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Five Factors That Affect Your Style (That Are Not Clothes)


“Fashion is a language. Some know it, some learn it, and some never will — like an instinct.”-Edith Head

There is no doubt about the fact that clothes play a significant role in everyone’s lives. While some people may regard it as another thing to do in their daily routine, it is a reality that everyone has to choose clothes every single day before heading out to work. In this regard, some individuals may exercise a rather blasé and apathetic attitude towards their sartorial choices while fashion-forward, and style enthusiasts take a little extra care in ensuring that what they choose passes their standards. With this in mind, the latter people would be the meticulous set–ones with a little more concern as to how they present themselves to the world. The former, however, would be the kind of people who think that their lives do not revolve around clothes–that they have other more important things to think about other than the ideal color of sweater they should wear for that morning. But if there is one thing in common about the two sets of people despite their contrasting outlooks on clothes, it is that both do value style to a certain degree. Stylish people value it more, but while those who have an indifferent attitude towards clothes would not place as much importance on it, there are certain types of clothing they would feel themselves gravitating to.

It is a known fact that style is more than just your clothing selection. It is how you wear them and what you are trying to convey by wearing them. In this regard, you can easily spot those individuals who took the extra effort in refining their look from the bunch of individuals who just donned an assortment of clothing because they cannot be in the nude. So, what influences style? What makes one prefer streetwear clothing over more polished and formal designs? How does one choose what kind of clothes they purchase? Well, you might be surprised, but plenty of what influences someone’s personal style has little to do with the fashion industry. Although social media, favorite designers and various forms of media have a pivotal role in covering trends, there are other things that would factor into someone’s aesthetic. Here are some of the things that influence your style that are surprisingly not clothes:

1.) Climate

Of course, this one is a no-brainer. After all, you cannot actually expect one to wear a fur coat during a scorching day, or a flimsy blouse when it is freezing outside. In fact, one of the initial things you do before you get dressed is checked the weather outside. After all, you would not want to be wearing too thick clothes that would leave you stewing on a hot day or filmy ones that would not give you so much insulation on a cold day. Climate plays a significant role in influencing what you wear, and if you are lucky enough to live in a tropical climate, you can get away with wearing shorts and tees all your life. However, if you experience harsh winters, you would be better off having a go-to winter coat.

2.) Your Job

While most contemporary companies have a very modern view on dressing for a corporate environment, there is still a semblance of a dress code which they expect employees to adhere to. Today, most employees can get away with wearing jeans and casual sneakers—something that might have been preposterous two decades ago. However, this does not mean that employees can just get away with anything. If no uniform is imposed, there is a likely chance that a dress code would be enforced.

3.) Other People

While you might not be ready to admit such fact, it is an established reality that humans have an innate craving to be accepted and a desire for approval. Most of the time, this is evident enough in the way we dress. In fact, it is for this very reason that most of our clothing choices are subconsciously affected by our desire not to stand out. While considered stylish and fashionable, outrageous trends that beckon attention tend to look weird or crazy. Furthermore, some of us would want to wear clothing to make us seem more attractive to the opposite sex or to be accepted by our peers. While we might not care enough to admit it, the type of people we surround ourselves with tend to play a considerably significant role in influencing our clothing choices and style.

4.) Hobbies

Do you have a penchant for skating? Or perhaps, do you listen to heavy rock music? Well, you might not have noticed it, but your hobbies tend to show themselves in your clothing choices. Of course, you would want to choose clothing that would make it easier for you to perform the activities you find yourself most interested in. In fact, just take a gander at your closet, and you would notice that some of the things inside are inspired by the activities you do and hobbies that you have. It is precisely for this reason that trends such as the urban lumberjack and the skater chic have come to life.

5.) Sports

Varsity jackets, cheerleader skirts, basketball jerseys—these are just a few things of the slew of sports-inspired fashion you can get today. All these trends stem from the world of sports, and what their athletes wear and they have a huge impact on your clothing choices and style. More often than not, if you wish to support a specific sports team, you would be wearing your team jersey or if you are gearing up for a big game, whatever sport you might be into would play a critical role in what you wear to the field. For this reason, you would find many men and women wearing coordinating colors that would inspire team spirit and complement each other as well.

 

Indeed, whether we like it or not, our current environment plays an integral role as to how we dress ourselves and how we select our clothing. It plays a significant role in developing and shaping personal styles—so much so that no two people entirely dress in the same way. It is in this manner that we can truly express who we are as individuals and what makes us unique and different from one another.

 

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Men’s Fashion 101: Five Pairs of Shoes Every Man Must Have


“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.”-Christian Louboutin

It has been said that a pair of shoes says quite a lot about the person wearing them. While most would think this sentiment would apply to women in general, there is no stopping from onlookers assessing a man’s character based on the footwear he prefers. Furthermore, it is an established reality that quite a majority of men do love shoes despite it going against the grain of a somewhat archaic gender stereotype. After all, when men are sporting mostly jeans, shorts and the like, they would certainly have an inclination for adding a bit more glamour and zest in their choice for shoes. In this regard, it would be best if men invested in some choice pieces when it comes to shoes as when it comes to sartorial pieces, it is in shoes where men would find the most variety above all. You cannot expect to keep on sporting sneakers for every single day of your life after all.

However, there is no reason for you to acquire just about every shoe style possible—there are quite a few styles that are a cut above the rest and these are the ones that are worthy of your attention as well as your investment. In any case, here are some of the best pairs of shoes you should include in your closet. You can be assured that they go with everything from any urban streetwear clothing to your most formal ensembles.

