This isn’t our first blog on Fall fashion. Just that we’ve bracketed the season’s some of the most popular office outfit options. This said the choice has never been easy! It’s time to get your office outfit absolutely right this Fall. Read on…
Give your Classic Navy some twist:
A well-tailored suit communicates to your clients and colleagues a strong message that you’re nicely positioned to take on the big challenges head on. A two-button suit can never fail to slim your silhouette. The classic navy suit is the perfect starter for job interviews, meetings or those nerve-wracking sales presentations. Pair it with a white spread collar dress shirt, and accessorize it with a solid navy. The versatility of the suit lies in its flexibility to conform to all dress shirts or styles including pattern. Fall can be a welcome season as you can pair your suit using a lightweight scarf for those bitingly cold and chilly dawning.
A patterned suit is crafted to provide your style a certain level of depth. Give it a simple look; add a simple tie and allow the pattern to convey your sense of fashion. If you’re bold enough, go for a three-piece option with a double breasted vest. Accessorize with deep greens, navy and burgundy. A pocket square is guaranteed to keep the colors work both for your navy as well as your patterned suits. This suit option is the best fit through Fall and Winter. Invest in at least one seasonal suit as after all you’re going to wear it only once in a few months of the year. Good care of your suits (do refer to our previous blog posts) will help extend its life for several more years.
Casual Fridays:
Casual Fridays is a great opportunity to expand your repertoire of selection of style and color. Ditch your suit and tie, and go for a thin cardigan sweater. Team it up with a pair of dark denim jeans for a complete look. For sweater options, pick cardigan, V-neck merino wool and not-so-regular shawl collar for a complete collection.
Art of layering:
The art of layering plays an important role in defining Fall fashion. There are a range of ways to layer your outfit this season: a mac on top of a T-shirt and crew-neck sweater is a ready-to-go option. Probably an off-duty look you should learn to master. If you’re looking for something that is more smart or business casual, choose a trench coat, and layer with an Oxford button-down shirt or unlined sports jacket.
Shoes & Accessories:
With the right office attire, your choice of shoe turns out to be a tad more than black dress shoes. Let the first impression be the best one with oxfords, loafers, boots and derby. Remember that Fall and Winter accessories are not complete without Boots. Having the right pair of boots as accessories is worth every penny. Next, include a hat and scarf to your Fall wardrobe, and you’re ready to go this Fall.
DAPPER SUMMER OUTFITS THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO TURN THE HEAT ON! – PART 2
There is so much to cover in terms of summer fashion for men that I felt a follow-up blog to the topic may well serve the purpose. Men, unlike their gender counterpart, don’t have the leverage to mix and match basics with solid & bold prints, vibrant accessories or vivid textures.
Organic cotton shirt:
An organic cotton shirt, especially crafted for the beach, comes as the perfect option for light summer layering. A blend of hemp and organic cotton is really soft and supple, offering appreciable protection from the vagaries of the sun at the seaside or even after sunset. We’ve already discussed the significance of a regular T-shirt in the previous post of the blog. It is a staple of any man’s wardrobe, and a worthwhile investment for the long haul. Any quality T-shirt should retain its form-fitting silhouette even after multiple washes. The most important part, however, is to check for the softness of the material.
The rise of retro-inspired graphics is evident in recent times and only a cotton T-shirt can do justice to this growing trend. Leveraging the dynamic vibe of the T-shirt, pair it with black jeans that is skin-fit with a toned-down detailing. Give a zing look to the outfit by layering with more refined pieces such as a bespoke utility jacket. It serves as not only a useful layer, but also as a versatile wear for the sunny evenings too! Summers are definitely a time to enjoy without your having to reinvent the wheel or go the whole hog every single time. You need to take things in your stride and make them look easy. Likewise, when it comes to understanding which outfit pieces work for you and which don’t, you just need to look things with a fresh perspective. Are they in line with either the current or emerging trends? Summers define the trend for the rest of the seasons to follow through. Take the classic combo of a short-sleeve shirt teamed up with a retro-imagined nautical flavor and a pair of blue denim jeans wedded impeccably, the best part, as for me, is the balmy shades of the ‘feel blue’ hue adding to the buildup, accentuated by matching accessories, either for a contemporary look or throwback appeal.
