Tips in Buying a Blazer for Men

 When it comes to blazers, there are two points to note: one- that it is an absolute must-have in every man’s wardrobe and two- it is superbly versatile, more than a suit or a sports jacket.

A blazer is great for a winter evening as it keeps you warm and stylish at the same time. They make you look sleek and smart and covers all that extra, err, baggage that you’re trying to get rid of and are definitely a hot pick this season. We give you simple steps into choosing a blazer that will look perfect on you and last you long enough to make an impression.

The most important step when it comes to getting the right blazer is the measurement aspect. Your blazer’s fit can make or break your outfit. Remember, if it’s shapeless, it’s useless. We understand that your blazer should have enough room for movement and not let you feel all suffocated, but we surely don’t understand why you would get a size bigger just to let it loosely and shapelessly hang on your body! Your blazer should just smoothly follow the natural shape of your body without being too tight or loose. The shoulders of your blazer should end at the shoulder, the length should be just above your bottom covering just an inch of it and the arms should be tapering towards your wrist. Isn’t that simple? Blazer fit is definitely not complicated if you remember these simple steps while getting one made or selecting one from a store.

A blazer comes in many styles that you can choose from like the American style blazer with two buttons in the front with soft shoulders, an English blazer that is more suppressed or an Italian blazer that is more relaxed, flexible and less structured. Choose your style according to your personality and comfort.

A blazer can be made of different fabrics, the most common one being the flannel wool that is good for colder climates. The corduroy is also a smart choice for a classy evening while linen blazers are perfect for a hot summer’s afternoon. Different patterns or woven wool is also preferred for the winters.

Navy blue blazers are definitely the classic choice with or without brass buttons. If you’re wearing the buttons, accessorize it with a gold watch and a gold belt buckle to complete the look. This type of blazer can be paired with any coloured pants like brown, beige, olive and black. Its versatility is quite prominent once worn.

Your overall comfort is very important. So once you have worn your entire outfit, look and in the mirror and see if you feel good. If your mind makes no complaints, you’re definitely on the right track!

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Complete Rules of Style for Men's Suit (Part 2)

On Complete Rules of Style for Men's Suit (Part 1), we already list down 18 rules you need to know about suits. Here is the 2nd part of my blogpost on Complete Rules of Style for Men's Suit.

Rule #19
When you go without a tie, it's best to keep your shirt collar on the smaller side.

Rule #20
Call attention to special suit material—like this marled wool—by keeping your accessories to a minimum.

Rule #21
Tailoring your pants a little bit short will add distinctiveness to your simple look.

Advice from a Suit-Maker

Rule #22
Get a Uniform. Men do well when they find something that works for them and stick to it, rather than continually try to reinvent the wheel—one of our customers must have 20 double-breasted jackets in the same cut. If you establish your own sense of style, you don't subject yourself to the vagaries of fashion.

Rule #23
You Can't Beat English Tailoring. English tailoring gives suits more shape and a well-defined shoulder. It just looks sharper.

Rule #24
Mind Your Silhouette. "You can tell a good handmade suit by looking at it from 50 yards off—it's about overall harmony and balance. The trousers should be slim, the shoulders narrow, the waist nipped."

Rule #25
Don't Go Too Short. A suit jacket should come down to the first knuckle on your thumb. Too many people are cutting short jackets now, and they just make men look too heavy in the middle.

Rule #26
Keep Your Cuff Buttons Buttoned.  Undoing the button on your cuff looks kind of naff. It doesn't signify quality anymore because there are plenty of working buttonholes done by machines.

Rule #27
Go For Side Vents. Most of the suits being made on Savile Row have two vents because it's considered almost cheap work to do fewer. A jacket with one vent or no vents uses much less cloth, and it's much less sewing.

Rule #28
Gray-Flannel Suits Always Look Good. They just work brilliantly with everything. They're elegant without being stuffy and look beautifully luxurious.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Rule #29
When your jacket is buttoned, you should be able to fit a fist between your chest and the fabric—no more, no less.

Rule #30
Before buying a suit online, try it on in a store first to make sure the shoulders fit, as sizing varies widely among brands.

