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Monday, October 31, 2011

Impress By Au You Dress


Due to public demand, i have been forced to repeat this article though i had tackled it earlier.

Think it really matters how you dress? If you are a person of your own morals and standards, then you should add swag to the way you dress. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but people judge you based off of the clothes you wear. I don’t care if you’re walking down the street, or sitting in a business meeting; people are constantly looking at what you’re wearing. Even you, you too do the same-looking at people in church, in a bus, in the streets and then judging them according to the clothes,make up or shoes they have worn. Just like a lady's hair style says much about her swag, too the clothes you put on every day say more about you than anything else. When I first started out as a student blogger, I didn’t have much money though still i have no much money.. So whenever I went out to networking events I either wore baggy jeans that looked like I had poop in my pants or slacks and a shirt that typically didn’t match. So, my swag was far away down and this embarrassed me occasionally. As you can probably already guess, half the issue was that I had no sense of style and the other half was that I didn’t want to spend too much money or else i did not have enough money to spend on clothes. Whenever I walked into classrooms or meetings or went to a conference people wouldn’t really give me the time of the day until they got to know me. Once they learned I was somewhat smart they were willing to listen to me and potentially work with me. The issue was, it took people a while to warm up to me because no one wanted to waste their time talking with someone who looked like a chump. That is true in every society even Kenya, meet a person who has dressed up like he/she is from doing a 'mjengo' job and nobody will dare talk to you-For what purpose and you look shaggy and cheap? After a few years of going through this, a friend of mine kindly suggested that I spend a bit more money on my wardrobe, pay more than 20bob for a haircut, and get a decent pair of shoes. I invested ten thousand in making myself over. And boy, it made a huge difference…  

My big break through
With my new clothes, a somewhat decent haircut, and nice pair of black shoes I made a break through. At first I noticed that people were more willing to talk to me when I went to conferences. I also noticed that during my business meetings people took me more serious and people started contacting me for different coding projects. However, none of those things really mattered because they weren’t big break throughs. What was a big break through was that people assumed that I was somewhat well off because I was dressing much better. When I start talking to potential customers they naturally assumed that I was successful and my services were costly because I was better dressed. So when it came down to locking in new deals these potential customers started offering me more money. As I got a taste of money making, I wanted more, so I decided to take things up a new level with my wardrobe.  

The Boss Years -Bosses like staying together.
"The story below now is from a friend i kept on watching"

From Gucci suits, to designer shoes, to 5 figure watches, my friend stepped up his appearance as much as he could within his financial constraints. And boy, not only was there a huge swag, but it was a much bigger difference than one could imagine By dressing to impress, successful business owners started to flock to my friend when he attended networking events and people listened when he spoke in business meetings. In addition to that he was praised for wearing rare watches that other business owners wanted, but didn’t have.



This experience taught me that successful people like to hang around with other successful people as they tend to feel comfortable around themselves-Just like the pic on the left,all these men have swag,no man in a baggy jeans or a t-shirt. Now, by no means am I saying that all successful people dress nice, but the chances are if someone comes up to you and they are wearing a 5 figure watch, they have money.
And when you start talking about business with these successful people, they know that if they do business with you, it’s going to be costly for the following reasons: You have an expensive lifestyle – if people realize you have money, they know that they are going to have to pay a pretty penny to work with you. They know that if you throw around small amounts of cash in front of you, you just won’t care. It has to move your needle – in business there is saying that if it doesn’t move your needle, it’s not worth doing. So if the amount someone is willing to offer you isn’t life changing, there is a much greater chance that you won’t accept it. Due to this business owners will throw out much larger amounts if they want to work with you. By dressing like a “boss” my friend's credibility went through the roof with other business owners and he was able to do things like close 7 figure business deals.  

Conclusion
Stay on top of your game easily-So dress to impress but dont waste all your money on clothes, so maintain a budget.Men's suits are a variety, so choose what suits you.
Now that you have heard my story, do you think it’s worth dressing to impress?

