The necktie is one of the most versatile accessories in men’s fashion. For men who tend to dress casually, however, the idea of wearing a tie more than just every once in a while may seem like a bit of a stretch. After all, many people associate ties with formal or semi-formal attire, as they are indeed very important additions to such outfits. The fact is, however, ties can just as easily be incorporated into casual ensembles when worn properly. When worn as part of a casual outfit, designer neckties can bring subtle hints of class to the table and cause you to stand out without appearing as if you’re trying too hard. The following are just a few helpful tips to put you on the right path towards wearing ties casually.

Avoid Silk
When worn with the right suit, a silk tie can make for an excellent addition to one’s look. That said, silk ties are far too shiny and elegant to be worn as part of casual ensembles. You’ll want to go with a tie that features a matte finish, which will ensure that it doesn’t stand out and look out of place. When browsing materials, go with linen, cotton or wool, all of which will look great when worn casually and don’t need to be surrounded by suits in order to work.

Stay Proportionate
Everyone has seen overly skinny or fat ties before. When worn correctly, these types of ties can actually be rather effective. That said, you’ll want to stick with a tie that is rather proportionate to your body if you plan on wearing it casually. If you must, bring a ruler with you when browsing ties and choose those which are between 2.75” and 3.125.” Again, the goal when wearing a tie casually is to ensure that it remains a subtle accent, which is difficult to achieve if the tie you wear isn’t of a normal width.

Solids Over Patterns
A lot of men don’t realize how “loud” certain tie patterns can actually be. Remaining subtle with the way in which you wear your ties means sticking to solids whenever possible, leaving more elaborate patterned ties to be worn with suits. If you must wear a patterned tie with a casual ensemble, ensure that it is as simple as possible; pinstripes can come in handy in such a case, and can actually add depth to casual ensembles without standing out.

Choose the Right Shirt
No matter how casual you plan on dressing, you’ve got to ensure that the shirt you wear can support a tie. The best choice here is a button-down shirt, which remains casual while featuring the perfect collar for accessorizing with a tie. Avoid shirts with spread collars, which simply aren’t suitable for this application.

Loosen Up
It’s not uncommon for men who aren’t used to wearing ties to wear them far more tightly than is necessary. While not always noticeable when one is wearing a suit, this will stand out if you’re dressing casually. For best results, loosen your tie enough so that it hangs comfortably but still holds the collar of your shirt together.

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European men are viewed by many fashion advocates as being those who have truly “figured it out.” Indeed, Europeans put a lot of stock in the way they get dressed each morning, and as a result tend to appear both relaxed and sophisticated at once, maintaining a look of quality without approaching pretension. A lot of American men who are new to the world of fashion strive to get the “European look” – although it’s not uncommon for people to falter when working towards embracing European style. That said, there re plenty of things you can do in order to get this look without stumbling upon issues in the process, especially if you have the time and patience required for experimenting with a new type of style. The following tips can put you on the path towards looking like a European man in no time.

Make Baggy Clothes a Thing of the Past
One of the biggest fashion mistakes made by American men is wearing clothing that is simply too large for them. While baggy clothes might be comfortable, they’re almost never flattering, and are starkly different from the clothing worn by typical European men. In Europe, clothing is almost always fitted perfectly before being worn, whether it be a t-shirt, pair of jeans or full suit. Fitted clothing highlight’s one’s figure and typically results in a more attractive appearance, making it more than worth embracing. If you tend to wear a lot of baggy clothes currently, make the switch gradually so as not to shock your sense of style; you’ll be amazed at how different you can look in clothing that actually fits your body correctly. Our tip: start with the dress shirts and suits before moving on to jeans and v-neck sweaters.

