How to Build Your Personal Style
Signature styles like Jimi Hendrix’s epic vintage ensembles or Michael Kors’ chic all-black wardrobe can make anyone want to own a look that’s truly theirs. The good news is that creating your signature style is not that hard, and it’s definitely never too late to build on your own budding personal style by following the simple steps listed below.
1. Figure out your body type
It’s not just women who should pay attention to body types when buying clothes. Although it’s admittedly easier to find guides made for women, there are some reliable ones for men as well. Clothing-specific guides like Superdry’s cheat sheet on matching body shape to jacket styles is especially useful for those who aren’t familiar with men’s body types. For instance, if you have a larger waist and hips compared to the width of your shoulders, then you have a triangle body shape. In this case, you’ll have to be more meticulous when picking out clothing to make sure it complements your body type. Make sure you find a tailor, and have him make patterned blazers that take away the focus from your waist. Vertical stripes are also a good choice to slim down and elongate your body.
2. Plan out your wardrobe
When building your personal style, unless you have wads of cash lying around waiting to be spent, it’s best to go into clothes shops with a plan in mind. Select clothes that make you feel and look good, and are appropriate for your job and lifestyle. Tech tycoon and former Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the best role model for a well thought out wardrobe because he revamped his entire wardrobe in one go. Excerpts from his biography published on NBC reveals how Jobs worked with designer Issey Miyake to build his black turtleneck collection. These men, with their seemingly effortless looks, undoubtedly planned out their shopping sprees and bought in bulk, which is a good strategy if you want to save money. You can start by buying two or three pairs of your favourite black T-shirt, or an extra pair of the jeans you wear way too often anyway. Work to integrate more complicated pieces on top of these essentials, so you don’t overwhelm you too much with new styles and cuts. You'll end up with a wardrobe that feels like it's truly yours because of how meticulously you planned it from the start.
3. Go slow on the trends
Menswear fashion is an irresistible rabbit hole that you may get sucked into if you’re not careful. While it’s tempting to fill your wardrobe with trendy clothes on a regular basis, this will undoubtedly end up with you owning a mish-mash of clothes with varying styles that don’t really form a cohesive wardrobe. Staple garments like high-quality white t-shirts and well-fitted jeans are classics for a reason. Invest in clothing that will stand the test of time, and mix them up with trendy pieces that you like, but do it carefully. Adapt experimental pieces around a base of classics in order to find what works and feels best for your own look. For instance, you can wear a floral blazer over plain jeans and a shirt, or incorporate some Karl Lagerfeld-inspired sunglasses into an otherwise simple outfit.
4. Find your signature item
Most style icons have their very own signature items: Yves Saint-Laurent had his iconic horn-rimmed glasses, and Lucian Freud wouldn’t be caught dead without his long cravat. Find an accessory or clothing item that you naturally gravitate towards and try to work it into most of your outfits. You can start by drawing some inspiration from icons with simpler signature items like Albert Einstein and his grey suits or Mark Zuckerberg and his hoodies. Lottoland points out how Zuckerberg’s go-to outfit is a hoodie and jeans, which makes him stand out among Silicon Valley’s suit-clad businessmen. His inspiration for this signature look came from the birth of his business in his college dorm room, which explains why he loves hoodies so much. Like Zuckerberg, you may find it easier to figure out what works for you by looking at what you already own and wear often to work or to university. Of course, you might not have one particular signature item and still have a signature style — think David Bowie’s fluctuating but instantly recognisable fashion sense. Like him, you can opt for a general theme of clothing instead of a singular signature piece. You won’t automatically be on the cover of a fashion magazine once you’ve covered all these tips, but you’ll definitely feel more tailored to a single style, and the owner of a stylish wardrobe that truly expresses who you are.
