Showing posts with label Smart Casual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smart Casual. Show all posts

Monday, February 25, 2008

Celebrity Fashion: Matthew Fox

I believe most of us know Matthew Fox, if he is new to you, I am sorry, you are probably be out of touch a while. Nevertheless, I have put up some short introduction to you here. Matthew Fox is an American actor and former model. His first major role was playing the older brother and patriarch Salinger on Party of Five in the 1990s, co-starring with both Scott Wolf and Neve Campbell. He gained much greater fame for his current starring role as Jack Shephard on the hit ABC drama series Lost.

So here are some of the Matthew Fox's fashion for you to consider.

Matthew's beach wear with Capri pant and with white casual dress shirt

Matthew's casual dress with blue jeans

Matthew's smart business casual and leisure casual with unshaven style (and tattoo)


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Sunday, December 16, 2007

Men 10 essentials in the closet

With busy work schedule and less rest time, most men find less and less time for shopping. Have you even think of buying some new digs but don't have time for all these? Instead of spending time to shop for normal shirts and pants that you can wear every day, why not get a few key pieces that can take you from day to night and weekday to weekend.

So here are 10 fashion clothing and accessory essentials that you should able to find in your closet.
  1. Khaki Pants: A good pair of dress pants that can be worn to work is essential to every man’s closet. Choose a pair of well tailored khaki’s that you can wear to work, church, out for the evening, or to a casual luncheon. These pants can quite possibly take you from your morning coffee to your after work martini all year round.
  2. Blue Jeans: Invest in a quality pair of dark blue jeans that fits well. Since many work places have adopted casual Friday policies, a pair of nice dark blue jeans is a great addition to your wardrobe. Pair you jeans with a sweater, a stylish button down shirt, or even a polo shirt. A pair of dark jeans is also a great addition to your weekend wear, especially for casual dates.
  3. Sweater: A solid, neutral color sweater is a must for any man trying to complete his closet. Look for something with either a V neck or a traditional collar. A simple wool sweater can be worn alone; with a pair of corduroys on the weekend; or with button down shirt underneath for situations where you need a little more class. If affordable, get a upper class one so it can be worn in different occasions.

  4. White Button-down Shirt: Everything on this list will look great with a white button down shirt. A white button down shirt is something you really need to have. Choose one that is well tailored. Wear it underneath your sweater, by its self, or with your suit and tie. If you’re wearing it for a special occasion, class it up with a pair of cufflinks.
  5. Coat: A flexible yet classy coat it imperative to your wardrobe from fall to spring. A trench coat is an excellent choice for several reasons. For starters, this coat can be worn to work, formal occasions, or just to run to the coffee shop. The climate versatility of the trench coat is another great reason to add it to your closet. Many trench coats are water proof to a certain extent making it perfect for rain or snow. They are also light and therefore can be worn in the spring with just a t-shirt, or during the chillier months with a sweater underneath. When choosing a color, try to find something in a neutral color like black or brown.
  6. Black or dark color Suit: Life is full of surprises, and often time you are forced to dress for a certain occasion or event with little notice. Whether you have the excitement of a job interview or the sorrow of a funeral, you often don’t have time to run to the store and buy something to wear. Having well tailored black suit will ensure that you’re always prepared for situation that require you to be well dressed on little or no notice
  7. Ties: solid, neutral colored ties are a great thing to keep on hand for spur of the moment business meetings, classy nights out on the town, or simply to wear every day to work. While colorful patterned ties are great fashion accessories, a simple tie is more useful for everyday occasions.
  8. Dress Shoes: While you wear semi casual shoes to work, you should make sure you have a pair of dress shoes on hand at all times. I would suggest purchasing pair in black to make sure they match with your suit, jeans, and khakis. Find a quality pair that is comfortable and simple so you can wear them for any dressy occasion.
  9. Designer Watch: This may not be gold or diamond number, but a designer watch will automatically upgrade your look.
  10. Cufflinks: One of the most important accessory to ensure that you are always prepared for business meeting, or classy occasions.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Men Casual Wear: Back to Basic

In my previous article, I have highlighted the differences between business attire and smart casual, and how to choose your smart casual wear. But I do received some e-mails asking what is smart casual wear and what is the different between smart casual and casual wear? In the following article, I have classified casual wear into 6 broad categories.

6 Categories of Casual Wear

1. Smart Casual

You are going to an informal dinner with friends in an upscale restaurant. You are wearing dress trousers (or even crisp jeans*), a long-sleeve shirt, maybe a tie, leather loafers or dressy slip-on's, patterned socks or solid-colored dress socks, a tipped belt, and you may or may not wear a sport coat. You are dressed in the Smart Casual category.

*If you are wearing crisp jeans, you must wear a sport coat for Smart Casual.