Spring for a Quality Suit
If European men are known for anything, it’s their ability to wear suits like no one else. For Americans who are on a budget, it can be very tempting to head to the local menswear shop and purchase a “suit package” for $100 or less, which are very commonly advertised in order to bring in new customers. The fact is, this is a rather poor investment in the grand scheme of things, as a cheap suit is a cheap suit, and the likelihood that it will actually be flattering is relatively low. Rather than filling your wardrobe with cheap suits, consider spending the extra money on quality that will look good for years to come. Look for suits that are made from pure wool. We recommend super-100 or super-120 wool for daily wear, and super160+ for special occasions. Keep in mind that the finer the wool (higher the number) the more expensive the suit will be. Once you found a pattern, color, and fabric you like, make sure the suits fits correctly. Sim fitted suits that are somewhat tapered at the waist and have proportionately sized lapels are perfect for your Euro style upgrades!

Accessorize Intelligently
Overdoing accessories is an all too common issue in America, and should be avoided by anyone who is trying to incorporate European flair into their look. That said, there are a variety of accessories that are essential to making this look your own. A leather watch band and quality leather belt, for example, can take your ensemble to another level, just as a plaid silk scarf can elevate a coat when the temperatures begin to fall as winter sets in. Avoid chains, necklaces and any other unnecessary accessories, as these will cheapen your appearance and work against the look that you’re striving for. Also swap your backpack or canvas messenger bag for a sleek leather briefcase.

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Any guy who is interested in fashion owes it to himself to pick up a high-quality plaid suit. Plaid suits are extremely versatile, in that they can be worn in a variety of unique ways. As a result, a single plaid suit can be used to create an entire week’s worth of different outfits if one chooses to do so, all of which can be enough to turn heads in a subtle manner. The following are just a few different ways to accessorize with plaid suits, all of which can be pulled off with one suit, and require very little in the way of extra items of clothing. Note that all of the following looks will work best with a neutral plaid suit, as those which feature bold colors can be exceedingly difficult to accessorize with.

Corporate Look
One of the main reasons why many people purchase a plaid suit is for the workplace. While plaid suits can indeed be “loud,” there’s no reason to think that they can’t be used in corporate situations. Indeed, the corporate look is one of the best ways to pull off wearing a plaid suit, not to mention one of the simplest. For best results, accessorize with a stark-white shirt, a dark tie and a pair of dark lace-up shoes. With a suit this loud, it’s important to keep the rest of the ensemble elements as basic as possible. Note that while this look is suitable for a corporate environment, it’s important to ensure that your boss has liberal views on dress code.

Business-Casual
When the corporate look is to much, you can step things down a bit and create a great business-casual look with your plaid suit. Drop the jacket, switching it up for a stylish cashmere sweater; cardigans look fantastic with plaid suit pants. Underneath, you can wear a solid-colored Oxford, taking care to ensure that the color compliments the rest of your ensemble. Finish the look off with a skinny black or brown belt and a pair of lace-up shoes; perhaps the same that you might wear when trying to embrace the corporate look. This is a perfect ensemble for casual office environments, and can be augmented in a variety of different ways. The more you experiment with different sweaters/accessories, the more versatile this look can be.

Urban Preppy
As one might expect, plaid suits are perfect for pulling off the “preppy” look that has become so popular in recent years. Indeed, the pattern practically screams prep school attire, setting itself up for a great deal of different types of outfits. Try pairing a navy suit jacket with your plaid suit pants, which will result in a brand new execution of a tried and true concept. If you really want to attract attention, go with black loafers and no socks. Bear in mind that it takes a certain personality to be able to pull off this look; you’ll know whether it’s right for you the minute you put your outfit together.

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Stop into any store that sells suits, and chances are you’ll see a wide range of different colors on the racks. After all, there really is no catchall color for every single situation you might find yourself in, no matter what you’ve been told. The fact is, however, many people who are new to wearing suits simply don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing a specific color to wear. While choosing the right suit color isn’t always as straightforward as one might like it to be, there are a few guidelines that can be beneficial for those who are new to accessorizing with suits. The following are a few of the most commonly found suit colors on the market, as well as the situations that they’re most appropriate in.

