. This is why it tends to be better to head into your tailor and be fitted in-person for your suit. At the same time, your tailor can help you with your style choices, ensuring you’ve selected pieces that you’ll love for a long time.  You really can’t beat consulting an expert!

#3. It’s all about fit

Here’s another “secret” of the stylish – fit matters. When you hear people say “he/she would look good in a paper bag,” it’s probably because they’ve nailed the concept of clothes that fit well.

The most basic of outfits takes on a whole new quality when it has been carefully chosen for fit and personal style. The humble jeans and t-shirt ensemble looks classically cool with the right fit, but sloppy and overly casual when the pieces are ill-fitting.

Good fit helps you look tailored. On the other hand, clothes that don’t fit well can give you odd-looking proportions. You can end up looking bigger, smaller, shorter or taller than what you really are.

A key mistake that men often make is to lean toward bigger-fitting clothes, usually with the perception that bigger means more comfortable. Clothes that are a good fit are comfortable too, and they look better!

The most humble outfit can be stylish with the right fit Click To Tweet

#4. Go for high-quality key pieces

Most people have a few wardrobe staples that they always turn to. These are the pieces that can quickly get you between different dress code occasions, or that you’ll typically wear often to work.

It is worth investing in high-quality, well-fitted pieces for those wardrobe staples. Typically, you might pay a bit more for tailoring and for high-quality materials, but this pays off because you not only look stylish, but your clothes last longer.

Consider fabric choices when you look at investment pieces. When will you be wearing it and what is the weather likely to be doing? We recently wrote about fabric choices for seasonal wear – these ideas are good to consider when you’re choosing your staple pieces.

As a general rule, go for the highest quality wardrobe basics that you can afford. Also remember that in the fashion world, high price does not always mean high-quality. Your tailor can help guide you toward clothing that is well-made and worth the price.

#5. Invest in some good-quality accessories

Sometimes it’s the accessories that really polish off an outfit. It’s worth investing in some good-quality basics that will help you to look stylish for any occasion.

For example, consider that bag or briefcase that you carry to work every day. If you want to maintain a stylish look, carry a classic style in good-quality leather. Avoid carrying gym bags or totes.

Other accessories that are worth doing well include leather belts, neckties, cufflinks and watches. The most stylish men don’t tend to be ostentatious with their accessories, but usually take a “less is more” approach with a few well-chosen pieces.

#6. Go for the classics first

If you’re relatively early on your style journey, don’t feel that you have to find a look that is wholly unique to yourself. Think classic looks and techniques first. We mentioned that style is something that can be learned – it’s always easiest to start with the basics, much like you would in any profession.

A key mistake is to try to hop onto every trend that comes by. There’s a difference between style and fashion; the former tends to be more classic and timeless, while the latter is often fleeting. Style says something about the wearer and tends to include looks that will last.

For example, a classic suit in a timeless color and fabric choice will last the distance well beyond a suit made with a “trend” patterned fabric. A tip here is to keep your basic pieces in a timeless style, but dabble in trend items if you’d like to. For example, by adding a trend accessory.

#7. Pick neutral colors

As a general rule, start with classic colors and patterns, avoiding graphics or any sort of wild print. This is especially essential for key pieces; suits, jackets, shirts, t-shirts and jeans or chinos.

When you have a good base of neutral colors, you find that you can easily mix and match your wardrobe to pick a stylish outfit every time. It’s hard to match bright colors or loud patterns with anything else, whereas having options with your neutral colors can have you dressed quickly.

Neutrals to consider include: navy, grey, black, white, beige, olive, khaki and brown.

#8. Polish your appearance

Polish is a big part of dressing with style. This means looking after your clothing, having it laundered or dry cleaned according to the instructions, hanging on good quality hangers and (of course) being acquainted with an iron!

Clothing should be free of stains and loose threads. Use a lint roller to get rid of any lingering fluff or fur. Should a laundering accident shrink or stretch any favorite pieces, there are often ways to fix them up. There are a few examples to be found on Google (such as a soak in water with hair conditioner for any shirt that has shrunk), but be sure to check on the specific treatment for your fabric type.

Shoes should be kept clean and polished. Scuff marks take away from your overall appearance. Consider this on any other leather accessories too.

Your hair and facial hair should also be well-groomed. It’s important to learn what looks good on you. Some men look great with a bit of “designer” stubble, while it is not a good look on others.

#9. Dress as though you have plans

When you consider style overall, it never hurts to dress as though you have plans. Are you going to a club or restaurant? Perhaps you have no plans to right now, but dressing as though you might ensures you look stylish and that you have options.

It’s no secret that the way you look can open doors. The nicest, smartest or most competent person can miss opportunities when someone makes a judgement based on how they are dressed. It sounds terribly shallow, but it has been proven repeatedly. Dress for the opportunities that you would like.

Final thoughts

Style is a skill that can be learned, no matter what level you are at right now. If we were to highlight any basics of style, they would be to go for fit and for classic, staple pieces.

You don’t need to have a vast wardrobe to be stylish, but you need to have a few good pieces that you wear well. Invest in quality cuts and fabrics that are best-suited to your own body type.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to take steps out of your fashion “comfort zone.” Once you’ve mastered some basics and determined your preferred style, try starting with small switches to change it up occasionally. You just might discover some new favorites.

Are you looking at your warm weather clothing options?

