Is he a clothes casualty?
With Father’s Day fast approaching this gave me the idea to write a blog on men and the way they dress.
Does your husband/partner need help with choosing which clothes to wear each morning? Well if so, he’s not alone.
The men in our life often rely on us to help or even do their shopping for them. If men leave their choice of clothes to others, bear in mind that this intervention may reflect how those close to them, see them and wish to influence them, rather than how they want to be perceived by the rest of the world.
For all of us, managing our appearance is an important part of who we are. It makes a visual statement about our personality and our lifestyle, as well as indicating our abilities and confidence. In today’s world, image really does matter.
As a personal stylist, I use a very different approach when working with men to women. With ladies I need to use a consultative approach with what clothes I am advising and discussing with them style wise, with men they just want to know the rules – what to do and what to avoid doing. They like structure and logic generally.
Especially today in the ‘smart casual’ world of business, men need to look authoritative without wearing a suit. One of my clients – an interim management consultant and non-exec director who came to see me recently said.
“Well you have started something! My visit to you has made me feel much more confident about clothes and I am amazed about the impact. I have been culling inappropriate clothes (charity shops doing ok). The new concept in blue suit / shirts / sweaters etc., to suit my colouring and build are now in the wardrobe and also tailored shirts etc. Thanks for your help and I had a great time. Bit of a revolution really – new man! “
Top ten common mistakes men make when dressing:
- The wrong shoes – casual shoes with a suit rather than Oxfords, brown shoes with grey or black suit
- Light coloured suits – keep them for visits to Europe where they are fashionable, its not a good look for the UK
- Short sleeve shirts – even in summer men should wear a long sleeve shirt and roll back the cuffs
- Socks and ties – avoid mismatched socks or socks and ties with cartoons
- If he works in a more casual environment, don’t think that because everyone looks scruffy, he needs to join the pack – encourage him to be a cut above the rest – he will be noticed for it
- If your man travels a lot, choose non-crease fabrics such as wool. Do the scrunch test for three seconds with your fist. If the fabric creases in that time, imagine how it will look after a long train or car journey when he arrives at that all important client meeting
- Frayed collars – shirts do not last forever!
- Scuffed or dirty shoes – people notice!
- Out of date suit – it’s worth investing in a new one for that all job interview, don’t wear the one in the cupboard bought for his last interview in 2008
- Ensure the fit is right, for example, trousers that are too long or too short can decrease the impact made. It looks like he couldn’t be bothered.
A final thought –
“A man should look as though he has chosen his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.”
Hardy Amies
Written by Shan Williams, Personal Stylist.
Many of our consultants are qualified in men’s image, why not book the man in your life a men’s image gift experience? www.colourmebeautifulshop.co.uk/product/gift-experiences/colour-for-men-gift-package or visit www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/consultant/search/ and just pop in your postcode to find out who is nearest consultant to you who offer men’s image services and send them an email? We have the expertise and I am sure you will find us approachable and friendly.
Lots more to look at on www.pinterest.com/colourmebeautuk/dapper-dads/
(Image courtesy of Pinterest – Ricky Martin with his gorgeous boys!)