Now That the Season Has Changed, So Should You!

Well gentlemen, it’s officially spring, and summer is just around the corner. It's time to store away the sweaters, boots, and wool suits. It is time to add a little color in your life. Guys unlike women our summer wardrobe is typically limited with options. We have shorts, polo’s, t-shirts, tennis shoes, Khakis, and sandals. Even though we don’t have many options, we can still spice it up and look like grown a—men! And as fresh as Andre 3000 in our summer attire.

               

Fellas, venture in to brighter colors such as, yellows, greens, reds, and oranges. Colors give a youthful yet fresher look to normal polo’s and t-shirts. When wearing t-shirts please avoid ones displaying large logos and pictures and gravitate towards the plain colorful v-neck cuts versus the crew neck; they give a more adult look. Then there are the shorts, as long they don’t protrude beyond the bottom of the knee cap ( Hip Hop is dead, for the grown a-- man) you’re fine. Stay away from denim because it doesn't give your man section air to breath, and add colors to your shorts and khakis also, so that they aren't as mundane as usual.

 Fellas, if you haven’t already invested in seersucker, do so; the material is very comfortable and can be worn in casual and dressy environments, and is always a good look for warm nights out with your lady.

Guys please leave the Nike's and Air Jordan’s to the kids, when wearing tennis shoes this spring/summer try Polo or Sperry brands; the evenings should be dedicated to nice sandals and boat shoes. Spring is here guys so look cool while being cool. Until next week “Stay Style Connected!”


                                          Don't let me catch any of you in this!

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The Easter Sunday Quiz

Gentlemen, Easter as you all know is this coming weekend. And if you have been following my blogs you are more than ready to look great on Sunday; this will be your test. Some of you may even be ready to experiment with a new look; if you feel froggy then leap! But I just have just a little piece of advice; Easter and spring are both representative of pastel colors. So my advice to you fellas, is leave the pastel colored suits to the female escort liaisons (Pimps), it is ok to partake in pastel shirts and ties. Guys, experiment with wearing suit jackets and complementary colored trousers, double breasted suits, window pane pattern sports coats, or a bow-tie this Sunday. Whatever your look for Easter service is have confidence in it; it’s the best accessory you can posses. Besides, many of you have to look good because you’ll probably be called out for not attending service since last Easter. Until next week, Stay Style Connected!

DO

Don't

For those of you trying your hand at tying a bow-tie for the first time click the link below.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5PTLV-L_sk

For more help and advice go to:

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Linkedln-Dennis Robinson

Catch me on twitter and instagram @Drobins1us

               

SIZE DOES REALLY MATTER IN STYLE!

From time to time gentlemen, I will allow readers to request topics or maybe even author a blog. This week I will allow a faithful reader to author a topic sensitive to him. Although Men's Style Connection does not condone or support the opinions written by the guest author; It is topic that should be addressed. bruthas get informed. Until next week "Stay Style Connected!"


 SIZE DOES MATTER!

As a larger man (width, not height), I have learned a few wardrobe tricks to accentuate the positive and camouflage the obvious, especially when wearing suits and grown people clothes (reference to previous blog on T-Shirts & jeans on adult men). For starters, there is no such garment as an off-the-rack suit. All suits can be altered to fit the owner. Most discount and department stores offer some alterations. It may cost a little more, but a suit that fits you will be appreciated more than a suit that looks borrowed from dad for a job interview or date.

If your six pack has turned into more of a keg as you get older, fear not camouflage is available and nobody will know you are covering the extra ponds. When purchasing a suit, have the trousers adjusted to your true waist (over the belly). DUNLAP is not attractive when wearing any type of suit. Dunlap is when your belly "done lapped" over your pants. Once the pants are properly measured, get a larger belt or suspenders. You have two options with suspenders, either the clip-on suspenders or have the tailor add suspender buttons on the suit pants. Be sure to have the length of the pants highlight your socks and shoes. Be sure the pants highlight and not overexpose, meaning don't have them cut too short (remember they are longer now because we cured the dunlap issue).

Now to the jacket or blazer. Tight jackets on larger men are not cool (no matter how it looks on your slimmer friends). Make sure the jacket has enough room to button when standing. A buttoned jacket will also camouflage the dunlap. Have the cuffs tailored to expose the cuff links and watch.

