By Simon Johnnson


Men's fashion has indeed become one of the most talked about things in fashion nowadays. Fashion is basically the urge to present yourself in the best way possible. Fashion can be your clothes or your general style or even your attitude. In any sort of profession, a good sense of fashion often adds a kick to your status. Appearance does count and all of us would agree that it is no surprise that it does.

First impressions last long nowadays. There is an immense proliferation of the visual medium in our lives and indeed we need not have to think twice about looking good and its virtues the moment we consider the visual media. Effective fashion can win you fans. It can also get you a promotion. And of course it can turn a few heads to say the least. Try on that tie that you always thought was a little too good to wear. Flash it around and you will see the changes in perception round you. Whose perception are you changing? Not only of those who you meet for the first time but all your relations, your family and friends too, can be impressed once again. But it is a subtle art which you have to master at any cost. So go on and see how well you can mater it.

• Try and understand what people like. The current trends are always helpful signs of good fashion. The latest is always appreciated and you should go for it. Do not be shy to try on new things. Men's fashion has been ignored by men for long now. It is time now to dress up with a vengeance! Go out and sport the best of clothes and you will see the changes immediately.

• Do not forget the bare minimums. Detail is always appreciated in any kind of fashion. Accessories always have an impact, especially if you are the traditional male dresser which does not give you much to experiment with. The sudden glint of your cuff link might really give you that fashionable edge even when you are wearing the same old dinner jacket. The basic minimum is really important ion men's fashion.

• There can be three general categories of male dressing. These are the conventional, the trendy and the avant garde. The last kind is for those who want to shock and thus impress. The conventional is of course the category with the most number of people. The trendy is for the new male shopper who buys all new stuff and makes a statement out of them.

Men have been lagging behind in this one thing till now, that is, fashion. They really have top catch up and as we have tried to tell you, there are indeed many reasons why you should catch up. Fashion is an intrinsic part of our lives nowadays. You cannot but be fashionable. Even if you think that you are not interested in fashion, you will soon realize that there are at least a few things which you cannot but have preferences for when it comes to dressing. So don't be all restrictive and go ahead and dress up! Men's fashion is here to stay.

By L. A. Aranas


Fashion faux pas - we are all guilty of it, one way or another. But us men, and we must admit it, we just make fashion mistakes left and right that it's becoming embarrassing. It seems like when the Gods of fashion showered the gift of knowledge on dressing properly, it's just the ladies who went outside and we were all left watching some TV. But there is still hope for each and every testosterone-filled individual of the world. Because with this article, we'll round out some of the biggest fashion missteps most men have the chance to take. So that no one will ever take that plunge ever again.

No-no Number 1: Socks with Sandals

Fate must have played a cruel trick on every guy, because almost every man have committed this fashion don't. Okay, we get it. It's cold outside. But why not just wear shoes if you want warm feet. The horror of seeing someone wearing socks, much less white socks, with sandals is just unbearable. I think even talking about it is. That's why I'll just stop.

No-no Number 2: Novelty Clothing

It may look cute at first, but having a big smiley face and other lame prints on your clothes like ties, shirts and boxer shorts is very childish. Just save these types of garments when you're washing your car or working out. Or better yet, just wear them if you have nothing left to wear.

No-no Number 3: Big Designer Labels

We get it, you can afford branded clothing. But no matter how expensive they are, having logos of high-end clothing companies splattered on your chest just makes you look like a walking billboard. Besides looking like an ad for these companies, most people think you are a douche when you wear these types of clothing.

No-no Number 4: Backpacks at the Office

Though it may be very convenient most of the time, having a backpack and wearing a suit just does not match. Aside from the fact that it will wrinkle your clothes even before you get to the office, backpacks just look very juvenile. And you don't want that because people may not take you too seriously. That's bad especially if you are the boss of the company. Why not invest on a not so expensive brief case for your important office stuff. A messenger bag will also do.

No-no Number 5: Big Chunky Shoes

It's 2010, not the 90's. That's why big chunky shoes are definitely out. They say that fashion is timeless, but there are some items that should also be retired. Don't worry, you can still wear those big shoes during costume parties on Halloween.

No-no Number 6: Shiny Shirts and Suits

Just a reminder: you are not a pimp. That is why you should avoid wearing shirts and suits, and anything for that matter, that is very shiny and glittery. These clothing items just look tacky and they make your look like you're from the disco era. If you don't know what color to wear, always go back to the basics: black.

No-no Number 7: Loose Fitting Clothes

Loose fitting is equal to sloppy. You are not going to release the next top hip-hop hit or dancing B-Boy, so better try on clothes that fit you well. Perfectly-fitted clothing, especially dress shirts and pants, will definitely do you good.