2. Business Casual

Business Casual is only one category of business attire. Business dress has three primary categories: Power Business, General Business, and Business Casual. While Business Casual attire is a recent addition to traditional business dress, it is no longer considered to be a trend. Human resources experts claim that it is here to stay as a permanent fixture in corporate America.

A simple definition of Business Casual is “A comfortably relaxed version of classic business attire, with no sacrifice of professionalism or personal power.”

Business Casual draws from the aforementioned Smart Casual and Dressy Casual categories, with many distinctions. True Business Casual attire incorporates the more tailored garments from those two classifications.

3. Active Casual

You meet friends for cappuccino after working out in the gym, running, roller blading, biking, playing tennis, racquetball, golf any sport of your choice. The appropriate clothing for these activities clearly indicates that you have been physically active. This type of casual wear is called Active Casual. Jogging suits, warm-ups, wind suits, running shorts, tennis skirts, biking shorts, leggings, leotards, snow-ski garb, etc. exemplify this classification. With the exception of some golf clothing, Active Casual has NO business in the workplace.

4. Rugged Casual

Let see, it's Saturday and it’s cold! You are helping friends move some antique furniture from storage, and you will have lunch together while you are out. You have chosen to wear your heavy socks and a hiking-type boot, a flannel shirt with jeans or heavy khakis, a camouflage shirt, or a sweater topped with an insulated parka. You are dressed in Rugged Casual attire. The Rugged Casual category draws garments from the typical apparel of the more outdoorsy sports, like hunting, fishing, backpacking, rock climbing, etc. Unless your job is related to these types of industries, this apparel does not mean business in the workplace.

5. Sporty Casual

It's your day off. You are running errands, going for a massage, just generally hanging out. Let's say you are wearing cotton pants, shorts, or jeans, a heavyweight T- or sweat shirt, a button-down or polo-style shirt, a belt, and tennis shoes. This type of casual is called Sporty Casual.

Anytime you are wearing a sneaker-type shoe with jeans, khakis, walking shorts, skirts, etc., and you are not participating in a sport, you are dressed in the Sporty Casual category. Notice, it is sporty. Most sports have particular items of clothing that support participants in performing well in that game. This category is not about playing a sport, but more about the relaxed look of a spectator. Sportswear has been synonymous with casual separates in the fashion world for years. Since that term was coined over fifty years ago, the world has changed dramatically. Today, the sportswear section of a store includes everything except suits, dresses, and formal wear.


6. Dressy Casual

You are going to an art gallery exhibit on opening night, and then to dinner with friends. The invitation suggested “Casual Attire.” Due to the nature and the time of the event, the host means Dressy Casual (Casual Elegance), which is similar to Smart Casual, with no jeans.

For male or female, the shoes take on a dressier tone, and the fabrics are richer, dressier.

This category indicates dress trousers, a turtleneck or mock-turtle version, a dress shirt or a silk sport shirt (long-sleeved), a tie (optional), and a jacket or sport coat.

Casual weddings call for this type of attire as well. Out of respect for the ceremonial nature of a wedding, a dressy dressed-down look is required, regardless of location, when casual attire is requested.

Summary

No need to obsess over the clothing pieces listed with these classifications. The above examples were used just to help you begin making basic observations and distinctions about the differing degrees of casual dress. This is an essential step in grasping the important nuances of Business Casual. You can then consciously select casual garments for your business wardrobe that are multipurpose and fill other wardrobe needs, and garments that work hard for you on the job.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Men Jeans: Tips to choose matching clothes and accessories

Shopping is an effective way to keep yourself away from bad mood and depression - no matter whether you go shopping for new jeans or sport car.


Every men has jeans as an essential part of his wardrobe. It is not so complicated to choose jeans as there is a wide range of models to match any style, constitution and personal taste.

However, you are probably puzzled by the question what items of clothes and accessories will match your jeans and help you create your own distinctive style. The following are some useful tips:

1. Classic Long-Sleeved Dress Shirt
You really can’t go wrong with this, as long as you find the right matching color and pattern. Try to find something that doesn’t have any pockets, if you can, for smart casual. White is most preferred color as it is easily match with whatever pants, but almost any color will work.


2. Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt

Again, classic and mannish, these come in a variety of fabrics and designs. These short-sleeved polo shirts are mostly suitable with all kind of jeans. Color strip or solid colors are both well received in man fashion world.

3. Jackets

Jeans worn together with a jacket create a really classical and refined look. You may wonder whether it is smart? No second thought, this definitely delivers the message.

4. Accessories and watches

Wearing elegant jeans requires putting on elegant accessories. High boot will not only make your macho, but will also add elegancy to your appearance.