Rule #31
Your jacket sleeves should reveal about half an inch of shirt cuff. If they don't, try a short size instead—you could save yourself a trip to the tailor later on.

Rule #32
Choose fabric according to how often you'll wear the suit. The most versatile option is a soft but durable wool like super 120 (a measure of yarn fineness; any higher is too delicate for daily use).

Rule #33
Your pants should sit at your waist (not your hips). You should be able to fit one finger into the waistband comfortably.

Coats
Remember, people see your coat before they see your suit. If you've gone to the trouble of putting together the perfect ensemble, you owe it to yourself to finish the look with the right top layer. Whether you want single- or double-breasted, a classic or a bold color, a solid shade or a pattern, there's a well-cut coat to suit you.

Rule #34
A double-breasted overcoat should be slim so it doesn't billow when open.

Rule #35
A slightly cropped overcoat will elongate your silhouette.

Rule #36
A pattern is a great complement to a neutral suit.

Rule #37
Like a gray suit, a gray overcoat is always in fashion.

Rule #38
Navy goes with any suit in your wardrobe—including black.

Rule #39
Camel will give you the ultimate luxe look.

Find out 18 more rules on the last part of my blogpost about Complete Rules of Style for Men's Suit.

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Complete Rules of Style for Men's Suit (Part 1)

Here is the 1st part of my blogpost about everything you need to know about suits; including what to look for when buying them, how to get them tailored, and the coats, shirts, ties, shoes, and watches to wear with them. 

Rule #1

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Fit is everything. Even the world's most expensive suit will look bad if it isn't tailored to the contours of your body.

Rule #2 

Some think button-down collars are for casual wear only, but they can work great with dressier looks as well.

Rule #3

Polka dots are a great way to bring energy to a suit. Make sure they're big enough to be recognizable, but not so large that they're goofy.

Rule #4

A tried-and-true pattern like herringbone or glen plaid in a muted shade makes an impression without crossing into the realm of garishness.

Rule #5

Visible stitches around the edges of your lapels (called pick-stitching) aren't necessarily a sign of a well-made garment anymore. However, they can be an attractive decorative flourish—as long as they're subtle. No contrast stitching!

Rule #6

Some say you shouldn't cut the stitching in your jacket pockets, because putting objects in them will cause your jacket to lose its shape. Don't listen. It's pointless to have nonfunctional pockets, and a concert ticket or a business-card holder certainly won't do any damage.

Rule #7

Some think three-pieces are stodgy, but when the waistcoat is cut close to the body and hemmed to the belt line, you'll look slim and modern.

Rule #8 

Your tie bar should never be wider than your tie.

Rule #9

The difference between classic and cliché is often in the material. The timeless appeal of this gray suit begins with its super-luxe cashmere wool.

Rule #10

Always unfasten your jacket buttons when you sit. No exceptions.

Rule #11

Never fasten the bottom button of a double-breasted jacket (unless it has only a single row of buttons).

Rule #12

Avoid over-accessorizing. If you're already wearing a pocket square and a tie bar, you'll want to reconsider that clever lapel pin.

Rule #13

When wearing corduroy, steer clear of fusty wide wales, but don't go so narrow that the material starts to look like velvet.

Rule #14

A dark, patterned pocket square provides a welcome visual anchor to a light-colored suit.

Rule #15

When it comes in a sandy tan rather than the usual rust or chocolate brown, this cold-weather suit gets a dose of sunny energy.

Rule #16

Save the bulky shock-resistant sports watch for the gym or your outdoor-adventure excursions. It has no place with a suit.

Rule #17

Save yourself some embarrassment: Always remove the stitching on the vents and the label on the left sleeve before wearing a new suit.

Rule #18

It's fine to flip up the collar of a casual cotton jacket, but when you're dressed more formally (say, in a black suit), you should always leave the collar down.

Check out the part 2 of Complete Rules of Style for Men's Suit.

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Must-Avoid Horrible Fashion Mistakes

Although there are an increasing number of fashionable-forward guys in today's modern style-conscious world there are still plenty of style atrocities committed by millions of men daily. There are many common issues with the male style sense, covering everything from socks and sandals to gender's general disregard for properly fitted clothing. The good news is that you are reading this and from now on, you will no longer unknowingly commit these style crimes. It is easy to be commanding and stylish and there are many small details that can add that extra polish to give you, the modern day man, a fashionable, yet masculine edge. Here are 10 easy tips to navigate you away from potential blunders. 

