Tips for the Gents - Being a Modern Man - PART ONE

The other night on twitter, I noticed a trending topic - #genttips. These were tips for the modern man on how to be a gentleman and it was receiving positive feedback from women. So, I thought to jump in by writing this post. After all, you attract a classy woman by knowing how to be a gentleman yourself. 

Now these tips are just my opinion somewhat influenced by the opinions of some of my friends, family  and of course my life experience. It should be noted though that these are also some of things interviewers look for when sizing up applicants to see if a man is well put together. So gentlemen, are you ready?

The Modern Man Should possess:

1. Dress Shoes : This does not mean a pair of desert eagle clarks - sorry to disappoint you. Dress shoes are shoes that can be polished and typically come in a laced up oxford style. Sneakers and loafers no matter how expensive they are are not appropriate for every occasion and there will come a day when you have to attend a funeral/wedding/dinner/interview/presentation and borrowing a friend's shoe that is two sizes smaller is not a good look. Here is an example of a classic style:

2.   A well-fitted black suit and tie: Now, a suit is an investment piece. You don't necessarily have to buy or make this but if a suit is handed down to you from your father, older brother or cousin it is in your best interest to have it tailored to fit you. Now it's very important that you have at least one classically tailored suit before you get one that is trendy because in a couple years if you wear that trendy suit you will stick out like a sore thumb. And really, very few things are hotter than a man in a well-fitting suit.

3. A proper wallet: you don't have to shell out a bag of money for a wallet that doesn't close with velcro. You want to get one in a classic colour like brown, black, grey or navy in a durable material - whether real leather or faux leather that has enough compartments for what you carry around. Wallets with large graphics, flashy logos and velcro closures make you seem for want of a better word...'idle' or childish.

4. A plain dress belt: there seems to be an epidemic among our men nowadays to see who can wear the most ridiculous looking belt. Gentlemen, no one equates the size of your belt buckle to anything so you don't have to try so hard. Just an fyi fellas, a belt isn't supposed to be attention-grabbing. It is supposed to be complementary and serve its function. A plain belt with a plain buckle will serve you well. There are even belts that are reversible now - black on one side, brown on the other for those that are thrifty.

5. A gentleman's watch: Personally, I am obsessed with watches. This is actually one of the first things I look at when I look at a man and for a long time I've judged men by their watches. Again, the value of the watch wasn't what was important but the fact that he was wearing one and that the style of the watch more often than not said something about the man. Flashy watches were usually accompanied by more flashy jewellery and a flashy attitude; conservative old school watches usually meant they were a gift from an older female relative and he didn't choose it himself; but the stylish watches that could swing for a number of occasions - suit & tie or jeans and a polo always always caught my eye. And it was usually the men who didn't wear watches that were never on time...(*and ain't nobody got time for that*)

 6. Cologne .. ...to be continued.

I'll see the fellas next week same time, same place for Part Two of this post. Till then, if you have any questions or comments, you can email me or leave a comment below. 

Thanks for reading, and till later...

**Jane

Declaration : I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, and myhabit.com.

Read More

Summer Style Guide - Men

Alright, I promised this for the fellas back in June. So this post is for the gentleman that likes to look his best, keep his vibe classic but current and who likes to distinguish himself  as a man and not a boy or a hoodlum. Now, let's get into it.

One of the trends that is big this summer is colour blocking. Now before you roll eyes, there are sophisticated ways to do this without looking like a Popsicle walking down the street. Here are my suggestions:

  Colour-blocking with Shoes

Try the Colourblocking trend with your shoes. A neutral shirt with light-washed or grey jeans will look smart with this grey and blue pair.

................................................................................................................................................................

Summer Shorts

Get yourself a pair of summer shorts. Now fit is very important when it comes on to shorts on a man. A baggy pair will have you looking like a 16-yr-old wanna-be thug; a too tight or too short pair will attract the wrong kind of attention. With shorts you want a pair that will cut off at mid-knee, you want the leg of the shorts to be straight from top to bottom. Fit - when you put on the shorts, four of your fingers should be able to slip into the leg (width wise). This allows for comfort when you sit down and keeps your jewels a mystery if you put your legs up. As to fit in the crotch area, it should fit the same way your favourite pair of jeans fit  which is enough space for your member, their companion and a rolled up tie to fit.

Also...lotion on your legs gentlemen, give it a try huh?

................................................................................................................................................................

Gingham and Plaid print

Stripes have had their run, and it has been a nice long run hasn't it? Now its time for gingham print and large plaid (think picnic blanket ala yogi bear). Getting these prints in primary colours or neutral colours is a safe bet, but if you are more adventurous then an array of complimentary colours look gorgeous with the trend below:

..............................................................................................................................................................

White Pants

Don't be afraid to wear white pants. Look for something with thick material and something that has the same fit as a pair of your khaki pants. You want them loose enough to wear casually but to look smart if you have to dress it up as well. The best thing you can do for a pair of white pants in a brown belt with a simple buckle. Simplicity is the key here. Don't wear white head to toe unless you're on the beach, or attending an all white party you may end up looking crumpled.. white pants look great with neutral or very bright colours.

................................................................................................................................................................... 

Keeping the Classics Alive

Classic lines are coming back especially in shoes, get a pair and you can't go wrong. Something to keep in mind - white socks should only be worn with sneakers when you are doing athletic activities. Everything else is dress socks or no socks. If you need to wear socks to deal with any odor issues then please wear the low, hie-away socks that can't be seen. The rule is, if the shoe doesn't pass your ankle then neither should your socks.

..................................................................................................................................................................

 Matte Time pieces

If you're out of high school you should own and wear a watch, it's the mark of a dependable gentleman. Recently, watches have become more sleek and discreet. A black or charcoal coloured watch will look great contrasted with the bright prints and colours of summer. Luckily, when things are trendy there are always more affordable options than not. A great place to find watches is Amazon as well as fossil . 

That's it! If you have a trend you're really into this summer, leave a comment and let me know. Also, if you want to find out where you can get items like these leave me a comment and I'll direct you to the best place to find them.

Till later,

Jane

Read More