We’ve seen some trends come and go in menswear, but the great news is that the truly classic styles, like suits and jackets made in tweed, are back–and with good reason. Finely constructed wool jackets and suits are menswear that just doesn’t go out of style. Let’s talk about a few of the ways we’re seeing these classic looks being worn today.

The Tweed Hunting Jacket

Tweed suits, which can be worn at the office or for casually dressy social events, are an always-great choice for a man. A tweed-hunting jacket is also a great style for a man, and this type of jacket works well for a variety of occasions. Broad shoulders and a long refined line are the hallmarks of these jackets, which have an ease of movement and an easy masculine feel that works well out on the hunt, or worn casually during a dinner with friends. These jackets are reliably elegant, in a wonderfully sporty way.

The Oxford Shirt

A great suit quite naturally calls for a great shirt, and frankly, it just doesn’t get much better than a classically designed Oxford shirt. With its clean, crisp lines, classic collar and cuffs, these shirts are menswear at their best. Dress this shirt up with a silk tie and cuff links, or go unadorned and match it with a cashmere v-neck sweater for a look that combines elegance with an utterly attractive masculinity. Finish off the look by putting on a tweed coat, and get ready to face the world with winning style.

Oxford Shoes

The well-dressed foot is a critical part of a man’s overall presentation. Good quality shoes make a man feel great, giving him the lift and confidence needed to present himself at the top of his game. Oxford shoes are a true classic that can be worn with suits or even a casual ensemble of khaki pants and a v-neck sweater. Well-constructed oxfords in smooth leather are an always-right choice for a man who wants to look and feel great.

Author Bio

Angela Prickette is a freelance writer and photographer. She writes in connection with http://www.tiescustom.com.au/. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and running

When winter comes, many welcome not just the change in weather, but also the change in wardrobe. The sweaters can come out from under the bed. The leather jacket comes out from its haunt in the back of the closet. The boots come down from the top shelf.

Every man of fashion knows that certain items are needed in the wardrobe arsenal if he’s to look and feel right in the world. It’s not just the essentials, either. It’s the products that ensure a winter protected from not just the cold but also from making any egregious fashion mistakes.

Boots

Some people swear by boots all year round, but in winter, especially where warm days give way to blizzards, and a good pair of boots might just save your feet from pain and misery. Brands like Dr. Martens and Timberland have a vast selection that anyone can find something they like. Military, hiking and mens cowboy boots are durable, waterproof and have a rugged style to them that make them appealing and sensible.

A Warm and Stylish Coat

It doesn’t have to be leather or suede. It can be a Navy peacoat from the old military thrift store. What matters is that it doesn’t cut off at the waist but instead reaches down the thigh and has a complementary cut around the shoulders and torso. A classic black trench coat gives you the option for layering it over your favorite hoodie, or a button up dress shirt and a cardigan. The options are endless!

A Good Suit

This is where just about anyone could use the advice of a professional tailor. In many climates, a shirt and tie is enough for much of the year but when weather starts to dip, suit jackets start showing up again. Don’t let yours be cut like your Dad let you borrow his for prom or like you just lost — or gained — 50 lbs. No matter how happy or sad you are about your weight, a nicely fitting suit will make you look and feel better. Every time.

A Hat for Every Style

Warmer months call for more breathable hats like ball caps and cowboy hats to keep the sun from the eyes and cover up the bad hair days. When it cools off, it wouldn’t hurt to have something to cover up with that also covers and ears and face a little too — but only in ways that fit your style and personality. Not everyone can get away with a floppy-eared, bomber hat or knitted ski cap in a colorful design, with the hard-to-miss pompom and flashy colors. Try a newsboy cap or fedora, are always good options, but if you’re daring enough, a fur Cossack.

Layering Possibilities

A diverse collection of scarves, sweaters, button-ups and hoodies can help any fashionable man look and feel right in winter. Since layering clothing is the preferred way to dress in inclement weather, make sure that every time you don or leave behind one of those layers, that the very next looks as fresh as the one before.

Author Bio

Melisa Cammack is a freelance writer, foodie and wife of 5 years. She loves writing for fashion, travel and technology blogs, but her true passion is for French pastries.

Mastering the geek look can be tricky. Overstating is a major faux paux, while understating won’t get the point across.  Bold-print shirts, anything tweed and acrylic knitted jumpers are safe places to start; But if you’re looking to further your education in geek-chic, follow our basic do’s and don’ts to get your look street-ready.

Hot: Mohawks

Bobak “Mohawk Guy” Ferdowsi is a flight director for NASA’s Mars rover, Curiosity, and has helped bring this trendy look into the geekdom. Gaining Internet fame via Twitter and Google+, Ferdowsi balances his nerd with this hard-edged look making it likable enough to go mainstream. When attempting a ‘hawk, remember that great style is all about balance. Do not match this hairdo with crazy hair-dyes and facial piercings. Do it like Ferdowsi, subtle enough to be taken seriously yet loud enough to be noticed.