How To Wear A Milkshake
Forget flip-flops or 3/4 length cargo shorts, the worst thing to be seen wearing this summer is the milkshake. Engulfing the political canvasing of the European elections recently, everybody from Tommy Robinson to Nigel Farage has been getting the cold bukkake treatment. The traditional egg and flour method of showing political figures what we think has been getting the youthful makeover of a thick and icy McDonald’s milkshake. (Or Five Guys subject to budgets and neighbourhoods).
Is it milkshake weather yet? Expect to see a spike in sales. Showing the generational divide of this election, the milkshake treatment is a sloppy anti-establishment reminder of an expression that goes back centuries. Here’s how to style it in:
1. Dress to match. Go for the Colonel Sanders or Tom Wolfe option of milky white tailoring. Let’s just hope you don’t get covered in a chocolate shake.
From Right - Colonel Saunders looking finger licking good, Tom Wolfe in his trademark white tailoring
2. Pretend it’s vintage Maison Margiela and the paint effect is all part of the look. Distressingly distressed.
Left - Maison Margiela - 22 Painter Leather Replica Sneaker - £425
3. What came first? The egg or the milkshake. Prempt a strike and go for a Tough Mudder or a wet Glastonbury chocolate brown covering.
Right - "Corbyn, Corbyn, Corbyn" Glastonbury the new political opportunity?
4. Get on the shiny PVC/rubber trend. A quick hose down and you’re ready to go.
Left - Libidex - Capone Jacket - £146.97
5. Who cares? Own it. Wipe your face and move on. You’re a political soldier.
6. Layers. Be a human post-it. Pull it off and start again.
7. Opt for a clear mac. Business underneath a see-through mac.
Left - No.21 - Transparent PVC-Effect Raincoat - £525
8. Go full on Leigh Bowery. Get that drippy look and make it look like performance art.
From Right - Boy George as Leigh Bowery, Leigh Bowery
If all else fails, make a swift Brexit. Soz.
How to Dress for a Casino Night Out
You are a highly stylish person, we know that already.
Your fashionable history must be loaded with enviable fashion choices, trendy accessories and chic outfits. It seems like you just cannot make a mistake. All your deeds have been a fashion yes. But have you ever wondered what you would wear for a casino night out?
Timeless Role Models
Legendary fashion icons such as Marlon Brando, who got famous with his role in 1955 hit movie Guys and Dolls, in which he played a devoted gambler, sure knew how to dress dapper.
Brando's distinct taste in fedora hats truly shone in his character's performance, while his wise guy suit left an inerasable footprint in the gambling fashion chronicles. And while we are waiting for the blockbuster to be remade living through the movie musical craze, you should take a hint or two from the renowned actor.
Similar to his colleague, American heartthrob James Dean was a bit of a punter himself. Known for his passion for adrenaline and trying his luck, Dean was a regular at famous gambling establishments, and although quite young, knew exactly how to dress well. In his scarce roles, we see him in casual outfits, leather jackets and classic white T-shirts, as seen as in the Rebel without a Cause. In his private life, Dean was a real classy gentleman, donning elegant overcoats, silk bowties and black turtlenecks. That is, when he was not car racing. The nostalgic look in the past is wetting my eyes. And who would have guessed, the legend of cinema is now embodied in the namesake video slot by NextGen Gaming.
Contemporary Exemplars
However, not all instances could be taken from the past only. Fashion is timeless, and every day is your chance to present yourself in the best light possible.
Whilst you might feel tempted to look up to those who pushed daisies a long time ago, attempting to be original in the 21st century, let me tell you a secret. There are instances even nowadays that you can venerate and take inspiration from.
Let's assume you are an extrovert and would rather go out than stay at home and take a virtual trip to one of the top UK online casinos for a round of online slots – or a seat at a live dealer table for that matter - from the comfort of your home, in your pyjamas.
James Dean would want you to step out and take a look around. We do in fact observe a sea of questionable fashion decisions on the streets, but we do not want to focus on that. Let's centre our attention instead on the quality resolutions.
