SHOPIFY HOSTING FIRST-EVER SHOPIFY PARTNER AND DEVELOPER CONFERENCE
Between March 22 and 23, Shopify is hosting its first-ever Unite conference for Shopify partners and developers in San Francisco.
At the Fort Mason Center, app developers, theme designers, and web designers have the chance to join the core Shopify team for two days of learning, collaborating, and networking. Attendees will also have the chance to meet and collaborate with other Shopify Partners.
On day one, Shopify founder and CEO Tobi Lutke and Shopify COO Harley Finkelstein will kick off the conference by providing an insider’s perspective into Shopify, including its past and future. The Shopify team will also announce new product developments and API releases so developers know what to expect from the company in 2016.
An AMA with Lutke, office hours with Shopify leadership, and an after party are also a few things that partners and developers can expect.
“We’re excited to be hosting Unite, our first ever conference next week,” said Arati Sharma, Offline Marketing Manager at Shopify. “The event brings together our global partner and developer communities to celebrate the great work they’ve done and meet face-to-face.”
5 AUSTRALIA DAY OUTFITS TO KEEP THE BOGAN AT BAY
What do stubbies, singlets and wrap around sunnies have in common? Australia Day, obviously. It may be the Aussie-est day of the year, and a right of passage for the Australian bogan to get it – and let it – all out.
But that doesn’t warrant public display of blueys, supermarket-bought thongs and short shorts. Want Aussie tradition? Have a barbecued snag. Or a sanga. Or a snag sanga – with some dead horse.
Confused? Don’t be. Summer’s here and you have the day off. But your warm weather style doesn’t have to snooze too. Here are 5 stylish alternatives to dressing like a bogan this Australia Day. Now, keeping those temporary flag tattoos, mullet wigs and litres of goon at bay, is completely up to you.
#1 Beachin’ It
With so many stylish swim shorts for men this season, there’s no excuse to sport awkard gym shorts on the sand or dickies in the surf. Key short styles include retro silhouettes – generally cut shorter on the thigh – with a floral print or geo-patterns in monochrome hues.
Made from a quick-dry polyester-cotton blend, pair the shorts with a comfortably fitting singlet or a scoop neck t-shirt with a relaxed neck. And go for pure cotton for breathability on the beach. Practicality on the dunes requires sandals or even rubber thongs. Just make sure the latter don’t come from the supermarket or petrol station and are quality-made to avoid blow outs.
#2 Cuban Cool
Channelling the Havana moment of the season, short sleeve shirts – button downs to polos – arrive straight from the shores of Cuba. And 1950’s America. The revere collar is the signature detail – one that sits flat on the torso with lapel-like collar below the neckline to form a v-neck.
Vintage summer prints – florals, palm throngs etc – are key prints – pastels or darker for a dressier option. Try matching a tone from the shirt print with tailored shorts or cropped chinos, ensuring the bottoms are a solid colour to absorb the shirt noise. Woven footwear like leather moccasins or espadrilles in tan add a grainy texture to the summer look. Then, add tinted-lens shades and that all essential panama too.
#3 Urban Mood
Not leaving the chatter of the concrete jungle this Australia Day? Keep it urban then. This looks like a mix of Nineties grunge and sportswear from the same decade, bouncing to the beat of a neo-street -polished casual wear set to soar this summer.
Sneakers set the tone of the outfit – opting for an old-school hi-top silhouette or the streamline low-cut variety, and in suede or leather with minimal appendages. Light cotton sweatpants (cuffed at the ankle) or vintage-wash jeans in a straight-cut leg are key bottom styles, selecting a basic cotton t-shirt (from boxed-fit to longline) and layering an over shirt for a summer version of the jacket.
A brassy ring or silver cuff adds some metal to your mojo. And don a snapback cap or a backpack for a youthful touch. But just don’t overkill the street vibe but looking like a dude. Less is more with accessories.
#4 Athleisure Addict
Won’t rest on your workout laurels for even one public holiday? Forgetcompression tights and tech-ed out singlets. You want to go for something fashion savvy but comfortable.
