Men’s Guide To Business Casual – The Summer Edition

Men’s Guide To Business Casual – The Summer Edition

Introduction

Ah yes, summer. Remember summer? Remember that one time we had sun? I miss those times. Even though the great British summertime isn’t really anything to brag about, the weather we’ve been experiencing in the UK recently has really got me reminiscing; longing for late nights, lost evenings and lots of cider. And more importantly, the chance to delve into my spring/summer wardrobe.

I’m sure that I’m not alone either. However, a change in season also brings with it an element of unease and uncertainty. By now you’re comfortable with the clothes that you wear to work – that trusty navy blazer, those black Derbies and your reliable overcoat. The prospect of change can be a scary thought, and none more so than when it’s set within the blurry, grey-ish confines of ‘business-casual’.

What does that even mean anyway? For some it could be as simple as not wearing a tie with your suit. For others it could mean dressing up your jeans. It’s a net that casts far and wide in this sartorial sea but can often leave you with too much choice to make a decision. After all, the last thing you want is to be frustrated with yourself before you even step foot in the office.

But luckily, that’s where Fashionbeans comes in. We’re here to make that transition from cold to hot just a little more bearable. So, here we go…

Simplicity Is Sophistication

In other words, don’t over think. I mean, realistically, how many clothes are you going to need for the work place anyway? By streamlining your choices, you not only make it easier on yourself but there’s an element of confidence that comes with simplicity. We talk about simple, versatile and classic pieces all the time on this site, and we’re not going to stop any time soon. You know why? Because they work and they always will. End of story.

You know what else we preach about? Buying season appropriate clothing. So when I’m talking about picking up a new piece for this spring/summer season, I’m assuming that you’ll be on the lookout for lightweight cottons and wools along with madras, linen and seersucker in order to keep yourself cool and sweat-free at the office.

So what are these pieces we talk about? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Business Casual Inspiration: Spring/Summer

Before we start breaking down the key pieces you need to develop your own business-casual outfits, take a look at some current lookbook inspiration that embodies the type of aesthetic we are looking to achieve:

MEN'S STREET STYLE

 MEN'S STREET STYLE

Men’s Hair Trends For Spring/Summer 2013

Introduction

Predicting men’s hair trends for spring/summer 2013 is difficult because there doesn’t seem to be dramatic change from what we have seen over the past twelve months. We all know that new fashion trends are pushed and reported each and every season, but in the hair industry styles tend to evolve slowly over time and the turnover is not as continuous.

However, two men’s cuts are going to stand head and shoulders above the rest in the months ahead. The first is a move towards the slick side parting; with added internal length that helps to create an altogether more refined and formal look than what was prominent throughout 2012.

The alternative comes in the form of longer, textured hairstyles created with mattifying products like sea salt sprays – providing a natural finish, loads of texture and an increase in volume.

So let’s take a closer look at both of these cuts…

Looking Slick

The precise side parting is officially back – but did it ever go away?

For SS13, there is going to be much more emphasis on not only the cut but also the products utilised to style it. We will see a lot more shine, with pomades and gloss products being used instead of the matte finish clays that have become so popular of late. This classic cut will be very lean and tidy round the edges – think Don Draper in Mad Men.

The Cut

When creating this cut your stylist should maintain a decent degree of length on the top of the head whilst removing the length around the back and sides.

One major factor to take into account when taking on this style is just how high you want the hair cut at the back. The hair could be clippered into the crown to give a sharper, tighter look (making the length at the front look more exaggerated) or you could opt for a more classic take by having the hair tapered into the neck. Tapering means leaving more hair around the occipital bone (the curve on the back of the head) in order to create natural movement and more texture.

For a sharper finish, get the hair clippered on the sides – the higher it’s clippered the more dramatic the result will be. When choosing this style it’s important to decide if you want to have scalp exposure or scalp coverage through the sides and back, as this will determine what grade the stylist will use on the clippers.

For the length on top, the hair can be point cut to prevent the hair from becoming too heavy. You can also personalise the haircut with some internal texturising, which will help naturally support and push the hair back. This can be done by your stylist with scissors or a razor.

To give this haircut a modern edge, some clients choose to alter the balance of it by having the parting side cut higher. This results in exaggerated length through the front, which in turn gives the appearance of longer hair on top that looks more disconnected from the back/sides.

The Look book

Here are a few examples of classic and modern slick side partings:

Men’s Sunglasses & Face Shapes Guide

Men’s Sunglasses & Face Shapes Guide

Introduction

I’ll be perfectly honest: I don’t own a vast number of accessories. I’ve got two watches, a couple of scarves, my two bags… and that’s about it. It’s not that I don’t like them – far from it – I’have just found a very select collection that suits my wardrobe perfectly. I don’t see the point in having a huge collection of accessories because I can’t see myself ever wearing them all, and that seems like a bit of a waste.

The accessories that I do collect are ones that I deem essential. I need my watch so I’m not late, I need my scarf so I don’t freeze and I need my bag because I like to carry things around. Sunglasses fit well and truly into the ‘essential’ category.

