Summer Fashion Guide to Hats 

Not too long ago, hats were perceived as elegant, distinct and classy. Like most men’s fashion, hats still fit into today’s modern wardrobe. There are many different styles of hats that are perfect for summer and, if you’re looking to make a statement, we suggest the following:

1. The Panama 

This traditional brimmed straw hat comes from Ecuador and features a centered crease. It’s often made from plaited leaves and is extremely lightweight and breathable. It echoes of summers on the beach and goes great with loafers and aviators sunglasses.

2. The Trilby 

Like a Fedora, this summer fashion staple is narrow-brimmed and has more of a crumpled look. It differs from the classic Fedora with an angled-down brim that is shorter at the front and tipped up in the back. It can be made from several different materials, such as tweed, straw and nylon blends and pairs nicely with cotton shirts and slim-fit shorts.

3. The Pork Pie  

Featuring a cylindrical crown and flat top, the Pork Pie hat gets its name due to a close resemblance to a pork pie dish. In Britain, this hat used to represent a “man-about-town” style. This hat is versatile when it comes to summer fashion and can be paired with just about anything. 

4. The Boater

This hat carries a more formal look for the summer, usually seen on boaters and yachtsmen while entertaining on deck. The Boater is a staple in itself, so pairing it with button down shirts and jeans will help it stand out.

5. The Patrol Cap 

This military-inspired cap is considered a more stylish rendition of the everyday baseball cap. It looks great with a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops as it lends a very carefree style to the wearer.

What are your favorite hats to wear during the summer?

Photo Credit: fashionising.com

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Are you making these epic fashion blunders?

5 Men’s Fashion Mistakes Not to Make This Summer 

1. Cargo Shorts

Popular in the 90s, the cargo shorts could fit anything from your Walkman to a small child. This unfortunate article of clothing does absolutely nothing for your body as they fit poorly and the big pockets cause extreme sagging. Trade in the cargo shorts for a slim-fitting pair that fits more like your favorite pair of jeans. Shoot for a straight line from hip to hem that come down to about an inch or two above the knee. 

2. Socks with Shoes 

Any other time of the year, socks are necessary. But your feet have been bundled up all year and are dying for the chance to be free. This summer, sport a no-socks look with sandals, boat shoes or drivers. This gives a very casual look. If you’re still skeptical, throw on a pair of knot socks, a no-show alternative.

3. Strong Fragrances 

While the winter may call for a woodsy musk against a warm fire and inside event, the same fragrance is exhausting mixed with fresh summer air and natural sweat. Use a light aftershave in the summer to smell fresh, but avoid the dousing that lingers long after you’ve left a room.

4. Going Bare-Chested 

If you’re not swimming or sunbathing on a beach, there is simply no reason why you shouldn’t have a shirt on. Thankfully, men’s fashion has gotten quite creative these past few years and there are extremely light shirts that are perfect for scorching weather. It’s easy to look extremely well dressed in a tailored shirt and a great pair of shorts.

5. Flip Flops

Now this one is tricky. It’s summer, and flip-flops are the go-to shoe for the weather. While it’s perfect for jumping on a boat or wandering around the beach, toss them aside when attending a summer event such as a wedding or semi-formal get together. Throw on a pair of sandals that avoid the in-between-toe look for a put together and sophisticated look even on the hottest of days.

Can you think of any other men’s fashion summer blunders one should avoid?

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

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When walking into a business meeting the first thing people notice is your image, what you look like and what you’re dressed like. Your image is your most valuable marketing tool and your wardrobe is one of the most important investments. For men that usually means a suit. However, if two men walk into the same business meeting wearing similar suits, how does one appear more powerful than the other? The answer to that is all in the manly yet elegant details. Here are a few tips to make you look more powerful for your next important business meeting. 

1. The Tie – The biggest most important detail that many men may not think twice about is the tie. The tie can really bring a suit together to make it look casual or formal. Designer ties can be a great choice, but just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it will make you look commanding in your big meeting. If you’re going to spend the money, consider getting a tie that’s not only high quality fabric, but a tie with a design that will stand out. Think about a slick and simple red tie as your power color or a satin black or gray tie if you are going for a tone-on-tone look in your next business meeting.