No-no Number 8: Unflattering Colors

Many people said that it's the person wearing the clothes that makes the whole get-up look good. Sadly, they're wrong. Knowing how to use color to your advantage will do you good when trying dress properly. Avoid colors that will make you look pale or too dark. The color of what you're wearing should also compliment your eye color, skin ton and body shape.

There you go. These are just some of the fashion faux pas many men commit. Stay away from them and you'll be sure that you will look good.

By A. Covington


Company dress codes are rarely written down in the professional world. While it's common sense not to wear flip-flops and board shorts to the office (unless you would for a surfboard company), the rest is left for you to decipher.

You can mirror what your coworkers wear as a benchmark, which will fall into one of three business dress codes (you should also have a personal dress code).

Corporate

Corporate dress codes call for suits, ties and pressed shirts. Dockers and polo shirts will not cut it in these type of environments (think investment banking and law firms). The typical uniform is a nice suit with a crisp white dress shirt and a quality tie, preferably made of silk. You don't have to stick to a white shirt, though. Play around with classic pinstripes and white French cuffs.

Bold ties add personality to white shirts. Wide-knot neckties are the "it" men's accessory right now (in addition to the status watch); they create a sophisticated look that's polished and confident. Pocket squares have made a comeback-wear one that matches your tie and no one will forget you.

Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, recommends Egyptian cotton solid white dress shirt, shirts in solid, icy, almost white, colors, shirts with stripes on a white background or go for the tone on tone look-you can't go wrong!

Business Casual

The business casual dress code is the hardest to de-code. It's almost as if management is testing you to see how well you interpret the dress "code". And this very well may be the case. Always remember that you're a professional and so an eye towards professionalism is mandated every morning when you pick out what the wear.

Even if you don't meet clients face-to-face, wearing pressed, clean and neat clothes shows your colleagues that you are competent and worthy of taking on additional challenges (and getting those well-deserved promotions). Khakis and polo shirts may be acceptable, but make sure they're up-to-date, made of durable, high-quality materials and ironed. Wrinkled clothes, even in minor cases, sends a message that you're disheveled and disorganized.

Business Appropriate

Business appropriate is one of those newer terms that breeds even more confusion that the business casual dress code. Understanding the business appropriate dress code requires a thorough understanding of the corporate culture. A polo shirt and sportcoat may be perfectly acceptable at some companies, while at others, a business appropriate dress code could mandate a suit, but without the tie. It's all about what is appropriate for your company and industry.

If you're preparing for an interview or just starting out with a new company and don't know the dress code, you can make assumptions based on the industry. For financial industries and legal offices, you can count on the dress code being formal. To be sure, call human resources and ask for general guidelines.

By Leroy Fong


There are many men trying to figure out what to wear for a wedding or for work. Trying to match your dress shirts with a pin-stripe can be interesting especially trying to play with colors and patterns. There is a query from a gentlemen on how to put together his dress shirts with his pin-stripe suit.

Question:

I was hoping I could get a little advice for a wedding in February. I am a male guest at a wedding of an extended family member. My sister is in the bridal party and all I have to wear is a black micro fibre-suit with faint grey pin stripes. I was hoping I could get some advice as to what colour shirt and tie I should wear to this event. The reception is at Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Answer:

Australia should be experiencing late summer and beginning autumn during this period. Firstly, I am not someone who goes for or even advice men to try micro-fibre fabrics. As much as possible, the natural fabrics are the preferred ones for suits. Refer to Mens Suits Fabrics for more details.

For safety sake, you can try medium blue dress shirts with patterns like Gingham checks, windowpane checks, or even variegated stripes (with different gradients of blue).

For ties, you can choose single colored like dark blue to stand out from the medium blue shirt. If you are adventurous, going for small polka dot (with wide space between the dots) would allow the possibility of playing three different patterns against each other.

Find the best dress shirts for men at our Men's Dress Shirts Store

By Karen Christel B Gaza


In the world of fashion, everyone has its own taste and style. Some people choose to look either simple, casual, bold, punk, hip hop or gothic. They chose to wear clothes that pride themselves and show their own sense of style and individualism. Everyone has freedom to dress whatever they want. If you're tired of your old sense of fashion, you can go bold and try dressing Goth.

If you have no idea on what clothes to wear and on how to capture the gothic look, here are some tips and guides on how to look and dress Goth.

Make a quick research on what Goth fashion style you wish to achieve. You can also browse from magazines and on the internet for idea and inspiration. Goth has a wide range of styles you may choose from. It may range from romantic look, punk, down to futuristic or cyber Goth.

