Tips And Works

Whatever you may think of his music, there’s no denying that Justin Timberlake has an impressive sense of style. When it comes to fashion, Justin is a mix master and never shies away from trying something a little different. The modern-day music icon piles on the confidence as well, whether he’s working a tailored, casual or funky look. In the music video for “What Goes Around,” Justin goes for a contemporary twist on the ’50s hipster. Dress pants and a striped dress shirt create a smart silhouette, while a wife-beater and a pair of suspenders add quirk. To see how we’ve interpreted Justin’s look and to learn how you can make these pieces work for you, read on.

Gucci dress shirt

A pinstripe dress shirt is the key to taking this style to the next level. Worn unbuttoned a la Justin, a pinstriped shirt will give you a casually cool appearance -- especially since your tank will be visible. Wearing the shirt unbuttoned also allows you to show off your suspenders and lets others know you’re a fashion risk-taker. This gorgeous black sateen striped dress shirt from Gucci is reminiscent of the number Justin sports, and it’s easy to see why he favors this timeless piece. It may be a small investment, but this shirt will be a regular feature in your closet and you’ll wear it until it falls apart. And it’s so versatile that it will complement practically everything in your wardrobe. The best thing about this piece is that it can be worn 24-hours a day; combine it with dress pants and button it up, and this shirt translates perfectly from work to dinner. Then, once you’re ready to hit the clubs, all you’ll have to do is unbutton your shirt.

Hanes A-shirt

Pairing more upscale clothes with a simple tank contributes to Justin’s covetable high-low style. Made of ultra soft and comfy cotton, this American basic from Hanes is cut to the body for a smooth fit, so it won’t get stretched or bent out of shape, and it’s also an incredible value at just $13USD for a pack of three. Of course, when the weather cools down, wear one under a sweater or a long-sleeved shirt to add an extra layer of warmth. These ones are also hemmed to be a bit long so that they’ll stay tucked into your pants when you want to wear them as an under layer.

Zanella dress pants

Pleated pants can be difficult to pull off and don’t always look very modern, so wear them with caution. One instance in which you can wear them fearlessly, however, is as part of a retro-inspired ensemble like the one Justin sports in the video. These grey wool trousers from Zanella are perfect with their single pleat and tapered cuff for recreating Justin’s laid-back, hip 1950s style. As well, the angled pockets on these pants make the whole look appear even more relaxed by giving the outfit a slouchy, didn’t-try-too-hard feel. To give an extended life to your pleated pants, try pairing them with a light-colored dress shirt, a trench coat and a skinny tie for a ’50s journalist vibe with a modern spin. Or, wear them with sneakers for a contemporary take on ‘80s fashion.

Urban Outfitters Savile Row suspenders

Though certainly small, suspenders play a big role in making Justin’s look more interesting. An accessory with attitude, a pair of suspenders shows you’re not afraid to play around with your appearance and you’re ready for some fun. Fortunately, this trendy item doesn’t cost the Earth, so for only $18 USD at Urban Outfitters you can add a bit of edge to your wardrobe with these Savile Row suspenders. Don’t take the retro factor too far, however, by investing in old-school suspenders. Newer ones made from stretchy elastic are the way to go for the sake of comfort.

swiping justin’s style

While the saying “What goes around comes around” might actually be based on the age-old theme of a jilted lover’s heartbreak, the song’s title applies equally well to Justin’s fresh take on the fashion of decades past. If you love Justin’s threads in this video but can’t afford to kit yourself with all new duds, try some vintage shopping for a few of these pieces. You can also hunt down other garments, such as hats from the ’40s and ’50s at secondhand shops and pair them with a few newer items to hone in on Justin’s killer style.

Apart from the bathroom, the kitchen can be one of the ugliest rooms in a guy’s place. But assuming you don’t need to buy your own fridge and stove, it’s actually one of the easiest rooms in your pad to revamp on a budget. For just $500, you can alter the look of your kitchen significantly -- so much, in fact, that you might end up trying to spend more time in there.

Even if you don’t wind up using your kitchen all that much, girls will certainly be impressed that you took the time to dress it up a little, and your decoration skills may just induce them to stay overnight if you throw in the promise of some pancakes for breakfast. And if you already have a girlfriend, a newer-looking kitchen will definitely prompt her to spend more time cooking meals for you.

To reap the benefits of a stylish kitchen, the first thing you’ll need to do to liven up this room is decide on a color scheme. Black, white and silver are a sleek and modern combination that will never go out of fashion. Once you’ve got the basics down, just add a few punchy colored accents and you’re done. For our suggestions on the perfect items to kit out your kitchen, read on.