2. The Right Collar Stays – Another element of a man’s attire that can be over looked is the shirt collar. We’ve all been there getting ready for work putting on our shirt and then notice we need to find a couple of collar stays to keep the collar looking crisp. Believe it or not, a neat crisp collar can give the hint of a strong man, because the power is in the details. So make sure to invest in a good set of collar stays such as CLEVERFIT, and stay away from the plastic collar stays that come with the shirt.

3. Cufflinks and Tie Clips – It’s not just about the collar stays. If we are to learn anything from women’s fashion it’s that accessories are a key element to any put together outfit. Cufflinks are a great example of menswear accessories. They are considered jewelry and using them on a dress shirt will make you standout in a business meeting. There are a variety of options available to suit any style, but remember, slick and simple usually works best so consider a pair of sterling silver cufflinks.

And don’t forget the tie clip, although they are usually associated with “stuffy” professionals, a silver tie clip can add a subtle touch to the perfect tie that says, “I’m mighty and in control.”

4. Belt – Finally, the belt is also a key piece in any authoritative man’s wardrobe. You should keep the old school rule of thumb in mind when choosing a belt; it should match the color of your shoes. The right leather belt is a must for an influential man’s dress pants, suits and more. If you’re in the market for one, your best bet is a black leather belt with a silver buckle.

What are your tips to dressing like a powerful man in a business meeting? We want to hear from you!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: satomodel

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Greek philosopher Epictetus said, “Know first who you are and then adorn yourself accordingly.” This statement has never been truer than when choosing the right suit, shoes and of course the right fashion accessory to pull it all together. For men that fashion accessory is cufflinks; they are both fashionable and functional pieces for any man’s wardrobe. However, they are more than just a fashion accessory; a pair of cufflinks can really tell the world who you are. We’ve previously discussed, “Why Men Should Wear Cufflinks,” and today we will discuss how to choose the right pair of cufflinks for your personality. 

1. The Boss – Are you a man who is ambitious, has high standards, is an entrepreneur, but still mindful of the old-school fundamentals of success? Then your style might best fit with an elegant pair of cufflinks or a French cuff shirt with cufflinks. This look will give you the no nonsense respect you demand and it’ll also let people know who’s boss.

Style Tip: Look for vintage cufflinks, like the gold-toned hourglass links or a classic pair of pearl white cufflinks.

2. The Go-Getter – Are you a young man on the rise with big dreams, but a beer dollar budget? Then you need to make a statement that not only shows your style, but shows the boss you’re headed for bigger and better things. Try mixing in some French cuffs into your routine once or twice a month, especially in the summer. Have at least three pairs of silk knots and one pair of metal links for formal events.

Style Tip: Even on a beer dollar budget you can manage to pick up silk knot links by the handful. And if you really want to impress, choose two-tone versions in your college colors. It will make you stand out and will be a great conversation piece.

3. The Creative – Are you a man that likes to express himself through everything he does? Then your style screams creativity and your cufflinks should match that style. Consider getting a few personalized cufflinks that convey a special message, reflect your love of sports or your hobbies.

Style Tip: Cufflinks as satire is a once-in-a-while move, not a sartorial standard. Your cufflinks can be amusing but they should never look like you’re wearing them to make fun of guys who wear them. They should add a touch of personality to your style.

Finally, cufflinks are always an indication of elegance and high standards. With so many various kinds and styles of cufflinks available, everyone is capable of wearing them to add a touch of refinement and class to any outfit for any occasion.

What is your favorite pair of cufflinks? Share a picture of them in the comments below!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: K.giftedhands

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In our last post we discussed some guidelines to choosing the right suit colors for you. In this article we discuss the four most common suit colors. Color preference when it comes to suits is an acquired skill. Maybe your grandfather or dad taught you a thing or two on which color suits goes best with a certain skin and hair color or what works best for a certain event. But there are some common factors you should take into account when choosing your suit color. 

The 4 Most Common Suit Colors

1.    Navy Blue Suit – A navy blue suit conveys a message of importance and confidence. Men who wear a navy blue suit are perceived as trustworthy, loyal, business-like, intelligent, stable and conventional. A good tip for those with very light complexions is to stay away from pairing a navy blue suit with a white or ice blue shirt; it will drain the color from your face. Instead, it’s a good idea to pair navy blue suit with rich colored shirts. Also, if you’re just out of college, experts say to stay away from navy altogether. That’s because it has a habit of accentuating youth and you don’t want to come off too young at a serious business meeting.