1.) Loafers

Loafers are the ultimate go-to shoes that no man should ever have a shoe closet sans them. In fact, even the man with even just the slightest bit of proclivity for fashion would still have a trusty pair of loafers in his closet, and this is because loafers are the perfect shoes that strike a balance between casual and formal wear. The shoe style is incredibly versatile that you can wear it for a stroll to the park or to your best friend’s wedding. Moreover, loafers are excellent alternatives to boat shoes, plus they do not make you look too casual. There are plenty of variations of the shoe to choose from as well—from the plain leather ones to those that come with buckles, tassels and the like.

2.) Work Boots

Of course, if you do any type of manual labor, a pair of boots should always be an automatic addition to your closet. But even if you do not do any heavy lifting or any sort of outdoor activities, there are still merits to having this shoe style as a staple. A pair of work boots in your arsenal would ensure that you can rough it up whenever possible and get as dirty as you can without giving any second thought. Moreover, it affords your feet and toes ample protection that you can drop something incredibly heavy on your toes without any fear of fracturing any of your bones. They also provide proper sole traction for digging your feet in the ground which makes them an indispensable shoewear for heavy rains and muddy landscapes as it ensures that you do not slip. Regardless of whether you use them frequently or as seldom as you want, every man needs them as you will never know when you might be called to do some heavy manual labor work to do.

3.) Chukkas

A pair of chukkas is a pair of boots more business casual relative. They look formal without being pretentious and are exceptionally comfortable to wear. You would be surprised how well they would go with most of your business outfits and would make you look sharp and dapper enough for most social functions. Indeed, if you want to make an impression on someone without going through the lengthy hassle of donning fussy clothes and shoes, a pair of Chukkas would be an excellent choice. They would make you look polished, sophisticated and refined while remaining comfortable. Furthermore, despite the shoes’ incredibly casual appearance, it would not give you the demeanor of a slob but rather an elegant gentleman who knows how to choose stylish shoes without compromising comfort.

4.) Gym sneakers

If you frequently go to the gym and do routine workouts, it would be unimaginable for you not to have any gym shoes at your disposal. You might think that your casualwear sneakers would pass off as gym shoes, but you should never make this mistake. What you wear to the gym—especially your shoes, should never be worn casually on the streets. Your pair of gym shoes is the footwear you can sweat in and more often than not, it would bear most of the brunt of your workout regimes. In this regard, you want one that can support your body as well as do heavy workouts in. Just ensure that your gym sneakers stay fresh at all times.

5.) Casual Street Sneakers

When it comes to shoes, you should always have a pair you can easily put on and not give a second thought about—whether you are going to the mall or are picking up groceries. This is where brands such as New Balance, Keds, Sperry and Adidas Casuals come in handy and in this regard, they should be a staple in your closet. These shoes are not only stylish, but they are comfortable, sturdy and reliable and are excellent for casual day-to-day use. In fact, one might say these are to men what staple casual white sneakers are to men. These shoes are built mostly for comfort and style rather than speed and durability, so do not expect to do any of your workout routines while wearing them.
While your clothing ensembles might be something that is readily seen, it is your choice in shoes that speak the loudest so ensure that you choose them meticulously. Complete your shoe collection by referring to the list above and have a shoe appropriate for any occasion, social function or season. In this regard, not only will you have an incredibly versatile wardrobe, but a stylish one as well.

 

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Fashion Hacks: Six Styling and Clothing Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Outfits

 

“Fashion is just another accessory for someone with great style” –Author Unknown

 

For some, wearing clothes might be a negligible aspect of their daily routine, but to fashion-forward individuals, dressing impeccably is not only a form of courtesy and manners, but a lifestyle. With this in mind, the latter individuals would give their best endeavors in ensuring that they are dressed appropriately (and stylishly, if I might add) in every single day in their lives. However, no matter what kind of affinity we have with fashion and clothes, there are just some days where our sartorial ensembles would work for us and other days wherein they seemingly work against us. Considering the latter, it would only be understandable for men and women alike to consult online fashion and style articles as to how to make their clothes work for them best.

After all, fashion can be rather confusing at times—especially when you see a myriad of outfits that look great and yet when you try them on, they do not seem to complement and flatter your curves the way they did on the mannequin. Fashion, albeit easy on the eyes, can be a bit difficult to work out and it is in this regard that fashion hacks; tips and tricks can become rather indispensable. You might be surprised at how fairly easy and straightforward some of these tips are, but once you try them, you will immediately see a significant difference—regardless of whether you favor wholesale clothing over retail. So, if you want to elevate your sartorial game and make your clothes seem more stylish, here are some tips you might want to keep in mind:

1.) Knot a button-down shirt to show off your waist

Take a simple outfit to the next level by tying a knot at the waist. Your button-down plaid polo blouses would look so much better when you tie them into a knot at the waist instead of having them simply laying flat. While there is nothing wrong with having them hang by your waist, the knot at your waist tends to show off your shape rather than conceal it. Furthermore, the look is more sophisticated and polished compared to the rather dull and conventional way of wearing it. To make the perfect knot, undo the last three buttons of the blouse and tie those shirt tails into a knot. Make them tight and straighten the ends for a more refined look.

2.) Belt Layers

Layering clothes is an excellent avenue for giving your outfit more dimension and your fashion taste more definition. However, when you tend to pile too many clothes at once, the end result can easily look sloppy and bulky and would do no favors to flattering your silhouette. However, this does not mean you should put off layering altogether but for a more polished and less bulky look, let a belt pull the whole look together. Moreover, the belt carves your figure out from underneath all those clothes so the layers would not overwhelm you.