Power of Neutrals:
Summer casual style isn’t about just being flashy or gaudy, but maintaining a fairly simple color palette. Neutrals can bring in the same amount of excitement to any look. Besides, it is easy to establish a casual look with a simple formula: the starting point of all summer casual is a solid colored top (may be additional scores for everything else with a bit of textured details). Pair the outfit with a stretchy jeans featuring a lighter color. Accessorize it with a pair of white sneakers and other pieces of shades from the same color family. This coordinated effort in effect can result in producing a chic and stylish look overall.
SWEATERS DEFINED THE FASHION SPACE FROM 1910- 1940
Men’s sweater vest, knitted waistcoat, sleeveless jumper and sleeveless sweater are some of the alternate names floating for pullover and button down style cardigans minus sleeves. They were a regular in men’s casual and semi-casual wardrobe, especially in the beginning of 1910s and found extensive use in the next three decades. Classic menswear or vintage style was always characterized by a knitted sweater vest. But the question had remained what men’s vintage style sweater vest was worth a try?
1910s Men’s Sweater Vests:
In the 1910 men’s Sweater Vest types mostly included knitwear such as pullover seaters and cardigans. Sleeveless sweaters were not that popular and people found an alternative in leather vest or woven wool for warmth, comfort and durability. The later Edwardian period of the 1910s ensured that menswear retailers were beginning to popularize knitwear among sportswear (casual clothing) for the elite class. This modelled the way knitwear found its route into new styles that featured a mix of formalwear (suits) with the comfort level of knits (workwear).
Moving into the early 1930s, men’s sweaters continued to attract onlookers. This era saw the rise in the popularity of straight front edge replacing V points (a common workhorse vest shape). A point to note here is that the V neckline is quite small and very high, intersecting the edges of the shirt collar and revealing only the knot of the necktie. Featuring a short waisted style, it overlapped with the high waisted trousers. There were some new stich patterns in sight including small squared checks and thin vertical rows. Both slipover with a waist ribbed waistband and V-neck as well as button down cardigan style vests featured monotonous colors – grey, navy blue, khaki and brown.
1930s Sweater Vests:
The 1930s proved to be different with fun sweater vest pattern ditched (with the exception of fair isle). Plain colors staged a comeback. The on carry over style featured the Waistcoat vest now made of either full wool cloth or jersey cloth. The shift of style from the 1910s was perceivable with 6 buttons, 4 pockets and coordinating edging. It proved to be a classic all throughout the decade with men’s suit and casual outfit.
1940s Sweater Vests
The 1940s carried the tradition of fair isle, cable knit and smooth knit sweater vest style but returned to feature a V neckline. Still short having a wide waistband, they lengthened a bit, and the shoulder reverted to full coverage. The cable knit sweater vest proved to be the trendy texture in the 1940s effusing a dashing look under a sportscoat teamed up with a plain white shirt and colored tie. The raised bottom hem appeared as if it were folded up once to produce a much smaller waistband. Other textures included the drop needle (paneled), gridiron and shaker, in addition to smooth knits.
DAPPER SUMMER OUTFITS THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO TURN THE HEAT ON! – PART 1
As we surreptitiously move towards the end of the summer, there’s still a lot of catching up to do with men’s wear. If you feel you’ve missed out, you better get reading this now.
From sunny linens to stylish pairs of chinos, men’s outfits this summer are on a rave. Far from the mundane and undeniably flattering, men’s summer fashion trends pack a punch for sure. Let’s do a quick roundup of the latest fashion styles that did the rounds this season.
Classic polo shirts & top-wear:
Give a quintessential oomph to your style quotient with classic polo shirts and top-wear especially on those lousy Saturdays at work. Men wearing an original Lacoste polos or trendy current Gucci shirts managed to enhance this regular summer essential with some minimalistic embroidered details or subtle t-graphics.
