| Information |
Menswear - Putting Together A Business Wardrobe
We're going to discuss some specific aspects of Men's business dressing, which has different rules than women's. Ladies, if you have a husband, son, brother, good friend or other relative that could use this information, please feel free to pass it along. Enjoy this segment, and come back for the others! Whether you are a new college graduate, just joining the working world, changing jobs due to a merger, acquisition or "dot-bomb" or just feel the need to update your professional look, putting together a business wardrobe can be a scary prospect. In the next installments of this article, we'll discuss the components of a great classic wardrobe that will have you well dressed for years, and will prove to be wise investments. Let's start with the potentially most expensive, yet most important part of your business wardrobe - your suits. Rather than buy the latest cutting-edge, designer look of the moment that will be dated and obsolete next year, select 3 - 4 classically tailored suits in year-round fabrics and conservative colors. If you've seen my articles about Color and it's effect on you, you'll know that men also fall into the color "Seasons", and there are suggestions for colors in those articles. I'll also include some hints and tips in this article regarding colors for men's suits. A popular choice of fabric in men's suits is 120's merino wool in a bengaline weave, which tends to resist wrinkling and provides a natural stretch for increased comfort. What's 120's merino wool? Well, Merino Wool is a specific designation for the wool grown and sheared from Merino sheep. It's very silky and soft, and the fiber diameter further distinguishes the various grades of Merino Wool. There are three major classifications: Super 100 (wool fibers slightly thicker than 18 microns), Super 100s (wool fibers less than 18 microns thick), and Super 120's (wool fibers sheared only from the neck and shoulders of the sheep, under 16 microns thick). The higher the grade number of the wool, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will be that is created from it and correspondingly, the higher the price for the garment! A suit made of a Super 120's wool will cost more, however, that same suit will last years instead of months. It is well worth the investment in yourself and your professional appearance. Popular choices for men's suit colors include navy and charcoal grey, in a plain or pinstripe pattern, and make for a polished look. This is a terrific suggestion for men whose coloring is cool or blue-based. Winters and Summers are included in this color range. Additional popular colors for cooler-toned men are midnight navy, black, and gray navy. Men who are warmer in their coloring could choose a bright navy, warm taupe or camel as a basic suit color, remembering that dark navy or black will wash out the coloring on these men and may make them look pale or unhealthy. Not exactly the impression we want to give, now is it? Classic looks are ensured with a two or three button jacket, and current trends are favoring the 3-button style. More trendy looks have been seen with over 4 buttons on a single-breasted jacket, but these looks are best kept for evening activities and not for a business look. Double-breasted suits can be problematic if your physique is not suited for them, and the difficulty of sitting in an always-buttoned jacket can cause extra wear and tear on your investment. Business pants with a double-reverse pleat are a classic that will endure. You should be sure to have them tailored to fit your physique, as pulled-out pleats from an abundant abdomen or rear are sure to make you look even bigger, not business-like. An adept tailor is invaluable to a businessman, and the recommendations of friends and associates will help you find a good one. Many suit retailers offer tailoring with a purchase, which can be a good way to start. Always test a new or unfamiliar tailor with one suit, so that if he / she doesn't work to your liking; they haven't affected your entire wardrobe! Once you have your 3 or 4 basic suits, you can slowly add other suits to round out your business and entertaining wardrobe. Remember to keep your suit colors classic, and use what you know about your personal coloring (cool or warm) to choose shades and variations that will suit you best. The best rule of thumb for Menswear: wear what is comfortable for you, remembering that classic tailoring and the right colors for you will best stand the test of time. About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com