Monday, October 24, 2011

Look Nice In Yellow


Many people believe that you cant look nice when you clad in yellow,may it be a dress or a suit or a top/blouse or a shirt or just a trouser. In Kenya actually men rarely dress in yellow outfits, save for the ladies who are all over the place comfortable with yellow clothings.Men should watch how ladies stay on top of their game in yellow outfits and borrow a leaf from that.Actually you can stay on top of your game in a yellow outfit though there are some positive and negative aspects about yellow colour:


Positive aspects of yellow colour   Negative aspects
Broad minded    Vindictive
Good humored    Looks for flattery
Confident   Feelings of inferiority
Wise   Over analytical
Logical   Pessimistic
Positive and good humored   Cowardly
Intellectual   Devious 




It is not a must you choose a very toned yellow colour.Yellow has many variations.
Using Yellow:
Although it can work as the primary color, yellow often works best as a companion to other colors.
  • Use bright yellow to create excitement when red or orange may be too strong or too dark.
  • Yellow can be perky.
  • Use yellow to suggest freshness and citrus fruitiness.
  • Golden yellows can stand in for gold. 
Using Yellow with Other Colors:
  • Use yellow to perk up a more subdued cool palette of blues and grays.
  • Use lemon yellow with orange to carry out a healthy, summery, citrus theme.
  • Very pale yellows can work as neutrals alongside darker or richer colors.
  • Yellow and blue are a high contrast, eye-popping combination.
  • Mix yellow with neutral gray and a dash of black for a high-tech look.
  • Try a hot, exciting mix of red and yellow.
  • For an earthy palette, especially for fall, mix yellow, olive green, and brown.
  • While yellows and bright or light greens can be part of a natural, fruity color palette, be careful not to use colors too close in value or they will appear washed out.

There are many ideas on how to mix yellow color with any other color.For example,on the pic on the left side, combining the yellow coat n trouser with a dark blue shirt and a cream tie brings up a good look which is worthy staring at.
The pic on the right side elaborates how you can combine yellow with red, black  and blue. It is nothing hard, you can make a cheap combination and yet stay on top of your game. Darker shades of blue denote importance, confidence, power, authority, intelligence, stability, unity, and conservatism. Red is another power color but it grabs attention more than blue. Yellow adds some brightness and joy. Using equal amounts of each color would make it a more childlike (think primary colors) much like example #1 but if only small doses of the red and yellow (or nearby colors) are used with a mostly dark blue color scheme, it's quite suitable for adult clothes that you don't want to appear too serious.

Yellow dresses come in diff designs
About women, there is a very large variety to choose from.The first is a dress put punctuated on the hips by a folding.A belt would too serve a good purpose.So if u are afraid of toning yourself in a full dress, now you have got a bargaining point of using a 'half-fold' dress or a wide belt. The second one is a mid length dress with a 'head-cover'. This one is just on top of its game, you cant imagine a dress with pockets on the fore front and a head cover. The third is a floral dress where the designer went out of the norms and designed a flyer dress.

Even in weddings, yellow dresses are being introduced.
Even celebs done yellow colour

Even in weddings yellow is booming
Brides Maids in Yellow
A middle tie yellow dress

Back and Front End Design
Golden Yellow Dress
Imprinted Yellow Dress
Checked  Yellow Dress
You can add a trouser too

There is much to discuss about yellow but this will help you recognize how yellow can make you stay on top of your game easily. It aint something hard,just easy:
You are what you clad.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dress To Impress-It Pays