Clean, formatted and comfy—a simple shirt in linen or cotton is a must-have in every man’s wardrobe. Cotton shirts, needless to say, are highly breathable, quick-absorbent, moisture-resistant and quick drying all those and more. Say no to run-of-the-mill style as men’s shirts undergo a major upgrade with maximalist prints and dashing bold colors. Whether you want to go for mint hued beauties or aubergines that alternate with the uniform white—the choice is up to you.
Vibrant T-Shirts for Men:
Time to get ready in white summer tees with freakish one-liners that also serve the purpose of triggering meaningful conversation with onlookers. Remember a plain white T-shirt can never be replaced or go out of fashion anytime, and is designed to counter the summer heat for that matter!
Pink…feminine? Not anymore!
Pink is no more the girlish color—at least not this summer—as men sported summer T-shirts in this flatteringly, ‘rated’ feminal and mild hue this season.
The sky is blue & beautiful, and so you’re when you wear blue too!
Navy blue, surf blues and mint hues didn’t fail to attract fashionistas this season and featured as everyday summer T-shirt options.
Yellow! Yellow! Everywhere!
Yellow, a major color consideration on all casual days featured as a perfect hue for summer vacations and parties, and lent an upgraded casual summer look. As a styling tip (and as conventional styling wisdom has it), yellow T-shirts can be paired with classic denims to generate a seriously cool vibe! That’s it folks for now. I’ll cover some more summer outfit styles in the subsequent blogpost, but that’s for another day.
ACCESSORIES FOR THE SUMMER SUIT – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
“The difference between a well-dressed man and an average man is in the details.” And needless to say, the devil is in the details. With this in mind, I will try to present the details (read as accessories) for a suit in this blog. Suit accessories, simply put, are all the items required to accessorize the suit. Functionally, these accessories, including tie, bow ties, pocket squares in addition to tie clips (or tie bars) and cufflinks, offer a complete look to the suit. I am ditching watches and bracelets without classifying them as suit accessories here.
Name the most commonly used accessory in men suits, and neckties easily make the cut. Ask yourself: what is a suit without a tie? The trick lies in playing with different colours, patterns and materials to make the outfit seemingly interesting. Bear in mind etiquettes and the event in mind when selecting the colour, material, and style of your tie. The milder the color, the more formal the look. There are a lot of online resources available that give you insights on how to choose the right tie for an event, and how to tie a necktie (keeping in mind the proper length for your tie and the choice for the occasion). Bow ties lend an excellent touch to any look offered by a blazer or suit jacket and dress shirt.
Pocket square:
Similarly, a pocket square can sync well with a blazer, a suit, a tuxedo, or a three-piece suit, but avoid wearing a pocket square in your shirt pocket. It is not mandatory that you should wear a matching tie and pocket square. I recommend wearing a matching tie and pocket square if they’re both solid color and equivalent material. Check for accessory sets including a matching tie and pocket square, in addition to a tie clip and a pair of cufflinks.
Tie clips:
Tie clips lend a modern and convenient look. Small they may be, but tie clips have the biggest impact in terms of look. They give a classy look and maintain the position of your tie. Men who wear a tie day in and out may be well aware of the difficulties wearing it on a chilly day.
Cufflinks:
Cufflinks are mainly applicable for keeping the dress shirt cuffs attached. They form an excellent alternative for the buttons keeping the cuffs of the shirt fastened.
WHAT TO WEAR ON A FIRST DATE – DATE OUTFITS IDEAS FOR MEN
While moving to the phase of date night can be fascinating, planning for it can be anxious. A study shows that first impressions are so powerful that they can overrule the facts. It is essential to spread that appealing vibe on your first date if you wish to advance to the next moves. Depending upon the venue and season, the style may differ. If you are confused about what to wear on your first date, Worry no more! We have got your back!
1) Casual outdoor date
Casual outdoor dates where you meet your date at open places like parks, casual cafes during the daytime. It is incredible to wear an outfit that highlights your features. While it comes to jeans, go for slim-fit jeans, They make you feel comfortable and show you as slim and tall.
If you are going to the park, you can try wearing white leather shoes, or if you are going to a cafe, you can opt for jersey boots. They will groom up your appearance further. Picking the outfits according to the occasion and season is mandatory. It is also equally important to choose the accessories wisely that reflect your style.