Not: Bowl-Cuts and Side-Parts

Nothing makes a date prospect run faster than a Trump-inspired side sway or a ’90s bowl cut. With fall fashion being all about edge, use hair as a safe place to bring out your inner bad boy. Look to the pompadours and sideburns of rock legends, such as Elvis or Johnny Cash, to balance geek garments.

Hot: Inspiration from Science

As is true with all forms of art, a cutting-edge awakening can blossom from even the simplest of sources. This fall, retired microbiologist turned fashion designer Camilla Olson is changing the fashion landscape. Earning a Masters from fashion designer school before trading in her lab coat and goggles for textile samples and sewing machines, Olson’s inspiration stems from art, science and technology. When attempting to integrate this look into personal style, think simple lines, colors and organic textures that mirror the elements.

Not: Inspiration from Actual Science Nerds

Geek chic is about being influenced by the lifestyles and stereotypes of nerd culture, not actually becoming one. Steer clear of pocket protectors, taped-framed glasses and suspenders.

Hot: Channeling Your Inner Superhero

Nothing screams geek more than an infatuation with the heroic characters of classic comics. Although a hobby of comic book collecting is not required to get this look, superhero vintage tees are a great starting place. Wearing them under a blazer or alone with jeans is a simple way to add geek flare to a normal outfit.

Not: Taking it too Far

It’s OK to wave the freak flag high, but not too high. Unless you’re attending Comic-Con, keep the superhero influences to a bare minimum. Glasses, plaid shorts and T-shirts are about as far as the look should go when mirroring the heroes and their alter-egos. Unless you’ve got abs of steel like a superhero, keep the spandex at home.

Hot: Accessorizing Like a Boss

The right accessories can really define a look and polish-off a particular style. For the nerd look, the subtleties to your normal every-day look is what’s going to make a look chic, rather than overstated. Thick-rimmed glasses, vintage watches, bright bow-ties and eccentric ties are easy and affordable geeky accents. Novelty cuff-links are a great way to step up creativity in achieving the geek look.

Not: Accessorizing Like a Tool

Nothing is more unattractive than trying too hard. Cheesy chains and overly embellished accessories make a potentially chic outfit turn into something trashy quickly. When in doubt, remember less is more.

Sportswear

This season, men’s fashion is all about sportswear. And no, we don’t mean throwing on your worn out sweats and ratty tennis shoes. Fashion this season has taken inspiration from all facets of the sports world: from shirts reminiscent of the polo field to jackets taken right off the college campus, these trends are hot, hot, hot! Look for hoodies without zippers, short-sleeved raglan tees and Bermuda shorts that hit mid-knee. You’ll look trendy and effortless!

Custom T’s

This season is all about individuality! Take on your creative side and hit the internet to create your own fashion. Many online clothing companies are giving you the chance to customize just about anything, so take the initiative and run with it! For starters check out spreadshirt.com, they are super user friendly and you can get your fashionable creation within a couple of days!

Bags

If you didn’t buy into the man-bag trend of summer’s gone by, good for you! The murse is now obsolete, considered to be a bridge to the now popular backpack. When choosing a great backpack, look for durable canvas and leather bags that have an air of masculinity. Leave the Jansport bags on the shelf! A sturdy backpack can take you from work to the beach, giving you a hip, trendy look that others will admire.

Accessories

Accessories are becoming more popular for men; when worn correctly. Don’t load yourself down with a hat, tie, watch, scarf and sunglasses. Choose one or two accessories and wear them well. If you want to wear a burst of colour in your blazer’s breast pocket, skip the tie. If you want to wear a watch, skip the pinky ring. A great hat can take the place of sunglasses but doesn’t need to be worn in conjunction with them. It’s all about the understated, trendy look with accessories. Choose wisely!

Natural Fabrics

Designers are jumping on the green bandwagon and offering more options in the way of natural fabrics. Look for clothing and accessories made with organic cotton or natural fabrics like hemp and bamboo. These fabrics are kinder to the environment, nicer to your skin and give you a stylish look without making it appear as though you spend hours getting dressed. If you want to take it a step further, visit a great site like MooShoes and look for environmentally-friendly kicks.
With a closet full of the latest gear, you can easily wake-up, get dressed and walk out of the house looking trendy in 15 minutes or less. This summer’s men’s fashion will give you a sporty, casual appearance that you’ll love. Just be prepared for all that attention you get from the ladies!

Author’s Bio

Michael Isbell is a freelance blogger for tshirtprinting.net where you can find services for T shirt printing in Manchester.