Lately, runways have been our focal point. From Hugo Boss professional attire collection to Tom Ford's watch must-haves, the leading designers have been playing in casinos' favour unknowingly.
Switching from skinny-fitting and overly loose jeans to a tailor-made pair of trousers in the high fashion industry has made an ordinary man reconsider his fashion choices. Baggy and asymmetrical could not remain in forever anyway. Nevertheless, there are always details that you can pick up from here and there to create your own unique style.
Most importantly, get rid of the misconception that your casino look has to be dull. By no means is that statement true. You can easily spice up your look with a smart handkerchief or a posh brooch. The world is your oyster, you just need to taste the waters.
Possess Your Own Style
Now that all has been said, the last, and the most important thing to bear in mind is to stay true to yourself. Keep an open eye to what is on trend right now, but put an emphasis on what feels best on you and in what you feel most comfortable. At the end of the day, it is indeed your appearance, the way you present your personality.
Yves Saint Laurent said it best, "Fashions fade, style is eternal."
So do not let passing fads stray you away from your trademark vogue. Dress to impress every single day and "live as if you'll die today," as James Dean put it.
How To Wear Denim Jeans AW18
The seeds of denim’s comeback are being sown. Thanks to Raf Simons’ Calvin Klein and his new uptight form of denim, we have a new way to see and wear it.
Left - Wrangler AW18
Bin those skinny jeans and buy yourself a denim shirt with contrasting front pockets, a roll neck and a denim jacket. This is 1970s cowboy in mid-winter.
Right - Calvin Klein AW18
The new AW18 campaign from Wrangler perfectly illustrates this. Brokeback at the top of the mountain, you could say, this all-American, retro look is all about layering relaxed shapes. Denim or corduroy jackets over jeans, check shirts and lightweight roll necks give this cowboy a romantic and wild edge. Think more North Carolina than North Acton.
Just don’t look like it’s your first time at the rodeo!
Left - Calvin Klein SS18
Below - Wrangler AW18
Get more inspiration in the video below. The video reminds me of the 1980s cult in Netflix's Wild Wild Country - here
How To Warm Your AW17 Arms (On A Budget!)
Looking online, it appears they’re a sell out. Yes, a sell out! Raf Simons’ AW17 arm-warmers, those accessorises we never knew we needed, and making us think differently about our forearms, aren’t available online anymore.
Left - Raf Simons AW17
That £250 you had burning a hole in your pocket, can be saved, thank god, with a bit of customising and working some magic on leg warmers and socks from eBay.
They do sell ‘arm-warmers’ on eBay, but they all seem a bit too short and tight, and actually designed to keep your arms warm. Duh! So, I started to look at large leg warmers, which you’ll be able to pull over your coat's arms.
It’s just trying to find a pair that is loose enough - the online pictures aren't great, but if it goes over an adult's thigh... - to fit over the arms of a coat that is key, and as seen in the Raf Simons show.
Left - Raf Simons - Knit Sleeves - £244
I went for the black 'Referee' socks, which I'm going to cut the feet out of and then loosely sew around the cut.
They cost me just over £2, including postage, and are a good way to jazz up an old coat, especially with men's fashion weeks coming up.
I think they would look best on a classic long wool coat, in a dark colour, like we saw on the catwalk. I have a perfect one from Jigsaw.
So, at just over a pound an arm, and 100 times cheaper than the originals, get covering those forearms. What have you got to lose?!
From Left - eBay - A selection of Girls/Ladies Referee Socks & Leg-Warmers from around £1.15
Right - Raf Simons AW17
How To Wear A Parka 2017
It's always this side of winter that the parka comes into its own. The default sub-zero style, the parka has become the trusted companion to many a fashionisto. But, there's a new way to wear it:
Go big and don't go home! There’s oversized and then there’s oversized and the designers, this season, have really blown-up the parka. Wear it big, wear it slouchy and if anybody asks, say "Demna made it for me!".