Black
Everyone should own at least one black suit, given the color’s versatility. Most often employed in formal and somber situations, the black suit exudes sobriety and professionalism more than any other. Perfect for people of all skin colors and body types, the black suit also tends to have a slimming effect, making it ideal for those who’d like to make themselves look a bit skinnier than they actually are. Whether you’re going to a formal reception or a funeral, a well-tailored black suit is a must-have.

Navy Blue
Navy blue suits are omnipresent in the work world, and for good reason. These suits give off an air of confidence, and typically look great in an office environment. It should come as no surprise, then, that the navy blue suit is the number one suit for an interview. Navy blue suits typically look best on those with fair skin, although there are plenty of exceptions to this rule. While certainly not the most exciting color, the navy blue suit is an important staple item that should be in every man’s wardrobe; especially those who work in the professional sector. A bit more stylish and fashion forward hare brighter shades of blue (think indigo) on suits made with a slim fitted European cut and narrow lapels.

Brown & Tan
Brown suits are ideal for separating yourself from others in a group in a subtle way. This color can easily be worn at the office, as well as in semi-formal scenarios. Those who have fairly dark complexions will look best in brown suits, although it’s worth experimenting with this color even if your skin color is relatively light in shade. While brown suits aren’t as essential to own as other colors, they can be very attractive when worn in the right situations. Typically lighter brown suits, such as tan and beige, are popular during the daytime in spring and summer. Also great for the warmer days are tan linen suits – a classic/elegant look that pairs well with pastel colored neckties and brown loafers.

Charcoal Gray
Last, yet not least is the charcoal gray suit. Like black, charcoal gray is an extremely important suit color for men to own, and may be the most versatile of all. This suit looks great on men of all different skin colors, and looks especially attractive on those who have a medium build. Charcoal gray suits are perfect for casual wear, as well as to and from the office. If you’re going to choose a single suit color to wear on a night out on the town, make it charcoal gray for best results.

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Anyone who finds themselves wearing a suit on even an occasional basis can benefit greatly from forging a working relationship with a tailor. The right tailor can make or break how you look in a suit, not to mention offer priceless style advice to help you streamline your appearance. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to realize that not all tailors are created equal, as some are far more skilled than others. While choosing a tailor isn’t always easy, there’s no reason to think that it’s impossible. The following tips can help you to pick a well-rounded tailor, which will save you both time and money in the long run.

Seek Tailor Recommendations
With so many different tailors out there, it’s important to seek recommendations right off the bat so that you can narrow down your list of choices. There are a few different ways to go about looking for tailor recommendations, one being online reviews. Tailors that are well-known will typically have at least a few reviews attached to their name online, which can be extremely helpful during your search. If you can’t find any reviews online about the tailor you’re looking for, speak to friends and family members who have their own tailor that they work with regularly. If they’re happy with the services they’re provided, chances are they’ll make that clear. Keep in mind that recommendations can always be affected by personal bias, and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Set Up an Initial Meeting
Once you’ve gotten at least a few recommendations, your next step is to set up a meeting with one or two of the tailors that you’re interested in. Meeting with a tailor is a great way for you to explain your style and exactly what you’re looking for out of the relationship, and will give you a sense of whether or not the individual is the right person for the job. One of the most important things you can do during this initial meeting is to ask to see a few of the tailor’s samples. This will allow you to get a better idea of what the tailor’s work looks like, and is often the most telling sign of whether or not he’ll be a good fit. While you can typically set up an impromptu meeting by simply dropping in on a tailor’s shop during business hours, it may be advisable to call ahead of time in order to set aside a specific block of time to meet.

Consider His Availability
Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about a tailor given his availability. If a tailor is quick to note that he can take on a job for you at virtually any time of any week, there’s a good chance that he’s hurting for work. While there are exceptions to the rule, this typically means that he doesn’t have the experience or quality craftsmanship necessary in order to keep busy, and should be viewed as being a red flag. The best tailors require one to book in advance in order to get work done, as they will usually have a heavy workload to deal with each week. If the tailor is clamoring for your business, your best bet is to move on and choose someone different.