3.) Cuff your jeans

Although there is nothing wrong with donning your jeans as it is, cuffing it at the ankles is the simplest way to give it a more sophisticated and polished look. This easy upgrade is an easy style trick that would immediately make your entire ensemble more depth and elegance. Moreover, it gives a unique look to an outfit that you have probably worn a lot of times before and it gives you the opportunity to show off whatever footwear you have on. Choose the right technique based on the style of jeans you are wearing. It looks best when it is smaller as it keeps in touch with the streamlined look of the fitted pants. Roll them twice over each other and make sure they are only about half an inch wide. Bigger jeans present a bit of a challenge as the technique is to roll them instead of cuffing them. Should you be wearing baggier styles such as boyfriend jeans, keep the casual vibe of the pair of pants intact by rolling the jeans about three times with just an inch cuffs. For the final touch, mess it up so it does not look too perfect which would be in complete contrast to the rest of pants’ look.

4.) Stack your rings

Accessories are great for amplifying your style and rings are an excellent source for this. However, how do you execute the technique without looking like a prepubescent girl who is overly fond of showing off her jewelry collection? Make it look cool and edgy by strategically placing the rings on your fingers and stacking the different styles appropriately. The biggest and boldest ring should go on your index finger while the smaller styles on your ring finger. For a layered look, mix regular rings and midi styles and finish it off by stacking a couple or three midi rings for contrast. Be careful not to overdo it and stack your fingers with so many rings lest your hands look like a horror show.

5.) Cinch a simple dress

Boxy shift dresses are great fashion statements but they can easily hide your shape and more often than not, it would make you look a size bigger than you originally are. Make a knot in the middle and gather the extra fabric so that you can transform a shapeless dress into a form-fitting one that would complement your physique. Simply turn the dress inside out and gather two inches of the section in the middle. Twist the first later and tie it into a knot, flip the dress right side out and you are done.

6.) Add a scarf

Let us face it, some of the items in our wardrobes are far too basic that they could use a little touch me up to be considered stylish. In this regard, accessories such as statement necklaces would come in handy. However, if you are sick of wearing all your necklaces or simply want another alternative, a handkerchief scarf and bandana can easily be utilized to take a boring outfit up a notch. The great thing about handkerchiefs and scarves is that it is incredibly versatile that the ways of styling it are practically limitless.

 

Whether we like or not, we have a daily relationship with our clothes seeing it as we wear it every single day. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense to have a few clothing tips and tricks up our sleeves to ensure that we look our polished best no matter the occasion. Upgrade your everyday casual ensembles with the tips and techniques above and see your outfits transform from fine to fabulous.

 

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Men’s Fashion: Five Reasons to Invest in a Tailored Suit

“Style is when they are running you out of town and make it look like you are leading the parade” –William Battie

It has been said that nothing is more attractive to a woman than a man wearing a suit. In fact, a rather well-known adage has proclaimed that suits are to women what lingerie is to men—and this could not be any truer. In mainstream media and pop culture, the most attractive men are perpetually seen in suits—from the iconic James Bond to his cartoon counterpart, Sterling Archer. There is just something so sophisticated and debonair about a man in a suit—and this does not mean just any suit either, but rather a well-tailored one that fits you appropriately and accordingly.

However, in the age of contemporary fashion, we have seen a steady rise of baggy jeans, hip-hop clothing and snapbacks. As a result, the modern male has saved this most revered fashion staple solely for formal events such as weddings, funerals and cocktail parties. On the rare cases that they do see the light of day, the man in question happens to have a corporate meeting or something similar. Over the years, a certain stigma has been attached to wearing a suit. Individuals wearing it out of formal events would either be seen as stuffy business executives or would otherwise be considered as trying too hard. However, this notion should be dispelled because, until today, the suit remains a cult classic. In this regard, women can all universally agree that it looks exceedingly attractive on a man. In fact, simply wearing one would make any male ten times more appealing and alluring. Considering all this, it should go without saying that a well-tailored suit is a vital sartorial piece in your wardrobes—a fashion and style staple if you may.

However, if your closets seem to be appallingly short of one, here are good reasons why you should invest in a well-tailored suit as soon as possible:

1.) Save time

While suits off the rack are more accessible for purchase, are more affordable and conveniently displayed and sold in shopping malls, they can look too common. Moreover, there is a likely chance that your options when it comes to sizes would be limited—chalk this up to the consequences of mass production. As suit sizes would be generic, it can take a lot of shopping around before you finally find one that would fit you decently and yet even then, you would still likely need some adjustments. All of these would not only be time-consuming but a hassle as well. Invest in a tailored suit instead, it may cost you a bit more and may take a bit longer to make but it will eliminate the stress and hassle—plus you will end up looking sharp and confident.

2.) More fabric options and choices

Off the rack, suits come in fabrics that are already pre-selected for you. In this regard, choosing a specific pattern or fabric in your size can be especially difficult seeing as your choices are reduced and limited. However, investing in a custom and well-tailored suit bespoke for you presents you an array of fabric options and patterns. All you would need to do is simply choose one to your liking, and you will consequently have a unique suit that compliments your silhouette best.

3.) Longevity of the suit

As a consequence of mass production and perhaps, time constraint, off the rack suits are rarely of any quality. If anything, they may last you for a few years before they start deteriorating—especially if they are stashed away for most of the time inside closets. A custom made one on the other hand, however, is made with precise and detailed craftsmanship. Seeing as your tailor would not have to mass produce suits, he or she can spend time dedicated to perfecting your suit. Seeing as a quality suit would effectively reduce the frequency of suit purchases, you will ultimately be spending less over time.

4.) Better fit

This one is a no-brainer, but it bears stressing that a custom-made tailor suit would always fit you better than the one you bought off the racks. Custom suits are made-to-measure which would mean that it would be created from an existing pattern which would then be adjusted to match your measurements. As a result, the suit is made to fit your body with alterations only necessary if you have lost or gained weight. The tailoring is not only based on your body measurements but an analysis of your posture as well. Wearing a tailored suit ensures that you are wearing a garment created precisely for your body shape and as a result, people will take notice and even do a double take.