If you can't afford a Raf Simons, buy a generously filled high-street version a couple of sizes bigger. You can thank me later.
Left - Raf Simons - Men’s Oversized Down Quilted Jacket In Black & Yellow From LN-CC
Right - Balenciaga FW16
Left - Parka London - ‘Lever’ Oversized Fishtail Parka
Left - Vetements - Red Canada Goose Edition Down Parka From SSense
More...
How To Find The Perfect Jacket
A man’s style can be very much dictated by body shape, but we don’t see a lot of guidance when it comes to what would look best on which body type. Women, however, get to compare themselves against hourglasses, pears and apples and discern which shape relates most to them - before receiving guidance on what would look best on each. Guys have to work it out for themselves.
However, clothing retailer Superdry has decided to put together an in depth guide around body shape and jacket style – perfect as autumn arrives and we go out to make those important investment purchases for the colder months.
You may not be familiar with the terms 'inverted triangle', 'oval' and 'slim curve' when considering your body shape, but all will become clear in the guide below. Learn what looks best with a bomber jacket, how a long trench coat can create a slim lined look and why a pea coat looks best on those who hit the shoulder press at the gym and pick out a jacket perfect for you.
Brought to you by Superdry
How To Punk (Bleach) Your Denim Jeans
If you’ve been taking notes from the latest men’s collection from Gucci, Cruise ’17 to be precise, you’ll have seen that they’ve looked to Britain and our anarchic past and created classically punked denim.
Both - Gucci Cruise '17
I’ve been tempted to bleach some jeans for a while now, ever since a splash back, while cleaning, left an interesting finish.
Below - An original skinhead
Here's how:
Take a pair of jeans that have been languishing at the back of the wardrobe. Look for something slim or tapered. Make it a pair you were going to chuck out, so you’ve got nothing to lose if you don’t like the finish.
Left - Test the bleach on a pair of unwanted jeans so you get an idea of the finish
Don’t use your favourite pair of jeans. Look for a pair where you like the fit, but not the wash or colour.
Left - Stuff the legs with newspaper to control the bleach to one side of the jeans
I’ve gone for an old pair of Lee 101s which have braces attached which only adds to the skinhead look. Im taking the braces off before I start as I don’t want these splattered with bleach.
Get some standard household bleach. You can wear gloves if you prefer.
Lie the jeans out flat in the bath tub or shower tray or do outside. Stuff the legs with newspaper to control the bleach to one side.
Left - Mohicans are optional!
Pretend you're Jackson Pollock and liberally drip the bleach over the jeans.
Left - Use standard household bleach
Let the jeans dry, best left overnight, then do the same on the other side.
Right - The bleach will look a bit green, but don't worry, it's working its punk magic!
Use a bucket to rinse or throw into the washing machine.
If you want a stronger contrast you can use the bleach directly. For something more subtle you can dilute the bleach with water and apply with a sponge.
The longer you leave on the bleach the whiter/lighter it will become.
Left - Hang the jeans on the washing line to dry
It will look a bit sludgy green as though it has been attacked by Slimmer from Ghostbusters. Don’t PANIC. It gets worse before it gets better.
Left - When you've done both sides put them on a cold rinse in the washing machine
Below - Skinhead Geek! You can opt classic skinhead with a Brutus shirt or, maybe, a Fred Perry polo shirt and Dr Martens or you can take inspiration from the Gucci show above
Left - TheChicGeek practising what he preaches and making WWD's street style pictures during LCM
How To Wear A Favourite T-shirt That Is Past Its Best
Bill Richardson at online clothing retailer Kings and Dukes, shares his tips on how to wear a favourite T-shirt that is past its best
Everybody has that one favourite T-shirt, and no matter how old, faded, and ill-fitting it becomes, we can’t bear to part from it. Whether it holds fond memories or we just love the way it looks, we can become incredibly sentimental about our favourite top, even if it has become a shadow of its former self. Whether it’s a football top, a band tee, or a just a shirt you love the look of, here’s how you can breathe new life into it.