Think it really matters how you dress? If you are a person of your own morals and standards, then you should add swag to the way you dress. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but people judge you based off of the clothes you wear. I don’t care if you’re walking down the street, or sitting in a business meeting; people are constantly looking at what you’re wearing. Even you, you too do the same-looking at people in church, in a bus, in the streets and then judging them according to the clothes,make up or shoes they have worn. Just like a lady's hair style says much about her swag, too the clothes you put on every day say more about you than anything else. When I first started out as a student blogger, I didn’t have much money though still i have no much money.. So whenever I went out to networking events I either wore baggy jeans that looked like I had poop in my pants or slacks and a shirt that typically didn’t match. So, my swag was far away down and this embarrassed me occasionally. As you can probably already guess, half the issue was that I had no sense of style and the other half was that I didn’t want to spend too much money or else i did not have enough money to spend on clothes. Whenever I walked into classrooms or meetings or went to a conference people wouldn’t really give me the time of the day until they got to know me. Once they learned I was somewhat smart they were willing to listen to me and potentially work with me. The issue was, it took people a while to warm up to me because no one wanted to waste their time talking with someone who looked like a chump. That is true in every society even Kenya, meet a person who has dressed up like he/she is from doing a 'mjengo' job and nobody will dare talk to you-For what purpose and you look shaggy and cheap? After a few years of going through this, a friend of mine kindly suggested that I spend a bit more money on my wardrobe, pay more than 20bob for a haircut, and get a decent pair of shoes. I invested ten thousand in making myself over. And boy, it made a huge difference…  

My big break through
With my new clothes, a somewhat decent haircut, and nice pair of black shoes I made a break through. At first I noticed that people were more willing to talk to me when I went to conferences. I also noticed that during my business meetings people took me more serious and people started contacting me for different coding projects. However, none of those things really mattered because they weren’t big break throughs. What was a big break through was that people assumed that I was somewhat well off because I was dressing much better. When I start talking to potential customers they naturally assumed that I was successful and my services were costly because I was better dressed. So when it came down to locking in new deals these potential customers started offering me more money. As I got a taste of money making, I wanted more, so I decided to take things up a new level with my wardrobe.  

The Boss Years -Bosses like staying together.
"The story below now is from a friend i kept on watching"

From Gucci suits, to designer shoes, to 5 figure watches, my friend stepped up his appearance as much as he could within his financial constraints. And boy, not only was there a huge swag, but it was a much bigger difference than one could imagine By dressing to impress, successful business owners started to flock to my friend when he attended networking events and people listened when he spoke in business meetings. In addition to that he was praised for wearing rare watches that other business owners wanted, but didn’t have.



This experience taught me that successful people like to hang around with other successful people as they tend to feel comfortable around themselves-Just like the pic on the left,all these men have swag,no man in a baggy jeans or a t-shirt. Now, by no means am I saying that all successful people dress nice, but the chances are if someone comes up to you and they are wearing a 5 figure watch, they have money.
And when you start talking about business with these successful people, they know that if they do business with you, it’s going to be costly for the following reasons: You have an expensive lifestyle – if people realize you have money, they know that they are going to have to pay a pretty penny to work with you. They know that if you throw around small amounts of cash in front of you, you just won’t care. It has to move your needle – in business there is saying that if it doesn’t move your needle, it’s not worth doing. So if the amount someone is willing to offer you isn’t life changing, there is a much greater chance that you won’t accept it. Due to this business owners will throw out much larger amounts if they want to work with you. By dressing like a “boss” my friend's credibility went through the roof with other business owners and he was able to do things like close 7 figure business deals.  

Conclusion
Stay on top of your game easily-So dress to impress but dont waste all your money on clothes, so maintain a budget.Men's suits are a variety, so choose what suits you.
Now that you have heard my story, do you think it’s worth dressing to impress?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

How to Dress for Dinner







How to Dress Nicely for Dinner

Here are tips on how to perfect your outings when going for a night out dinner with your friends.Follow keenly and hope it will help you to stay on top of your game easily.


How to Dress Nicely for Dinnerthumbnail
There are times when you must dress up for dinner.

Although dinner is usually a casual affair, there are times when a little extra attention to your wardrobe is appropriate. If you are going out for a dinner date, business meeting or other special event, it is usually expected that you will dress in at least semi-formal attire. The rules of semi-formal attire are obviously different for men and women, but the overarching guideline is the same: You should look nice without being overdone.