All prices are listed in U.S. funds.

tables and chairs

Ikea Billsta bar table

Give your kitchen a funkier, more modern look by ditching the old, clunky dining table your mom gave you and installing a bar-style table and stools. You’ll save space in your kitchen and give it a more spacious, streamlined look. This bar table from Ikea has a melamine top that’s heat- and scratch-resistant, and is an absolute breeze to clean. In addition, since the table conveniently comes equipped with hooks, hang your bag or jacket here after a long day when you just want to slouch over a bowl of something warm.

Cost: $109.99

Ikea Julius bar stool

If you’re like most guys, you probably just grab quick meals alone, or occasionally entertain your girlfriend or a mate. For this reason, you can do away with your other kitchen chairs and free up even more space in your kitchen by having just two bar stools to complement your table. At just $59.99 each, these leather-covered bar stools from Ikea will really swank up your kitchen, but they’re easy to clean with a damp cloth. The stainless steel footrest also allows you to sit comfortably and ensures your legs don’t dangle.

Cost: $59.99 x 2 = $119.98

cabinets

Home Depot Liberty knob

Swapping the old knobs and pulls on your cabinets and drawers is super simple, and can be done even if you’re renting. For only $3.99 per knob, these accents will give your kitchen a subtly stylish upgrade.

Cost: $3.99 each; total approximate cost is $25.00

accessories

Urban Outfitters Wall O Photos

Personalize your kitchen by installing a collection of photographs. This Wall O Photos from Urban Outfitters is essentially a long plastic sleeve, meaning that it will stand up to heat in the room if you do a lot of cooking, and can also be wiped clean. It holds up to 28 photographs, and changing your pics every now and then will generate conversation amongst your visitors as well as give your kitchen a mini makeover.

Cost: $15.00

Fusion wall clock

Keep track of time in fashion with this wall clock from Umbra. The clock’s face is classic, so it will never look dated, and the aluminum finish will continue the trend of urban metallics in your kitchen. This clock is a great buy since, priced at $26.50, it serves as another great piece of wall art in addition to having a functional purpose.

Cost: $26.50

dishes

Urban Outfitters Squircle plate

You don’t have to throw out all your old dishes, but do invest in a small number of new ones. A set of four, like these Squircle plates from Urban Outfitters should do the trick of adding an accent color to the room while dazzling guests with their unusual shape and punchy hue. Plus, eating off fun dishes will make your dining experience more enjoyable, and will make even microwave food seem more appetizing.

Cost: $15 x 4 plates = $60

Urban Outfitters graphic bowls

Avoid getting too match-matchy with your crockery and seem like an interior-decorating genius by going for something slightly different with your bowls. These black and white ceramic bowls with a graphic print from Urban Outfitters lend an Asian vibe to your meals, while the red accent complements the plates.

Cost: $15 x 4 bowls = $60

Umbra Metalla salt and pepper set

Use your salt and pepper shakers for their obvious functions, but it’s worth your trouble to pick up a cool-looking new set to display on your kitchen table and make the room seem a little edgier. This masculine metallic set from Umbra can be used separately, or joined together with magnets to create an interesting sculptural shape to sit atop your table.

Cost: $7.50

Umbra Joey kitchen soap pump

A new pump for your kitchen soap may seem like a silly idea, but it looks much more chic to put your soap into a high-gloss pump -- like this one from Umbra -- than to have a big bottle of bright orange dish detergent sitting on your sink. Conveniently, this pump also comes with a red scrubby and a holder at the back so you can keep your scrubbers clean and away from the germs around your sink area.

Cost: $14.00

appliances

Cuisinart CPT-120R 2-slice toaster

While purchasing large appliances can be quite costly, and perhaps not even feasible if you’re renting, investing in smaller electronic devices in bright colors will add instant cool to your kitchen and improve its look tenfold. This cherry red toaster from Cuisnart will set you back a mere $29.95, and has reheat, defrost and bagel settings that will make breakfast a whole lot easier. Amazingly, it also comes with a three-year warranty.

Cost: $29.95

Emerson microwave

Bring your kitchen into the 21st century with this futuristic-looking microwave from Emerson. If you’re on the go a lot, a microwave can be your best friend for a hot meal in a jiffy. Functional features for this one include 10 power levels, a one-touch cook program, a timer, and a digital clock. But forget about all those features -- it’s the red stainless steel exterior that will really make this piece stand out in your kitchen

Cost: $59.99

what’s cookin’?

Redoing your kitchen can actually be fun instead of a pain in the neck. In fact, your effort in refurbishing this room should be quite minimal since pretty much all you have to do is visit a few stores and pick up some new items, or better still, just point and click your way to a new kitchen. Once you’re done, all that’s left is to figure out how to whip up a delicious meal à deux, and you’ll have girls lining up for a visit to your place.

