Belts

Belts are essential to a man's wardrobe, not only because they keep your pants up but also because they help to pull an outfit together.Your everyday go to belt should be simple and in black calfskin. Beyond that you can move on to brown leather and even to experimenting with materials your belts are made from. If you can afford it, crocodile is a stylish option. Console yourself with the thought that treated right a crocodile belt could last a lifetime.

Unless you work in a rodeo you should make sure that the buckle is simple and elegant. No words are logos please, A classic black or brown belt can last years, so don't be afraid to push the boat out. Think of it as an investment. 

Once you've mastered the basics you can add a thick belt to your collection.These are great for pairing with dressier outfits as long as they are discrete. Wear them in a clashing color and you'll look like a member of a new-wave band from the eighties, Wide belts are more casual and can be paired with jeans for a western look. The most casual belts are in suede, cloth, canvas or nylon. Keep these for informal occasions only.

Your belt should match your shoes, black shoes, black belt; brown shoes, brown belt. More casual belts offer a few more options and allow you to play with brighter colors and patterns.

Sweaters

Sweaters

 

As kids we regarded sweaters as scratchy pieces of clothing our mothers insisted we carry with us when the weather forecast predicted a chill. As we grew up, they were what we grudgingly shrugged on instead of college sweat shirts when the occasion called for it. Now, knit pullovers and cardigans are an elementary part of our wardrobe and their function has become less important than their form.

 

A slim crew neck adds the polish of a blazer to a shirt and tie. A cashmere cardigan can make a tailored jacket and a T-shirt elegant enough for a dinner party. You've learned to appreciate the sweater {and, of course, that mom was right}. Now make sure you're using it to it's fullest potential.

 

The Perfect Sweater

 

A well-cut gray crew neck sweater is as essential to a man's wardrobe as a pair of everyday jeans. A light weight cashmere one that fits well can go under a suit to add warmth or over a T-shirt to make dark jeans appropriate for an evening out. Further argument for owning more than one. It's almost impossible for it to clash with anything else in your closet.

Jeans

We all have pieces of clothing we're fond of-a perfectly cut suit, an extra soft cashmere sweater, or a worn in T-shirt. But nothing comes close to trumping our favorite jeans. The right pair plays a starring role in a man's life.{Take the album cover of Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A}. They've outlasted girlfriends - even wives. It would seem then, that once you find the ideal pair, you're set for life. Not true. By all means, hang on to your beloved 501s, but don't overlook the aburdance of new options. After all, now that jeans have become more acceptable cocktail hour attire, you should probably own more than one pair [depending on the pair].

 

The Perfect Pair of Jeans - Levi's 501

 

Often imitated, never matched, the 1947 Levi's 501XX is the gold standard of jeans. It's not just the button fly or the slim cut styling that makes this pair superior. They fit exquisitely well without the aid of high tech body scans or computer guided sewing machines. An icon from the moment they were introduced, 501s are cool, subtly stylish in any shade of blue from rich indigo to well faded. Newer labels like Diesel, Rogan and others have offered worthy competition, but no thing's come close to unseating 501s as the quintessential pair of jeans.

 

Finally, Take care of your jeans. It may sound silly, but color can be preserved by washing them inside out. Some guys go so far as to have their favorite pairs dry cleaned. This is definitely not a must, but it's not a cardinal sin, either. As long as you never have a sharp crease pressed into your jeans. 

How to avoid being a fashion victim

Be your own guide.

Wear what you think looks nice on you, not what others dictate is trendy. You should always feel comfortable with what your wearing, so stick to items that suit your personality and regular style, all while keeping the occasion and setting in mind.

Less is more,

 

Don't overdo it. Even if your body type does lend itself to wearing trendy garments from head to toe , it's not a look that you want to adopt. Buy several fashionable items every season and mix and match them with the basics in your wardrobe. It's a smart (and cost effective) way to look your best every day.

 

Don't be a sucker for brand names.

 

Try to avoid referring to your clothes by their designer labels (i.e. my "Boss Belt" or my "Diesel Jeans"). By dissociating the item from it's manufacturer, you will condition yourself to look at the item itself rather than being swayed by brand names.