5.) It looks more stylish

As said before, department stores tend to carry a lot of suits that look the same—leaving you with little to no options at all. Sure, they may reflect current and modern trends, but they still retain that generic veneer that is notably absent in tailored suits. Wearing a tailored suit means you wish to be on the cutting edge of men’s fashion. Purchasing and wearing one ensures that not only will you be getting the highest standard in fit and fabric, but the look can be as on trend or as classic as you wish it to be. After all, a bespoke suit can be whatever you want to it to be—allowing you to customize everything from the width of the lapels to the number of buttons you wish the suit to have. Custom-made suits are incredibly versatile that it can serve as couture as you want it to be or you can downplay trends and have it reflect your personality instead.

 

While off the rack suits are convenient and are more affordable, they are nothing in comparison to well-tailored suits. You may get lucky and find one from off the rack that fits you well, but regardless there will always be something missing, and it can never beat one that is made to measure. So, do yourself a style favor and invest in a bespoke suit that would instantly augment your style.

 

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Fashion 101: Six Sloppy Fashion Mistakes that Make You Look Messy

“Fashion is what you are offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” –Lauren Hutton

It is well-known and an accepted fact that how you dress yourself is how you wish to present yourself to others or in a sense, how you wish to convey how you are feeling on a particular day. You may have a very devil-may-care attitude when it comes to your assemblage of clothes and could not care less about what ensemble you are wearing, but this in no way means that it is an acceptable excuse for being sloppy. We all have our lazy days wherein we cannot be bothered in pulling together a decent outfit, but this should not be taken to mean that we can get away with wearing clothing that is beyond simply just distressed, dirty or unwashed for days. Remember, you have an image to present as well and aside from being a good indicator of the kind of hygiene you maintain, how you dress up says a lot about your professionalism. It matters not whether or not if what you have in your closet are simple collections of wholesale clothing or the most expensive haute couture if you are committing any of these sloppy style errors, it can truly ruin your overall appearance.

So, if you see yourself getting the side-eye at work or out in the streets, give your outfits a thorough check and see if you are committing any of the messy blunders below that may be sabotaging your entire look:

1.) Leaving bits of lint and animal fur on your clothes

It is understandable to give our little pooches a little love and affection in the form of hugging and cuddling them. However, if they leave pieces of their fur on your clothing that is an entirely different story. Take note: people notice the little details and something that does not match your clothing is bound to stand out—which means lint is invariably included. Before heading out of the house, check your outfits for lint and fur then use a lint roller in getting rid of them. Always have them handy and always keep one with you at all times—you may never know when you might need it.

2.) See-through fabrics

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a few gauzy and mesh-like sartorial garments, it is another thing entirely if they become translucent and horribly see through when you do end up backlit. Sheer fabrics might be all the rage, but at times they will do their best to trick you. They might appear opaque in the dim light, but by the time you head out for lunch, you will be giving your colleagues and any passerby a full view of what is underneath your drawers. Maintain a bit of privacy as well as a hint of mystery by always wearing something underneath that is more than just your underwear.

3.) Wearing clothes with observable damage

Little rips and tiny fraying might be something you overlook, but they can immediately ruin the overall look of a particular outfit. Your favorite jeans might be starting to fray, and you may ignore the missing embellishments of a blouse because you have worn it so frequently, but this is not something you should ignore. Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your clothes, and those small rips, holes and other signs of damage that look inconsequential now can go from a minor flaw to a deal breaker. If you cannot absolutely let go of a particular clothing that has minor damages, have a tailor fix it up for you and make it wearable again. But if the damage is beyond repair, consider tossing them out.

4.) Not ironing your clothes

Ironing your clothes might seem just like another thing for you to do in the morning. When you are operating on a perpetually busy schedule, it can be easy to forego this and just grab something from the hamper. But you and your wardrobe will never be taken seriously if visible wrinkles can be seen, it also conveys the message that you do not care enough about your professional image. Just think of the time you had your job interview, did you not ensure your clothes to be wrinkle-free because you want to be considered for the job? You should maintain the same attitude when it comes to your regular work clothes. Preventing wrinkles requires minimal effort that all you would need to do is read the care tag of a particular clothing item as to how to wash it best—even without you having to press and iron them.

5.) Rolling your sleeves incorrectly

As the temperature fluctuates throughout the day, you might need to keep yourself cool so as not to get sweaty and overheat. One fashionable way of doing this is to roll up your sleeves. However, this must be done carefully lest you end up with a slovenly look. Take the time to do a double-roll which means you have to use two simple folds and leave your cuffs looking clean and precise. Simply rolling them up just to get them out of the way indicates an utter disinterest with your appearance and looks incredibly sloppy.

6.) Too many accessories

Accessories are pivotal to making your look a bit more distinct and personalized. For this reason, necklaces, a cute pair of earrings can be a great statement piece and can pull an entire outfit together. However, it is important to consider which accessory would be appropriate for the occasion you are wearing it for. Wearing too many accessories at one time creates visual noise and will do your outfit no favors. Instead, tastefully wear them and try not to cover yourself in too many gaudy trinkets that you would end up looking like an over adorned Christmas tree.
When it comes to sartorial ensembles, it is always the little things and not the drastic changes that count. They really do make a difference no matter your preference, body type or personal taste. With that being said, it is vital that no matter how you dress yourself up, it is imperative to avoid having the sneaky saboteurs above ruin your outfit. After all, looking presentable and clean are two of the initial steps of pulling off an incredibly stylish look.

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Fashion Faux Pas: Tacky Costumes You Should Never Wear on Halloween


“I love costumes. I love getting dressed up because it really helps my imagination make the leap to believe that I am who I say I am.” – Alessandro Nivola

Ah, autumn.