Light cotton joggers or jersey track pants (not fleeced for summer) are the best balance of function and style. Tapered and shaped like trousers, they’re a sophisticated active pant, teamed with a perfect fit Supima cotton (very soft) shirt with long raglan sleeve. Then, add knitted sneakers in your favourite colourway – bright or monochrome.
Too hot for trackies? Jersey shorts and a relaxed fit tank are a simple and breathable combination. Kept monochrome – black, grey or white – and in luxurious fabrics, active outfits have a winning place for casual Aussie Day treks. The best part? These looks double as options for stylishly lounging about on the couch.
#5 Ahoy, There!
It wouldn’t be a summer style guide without a nautical mention. The perennial style is one of the classiest way to wear a t-shirt – thanks to the French-derived Breton stripe. But beware – nautical stripes are fine, but white chinos, boat shoes, a flat cap and anything with anchors (worn at the the same time) will have you looking like you’re in costume.
Instead, look to invite vibrant pastels – Serenity and Rose Quartz – onboard your yacht this season, the garden colours perfect chino short shades when teamed with an azure blue Harrington jacket – something Steve McQueen would have sported. Then add McQueen’s tortoiseshell shades for more iconic class.
Deck shoes – in intrecciato woven leather – are an obvious boating choice. But for an urban edge, stark white sneakers are a breezy, light choice that will go the distance. And you’ll get more wear from them, once retired from a day at sea.
#5 Louche Suits
Planning something plus posh – like a meal of shellfish and champagne au terrace – this Australia Day? Cue tailoring. Channelling the European summer is easy with light cotton separates. For a contemporary suave, opt for slim-fit single-breasted blazer in a neutral pastel – sandstone, mint or light blue, layering a bold floral shirt in darker tones to play the role of style feature and anchor – sans tie.
Alternatively, navy cotton trousers (with a touch of wool for a more formal sheen) pairs perfectly with an on-trend gingham shirt. Avoiding red checks (too much like an Italian tablecloth), tuck the collared shirt in and button up to the neck.
Again, there’s no need for tie – or a jacket, especially with the refinement of leather accessories – a brown belt and derby shoes in buttery chocolate. Speaking of sweets, what’s for dessert?
5 WAYS TO ROCK THE FIELD JACKET
Soldiers first wore the field jacket. The Britons paraded the utility coat in the 19th century, serving as a practical uniform when stationed in India: lightweight for the equatorial heat and smartly cut from sturdy cotton canvas. Decades later, the Americans recruited the field jacket on patrol in Vietnam, the M65 the most popular, recognised by its olive green hue, billowy front pockets, and a built-in hood and epaulettes.
The earthy tones saw the field jacket transitioned onto the African plains, offering camouflage for hunting safari-ans, who also relished in the jacket’s breathability and function. But it was Monsieur Saint Laurent who brought the field-cum-fashion jacket to the concrete jungle in Paris in the Sixties, before Hollywood endorsed it with Sir Roger Moore, the coat now with a civilian following thanks to a stylish James Bond.
Breaking It Down
Nowadays, the field jacket ricochets down the runway and battles it out in the street-style scene. From Milan to New York, stylish men have adopted the former-army piece as their very own, wearing it with tailoring to work or over a simple t-shirt and jeans.
While the basic construction – a mid-length jacket with four front pockets – hasn’t altered that much today, the colours, fabrics and textures of contemporary field jackets have altered to meet changing style tastes – and different weather condition.
Love the look but not sure how to recruit it? We’ve laid out 5 men’s field jacket style tips, making it easy. The biggest piece of advice? The field jacket should feel – and look – effortless when worn. Just throw it on over any of your current go-to outfits and walk out the door.
#1 Worker Jacket
The classic field jacket is the perfect office layer, serving as a functional and stylish top coat for the daily commute. Paired with a neutral two-piece business suit, opt for a sharp fitting field coat in deep olive and keep the details refined: a length that covers the hemline of the suit jacket and a belted waist for a tailored, clean aesthetic.
