What to Wear with a Pork Pie Hat

Pork pie hats get their tasty name from their resemblance to a classic British pastry. Their low, round crowns and short brims suit a wider variety of face shapes and body types than most hats. Once the favored style for Victorian dandies, pork pie hats evolved into the fashion statement of choice for jazz musicians and ska bands. Since very little is cooler than the jazz scene, it's no wonder that pork pie hats are making a comeback.

Like any topper, the pork pie hat has its own fashion rules, although the pork pie is such an adaptable hat that it might be better to consider them guidelines rather than rules. If you have the confidence for it, you can wear a pork pie hat with almost anything.

Casual Pork Pie Hats

The simple silhouette of a pork pie hat goes well with casual clothing. What makes a pork pie hat look more casual is its fabric; in an open-weave straw or canvas construction, it looks a bit less starched than in more formal fabrics. Prints and patterns also make a hat look more appropriate for weekends than for work days. Pair a pork pie with a button-down shirt in a vintage style or with a simple t-shirt. It's a natural match for a bowling shirt, especially if the hat and brim colors coordinate with the two tones of the shirt.

Pork Pie Hats in More Formal Styles 

When you think of formal hats, you probably think of bowlers, fedoras and other shaped felt hats. Pork pie hats and felt hats have a few elements in common, but pork pies have an affable approachability that wider-brimmed fedoras may lack. That friendly appeal makes them well suited to more relaxed styles rather than extremely formal silhouettes that call for a more complex hat. A lightweight blazer with jeans and a pork pie hat is an excellent date-night option. For work wear, a pork pie is a good way to dress up long shirt sleeves and slacks when you aren't wearing a jacket. Save short sleeves for casual Fridays; even with a dapper hat, that style may be a little too relaxed for some offices.

How to Wear a Pork Pie Hat

Tipping the hat back on your head makes a pork pie hat look a little more rakish and casual. If you're slight or short, wearing your hat toward the back extends the line of your body upward rather than capping it with a flat horizontal brim. Moving the hat forward is a more businesslike look; it also tends to shorten a long face. Play around with how you wear your hat to find your best angles.

Complete the Look with Designer Accessories for Men

In the world of fashion it is probably fair to say that when considering the term “accessories” this tends to be something that is widely considered on the whole, an area of the clothing industry that is by and large predominantly associated with women’s wear , with items such as jewellery, hair accessories, designer handbags, purses and the like all regularly a focus of discussion - and indeed in many instances a “hot topic” - on online fashion blogs, as well as in the printed press in countries all over the world.

     But what of fashion and accessories for men I hear you cry? Surely there must be demand for suitable matching designer accessories to compliments men’s clothing too? Well, when it comes to men’s fashion accessories there is indeed now an increasing level of market and demand - and in turn a growing industry of specialist shops and online retailers tailoring their products purely toward the male accessories market and shying away from what is already a massively competitive and largely flooded female accessories marketplace.

     Moodys Worldwide for example, are one such retailer who have opted to specialise purely in a range of accessories for men – with a broad selection of quality leather wallets, smart ties, Mens silk scarves, leather belts, caps and other men’s accessories inspired and popularised by the recent resurgence in gentlemen’s country style clothing. Perfect alongside a quilted jacket, these fine accessories will suit any man looking for a classic country look, even if living in more modernised urban surroundings.

Designer Clothing - Big Brands for Large Men

Larger or taller men can sometimes face big challenges in the smart style stakes as a lot of clothes targeted at those with a bigger build tend to be extremely casual in nature. Jogging bottoms and tracksuit tops, though comfortable, aren't a great style fit for every occasion.

With this in mind, I've been looking at the offerings of Jacamo Menswear this week to try and hone in on pieces that tick the boxes of smart and stylish, yet stay suitable for men of all sizes.

One collection that stood out is the Penguin spring/summer range. Available in sizes up to a 5XL and in longer length options too, Penguin largely concentrate on polo shirts and chinos that are smart enough to pass the pub/club test while staying comfortable. Prices sit around the £50 to £70 mark, making their pieces slightly pricey but still realistic for designer gear. They also design boots and shoes to complement the street smart look.

Penguin clothes perfectly encapsulate the preppy sportswear look that's popular at the moment. The polo shirts and chinos have a touch of the American Ivy League style, but are grown up enough for men in their twenties and beyond to wear.