That time of the year where the leaves fade to burnt orange, the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air, and people start wrapping themselves in thick wool just to keep warm. For some, the season simply serves as a precursor to the Christmas holidays. For others, however, it is a holiday on its own–universally known as Halloween. It is that time of the year where children get to have a free-pass in eating too much sugar and candy while adults can play their own grown-up version of dressing up. While kids visit various houses for a round of trick or treating in the neighborhood, adults attend Halloween balls or throw Halloween soirees of their own. In these events, it is no question that a costume is not only encouraged, but rather—a prerequisite for entry. After all, as Mason Cooley once said, “Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story.”. So, if there is one day you can indulge your penchant for unorthodox dressing up in, why not take advantage of it?

Unfortunately, while this holiday means dressing up as someone other than yourself, some individuals have construed this to mean they can dress in costumes that are either controversial or look like borderline lingerie. Sure, wearing a costume that puts the spotlight on you is great if you want the attention, but in no case should it offend anyone’s morals, reek of racism or scandalize other kids. It matters not whether you have assembled your costume from various wholesale clothing or bought it if you have any scruples left then inappropriate costumes should never be worn.

Have a Halloween soiree coming up? Here are some of the costumes you should avoid wearing:

1.) No Costume

Sure, you can be that person who is oh-so-edgy that you cannot be bothered to wear a costume for the event—even one that is quickly and haphazardly done. Yes, you can be too cool for Halloween, but why attend a Halloween costume party and refuse to wear a costume anyway? You are only going to be dampening everyone else’s fun. You can moan all you want about how Halloween is just a corporate scan to entice people to buy more candy and chocolates. But remember, everyone else is trying to have fun—at least loosen up. If you cannot be bothered to wear a costume at all, it is best to leave you and your attitude at home.

2.) Borderline Lingerie Costumes

You can dress as sexily as you wish, but you need to draw the line somewhere. Do not make Halloween as your excuse to wear something that should only be seen in the bedroom outside on the streets. It might be that one year you can finally showcase some skin and those toned abs you have been working all year for—but remember, if your mother would be scandalized to see you going out in public in such an outfit, then it probably should not leave the confines of your home.

3.) Offensive Costumes

Blackface, whiteface, religious symbols, American Indian garb, dead celebrities—these are just a slew of what makes up the list of offensive costumes. If you do not wish to be featured on a social media post or called out for being a racist, then leave these costumes alone. Take a leaf out of a famous celebrity’s book, every time they don on a similar or offensive costume they would almost always be immediately involved in a cultural appropriation issue. Regardless of whether you are famous or not, someone is inevitably going to call you out on your ignorance and insensitivity. If you are trying to be clever or funny, you are not either. Do not wear costumes that would offend in a misguided attempt at being witty—not unless stirring controversy and ruffling feathers are your thing, then, by all means, do so.

4.) Costumes that take up too much space

Personally creating your Halloween costumes is an excellent avenue for you to showcase your creativity. Indeed, if DIY costumes are your thing, then Halloween is definitely an event for you to shine. However, there is a difference between beautifully crafted costumes and costumes that look like a school project. The former would be well-received in Halloween balls and parties and might even be commended. The latter, however, would make peeing more of a challenge than a simple act. If your costumes consist of too many cardboards and boxes, consequently restricting any movement you make, you might want to reconsider wearing it. Apart from making you uncomfortable the entire night, you might also be encroaching the space of other party guests, and they might not take it too kindly if you happen to spill their drinks the second time around with your humongous left wing.

5.) Dressing up as someone you know

While Halloween is that one holiday in the year to dress up as someone other than yourself, that does not mean you should dress as someone else that you DO know and KNOWS YOU as well. Unless it is a part of a synchronized gag, you should never dress as someone else you know—even if it is your arch-enemy. Chances are, they would not take it too kindly, and they may see it as a direct mockery of who they are. You might think of it as a harmless gag, but they would likely take it as an insult. If you are wearing a costume as a joke at another person’s expense, you might want to reconsider not only your get-up but your life choices as well.

 

So, while Halloween is an excellent time to put on clothes so different from the ensembles we garb ourselves in the rest of the year, there are some guidelines you need to take note of. Apart from that, there are some costumes you should never wear to ensure that everyone is having an equally good time without anyone getting offended. Remember, your costumes say a lot about the kind of person you are. You might be a different character for a night, but your attitude and inner persona should stay the same.

 

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Fashion Faux Pas: Seven Style Mistakes Most Men are Guilty Of

 


“Fashion has the power to not only redefine our own industry, but become a role model for others to reinvent their practices.” –Timothy Ho

Iris Apfel has once famously said that the greatest fashion faux pas man can ever commit is to look in the mirror and see someone else. In this regard, individuals are then expected to dress as they see fit and as is appropriate to their personal style, taste, and preferences. As a result, people should garb themselves in ensembles they feel themselves gravitating to and which reflects their character and personality. Unfortunately, when such liberties remain unchecked, people would then think they can get away with fashion faux pas—a phenomenon wherein your assemblage of clothes would not make the remotest sense. Although being fashionably stylish is something that is largely associated with female fashion, it is undeniably an evident aspect of how men should dress as well. Regrettably, though, some men adopt a very devil-may-care attitude when it comes to their fashion choices and would often look like overgrown schoolboys as a result.