2) Dinner Date
A dinner date is the best moment to flaunt your fashion sense, as you can groom more than a casual date in the frame of a dinner date. A pitch-black leather jacket and leather boots will create a stunning impression if the weather allows for it. You can also opt for a nerdy look with a touch with t-shirts that fit well and glasses. It will give you a great date impression.
3) Beach Date
Since we are in mid-summer now, If you have plans to go for a beach date, Then beach shorts will work great. Make sure you choose shorts that are not too tight and breathable. If you plan to enjoy the waves with your date, a Tank top or t-shirt will create an appealing look. Make sure you choose attractive colors and pick flip-flops wisely to finish the swaggy look. You can also add a wet hair look to your style to spice up your appearance. If you want to take your date to the restaurant after, Pack an extra pair of cotton shirts to layer above and cargo shorts to ace the casual look.
4) Sports date
If you and your date are planning to try some sports together, Then jersey t-shirt, and you can try your workout sneakers or white canvas shoes, whichever works best for you. Make sure you don’t style yourself with too many accessories, keep it simple that would hit different for this look.
These are some outfit ideas that will catch the attention of your date. Make sure you add your signature potion in your style. Bucco Couture is an exclusive store for men. they provide you with outfits that will enhance your look.
Lastly, Smile and pay attention to your date, which will send signals that you are interested in them! Now, since you have an outline, it’s time to get the girl!
MAKING A COMPELLING CASE FOR THE SUMMER SUITS FOR MEN
For me at Bucco, one of the most compelling signs that summer is already doing the rounds is receiving multiple phone calls from men across New Jersey requesting an appointment to tailor-make a “summer suit” What, to my understanding, does a summer suit is?
Comfort
Summer & Comfort – Are we confusing things here? Let’s take a three -piece suit, you can still look smart and chick whilst allowing your jacket open, adding to the luxury factor of the three-piece suit. Second, are you feeling the heat due to the rising mercury level? Take off the jacket and roll up your sleeves. Third, the three-piece suit offers you the latitude to go “minus- tie” without looking too casual. Because the three-piece style is so formal, it neutralizes the casualness of having to dress up without the tie. Leave the first two buttons of the shirt unbutton and craft a strikingly enigmatic look, and of course feel more relaxed without the tie on.
In terms of versatility, you can wear the three-piece suit either together or as separates. One can wear the jacket as a sport coat, with a t-shirt, with a dress shirt, Henley or polo, and team it up with chinos, jeans or light-weight wool pants. The pant obviously can be dressed up alone—without any jacket or vest—with a polo shirt and accessorize with sneakers or loafers. For informal settings, you can simply put on the jackets and pants as a regular two-piece suit, and ditch the vest in the process.
Elegance & Timelessness
The elegance and timelessness of a three-piece suit needs no explanation but let me try to prove the point by taking an example of Sean Connery’s three-piece suit from the movie ‘Goldfinger’ circa 1964.
Here are some more hacks to optimize the look and appeal of wearing a three-piece look. Pick a light-weightfabric material such as cotton, linen, solaro, and even wool are great alternatives. Ideally, you should be looking for a fabric that weigh in the range of 230gm or less. Let the jacket be deconstructed as possible. Give an increasingly relaxing look and feel to your jacket with design details including natural shoulders (minus without shoulder pads) and partial lining (if you’re choosing cotton or linen fabrics)—just what you require on a roasting and humid summer day. With this arrangement you can also turn the jacket into a sports coat. Add a layer of élan to the outfit with a pocket square for colour effect and a perfectly balanced look.
BEST PICKS OF SUMMER PANTS FOR THE WORKHORSE THIS SUMMER
It is easy to throw on whatever pants you feel on a normal day. Dress code, any? The real challenge for a man of course is wearing trousers at the workplace that will also keep him cool whilst also looking professional. Here quality of fabric with the appropriate cut and color coordination must be balanced to avoid any fashion horrors at the office. Finding pants that are durable, yet affordable to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, is a tall order of sort. I’ve have handpicked some of my favorite pants for you this summer. Do write to me if you aren’t able to find the right pant that could pack a punch.