2.   Black Suit – A black suit should be a staple in any man’s wardrobe. It gives off a sense of authority and it’s similarity to formal wear gives the black suit more flexibility to go from the office to a night on the town. The black suit also gives men of any complexion a slimming effect and, depending on the dress shirt, can go from regular office wear to evening drinks with friends.

3.   Charcoal Gray Suit – A charcoal grey suit is sophisticated and imparts maturity and practicality to its wearer. It’s a great color for the young man unlike navy, because it doesn’t accentuate youth. It’s also extremely versatile and has the unique ability to be paired with either black or brown elements depending on the shade of gray.

4.   Brown Suit– A brown suit gives the impression that the wearer is down-to-earth and sympathetic. It’s a great color to wear if you’re trying to build a rapport with people. Many men also look their best in earth tones and the color is also popular to wear at casual occasions. Just keep in mind that brown isn’t the best color to wear to a business meeting.

Finally, while times have changed and gentlemen are wearing a variety of colored suits to different occasions, it is a good idea to keep these tips in mind.

What was the color of the first suit you ever bought and why did you choose it? We’d love to hear from you!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: Robert Sheie

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As the old saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a good first impression.” So it’s important when you’re picking a suit that you take every factor into consideration, including formal wear, casual wear and color.

The first thing anyone notices about a man’s suit is the color, and believe it or not, all colors are not created equal. There are certain colors that portray formal wear and are appropriate for a single event, while other colors portray casual wear and can be suitable for any occasion. Did you know that most men choose a suit color based off of two factors alone? That’s right! Most men choose a suit based on whether the salesperson says the color looks good on them, or they can’t find anything wrong with the suit itself. The problem with choosing a suit this way is that most men do not know what colors compliment their complexion, so instead, they choose a color that fits in with everyone else.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing the right colored suit for you.

• Know what is appropriate for the occasion. Whether you are trying to go for formal wear or casual wear, the color of your suit is important. Make sure you are matching the color to the type of event.
• Know what colors highlight your hair, eyes and skin tones. This may seem a little feminine to many men, but knowing what colors look good on you will actually make you look better in the long run.
• Try on the suit both in fluorescent and natural light. This can help you decide if the suit color is appropriate for the occasion you’re planning to wear it to.
• When a suit must serve multiple purposes, choose a conservative color like charcoal gray or black and vary your look with appropriate ties. Remember, adding a tie to a suit is your chance to bring in a spot of color, flash and personality.

The most important thing to remember is that the man should wear the suit, not the other way around. In our next post we will discuss the four most common suit colors and what they say about your personality.

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: Robert Sheie

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One of the big myths about a man’s dress code is that there isn’t a way for them to show off their sense of style while in formal wear. This definitely isn’t true. When accessorizing formal wear, it’s true men have a somewhat limited amount of choices, however, there are many ways to show off their sense of style. For example, both rings and watches are mainstream accessories that everyone sports. Watches are a staple in menswear because they can be both fashionable and highly functional at the same time. Rings, on the other hand, portray a man’s accomplishment and commitment. However, an often ignored element of style with men’s formal wear are cufflinks, which replace buttons in holding a shirt’s cuffs around a man’s wrists.

Cufflinks were originally made for formal wear for royalty and high-class men. Throughout time, men’s dress codes have evolved to adapt to the demands of current society, making cufflinks a very important element in completing any man’s overall styled look. Cufflinks are a fun, underused part of men’s formal wear that should be rocked! Like watches, they can add a bit of class, a splash of color or a touch of whimsy to any outfit.

So, when should you wear cufflinks? Though in the fashion world there isn’t a real right or wrong answer, in general, there are two formal wear situations in which men may require cufflinks: work and social. Each of these occasions has different guidelines for when to wear cufflinks. For example, if you are a banker, it is highly likely that your dress code in the office is formal, requiring you to wear a suit and tie. However, because workdays can be long, it is expected that you likely will take off your jacket while working. In a case like this one, it wouldn’t be poor etiquette to dismiss cufflinks. On the other hand, if you are a banker who is receiving an award at a ceremony, dress etiquette may demand you wear a pair of dressy cufflinks.