Latest News:Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news NBC News announces layoffs; Correspondents let go (AP via Yahoo! News) Several correspondents and other staff were laid off at NBC News this week as part of $500 million in planned cuts at General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal, according to a person familiar with the situation. Scripps puts Rocky Mountain News up for sale (AP via Yahoo! News) The Rocky Mountain News, Colorado's oldest newspaper, was put up for sale Thursday after its owner, E.W. Scripps Co., said it lost about $11 million on the business in the first nine months of the year. Scripps putting Rocky Mountain News up for sale (AP via Yahoo! News) E.W. Scripps Co. says it's putting the Rocky Mountain News up for sale after losing $11 million on the Denver operation in the first nine months of the year. Oil hits near 4-year low on weak economic news (AP via Yahoo! News) Oil prices sank Thursday to lows last seen nearly four years ago as more bleak news from the world's largest economy boosted views that crude could tumble below $40 by the end of the year. Online Money: Fidelity expands online news focus (AP via Yahoo! News) Fidelity Investments is joining the rush to satisfy investors' growing appetite for news about financial market turmoil. Pound slumps after grim British economic news (AP via Yahoo! News) The pound slumped Thursday to a historic low against the euro and to its lowest level against the dollar in over six and a half years after further grim economic news fueled expectations that the Bank of England will slash interest rates later. Weekly world news quiz (BBC News) At the end of another week, test your knowledge with our world news quiz. UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News (UPI) Mark Ruffalo's brother shot in the head ... Coldplay, Adele earn top Grammy nods ... Oprah taking show to D.C. for inauguration ... Anne Heche expecting 2nd child ... News from United Press International. Scripps puts Rocky Mountain News up for sale (Detroit Free Press) DENVER ? The Rocky Mountain News, Colorado's oldest newspaper, was offered for sale today after owner E.W. Scripps Co. said it lost about $11 million on the operation in the first nine months of the year. 57% - TV Still King of News (Pew via Yahoo! News) On any given day, more Americans turn to TV for their news (57%) than any other source of media, a rate that has remained largely stable over the past 10 years (59% in 1998). In contrast, the percentage of Americans reading a newspaper on any given day has fallen to 34%, down from 40% just two years ago and down from 48% (a 14-point drop) a decade ago. Site: news - Google News New Voices in Congress Will Change the Tone of the Democratic Majority - New York Times
MORE RESOURCES: Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for fashion style Fashion: Style Network host has a passion for fashion (Post-Bulletin) Finola Hughes, host of Style Network's "How Do I Look?," has always been a fan of fashion. "I grew up in London. It's such a fashion capital. There's so much street theater. You go out on the street and just wal Stacy solves your winter style issues (MSNBC) Have a clothing crisis this season? Wondering how to belt your sweaters or tuck jeans into your boots? Have no fear. TODAY style contributor Stacy London tackles some of your burning fashion dilemmas. Fashion Experts to Students: Stay Focused, Take Risks (Fashion Wire Daily via Yahoo! News) For students of fashion wondering what it takes in the current economic climate to survive, whether they're considering a career as a designer or in retail, the consensus amongst a handful of the fashion industry's competitive players at a fashion roundtable event hosted by the YMA Scholarship Fund and sponsored by DOW XLA on Tuesday, Dec. 2, is that it requires focus, creativity and ... Life & Style: Funky Islamic Fashion Struts Conservative Catwalk (Sin Chew Jit Poh) Breast cancer survivors as models showcase creations by Rozi of Kraftangan Malaysia during the Islamic Fashion Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo courtesy: AP Photo/ Lai Seng Sin, File) In Fashion Photo brings style to Art Basel (Miami Herald) Fashion lovers may want to head to the second annual In Fashion Photo, an exhibit featuring some 250 works by more than 35 top fashion photographers, including Slim Aarons, Miles Aldridge and Bettina Rheims. Islamic Fashion: Creatively Conservative (CBS News) After years of turning heads with her riotously colorful frocks in Malaysia, fashion designer Tom Abang Saufi can't decide whether to shed a few shades on her batik dresses for the Middle East. HTC buys design house to accent smartphone style (Reuters via Yahoo! News) HTC, maker of the new Google Android G1 smartphone, has bought design consultancy One & Co to tap its fashion expertise in everything from furniture to snowboard boots. Camilla puts another feather in her fashion cap at medal ceremony (hellomagazine.com via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News) The Duchess of Cornwall cut a striking figure this week as she joined her husband Prince Charles at a ceremony honouring soldiers who have served in Afghanistan. The 61-year-old royal, who continues to impress fashion pundits with her elegant sartorial style, made a bold statement by topping off her outfit with a beret-style cap, adorned with an emerald green feather. Katy Perry: "I'm Definitely Going to Be on Worst-Dressed Lists" (US Weekly) Katy Perry to Us Weekly's fashion police: bring it on! "I'm definitely going to be on the worst-dressed lists," she says in the newest issue of Page Six magazine, which hits stands Dec. 7 in the Sunday New York Post. See the worst dressed stars of 2008! "I just want to have fun," she says of her style. "I don't take my life too seriously." But, "as much as I am cheeky and full of opinions,... ... Men's Style: Wardrobe mistakes and essentials (Westerly Sun) Beauty and fashion expert Rita Guido of Westerly offers great ideas for a man's wardrobe - just in time for holiday gift giving. Site: fashion style - Google News US Fashion?s One-Woman Bailout? - New York Times