Forget about logos

Many men are under the assumption that they have good taste in fashion if they are covered in designer logos from head to toe. This is a very common misconception people hold but the reality is that having style is truly more about color coordination and thinking outside the box when it comes to personal expression than it is about brand names. Dressing brand logos from head to toe is not stylish.

Clothing should fit right

Men around the world tackle the world each day dressed in a suit; unfortunately, most of these guys are strutting around in a suit that is too big for them. Suits are great but wearing a suit that is too big for you gives you an unflattering image. But this isn't just true of professional attire; in fact, wearing any article of clothing that doesn't fit properly will give you a messy and unpolished appearance and is thus a style sin. Improper fit can also influence the perception of your health making you look bloated or sickly.

Choose appropriate "kicks"

Knowing which shoes are appropriate for what occasion is a rule many men disobey. One of the biggest fashion taboos, which is surprisingly sometimes broken, is wearing athletic sneakers with professional garments. This is completely inappropriate. There are more casual shoe style options that provide a casual feel, such as "fashion sneakers." These shoes encompass the best aesthetics of a formal fashion shoe and comfortable sneaker. They are available in a wide variety of styles ranging from conservative to bold, casual to formal.

Keep your shoes clean

One of the first impressions women are said to notice about men is the state of their shoes so it is crucial to ensure that your shoes are well maintained and always clean. Dress shoes should always be polished and buffed every 3-5 uses and cleaned using the appropriate cleaner. Ensuring that your shoes are clean will not only give them a longer wear life but it will also give you a polished and crisp image. 

Note your tie length

Another common mistake many men make is to wear their ties too long or too short. Doing this gives your body a very disproportionate appearance and although you may not notice it close up, it is very noticeable at a distance. The correct length for a tie is to sit just above the belt. Many use the triangular tip as a guide as it should be touching or sit just on top of the belt buckle. This gives your torso and legs the correct proportional image and gives you an overall lean appearance.

Stains don't magically disappear

Men are definitely more careless when it comes to maintaining their clothing. Accidents happen and stains do occur but they should be taken care of immediately. This is especially important if you invest large amounts of money into your wardrobe. The longer a stain is left unattended, the harder it becomes to wash out, so clean it up immediately. For anyone who thinks minor clothing stains will go unnoticed, think again. 

Avoid matching socks with sandals

The, perhaps, most widely spread issue involving senseless male fashion is our gender's popular fascination with wearing socks and sandals. The entire functional purpose of a sandal as footwear is to allow the skin to breathe and ventilate itself. This cannot be achieved with a thick layer of fabric between your skin and the air. Choosing the right socks (or no socks) for the right occasion makes a larger impression than you may think. Wear business appropriate socks to work; this means no ankle socks or white gym socks.

Less is more when it comes to cologne

There's no need to use up half the bottle on one night's outing. Many men douse themselves in cologne from head to toe in fear of smelling bad in public. Contrary to popular belief, saturating your skin in cologne only blocks its ability for the essential oils in the cologne to react with your body's chemistry. In turn, you come off as a strong powerhouse of overbearing stench. There are many different application techniques for cologne but it is important to spray body areas where heat is generated. One of the best areas is the chest, neck or back. The legs, right behind the knees, are also a great area to spray once on each side, as the heat will cause the scent to travel upwards. 

Take care of the mane

Hair care is an essential part of grooming for all men. Constantly covering messy hair with hats and toques does nothing but constrict your image and your hair. Getting a haircut every 2-4 weeks is a great way to ensure your hair is tamed, healthy and fashionable. When choosing a hairstyle, choose a style that is appropriate for your head shape and size. The key is balance. 

Backpacks are meant for school

With the amount of versatility in the men's fashion industry today, it's necessary for men to keep in accordance with the overall trend. This trend, however, does not include using backpacks at work, yet it's more common than you might think. Carrying a backpack in the workplace will give off the impression you're still an amateur; a student in your field. For a more mature and professional image that allow the comfort and easy of a pack, consider investing in a messenger bag; although briefcases never go out of style. There are a variety of designs for all tastes and budgets. 