Instructions



  1. Women

    • 1
      Go through your closet and choose several pieces of semi-formal clothing that you might like to wear. Semi-formal clothing includes dresses, nice skirts, blouses, fancy tops, business jackets and dress pants. Don't worry about mixing and matching pieces to create an outfit just yet.
    • 2
      Examine the quality of each piece of clothing. Since semi-formal attire can be very similar to casual wear, one of the best ways to distinguish between the two is on the basis of quality. If any of the pieces that you chose are stained, frayed, washed out or poorly made, return them them to your closet.
    • 3
      Try on the remaining clothing. If it does not fit you well, it will highlight figure flaws and make you look poorly groomed. Return anything that does not fit to your closet.
    • 4
      Consider the colors of the remaining clothing. Is there one piece of clothing that really makes your complexion glow or helps to bring out the color of your eyes? This is the piece that you should wear and build the rest of your outfit around.
    • 5
      Consider whether or not you will need to coordinate an outfit. If it is a dress, your outfit is almost complete. If you have chosen a skirt, dress pants, shirt, blouse, or jacket, you are going to need to match it with other clothing.
    • 6
      Look through the clothing that you found to be good quality and nicely fitted. Does anything match the piece you selected? If so, this is what you should wear. If you are unable to find something, return to your closet. When trying to find something to go with your outfit, look for the best match, quality and fit possible.
    • 7
      Consider whether or not you will need outerwear. If so, pick out a high quality jacket or sweater that fits you well and compliments your outfit. Jean jackets, cashmere sweaters and pea coats are always excellent choices.
    • 8
      Pick out jewelry to compliment your outfit. In general, you should wear at least two pieces of jewelry, but no more than more four. The jewelry should be simple, but high in quality. Pearls, silver or gold chains, delicate beads, small hoop earrings, an understated ring and/or an attractive bracelet are all excellent choices. Avoid flashy costume jewelry.
    • 9
      Choose your shoes and purse. The two should at least compliment one another, if not match. Simple brown or black, closed toe heels are always a good option. You may choose another color, provided that it goes with your outfit and matches your purse. In general, stick to leather purses. Avoid purses made from canvas.
    • 10
      Do your hair and makeup, spending a little extra time to make it look really nice. Evening makeup should be darker and more dramatic than daytime makeup.

    Men

    • 1
      Go through your closet and choose several pieces of semi-formal clothing that you might like to wear. Semi-formal clothing includes long sleeved button-down shirts, short sleeved button-down shirts, dress slacks and ties.
    • 2
      Examine the quality of each piece of clothing. Since semi-formal attire can be very similar to casual wear, one of the best ways to distinguish between the two is on the basis of quality. If any of the pieces that you chose are stained, frayed, washed out or poorly made, return them them to your closet.
    • 3
      Try on the remaining clothing. If it does not fit you well, it will make you appear poorly groomed. Return anything that does not fit to your closet.
    • 4
      Consider the the remaining clothing. Is there one piece of clothing that looks really good on you? This is the piece that you should wear and build your outfit around.
    • 5
      Look through the clothing that you found to be good quality and nicely fitted. Does anything match the piece you selected? If so, this is what you should wear. If you are unable to find something, return to your closet. When trying to find something to go with your outfit, look for the best match, quality and fit possible.
    • 6
      Consider whether or not you will need outerwear. If so, pick out a high quality jacket or sweater that fits you well and compliments your outfit. Suit jackets, sport jackets and cashmere sweaters are always excellent choices.
    • 7
      Choose socks that will match your slacks. Black socks are appropriate for gray or black slacks. Wear brown socks with brown or khaki slacks.
    • 8
      Choose dress shoes that will match your slacks. Black shoes are appropriate for gray or black slacks. Brown shoes are appropriate for brown or khaki slacks. Do not wear sneakers.
    • 9
      Carefully comb your hair and shave. Spend a little more time on this than usual to make yourself look tidy and neat.

Sweaters For Men



Sweaters are a must have in every man's wardrobe. They can be a classy addition to an outfit, and they are great for layering and extra warmth. Sweaters come in many different styles and materials. Button down sweaters have buttons down the center of the torso; they can have sleeves or be sleeveless sweater vests. There are several different ways to wear button down sweaters, and it basically comes down to color coordination.

Instructions 

Wear a long-sleeved button down shirt underneath a button down sweater vest for a professional look. Pair the shirt and sweater with a pair of khakis or dress pants and coordinating shoes.