The brand itself does have its sporty connotations, though with a more gentlemanly nature. Penguin was started by American Abbot Penderson, who was a keen golfer. It's also a brand that has been favoured by some real male fashion icons in the past including Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Dean Martin - if it's good enough for Ol' Blue Eyes, I'm sure it's good enough for a pint down the pub, a trip to the shops and putting a few holes on the local golf

Belstaff Still Lead the Way in Mens Designer Jackets

From its humble beginnings in Longton near Stoke on Trent, Belstaff has now established itself as the most iconic and leading brand name in the world of men’s designer leather jackets. Unrivalled in terms of the quality of materials and build, and always at the forefront of technological advancements in fabric, Belstaff now produce the ultimate range of men’s (and women’s) leather and waxed cotton jackets designed for the 21st century adventurer and free spirit.

     The brand has always had strong links to motorbikes and the life on the open road - and its trialmaster jacket has remained a favourite amongst bikers for many decades (and was also warn by Will Smith in the film "I Am Legend"). Belstaff’s Mojave jacket is also a classic design based on the jacket motorcycle legend Steve Mcqueen used to race in during the 1960s. The brand has a rich heritage and history of producing high quality and stylish designer jackets and combining the classic and the contemporary to produce the ultimate collection of men’s designer clothing.

Top 6 Fashion Mistakes Made By Men

While girls may pay great attention to their makeup by using brands like Maybelline and many others, guys often need to take better care about how they dress - as this is a key thing that best defines their personality, at least when it comes to first impressions.

Summer is the time when you wear the least number of clothes - but still there are many men who will make fashion mistakes. Even the heat does not prevent them from wearing too many clothes and getting all hot and sweaty. Given below are the biggest fashion sins and their solutions that you can avoid this summer:

1. Shoes And Socks with Shorts

It is okay if you wrap your feet in both shoes and socks in winter. But why should you do the same in summer? Stop wearing socks and wear sandals or boat shoes (without socks!) They will not only let your feet breathe but will also look good.

Don’t change over to flip-flops just because you want your feet open to the air. They are good for a walk to the beach but when you are going out, wear sandals that are made of leather and have simple criss-cross patterns as they are much more comfortable.

2. Wearing The Multi-Pocketed Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts were the flavor last season. Their sagging pockets have not made them very popular this year. Instead, choose khakis, slim cut jeans or shorts that have bold plaids on them for patterns. These patterns and clothes for summer look good and cool. They keep away the heat and are comfortable. Just a word of caution! Make sure that your shorts are about 2 inches above your knees.

3. Using Strong Cologne And Perfumes

Strong colognes are for winter. When used in summer, they are unbearable and big fashion sin. Use something light with citrus notes that remind you of sunshine and water.

4. Tank Tops

Tank tops look good on women but on men, they are best worn as undershirt. Unless, you want to look like a weight lifter, do not wear it with your jeans. If you are feeling the heat, then wear a polo shirt or a T-shirt.

5. Wearing Baggy Broad Shorts

These are a thing of the past and are best packed away till they come back into fashion. For now, your swimwear should not be baggy or fall below the knees. Wear form-fitting shorts that look like your regular shorts. They should be slim and just above the knees.

6. Using Wraparound Shades

Sunglasses are essential summer wear but why would you want to wear wrap-around sunshades? They are good when you are involved in some sports but for regular use, wear aviators or other shades that reflect your style. Keep trying sunglasses till you find the right one for you.

Enjoy the summer months to the hilt. They are too short to make mistakes and regret them. Just remember to keep away from tank tops and wraparound sunglasses!

Grenson Shoes: The Ultimate Range of Mens Designer Brogues & Boots

If you are looking for a range of men’s designer shoes that offers style, quality of build, luxury and comfort then look no further than the latest range from Grenson. This long established brand has emerged from Northampton in the UK and subsequently launched itself into the forefront of men’s fashion over the last few years with their stunning range of men’s designer brogues – with the tan coloured Grenson “Archie” and Grenson “Stanley” models proving extremely popular this season.

The brand also do some very stylish men’s designer boots which are perfect to combat the cold, rain and snow during the winter season - and could also therefore make a perfect gift this xmas. The Grenson “Sharp” and Grenson “Fred” boots like the brand’s brogues are made from extremely high quality calf leather – and are superbly stylish and comfortable to wear in the current cold and wintery conditions.

Mens Penfield Jackets: The Perfect Winter Warmer

During the winter month's its perhaps not surprising that rugged outdoor fashion brands come into their own, and in this regard Penfield is no exception.  First established in Massachusetts in 1975, the Penfield brand has emerged initially out of necessity - anyone who has visited this part of America will tell you that due to the climatic conditions during winter the need for outerwear that provides, warmth, durability and protection from the rain and snow is all but an essential.