Even the least fashion forward men know that it is worthwhile to dress well for the girl in your life.  Whether you are headed out for your first date or to celebrate your 15th wedding anniversary, here are a few tips to ensure that you’ll look as good as she hoped:

Incorporate some new colours into your wardrobe.  Brick red, autumn orange and rust shades are in right now.  New colours that you don’t normally wear will give your wardrobe the update it desperately needs.  You might even try wearing a sweater.  Even if scratchy wool fabrics are not for you, there are plenty of options made of much softer knits.

Add a classy leather item to your outfit.  You might pick a soft leather jacket, a nice messenger bag or other accessory.  Good watches have an attractive leather strap that would fit the bill.  Another great leather option would be a pair of fashionable leather boots that pair with your favorite pair of dress jeans.

Speaking of jeans, it may be time to buy a trendy new pair. Your jeans should fit well and generally be free of holes.  In general, darker washes are more appropriate for nicer occasions.  If you’re feeling daring, try out a pair of edgy grey denim.

No matter what you choose to wear to impress the object of your affections, make sure to spend a little time fixing your hair, ironing your shirt, and making sure your socks match.  Pay attention to the details and you’ll be sure to impress on your night out.

JUDAH FRIEDLANDER

For some, clothes make a statement about who they are. Then there are others who take this slightly more literally. Comedian and 30 Rock star Judah Friedlander has been rocking the thick glasses, metal hair and ‘statement of fact’ trucker baseball cap for years now.  He designs the hats and they’re statements himself.

JOHN DALY

With its weird pants, weird hats and weird shoes, golf style is a particularly challenging area. There have been other fashion icons of the sport such as Payne Stewart and Jack Nicklaus, but for the whole package a tip of the cap has to go to John Daly. Smoking, boozing, snogging and cheeseburger chomping his way around the courses of the world, Daly ruffled golfing feathers even further with his exceedingly garish trouser choices.

JACQUES COUSTEAU

The salty, sea-faring style of this underwater explorer was perhaps best typified by Bill Murray and his wool cap obsessed character from The Life Aquatic. Thick sweaters, parkas, awesome rectangular shades and, of course, his trademark red tocque, Jacques didn’t have to try too hard to look both rugged and classy. Even though he probably smelt faintly of herring.

SIR JIMMY SAVILLE

Though the late great DJ was rumoured to have been the first to use two turntables at the same time, the rap roots run deeper. With piles of bling and a warehouse full of baggy tracksuits to his name, he was an elderly man from the north of England, dressed as an MC. Animal prints, extravagantly dyed hair and with a constant cigar on the go; he was a true individual.

JOHN MCCRIRICK

Looking like a man attempting to resemble an English gent but getting it slightly wrong, this Brit racing pundit and reality TV star has developed a style and stuck to it. Sherlock Holmes hat, spectacles on a chain, tweeds jackets, possibly a cape thrown in, he epitomises the countryside gone to seed. He even has his own name for his enormous sideburns: ‘wackers’. Sadly the bubble burst slightly when the world witnessed his enormous white y-fronts during a stint of Celebrity big Brother.

RONNIE CORBETT

The diminutive comedian and TV star who is always accompanied by the word ‘diminutive’. When he wasn’t dressed as a woman or a tramp on his variety show, Ronnie presented himself as a singularly well groomed individual with ever-present Lyle & Scott golf sweater, slacks and trademark specs. Small but perfectly packaged.

PRINCE CHARLES

Heir to the throne and occasionally an endlessly running punchline, this royal roustabout has a regal style of his own incorporating blazers, ties and a parting in his hair so sharp it could slice cheese. He exudes a timeless, classy demeanour, much imitated by Andre 3000.

PHIL SPECTOR

Though his current wardrobe choices tend to be confined to orange prison issue jumpsuits, Phil made a splash during his court case with his selection of bizarre wigs and hairpieces that can only be described as ‘Beetlejuician’. A fan of the accessory with pocket watches, cravats and handkerchiefs often added into the mix, it was his fondness for wearing a gun on his hip that finally got him into trouble.

RUSSELL BRAND

Resembling a cross between a Victorian ragamuffin, a nursery rhyme villain and a fading 1970s rock god, Brand has selected his style and stuck tenaciously to it. His fondness for chest hair displays might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it was good enough to snag pop starlet Katy Perry. If only his taste when picking film scripts was better.

FARNSWORTH/FONZWORTH BENTLEY

As the valet/personal assistant/butler to music and fashion icon Sean Combs, you know Farnsworth or Fonzworth Bentley has to look good at all times. So good in fact that he branched out from adjusting Diddy’s mic and selecting his underwear, to becoming a music star in his own right. And his rocking of the bow tie and umbrella combination has to be applauded.

Author’s Bio

Dale Shaw is a freelance writer, currently working for Wish who provide a range of unique gifts and experience days. Check out their range here!