And look into added features. Some models – like the Private White V.C. jacket – come with an insulating inlay (interchangeable from season to season) and boast a contemporary nylon shell to avoid creasing, but with a suede-trim collar and fleece-lined pockets for a touch of luxury that’s subtle. Just add a textural woven tie and cutaway-collared shirt in baby blue and you’re office prepped.
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#2 Friday Chic
Meeting up with the crew for pre-weekend drinks? Dressed-down Fridays welcome the field jacket in buttery tan or cream suede, the beltless style and natural colours creating a more refined, less rockstar top layer than say, a black leather perfecto.
Belstaff‘s slim-fit suede design is a luxurious take on the army jacket. Embracing flap pockets, there’s plenty of roomy for wallet, phone and keys, fastened with an easy-slide, two-way zipper. Fully-lined with an ultra-soft finish, it’s an informal elegance piece, taking you from night to day in style. Layer it over collared shirting and clean cut trousers, slipping in a fine-gauge knit and silk neckerchief – adding smoothness to the suede.
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#3 Minimal Militant
Even the monochrome and minimal can enlist the field jacket for daily wear. Keeping things black, opt for a sleek and lightweight blazer design. With minimal appendages and neat button fastening, layer it over a basic t-shirt, black chinos and white leather sneakers in low-cut silhouette.
Burberry offers a a fully reversible model with military quilt topstitching, adding much needed texture and dimension to an all-black look. Despite the absence of metal, the jacket’s patch pockets, a small throat tab and subtle elbow patches give back points of interest without derailing simplicity. And when you tire from black, reverse the jacket and you’ll be a navy seal in no time.
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#4 Denim Duty (Waxy)
We have raincoats, but is there much option for keeping stylishly dry in the wet? Enter the waxed field jacket. A timeless classic, the weather-proof wax cotton boasts protection suitable for long periods outside; the black finish providing a statement sheen that’s less ostentatious than say, patent leather.
Barbour offers its take on waxed, finish with the brand’s signature corduroy collar, red check lining and logo patch for something a little heritage too. The ruggedness rolls well with denim: a jean jacket layered under an open waxed field, atop a plain t-shirt and black slim jeans for a great fabric mix.
For a rock edge, simply add wayfarer shades and suede chelsea boots. And the beauty of waxed cotton? Like denim, it ages with the wearer: each crease, fold and blemish a symbol of individuality and a unique story to tell. Denim-heads, rejoice.
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#5 Urban Cadet
Camo print is taking street wear by storm this season, adding some tough-guy patterning to urban, skate-inspired outfits. Opting for an authentic camouflage, team the jacket with more refined casual pieces: Breton shirt, cropped trousers and low cut sneakers. Or with washed out denim jeans and chunky boots, the latter emphasising the military aspect well.
Saint Laurent has crafted the perfect California-meets-captain jacket with a short shape shirtjacket style in fitted cut. The added sewn-on regiment patches reimagine military days, as do the many pockets. Roll the sleeves for summer and wear open, as it’s made from light cotton. The idea is to look like it’s a vintage second-hand find, but better – without the bulky fit and heavy-duty fabric of yesteryear. And dust, obviously.
5 SUITS FROM NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
It’s easy to look at men’s fashion week each season and well, laugh at some of the eccentricities. To quip, furry bed slippers, teddy-fuzz top coats andactual bowl cuts appeared on the runway in London, Paris and Milan for Autumn/Winter 2016.
Far from the kind of fashion trends stylish men will be adopting in 2016, these artsy displays are just that: to be observed but never worn in the real word (unless looking like a life-size Muppet in pyjamas is the style you’re going for).
However, we’ve uncovered five brands that showcased key men’s suits at New York fashion week. The best part? The contemporary tailoring and on point accessories are both wearable and stylish. And can be adopted into your executive style arsenal right now.
#1 Heritage Tweed
This tailored look from Mike Rubin’s Krammer & Stoudt Autumn 2016 collection awakened the dandy of German artist Markus Lüpertz, but with a Western twist, which saw plush grape jackets and velveteen take a back seat to grey shades and rugged fabrics such as tweed.