Total cost: $527.91

The bathroom is, hands down, the easiest room in your pad to redo; you can really go to town with just $500 when it comes to decorating this space.

When redoing your bathroom, take care in selecting your decor -- it’s important to make your bathroom girl-friendly if you want one to spend any time in there with you. Your first purchase should be an arsenal of cleaning products, since a filthy bathroom will help a girl make the quickest decision of her life -- the one that says she's not taking a shower with you. Once that’s out of the way, a fresh coat of paint will breathe new life into your bathroom, and a few pieces of new furniture will further improve the look as well as provide extra storage space so you can clean up in a hurry. Last, but not least, add some accessories and don’t forget to stock up on grooming products -- for you and her (whether or not you actually use them, she’ll be impressed).

Putting in a modest amount of effort to redo your bathroom will reap many rewards for you, and may just make this your new favorite room, after the bedroom.

necessities

Sherwin-Williams Historic Collection Paint

Painting your bathroom is a quick job and unless your bathroom is the size of your bedroom, it’s rather inexpensive to splash on a coat or two. Allot approximately $30 for the task, then get busy transforming your bathroom with Sherwin-Williams’ Loch Blue paint. This lake-inspired hue will add vibrancy to the room and uplift your senses every time you step into the room. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with blue since almost everyone loves this color.

Cost: $30.00

CBGB Shower Curtain

When you redo your bathroom, add a punk edge to it with a funky shower curtain, like this one from CBGB. Made from vinyl, this curtain features prints of old fliers from shows at CBGB’s in New York. While representing your eclectic taste in music, the black and white palette of this curtain sets the scene for a minimalist but fun theme in your bathroom.

Cost: $26.00

Ikea Kullen Furniture

A killer deal for a set of five pieces, Ikea’s Kullen bathroom furniture will really help keep your bathroom tidy. Also, everything can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, so it’s super easy to care for, and with five pieces to the set, you should have more than enough space to store all your loot. These basic white and silver pieces can also go anywhere you go and will likely fit into your next bathroom beautifully thanks to their modern streamlined design. If you have a small bathroom and you can’t fit all the furniture into it, simply keep what you like and sell the rest.

Cost: $99.99

accessories

Chiasso Mini Push Waste Can

Complement the contemporary look of your bathroom furniture with this equally sleek mini waste can from Chiasso. It fits into the smallest spaces, which is great since the Ikea furniture may end up taking up a good portion of the available space in your bathroom. And the lid swings shut, so it’s also useful for concealing any garbage you wouldn’t want others to see.

Cost: $32

Chiasso Zena Tealight Tray

You probably don’t really care about putting candles all over your bathroom, but trust us: She will find it incredibly romantic. It may look slightly bizarre if you have candles everywhere, not to mention the fact that this idea would be impractical if you don’t actually use them yourself, so when you redo your bathroom invest in just one candle tray that you can display prominently. Chiasso’s Zena Tealight Tray comes as one solid piece, so it won’t look out of place in your masculine bathroom.

Cost: $48

Urban Outfitters Peel Door Hook

Invaluable for keeping your clothes off the floor and avoiding a messy pile of dirty laundry from accumulating, a door hook -- like this one from Urban Outfitters -- requires no assembly and slides easily onto the back of your bathroom door. The nickel color is also in keeping with the other metallic accents you’ve got going on in the room.

Cost: $18.00

Ikea Jondal Mirror

If you have the space, hanging a full-length mirror in your bathroom is a good move. Ikea’s Jondal mirror resists moisture, so it’s a good choice for a room that tends to be a bit damp. You’ll use it to check yourself out, of course, but you’ll realize what a genius you are for installing it once you have some female company.

Cost: $49.99

Target Integrity Towel Set

An important thing to do when you redo your bathroom is to get rid of the old towels your mom gave you when you moved out, and to purchase a set of fluffy towels to complement the colors of your new and improved bathroom. A matching set of two large towels, two hand towels and two face cloths is only $29.99 from Target. You don’t necessarily have to throw out all your old towels, though. Instead, place your new ones in the Kullen rack where everyone can see them and store your other ones in a cabinet where they’re not visible.

Cost: $29.99

Bed Bath and Beyond Waterpik Showerhead

Changing your showerhead is a relatively straightforward procedure. This chrome Waterpik showerhead from Bed Bath & Beyond has eight adjustable settings, including a full-body spray for invigorating solo showers and a massaging pulse for when you’ve got company. You’ll also save on your utility bill since the flow regulator is designed to conserve water without affecting the quality of your shower. Bonus: When she comes over, you can dismount this showerhead from the wall and use it wherever you like.