Although fashion’s definition has expanded to include more of what makes you feel comfortable and which styles define you, it does not mean that the styles you do choose look appropriate on you. In this regard, individuals—both male and female should make a better attempt in refining their fashion options and choosing only those that suit them best. While modern fashion today has more to do with what makes you feel good and less of what experts say is trendy, the fashion industry is not above labeling trends to follow and ones that you should avoid. Whether it is outdated streetwear clothing or apparel you used to rock during your fraternity days, here are some of the styles men should always avoid:

1.) Dressing well outside your age

You might think it is cute—being the middle-aged man wearing edgy statement shirts or college university jackets, but here is a well-deserved reality check: You do not. On the contrary, however, you would look like you are just trying too hard to blend in with the younger set by wearing garments that seem more appropriate on them than on you. Remember, while men’s style is a personal choice, there is a certain point in time where you need to start to shift the clothing choices you make and how you wear it. As you mature, so should your style as well.

2.) Choosing a style that does not fit you

Men are just as guilty as women are when it comes to sporting styles and ensembles that do not fit them. Sure, you can be in denial as much as you want about how much weight you have gained, but when you look like you are about to burst at the seams, then it would be pretty apparent that you are wearing clothes not meant for you. If you regularly wear clothes whose buttons you have a hard time closing or if you have to suck in your gut just to fit into a particular pair of jeans, it might be time to choose clothes that would suit you. Consequently, clothes that fit you would not only make you look your best, but you would feel comfortable wearing it as well. Similarly, men with thin frame should not wear baggy clothes as well if they do not wish their clothes to engulf and overwhelm them.

3.) Choosing colors that do not flatter your skin/eye tone/ hair

While choosing appropriate colors that would flatter your eye tone can be overlooked, having hues that clash with your natural coloring and your hair is much too noticeable to be neglected. Choosing colors that work well with your skin tone would make you appear more sophisticated and can do wonders in elevating your ensemble.

4.) Letting your trousers bunch up on your shoes

A well-tailored suit to a woman is what lingerie is to men. In this regard, your suits should not only fit you well but should flatter your silhouette. This means having a suit that fits you from head to toe—from your coat down to your trousers. You may look dapper and sophisticated in your suit, but you will be docked style points if you have an overflowing bunch of material that can be seen making a puddle at your shoes.

5.) Not paying attention to male’s style accessories

When it comes to committing a faux pas in wearing men’s style accessories, it can only be either of two things: Wearing too many and not wearing nearly enough. When it comes to wearing men’s style accessories, you have to apply it just right. There is no need to go overboard and adorn yourself like a Christmas tree or look like an up and coming famous rapper. Subtlety is key, a simple watch and some cufflinks would already do wonders.

6.) Wearing nipple-showing V-neck shirts

Wearing V-necks is considered sexy—particularly if you have a chiseled frame and a buffed out chest. Unfortunately, if you do not possess the physique for the V-neck shirt, it might not look as excellent as it would on others. V-necks are great to a fault. Sure, they function superbly as undershirts to a dapper blazer. But by themselves, they can be a hit or miss. If they show your nipples, then it is probably best if you chose something else.

7.) Refusing to keep up with the times

Sure, trends have a proper time and place, but if you are stubbornly wearing the same outdated and obsolete styles, then it might be time to reevaluate your style choices. While Fedora hats were once the modern in-thing, they have run their time. Consistently wearing dated trends and fads would not do your ensembles any favors. Chuck those in favor for styles that are classic and timeless.
If you wish to be taken a lot more seriously at your workplace or by your peers, more often than not, sometimes a change in your fashion choices is all you would need. At this point, if you have consistently committed any of the fashion faux pas above, it might be best to take a look at your wardrobes and see the various styles that are holding you back. From there, you can then reassess your style, update it and look every bit of a sophisticated and well-dressed man as you can be.

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Fashion for Fall: Ten Basic Essentials for Your Autumn Wardrobe


“Fashion has two purposes: Comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds.” –Coco Chanel

Leaves start falling and fading into orange, the aroma of pumpkin spice lattes fill the air, individuals are beginning to wrap themselves in thick scarves, and the scenery paints a terracotta hue –what other season could it be other than fall? With vivid burnt orange hues brightening up your surroundings, there can be no other season more appropriate for fresh starts than fall. Although the year might be drawing to a close, this is the best time for you to survey the contents of your closet and take a long hard look at the basics you are already in possession of. However, before you start carting off and dispensing all the outdated and off-season clothes than you have and go nuts with new purchases, it is imperative to assess your wardrobes first. Clothing stores might be teeming with the latest trendy pieces for fall, but you need to be a little particular when it comes to your upgrades. Take note, the wisest tack in refreshing your wardrobe is to favor new staples that would give you endless options—not only for autumn but the rest of the year as well.

Your basics should be upgraded to look fresh and appropriate for the season. Furthermore, they should be versatile enough to pair with any other garments you have in your wardrobe. In this way, you would look chic and fashion-forward regardless of whether these staples are for casual wear such as streetwear clothing or a more formal setting such as corporate events. In any case, here are some of the excellent basics for updating your wardrobe this season:

1.) Dressy Shoes

If there is one mantra that stays true for every generation, it is that a girl can never have too many shoes. Update your wardrobes with pairs of dressy shoes in varying heel heights. These shoes would help you feel sophisticated and would instantly bring any outfit up to a notch. Purchase shoes of varying heel heights to diversify and spice up your ensembles—those that you can comfortably wear out to the streets as well as rock in nightclubs or offices. Minimalist sandals with average heels can be comfortably worn to the office and can easily elevate a formal outfit.

2.) A sleek bag for every occasion

Some girls would content with just having a single bag for any occasion. Unfortunately, for fashion-forward individuals, relying on a single satchel is unimaginable. To complete your wardrobes, have a sleek bag you can use for every occasion. This piece should be versatile enough to hold all your clothes for the gym plus your lunch. On weekends, you should have a casual bag that is neither too small nor too big. It should be enough to carry your essentials yet casual enough to look great with any outfit.