Regardless of where you live, sunglasses are a required part of every sartorial man’s wardrobe. We have perennially bad weather here in Britain but it is all too easy to get caught out. If you’re anything like me, squinting (and ultimately getting a headache) because of the sun is one of the most infuriating things you can experience, hence why my sunglasses are stored in my bag all year round.

However, sunglasses are notoriously difficult to get right. From the shape of your face to your hairstyle and even your hair colour, choosing the right frame can be a bit of a minefield. Couple this with the huge number of awful styles that you have to sift through and the whole experience can become particularly frustrating and unrewarding.

So, in preparation for the coming sunny weather (positive thinking and all that) and to help you guys get your heads around what sunglasses you might want to wear, here is a short pocket guide to sunglasses.

Sunglasses Lookbook Inspiration

Let’s start with some lookbook inspiration to help get those creative juices flowing and give you an idea of the style of frame you want:

Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Bomber Jackets

Introduction

The bomber jacket is just one of many menswear pieces whose heritage is cemented within the armed forces. Similar to the pea, trench and parka coats, the bomber has a timeless appeal that transcends years, styles and trends; born out of military means and adapted to form part of popular culture.

This timeless quality makes the bomber well worth investing in if you have a penchant for classic, enduring personal style – as so many FashionBeans readers do.

Traditionally identified by its waist length, knitted waistband/cuffs and front zip closure the bomber has been reinvented and reinvigorated in various forms. From the orange lined MA-1 to the tartan lined Harrington, the basic bomber silhouette has played part in a number of classic takes that have gone down in menswear history and continue to be worn today.

The bomber’s continued popularity is not surprising, with prominent style icons both old and new having been pictured in one at some point in time. Whether it’s the inimitable Messrs Steve McQueen and James Dean, or the new kid on the block Ryan Gosling (who could forget that gold scorpion motif bomber in ‘Drive‘?), the jacket can certainly be counted among menswear royalty.

SS13 Bomber Jacket Trend

This year’s most popular iteration is almost a baseball-bomber hybrid. The jacket has retained the aforementioned characteristics of a classic bomber but a round collar is widely used in place of, say, a Harrington version that could be popped or a shearling one akin to those seen on aviator silhouettes.

The round collar, of course, is nothing ground-breaking. The classic MA-1 made use of a round collar, but the slimmed down shape and louche tailored feel echoes the sports luxe influences that have dominated menswear over the past year.

Print has also played a big part in updating the jacket’s aesthetic. Love it or loath it, camouflage has been a firm favourite of designers when it comes to decorating the piece – paying homage to its military heritage. Paisley has also been prevalent among retailers, which adds a decadent edge that belies the jacket’s militaristic roots:

Men’s Fashion Basics – Part 90 – The Next 5 Steps

The Next Five Steps

So let’s assume you read my article a few months ago on the top 5 rookie mistakes guys make when dressing themselves, be it work or play. After going through it and realising that it was pretty much describing your current personal style, you decided to make a change. You started wearing the right size suit, tucking in your dress shirt on nights out and threw away that mad collection of square-toed shoes (because your feet are NOT square my friend).

But where do you go from here? It’s easy to learn from your mistakes – because a lot of the time they’re easy to pinpoint and simple to correct – but progression is difficult. Let’s face it, now that you’ve fixed the most glaring and/or offensive faux pas, there’s something comforting in continuing what you were doing and playing it safe.

However, the reality is that taking the next step isn’t as hard or daunting as it may initially seem. If you follow the five simple rules below then you will be well on your way to a more fashionable and stylish you.

1. Fit Is King

I don’t just mean your suits. This is rule No. 1 of style – all day, every day.

Men’s style comes down to creating clean lines and strong silhouettes, and these are impossible to achieve if you are swamped in excess material. Always try on clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit you properly and think hard about the purchase if they don’t.

Find yourself a decent tailor and things get even easier. With just a few nips and tucks, a tailor can make even the most basic of pieces look like they were made for your body. Along with getting the fit right in the shop, these guys are the missing link between making an inexpensive item appear very expensive.

2. Branch Out From Denim

There’s a whole new world out there away from your trusty pair of 501s. GQ USA recently did a fantastic run down of what else is available in regards to the trouser department, and I couldn’t agree with it more.

A pair of neutral chinos or some grey wool trousers work just as well with all the pieces you normally wear with your jeans but provide variation, style and a point of difference when thrown together.

3. Beware Of Trends

This is one you should be very careful with because trends are everywhere these days in all shapes and sizes. When you’re first starting out on your sartorial adventure, I’d suggest staying away from them all together and focusing on simple, classic and versatile pieces.

A truly stylish man keeps up with trends but doesn’t follow them blindly – and although you should be willing to break style rules, be clever about what risks you take and consider factors such as your job, personality and body shape before diving head first into them.

When you are ready, why not read up on some of the easiest key trends to incorporate into your current looks:

• Men’s Printed Shirts
• The Camouflage Trend
• Coloured Tailoring (Separates Section)
• Tailored Shorts Paired With Blazers
• Sports Luxe Trend

4. Embrace ‘Feminine’ Colours

Pink is not just for girls! And come to think of it, neither is lavender, coral or peach. They all work really well with the staple colours you already own, like navy and grey, and can add a seriously masculine, confident edge to your appearance.