But the finer details remained true to the artist’s muse. Styled with a plaid shirt – in a navy-black-grey blurred ombre check, a silk flat tie anchored the flecky two piece suit. Note the shorter jacket and cropped trouser for a contemporary edge for the office. And black patent leather dessert boots offered a fresh take on the classic derby; a large canvas-leather trim tote another welcomed style update on the stuffy, boxed briefcase.
#2 Modern Militant
Hvrminn designer Minn Hur’s reimagining of World War II marched on for the brand’s autumn collection. Not a slick hair out of place, the sartorial lineup – an enlistment of soft traditional tailoring – offered pieces inspired by Forties’ military garb – neutral suits and top coats, just like this dark mulberry double-breasted number with horn buttons and sprawling lapels.
The sharp shouldered coat masked a more relaxed suit in charcoal underneath; a subtle white pinstripe chalking up both jacket and pant and even the tie, for a tonal office ensemble. The neutral palette defied the adage ‘no brown in town’, enforced by matching patent leather Derbies (not military boots) with a modernised, elevated sole.
#3 Clean & Minimal
Scandinavia-met-Japan with the latest apparel offering from men’s bag maker Uri Minkoff. Professionally minimal, lapels were thin and neat with little appendages on the flannel top coat in smoked out grey. The clean colour palette didn’t sway much from neutrals; a sandy crew neck sweater doing away with a cumbersome shirt and tie, adding light and shade under a slouchy two-piece suit in faded black.
Tapered (and short) trousers exposed the mankles but were cut elegantly, making them a sharp pant for the office.Just add socks for workplace etiquette. The only other office no-no? Minkoffs elevated blue slippers. Change these for penny loafers or a chunky soled Derby to complement the contemporary tailoring.
#4 Pattern Perfect
Who said prints don’t work at the office? We already know that wearing colour to work increases the chances of a pay rise and promotion, so a tasteful print – that’s coloured – will put you ahead of the office fash pack. Michael Maccari laid down a new take on geometric prints and suit shapes for the distinguished Perry Ellis brand.
The tailoring palette was douce, underpinned by geometric intarsia prints in teal, mustard and grey which elevated the fabric and fit of jackets. This added to active accents of carrot-shaped pants and jackets in techno wool.
The gunmetal suit and Seventies-print sweater – in a more casual crew neck – paired best with a dark neutral shirt. Or a clash-effect gingham check shirt as pictured – just keep the check small and off-scale. An untucked shirt is a dress code risk for work with a suit but the no tie look isn’t, switching dress shoes for dessert boots in a buttery leather brown – a tonal document folio essential for transporting man-things.
#5 Wall Street Wolf
Want a business look that’s in it for the money, honey? Hickey Freeman showcased a collection of updated – and superluxurious – suits, to tempt even the biggest howler on Wall Street.
With the reinvented business suit in a range of new blues – chalk stripe optional, the Manhattan look came accessorised with forest green neckwear, a topical colour in the new season and a welcomed replacement to marsala.
Replicating the look, let the expense come via the details; a richly woven dress shirt in cubic jacquard offering subtle pattern play next to a puzzle print pocket square in darker colours. And in keeping with heritage accessories, tan leather shoes (and clay socks), you’ve brought a bit of nature into the big city.
5 COOL WAYS TO DRESS FOR A DATE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
Ah, Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year where ideas of love and romantic expectations are at their peak. And many men crumble under the pressure. But, for those who’ve been hit hard by Cupid’s arrow, you’ve got a date, and the day’s schedule planned. And your Valentine’s gift sorted.
So, what are you going to wear? Well, that depends on a) the time of day and b) where you’re going to take your date. Above all, getting ready for a date is about making sure that you dress both stylishly and appropriately for whatever it is your doing.
From the cinema to the fine dining experience, we’ve selected five ways to dress for a date this Valentine’s Day, based on common date scenarios. But the rest – good conversation, manners and gentlemanly wit – is all up to you my friend.
#1 Fine Diner
Congratulations. You’ve managed to reserve a table for two at that expensive new restaurant she’s been begging to go to since it opened. With three-courses, moody music and copious amounts of wine, your date is bound to be impressed – if all goes to plan. So, it’s imperative you dress your best from the get go.
