Posts with tag 'Men\'s Styling Tips'

September 28, 2011
- Patterns with Panache

It's time to step away from the typical blue, gray and black solid pieces you're used to wearing. Enhance your style with traditional patterns that have a bold twist.

Plaid. Edgy color combinations offer a modern spin to this classic pattern. Whether you choose a funky bowtie or collared shirt, add a pop of plaid to make your outfit appear unique and stylish.

Harris Tweed. This is both pattern and fabric, with its fabric being a tweed and its pattern a mixture of herringbone and twill. It has made a major comeback in the past couple of years and it's the perfect look for fall and winter due to the heavier nature of the fabric. Wear it as a suit or as a sportscoat with designer denim.

Pinstripe. Another traditional print, pinstripe offers a sophisticated, timeless feel to any outfit. The best benefit of wearing pinstripes is the visual trick of making the wearer look taller. Don't be afraid to mix a pinstripe shirt with something bolder such as plaid or gingham.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 7, 2011
- Use Belts to Enhance Your Look

Because men have few accessory options, belts become an important factor in creating your unique style. We know guys are all about function, but a belt should not literally be holding your pants up. In fact, join us at the Blues Jean Bar for Denim Wednesdays if you face the problem of ill-fitting, saggy bottom pants.

Why. Think of your belt as an accessory, a way to make your look one-of-a-kind and memorable. Play with color, texture and width to give yourself a variety of options for different occasions.

How. Insert the belt through the left-side loops first, so that when buckled, the spare end is on your left as well. Ideally your belt should be buckled in the middle hole if possible. You'll want to wear a heftier belt with jeans in a casual texture such as suede, leather or nubuck. For the office, go for a sleek, dark belt with a buckle in the same color family as your watch (i.e. stainless steel, platinum, gunmetal).

When. If your belt loops are showing, wear a belt. If your belt loops are not showing, however, skip the belt as it will add bulk where you don't want it.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 2, 2011
- Fashion Rules You Can Break

Unless you majored in fashion in college, memorizing all the fashion "do's" and "don'ta" can be overwhelming. There are definitely many long held traditional rules that no longer apply. So we are here to help you brush up on your fashion IQ.

Pair Black with Brown or Navy. While pairing blacks with blacks is easier and safe, a navy shirt can really pop under a black jacket. Try mixing different fabrics like a camel brown wool jacket with black leather driving gloves.

Wear White After Labor Day. You've been afraid to wear anything but your white button up after Labor Day, until now. Wear white jackets as long as it's warm out, or white sweaters in a winter white paired with darker toned pants and shoes.

Double Down on Denim. It was once called a Canadien Tuxedo, but wearing two denims together works if you do it right. Mix denim tones together such as a dark denim button up with a slightly lighter jean. Make sure you denims are also in similar wash and weight.

August 17, 2011
- Function Meets Fashion with the Trench Coat

A modern take on the classic trench coat will leave you looking both debonair and confident this fall. This investment piece will keep you dry and warm during the inclement weather without looking like you're ready to hit the slopes.

Two important factors to consider when purchasing a trench coat are color and length. We recommend keeping the color neutral and dark to transition easily from the office to a night on the town. Choosing a length that is slightly above the knee is more modern than styles hitting below the knee. Make sure the shoulder seams rest slightly on the outside of your shoulder and that the coat skims your body without excessive bagginess.

This look is meant to be sharp and sophisticated with relaxed tailoring. Look for details that reflect your style such as a leather buckle or an exaggerated collar. Stick to these guidelines and you will wonder what you did without a classic trench coat.

Call us with your style questions!

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

November 20, 2010
- Best Jean Washes

Besides fit and style, wash is one of the most important factors in buying a pair of jeans. So what wash is the best wash?

If you are looking for a pair that you can get a lot of wear out of, go for a dark wash with little to no fading or wiskering. Light wash jeans are nice to have for more casual settings but aren’t nearly as versatile. Your dark wash jeans transition easily from a football game with a t-shirt to a dinner date with a stylish button down. Still unsure? Come shop with me. I’ll be at the Blue Jeans Bar for Denim Wednesdays every 3^rd Wednesday of each month giving free style advice and helping you find the perfect pair of jeans. Call 303-585- 0589 to schedule an appointment.

November 8, 2010
- Skinny Tie Guide

The skinny tie was first made popular through pop icons like the Beatles during the late 1950's. Since then narrow ties have gone in and out of style. Right now we are seeing them everywhere from the runway to hit shows like Mad Men and Glee. But like many trends, pulling off the skinny tie is not fool-proof. Without supervision it can easily go from looking smart to sloppy and dare I say pathetic. So, here are my tips for wearing the skinny tie with confidence.

Width. Your body build will determine what widths of skinny tie will look most flattering: Narrow, Skinny, or Super-Skinny. This should go without saying, but if you resemble Arnold Schwarzenegger circa 1980 or Kevin James from King of Queens, do not attempt any version of the skinny tie trend. Your tie will look more like a leash. If you have a medium build choose the narrow tie (2 1/2" to 3 1/2") . It will balance the width of your shoulders. Smaller built guys, you can wear the skinny tie (2") and even the super-skinny tie (1 1/2"). Just keep the super-skinny and super-trendy ties out of the office. They will look unprofessional.