An old tee that looks like it has a past to it can make a great focal point for any outfit and effortlessly set you apart from the crowd. Wearing clothes with a story behind them is a fashion statement in its own right in the disposable age that we live in. Your favourite old tee will be a great conversation starter too, as well as the perfect way of expressing yourself through what you choose to wear.
Contrast the nostalgia of a faded replica football top or band tee with the clean and crisp lines of a new pair of jeans and a jacket to make a bold statement. Alternatively, blend it seemlessly with a pair of jeans in a relaxed fit and a pair of well-worn trainers for a cohesive look.
If your favourite top becomes worn to the point you don’t feel its appropriate even for the most casual of situations, then don’t despair — you can always use it as pyjamas. If you don’t feel like retiring it quite yet, then you could use it as a gym top instead. However, you may not want to go this route if you’re incredibly sentimental about the top, as it will quickly deteriorate and have to go the journey.
If you’re still holding on to a much-loved and well-worn T-shirt, then keep these tips in mind so you can keep it as an integral part of your wardrobe for years to come.
How To Choose The Perfect Watch
Burns Jewellers offers TheChicGeek some advice on choosing the best watch for you
Watches are an accessory that can really finish off an outfit, and while wearing an expensive time-piece is a real power move, it is important to consider your lifestyle and which type of watch would be the most appropriate for you. If you are generally quite active you may not get much use out of a designer watch, for example, whereas those who like to socialise in the evenings would have no use for a sports watch.
To ensure you pick a watch that can be worn regularly and proudly, it is important to follow the advice offered by the experts. Reading over this ensures you will understand exactly what the many different types of watches offer throughout your buying journey.
What makes you tick?
There are several different types of methods and mechanisms to make a watch function:
An automatic calibre works using kinetic energy — regular movement from the wearer winds the mainspring, which allows the hands to keep moving. Automatics can be spotted by the second hand floating around the face of your watch, as opposed to ticking.
Quartz timepieces use ready-made calibres and are battery powered, which means they can last a lot longer and are more accurate, but are not as interesting. These are looked down upon by watch snobs, but are actually a far more reliable watch. The second hand ticks. While the battery does have a long life, it will eventually need to be replaced.
What is your style?
An age-old idiom is that ‘the least important thing a watch does is tell the time’, and high-end watch distributors would tend to agree with this. Watch expert Burns Jewellers identifies three distinctive styles of watches, and categorises them based on appearance and the materials used in the watch’s construction.
A dress watch is identified by its plain, thin case and its large hands. These formal watches usually feature a leather strap and have gold bezels, mineral glass, and perhaps even titanium casing. These watches are great for evening events or formal occasions — a classy and elegant option.
A designer watch is more lavish than a dress watch, and the wearer is usually looking to make a statement by wearing one. Designer watches cannot be described generally, as they are individual to that particular brand’s trademark styling. However, they usually feature a gold or other precious metal strap, with a vibrant-coloured face for maximum visual impact.
A sports watch is hard-wearing and usually water resistant, so is made from a combination of stainless steel, rubber, and scratch-proof glass. The face usually features thick, clear numbers and is usually fitted with a compass or another cool gadget.
Hopefully, by knowing exactly the type of watch you’re looking for, you’ll find choosing the perfect piece much easier and more enjoyable.
How To Wear A Top Hat
Oliver Brown, owner, Kristian Robson, offers TheChicGeek some expert advice on buying and wearing a top hat
CG - What should you look for in a top hat?
KR - Black antique silk top hats are considered the height of beauty and elegance because of their impressive shine, shape and lightness, which is second to none. The modern versions, such as a fur felt in black and grey are bulkier than the antique style, though they do last very well. The 'Ascot Top Hat' and its taller counterpart the 'Hetherington Ascot Top Hat' are the closest alternative to an original silk top hat, but finished with ‘melusine’ fabric, they don't have the same impressive shine, look and lightness as an antique silk top hat.