Cost: $39.99

Casual Home Bath Rug

Add another shot of color to your bathroom with a punchy bathmat to prevent it from looking too black and white. This bath rug from Casual Home is machine washable, so just throw it in the machine once every two weeks to keep it from getting grungy, ensuring it looks new and feels soft.

Cost: $12.99

Body Shop Uplifting Body Wash

The final thing your bathroom needs -- something that’s more for her than for you -- is a girl-friendly body wash. Try something from The Body Shop, like this invigorating aromatherapy body wash, and she’ll be over the moon. It’s also a lot more enjoyable to lather each other up with a product that smells great and comes in nice packaging than to use your regular heavily cologned soap.

Cost: $13.00

the perfect loo

The total cost to redo your bathroom is $399.95, meaning you’ll have $100.00 left over by the time you’re done to contribute to your wining and dining fund. With a bathroom that looks this good, it won’t be long before the shower isn’t the only thing making this room steamy.

Total cost: $399.95

For guys prone to excessive sweating, fashion can be a real sauna. Sure, professional athletes have it easy with wicking, dry-absorb garments, but most men don’t live on that planet. Most of us inhabit an everyday world that requires regular clothes that don’t always go hand-in-hand with heavy sweating. In fact, guys who sweat profusely face big challenges day and night, as they struggle to find breathe-easy fashions that work for their body’s specific needs. And therein lays the solution -- a basic understanding of fabric and fashion. This is where we come in, ready to arm you with the knowledge you need to create and maintain a breathe-easy and sweat-defensive wardrobe.

Good fabrics for guys who sweat

Building a wardrobe that’s breathe-easy begins with understanding what fabrics to use for a solid foundation. What you should be looking for are fabrics that are considered “breathable.” By definition, breathable fabrics are those that are composed of unique fibers able to transport moisture from one side to the other. So, as the body sweats, the fabrics allow the moisture to move outside the garment. In essence, the fabric breathes, which is a necessary wardrobe feature for guys prone to heavy perspiration.

In this category, two ideal options exist: cotton and wool. These two breathable fabrics, woven from natural fibers, will always be your best bets. Luckily, both cotton and wool come in a variety of blends that offer wonderful foundational pieces on which to build a breathe-easy wardrobe. In the cotton department, buy 100% cotton undershirts, pima cotton sweaters in the fall, and linen shirts and pants in the summer. When you’re looking at wool be sure to select 100% wool sweaters, merino wool and cashmere.

Fabrics to find: 100% cotton, pima cotton, seersucker, linen, 100% wool, merino, and cashmere.

Bad fabrics for guys who sweat

You should also recognize those fabrics that are huge stumbling blocks. Obviously, any fabrics that stray from breathing easy are out of the equation. To begin, be aware that some cotton and wool blends are a bad idea: corduroy and flannel respectively. Silk is another natural fiber that should be avoided. Though considered breathable, silk can’t withstand constant moisture, which means that a guy who sweats a lot is going to need to wring out his shirt several times a day. Natural fibers aside, guys with severe perspiration problems want to shy away from heavier synthetic fibers as well. Polyester, polyblends, nylon, and acetate don’t possess the necessary characteristics that allow fabric to breathe, so profuse “sweaters” don’t want to be caught in them. Even worse, these synthetic fabrics, because of their stifling properties, will compound your problem and can make you sweat even more.

Fabrics to avoid: Corduroy, flannel, silk, polyester, polyester blends, nylon, and acetate.

Color choices that work

Now that you know which fabrics to chose, color becomes the next strategic choice to understand. On this issue, it’s safe to say things are black and white -- almost. Black (or really dark tones) and white are near-absolute color values, so they don’t show sweat marks as readily. Thus, guys who sweat a lot want to shop for black, navy and pure white as these colors easily disguise sweat marks. And for variety’s sake, patterns also provide great camouflage for profuse sweating. Since patterned fabrics consist of varying shades, they appear textured and variegated, which means sweat stains are harder to identify.

On the other side of the color spectrum, light colors need to be left out. Since light blue, pale green and any shade of gray all darken at the first sign of moisture, these colors will betray you in a second. You don’t want to keep too many of these colors in your collection -- actually, if you have any, give them to goodwill.

Colors to find: Black, dark navy, dark hues of any color, white, and any sort of pattern.

Adding layers

Even though it sounds counterintuitive, adding layers can help disguise excessive sweating. And the key is focusing on the innermost and outermost layers of your wardrobe.