The Romantic Goth

Often times, Goth are stereotyped as creepy, weird, morbid and dark sided. There is a particular Goth style that offers a softer, emotional and sensual side. To capture a romantic Goth look, opt for clothes that are toned in bold colors such as deep red, black and violet. For girls, you can go for skirts that are velvet and lengthy. Clothes with laces or embroidery will catch the romantic look. For boys, a dark long sleeved shirt or polo goes perfectly well with dark washed bottoms.

The Hardcore Goth

Hardcore Goths are also referred to as punks. They are commonly dressed up with spiked collars, bondage or ripped off pants and leather jackets. The way they dress are quite similar that of Emo. As mentioned earlier, most of the colors used are edgy and bold. Band shirts are also common to show their respect and love of their chosen music.

The futuristic Goth

Their sense of fashion is endless. They opt to go for unique and wild ideas of clothing. From recycled CDs, see-through linens, latex boots, down to plastics and scraps, their creativity and outlook in the future is simply admirable. Goth fashion has only one common denominator. Black is beautiful.

Whatever style you choose, you can always enhance your look. You can apply make-up, improve your hairstyle and accessorize your outfit. For your face, apply heavy eyeliners and eye shadows around your eyes. A smoky look and feel is perfect. Dub on some light lip gloss to finish the entire look. For your hair, if your outfit is simple, go for an extreme hairstyle. Put hair wax or hair gel and style your hair according to your preference. Adding a washable hair dye also help enhance your look.

Accessories are a big plus to complete any outfit. You can create your own lacy accessories on which you can put on your neck, arms and foot. Be creative and have a sense of originality. Dressing Goth is all about flaunting your beliefs, attitude and style. You can even blend Harajuku fashion and goth by adding bold and colourful tights and accessories.

By Jack Wogan


According to the dictionary, a dress represented clothing meant to cover the human body. It is not a very specific definition. Probably this is the reason why we do not know for sure when the first dress was designed on Earth. It has taken so many shapes and designs in time that it is difficult to go back to its origin. For this reason, the museums of fashion offer evidence starting with the Ancient Egypt.

The dresses designed during that period implied a piece of linen long enough to cover the ankles. The materiel was knotted under the woman's breast and this was the dress of the time. Climbing one step upwards on the scale of evolution of the dress, the next one was caught somehow on the shoulders, maybe similar to the present slip women wear nowadays.

On a different part of the Earth, in India, a dress represented a large piece of material but this time wrapped up differently around the woman's body. The way in which the material was surrounding the body made the difference in China as well, leading to the classical kimono. In the Ancient Greece, the dress looked like a frock, embellished with different jewelries. Once arrived in the Middle Ages, there is a change in the look of the way ladies were dressed. A long dress, with a train allowed the ankle to be visible. It proved to be a provocative piece of clothing thanks to the V-neck and to the cleavage.

Moreover, the next invention in the fashion world was during the Renaissance: the crinoline and the corsage. The fashion designers of the time claimed that was the real dress. In fact, all the inventions in fashion which followed claimed to own the title of the "real" dress. The famous little black dress or the very uncomfortable dresses designed especially to chock competed for the same title.

Nowadays, under the large concept of the "dress", there is a large variety of pieces of clothing. Some of them are at war with the comfortable trousers. By the way, what would you choose between a comfortable dress and some linen trousers? I find myself in difficulty...

By Alica Bacon


Let not socializing be a cumbersome affair for you. A lot of working women avoid partying, socializing and networking either because of time constraints or they are just too occupied to venture out and buy proper party attire for themselves. With the advent of innumerable shopping options like online shopping destinations, designer boutiques etc, it has become much simpler for busy working women to enjoy their lives, put on their dancing shoes and flaunt that perfect party dress with style.

A few patterns and colors that you can try for an evening party:

• A black off shoulder knee-length sheath dress would be ideal for a happening late night shindig. You can also try a fabulous fuchsia colored dress, which would truly make you stand out from the crowd.

• A purple strapless ruched satin dress is truly a contemporary style. Purple represents sophistication and richness. The ruche pattern would make you look like a real style icon.

• A mini halter sheath dress is perfect for grooving on the dance floor till the wee hours of morning. It is stylish and comfortable at the same time. An enviable green would be worth the try. This pattern would suit women who can carry mini dresses with panache.

• Black and red are the universal party colors. A mermaid cut floor length gown with elaborate sequin work on the bodice would be apt for an exclusive party. Try and team it up with chic red stilettos and voila! You will be all set to burn the dance floor on fire.