Because it is extremely warm, lightweight, and comfortable, alpaca wool is most widely used to produce alpaca clothing in Peru and the United States. Just a few of the reasons that alpaca wool is so popular for clothing garments are:

• Soft and scratch-free alpaca wool feels wonderful against bare skin, unlike other popular animal fiber products such as sheep’s wool, making it ideal for items such as alpaca gloves, hats, scarves, and socks that demand both warmth and water-resistance in order to keep you warm and dry without sacrificing comfort.
• Alpaca wool sweaters can be worn comfortably without an undergarment that might otherwise be worn to protect you from the scratchy material of sheep’s wool-based sweaters.
• Alpaca robes are some of the most comfortable robes available due to their soft, warm, lightweight nature, and their ability to be washed over and over without pilling.

Other alpaca wool uses include craft projects, baby items, and home decorating uses.

Craft projects for which alpaca wool is used are fiber spinning, felting, knitting, and crocheting.

• Fiber spinners enjoy spinning alpaca wool into yarn because of its softness, light weight, and durability, which produce high-quality yarn.
• Knitters and crocheters love making handmade garments from alpaca wool for the same reasons, and because it is a joy to wear, alpaca-knit products make a wonderful gift for a loved one.
• Felted alpaca wool, which is produced by washing the wool in hot water, is much softer than felted sheep’s wool, the fiber that is most commonly used for felting.

Baby items made from alpaca wool products are ideal. Not only are they incredibly soft and lightweight, but also they are suitable for comfort against babies’ soft skin.

• Alpaca wool is dirt and water-resistant and can sustain many washings.
• Baby blankets made from alpaca wool are soft, warm, and light.
• Natural alpaca wool fiber is free of chemical dyes and is much safer for babies than synthetic fiber products.

Home fiber products such as woven rugs, upholstery, and blankets are both comfortable and durable when made from alpaca wool.

• Woven floor rugs are stylish yet functional because the fiber is strong and resists water, dirt, and stains. Spills on these rugs are easy to clean up because they don’t soak in.
• Upholstery made from alpaca wool is ideal for the same reasons: easy to clean, durable, and stain resistant.
• Alpaca wool blankets and throws are a great way to decorate your home and provide comfort and warmth wherever it is needed. People who don’t like a lot of heavy blankets can enjoy sleeping under alpaca blankets and bedspreads.

Author’s Bio

Erick D. Smith is a blogger from San Diego, California who writes about a variety of fashion topics, including the popularity of using alpaca clothing in Peru and the United States. Next time you’re out shopping for new0 winter clothing, look for alpaca gloves, socks or scarves.

Black tie and white tie formal shirts for men are made of white pique cotton. This kind of fabric has a rich woven texture that is easy to spot. The way to identify pique cotton is from the fine nature of its weave which makes it impossible for a visible pattern to be seen. If you feel this fabric, the most striking thing will be its sheer smoothness. White pique cotton shirts are only for black tie or shirt ties occasions and nothing else.

Then there is silk. Silk has always been considered a symbol of royalty. It is still considered a very luxurious fabric. A blue silk shirt for a man can be considered to be the equivalent of a shimmering black dress for a woman. For most men the choice between light or icy blue depends on their personality and looks. The trick with silk shirts is to avoid bright colours which will always tend to be overkill.

Sadly silk is the kind of fabric to be avoided by those who sweat too much. It darkens when wet meaning that sweaty underarms will quickly be highlighted and will therefore be very easy to notice.

Silk shirts go best with linen pants, which has been a winning combination for many years. There are those who strongly believe that this combination will remain fashionable many more decades to come.

What about dress styles? The classics of men’s suits are returning for the 2010-2011 season. Some of the best-reviewed pieces borrow from Victorian elements as well as the “savoir faire” look of the early 20th century. The basics are still welcomed: broad shoulders, slim waists and slim trousers while double-breasted suits and sports coats remain in style. Even the waistcoat has risen in popularity.

What about themes? In this post-Iraq War period, it’s not surprising to see that men’s military fashion is in again, not only for men but for women. Ralph Lauren has also pioneered the return of “sack suits” to modern men’s fashion. As far as accessories go, men’s brooches have been seen frequently, as brooches are very versatile and go with a variety of looks.

In terms of colour today, you will often see puritan colours, exotic shades and even chocolate truffle style colours. Rings are in, and for women, layered rings are actually making a comeback. So a man wearing a couple of rings is certainly not unfashionable. It’s hard to believe that the eccentric Howard Hughes would be a fashion icon, but the classic aviation theme is in for 2010.

It’s time to embrace the 2000 decade. We always predicted that the 21st century would sport some gonzo futuristic clothing and this vision has come to pass! Some postmodern fashion statements include warrior-inspired garb and minimalist cuts. Last but not least, you have those awesome Matrix shades. Welcome to 2010—the iconoclastic decade of fashion.