Three Items That Should Always Get Tailored
In order to look your best, there are a few items of clothing that should always be tailored by a professional. Blazers, for example, can look unruly when not tailored correctly, and are among the most important items of clothing that one should have tailored before wearing. In addition, you may want to have your dress shirts and pants tailored as well, which will ensure that these items flatter your body as best as possible when the coat comes off.

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Many people view the new year as being synonymous with a clean slate. Whether it be lifestyle, fashion or otherwise, the new year is typically a time when people try to start changing things about their life. For those who are interested in switching up their style for 2012, there are a variety of different trends to consider following that are currently dominating the industry. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to realize that not all trends in men’s fashion are worth pursuing, as many trends are better off fading away than continuing. The following are five men’s fashion trends to avoid in 2012, all of which would be better off gone from the face of the earth.

#1: Androgyny
A hallmark of “hipster” style, androgyny has invaded the world of men’s fashion over the course of the last year or so. Characterized by feminine sweaters, questionable accessories and bright, loud colors, this is a huge trend in the underground scene; especially amongst indie rockers. Unfortunately, dressing in an androgynous manner is far more likely to cause a disconnect than anything else, and is a poor choice for most men.

#2: Distressed Jeans
It’s not uncommon to see men walking around town with a great deal of holes and rips in their jeans. While this look was “in” during the 90s, it simply haven’t stood up to the test of time, and connotes sloppiness and apathy more than anything else at this point. No matter what the situation, jeans that are purchased “pre-ripped” will get eaten up by the washing machine over time, and don’t have the staying power of a well-crafted pair of solid designer jeans. If you want to take a modern approach to casual fashion, skip the distressed jeans and opt for fitted designer denim instead.

#3: Cropped Tees
For whatever reason, cropped tees have found their way into the limelight of men’s fashion. The fact is, there isn’t a single guy out there that can wear a cropped tee without looking like an idiot. This look is best left to women, regardless of how cool you might think you look walking down the street.

#4: M’Uggs (Men’s Uggs)
The Ugg boot has been a staple for young women for many years now, and can look great on the right person. That said, men who try to pull off this look almost always turn into the subjects of ridicule. This is a highly feminine that works great for women, but falls completely flat for men. While a fashionable pair of winter boots is certainly not out of the question, Uggs just aren’t the right choice.

#5: Floral Printed Shirts
A nice button-up or western style shirt can make for an excellent base to build an ensemble around. That said, floral printed shirts almost always cause a disconnect, yet for some reason have become popular in recent years. Save yourself the embarrassment by saving the flowers for Valentine’s day or for a trip to Hawaii.

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When it comes to staying fashionable, one of the most important things you can do is to get into shape and stay that way. After all, even the nicest clothing on the market will look “off” on someone who is not in shape. Many people turn to the gym as the solution to staying in shape, which is truly a culture in and of itself. While most gyms are relatively loose in their dress codes, some require individuals to wear specific items of clothing when working out. Buying the right gym apparel is a crucial aspect of getting the most out of your workout, and should never be underestimated. The following are just a few tips to help you purchase the gym apparel that is right for you without spending a fortune.

Shoes
Gym shoes should be just that; gym shoes. In other words, you should never wear your gym shoes anywhere other than the gym, as they will likely become stained with sweat in a matter of no time at all. Low-top sneakers and running shoes are the most common types of gym shoes, as they allow you to train in a comfortable manner and provide the necessary amount of cushioning for your feet. Nike and Adidas are just two companies that make shoes which would serve to be ideal for the gym, although there are plenty of other brands out there that are not only just as versatile, yet tend to be even less expensive.