Being more fashion wary will not only improve your appearance but it will also improve your confidence and attitude.

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Menswear Fashion Prediction 2012

US menswear manufacturers have noted an increase in male tailored clothing, with slimline suits set to dominate 2012.

A report published December 8 on WWD saw major American menswear retailers highlight an increasing trend towards flattering attire for gentlemen.

American market research company The NPD Group says tailored clothing sales rose more than 11 percent and sales of men’s tailored shirts rose more than 3 percent in the first half of 2011.

Although the trend for slim silhouettes has been attributed to the younger generations, older men are also looking to appear more toned in their attire.

The popularity of slim-style suits and sportswear for all generations has been noted by retailers including Men’s Wearhouse, America’s largest suit seller. The brand’s CEO Doug Ewert explained the increasing popularity of fitted sports coats and dress shirts.

"These looks mostly target a younger customer; however, we’re starting to see growing acceptance among middle-aged customers. A modern fit is cut closer to the body," he explained.

"Other characteristics include narrower lapels on suits and sport coats and narrower ties."

Meanwhile, Brooks Brothers' Lou Amendola explained that customers are "definitely looking for suits in a slimmer silhouette" and in classic colors such as navy, gray and simple pinstripes.

For this reason, the brand will introduce a "youthful sack suit" called the Cambridge in Spring 2012.

Ronny Wurtzburger, president of Peerless Clothing, which produces clothing for labels including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and DKNY, has also predicted a rise in vested clothing, while explaining that shorter length jackets have been driving sales.

"A shorter jacket and tapered pants gives the slim customer a look that is different than his father’s. It’s a very hip look," he explained.

Other menswear brands including Hugo Boss, Burberry London and Ralph Lauren Black Label are all known for their slimline tailored suits.

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2012 Hair Trends for Men

Men’s hairstyles aren’t like women’s. Women’s hair trends are short lived, often lasting no more than a year. On the other hand, men’s hairstyle trends evolve slowly – and that’s the key to men’s hair trends in 2012. Each and every one of them has its roots in the hairstyles that were popular in 2010 and 2011, but each and every one of them also has evolved for 2012. Some have subtly evolved, others have split into several different hairstyles.

Below you’ll find a list of all of 2012′s key men’s hairstyles and haircuts. You can find a list of the key hair trends, each with its own tutorial and styling insights.

2012 men’s key hair cuts & hairstyles

Slicked back undercut

The popularity of shows such as Boardwalk Empire mixed with just how sharp this hair cut looks sees the revival of the slicked back undercut influenced by the styles of the early 20th Century. Follow the link to find out the options for the men’s hair cut, how to have it, cut and how to style it.

Good for: straight hair & hair that can be straightened

Brit-rock indie hairstyle

Inspired by many a British indie band (and a hell of a lot of Burberry catwalks in between), 2012′s Brit-rock indie hairstyle oozes kicked back and relaxed. It has nearly only one rule: sweep the hair forwards. The rest of the details, from the cut of the top to the length of the sides, allows you to work with whatever haircut styles suit you best. Read our guide to the indie hairstyle for a complete guide to all the different indie hairstyles for men in 2012, including ways to have it cut and products to use to style it.

Good for: straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair that can be relaxed

Rockabilly hairstyle

It might have been on trend for 2 years already, but that hasn’t stopped this mid-20th Century rock hairstyle from featuring amongst 2012′s men’s haircut trends. More attitude infused than the quiff hairstyle it gave rise to, the rockabilly hairstyle might be one of 2012′s more extreme men’s hairstyles, but it’s also one of the few that’s suited to most hair types. Follow the link to find out more.

Good for: straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair

Men’s quiff

The last time we saw the quiff popular as a men’s hairstyle trend it as infused with rock overtones. With the indie haircut dominating the music-orientated hairstyles, the quiff becomes something altogether more refined in 2012. It’s still infused with attitude, but, as far as men’s haircut trends this year, it’s a very different attitude. Read our guide to the new quiff for a run down for all the different quiff cuts, vintage inspiration, and styling and product recommendations.