3.) Sensible flat boots

Autumn will inevitably have wet and colder days wherein you need to be appropriately wrapped up. While leather boots would look fabulous paired with your denim jeans, it would not be much help in protecting you from inclement weather. Furthermore, persistently wearing it during rainstorms and the like would cause the leather to deteriorate after a while. Instead, go for a pair of rain boots. They are sleek and just as fashionable as a traditional leather pair and would go with your best jeans or favorite skirt.

4.) Bright Work-Friendly Sheaths

Add to the beautiful colors of autumn by investing in bright and colorful sheaths as well. These sheaths must be conservative enough to pass for corporate wear but fun enough to elevate your style. Stun onlookers by investing on a red piece where you can just throw in a blazer, and you are good to go.

5.) Unique Blazer

A woman with a flair for putting together ensembles knows that any tailored blazer can instantly make an outfit ten times more elegant—no matter how casual or formal. Choose a menswear-inspired blazer that would flatter your silhouette which you can easily slip into during the workdays. The simple addition would make you look professional, and on casual days, it looks excellent with just a tee and a pair of shorts or jeans.

6.) A Parka to keep you warm

Autumn is the season in anticipation of winter, so chilly days are ahead. To keep yourself warm and comfortable, have a trendy and ultra warm parka in your closets. Ensure that the piece has a thick liner which is detachable so you can easily remove it should the weather call for fabrics that are less thick.

7.) A simple black dress

You have probably come across innumerable articles preaching the need for a multipurpose little black dress. But beyond having just a little black dress, have a black dress that saves you time as well. This would be especially useful on days wherein you cannot be bothered to pull on a top-notch outfit. Furthermore, this dress would be great for occasions wherein you are pressed for time and would need to be dressed in a snap.

8.) Updated jeans

Boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans have become an all-around staple that you see them almost everywhere. If you do not wish to fall into this common trend, try a fresh alternative and go for styles that are high-waisted and are cropped well above the ankle. To truly set it apart, go for a style that has a flare.

9.) Overcoats

Let us face it; you have been itching to wear your overcoats for a long time now. However, as this would most probably be your staple wear for the season, it would only be fair for you to wear something that is worth showing off. Go for the classic camel color or a bit more drama and flair, go for the crisp and clean white wrap styles.

10.) Tunics with interesting details

Tunics need not be dull, and you would certainly need one that is equally stylish as it is comfortable and warm. Choose a tunic that has slits up the sides and on the sleeves. This design will prove to be more interesting than your regular top and would be just as comfortable.
Let the fall season serve as a fresh start for you and your wardrobe. Update your classic pieces and standard staples with something that is not only befitting for the season but all year-round as well.

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Fashion in Focus: Six Reasons Why You Should Improve Your Style


“Putting on a beautifully designed suit elevates my spirit, extols my sense of self, and helps me define me as a man to whom details matter.”-Gay Talese (Author)

Dressing forms part of our daily routine regardless of where we might be going. At times, it might be something that we do several times a day—depending on the occasion and the venue. However, how much consideration really goes into dressing up? Do you dress with deliberate thought and care? Or have you seen this part of your everyday routine as something negligible? After all, how hard can it be just to choose an ensemble of clothes and be on your merry way? For some individuals with a devil-may-care attitude as regards fashion, this may be the case. But for people who have a penchant for all things stylish and a flair for looking sophisticatedly fashion-forward, assembling a collection of clothes to wear might just be the most significant highlight of their everyday routine.

Some individuals relish the idea of taking hours just to find the perfect outfit while there are some who wish to do just the minimum requirement it takes to look presentable. You might think there is no other merit to contemplating so much about what to wear and working on your appearance other than a sense of personal satisfaction. But, you might just be surprised at how advantageous this can turn out to be. If you steered some of your endeavors into looking good and being fashionably stylish, you would immediately see how it can impact your life significantly. It improves your life and would even go as far as help you boost your career. You might be skeptical, but before you dismiss the idea and favor your existing clothing over more stylish and urban clothing, here are reasons that might convince you otherwise:

1.) Feel more confident

This one is a no-brainer and needs no further elaboration but to illustrate here is a brief example: Deliberately choosing what you wear means you like the choices you come up with. In a sense, it would mean that the clothing you have selected makes you feel good about yourself. From that aspect alone, a boost in your confidence ensues. Taking a positive approach to fashion and style can encourage you to discover what looks good on you as well. You might be surprised, but sometimes, fashion is all you need for a better and brighter day ahead.

2.) Improve self-care

An often overlooked but pivotal aspect in fashion is personal care and grooming. While a myriad of clothes might be the solitary focus for some, how you care for yourself actually plays a role on how good clothes will look on you. In this regard, taking deliberate care in dressing up would consequently make you care about yourself and your appearance better.

3.) Stand out more

You might not exactly be itching to get yourself in the spotlight, and that is totally okay. If you take particular joy in blending it, you might not necessarily think about how your clothing selections would make you more noticeable. However, there will be times in your life wherein your desire to get noticed would be inevitable. Regardless of whether this might stem from a professional or personal endeavor, the truth is your choices in fashion are excellent avenues of you getting noticed. In the workforce, you might want to stand out because you are competing against another individual for a promotion or the like. In this regard, a well-tailored suit or simply power dressing can be of assistance to you. Furthermore, if you are weary of getting washed out in the crowd, improving your style and changing up your fashion choices can drastically change that.