Style. When determining what to wear with your skinny tie, think streamlined. A narrow tie calls for a narrow collar and narrow lapels. Likewise, make sure your shirt and jacket are fitted without being too tight. You don’t want to look like cased sausage but a billowy shirt or ill-fitting jacket will ruin this look. A standard Windsor knot will also look too wide, so opt for the four-in-hand knot. The length is also very important as it should hit somewhere between your belt to 3” above.

Outfits. Take your cue from GQ’s most fashionable man, Justin Timberlake, who wears skinny ties unapologetically. We love a solid black skinny tie paired with a tux or charcoal 3-piece suit for evening. For a casual look layer a sweater vest over your patterned skinny tie and colored shirt. It's cool with a touch of nerd. Want to ease into this trend? Try pairing your skinny tie with jeans and a trench or blazer. It will be modern without looking too trendy.

October 18, 2010
- 3 Easy Ways to Get the Layered Look

Many of this season trends have one common thread, layering. We love layering for guys because not only is it functional for fall, it shows that a little more time and thought went into your look. Use these three layering tips to put together a layered look in no time.

Texture. Combining items or different texture and weight will give your outfit more visual interest. Thermals, sweaters, and lightweight sweatshirts are an easy way to add texture.

Color. Add one pop of color and keep your other colors neutral. Neutrals include: white, black, brown, tan, gray, navy, and denim.

Pattern. Throwing in a pattern like stripes, plaid, or paisley will give your look an extra kick. If the print is in color, use this as your pop of color. If it is a neutral print, you can add color somewhere else in your outfit.

A great casual combination would be combining a V-neck T, a plaid shirt, and topping it with a medium weight vest. Need to impress? Try layering a sweater vest over a collared shirt and topping it with a light-weight scarf. Combine these look with your favorite pair of dark jeans for a look that says effortless yet fashionable.

September 22, 2010
- The Blazer is Back

Actually, they never went anywhere. If you don’t own a blazer it’s time to man-up with this essential wear anywhere and everywhere jacket. From traditional, country club to edgy fashion forward styles, there is a look out there for everyone. Knowing what to look for and how to wear a blazer will help you create your distinct style.

Your blazer should be a perfect fit. This will make or break the overall look of your blazer. Start with your shoulders and make sure you have the proper fit. It is easy to alter other parts of the blazer, but the shoulders are hard to alter and are also the most expensive alteration. Sleeve length should hit a quarter to a half inch before your hand to allow the sleeve of your shirt fall out. The most modern jackets fit slim through the waist and have a center vent.

Wear your blazer with jeans for anything from a first date to a meeting with the President, like Russian Prime Minister Dimitri Medved did. Pants work too, but make sure they compliment rather than match the blazer. Your blazer should not be mistaken for a poorly matched suit.

There are endless options of what to wear under your blazer including a simple button-up (with or without a tie), sweaters, pull-overs, t-shirts, turtlenecks and cardigans. Here are a few examples from Neiman Marcus:

August 20, 2010
- One Shoe You Need To Try This Fall

Shoes John Varvatos Every man should have a great pair of brown dress shoes and an equally fine pair of black dress shoes. That's easy. If you want to try something a bit different this fall, try a sleek grey. Shoes are one accessory that all men must own and they can really differentiate your style. Let's face it, there isn't a whole lot of clothing options for men...you are pretty much wearing a button-up, t-shirt, sweater or jacket. With shoes, you can definitely add your distinct style and flair to any ordinary shirt and give it that unexpected twist. Look for shoes with either unique details in the style and traditional color or go with a classic style in a unique color. Venture out and try a grey shoes in any style from a dress shoe to a tennis shoe like the Grey Converse by John Varvatos one shown here!

June 25, 2010
- Three Hot Hats to Top Off Your Summer Look

Whether you want to keep your luscious locks from getting faded or your scalp from flaking off, some of this seasons must have hats are sure to turn a female head or two your way. Wearing a hat takes confidence so make sure that you feel just as great as you look in your hat. Try on several styles until you find the one that looks perfect for you. Here are three great hats for you to try.

Fedora This classic staple is easy for almost any man to wear. Fedoras made of straw are light weight and appropriate for the summer months. Leave your felt and wool ones for the fall and winter. Wear it slightly cocked to the side for a little added attitude.

Driving Cap A driving cap is great for hitting the greens or chilling with a pair of shorts and kicks. Chose one in a print like plaid or a solid is traditional and easy to match. Wear it facing forward or backward, depending on your style.

The Porkpie One the trendiest of the season but also probably the hardest for most men to pull off well. A porkpie resembles a fedora, but has a thinner brim and a short, flat-topped, round crown with an indentation all around. A straw one is best for summer but a felt one is the most traditional.