Do you have the time?

Men's fashion does not change as rapidly as women's fashion. Therefore, I think men should invest in classic basic pieces that they can wear regardless of the trends.  For example, every man should own a classic black two button suit.  And to wear with that suit, every man should own a watch.  Yes, I know, your phone tells you the time, but nothing finishes off an outfit like accessories; every woman will tell you that. There are many styles, designs, and prices of watches to fit every personality.  Think of you watch as another way to show people your individuality.

Now if you only have a watch like this Casio, well, you should consider something a little more formal. If you are running a marathon, sport fishing, or painting the house, then a watch with a dozen functions and a digital readout is fine. But remember, your phone does all that too.  You may want to pick something else for the office, like this classic style from Fossil.   There are no set rules for fashion, but guidelines to help you look good.  Here are my guidelines for selecting a watch to help you guys look the best you can.

fossil.com

tourneau.com

 If you are only to going to buy one watch, pick a classic face with a silver case and a leather band.  I think your band should match your belt.  If you have more brown belts, then choose a brown leather band. Black belt, then black band.  To be safe you could always have one of each.  

fossil.com

There are plenty of sporty or casual watches out there. But like I said before, sporty doesn't mean it needs to have a thousand functions.  This blue rubber band watch from fossil is a great example of a casual watch to wear with jeans, or casual Friday at the office.  Of course I don't expect you to have a blue belt, that's why this watch is more casual.  If you do not want to keep buying watches, try buying a few extra bands and change them out depending on the season, occasion, or your mood.  Fossil has a great website where you can pick the face and bands separately to really give you a custom look.
 

stormwatches.com

If the traditional watch face is, well, too traditional for you, look at something like this steel band and face watch from Storm.  This watch can add a modern touch to a suit and still be sophisticated.  Pair it with jeans and a vintage graphic tee and you can retain your cool status with  the hipsters. 

stormwatches.com

Fianlly, take a leap of faith with something futuristic.  It might take you a second or two to read, but what a conversation starter.  The black and steel combination of this watch from Storm adds a formal touch to it's super modern feel.


The next time someone asks you what time it is, don't fumble in your pocket for your phone.  Instead show off that timepiece that reveals part of your personality.

Tie it together -- Part Bow

One of the trends this year, is the bow tie.  It's making a comeback! The great part is that it's moving beyond formal wear.  The bow tie can be worn with a suit, jeans, khakis and even a polo shirt.  Now, I will admit that I don't know how to tie a bow tie, but I've always loved them and I know YouTube has some tutorials. But there are also pre-tied bow ties that come in many different patterns and colors. And, follow the same "rules" I outlined before about pattern and colors when coordinating the rest of your outfit.  So if you are feeling a little more daring or want to bring your summer BBQ look up to the next level, try a bow tie.

Image courtesy of Faux Tie

Tie it together

I was in a local department store the other day, passing by the dress shirts and ties, and noticed a man with several shirts in his hand.  He was looking at ties, picking one up, laying it on the shirt, and then putting it back.  I thought of asking him if he needed some help.  But since I didn't work there and didn't look like I did (I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, not super stylish), I thought I would seem a little creepy.  Now, if I was looking for ties myself it may have been easier to strike up a conversation and help him out. So I thought I should post a few tips about ties.


First off, a tie instantly dresses up a man's outfit. They are not just for suits anymore.  A shirt and tie with a pair or jeans is a great look.  Secondly, it can date an outfit just as easily.  To keep your look classic and put together, there a few things to considering when choosing your tie: width, pattern, and color.  If you haven't bought a tie since the '80's, you're in luck, because skinny ties are back in style, sort of. The trend now is about 2 inches wide. To be safe, buy ties in the 2-3 inch range.  

Now for the fun part, choosing the colors and pattern.  Most suits and sport coats are black, grey, navy, or brown, which are neutral colors.  Most shirts will coordinate with these neutrals.  A  navy coat with a white shirt and red tie are perfectly acceptable and look fine.  But a mix of patterns and colors will look more "high end".  I found two internet examples of what I mean. Notice how the blues, oranges, and browns all tie together. Blue and orange are complimentary while the brown remains neutral. The pinstripe in the coat relates to the orange stripe in the tie, and the tie's blue relate to the shirt. The patterns are a lesson in scale; one large, one medium, and one small.  The pinstripes are thin and far enough apart and subtle in color that the suit appears almost solid. The medium grid pattern becomes the background for the larger striped tie. If all the patterns were the same size it would be visually confusing.

In this second example, there are four patterns --  plaid, a stripe, a pin dot, and polka dot. The scarf and jacket are roughly the same size but the jacket reads as solid due to its more subtle colors. (This outfit would look just as good without the scarf.)  This time the tie is the smaller pattern on the medium striped shirt.  The polka dots of the pocket square are slightly larger and then the plaids.  There are several shades of purple with fairly equal tones and values but they all work in this basically monochromatic outfit. And, then the coat is the neutral background for your eye to rest. 

Believe it or not, but most colors go together.  Think back to the color wheel with its primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. When in doubt, think of colors that you see together in nature and trust your instincts.  If you really want to delve into color theory, here is a link to help:  color theory

If you don't know how to tie a tie, there are plenty of knots to try and online videos to help you out.  And make sure you tie it so the tip  hits the top of your belt.  Any longer, and your pants look high waisted, any shorter and you start to look, well, ridiculous.

Men's fashion is not that complicated, but that does not mean you cannot make it sophisticated.  Go ahead and experiment with your ties.  And if you really get stuck, ask the sales associate, most can help you out.  Or, I'd be happy to go with you.