Good for: straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair that can be relaxed

Men’s hairstyles for 2012

While the list of haircuts and hairstyles above is dedicated to the key men’s hair trends for 2012, they’re not the only ones. As always with men’s hairstyles, there are variations on themes and altogether different looks that, while mainstream, aren’t fresh or which specifically appeal to men with a particular taste. 

Short waves / short curls

2011 may have given us a completely fresh decade, but it’s in 2012 that we truly get to explore it. If the last decade was all about buzz terms prefixed by man and metro (think manscaping and metrosexual), then 2012 is all about exploring a masculine edge. Sure it’s refined, but there have been only a few periods in recent history where true masculinity didn’t come with a polished edge. Thus we leave behind a period where men and boy bands alike head to a hairstylist for the latest fandangled chemical straightening technique and instead, for those of them with curly hair, can opt for something au naturel. Natural, but no less stylish.

And natural is, effectively, where the short and curly hairstyle sits in 2012. Entangled, interlocked, and messy, it’s a hairstyle that not only connotes a relaxed lifestyle but is itself relaxed.

Of course, the nature of curls is that they come in all degrees of severity, some tight and compact, others softer but no less prone to doing whatever the hell they like no matter how much product you seem to put in your hair. The dominant men’s curly hairstyle of 2012 is a look that captures some of what the quiff offers, but it does so with far less height and with little effort to relax or straighten the curls.

Who it is for

• A natural hairstyle for those naturally curly, or at least those with a head of seriously wavy hair. Don’t try and fake curls – this is a hairstyle that will work with natural, curly hair only.

How it’ll be cut

• Like most of 2012’s men’s hair trends, it’s going to be cut shorter on the sides and longer on the top. The length will all come down to what suits you best, however.
• If you have tight curls and are after that is something easy to manage, ask your hairdresser to use clipper 1 and chop off your curls really close to the scalp. This would be easier to manage.
• Other option is to keep the length, as this would give each hair strand its curly bend.

How to style it

• Styling is essential here. Curly hair is most prone to frizzy ends, especially during the summer months. To prevent this, apply a curl controller cream to wet hair and run your fingers through it.
• While other 2012 hairstyles make great use of it, stay away from hardening gels with this particular hairstyle as they’ll solidify and make the curls look brittle.

Slicked hair with a side part

The slicked back undercut isn’t the only 2012 men’s hairstyle that is something of a classic haircut revived. Nor is it the only hairstyle that requires a sumptuous amount of product to achieve its slick look.

The men’s slicked hairstyle with side part enjoyed its major revival around 2009 / 2010 when Mad Men first impacted upon the global psyche. Courtesy of the man’s man connotations that Don Draper gave the style it soon became the go-to hairstyle of many a man, the likes of actor George Clooney included. But where it was once for the older, stylish gent, the side parted, slicked hairstyle has become just as much a look for the young. As such it was quickly appropriated by many a designer for the styling of their catwalks. You equally won’t be hard pressed to find it worn, somewhat knowingly, by style conscious chaps on the streets.

Who it is for

• This is a hairstyle ideal for men with relatively straight hair as the hair is more likely to sit flat on the head complimenting the hairstyle’s ‘slick’ shape.
• Those with curly hair can straighten or give it a straight blow-dry before commencing styling.
• If you have a receding hairline or fine hair and are self conscious of either, then discuss this with your hairdresser before getting your hair cut. This is a hairstyle that can highlight areas where men recede – though that’s not a problem for everyone.

How it’ll be cut

• This style is all about the cut. If it’s not cut so that it can be styled neat and tidy, the classic overtones of the hairstyle will fade away.
• The thumb-rule to this look is having a clean side part, with shorter sides and relatively longer hair towards the centre.
• Your hairdresser must cut the fine hair around the ears, above the neck and around the hairline. There’s no scope for casual untidiness. When you’re checking your haircut before paying, double check these areas – they must be cleanly cut.
• A razor can be used to trim the hair at the base of your head for an even more refined and tailored look.
• Book a follow-up appointment with the hairdresser, six-weeks after the first cut.
• If you have straight hair: stick to a longer cut on top.
• If you have wavy hair: opt for a short length of hair on top, perhaps a few inches in length depending on the strength of your wave.

