Sasha Manuel 14160 days agoEveryone wants to look good and men are no exception to this. A number of my guy friends have come up to me and asked for style tips and sometimes even dragged me on shopping expeditions. I just don’t see why some men refuse to accept that there’s nothing wrong with making an effort to look good. If only they knew how women take that second look at a guy who walked past them who looked smashing in something that they’re sure the guy’s mom didn’t buy for him. On top of that, it wouldn’t hurt if looking good can help you edge in on that promotion you’re gunning for because one thing I’ve learned is that it does matter to look the part.
There’s a look that’ll work for each personality and need. And with that in mind, there’s an appropriate place you can check out for that perfect look you’ve always wanted to go for.
The Casually Preppy Guy
Of course, going to school, you wish to be as casual as you can without looking like a complete slob but you don’t want to look like a girl, too. You also want to maintain the impression that you are scholastic and collegiate. So, my take on this is to go for the staple items for the casual look — denims and shirts — but add a little pizzaz. Don’t be afraid to experiment and go try varied styles and cuts.
French brand Celio can help you with that.
“The beauty of Celio is in the fusion of experimentation and restraint in its designs.” Ad and Promo Officer Lawrence Antaran had responded when asked about the brand franchised by Suyen Corporation.
Their items, particularly their varied collection on shirts and pants, will help you express your love of the classics but at the same time will let you be modern and fun. Since, we’re focusing on denims with this look, it’s good to point out that the ones available in Celio will give you that streamlined design in the pair you’d get to find. It’s the kind of jeans that offers the “clean and shaven” look.
The Street Man
He’s not the typical boy-next-door. He dons a look that will come off as a together guy that’s also rough around the edges. You’d know that he has taste even if the outfit he’s wearing is a little off but still, you’d get the impression that he does it on purpose as a sign of individualism.
Australian brand, Industrie, can help you achieve that look. Originally, this brand was only available in Australia and New Zealand but, now, it’s one of the brands you have to check out at Rustan’s Men’s Division. Last time I checked they were offering great cargo pants in regular olive and tan hues but it’s also available in the classic camouflage print. They have a fairly decent collection of denims, t-shirts, jackets and polo shirts. The thing that I like most about them is the frayed hems, which gives it — as how our style editor, Therese Lucila, had described it — a de-constructed look, hence, the name of the brand.
Looking at Industrie’s 2006 Spring/Summer Collection online, I found out that they also have fantastic swimwear and lounge wear.
The Funky Clubber
I have a creed that I follow — when you work hard, you have to party harder. I hate to see guys when I go out clubbing who look like they have no clear definition of what they should be wearing. It would seem like they’re wearing outfits that they’d also wear when they go to the mall. As much as I like a well-planned outfit in a man but too much of it may leave a sour aftertaste. So, you’ve got to look for a place where you can get to choose and let loose.
My experience with locally-owned Folded & Hung has provided an insight that they indeed offer funky items and notable pieces. They offer alternative style clothing that you can mix and match. Jeans, shirts, tees and the occasional belts that can jumpstart your club wear. It’s cool to note that they’ve got a variety of washes and detailed denims available so it’s a step towards getting that individual look. And another good thing about F&H is, you know you can use their pieces and match it with your old Ralph Lauren trousers or any item you already own.
The Young Urbanite
For the hard-earning guy, you’ve got to look the part and it doesn’t hurt if you look professional once in a while. Throw away the misconception that there’s only one look in order to achieve that! This may be one look that’s difficult to master but that’s not to say that it cannot be done. It’s a matter of finding the right kind of clothes that best epitomises class, money and power.
Enters Rustan’s in-house designer, Greg Mable, who introduced me to a brand that offers a great opportunity to help you get that look. It’s a bit price-y but once you get to experience wearing it, you’ll find that it’s well worth it.
Black Label of Rustan’s Men’s Division offers the class and style for the modern man. Their collection ranges from dress shirts that puts emphasis on a guy’s form to suits that can create an illusion of power and fashion in a man. The brand’s local but its main influence is European so you can expect sophistication and exquisite details like the use of Italian fabric, emphasis on print and their shirts will teach you to use cufflinks.
The brand also offers high-quality soft-calf leather wallets and keyholders and Italian leather belts to complement your Black Label outfit. Sometimes, accessories do matter.
But if the transition is too drastic a change then I suggest you head on over to Spanish brand Springfield where their main focus is comfort. They offer decent-styled suits at a reasonable price.
The Free-spirited Guy
I admire the guy who don’t follow the norm. It’s not everyday that I encounter such an individual who can wear his hair in an afro ‘do, sporting a slogan shirt, extra long shorts and a pair of leather sandals and can still get away with it!
Perusing the racks at Salt, also one of the brands that Rustan’s Men’s Division carry, gave me the impression that guys who wear them are artistic and confident. In their summer collection, the colours and details — the embroidered-detail, in particular — that the dress shirts offer are fantastic and alive. It creates a look of a relaxed and fun lifestyle, perfectly suited for that free spirit.
They also offer great accessories like belts, messenger bags and hats, that can give more ideas on how you can play around with the look. Yes, I really have to emphasize how accessories help you get that look you want.
And according to Greg, Salt is now offering a new collection that will satisfy your vintage tastebuds. That’s one bit of news that we’re fortunate to have learned of, eh? Especially if your a fan of the 80s, 70s and the 60s.
The Globe Trotter
If you’re the type who hops from one continent to the next, either for business or leisure, you simply want to own clothes that suit this kind of lifestyle. You have flexibility and comfort in mind.
Once again, Springfield, the clothing brand that hails from Spain, offers the comfort and style for this type of individual. Their pieces open your imagination to exploration and adventure. It’s contemporary and urban design is inspired by both urban and exotic journeys. You can choose from the funky and vibrant coloured tees and shirts, multi-pocketed jackets and individually designed jeans.
More on jeans, since when travelling, comfort is the main thing, the pairs that Springfield offer sure hits the spot mainly because of their use of good quality fabrics and putting importance on quality of the finishing. So, not only are they designed with detailed accents to suit your denim fashion, but also are timely trendy.
And if I am to form an opinion on their 2006 Dark Label Autumn/Winter Collection, it’s to die for. You simply have got to check out the striped hooded jumpers, plaid dress shirts, numerous jacket offerings, and, of course, the jeans!
Sure as what the brand promises, Springfield will indeed dress you with fun and easy fashion for your trip and will help you find your own style in the process.
Each brand isn’t limited to certain looks so it’s quite alright to create different combinations. It’s always good to remember that it’s perfectly fine to experiment until you find the look that’s satisfies your need. And it’s important to weigh in two factors, one, that you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing and, two, it makes you feel good about yourself.
Alright boys, go plan your wardrobe overhaul and queue up at the nearest mall. Get back with me if you don’t get the upper you need and the lifestyle change you want.
Have fun!
Original paper publication, August 2006 | online publication (abridged), July 2006
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