 

Before you decide to purchase a new item ask yourself if you are buying it because it's "in style" or because it genuinely suits you. Ask yourself if you would buy the garment if it didn't have a logo on it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building a Wardrobe on a Budget

 

Before going out to the mall and spending a lot of your hard-earned money on new clothing, here are some easy ways to help you build a great wardrobe on a budget.

Make a list of clothing items you need in your wardrobe

Decide what articles of clothing you what to wear on a daily

basis {don't forget about shoes, socks and accessories}. For example, if you work in an office where you have to dress professionally, you may need to purchase a suit or at least dress pants, dress shirts and ties. Also include clothing for the weekends, evenings out and casual events.

 

Buying wardrobe basics

 

 Wardrobe basics will match a variety of items in your closet. Some basic staples everyone should own include: a navy or oxford gray suit, navy blazer, black gray and khaki pants, white and light blue dress shirts, boot cut jeans, just to name a few; these items are great because they can be worn a variety of ways.

When purchasing basic wardrobe staples, it is a good idea to spend a little more money and purchase clothing that is of good quality. Even thought you will be paying more, you will be wearing it often, so you can justify the expense.

Only buy clothing that will match at least five items you already own

 

 Before you buy anything new make sure it can be worn with at least three other items

you already have in your wardrobe. That way, you won't have to buy more clothes to match what what you just purchased.

Fit is Everything

 

There is nothing worse than having a wardrobe of expensive clothes that do not fit you well. When buying clothing, it is very important that the fit flatters your body shape. It doesn't matter how much you paid or the designer name, when you buy something that is too big or too small you look sloppy and unprofessional.

 

Take your time and buy clothing that complements your body shape. Keep in mind that sometimes you will need to have certain items tailored in order to get the perfect fit.

 

Don't be in a hurry to purchase a lot of items at one time

 

Sometimes you will get lucky and find everything you need for a great price at one store but you can save money by doing comparison shopping at various stores. You might even want to check online. There are quite a few websites that offer discounts on designer clothing.

Always shop the sale

 

Eventually everything goes on sale-before you buy anything anywhere make sure you find out if that store is going to have a sale. Some stores have a preview day the day before the sale where you can shop and avoid the big crowds.

 

Sign up for shopper programs and store mailing lists

 

Also, you can save money by joining shopper programs and signing up for the mailing list for your favorite stores. Along with notifying you of upcoming sales, some stores will e-mail you coupons that you can print out and use to save money. If you have a store where you love to shop, go to their website and see if they have an e-mail list you can subscribe to.    





 



 







 

 

 



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What to Wear on an Interview

The University of Illinois Extension states that 55 percent of  employer's first impression is based on the appearance and body language of the prospective employee.

Three clothing styles exist for men: formal business, informal business and casual wear. If the dress code of the company is formal business, a suit is preferred. A suit jacket with matching slacks will pass as formal dress. wool or wool-blend fabrics in neutral conservative colors, such as navy, tan, gray and black are recommended. Wear a quality silk tie against a white, solid-colored or conservatively striped shirt. Your tie should not be flashy or have characters on it. Match dark mid-calf length socks, leather slip-on or laced shoes and a leather belt to complement your suit. Your belt and shoes should match in color. Eliminate all jewelry except a watch. Informal business wear includes a sport coat or blazer with a pair of wool slacks. Slacks with a dress shirt and tie are also acceptable. For companies where casual wear is worn, such as maintenance or construction jobs, wear a collared shirt with khakis. Never wear jeans or sport shoes for a job interview.

Grooming Tips

Don't forget the details. Clean, neat hair and manicured fingernails are essential. Clothing should fit well and be clean and pressed. Odors in clothing, such as perfume, cologne or smoke may be disagreeable to the interviewer. Limit their use. Cover tattoos with clothing and remove piercings. Avoid unnatural hair colors or hairstyle that fall into your face. Polish your shoes and check clothing for missing buttons or tags before the day of your interview.