     Since its initial conception however the brand has gradually established itself in the mens designer clothing market on the back of a fantastic range of winter coats and jackets, in addition to other winter warmers such as fleeces and jumpers - all of which are essential purchases for the stylish young man to survive the winter months.

     The last year or two has also seen the brand  break into many of the leading mens fashion stores here in the UK - and with a selection of stylish quilted and down stuffed jackets and sleeveless body warmers available to buy now they are a great fashion item to help you survive the frozen wastelands of Blighty this December. This season's mens Penfield jackets also feature some nice details like fleece lined pockets to keep your hands warm and comfy when out and about, plus leather "shooting" shoulder patches which are very popular in designer mens jackets and jumpers during winter 2011.

Designer Clothing Trends for the Whole Family

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s time to start shopping for the whole family. Here we have picked out the latest designer trends for men, women and children so you can shop around for this season’s hottest luxury clothing and the most stylish stocking fillers.


Men’s Designer Clothing Trends

• Fairisle knits – the fairisle pattern is back once again and this time it’s come back with more variation, drawing inspiration from tribal influences.

• Winter brights – there’s nothing more exciting that bright knitwear. Brighten up any winter outfit with some brightly coloured V neck jumpers such as the smart yet colourful Lyle and Scott collection.

• Cords – chinos are out and cords are in! If you have every colour of chino pants in your wardrobe, it’s time to shift them along the rail to make room for winter chinos.


Women’s Designer Clothing Trends

• Nordic knitwear –fairisle has take a turn for the quirkier, so this A/W it’s all about patterned ponchos and Scandinavian inspired pieces. Try designers such as Nordstrom and French Connection for pretty fairisle gifts.

• Tribal trims – the tribal look has carried over from the summer and we now see a tamer version of tribal attitude, including tans and suedes, large prints and big, chunky jewellery.

• Capes and ponchos – Capes dipped its toes into the fashion scene last year and now they are all over the high street.


Kid’s Designer clothing Trends

• Nordic knitwear – the Nordic fairisle print is extremely cute on little ones and you add to the cute factor with some frills, ruffles and pom poms.

• Fur collars – faux fur has been huge this season and Moschino can offer a wide range of fur collared jackets and faux fur coats for extra warmth.

• Down gilets – the gilet is super stylish at any time of year, but add the luxury of Down feathers to keep little ones extra warm this winter.

Keep up to the latest children’s fashion trends on the Kids Designer Clothing blog.

Luke Roper Leicester Store to Open September 2011

The official Luke 1977 website has announced the scheduled opening date of its new Leicester store is set for around 2 to 3 weeks’ time – great news for men's designer clothing lovers (or doting mums and girlfriends) who are looking to get their hands on some quality Luke clobber from the winter 2011 collection in plenty of time to avoid Christmas rush.

The new shop located in the Highcross Shopping Centre will be the 5th "bricks and mortar" incarnation of the leading men's designer clothing brand here in the UK.  The news of the Leicester shop opening comes following the successful recent launch of the Luke Roper store in St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff on 7th of August.

Famous for its rugged but stylish collection of designer menswear, the Luke brand has been continuing to look to expand its horizons beyond designer Luke Roper's old stomping ground in the West Midlands. The Luke shop in The Bullring in Birmingham opened with a bang in late April 2011, with the opening party attended by members of indie band The Enemy as well as Premier League stars from Aston Villa FC.

News of the Leicester launch party bash should be surfacing soon on Luke's official Facebook page.

Lyle and Scott Heritage Autumn / Winter 2011

The distinctive red coloured Lyle and Scott eagle logo is the instantly recognisable hallmark of this long standing brand’s fantastic new men’s autumn and winter 2011 Heritage range. With a style ethos that is essentially centred around a smart and refined yet still semi casual sense of dress code and styling, the latest Lyle and Scott Heritage collection comprises some excellent warm garments such as jumpers and jackets which are perfect for the winter months. 

Alongside these are the obligatory selection of the ever popular men’s Lyle and Scott polo shirts that have proved an extremely big hit over the last few years, and have been an integral part of the brand’s 21st century renaissance.

Barbour International Range Remains At Forefront of Mens Fashion

Everybody has heard of Barbour - the iconic British lifestyle brand famous for their classic wax jackets. Not many realise that they sell more than wax jackets for the country set. Barbour were founded in 1894 by John Barbour in the northern English town of South Shields. A lot has changed since then!