Starting at the bottom, the best fabric for underwear is 100% cotton (a breathable fabric) boxer briefs. More supportive than boxers but less constricting than briefs, boxer briefs provide the perfect fit for maximum air flow and sweat absorbency. Same strategy works for undershirts: The fabric should be 100% cotton, and the fit should be loose. While you are well aware of cotton’s perks, you should know that loose-fitting shirts leave room for air to circulate against the skin, preventing clothes from becoming drenched. (Keep an extra undershirt handy so you can change into a fresh undershirt as needed.)

The flipside of bottom layers is the topmost layer -- outerwear. Sweaty guys need something durable, warm and absorbent; they need fleece. As a wool blend, fleece maintains all the sweat-friendly properties of its puritanical forefather. Not to mention that fleece comes in different weights and styles. You can easily find the pullover, half-zip or zip-up jacket that suits your needs, both in terms of style and sweat.

Dealing with sweat stains

Your ability to create and maintain a sweat-free, breathe-easy wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without the knowledge needed to care for your clothes properly. Sweaty guys face two big problems here: antiperspirant stains and sweat stains.

Antiperspirants, while a necessary part of the sweat solution, can also be a part of the problem because they often leave a filmy residue on clothes. The first step in battling these sorts of stains is avoiding them -- this means you should always allow time for antiperspirant to dry before putting on your shirt.

But that won’t be enough to prevent antiperspirant stains -- or profuse sweating and sweat stains -- so you’ll need some actual methods to fight both. Many home remedies exist for this, so the trick is finding the one that works for you. What’s the easiest tactic? Simply soak garments in cold water before washing. If that’s not enough, try adding a ¼ cup of white vinegar into a cold water wash. Perhaps the most strategic move is to dry your clothes in the sun, which will help bleach stains out naturally. Besides, drying your clothes on the warm-hot cycle will only cause the stains to turn darker and set in deeper. Of course, before you do anything, be sure to read the care instructions on the label as to prevent damage of a more serious nature.

don’t sweat it

Guys who sweat a lot face many challenges, especially when pulling together a wardrobe that’s sympathetic to their condition. But that’s what we’re here for: to help you find clothes that will work for you, not against you. The tactics outlined above are rudimentary strategies to disguise sweaty conditions and prolong the life of your wardrobe. Even guys who don’t consider themselves heavy “sweaters” can benefit from understanding these basic tenets of breathe-easy fashion. After all, we all get nervous on big dates and in important interviews. So, let the information contained herein be a beacon of hope that, regardless of the situation, we never have to let them see us sweat.

Buying shoes off the rack has its convenience, of course. You can try on multiple styles and pairs until you find something you like, and you can usually find something on sale that is adequate for the basic needs of protecting your feet against the perils of modern life. Yet so many off-the-rack shoes are poorly made and often only represent the best in factory-made imitations of the bespoke big brothers they pretend to be in style and materials.

For centuries, men created their wardrobes by making the rounds to the tailor for a suit or clothes, and to a shoemaker for bespoke footwear made in their style of choice, using materials selected to represent their own unique personalities. This was not just a practice in the cosmopolitan cities of London, Paris, New York, or Milan, either. A reputable shoemaker could be found even in the farthest villages and frontier towns.

Today a man can still find a custom shoemaker to fit and create footwear to his liking. It is said that Prince Charles wore a pair of 20-year-old -- but well maintained -- shoes on the day he remarried. When asked why, he is claimed to have said, “Because they are comfortable.” This is something to think about the next time you squeeze your dogs into a pair of shoes at the discount mart. Or perhaps you should just get on with having a pair made for you.

Bespoke shoes offer you the chance to invest in yourself, and they represent the ultimate in custom apparel, but you have to plan ahead and think about a few issues first.

Making contact with the shoemaker

Unless you live in a major city such as New York or London, be prepared to travel to meet with the shoemaker in his shop or at a swank hotel such as the Carlyle in New York City, where custom tailors and shoemakers often set up fitting rooms over several days, once or twice a year. John Lobb, for example, lists an extensive worldwide travel schedule online to meet with clients. So the internet is your first point of contact.

Other bespoke shoemakers will only meet with you by appointment in their shops. Some, like Jim Smith in England, will also meet you in your office or home if you are nearby, but others, like James Taylor & Son, also in London, will send a sizing and measuring kit through the mail. The customer simply fills out a form and sends it in with payment. This mode usually reduces the cost of the shoes because the shoemaker does not have an exorbitant overhead with travel expenses.