A stylish watch is a must have accessory for any man. If you mainly associate watches with something boring and not exciting, forget about classically-styled watches. Pay your attention to designer watches featured by watches developed by world-renowned watch-making brands.

It is great if you have a few differently styled watches to match different occasions - a noisy night club party or a solemn wedding celebration.

You are sure to get fascinated by watch-making masterpieces of such prestigious brands as Rolex, TAG Hueur, Oris, Omega, Patek Philippe, Rado, Tudo, Louis Vuitton and many more. If you feel reluctant to spend tons of money at a prestigious watch brand, use an opportunity of purchasing a qualitative replica watch.

Naturally, not all replica watches are of top quality. However, there are on-line dealers offering qualitative Japanese replica watches at affordable price range. A replica watch which provides the same look, design and functions as the original one is a real bargain.

To draw a conclusion, jeans are no longer a clothing item necessary just for walking and going for a trip. It presently refers to classically-styled items, especially if worn with other nice pieces of clothes and accessories.

While creating your own "jeans style", try to keep in mind the latest fashion trends and the peculiarities of one's appearance. If you feel free to experiment, you are sure to come up with your own exclusive style.

You may also interested in the following topics:

Business Attire vs. Smart Casual

5 Tips on what to wear in office

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

How you wear in an interview?

Assume you have one interview appointment tomorrow and you have prepared yourself well for the occasion - anticipating the questions and getting ready the answers. However, have you given a thought to what you will wear?

If you have not peeked into your wardrobe yet, it's time to take a real hard look now. Your application's fate depends not just on how well you answer the interview questions, but most importantly also on how well you project yourself physically, ie. “Hello” effect. The way a person dresses is the single biggest non-verbal communication you make about yourself.

The right dressing is a measure of the seriousness that you place on the position, as a person normally spends time on his looks if he considers an event important enough.

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job, but a poor dress sense definitely votes you out for further consideration, of course there will always be some exceptions. Besides, given two equally good applicants, the company may choose to hire the person who is dressed more professionally.

After go through the initial discussion, here come some tips to you to get started.

  • Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks. White is still the safest and the best color for shirts. The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather. Also acceptable: pale shades such as beige, blue, and other pastels. Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves. Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an interview or any business purpose. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your executive image.
  • Ties. Choose a conservative pattern. Solids, small polka dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys are all acceptable.

  • Belts. Belts should match your shoes. Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look more professional.

  • Shoe and Socks. Black Shoe and socks are the best or any dark color shoe and socks. Never wear white socks! Check your sock length, too--no skin should show when you sit down or cross your legs. Shoes. Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them, because tassel loafers are very casual. Other suitable colors are brown, cordovan and navy.

  • Hair. Keep neat, short and preferably parted on the side. And shave off all those facial hair.

  • Jewellery. Wear no or little jewellery. The watch and wedding ring are the only acceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire. Thin gold or leather-strapped watches look professional but not digital watches. Also, avoid political or religious insignias, necklaces or bracelets. Definitely no pierced body parts and cover up your tattoos!

  • Accessories. As much as possible, use leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume. Use narrow briefcases and avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place.
  • Confident. The finishing part of the whole attire, be confident on your self and carry a good looking smile on your face.
Check THIS out if you wanna find out more about job interview Q&A.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Men underwear..... What so special??

There was a time when guys didn't have many options when it came to their underwear and what was available wasn't all that exciting to boot. Times have changed though and men have the luxury of choosing all kinds of styles, fabrics and fits. You can very well have every day underwear, underwear for the gym, underwear for hitting the town in and underwear for other occassions or activities. Just know you have choices. And a good rule of thumb when buying a new style of underwear is to buy just one pair to make sure you like the way they fit and look on you before buying in quantities.

Some of favorite brands


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Saturday, July 7, 2007

Some Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 07 Shot by Steven Klein

The theme is really unite, silver......is the latest trend all the world well know designers promoting this year.


Perfect match, formal suit with bolt tie, with sexy lady...



White....relate to pure, clean, gentle, the most easier color to match...outstanding and simple....


Smart casual, with jacket and sweather...... whatever color you go, will be perfect match for D&G


Louis Vuitton Fashion Show: You are back!!

I like this brand the most!! Louis Vuitton, simple and casual this year....
This is the color that I like most, projected a clean image!! White.......I like you very much.....

I think the jacket pins are cool and something very new, To all the men out there black pants and white shoes are very attractive. Personally I like sparkly leather shoes or white shoes + belt & black pants where people sights are drawn down into them after you enter a space.

And of course, the bag!! all the bags are so well designed!!
Well done !! Louis Vuitton.... you did it again!!