Shorts
The right pair of gym shorts can have a dramatic influence on your workout. One of the biggest mistakes that people who are new to working out tend to make is wearing shorts that are not suitable for the gym; cotton cargo shorts come to mind. Rather, gym shorts should be elastic, breathable and the furthest from limiting, as the limitations that come along with cargo shorts can make working out in an effective manner next to impossible. Many people find it disconcerting that some of the most popular gym shorts on the market don’t actually feature pockets, which can be used to store a wallet or MP3 player and truly come in handy. As a result, you may want to look only for shorts that come equipped with deep pockets, which shouldn’t be exceedingly difficult to find.

Shirt
As with shorts, the shirt you choose to wear to the gym can influence your workout. Ideally, baggy shirts should be avoided, as the extra material will do more to hurt than it will to help during a workout. Rather, stick to t-shirts that are fitted without being overly tight; you don’t want to be uncomfortable with how you look at the gym, after all. Simple white cotton tees are fine for this purpose, and happen to be inexpensive as well. Those who tend to train exceptionally hard at the gym, however, may wish to wear shirts that feature moisture-wick technology, which can help to keep you dry during a workout. While these types of shirts are far more expensive than plain white tees, they’re also much more breathable, and last for a very long time when properly cared for.

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As the temperatures drop and winter finally begins to set in, men everywhere are making the decision to start growing a winter beard. Indeed, beards are quite trendy as of late, especially amongst those who live in cold-climate areas. While wearing a beard can certainly be fashionable (not to mention popular with the ladies), it’s important to go about doing so in the correct manner in order to avoid looking like you’ve simply gotten lazy with your facial hair. The following are just a few tips for maintaining a fashionable beard this winter.

Consider Your Face Shape
A lot of people don’t realize how much of an influence facial shape has on the appearance of a beard. The fact is, certain types of beards look awkward on those who have the wrong face shape for them, and should always be avoided. Those who have round faces should stick to growing rounded, circular beards, while long-faced individuals will do best with a more square or rectangular-shaped beard, or even just a goatee. Generally, the shape of your face will be similar to your ideal beard shape.

Avoid the Neck Beard
One of the most common mistakes made by those who are new to growing a beard is allowing a “neck beard” to grow. This term refers to hair that grows beneath the chin line and down the top of the neck, which almost always results in a sloppy, unkempt appearance. In order to ensure that you keep your neck beard at bay, always shave your beard so that it follows the line of your chin. Since hair in this area can grow quickly, it’s important to shave each morning to maintain a clean line.

Buy a High-Quality Electric Razor
Maintaining a beard is a near-constant process, and requires the right tools for the job in order to get the results you’re looking for. While manual razors can be effective, it’s highly advisable to those who are new to growing a beard to purchase a high-quality electric razor. Electric razors not only drastically cut down on the amount of time it takes to shave each morning, but modern electric razors offer an extremely close shave, and typically come with changeable heads that allow for easy trimming and upkeep. While a nice electric razor will likely run you at least $50, it’s money well-spent if you plan on keeping a beard for a sizable amount of time.

Don’t Get Lazy
The bottom line when growing and maintaining a beard is that you must avoid getting lazy with upkeep at all costs. Missing even a single day of shaving can not only cause your beard to grow unevenly, but will result in unattractive stubble that will do very little in terms of helping you look good when going out on the town. Avoid allowing your beard to grow more than half an inch or so, as a short, well-kept beard is always more attractive than those which are scraggly and out of control.

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Landing a new job can be an extremely exciting experience. After all, there’s nothing more stressful than being unemployed, and landing a secure job can do a great deal to relieve anxiety about one’s finances. For those who are about to enter a business-casual work environment, however, there are a variety of fashion pitfalls that need to be avoided. While a lot of people put stock in understanding what to wear to the office, it’s just as important to understand what types of clothing and accessories should be avoided. The following are just a few looks that simply won’t work in most business-casual office environments, and should be avoided at all costs.

Hats:
Business-casual may have the word “casual” in it, but it’s important to understand that you’re still working in an office. Many people think hats like fedoras and cabbie caps are fit for the office, but the fact is they should be hung up as soon as you walk through the door. While you might think your new head wear will cause the cute secretary to start paying attention, you’d be doing yourself and your employer a disservice by wearing a hat throughout the workday.