Antique silk top hats are largely found in black, but can also be brown or grey which is often referred to as ‘white’ even though they are in fact grey. Whilst black is sometimes thought of as more formal, any colour can be worn to finish a morning suit or tails, and worn to all occasions.
If you’re looking for Royal Ascot top hats and have access to the Royal Enclosure, the dress code requires gentlemen to wear black or grey top hats without adornments such as coloured ribbons. The dress code is less restrictive within the Queen Anne and Windsor enclosures, however you’re welcome to adhere to the Royal Enclosure dress codes if you so wish.
CG- What’s the best way to get your correct size?
KR - We would always recommend a fitting with a top hat specialist. It’s very important to get the fit perfect so that the hat is secure enough that it’s not going to move or fall off, but not too tight that it leaves a mark when you take it off. The top hat should sit flat on your hear, not titled forward or backwards and sit ½ an inch above the ear.
CG - Is there any advice on proportions/height of the hat for the wearer?
KR - The shape and height of antique silk top hats evolved somewhat over the years, with the crowns gradually becoming taller in height and the brims narrower. The most common shape of antique silk top hats is the ‘bell-shape’ which has slightly curved sides, but there are also examples such as the ‘stove-pipe’ which has straight sides and is particularly tall. The shape you opt for is a personal choice, for example if you have a smaller head you may want to opt for a crown that’s lower in height to keep everything in proportion.
CG - Anything else in regards to style tips, maintenance etc.?
KR - The top hat must sit flat on your head, not tilted forwards or backwards.
To clean your hat, any dust on an antique or modern top hat can removed by lightly brushing it with a pure bristle brush; when dusting an antique silk top hat it’s important to brush in the direction of the nap to keep it smooth. You can treat it with steam if needed or bring it into the shop to have it cleaned.
Antique silk top hats were designed to be buffed and this will need to be carried out from time to time to keep their polished appearance. Using a velvet pad, sweep over the surface in the direction of the nap a few times until the hat’s deep, glossy shine is reinstated.
If you need to dry your top hat, for example because you were caught in the rain, it’s important you let the hat dry in a naturally warm and airy environment - never over direct heat such as a radiator which could distort the shape of the hat.
With a view to storage, we recommend you keep your top hat in a box, away from moths, and cover the whole hat in silk to protect it. The hat should fit comfortably in the bucket or box so it doesn’t move around too much during transportation, but must also be tall enough so the edges of the hat do not rub and cause wear to the crown.
How To Do Flower Power SS16
This isn't flower-power in the traditional hippie sense. This is flower-power in the Jared-Leto-at-the-Oscars way. Oversized corsages worn with confidence and a modern masculinity. We've got the all new singing and dancing Gucci to thank for these floral flourishes. For SS16, things are bold and colourful. These are perfect for something different for a prom or an evening wear look. Wear where a bow-tie or neck tie would be, or add in your button hole. Who said menswear wasn't fun?!
Left - Jared Leto in Gucci at the 2016 Oscars
Left - The peacock male, Gucci's SS16 advertising campaign
Below - The corsage on the Gucci SS16 catwalk
How to make your own flower-power corsage:
1. Look for a large silk headed flower. I found some good ones in the local pound shop. Go for a dark colour, if you want masculine, or bright, fuchsia pink, if you really want to stand out.
2. Use pliers to snip off the flower head from the wire stem.
3. Find a piece of ribbon, long enough to tie around your neck. Use a ribbon from a carrier bag, if you can find one, or buy a small length.
4. Snip, using a pair of scissors, a small hole in the middle of the ribbon.
5. Push the stem of the flower through and, using a glue gun, generously secure the end to the ribbon.
Voila! You're red carpet ready!
Left - One TheChicGeek made earlier!
See how TheChicGeek styles his here
Left - dunhill SS16
Right - Bally SS16