For the fine diner, you can’t fault a suit. With traditional dates like these, it’s far better to be dressed-up than down, but you never want to out-style your mate. Stick to a sharp cut two-piece suit with fashionable notch lapels and simple two-button closure. Grey (light or dark), navy and black are perfect dinner date colours as they are masculine and neutral, avoiding pinstripes and waist coats which tend to look too corporate.
Leaving your work shirt at home, slip a block-coloured top under the jacket – Chambray and light for a classic feel or a dark roll neck for something Euro. Either way, unnecessary appendages – ties and even belts – can be skipped. And then slide into a pair of tan leather shoes; brown a fresher take on business-y black.
#2 Lunchtime Lover
Whether it’s a cheese and wine picnic in the park or a shellfish smorgasbord on a sunlit deck, lunchtime dates – especially in summer – can literally outshine their nighttime counterparts.
Dress codes will drop down a belt notch, switching suits for separates or a modernised rendition of the blazer – the shirt jacket. Indigo is an on trend jacket finish, giving back a sophisticated denim look with the sleeves rolled. Paired with white chinos, cropped – and a black polo or revere collar shirt, this layered daytime outfit requires leather accessories: a braided cuff and brown penny loafers complementing the earthen hues of tortoiseshell sunglasses.
Reversing the look, opt for lightweight tailored chinos in dark tone and micro-print floral shirt – short or long sleeve, weather dependent. The button down should be a nice fit on the shoulder, but comfortable through the middle. Worn with white plimsols, keep the shirt untucked and add a metal ring or watch for a bit of hand bling.
#3 Movie Match
Movie dates tend to be low-key. So unless they’re an entertainment entree before a fancy meal – your look should feel relaxed but well kept.
Aim for the smarter end of the casual spectrum, starting off with a sturdy pair of cropped trousers or hemmed denim. Build with a plain cotton or plaid button-down shirt – untucked and done up to the neck, and layer an open cardigan in plush fabric over smart brogues – no socks.
Otherwise, switch formalities for sneakers and a plain cotton tee, sticking with the wider, pant-cut trouser for comfort in the theatre. Then, opt for a suede over-shirt or camo-print mac in lightweight nylon, giving back a textural ensemble – good enough to touch.
#4 Caffeine High
Even though cafes aren’t exactly michelin starred, a well-designed interior with a lively atmosphere and great-tasting coffee can be the perfect setting for a morning date (and then, who knows?) Despite it being the a.m., don’t snooze on your ability to dress well.
A smart pair of jeans, in a medium to dark wash, is your foundational item. In a slim to straight cut, select a (stainless) cotton t-shirt in a neutral hue – black, navy and taupe are chic date options being dark.
And then select your casual jacket of choice: a deconstructed blazer worn open or an active-inspired park or leather bomber jacket, both streamline with low-cut leather sneakers.
#5 On Home Turf
Home dates are the most comfortable and personal. Getting cosy on the couch or a sharing self-prepared meal in the yard, staying at home doesn’t mean the baggy sweats or gym shorts and singlets should make an appearance.
This is wear luxury loungewear and stylish active gear is necessary. Keeping the palette dark and neutral, opt for a light cashmere sweater or cotton long-sleeve t-shirt, ribbed on the cuff and hem for a more succinct fit. Khaki chinos or straight black jeans are perfect trouser choices, paired with a retro-inspired sneaker in suede, providing a good opportunity to inject some colour into the minimal outfit.
A graphic-print tee or sweater – in plush jersey – is an edgier, streetwear look. Best suited to the younger gents, pair the monochrome statement top with tapered jogger pants and minimal sneakers; nothing fluorescent or gym-related, please.
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OFFICE SHIRT & TIE COMBOS
Once stuck with stark white shirts and stuffy brown suits as the only option for the office (think Jon Hamm in Mad Men), men have been liberated to wear almost any coloured shirt to work these days. And there’s even a choice to wear a tie – or not, in most workplaces. And a printed, coloured one at that.