Barbour's original wax jackets are still made close to where the company was founded. However Barbour have also expanded their range. From classic, heritage countrywear that still looks 120 years later, Barbour now produce more modern styles.

Barbour International is a range of urban clothing for both men and women. Inspired by Barbour's original motorcycling outfits of the 1930s, the range has been brought up to date to fit in with the lifestyle of the modern 21st Century fashionista.

As well as traditional "Barbour green" the range includes bright and bold colours. A variety of leather, quilted and nylon jackets form the basis of the range. Parkas and Polar Quilt jackets are guaranteed to keep the wearer warm on cold days. For warmer weather, the Barbour International range also includes shirts, crewnecks and t-shirts that look just as good on a night on the town out as at a motorcycling event.

Cruyff Trainers A Breath Of Fresh Air For Mens Footwear

This fantastic range of mens designer trainers has grown massively over the last couple of years - and the brand's new Autumn and Winter 2011 product range is sure to prove a big hit amongst young, fashionable lads across the UK who are seeking something truly unique and different from the usual run of the mill mens footwear. Taking their inspiration from one of the world's all time great football players Johan Cruyff, these stunning and extremely distinctive range of mens designer footwear sport a unique slim fit and football boot esq design and styling that suitably reflect the skill and passion of the great Dutch forward himself.

Using the highest quality leather for their product, Cruyff trainers offer the wearer some highly striking, bold and innovative colours and designs including some hi tops, low profile and quilted trainer models. The Vanenburg trainers in particular has proved to be extremely popular and will certainly make you stand out from the usual crowd of mates who will no doubt stay true to the usual Adidas and Nike designs that seem to have been around for decades. So check out the latest Cruyff trainers and find a unique breath of fresh air in the world of mens designer footwear.

Mens Designer Chinos A Great Alternative to Jeans

Unless you have been living under s rock for the last 12 months you will probably have noticed that designer men's chinos have made a big comeback this last year or so. For the fashionable young man in 2011 the rise of the chino has been a positive for those like me who had a wardrobe full of only blue denim jeans. As much as I love the jeans from labels such as Nudie, Edwin and Denham it has to be said it is refreshing to now have a more varied collection of garments.

     If you are looking to buy men's chinos then you don't have to look very hard to find them. Many of the recently emerging leading fashion labels such as Humor have built their reputation on the instantly recognizable drop crotch men's pants with the sand or beige colours proving popular. More established brands such as Dockers have also brought out a good range of men's designer chinos recently for Winter 2011. However you can also find cheaper options on the high street with my rust coloured chinos with nice white button detail coming from Top Man at just £28 and other high street favourites such as H & M have different styles of chino available.

Fantastic Stylish Mens Footwear from Paul Smith

Whether you are looking for casual or smart footwear, the latest range of men's footwear from leading designer Paul Smith is going to blow you away. With a range of trainers that carry a style that is distinctive but casually understated (including their new “Cloud” and “Musa” range of Paul Smith trainers), the brand have gone that extra mile to make a footwear range that is really unique and gives the wearer a great sense of fashion and style but with a degree of subtlety.

The Paul smith brand have also recently released an excellent range of smart leather shoes alongside their selection of increasingly popular deck shoes style (such as the “Hashbury”), so check out their latest menswear range and see if you can find a product to complete your look – be it casual or smart.

Havaianas Still Lead Way In Mens Summer Footwear

For the ultimate in stylish and comfortable summer footwear look no further than Brazil’s greatest export: Havaianas flip flops. From as early as 1962, this leading international brand in the world of men’s fashion footwear has been championing its own secret formula of rubber that give their flip flops unparalleled comfort as well as long lasting style. Durable as well as comfortable to wear, the brand has released dozens of different designs over the years, but remains the market leaders when it comes to men’s summer footwear.

     Remaining as popular today as in their time of origin Havaiana flip flops are once again a must have item for any fashionable young man heading to a beach holiday or one of Europe’s great festivals this summer. Let your feet breath and enjoy the comfort that Havaianas flip flops provide as you laze around the beach or park. Also for the spring/summer 2011 season you can check out the brand’s range of pumps and canvas slip-ons which have added a new dimension to this great men’s designer clothing line.

Finding the Best Mens Designer Clothing Websites

With the arrival of the all new spring and summer 2011 lines of men’s designer clothing now filling our city centre and shopping centre stores and fully stocked onto the UK’s leading online retailer’s websites, fashionable gentlemen across the country are understandably on the lookout for the latest deals on both new stock and also the end of line sale items still available from the previous autumn and winter 2010 season. With the weather set fair, it’s time to grab those designer polo shirts and shorts as well as those cool sun shades.  