4.) Discover more about yourself

Dressing with deliberate care largely involves knowing what you want and why you want it. In this aspect alone, you are given the opportunity to explore your personal style deeper and discover more about your personality and who you truly are. Looks may not be everything, but there are various hints of your character and personality in the way you dress. After all, how you present yourself to the world in terms of clothing style, makeup and the like, forms part of how you express yourself. If you are a bit uncertain about what you like and what you do not like, try to explore different fashion choices. From here, you can determine what looks good on you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

5.) Connect with others over style and fashion

Having a keen interest in fashion and style is an excellent opportunity for you to make friends with individuals who have a similar interest with you. People with a proclivity for trends and the latest fashion can give you sagely advice as well. This does not mean you have to be absolutely obsessed with fashion just to talk about it with others, however. Even the simplest passing interest can already give you an opening for connecting with others who share this interest. Your social stratosphere is not limited to individuals you can physically interact with, as you can communicate and connect with people online as well. You might want to read fashion blogs and interact with people in the comments or start your very own if you so wish.

6.) Learn from mistakes

Making mistakes is inevitability—especially if you are refining your style and changing your fashion choices. If you do not see yourself committing any errors, that in itself is already a mistake as you are playing it too safe. However, do not fret, mistakes are pivotal to learning after all. You might dismiss them as just clothes, but these are lessons you can apply in other areas of your life as well. Apart from teaching you about the certain styles that look great on you, it teaches you how people would react to a particular style and would help you learn about who you are as well.

 

You might see clothes, style, and fashion as negligible aspects of life, but just give it a try, and you will be surprised at the many benefits it has attached to it. Simply improving your style or changing the way you dress can already make an impact on your daily life and you will feel much better about yourself overall as well. Dress deliberately and with care, and soon enough you would be wondering why you neglected to do it sooner.

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Fashion 101: Five Ways Owning Your Style Can Change Your Life


“Fashion you can buy, but style you can possess. The key to style is learning who you are which takes years. There is no how to road map to style. It is about self-expression and above all, attitude” -Iris Apfel.

It has been said that style is the perfection of a point of view. And in this regard, only one point of view matters yours. But how would one define style? Well, it differs depending on the individual you ask. Merriam Webster would define it as a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed. Universally speaking, however, it is the manner by which an individual carries himself or herself in their clothes and how one feels while they are doing so–whether that selection of clothes is largely wholesale clothing or designer purchases. The operative word here is feel–in a sense that when an individual wears their selected assembly of clothes, they would and should feel a range of things and confidence is one of them. Each and every one of us has a very distinct sense of style, and although two or more individuals may share some similar aspects and elements to their style, it is never entirely the same.

As style is incredibly personal, it is imperative that one should own it. It is not recommended for the faint of heart as it requires a degree of grit and a combination of confidence and conviction. Style is an innate voice by which we express ourselves through an ensemble of clothes and failing to own it would be suppressing that same voice. Unfortunately, many of us have fallen victim to it by mindlessly following trends which fashion regularly purveys, and as a result, we lose our identity. And if you truly wish to own your style, knowing the difference between fashion and style is paramount. Style echoes your preferences and speaks your language while fashion is basically someone asking you to learn and be a follower.

Below, you will see some of the ways how acknowledging it would significantly change your life:

1.) Helps you make a statement and reveals your identity

A wise adage captured the essence of what style truly is by saying that it is what we say without having to speak. In this regard, the style would be a unique language–a language so deeply personal to us. Initially, it might feel a little daunting to show it to the world, considering how it can be significantly different from that of the others. However, the more you communicate your style with confidence, the much easier it would be to own it and show it to the world every day. Remember, style is what you say without having to speak, so make sure you say it loud and proud.

2.) Reveals discipline

Having and owning your own style requires a degree of discipline from an individual. Discipline in a sense that they should and would say no to the trends purveyed by fashion. If a person has an awareness of their body, their lifestyle and all the aspects that would impact how they express their style, they would not be easily swayed by trends. Furthermore, discipline is seen in the way they shop, with deliberation and patience. They do not indulge their whims and shop with a purpose. They are aware of what they need in their wardrobes and would take their time to find it. Quality over quantity is what these individuals inherently live by when it comes to their clothing choices, ensembles, and purchases.

3.) Separates you from the crowd

While standing out from the crowd is a necessary consequence of possessing a unique style and owning it well, it should never be your driving goal as this may cause you to deviate from your true self. However, if the way you dress consistently aligns with who you are and your lifestyle, then it would easily separate you from the crowd. In this regard, it is important to always dress well regardless how casual or formal the occasion is. Labels and tags do not necessarily matter, as you can look fabulous even in simple clothes so long as you know how to assemble an outfit that looks good and feels good.

4.) Memorable

You might think that wearing a uniform is the epitome of looking just like everyone else and in a sense, you are right. However, this is vastly different from wearing a personal and signature uniform which you garb yourself at the moment you step out of the door–a feat which makes it a lot easier for you to choose an outfit from your closet. It can be anything from the color palettes you gravitate towards to, skirt length preference, a combination of clothing you are seen regularly wearing and the like. If you found a particular style which works for you and you can own rather well, it becomes apparent in the way you dress and consequently, people will remember you better. It can start out small such as an accessory you are always seen wearing–may that be a broach or a type of scarf. In this way, you set yourself apart from the rest with a particular kind of style, and once it sticks, it becomes timeless, and people will remember you for it.

5.) Allows us to create a unique identity

Style allows us to express ourselves in various manners that enables us to establish our identity in other’s minds. As a result, we can craft and create an identity that is truly unique, memorable and is deeply personal to us. Furthermore, as we grow and evolve, so does our style expect to see changes and upgrades in how you dress–a metamorphosis if you may. Alterations to our style stem from lifestyle changes and decisions we make through the different stages of life we go through. It should reflect who you are becoming.
An ensemble of clothes may seem like an insignificant aspect of your personality, but it is deeply telling of who you are. After all, no one would look at you and see your personality immediately and for this reason, owning your style is important. Remember, style is more than just your relationship with clothes; it is the voice and the character by which you present yourself to the world.

 

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