Valentino : Fashion Show

Guess Male Fashion Show!!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

5 tips on What to Wear in Office

No matter whether you just joined a new company or visit your client's office, it is always important to establish what to wear especially the "Halo" effect is very important to your business partners or associates. There are many ways to find out what you should wear in a office, but the following 5 tips are what I find most useful and workable for me so far.

Find a middle ground
There's no need to go to extremes with a full-piece suit, or on the other side of the spectrum, track pants and sneakers. There is a happy medium where dress pants, button-down shirts, sweaters, and sports jackets rule and serve to make you look like you mean business.

You can never be overdressed
This is something that holds true when you're at work. You won't lose anything by showing up overdressed, but on the other hand, you will feel uncomfortable if you're highly underdressed -- and wouldn't you rather people notice your sense of style rather than your ability to make rolling out of bed an art form?

If you're unsure, ask
If you're a new hire or simply aren't sure about the new dress code at work, there's nothing wrong with asking your HR department or your superior for clarifications of the guidelines and company dress policy. It's always better to ask beforehand than find out the hard way; like your boss telling you that what you're wearing is inappropriate for the office. And yes -- he will let you know.

A simple tip to keep in mind while dressing for work? If you're unsure or have doubts about your getup, then you're better off not wearing it. Follow your gut and remember that if you're hesitant about what you're wearing, your hesitation might be reflected in your attitude that day.

Pay attention to detail
Your ability to pay attention to the little things when it comes to your appearances will speak volumes about your attention to detail in every aspect of life, and that's a trait you want to show off in the business world. So if you do step out in chinos and a button-down shirt, make sure that there are no creases in your pants, all the buttons in your shirt are in order, and your shirt is properly tucked in. If you don't make yourself look presentable, who will? Remember, image is everything.

Dress for success
Lastly, whether or not your place of work has enforced a smarts casual dress code or strictly a casual one, you should always make sure you look presentable, professional, and like someone you would want to do business with. Of course, your style depends on the industry you belong in, but that is never an excuse for looking sloppy.


Enjoy.......................

Top 10 Tips on Proper Business Attire for Men

In my whole working life, being in work or attend business functions, parties or dinners, a proper dressed up is always a plus point than under dressed. In this session, I would like to share the TOP 10 tips on what we should wear in such environment.
  • Choose a conservative suit in navy, black or gray either pinstripe or solid. The quality of the material speaks as loudly as the color and can make the difference between sleaze and suave.
  • A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves offers the most polished look. The more pattern and color you add, the more the focus is on your clothing, rather than your professionalism.
  • Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. Avoid the cartoon characters and go for simple and subtle if you want to enhance your credibility.
  • Socks should be calf-length or above. Make sure they match not only what you are wearing, but also each other. A quick glance in good light before heading out the door can save embarrassment later in the day. Check for holes as well if you'll be going through airport security and removing your shoes.
  • Shoes should without question be conservative, clean and well polished. Lace-up shoes are the choice over slip-ons or flip flops. Don't think for a minute that people don't notice shoes. Many people will look at your feet before your face.
  • Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality counts.
  • Keep jewelry to a minimum. In a time when men sport gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the business professional should limit himself to a conservative watch, a wedding band and maybe his college ring.
  • Personal hygiene is part of the success equation. Freshly scrubbed wins out over heavily fragranced any day of the week. Save the after-shave for after hours, but never the shave itself.
  • The accessories: briefcase, portfolio and pen. When it comes to sealing the deal, a top of the line suit, a silk tie and a good pair of leather shoes can lose their affect when you pull out the ball point pen you picked up in the hotel meeting room the day before.
  • The finishing part of the whole attire, be confident on your self and carry a good looking smile on your face.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Business attire vs. Smart casual

For most of the gentleman, we always need to put a clear line between business wear and casual wear. Business wear, sometime is just fair too formal, and it might not suit all the working environment, especially you are able to join some function for the first time! Thank God! here come the combination between business and casual. Similar to the those working ladies nowadays, guys are also getting smart casual, which are more relaxed, and yet professional look. Below are some simple definition between Business attire and Smart Casual.

"Business attire" is a full suit with matching pants, a dress shirt and tie.It differs from the type of outfit you might wear to a wedding or evening event. It is conservative, designed to be sharp but not flashy, and elegant but not overly formal. The idea is to showcase the individual, not the clothes.

"Smart casual" is a more relaxed, yet professional look. Pressed pants, a collared shirt, and clean, matching accessories. A sport coat will add a touch of class to a casual look. Avoid jeans, sneakers and T-shirts.

So now the question is in what circumstances we wear business attire, smart casual and relaxed casual? It is really depend on individual, my opinion, as long as you feel comfortable.... :)
However, there are some custom and traditional culture that we still need to follow and bound to..(Anyway, you can still dressed your way if you want to... ) like funeral, marriage, wedding function, interview, Gala dinner