Despite the freedom, many are stuck in a workwear rut: coerced into a safe coloured tie and white shirt combo, simply because you don’t wanna look toofashun to your peers. For others, rebellion against the bore has resulted in a neon tie with noisy patterned shirt collaboration that is far more sickly than it is sweet.
Here’s our ultimate guide to shirt and tie combos (that’ll score you a promotion). You take your job seriously and professional style seriously, so knock ’em dead at the next boardroom meeting.
#1 Colour Contrast
Shirts in sky blue are very much corporate cool these days. And, in more recent years, light pink too. The best news? Both these pastels are the official colours for 2016. Which is why we’ve selected the two hues for this article. Let’s start by wearing pale pink or light blue shirts – using contrast tie colours.
Contrast colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. So for blue, look to orange, red or yellow but in a muted versions (not tangerine, please) so the shades are more like burned orange, burgundy and mustard or gold.
Pink? Well, the pastel shirt is feminine no-more with a masculine navy tie (pink’s contrast colour on the wheel). Go on, add some sass to your workplace style.
#2 Complementary Colour
Keeping with the blue shirt theme, finding a complementary, tonal or analogous colour option in a tie is an office win. Green is a complementing colour to blue. A forest green tie makes a refined and effortless statement at work, while basic neutrals – charcoal and brown – are ideal for men sporting a pattern jacket – be it, windowpane or chalk stripe.
Violet or purple (always in a deep shade) are tonal options for pink shirting. Just avoid red (to clashy) and pink-on-pink, which looks a little sickly sweet. Trust your aesthetic instincts with pink, and if you’re too saccharine, change it tout de suite.
#3 Knit On Print
Texture – in fashion – is designed to take a mediocre block colour and give it some much needed depth. Knit ties are the prima madonnas of texture, starring front and centre; upstaging even the most colourful and print shirt with their grainy kick.
Paired with a striped or gingham check shirt, neutral knit ties seem to work best; their graininess bearing an earthen, organic feel adding a natural element to the noise of the pattern underneath. Opt for green, navy, black or brown for a sure fire win in the office – especially if the shirt is already playing the coloured card well.
Knitted ties make a refreshing change from pervasive silk styles and will add a welcome lift to tailoring. For extra bang, go for a pure silk variety with two-tone knit; it will look interestingly flecked up close (great for client meetings) and coolly blended from far (toned down enough when presenting to the boardroom).
#4 Pattern Clash
Printed shirts are where things can get tricky. Striped shirts are more versatile and can usually be paired with a bigger or smaller patterned tie without the tie becoming lost. However, check shirts look better with a bigger patterned tie.
For the guy who wants to go bold, look to paisley and geometric prints. The key is sticking to the standard colour rules as stated above – complementary or contrast – and it’s a nice look when a portion of the shirt colour features in the tie print.
Stripes look great on check shirts too. Just keep the tie stripe big and bold stripe – to hold its own against the check shirt and ensure one of the colours on the tie used (somewhere) on the shirt. The same applies to polka dots.
Like any time you dress, be sure to check yourself before you commit to the look. If it feels awkward, too busy or forced, added a block coloured tie instead. And walk out the door.
#5 Pattern Perfect
Matching prints – stripes on stripes or checks on checks – despite that familiarity, can be just as complicated as conflicting prints. Let’s start with checks.
Window pane check is more open to being match with another check, due to the scale being so large and the pattern so subtle. Small gingham check shirts are the most traditional and casual in the business world but don’t work well a checked tie.
Instead, opt for a block coloured tie and complements one of the check colours in your shirt.
Stripes are much easier to double-up. Just by changing up the direction. A vertical striped shirt looks great paired with a horizontal or diagonal striped tie. There’s a stark contrast between the two piece, which sees the two amicably take you into your office week, in style.
#6 Casual & Clean
For the minimalist, looking neat and clean will keep you feeling confident at work. Crafting a tonal and textural look is the style path to take here.