Indeed, it doesn’t take a scientist to work out that the internet is awash nowadays with clothing websites offering the latest men’s threads from top brands like Lacoste, Lyle & Scott, Barbour, Hugo Boss and much more - so finding and comparing the best few websites offering the latest men’s designer clothing may often prove to be a difficult and time consuming business. Luckily though, help is at hand as there are some easy to use comparison sites, blogs, web directories and websites around that can help you find and identify the best men’s clothing websites that the internet has to offer all at the click of a button – by listing all the best clothing sites for men under one roof. 

Cheap and Cool Trainers from Express Trainers

You will probably know from reading many of my other posts on this men's designer clothing blog that I have a great passion for getting hold of the latest trainers and other casual men's footwear. While I'm very proud to have such a cool and diverse range of gear from brands and shops from around the world, there is only one problem with having such as big trainer obsession however - and that is the inevitable ongoing drain on my wallet as I seek out the latest trainer models.

     Luckily if you are as mad keen on buying men's trainers as I am, you will surely know that there are many great places to buy these products online - and regularly at much lower prices than you will find in the local city centre. One of my personal favourite sites at the moment is Express Trainers - I personally love the retro Adidas trainer styles they have such as the Stan Smith and Gazelle models, but you can also get trainers from some of the more recent fashion brands such as G-star, and some cool pumps for the summer too. While it may not be the prettiest site to look at, don't let this put you off! There are many bargains to be had here.

Mens Timberland Boots - The Ultimate in Rugged Fashion Footwear

When it comes to the world of men’s footwear, if you are looking for a killer combination of style, practicability and durability then you must surely look no further than a pair of classic mens Timberland boots. Developers of a range of great solid wearing footwear that is equally at home on the building site, up a mountainside in the great outdoors or keeping you warm and dry on an urban city football terracing – the Timberland brand has established itself as a near iconic name in men’s outdoor wear and as a rugged fashion line that remains as popular today as it ever was.

 

From the mid 1960s, the Timberland brand has been at the centre of advanced boot making technology and methodology – introducing a ground breaking injection moulding design which allowed for greater waterproofing and greater lastability for the boot. Modern advancements have since given the boots a level of breathability and comfort that is unparalleled amongst similar competing footwear lines including a cushioned sock lining and the boot’s padded tongue provides the wearer extra comfort.

Converse Shoes - Iconic Men’s Style

It is arguable that few footwear brands over the years can claim such an iconic place in the history of men’s fashion and sport than Converse. The Converse brand takes its roots and inspirations from its historical contributions in American sport. In the early years of the twentieth century, the brand designed and manufactured what was at the time considered to be a revolutionary piece of American Basketball footwear – a trainer that remains widely regarded as the first performance shoe specifically designed to be used in the sport.

Today, the brand remains immersed in the world of American sports - and more broadly speaking an iconic brand name in the players, fans and culture of athleticism, popular music and men’s fashion. The Converse All Star and High Tops models still remain as popular as ever – worn by leading sporting figures and top names from the world of music in the USA and Europe. Offering both comfort and style at a relatively affordable price, the longevity of converse shoes is perhaps not surprising – and its distinctive Chuck Taylor star logo is as recognisable across the world as other sports fashion footwear giants Adidas and Nike.  

Humor Jeans Sales Set to Rise in 2011

As I have previously highlighted on this blog, the last couple of years have heralded the emergence and growth in some fantastic new designer jeans labels including Nudie and Edwin as well as a resurgence for some classic brands like Levis and Lee Cooper. Hot on the trail of these fantastic denim lines is the Danish brand Humor.

 
     The Humor brand takes its inspiration for its jean designs, colours, styles and cuts from urban electronic music and the lifestyles of inner city men who enjoy it - and they have burst onto the mens fashion scene with some aplomb in 2010. Humor's fashion philosophy claims they are seeking to incorporate styling elements from workwear, sports clothing and classic club fashion - as well as the streetwear of some of the worlds greatest fashion centres: London, Tokyo, New York and Berlin.
     Perhaps the most popular line of jeans that the brand has produced is the Humor Santiago jeans. Standing out from many other lines of designer mens jeans, Humor Santiago jeans sport a distinctive low crotch and carrot fit - giving them a style all of their own in the world of mens designer clothing.