Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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

Sunday, January 8, 2012

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.

Friday, December 23, 2011

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!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

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.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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.