• A red above the knee, strapless dress with an empire waistline would look nice if you like the elegant look. An empire waistline imparts a very feminine look to your persona and it is very much in vogue lately.

The key points you should keep in mind while sashaying into a party,

• Simplify your shopping chores by visualizing the apt party dress in your mind.

• Make your own decisions; don't let someone else's opinion influence you.

• Be aware of your likes and dislikes, avoid being impulsive, that would only increase the number of hideous looking outfits in your closet.

• Pay heed to your body type and then head for shopping at full throttle.

• Carry yourself with confidence and wear a genuine smile on your face.

• Accessorize sensibly and you will be all set to don a perfect ensemble.

Your dress would define your personality so make sure you choose the right one and get all geared up to be under the spotlight. The fashion industry is growing by leaps and bounds, which means that scouting for the perfect party dress isn't a Herculean task anymore.

By Jennifer Wasilewski

70's inspired clothing is really in this season which makes the wrap dress the perfect addition to your closet. Once extremely popular when they hit the runways in the early 70's they've been laying dormant close to 30 years making the occasional appearance in the early 90's. Lucky for you 2008 has fully welcomed this easy to wear dress and you should be able to find one you love at your favorite clothing store.

Why You'll Love the Wrap

For women who are slightly curvier or on the fuller side the wrap dress was definitely made with you in mind. While these dresses look great on almost any body type it's the full breasted curvy hip women out there who really benefit from this style. It lifts, separates and breaks up the body in such a way that your curves become your number one asset. One of the biggest benefits of this dress is the hour glass appearance it gives those who wear it. Worn the right way this dress can mask bellies while playing up hips and flatter that junk in your trunk without flattening it out. Gone are the days when stick thin was in and more and more women are learning the it's the hips and the breast that make a women who she is. This dresses embraces the woman.

What if I'm super thin you say? Have no fear you can wear this dress just as proudly as your thicker sisters. The art of mastering the wrap lies within knowing and understanding what works with your body type. Those of you who are super thin or have smaller breast can wear wrap dresses that have adjustable ties and are less ruffly up top. In keeping with the rule of less is more, your goal is to find a wrap dress that gives you a little extra up top by limiting the amount of fabric used in your chest area. If you can't find one that fits perfectly you can always rely on the good ol' push up bra for some assistance in pulling of this sassy fashion.

How to Pull of the Wrap

* Before you choose a wrap it's important to figure out what body type you are. Different wraps will look good on different body types. Full figured women will look good with fuller skirts where as small framed women will need dresses that aren't as full.
* Since the wrap dress has the tendency to pick up panty lines which can draw attention to your tummy, be sure to choose the right underwear. If you are concerned about your stomach area look for some quality shape wear to really look terrific in this dress.
* Patterns are very popular when it comes to wrap dresses but be careful when choosing one. You need to keep your body type in mind and know what works best with it. For fuller figured women, choose diagonal or vertical patterns and stay away from the tiny patterns that can make you look larger than you really are.
* Wrap dresses are fun and easy to accessorize for any occasion so be creative when it comes to personalizing yours. Experiment with different belts, bracelets, shoes, and tights or leggings to really make it your own.

By Leroy Fong


The main difference between these two lacings is the lace-ups area. Blucher lacing are open-throat lacing while the balmoral lacing are closed-throat with a 'V' shaped lacing. Men requiring high instep or uses high insoles would definitely prefer the blucher lacing. The open-throat allows more adjustment to give way around the instep than balmoral lacing.

Lace-ups are the most acceptable styles around the world for businesswear. Dressiness of lace-up mens dress shoes styles starts from the smoothness of the leather used (rough grain leather are less dressy), followed by the type of lacing (blucher is considered more casual than balmoral), and finally the amount of detailing (the more details like perforation, the less dressy).

Slip-ons or loafers are the other option for mens dress shoes styles that has been regarded as the less formal dress shoes. But we should not assume that all slip-ons are casual. There is a particular category of loafers which are meant for the evening black-tie affairs.

Besides its ease of wear, it is also a versatile pair of mens dress shoes that can be clean in its cut with minimal detailing and suitable for both casual and formal wear. One of my favorite mens dress shoes styles. It is simple and yet elegant with an exceptional clean cut. The Plain-Toe Oxfords can have both the blucher lacing and balmoral lacing.

A Plain-Toe Blucher Oxford definitely has a less formal look compared to the balmoral lacing ones.
The Plain-Toe Balmoral Oxfords work well for both business wear as well as formal occasions that require a dressy pair of dress shoes. Its popularity lies on its versatility, elegant, and firm design that draws so many men to it.