If you’re looking to drive down costs to a bare minimum with a mix of wool and polyester, then this is it. The cut and breathability of these everyday pants is a welcome alternative to sticky pants on the hottest of days. The good thing is that they fit the bill during the rains too, and the better part is they are tagged at a fraction of the price of regular fiber pants.
Subject this pair of chinos to a proprietary pre-wash treatment, and the result is a slight nap that provides a softer feel perfect for company board meeting as much as after work cocktails. They may carry the name ‘Chino’ on them, but they are great for professional networking at any level of the corporate rung.
These pants feature 100% wool for an extra layer of comfort, understated cuffs and offset button closure for a strikingly professional look. The pleats offer them a fuller look that is more powerful than their comfort level. It is extremely breathable even when you’re sweating inside out.
Breathable linen fabric can be the lightest in nature, may be next to the skin. Built to be worn sans a jacket, they give one the perfect look for going out on a boat minus socks.
This pair of chinos comes with fine stripes lending a narrowing appearance for a comfy, roomy legs looking crafted nicely for business. Cotton-line mix, the chino pants is the perfect balance of work and play.
The black-on-black floral pattern is inconspicuous, but that is what differentiates these pants from other pair of dark slacks available in the marketplace. The vibe is quite frisky up close, but the underlying effect is nothing short of business.
Cotton and Elastine blend goes into this stretch pant that you will have no reservations about wearing it even at a professional event. The pant is quite roomy when you need the most.
ARE YOU TRYING TO PICK THE RIGHT SUMMER SHIRT? FIND OUT HOW
Summer is here, and the hunt for the right summer outfit can obviously make you engaged. You need to create the good-to-go state between affordability and styling. How can I pull this off? You may ask. Let me tell you that summers are all about picking the right shirt. And shopping for the perfect shirt is a strategic decision. And there are loads of options when it comes to bespoke, tailored shirts too. Here are some hacks if you’re struggling to pick the right summer shirt.
An off-white shirt can never go wrong:
No matter where you go during this summer, an easy-go, breezy free-flowing casual shirt keeps you fresh and active all day long. Team it up with jeans or your fav pair of formal trousers; accessorize with sneakers. As cool as a cucumber is an overused cliché. This summer, being cool is moving out with a white shirt on.
The blue ocean waters are inviting. Where are you? Time to loop in your friends for some fun. You need to style yourself with laid-back appearance: did I say printed shirts? Go for a printed shirt in a vibrantly rich color. Pair it with a pair of loafers for a chic, sophisticated look. Now then, how did it get so late so soon? You’ve planned to catch up with your pals. Wear a straight falling shirt featuring a Cuban collar for the night to produce a superb look while pairing it with a well-tailored pant for a complete look.
Monochrome is a winner!
There is a difference between a flowing striped shirt and a monochrome one. The former looks good, come summer or winter, whereas a black and white striped shirt with half sleeves is great for the summers no matter what the event is. Match it up with a pair of chinos or black pants. Give it some twist with a colored bottom.
Navy blue striped shirt is smart & racy
If you feel going monochrome is not your thing, then alternate it with a navy blue stripped shirt having white stripes scattered all over. Go for a thin and soft fabric that is breathable. Put the outfit together with your everyday pair of shorts or even a formal pant dependent on what the situation asks of you.
Relaxed printed shirt for a tropical look:
Printed shirts in soothing colors always throw a cool and calm look. If your choice is a shirt that has prints all over it, earthly looking shirt that lends you tropical vibes, opt for a self-colored, plain-appealing pant. Accessorize it with a pair of shoes or sneakers, and create a stealing look.
PARTYING IN SUMMER ISN’T THE THING. BUT WHAT YOU WEAR DOES MATTER?
The summers are going to be hot, humid, dry and sticky. Partying in the summers is exciting as it gets, but not able to find the best party wear for men in summer isn’t. First, it is wrong to think that men don’t care too much about what they wear especially on a hot sunny day. Just think, why should women have all the fun? In my hindsight, let me tell you that men too long for a high comfort level and great look. Here is what I’ve come up for men summer wear that will work all the time this summer.