Finally, look in the mirror when putting on your necktie. Be sure to adjust the tie so it does not stop short of the desired length. If the necktie does not accent your new more tailored look, try a bow tie, ascot or no tie at all. Now that you look more stylish, a well placed pocket square, cuff links and a nice watch may be all you need. Make sure the shoes are shined to ensure the overall presentation is stylish and compliment worthy.

Now that you have upgraded your look, go out and represent for the big guys.

Have fun getting the new compliments :-)

M.J.B.

To request topics e-mail me at mensstyleconnection@hotmail.com.

Also, if you are in need of style consulting or service e-mail me or view 

facebook.com/Mens Style Connection.

The Resurrection of the Pocket Square

    I frequently watch old black and white movies; not just for the appreciation of the classics, but often to see how style has been resurrected or has evolved. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my friends discussing the correct way to wear pocket squares. I know some of you may call them handkerchiefs, but in my opinion handkerchiefs are used to only blow your nose with or wipe sweat with. But back to the topic at hand; in watching some of those old movies I noticed that men always had a pocket square in the upper left breast pocket of their suit jackets at all times. The only issue is they were always white. Clark Gable was one of the best during the 1930’s; he always had one in place on and off the camera; formal and causal.

 Fellas, adding a pocket square to you suit or sport jacket ensembles always adds flare and class, whether it is formal or casual; tie or no-tie. The only difference between now and the 1930’s is that there are more patterns and colors available to spice up outfits.  To me it’s a fashion must. And guys figure out the way you want to insert your pocket square to fit your image there is no wrong way. The best I've seen currently in tucking the pocket square is Nick Cannon. Maybe his weekly allowance is spent on pocket squares. Whatever it maybe, he get my props. Until next week, Stay Style Connected!

                     

Tucking pocket square variations

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"Pimp" to" Primped"

   Last week a friend of mine sent me a fashion poll inquiring whether we men preferred one, two, or three button suit jackets. Well any of those styles in suit jacket are acceptable; I personally am partial to the two button suits or blazers. But wearing any suit jacket extra long with multiple buttons (more than three) is just offensive. A respectable gentleman with any style sense wouldn't be caught dead in a modern day “Zoot suit”. I relished in the fun and fashion men had with style during the Harlem Renascence, but realistically let’s leave that fashion declaration where it belongs; in the 1920’s.

To be admired for style and respected in any social setting, with all do respect to the Bishop but, ditch the T.D. Jake’s look and cross over to Steve Harvey chic. Hey, Steve Harvey  made the change from “Pimp” to “Primped”, you can too. Until next, “Stay Style Connected!”

Personalize Your Style

     Gentleman, in my last few blogs I have been discussing the rules of style. Guys,I don’t want you all to think that acquiring and maintaining style is all black and white. You can have fun with style by placing your own signature on it. Some of my close friends have put their personal stamps on their style. For example, my buddy Leon always wears a fresh pair of glasses, my best friend Marvin accents his look with bow-ties, and me, I always wear a stylish hat with most of my ensembles.  Your signature can be any fashion accessory you desire, a customized pen, cuff links, pocket squares, watches, umbrellas, or even a brand name, i.e. Ralph Lauren. Heck, Samuel Jackson (actor) is known as the Kangol King. Whatever you may decide to identify yourself with, have fun with it. Stamp your style! Until next week, Stay Style Connected!

 Accessory ideas to personalize your style; be creative!

                  

                                        

I'm a Grown A.. Man!

    Fellas have you ever put on an outfit and asked yourself, "Can I pull this off?"If you have asked yourself that question, then automatically you should have known that wasn't the outfit for you. There comes a time when must realize we just can't wear everything. Guys over thirty-five please, stop wearing warm-up suits everywhere; t-shirts, jerseys, and Jordan’s, leave them for teenagers. All of that is fine for errands on a Saturday morning, but come that afternoon dress age appropriate. Fellas avoid trends; comfort and style are key. A nice pair of jeans (not skinny), a sweater or a blazer, a pair of Sperry's is an elegant casual look.  Avoid the Charlie Sheen and Adam Saddler look, it’s not cool. 

 And if any you saw this weekend's NBA All-star festivities, there were a lot questionable outfits. I'm sure the question, "can I pull this off?” was asked a lot around Houston. Gentlemen, lets dress like grown a.. men! Until next week, Stay style connected!