Wear the button down sweater by itself or with a shirt underneath to avoid itchiness. Pair it with a sturdy pair of jeans and casual dress shoes. If it is cold outside, add a jacket for extra warmth.

Drape the sweater over your shoulders by tying the sweater sleeves loosely to avoid stretching and unsightly wrinkles.
Put on a soft shirt and pull the sweater on over it. Unbutton the first few buttons of the sweater to let the shirt show through.
Wear a blazer over your sweater. Add accessories such as a colorful pocket cloth or pin.

How To Become Fair(Ladies Stuff)



How To Become Fair-Easy Steps,No Bleaching


Beauty is one of the most important factors which affect your personality and confidence. You can get fair skin without going to beauty parlors. Here are some natural beauty tips that may help you to make your color fair and get beautiful look.
Take one cup of Cucumber juice, one tablespoon of Lemon juice and mix with one spoon of Rose water. Apply this mixture on face, arms, neck and other body parts which are sun affected. Wash it after 20-25 min.
Papaya pulp is very effective in skin cleaning. Apply Papaya pulp directly on skin and wash after 20 min.

Beauty
Take one teaspoon of Turmeric, mix with Raw Milk and one teaspoon of Lemon juice. Apply it on the face and neck. Wash with water after 20-25 min.
Take Gram flour, Lemon juice and mix with some Curd (Dahi). Apply it before taking bath and leave 15-20 min. use it regularly and get good results.
Coconut is also effective, drink coconut water and apply its milk on to the face. Your skin will become fair and glow.
Take one teaspoon Turmeric powder, one teaspoon of Olive oil and mix with some Curd and a pinch of Salt. Apply this pack on face and neck. Wash it carefully after 20 min, you will get good results.
Saffron (Kesar) is an excellent home remedy. Take one or two leaf of Saffron, mix with little Milk. When the milk color changes, apply it on the face and neck. Wash it after 20 min, you will get effective results.
Prepare mixture of crushed Orange peels and leaf of Basil (Tulsi). Apply it on skin for improvement.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Skinny Ties...


Wear It, Tie It, Own It: Your Guide To Skinny Ties Taking cue from styles of the 1950s and early 1960s (and even 1980s), skinny ties are once again the hottest men's fashion accessory in 2011. Given the trend factor of this slender tie style, questions arise about how to properly wear a skinny tie, from appropriate occasions, to how to tie it, and even where to buy them. This guide will answer the mysteries of the skinny tie and help you achieve the skinny tie (aka slim tie, thin tie, narrow tie) look.
Proper Fit Of A Skinny Tie Though skinny ties can be found in 2-inch to 3-inch widths, the average and most popular width of a skinny tie in 2011 is anywhere from 2-inches to 2.5-inches wide. Going skinnier provides a more retro look, while going wider creates a more traditional look. Like traditional-width ties, the standard length for a man's skinny tie is about 57 inches, give or take an inch depending upon the manufacturer. When properly fitted, the tip of the skinny tie should fall near the belt line when tied, extending no more than one inch below or three inches above the belt. Who Can Wear A Skinny Tie Any body type and gender can wear skinny ties, but, due to proportions, these ties work best on slender frames, hence why many women wear skinny ties as well. With the Hollywood influence, skinny ties are currently more popular for the under 35 crowd, but that's not too say an older man can't pull off this look. Appropriate Occasions For Skinny Ties Skinny ties can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. For a formal look, pair a skinny tie (solid black being the most popular) with a fitted dress shirt that has a smaller sized collar. Steer clear of over-sized, box-like suits or dress shirts (think 1990s) when wearing a skinny tie. Because of the slenderness of skinny ties, coordinating attire should be properly fitted to create a cohesive look. If you're not planning to wear a suit or jacket, the hottest formal look we're seeing is the pairing of a bright, solid color skinny tie with a black dress shirt. The tie will pop against the shirt and create a bold statement. To achieve this look, some of our recommendations for tie colors include Red, Fuchsia, Miami Rose Pink, Hot Pink, Shocking Violet, Plum Violet, Purple, Royal Blue, Peacock Blue, Turquoise, Tropical Blue, Hot Lime Green, Gold, Golden Yellow, Yellow or White. If a black dress shirt isn't your thing, pair your skinny tie with a shirt color that is lighter than the necktie for a dashing look. For a casual look, still wear a collared shirt with your skinny tie. However, the tie knot can be either knotted tightly or left loose. Roll up shirt sleeves and pair with a vest for a well-dressed, casual look. Skinny knit ties are especially popular when it comes to casual looks. Fashion forward brides and grooms are increasingly dressing their bridal party in skinny ties, especially in solid colors. For a sharp look, mix and match bright solid color skinny ties among the groomsmen. Wearing a skinny tie for work is entirely dependent upon the work environment. For a more casual work environment, the skinny tie can be worn. If you want to wear a skinny tie in a more formal work environment, it is best to choose a narrow 3-inch width or slim 2.75-inch width. How-To Tie A Skinny Tie When wearing a skinny tie, it is important not to overpower the slender width with too large or chunky of a knot. Skinny ties instead require a small-knot style, which can be achieved with either the four-in-hand knot or half-windsor knot.
The four-in-hand knot is the most common of knots used with skinny ties and our recommendation for a trendy look. It provides a narrow and asymmetrical knot. For a cleaner and triangular knot, use the half-windsor. This provides a larger knot than the four-in-hand, but it is still small enough to use with most skinny ties. Use caution if using this knot with ties slimmer than 2-inch wide though (such as with 1-inch or 1.5-inch ties). The half-windsor knot is on the edge of being too large and too formal for ties of this width.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Thin Ties