In the good old days, men’s dressing was a serious affair, mirroring the magazine cut-outs of what filmy celebs wear. For a change, why not sport a simple casual shirt and pair of trousers that double as a party wear in summer. If you’re following men’s summer fashion, then pick the one above as a starter.
I help clients in suggesting the ideal summer party wear, but things get tricky when it comes to a cocktail themed party. I take the safer side. Go for a classic white shirt and ensure your shirt looks fab when fully-buttoned up, and accessorise your dress shoes meticulously. The white shirt with contrasting lower is a great way to impress upon the onlookers. The best wear options for men party wear, surprisingly, is available only in the summer season. This year is not going to be an exception in any way.
SUMMER SUIT FABRICS – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
During the colder months, wool, tweed and cashmere suits are the most preferred fabric types, as these materials not only look refined and professional, but also keep you snug and warm. In the summer months, however, I recommend swapping these suits out for lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep you stay cool with zero compromise on appearance. Here’re the most preferred suit fabrics for summer.
Linen Suit:
A classic material for the hot and humid days, Linen, is a popular suit. It is lightweight ad breathable. It features an excellent natural texture and a visible weave as it comes from the fibres of the flax plant. With easy-wrinkle properties, it serves as an everyday work wear suit, the alternate being cotton or wool.
Cotton Suit:
Cotton suit is the default choice as a summer suit fabric as it allows you to have a structured, yet a casual look this summer. Cotton, though stiffer than the wool suiting, is also breathable and cooler. Go for khaki, a popular color for a cotton suit, but bring out the adventurer in you with a blue cotton suit.
Seersucker can be worn throughout the day. It is not to be seen only as a South style, where it originated, but something that is growing in popularity over the last few years. June 11 is celebrated as a ‘Seersucker Day’ to celebrate this US menswear fashion. The signature striped, lined surface and strategic crinkling makes the seersucker a unique cotton fabric for the men’s suit. You can wear the Seersucker for the summer without any compromise on style. A point to note here is that Seersucker is not as formal as you would imagine, and definitely wouldn’t be the thing for the formal business setting. If you aren’t still prepared for the Seersucker, then go for a seersucker bow tie instead.
Fresco Suit:
Fresco suit comes with layered strands of yarn, high-twisted wool featuring an open weave, making the fabric airy in nature for maximum airflow during summer. The crisp look and feel allows the suit to look lot structured and refined, thanks to the high-twisted wool. It shows better wicking and sweat-absorbing qualities compared to cotton or linen throwing an elegant look.
Chambray Suit:
Chambray, also called cambric, is a lightweight cotton fabric that is similar to denim, which is highly durable and sturdy, but that which naturally flows with movement and offers a soft touch.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY WEDDING – A TUXEDO OR SUIT? CAN YOU GUIDE ME?
I get this question every time from my clients. Let me explain without advocating things. The main physical difference between a suit and tuxedo is that tuxedos have satin details. Generally, tuxedos are built with satin facing on the lapels, pocket trim, buttons and satin strip that runs down the leg of the pants. Suits don’t come with satin, and typically feature plastic buttons or buttons characterized by the same fabric as that of the coat or self-buttons.
Tuxedos are traditionally accessorized with bow ties, a vest or cummerbund, whilst suits with a matching vest or long tie. I don’t say that suits cannot be worn with a bow tie or a tuxedo accessorized with a long tie. You may try if you wish. It’s simply the other way round which is more traditional and methodical. Of course, you can the break the rules based on the formality of the situation.
Now, coming to the question whether you should wear a tuxedo or suit for your wedding depends not necessarily on the physical differences but the message that a suit or tuxedo would want to convey.
It is your big day, and you are entitled to wear whatever you feel is right and however you want to. Not just you, your partner may probably feel the same way. But the truth is you can dress yourself a nice suit to a wedding and feel sharp and dressed up, and so do the attendees or guests. Besides, the same suit can turn into a work wear to feel organized and in control for the rest of the time. For your wedding, you’ll prefer to wear something that differentiates you from the crowd and your big day from the rest. That’s when a tuxedo really comes in more than handy.