How to style it

• Keep the parting straight.
• For a wet slicked look: apply hair gel before parting the hair and then work the product with a comb all through the hair strands.
• For a natural matte finish look: Part the hair first, spray some hairspray on a brush and gently comb through the top layers of the hair. This will resist flyaway strands.
• If you’re after the classic finish to the look popular in both the 1930s and again courtesy of Mad Men, then your product of choice will be Brylcreem.

Curly mop top

Not tight enough to be an afro and with the mop top a hairstyle more akin to the Brit-rock than anything else, it’s hard to give this hairstyle a name that connotes exactly what it is. So, despite the naff sound to it, please forgive us: we’re labelling this evolution of one of last year’s men’s hair trends the curly mop top.

This is the curly kind of hairstyle that you’d wear to an indie gig or to a Bohemian festival. Scrap that. This is the curly hairstyle that you’d wear with bucket loads of confidence. But it’s not just confidence that’s required, but also the ability to style what is one of the trickiest hairstyles for 2012. The challenge here is to maintain the out-of-control curls, so it doesn’t look like you’ve just spent 18-months on a deserted island. Nailing the 1970s revival vibe, Gucci perfected the look on their spring 2011 catwalk choosing to concentrate on the front and offer the hairstyle with both short and long curly hair.

Who is it for

• This curly men’s hairstyle works best for those with natural curls and plenty of length. As with all curly hair in 2012, we don’t recommend that anyone endures a treatment to make their hair curly.

How it’ll be cut

• When at the hairdresser, ask for a blunt cut without compromising the length; you’re aiming to get a clear shape. It works better if the cut is uniformed and hair has the same length throughout.

How to style it

• Before styling, ensure your hair is clean. An oily scalp won’t give you perfect results.
• Use a curl cream or sea salt spray to create texture in the hair. But remember to always apply these before running a hair dryer through the hair.
• Attach a diffuser to the hairdryer for best results. It won’t distort the curls.
• Once hair is dry, use a product that sticks on without ruining the texture or becoming too greasy. We recommend fibre wax, as that has a spiderweb like texture. Massage the product in the hair, concentrating in the scalp area.
• For additional curls, invest in a small curling iron. Or go the natural way and twist the hair around your fingers. Do the latter when hair is semi-wet.

Men’s haircuts for 2012

You’ll find that our list of men’s haircut trends for 2012 is rather short, and with good reason – the men’s looks that have emerged for 2012 have far less to do with a particular cut, and far more to do with the way the hair is styled. If anything, 2012 is a year in which one particular men’s haircut can be styled in a number of different ways, most inline with the hairstyles we’ve focussed on above. For men, 2012 is a year of haircut versatility.

The undercut

If you’ve already read the in depth list of men’s hair trends above, the fact that the undercut is a key haircut for 2012 will come as no surprise. That look in particular though is a slicked back undercut that relies just as much on its styling as it does on its cut. But because the styling is so particular, 2012 is a year in which other interpretations of the undercut abound.

In fact, as a men’s haircut the undercut sits as one of the most fashionable and versatile options in 2012, one capable of working with most of the hairstyles we’ve noted above. Take the Brit-rock indie hairstyle as an example – given that’s its swept from the side it’s easy to work the hairstyle in with an undercut, keeping the sides short and the long hair on top swept over and forwards.

That’s not the only option of course. Take this style for instance, which marries an undercut with a side swept quiff. The beauty of this style lies in its irony, as it’s about boasting the uncut parts of your hair whilst making it look like it’s a damn fine cut.

Who it is for

• Any man with straight or wavy hair capable of growing the top long.
• It’s also a great hairstyle to conceal a receding hairline, but make sure there’s enough thickness to support the quiff.
• This style is not for those who hate hair falling on their forehead or moving at all.

How it’ll be cut

• It’s all about the lengths – keep the sides short and your hair on top long.
• Ask your hairdresser to create a disconnection between the hair around the crown and top with the rest of the head. This can only be achieved with a hair cut at the salon.
• The sides and back can be cut with a clipper guard (number 2 or 3 work the best) or by using the scissor over comb technique for a tailored finish.