Whether it’s a shirt, knit or trouser it’s time to get involved.

5. Don’t Believe The Hype

I.e. do not be a sucker for brand names. The amount of guys who assume that because they have Gucci or D&G on their clothing they’re now fashionable is almost criminal.

Before you decide to purchase an item, be honest with yourself and ask if you’re buying it because of the brand or because you love the quality and style? Good fit and quality construction/design can be found at all price ranges if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Final Word

Now I appreciate these are extremely general beginner steps for those of you just setting out in your sartorial adventure. If you’re looking for more information in regards to specific items of clothing, then I suggest you start typing them into our search bar and reading up.

There are also probably plenty of you out there who were already nailing all of these steps anyway. But it’s always nice to have a little refresher and help out the new guys, right?

As always, FashionBeans is about sharing knowledge – so why not leave a comment and let us know what you think? Did any of these steps help you at all? What advice would you give to someone looking to become a more stylish version of themselves?

Men’s Street Style Round-up: September 2012

Street Style Round-up: September 2012

In fashion we are ruled by cycles. The classic example is, of course, vintage style. However, the same principle applies to seasons. Recently, we’ve begun to see the collections for this autumn/winter on the high street, and the change from summer wear is marked.

With this in mind, we need to consider how to dress for the in-between times; how to create a strong transitional outfit that can cope with late summer/autumn conditions.

The expected staples of transitional wardrobes are fairly obvious: layering helps you react to conditions, more restrained colour combinations to coincide with the longer nights, and medium weight fabrics are essential.

But what else can we do? Well, I have poured through September’s street style images to find a collection of inspiring outfits and looks that would be suitable now we have moved into the early stages of autumn. Enjoy.

AW12 Men’s Colour Trend Preview: Burnt Orange & Maroon

AW12 Colour Trends

I was inspired to write an article on these two particular colour trends following Alex Woodhall’s recent excellent summary on the impact of olive as a key colour choice this season. I couldn’t agree with this more and really do see olive as a colour that will be leaving a huge impression on menswear this season.

However, I think it is also important to illustrate the importance of other colour trends that are due to become popular as the evenings get darker and the weather gets cooler. Both burnt orange and maroon are fantastic colour choices for autumn, as they reflect the shades of nature during this time. Simply put – orange and maroon are traditional autumnal colours and often labelled ‘seasonally appropriate’.

Burnt Orange at AW12 Fashion Weeks

On the designer runways for AW12, several collections featured burnt orange as a colour highlight, from full-on block colour pieces to the use of orange in more subtle accesories.

The collection that embraced orange the most was Pringle of Scotland, which featured several orange outerwear pieces – such as orange leather jackets and orange overcoats – complete with matching orange leather gloves. They also included several variations of burnt orange knitwear pieces, from chunky-knit round-neck jumpers to orange v-neck and roll-neck sweaters:

Men’s Online Custom Suiting

At FashionBeans we have always stressed the importance of good fit – it will literally make or break an outfit and is the fine line between looking like a fashion beginner or a stylish male. Therefore, custom clothing should be considered the Holy Grail of menswear. Owning and wearing a piece of clothing that was created personally for you – your body type, your measurements and your preferences – instantly ensures that your whole outfit is unique and one of a kind.

The confidence boost of wearing something that was made specifically for you cannot be described. You know internally that the clothing you are wearing fits perfectly and looks great, and this will subconsciously permeate into your whole attitude and demeanour. It is the reason we push you to get your ‘off the rack’ high street clothing tailored – it will take any piece to the next level and even make it look more expensive.

The custom suit is the pinnacle for any man who has an interest in fashion. I challenge you to find a more manly or classic piece of clothing; it is your armour that you put on when you need to look and feel powerful, whether this be at work or at formal events when you want all eyes on you. However, before recently, custom suit services have not been accessible to the everyday male.

Custom suits are traditionally known for being expensive, while you also have to ensure that the tailor you are visiting is of a high quality and can deliver exactly what you require. With this in mind, I would like to introduce you to Knot Standard, a company that have solved these problems once and for all.

How To Wear: The Peacoat

Last week I discussed the importance of planning. I talked about how much of a difference thinking ahead can make to your style, outfits and general clothing confidence. By constructing your look for the next day in your mind, you can be totally ready and at ease when it comes to eventually leaving the house.
But forward planning doesn’t just relate to the here and now, it crosses seasonal boundaries and is a year round, continual process. The more forward thinking we are, the more prepared we are likely to be when things start to change; as they are now.
Choosing your winter coat (or even deciding to stick with the one you’ve got) is no small decision. It requires lots of planning, lots of testing, trying and considering. The sheer number of options can be somewhat daunting, but because it is such a pivotal part of your winter wardrobe, it is imperative that you make the right choice – your coat will cover pretty much your entire outfit and you will be wearing it almost everyday. Wearing something you are not completely comfortable in is not an option.
With this in mind, I thought I would get the ball rolling with my personal favourite; the peacoat. It is the coat I shall be battling the elements with this winter and the coat I would recommend to anyone who came to me with an outerwear conundrum.