The Plain Blucher Oxfords can also transform into a casual style suitable for business wear. The use of rougher grains of leather will make it look less dressy, and examples would be using crocodile skin to create such a look.

Want to learn more about the best dress shoes available on the internet? Visit Mens Shoes Review to find out.

By Jen P Carter


Weddings are special occasions, and finding plus size mother of the bride dresses can be incredibly difficult. You want to look your very best, while still remaining within your budget. These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to selecting fashionable plus size mother of the bride dresses. More retailers are starting to offer better selections of plus size attire, making looking stylish an easier task than ever. Plus, manufacturers are starting to realize the potential in plus sizes. To find the perfect plus sizes for your figure takes a bit of luck and some effort on your part, but it's not as difficult as you might think.

Plus size mother of the bride dresses have become increasingly more fashionable as the fashion industry starts to realize that beauty comes in many forms. You want to find a dress that flatters your figure and plays up your best assets while simultaneously minimizing the features you aren't too proud of. When selecting a dress, you need to keep in mind the colors and fabrics that look best on you. By doing this you can still remain trendy but look great as well.

There are many places you can find fabulous plus size mother of the bride dresses for your very special occasion. Depending on your budget and what you're looking for, you can select from a variety of dresses at bridal retailers, specialty shops, boutiques, department stores or even on the internet. Coldwater Creek offers a line of stylish plus size mother of the bride dresses, as do major departments stores like Robinson's May and JC Penny's. Wherever you choose to buy your dress, keep in mind what's in fashion right now but also what works best on your figure. Keep your look stylish but minimized so as not to clash with the bride's attire.

If you choose to purchase your dress online, keep in mind your price budget and what you're looking for. You can find great deals on plus size mother of the bride dress on the internet, and even links to places you can have your dress custom made. If money isn't an option, you can go this route for the guarantee that your dress was made to fit your curves beautifully. Check sizes carefully, as different designers have different size requirements when it comes to plus sizes. Also, whether you're shopping online or otherwise you'll want to check the company's return policy. In case your dress doesn't fit as well as you'd like, ensuring the store has a quality return policy will minimize hassles on your special occasion.

Regardless where you choose to purchase plus size mother of the bride dresses, there are a variety of fabrics, textures, styles, sizes and types to fit your needs. With patience and a little luck, you'll find a great dress that shows off your curvy figure wonderfully. Your special day will be a day to remember, and you want to make sure you look and feel your stylish best.

By Lenny Rose


Many women are dying to become like their favorite celebrities. This may be for the reason that these celebrities have the beauty and popularity that everybody dreams of. While it will take you a long way to be like them, there are a few things that you can do to have a glimpse of the admiration that they get like having the runway looks! Have the runway looks like the celebrities in the virtual world and you will be an instant fashionista with a single click at dress up games. Imagine yourself like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or even Victoria Beckham!

Be ready to be fabulous like Paris Hilton and get the runway look for a fashion show. A V-neck long white dress in thin straps with black as its accent will make way for a stylish runway dress. A black-waist ribbon would complement its black embroideries to serve as embellishment. Find beaded necklace that would make the attire complete, paired with matching oversized earrings. A pair of Greek sandals is a must-have this wear. Make sure that you have one to make the attire into perfection. Don't forget to get an elegant quilted purse at dress up games to place everything necessary for touch-ups.

Blocks and squares are perfect for runway looks same as with lacy fancies with dress up games. Dress with laces gives an edgy sophistication to the wearer. Not only it makes it regal, lacy clothes are becoming the most versatile style. The best trick that you can look fabulous with lacy dresses is to keep it chic and minimal.

Victoria Beckham is one of the stars with the most television ventures. An English singer, actress, author, model and a fashion designer, Beckham is one of the most want-to-be stars by many. Discover how to be like her with dress up games.

Casual dressing is one of the best Victoria Beckham's trademarks. However, her casual dress up will always make her shine among the crowd. Try on striped top matched with denim skirt and layer it under with brown pedal pants. A ruffled jacket will give it the twist that will make the entire outfit amazing and awesome. Or you may also try on a sexy dress up with Beckham. A fitted satin long sleeve blouse matched with leather skirt and a pair of boots will make you walk with oozing confidence. Carry on with you an oversized bag to put everything that you need.

Every celebrity star has their fashion imprint. This is for the reason that each of us has a different personality and fashion taste. Dress yourself according to what fits your personality and don't forget to complement it well with your body figure. This way you will not only look amazing in runway dress but also will put curves right in their proper places to make every thing fit perfectly. Look like a fashion star in the runway with dress up games and you will surely have the beauty and popularity that you want.