How to style it

• The undercut works with most every man’s hair type, be it straight, wavy or curly. If you have particularly thick hair, thin it down by styling with mousse.

Shoulder length haircut

Grecian God or not, shoulder length hair is never truly out, but it’s not always in either. The question for when it is in is always what style of man it’s being worn by. Is it popular the kick-back Indie kid, the guy whose life revolves around catching the next wave or an altogether different kind of man? In 2012, long, shoulder length men’s hair sits as a haircut with both a smart and sleek finish.

You’ll note that there’s a big difference between long men’s hair as a surfer would wear it and as a guy would wear it into the office. While we’re under no illusion that you’re going to start seeing shoulder length haircuts around the boardroom table of the world’s stiffest financial institutions, it is a haircut that again has an office-edge. It just happens that it’s an office filled with creatives instead of bankers and accountants. 

Who is it for

• Any man with long straight hair or managable waves not opposed to turning the heads of the sex they’re hoping to attract.

How it’ll be cut

• Ask your hairdresser to remove the just right amount of weight from the hair – you want it to sit and hang in a way that suits you, and a lot of this comes down to the weight.
• Particularly with long, straight hair layering the hair is an option, but do not forget that a layered take on this haircut will require frequent follow-up appointments.
• If layering, stay with longer layers that end at the shoulders. Don’t take the overall length of your hair too short as that’ll detract from the overall impact of the styling.
• Maintain one length for the hair; create one solid line that ends just where the collar starts. If any longer, it’ll be hard to manage.

How to style it

• When styling this look, create texture with a sea salt spray and a smoothing cream to eliminate frizz.
• If you have long, fine hair and don’t have time to properly style it, wear it back in a ponytail.
• The styling for this works best if the hair is one-day old, as scalp’s natural oils assist in the creating texture.

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Men's Cologne: Do's and Don'ts

There is nothing more beautiful than passing by a pleasant smelling person.  Good scents bring back good old memories from the past.  Men and women adorn their body with succulent scents to attract each other.  However, many men mistakenly fall on the wrong selection of cologne.  Maybe they don’t have the slightest idea on what to do and what to avoid when using cologne.  There are proper ways of selecting, keeping and using colognes.  To avoid falling into the pitfalls of shame, here are some helpful tips.

Cologne do's:

• The best way to tell how a scent really smells is to actually try it on.  You should not trust those fragrances laden pages of a magazine.  Self-testing the scent is surely the safest way to know how the scent smells on you.  Plus, you get to know if you’re not allergic to the cologne.
• Know your skin type.  It is the most critical part in choosing your cologne.  If you have a dry skin, you need to re-apply the cologne once in a while.  For those oily skinned you won’t have to put too many colognes because your skin can retain the scent for a longer time.
• The key factor in choosing your cologne is your body chemistry.  Your body’s chemistry is not constant, and it keeps changing depending on what you eat and what you do.  You should now when to wear cologne and when not to wear it.  If you plan to gorge on spicy foods better skip it for the night, or you’ll end up smelling funny.
• Like most things in life, timing is everything. So, naturally, there is a prime time for applying fragrance -- like after a hot shower or bath. The water temperature and steam assist in prying pores open, which in turn, sop up scent. And while attempting to scent unshowered skin isn’t the worst cologne crime in the world. You do run the risk of instigating a nasty cover-up.

Cologne don'ts:

• Never exaggerate your smell by dousing your cologne. It can be very offensive to other people.  The smell of you from a mile away will make everyone cringed and wrinkle their nose.  Instead of putting your life in jeopardy just put a little dab in key areas of your body such as the back of the ears, wrists and the base of the throat.
• Skip those heavily fragrance bath soaps to avoid mixing up the scent with your cologne.  Some bath soaps alter the way the scent smells.  Go for bath soaps with minimal fragrance.
• Use the cologne appropriately.  You should know when to use the cologne season-wise.  If it’s summer, you don’t have to use that heavy fragrance cologne.
• Remember that all colognes and perfumes have a shelf life.  Don’t buy too many perfumes than you can wear.

Cologne is a crucial part of being a man. The whole scent thing plays into our primal need to mark their territory. And now, they’ll be able to mark that territory right.

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