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Does Your Watch Keep Time with Fashion or Function? If you haven't lived under a rock for the past few decades, then you surely know that Rolex stands for luxurious precision timekeeping, and you know that Timex is the premier name in inexpensive, reliable timekeeping. The vast area between the two, however, offers the widest selection of watches-in terms of function, fashion and price. Dolphin or Not a Dolphin? Dolphin or not a dolphin? That is the question! You see, there are several types of dolphins. Some are saltwater dolphins while others are river dolphins. Turquoise Necklace Facts and Beliefs 'Pieces of sky.' That's how turquoise was called by some Native American tribes. How to Find the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Type Finding the best swimsuit is something that we all struggle with! Who hasn't tried on every style and tried to figure out which ones are the best and hide a little of this or that? This article will take the guess work out of shopping and make finding that perfect fit happen a little easier. Think of al the time you'll save in the dressing room next time your shopping. 10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars 1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your money buying two-piece suits if you work in a warehouse! Take your job responsibilities into account when purchasing clothing for your career. Anklets Ahoy! "Hail to that foot of the lusty beloved which hits the head of the lover, that foot which is adorned with red paste and jingling anklets is the banner of love and which is worthy of adoration by inclining one's head."From the 5th century drama, Padataditakam (Hit by the Foot)The human race can be so immensely creative, so immensely passionate, and this is what makes our lives so immensely rich and at times so immensely difficult, painful. The History Of Jewelry Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to Czechoslovakian or Bohemian glass dating as far back as the 13th century in Bohemia and the Czech Republic. How to Dress for the Business World 1. Treat your business clothing as an investment and choose wisely. Shop Right, Look Great! All through history one thing has never changed and that is in any given century, fashion has been of great importance to us. It changes over time and often comes back in style many times over. Colored Contact Lenses, the Hottest Trend in Cosmetics is Spreading Like Wildfire Across the Fashion A cross between cosmetics and vision correction, everyone from movie stars, politicians, athletes and business leaders to soccer moms and teenage children can instantly become the center of attention at work, a party or on the court.It wasn't long ago that contact lenses cost $100 to $200 a pair, and were worn mostly by the affluent or those needing a vision correction that contacts could do better than eye glasses. Rabbit Jewelry: A Sign of Refinement There is a certain delight that comes with the sight of rabbit jewelry. The motif is cute and cuddly, and the person wearing it may often be seen as fun to be with, whimsical and affectionate. Give Your Jeans Some Attitude These days, jeans are becoming a basic building block of any wardrobe. Almost everywhere around the globe, you see people wearing jeans. The Secret to having these Ten Pairs of Shoes Whether you love shoes or not, there are ten shoes every woman should have.Did you know there are actually only a basic 8 shoe designs and every style of shoe out there are a variation of 1 of these 8 shoe designs. Handbag and Purse Trends 2005 Handbags are becoming the most popular fashion accessory on the market. The popularity of handbags (especially in the last year) has taken everyone by storm including handbag manufacturers. Anne Klein - the Past and the Future Extraordinaire! Fashion designer Anne Klein was born Hannah Golofski in New York City. She started as a sketcher on Seventh Avenue in 1938. What Your Handbags Say About You You can tell a lot about a person from the clothes they wear, but you can also tell a lot about a person simply from the handbags they carry. It's hard to believe, but you can find out a number of things about a women's personality just by looking at the type of handbag she sports. Denim is Big This Season - Dress It Up or Down For all you denim lovers, like myself, this is the season for you to shine. Denim is big this season. Looking Fashionable At The Beach It's that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. How Body Piercing Works An impressive number of people around the world have body piercings and make the ones who don't wonder exactly how body piercing works. To understand how body piercing works, it is important to understand that any piercing, just like having your ears pierced requires commitment and consistent care. Each Watch Band is Unique and Tells Its Own Story Anyone who possesses a valuable and unique watch will also want something special from the watch band that is worn with it. HIRSCH artisanal watch bands are masterpieces, each created by craftsmen in a process involving over 60 separate stages, giving each individual watch band its own elegance and beauty. |
| Home | Site Map | Resource Links |