Choose the shoemaker that’s right for you

It all becomes a matter of convenience, style and price because the bespoke shoemakers listed here are the best at what they do. Price will likely be the overwhelming factor, so expect to spend over a thousand on a single pair. For example, a pair of custom shoes from John Lobb will run approximately $1,200, but the advantages over time negate the initial cost. One must also consider the time and expenses of the custom shoemaker in the process (read: travel expenses and maintaining your measurements on file for future shoes, etc.). However, James Taylor & Son discounts subsequent pairs of shoes for returning customers.

if the shoe fits…

When you consider all that a bespoke shoemaker does, first measuring your foot, then creating an outline of your foot, then hand-carving a form of your foot, cutting the leather, stitching the shoes, and adding the soles -- and remember, you have two feet and they are not identical, no matter what you mother told you -- then the cost seems rather, well, completely worth it. And, the same shoemaker that made your shoes can maintain and repair them as you stroll through life in comfort

and style. Resources:
www.jimshoesmith.co.uk
www.johnlobbltd.co.uk
www.taylormadeshoes.co.uk

As fashion evolves, so does its set of “rules.” While men try their finest to uphold these ever-changing standards, they sometimes overlook the fact that many of these guidelines have been updated and modernized. Believing in common fashion misperceptions like “no white after Labor Day,” can hold you back from becoming the stylized, fashion-forward man you have the potential to be.

So, let’s debunk some of these fashion misperceptions and get you on the trendy road to becoming your better-dressed self.

1- No white after Labor Day

Possibly the most commonly cited fashion rule, “Don’t wear white after Labor Day” is a misguided way to look at fashion. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when this “rule” originated, but it’s safe to say that this fashion commandment is not really applicable in today’s contemporary world. This rule mostly applied to the color of your shoes, and because white is a light and bright color, it was deemed appropriate solely for the summer months, whereas black and brown shoes were the color of choice for the drabber seasons.

Setting the record straight: Today, we’ve come to the realization that climate doesn’t control color. While certain colors may be in style in different seasons, your color palette should never be limited. So, don’t fear the white shoe well into September and October. Wearing the color white in other articles of clothing, on the other hand, is a year-round venture. A white shirt, an ivory jacket, an ashen sweater... these items add a crisp, refined look to any outfit during any season.

2- Your shoes and belt must be the same color

Most people are so afraid of clashing colors that they go overboard with color coordination. Out of this common fear stems the fashion misperception that your belt should always be the same color as your shoes. This has caused many men to unnecessarily walk around looking like boring, meticulously monochromatic drones.

Setting the record straight: As long as the color of your belt and shoes belong to the same family, you’ll look sharp. In fact, this rule applies to your entire ensemble. There’s no need to pick two colors and have the same shade of each reappear throughout the outfit (for example: chocolate brown shirt, chocolate brown belt, chocolate brown shoes). Instead, pick similar tones and shades that belong to the same family that work well together (for example: browns, oranges and greens) -- that’ll make your outfit more dynamic and you’ll look expertly dressed. The main thing to remember is: Colors don’t need to match with each other; they need to “go” well together.

3- Don’t mix patterns

Much like peoples’ fear of color, many fear combining patterns as well. More so, the “fake” rule of only wearing one pattern at a time has been ingrained in our minds. It’s an easy assumption to make, since it’s only logical that combining a green plaid shirt and a yellow polka-dot tie would make you look like a clown.

Setting the record straight: Mixing patterns can be a very sophisticated and fashion-forward look, but only if you have the know-how to pull it off. The best way to play with pattern is with your shirt and tie combo. The main rules to follow are: The colors in both patterns should be in the same tone (again, they don’t need to match exactly), and one pattern should be more subtle than the other. For example, pick a striped shirt and throw on a tie with a subtle checkered pattern that’s in the same color family.

4- Cufflinks and tie bars are out of style

It’s quite common to associate classic style elements with being out-of-date. It’s only common sense that if cufflinks and tie bars were staple items in your grandfather’s day, then they’re obviously taboo now… right? This way of thinking couldn’t be more wrong. Classic items of clothing and accessories get their names because of their ability to transcend the decades and evolve with the changing trends. Cufflinks and the more often overlooked tie bar are two such examples.

Setting the record straight: Nothing adds more sophistication and style to your suit than these two accessories. Cufflinks are a must if your shirt cuff requires it; whereas tie bars are just a classy formal accessory. Cufflink styles are so varied nowadays; they range in shape, color and design and are a great way to put a classic twist to your swanky suit.

5- Steel-band watches go with everything

Silver- and steel-plated watch bands are the most popular choice for wrist wear. In fact, they’re so popular that the classic leather wristband watch often gets overlooked as an appropriate choice. Truth be told, silver- and steel-plated watches are sleek accessories, and while they look great with your casual wear and even with your business-casual wear, they should never be worn with formal suits and tuxes.