  • Skinny Ties
    THE BASICS
  • Company: Van Heusen
  • Price: $24.99
  • Official Site: JCP.com/VanHeusen
  • Release Date: On sale now at JCPenney
  • MY TAKE
  • Van Heusen may be known for stitching shirts of the no-iron, fuss-free, cotton-blend variety, but the mass manufacturer, sold almost exclusively in JCPenney, does occasionally leave the safety and comfort of barn life for trendier pastures. Fitted dress shirts in slimmer fits come in a palette that strays from the confines of tried and true whites and blues. Brighter colors, like jewel-toned purples, pop against subdued black-and-slate gray offerings. And when arguably one of the most basic brands in a store that breeds consistency is ready to change things up, it’s a wake-up call that everyone should be able to hear even if you’re stuck in a cornfield. Now, Van Heusen is churning out playmates for its trimmer fit shirts. Meet their interpretation of the skinny tie.
  • UNIQUENESS
  • It may have taken an arduous six seasons or so for the skinny tie phenomenon to trickle down from the runways into the gut of the garment industry, but the style has managed to seep under JCPenney’s doors. Van Heusen’s version takes the lobster bib width of the nondescript, 9-to-5 government-worker tie and refuses to give it a mandated one-hour lunch break. What you wind up with is a waistline that has shrunk a modest ¾". It’s a subtle change, but the results are surprisingly dramatic. And it comes in seven colors, including an unexpected solid pink and white.
  • DURABILITY
  • There is no need to cut the skinny tie loose at the end of the season. Like almost all of JCPenney’s products, this one is in it for the long haul. The tie is made from 100% silk, the steak-and-potatoes-eating daddy of tie fabrics. Colors like red, black, charcoal, baby blue, and eggplant are reliable enough for looks that run the gamut from the everyday to the eclectic. And at $24.99 a pop, they’re an easy and economical way to update your workwear wardrobe this holiday season.

Dress Smart Yet Casual-Q&A


Q: I’m starting a new job and the dress code is smart-casual -- what does that mean and how do I dress for it?   

A: Smart, dressed down, business casual. Call it what you want, the demise of 9-to-5 suit-and-tie style has left a sea of office dressing don'ts in its wake. On the plus side, it sounds like the laid-back powers that be in your personnel department have given the green light for jeans. But rather than going down-market like your clothing-challenged colleagues, keep your denim dark and dress it up with blazers, button-downs and slim-lined neckties.   