Novelty Ties:
Whether or not your work environment calls for a tie can depend on a variety of different factors, and you’ll soon find out what the norm is after just a single day of work. That said, on no occasion should you ever wear a novelty tie to the office, no matter how fun-loving you might think your boss is. Ties that feature a big pictures, cartoon characters, or other large motifs should be avoided as they are perceived as tacky. When choosing a tie, stick to a solid, unobtrusive color, such as a deep red or blue.

Denim Shirts:
Everyone loves denim, and it can be very attractive when worn correctly. While some offices may encourage employees to wear jeans on occasion (form-fitted, please), there’s never a right time to attempt to rock a denim shirt at work. Denim shirts are strictly for casual situations, and are difficult to pull off even then. After all, just because you’ve seen people try to pair denim shirts with khakis and loafers doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea, which it most certainly is not.

Pastel-Colored Oxfords:
A nice button-down Oxford serves as the perfect shirt for a day at the office. Button down dress shirts come in any color and pattern – some more suited than others when dressing for the office. Pastel colored oxford shirts for instance are great for the spring and summer but are considered a fashion Faux Pas when worn past September.

Vintage Clothes: Vintage clothing can really work well for some people, but only in the right situations. While you might think you look hip in the vintage dress shirt you found at the thrift store for $3, there’s a good chance that your co-workers don’t see the appeal. Avoid dress shirts that are faded, or showing any other signs of wear.

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office-jeans

Darker is Better
Office neckties come in patterned primary colors. Office shirts come in white and pastels. Office shoes and belts come in black or brown. Men’s fashion has a fairly defined set of acceptable colors for the workplace, and jeans at the office are no exception.

Work-formal jeans are as dark as you can go. This doesn’t exactly eliminate all choices; gray, midnight blue and black denims are still distinct from each other in subtle ways, and can look very different depending on the lighting. Just because you have to stick to a darker and more sober palette doesn’t mean that your rotation options are limited. There’s a wide spectrum of dark washes and colors for you to mix and match.

To emphasize the coloration of your jeans and make the denim sleight-of-style subtler, avoid matching the shirt and necktie to your jeans. That is, if you’re wearing dark blue denims, stay away from the pastel blue shirt or the navy tie.

Straight and Fitted
As you might have noticed by now, formal men’s fashion is all about the ‘classic’ cuts and traditional silhouettes. For denim pants, that automatically means straight fit jeans. They don’t have to be perfectly linear, but you can’t have the flare of a boot cut or the tightness of a skinny jean either.

You’ll also want something that hits you at your natural waist, which should be about a couple of inches below your bellybutton. This is to differentiate it from casual jeans, which some guys wear low waist-style at the hips. The latter isn’t a look that every guy can pull off, and there’s the risk of seeming like you dressed up for the club, not work.

Bagging and sagging are no-no’s for work slacks, just as they are unacceptable in jeans. Ill-fitting denims are more a matter of looking neat and put-together than they are about formalness and dress codes; they look sloppy even when worn in a casual setting. Avoid them like the plague and pleather pants.

Clean and Presentable
Most men have a pair or two of those old jeans that have gotten frayed and damaged over the years but are comfortable as hell to wear. And while comfort might trump fashion on the question of whether to keep or discard those jeans, propriety takes priority when you start talking about wearing them to the office.

No matter how comfortable those beat-up decade-old jeans are, there’s no question about it: you can’t wear them to work. Office dress codes might not require on-trend style or the utmost formalness, but they do require a reasonable minimum of presentability. That means pants – slacks or jeans – that aren’t frayed, and without rips or holes.

Some guys also wear jeans twice before washing, reasoning that the hardy fabric should be able to withstand more before requiring cleaning. While denim is definitely durable, dirty jeans isn’t something you’d want to wear to work. The ideal case is to wash them like you would your regular everyday office slacks. If you’re going to treat jeans like office pants, you may as well go all the way.

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