Look in almost any clothing store and you’ll usually see many items of summer clothing that can be described as “fast fashion.” This is the sort that you wear for a brief period, then are likely to discard.

We get the temptation. Fast fashion tends to be cheap. It’s often styled from looks you have seen in recent catalogues. It’s accessible and a quick solution to “what to wear.”

Now, of course it’s our profession, but we believe a visit to your tailor is a much better solution for several reasons. Let’s take a closer look:

Characteristics of fast fashion

Fast fashion can be characterized as cheaply made clothing, which often borrows ideas from current fashion trends. It tends to have been made quickly to capitalize on those trends, but not made well.

You can find “fast fashion” in any department store or over the internet. For some chains, their entire business model is fast fashion, with pieces being quickly made, usually in a country where labor is cheap. These stores rely on getting clothing that is inspired by the latest trends onto their racks quickly, at prices the average consumer can afford, so there are often corners cut in order to do that.

Impacts of fast fashion

The first and perhaps most obvious corner “cut” is the overall quality of the garments. Most are not put together with any sort of durability in mind. They’re sewn quickly using mostly cheap, synthetic fabrics. These rapidly look worn and the clothing itself often starts to unravel or generally look unkempt after just a few wears.

The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true here. When was the last time a twenty-dollar shirt lasted you more than a few months with regular wear? At the very least, these items tend to quickly look shabby and lose their appeal. If it’s a piece that is very “trend” related, that particular fashion may quickly be over too.

What happens then? Of course people throw that clothing out. EPA figures show that landfills in the US received 10.5 million tons of textiles in 2015, while 3.1 million tons were combusted. Many of the “fast fashion” pieces we throw out simply aren’t worth donating because of the state they’re in. While a certain amount gets recycled, these figures show there is still a huge amount going completely to waste.

The second concern is also environmental. Constant demand for quickly consumed fast fashion means constant need for production of the materials that make up the clothing. Research shows that the fashion industry is second only to the oil industry in terms of global carbon emissions. The habit of purchasing fast-fashion may seem like a quick fix to an immediate want or need, but it’s a long-term hazard.

Thirdly, there is also much concern about where the fast fashion pieces are sourced from. We mentioned that they’re often produced in countries with cheap labor; the “sweatshop” issue has been one highlighted in the fashion industry. Many people raise concerns that anything they consume is ethically sourced, and of course poor wages and miserable working conditions are the opposite of this.

This third issue obviously depends upon the particular moral persuasion of who you talk to about it, but most people can agree that exploitative conditions in the name of fast profits are not okay. Many companies, including some that sell fast fashion, have made pledges to only work with factories that meet certain conditions for their workforce, however not all have. Most consumers won’t know what is behind that shirt they pick up off the rack, whether standards were met or not.

What you get from your tailor

Thinking of seasonal clothing and warmer weather again, summer generally has a more relaxed dress code than what would be appropriate in the fall. This doesn’t mean you should relax your standards for quality clothing – for reasons we have already listed, it pays to steer clear of fast fashion.

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Better quality and comfort

One of the first benefits you’re going to see from going to a tailor instead is that your overall look is better. Your clothes are made to fit, they suit your body shape and they give you an air of polish. Whether you’re in the office or headed to an outdoor gathering, you can stand out for your sense of style.

Your own comfort in the clothes is also likely to be much better. No one enjoys button holes that pull, sleeves that are too short or hastily made items that are just not constructed for comfort. We suggest men and women instead invest this summer in quality pants, shirts and jackets that are tailored to fit. These will stand up to hot weather and help you look cool and comfortable instead of wrinkled, ill-fitting and disposable at the end of one season.

Professional knowledge

When you visit a tailor, you’re seeing a professional that knows the little details that add up to make good-quality clothing. Items are made with precision and care, not in a hasty assembly line. Even the off-the-rack items we source are held to high standards and we suspect other tailors do too. Our reputations depend on being able to back the quality of our wares so no “fast fashion” is going to pass muster.

Besides the way your garments are made, your tailor can advise on the best styles to suit your needs and body type. When you buy “fast fashion,” you are at the mercy of whatever sizing they have opted to use. Often, this is arbitrary and isn’t a great match for common, standard sizing either. Besides that, many of the trends copied from the catwalk don’t come across so well in mass-produced clothing. Corner-cutting can ruin the original intent of the catwalk design.

In our article on “fashion vs. style” we talked about the key differences and how style is more enduring and personal. By working with a knowledgeable sales associate and tailor, you can get pieces that denote your own sense of style and are made to last. A good jacket in a timeless style that has been tailored to suit you will be worn season after season.

Your tailor can also talk to you about appropriate fabric choices for the seasonal weather. There are several (mostly synthetic) fabrics that are best avoided because they don’t absorb moisture. In hot weather, this can mean you end up drenched in sweat which is never the best look! Most fast fashion choices you come across will be made up of a large proportion of synthetic fabrics – another reason you won’t want to wear it for long!

Final thoughts

How you source your clothing is of course, a personal choice. However, if you’re looking for better quality, better comfort and garments that are made to last, your tailor is always going to be a better choice than fast fashion.

There are a number of issues associated with fast fashion that you’ll find on the racks of most department stores, including quality, environmental and ethical issues. Putting aside any moral issues, they’re simply not well-made.

Throwaway fashion is about chasing trends, but you’re unlikely to achieve a polished look. Visit a reputable store and their tailor for timeless elegance, no matter the weather.