Credit: Macy'sQ: I’ve been told over and over about the importance of watches to guys who want to move up the corporate ladder. Problem is, I’m at the bottom of the ladder and need a watch that pulls off that look on a budget. What should I look for?   

A: Lucky for you, less expensive sporty watches have weaseled their way into the boardroom. Nowadays, you no longer need a pricey pearl face on a crocodile band. Just make sure your timepiece straddles the line between work and play. You never want to look like you’re ready to go deep-sea diving while reviewing budgets with the boss.   

Credit: Macy'sQ: I just turned 30 and am starting to get nervous about aging. What products should I be using right away to battle the sands of time?   

A: In this day and age, it seems silly to recommend moisturizer (we’re hoping everyone got the message on that one already). But for the holdouts, we suggest one with SPF for staving off the George Hamilton glow. You could also toss on a nightly eye cream to lighten your baggage later in life.   

Credit: Macy'sQ: I walk a lot, so a lot of more formal shoes don’t work out for me, but I still like to look on the upper end of casual chic. What would be a good shoe for me?   

A: Chances are, if your feet ache after pounding the pavement, your shoes aren’t the right size, are poorly made, or both. A good pair of dress lace-ups with a meaty midsole and a rubber bottom should afford you the ability to sprint to a client meeting or an after-hours event with little more hurt than a huff and a puff.   



Q: I’m 5’6” and on the plumpish side. What should I be looking for in terms of a trenchcoat that flatters my frame? 

A: The problem with most trench coats is that they look like brown paper bags. Regardless of your shape or size, a proper one should cinch at the waist, go no longer than your knee, and be tailored to the point that it fits like your favorite sport coat.  

Q: I’m looking for fall/winter hat options that won’t screw up my hairstyle before I get to where I’m going -- any suggestions?

A: Unless you’re blessed with Bond hair that doesn’t budge in a near-death nuclear explosion, your hair is bound to be bulldozed by shoving it under a ski cap, fedora, newsboy, or frankly, any head covering at all. The only solution is to either commit to wearing your hat all day long or cut your coif close enough to the scalp so that no damage can be done.

Dressing Your Body Type:Short



  • What You Need To Know
  • A short body type is defined as a height under 5'6".
  • Fit is critical; make friends with the tailor.
  • Dressing in the same color family elongates your body.
"Take every pair of pants you buy, including jeans, to him so that your bottoms are always the correct length."
Looking your best is largely about figuring out which garments, cuts, color combinations, and fabrics play up your best assets. Here we review what you should add to (and what you can toss from) your closet if you have a short body type. We’ve also included an easy-to-use guide so that the next time you hit the stores, it will be crystal clear what you need to stock up on in order to enhance your appearance.

A Short Body Type Defined

In North America, a man is considered to have a short body type when his height is 5'6" or less. With regards to frame, men with short body types may be slim, muscular, athletic, or heavyset. A short body type also means that either your legs or your torso are shorter than average.

Pros And Cons Of Dressing A Short Body

Dressing any body type is always about accentuating what’s great about yourself and downplaying features that you don’t love. In several ways, dressing a short body type can be easier than one that’s very tall as it’s always easier to have clothing shortened to fit you but it’s near impossible to have garments lengthened. Additionally, shorter men are in luck these days as shrunken coats and trimmer fits are not only back in vogue, but appear to be here to stay in some form or another, making it easier to find flattering,fashion-forward clothing. Particularly if you happen to be lean, there are a wide variety of designers that produce clothing suited to your body type. For example, to find really sharp, sophisticated clothes, seek out European labels; for cool, urban threads, look to Japanese designers who turn out style-conscious lines that fit the proportions of their countrymen, who are on average slightly shorter than their Western counterparts.

Having a short body type often means, however, that mass-market clothes, particularly those found in American chains, will be too large for you. This clothing tends to be geared toward a restricted number of body shapes, so finding your size in these stores will prove more difficult. Additionally, the more you deviate from average height, the harder clothes shopping will be.

Dress Your Body Type: The Guide

Fit   

At any size or height, the fit of a man’s clothing is the determining factor in the impression his appearance leaves on others. Proper-fitting clothes convey professionalism, good taste, attention to detail, and a certain authority. Ill-fitting garments, alternatively, suggest character traits such as sloppiness and laziness, even if you don’t actually possess those qualities.