Setting the record straight: Invest in a leather band watch. This is the only type of wrist wear acceptable for those formal occasions. Go with a basic black leather band just to ensure that you can get the most wear out of it as possible.

dress well

Forget about those old-school fashion ideas you've been following for ages. As fashion changes, so do the "rules." Today's fashion guidelines are much more lax, seeing as looking good is more about expressing your individuality than following a rigid set of clothing principles.

Have you ever bought a great pair of dress shoes only to find they didn’t go with half your wardrobe? Not all dress shoes styles are multipurpose, wear-with-everything types of footwear, and depending on the event you're attending, some dress shoes are more suitable than others. Since quality dress shoes are usually quite pricey, we’ve compiled this guide of dress shoe styles to take the mystery out of the often harrowing experience of buying stylish and appropriate footwear.

Read on to learn about what to look for in dress shoes and how to select the right dress shoe style for your next upscale adventure. And for even more on wearing dress shoes, pick up the AskMen.com Style Bible.

1- Oxfords

Originally known as Balmorals in England, oxfords are leather shoes with a relatively low instep, closed lacing and a non-rubber sole. Modern oxfords, however, may be constructed from suede or synthetic materials, but no matter the material used to construct them, oxfords are usually quite plain with few -- if any -- embellishments.

Like most dress shoes, oxfords traditionally come in black, cordovan, brown, burgundy, oxblood, chestnut, and occasionally, white. Oxfords are good all-around dress shoes that are appropriate for numerous occasions. For the office, basic, unadorned black oxfords will do the trick. Semiformal or contemporary chic events call for oxfords as well; though you can vary the color on these occasions, choose dress shoes in shades like cognac for a sophisticated but still down-to-earth feel. For formal affairs, revert to black oxfords made of highly polished, shiny leather, as well as heels and soles that are sleek and have as little bulk as possible.

This pair from Cole Haan is a great example of the quintessential oxford. Handcrafted from fine Italian calfskin, these oxfords have been made in the old-style, but are still comfortable. They have been polished, but not overly so, meaning you can wear them to formal events and the office with a suit or a dress shirt and trousers.

2- Loafers

First making their appearance in the earlier part of the 20th century, loafers are either dressy or worn as a dressy sport shoe (think yachting and you’ll understand). The distinguishing feature of all loafers, however, is a lack of laces or buckles. Traditionally made from leather, loafers are slip-on shoes that resemble a moccasin on top, but have a wide and fairly flat heel. Many loafers have tassels, although these are often dispensed with nowadays. Penny loafers have a strap across the upper portion of the shoe, which was originally designed to hold change or an ornament.

These slim, slanted-toe leather shoes by Gucci are an example of a high-quality dressy loafer. The tassel contributes to their dressy look, but the addition of bamboo to the tassel makes them modern and suitable for semiformal occasions.

3- Cap toes

Cap toes are essentially decorated oxfords. Dress shoes can be embellished in a number of ways, but a cap toe on oxfords is by far the most common. Oxfords are usually quite spare with no superfluous features on the top portion of the shoe above the toe. In contrast, cap-toe shoes have an additional layer or band of leather over the toe. The extra portion might be a clean and simple line, in which case you will be able to wear them more frequently. However, a very stylish pair of cap toes, such as these brown leather shoes by Hugo Boss, should be reserved for special occasions and be paired only with clothes of equal quality. Everything about them is like a traditional oxford, but a large leather band with contrast stitching over the toe gives them an extra edge.

4- Dress boots

Dress boots are slim, ankle-length boots with a slight heel that fit the foot and leg quite snugly, and Prada’s black leather boots meet all these criteria. This style of boot is often highly polished and is frequently embellished with perforations (known as a wing-tip pattern). These boots will look fantastic with dressy and casual clothes, such as a great-fitting pair of dark-colored designer jeans, a pair of dress trousers or a casual suit.

5- Monk strap

This style of shoe refers to dress shoes that are similar to loafers in that they don’t have laces. While loafers are typically plain or tasseled, monk strap shoes have a metallic buckle and a leather strap on the upper portion of the shoe; a feature that also distinguishes them from cap toes, where the leather strap is located above the toe portion of the shoe.
These black dress shoes from Ferragamo are an example of a classic monk strap design. While very refined, the buckle and wider heel give them a slightly more casual look, so these would be a good choice for wearing with dressy jeans, casual dress pants or to the office.

stepping it up

The price of good-quality dress shoes begins in the range of $350, so expect to shell out for your footwear. That said, due to their superior quality and the fact that you probably won’t be wearing them every day, these should last you for many years, so the investment is a reasonable one. When shopping for dress shoes, the most important thing to keep in mind is the quality of the leather. No matter which dressy occasion you intend to wear them at, a first-rate pair of dress shoes should be made from smooth, soft leather and be narrow and sleek in shape. Now go forth and dress for success.