While cufflinks are supposed to add a touch of style to an outfit, you should also have fun with them. The key to wearing cufflinks is to match the formality of the cufflinks with the rest of your outfit. So if you’re planning to wear a tuxedo you may want to stay away from wearing fuzzy dice cufflinks!

What cufflinks do you own? We’d love to see a picture of them!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: Fluid Forms

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For many young men, style and fashion don’t become important to them until after they have graduated college. Once they hit the “grown up” world they realize it’s a good idea to become familiar with style and fashion. Too many young men are starting their professional lives without a clue as to how to dress. Whether we like it or not, we live in an image-centric world where people quickly judge you by what they see. Is your hair neat? Are your clothes tailored? Is that a designer pair of shoes you’re wearing?

In terms of style and fashion, everyone can use a sensei from time to time to help guide them to look their best. For men, the art of dressing isn’t so simple. Though many women will say, “Men have it easy when it comes to clothes. They just have to throw on a T-shirt and jeans,” this isn’t the case. Whether it’s work clothes, play clothes or everything in between, it takes time, effort and a little inspiration to look put-together and effortless. Here are three tips to help you look like a man and not a boy.

1. Style Pyramid – If you’ve always had your mom or girlfriend help you pick out your work clothes because you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to consider using the Style Pyramid. According to the Art of Manliness, it’s a simple three-step rubric: Fit, Fabric and Style. If a piece doesn’t meet all three criteria then you’re better off not wearing it. Here’s a quick rundown.

Fit is at the top of the pyramid. If a garment doesn’t fit well, don’t bother looking at the other two criteria.
Fabric is a crucial consideration. It’s the key in determining the quality of a piece of clothing. If you don’t like the raw material you’re not going to like the finished product, so don’t bother and move on.
Style is about you, your own personal taste and the image you want to present. If it fits and it’s well made, but it doesn’t have the look you want, then it’s not a good idea to buy it. It’s better to find something that not only fits the first two criteria, but that you will also enjoy wearing.

2. Shoes – Whether or not you realize it, your shoes are telling the world a variety of things about you. In a previous blog post, we discussed that a man’s shoes say a lot about him and some people even judge you by your shoes. So it’s a good idea to shell out some cash and get yourself a well-made, classic shoe. A good pair of men’s shoes will last for years and stay looking good without too much maintenance.

3. Ignore Fashion Trends – Mainstream fashion trends change quickly and most young men don’t have the budget to buy new work clothes every few months. It’s a good idea to stay away from pants, shirts and even colors that are trendy or “in” season. Stick to classic clothing staples for the core of your wardrobe and avoid anything that’s cutting edge.

A good tip to leave you with is to never underestimate the power of an iron. The iron is the ultimate tool for looking great in your work clothes. In fact, if you’re not ironing your work clothes, it’s likely you’re not dressing well.

What are your tips to dressing to impress? Let us know!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: South Granville Live

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Did you know men’s shoes could be the key to their soul? Believe it or not, a man’s shoes can be saying a dozen different things about him without him ever uttering a single word. No, we aren’t saying that men’s shoes can actually talk, but we are saying how a man maintains his shoes and which shoes he decides to wear could be a representation of who he is.

A study done by researchers at the University of Kansas and Wellesley College in Massachusetts, which was later published in the Journal of Research in Personality, found that shoes convey a thin but useful slice of information about the wearer. People in the study were shown pictures of men’s shoes and they could usually guess the wearers age, ballpark income and level of agreeability based on his shoes alone. The most surprising thing the study found was that participants were accurate at guessing attachment anxiety just by a man’s shoes! In case you are unfamiliar with attachment anxiety, it is a condition in which a person worries about being separated from a friend or loved one. 

So what might your shoes be saying about you to women? Here is a fun break down of different types of men’s shoes and the messages they convey.

1. Boots – They convey the message that you have a solid attitude; you’re sturdy and a serious man. The urbanite man or the weekend warrior usually wears boots. Lug boots are a good fit for a guy who mixes work with a rugged weekend.

However, if you are sporting a pair of Timberland’s boots, chances are women think you might be ghetto or you’re a want-to-be thug. Women say they picture a man who’s wearing this type of boot is into gangster rap, laid back but loyal, drives an SUV, owns some wide-brimmed hats and will most likely take them to a rap concert on a first date.