To ensure your clothing belongs in the former category rather than the latter, hunt down the services of a reputable tailor. Take every pair of pants you buy, including jeans, to him so that your bottoms are always the correct length. What you’re aiming for is to avoid any bunching at the bottom and for your hemline to graze your shoes. Your pants should also have a plain hem, as cuffs have the effect of breaking a smooth seam, thus, visually cutting inches off your frame. At the store, forego extremely tapered or baggy pants, opting instead for pants that sit higher on your waist (without looking geeky) if you have short legs. Choose lower-rise boot-cut or straight-leg pants if you have a short torso relative to the rest of your body.



"The best ties for men are the thin ones, not the broad ones" 


For tops, begin by shopping for pieces that visually draw the eye up toward your face. These include dress shirts with straight-point collars and blazers with peak lapels. Avoid anything that focuses attention downward, such as deep V-necks or double-breasted blazers and sweaters. To help elongate a shorter torso, wear your shirts untucked whenever possible. Shirt cuffs that are too long will have the unfortunate effect of making you look like a boy, so ensure that only about half an inch of your shirt cuff is visible when you’ve layered a button-down underneath a blazer or sweater.

When shopping for blazers and structured coats, favor those that are ventless and cut short, meaning that they end at or just above the curve of your butt, as this style will extend the line of your legs. Finally, when in doubt, defer to your tailor and have your dress clothes custom made. That way, your shirts will fit properly around your armpits and you can also ask your tailor to set your breast pocket higher on your blazers and your trouser pockets slightly lower for a superior, elongated look.

Colors And Patterns

In terms of choosing colors and patterns for short body types, what will look best on you may be more determined by your weight and frame than your height. For example, short men can wear stripes between one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch, with wider-framed men wearing stripes spaced further apart. Short and stout men should also stay away from heavily textured weaves like herringbone or houndstooth, as they add bulk and draw the eye down, though slimmer men shouldn’t feel shy about wearing these patterns. Dark, solid colors will help heavyset men look slimmer while lighter colors are more appropriate for lean men.

Regardless of what the number on your scale says, however, there are a few points related to color and pattern that short men can keep in mind. First, whether you’re wearing dark or light colors, short men benefit from wearing ensembles in which all the garments come from the same color family as it creates a fluid, elongating line (this is called monochromatic). More specifically, a stark contrast between your top and bottom half is not recommended as it will visually cut you in half. Finally, short men should wear shirts with small prints and patterns, eschewing large windowpane checks or oversize plaid.

Dress Your Best: More Tips

Short men can also make use of a few tricks in the accessories and grooming departments to help them look their best. To begin with, simple accessories are better because they won’t overwhelm your shape, and this uncluttered look will also keep attention focused on your face. The best ties for short men are those that are narrow or midsize rather than broad. Wide belts are also a no-no for short men, so select narrower waistbands and belts. To lengthen the vertical line of your body, you can experiment with hats, dress shoes with a slight heel and short hairstyles. Finally, find inspiration for how to dress and what to wear by checking out shots of style icons from your grandfather’s generation, as they tended to be shorter and you’ll learn a lot from their classy sense of style (FYI: Sammy Davis, Jr. was 5'3").




Checklist: Your Wardrobe Staples

  • Two-button coats and blazers
  • Boot-cut or straight-leg jeans
  • Slim ties
  • Straight-point collar button-downs
  • Narrow belt
  • Single-breasted, ventless blazers
  • Sleek suits
  • Sweaters in thin fabrics
  • Leather jacket, motocross-style jackets or bomber jackets
  • Shoes and boots with ½” to 1” heel
It’s a rare man who can throw on virtually any outfit and seem as though he just stepped out of a fashion spread, so if you’re like most men, you know that a bit of effort is involved in achieving a stylish look. Everyone has to take certain aspects of what they were born with into account when dressing each morning and if you have a short body type, now you know exactly what you need to do (or not do) to make the most of yourself.