Great shirt debate: Long sleeves vs short sleeves November 19, 2008

The sun is out and we all know what that means – the shirt debate begins. Its time to start contemplating revealing those arms, but what should you go for? Rolling up your long sleeves or investing in shirts of the short-sleeved variety? Let the debate begin.

Going Casual
Short-sleeved shirts have come a long way in terms of fashion and we’re starting to see more wearable short-sleeved shirts. The problem with short sleeved shirts in the past has been that there’s just so many bad ones out there – ill fitting in unflattering colours and patterns. This season we’re seeing a move away from that with more tailored looks and stylish designs.

But don’t disregard the long sleeves altogether. For a casual summer look, there’s a lot to be said about a loose linen shirt with rolled up sleeves, plus you’ve got the advantage of rolling down when the afternoon breeze comes in.

Sleeves in the Workplace
Short sleeves in the workplace are becoming more accepted as the short sleeve designs up their game in the professional stakes but at the end of the day, the short sleeve shirt is always a more casual look.

For conservative offices, you’re probably better off sticking to the long sleeved shirts, keeping in mind that summer is a great opportunity to experiment with a bit of colour.

The Verdicts in:
There’s a time and a place for both short sleeved and long, as a general rule of thumb long sleeves work best for formal occasions, while for casual looks, you can get away with either. No matter what shirt you go for this summer, make sure you’re buying shirts with breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent you feeling the heat and avoid sweat marks. Remember that a bad fitting shirt is still a bad fitting shirt, regardless of the style.

Shirt Accessories that suits June 18, 2008

I think that cufflinks should be stylish, classic and not overly ostentatious. If a man is wearing a well cut, smart suit, with a shirt that requires him to wear cufflinks, they should be of a minimalist design, and preferably in a silver coloured metal, such as silver, platinum or white gold. Yellow gold can sometimes look a little tacky.

Some cufflinks are also available in fabric – I have seen some really interesting ones made from twisted threads of fine silk made into a knotted sphere, that were stylish yet understated. It is important that the cufflinks match and go with the suit and shirt that is to be worn. For example, with a slim fitting single breasted 1960’s three button suit in a mod style, it would be quite good to wear a pair of cufflinks with targets on them.

I think that novelty cufflinks, as with novelty ties and socks for men, look rather silly. They may be amusing for the first time that they are worn, but the joke starts to wear thin after that. Perhaps these type of novelty items should only be purchased occasionally. They do seem to be a money making exercise for large companies to get more money out of consumers, as most of the novelty cufflinks etc, are adorned with symbols of materialism, eg. characters from television shows and films, so they are best avoided.

All size fits all clothes- Body shape matters! June 10, 2008

These days it’s not only women who are conscious of what they wear, but ever since most footballers got famous, men have become doubly conscious with what they’re wearing too! Anybody can look as gorgeous and beautiful as they want, as long as they know some basic tips to choosing the clothes that will compliment their body.Knowing what your body is the first major step in realising a great fashion potential.

Men who are vertically challenged and heavy on the belly should avoid clothes that are loud and bring attention to their short size. If possible, use thin horizontal stripes. Dark colors seem to work best for them, too.

Being tall and with just the right physique is a good thing, but being taller than normal is not; so to avoid looking like Yao Ming, try to stay away from horizontal stripes. If possible, don’t wear clothes that cling to your body, too. Try to wear those that fit you, but not too tight.

Those that are short but with good physique  should never wear baggy clothes, since this will make them look shorter than they already are; instead, clothes that conform to their body (without being too tight) are best. Try not to choose loud patterned clothes, too.

There are too tall and too thin men, too. They definitely shouldn’t wear tight-fitting clothes since they might look like they will be blown away by a soft breeze anytime soon! Avoid wearing clothes that cling to your body, too, or very baggy clothes. Your clothes should fit you just right.

Most of us have our own style when it comes to how we want to look. Just remember that there are some things to avoid, too. Another important thing to consider would be how you carry yourself: even if your clothes aren’t branded, wear them like they are!