2. Loafers – The attitude with these shoes is globally connected, smart, but at the same time you’re screaming, “I’m image conscious!” A man wearing loafers with cuffed trousers conveys the message that they may spend more time in front of a mirror than a woman does. He might also think these are sexy shoes that not only look good, but feel good too.

3. Vans – The attitude here is trendy meets urban. Vans are a versatile shoe that goes well with both shorts and pants. The man who wears Vans is perceived as a low-maintenance guy who is easygoing.

4. Boat Shoes – If you wear these shoes regularly you most likely went to an Ivy League school. These shoes say, “I like to play golf,” and, “I love fresh polo shirts.” The man who wears boat shoes is perceived to say things such as, “Is it weird I’m going to order a salad?” Suggesting that it’s weird, but it’s not, somehow makes it weird.

5. Designer Dress Shoes – These really are sexy shoes for men. If you love wearing designer shoes, it’s a good bet you’re wearing an expensive suit to match and women swoon over you and your sexy shoes.  Designer shoes convey the message that the man has sex appeal down pat and he appreciates the finer things in life. However, the news isn’t all roses for men who wear these sexy shoes. The designer shoe also conveys the message that you might be arrogant because of your confident persona.

Are you a man who loves wearing sexy shoes or are you more of a comfort man?  Let us know what your favorite shoe is!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: Thrifty Look

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In years past, the black suit was a standard choice for men when trying to figure out what to wear for the day. Today that is no longer the case. Modern men tend to avoid black suits, believing that they are too formal to wear for most occasions. Most men also want to be “comfortable,” which means they want clothes that are easy to wear. However, what’s easier to wear than a matching pair of pants and jacket that look exactly alike? The answer is nothing. A black suit is the easiest thing for men to wear on the job or for play. 

And unlike the belief that men’s black suits are too restrictive, suits are actually quite versatile. Men are generally free to choose the type of suit jacket they prefer whether it be single or double breasted. They same goes with the pants, men can choose to wear pants with cuffs or no cuffs as long as they are well-tailored. Not to mention the shirt color, type of tie (patterns or no patterns), pocket squares, and cuff links.

A black suit also works for a man of any age and men shouldn’t need a special occasion to “clean up” well. Here are a few suggestions on where to wear a black suit when you normally may have worn casual clothing.

1. On a Plane – This is a big one; many men wear casual clothing on planes. However, my parents have told me stories of the days when flying on a plane meant dressing up in your finest clothes. Airline travel used to be an event because it was considered an adventure to a new destination. Now-a-days you’ll be lucky if you see a man dressed in something other than shorts and a t-shirt. If you’re looking for a good place to wear a suit, flying is the perfect occasion! Flight attendants tend to treat men in black suits better, as do people sitting near them. They assume you’re someone prominent going to an important destination. Even if that isn’t the case, isn’t it nice to feel like you are?

2. To the Hotel – Once you’re off that plane, wearing a suit could also give you an advantage at the hotel as opposed to wearing your casual clothing. Men wearing baggy cargo pants and t-shirts rarely get upgraded. However, a man in a suit commands respect. It’s more likely to that you will be offered a room upgrade while wearing a suit than when you’re in cargo pants.

3. Bar Hopping – If you’re out in the dating scene, wearing a suit can actually improve your prospects. The next time you decided to go to that trendy new bar, take a minute to dress up for the occasion. Consider wearing one of your black suits and check to see if women become a bit more interested. In most cases, women think a man in a black suit is much more attractive than a man in casual clothing.

4. To Work – If you have an important business presentation to give, rather than showing up in casual clothing, consider wearing a black suit; it could be your key to success. Showing up formally dressed conveys the message that you care about making a good impression.

5. Professional Networking Events – Another great place to trade out your casual clothing and wear a black suit is at a trade show or professional networking event. When a man dresses in a suit, it communicates that he is serious about his profession and is open to building connections with other professionals.

So in the words of Barney Stinson from How I Meet Your Mother, “It’s time to suit up,” and be awesome!

CLEVERFIT is the world’s first precision fit adjustable collar stay. It’s unique patent pending design provides an innovative solution to end decades of frustration. Click here to contact us and check out our video to more about CLEVERFIT.

Photo Credit: cookipediachef

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