It’s becoming increasingly rare nowadays to find a workplace that demands a suit be worn daily. Though jeans were once relegated to weekend or outdoor activities, the casual office dress code means that denim has become the new uniform for life: It can be worn at work, at play and everywhere in between.

That being said, since jeans are worn so often and they take quite a daily beating, it’s not wise to invest $500 in every pair of jeans purchased. On the other hand, because jeans are worn on a regular basis, don't balk at shelling out a bit of cash for at least one or two pairs of timeless designer jeans, especially since you’d spend three times as much on a suit you might only wear twice a year.

Mixing up your regular-priced jeans with a couple of timeless designer jeans will increase the versatility of your wardrobe and make you look like you spend more on your threads than you actually do. There’s just one caveat to heed when buying expensive denim: Avoid trends. It's completely absurd to drop big bucks on a pair of jeans so trendy they’ll look ridiculously dated in a year’s time.

Choose your timeless designer jeans from among these labels, and the amount of wear you get out of them will more than justify your investment.

Gucci

It’s hard to get any more suave than Gucci, and these timeless designer jeans are a gorgeous example of what those clever Italian designers are capable of creating. Beautifully cut with a straight leg and a classic medium wash, these are faded just the right amount, and the 10-and-a-half-inch rise means that they’ll sit perfectly on your body -- not too high and not too low. Of course, the Gucci label is imprinted on a leather patch on the back and all the rivets are engraved with the name of the renowned fashion house. All these features ensure that these jeans will look great on nearly everybody in addition to being completely appropriate for any occasion, save the most formal.

Paul Smith

Made exclusively in Japan from hot British designer Paul Smith and woven on an antique loom, these jeans have an irregular finish that will become super comfortable over time. The dark, natural indigo color will match all your casual and dress shirts and will mellow with a lot of wear to yield a lovely patina. A five-pocket, straight-leg fit means they are great for pairing with pretty much any shoe.

Edwin

Though not technically considered designer denim in Japan, from where Edwin hails, this label has developed a cult-like following stateside, and a pair of these is hot property. Available in sizes 28 to 36, these jeans are cut to flatter pretty much everybody and are extremely comfortable. The look is a gently used one and the color is a classic distressed blue. The back pockets are evenly spaced on the rear, meaning your butt will look better than ever in these babies. You can literally wear these with everything, from sporty casual looks with trainers and brightly colored nylon jackets to night-on-the-town styles with dress shirts, smart shoes and quirky ties. Think of them as the cooler Japanese cousin to your favorite pair of Levi’s.

7 For All Mankind

If you can’t be bothered to spend hours at the gym, just pick up a pair of these timeless designer jeans to make your legs and your butt look out of this world. They sit low on the waist with ingeniously positioned rear pockets and are cut slim through the knee, flaring slightly at the ankle opening -- a fit guaranteed to flatter many less-than-perfect body shapes. The super saturated, lightly distressed coloring also means these jeans are incredibly slimming, giving the illusion of long legs. A hint of Lycra in the fabric also allows the jeans to really move with your body. Whether paired with a blazer or a T-shirt, these are going to look hot. And since the distinctive “A” signature of 7 jeans is recognized by virtually everybody, these babies are worth every penny.

Levi's

Even if your morning routine consists of rolling out of bed and pulling on a pair of jeans from the floor, if those jeans are a pair of well-cut Levi’s, you’ll always look presentable. These Levi’s exemplify the quality of fabric and cut you should expect from a company that’s been in the denim-manufacturing business for over 130 years. This pair has a gently used, much-loved appearance due to the dark blue vintage wash with whiskering on the thigh. An antiqued leather patch on the back completes the lived-in look of these jeans, and of course, the expert cut of Levi’s combined with a slim-fit, boot-cut leg makes these becoming on almost everyone.

Diesel

A touch different than most jeans, but not so crazy that your friends will be able to spot you a mile away, these jeans will instantly make you look stealthily hipper. The dark blue color means you can wear them with almost anything, but everything you pair these with will be “funkified” thanks to the subtly quirky details on these timeless designer jeans, including decorative stitching on the fly, slanted, square back pockets, and an inner-thigh patch. Diesel is a superstar when it comes to making slick, fashion-forward pieces, so you’ll be in good hands with a pair of these downtown jeans with an uptown edge.

it's in your jeans

Since your closet probably only requires one or two pairs of uber-cool jeans, make sure you choose your designer denim carefully. Stick to darker washes without too many flashy details and your investment will reap dividends and compliments for years to come.