Select a block coloured shirt – blue, green, grey or your favourite pastel hue – a tie. Shunning a patterned shirt, opt for a grenadine silk tie – made in a solid colour with the visual interest being the unique weave – finer than regular silk knit tie, but grainier than flat tie.
Monochrome shirt and tie combinations work – light blue shirt with navy tie – especially when the jacket is loud in print, colour or is textural masterpiece such as tweed.
Finally, your casual Fridays style arsenal needs a denim shirt – one with a cutaway or straight collar to retain business style. Rich in texture and in an array of indigo hues, all the cotton shirt needs now is neutral flannel tie – to align with the heritage denim shirt and rustic tweed coat.
7 ROCKSTAR WAYS TO WEAR SUEDE
That Seventies suede – which danced for days on the runway for Autumn/Winter 2015, has returned for a more rocked-out encore in 2016. While the brown, textural suede does hark back to the tasselled, Wild West (and a certain chaps-toting Village People member), investing in something suede – come summer or winter – is an essential style move for men seeking an edgier look right now.
Breaking It Down
Light and dark browns, black and beige are big colour palettes for suede. As are dyed suede varieties, making bold statements in burgundy and blue.
Casual jackets (bombers and bikers) are big fans of suede in the new season, while boots look to the plush finish for more luxe versions of their former selves. Simpler still, suede acts as a contrast trim on leather goods. Essentially, the textural capabilities of suede are available in large and smaller doses. Adding visual depth to flat, basic cotton shirts in summer and colourless, neutral woollen knits in winter. So it’s up to you just how hard you’re gonna party with suede in the new season. Rock on.
#1 Bomber Jacket
An update on the retro jacket, a suede bomber in camel is a menswear staple – for both off-duty looks and work wear. Textural and neutral, the jacket – in a streamline fit – is a stylish alternative to a suit jacket or blazer over a well-executed shirt and tie combination for the office.
The key for work is to opt for luxury, something handcrafted and dyed in Italy per favore, giving back extreme softness. And then look close at design quality: ribbed cuffs giving the jacket a closer fit and metal button detailing, ensuring you avoid stuffy browns to avoid looking like an English professor.
#2 Biker Jacket
Although biker jackets are synonymous with leather, a rich black biker in suede will set style-fixed hearts racing this season. As does a sea-swell blue suede model in more motocross style, paired with a pastel, neutral roll neck and wider leg bottoms.
When switching to coloured suede, keep the rest original and cool: a Saint Laurent-sharp silhouette complete with gleaming silver hardware – zips, press studs and clasps, but nothing too gothic punk (pins, badges etc). Paired with light neutral – a grey t-shirt or sweater and white jeans over trainers – you’ve got a chic, street look for the weekend ahead.
#3 Chelsea Boots
Chelseas in leather are great for classic looks – suits, smart trousers and chinos. But when it comes to creating a rock edge – enter jeans in faded black and ripped a little at the knee – suede is the ultimate luxe touch to offset the chaos.
Channelling some of that I-do-what-I-please charm, look to camel or tan suede boots for a stylish day-to-night look. Black waxed coated denim and snug fit Breton shirt is a simple summer look or a basic t-shirt and duster coat is nice for Autumn’s cool, a silk scarf worn open around the neck draping a softness against the suede.
Be sure to waterproof the suede with a treatment before wearing your boots. And purchase a solid brush and cleaner – all good things require investing some time in maintenance.
#4 Shacket
A what? You heard us correctly – a shacket. Or shirt jacket, if you’re a D’Marge newcomer. Embracing the seventies trend this season, a button-front suede jacket – that looks like a shirt – is the perfect smart casual layering piece.
Rich in and light fabrication, the Americana-inspired shacket is masculine and perfect for summer. Opt for one with a more structured design (so it’s not so cowboy): darted front panels and dual front pockets meshed with western contrast stitching, giving some eye-catching detail as an over shirt. Pair with a black t-shirt, skinnys and sneakers or boots.
#5 Pouch
Folio, man clutch, pouch – adding some suede to leather goods is a more subtle route to take. A combination of suede and leather is a nice touch, looking for a business size tan document holder or something with a sand coloured trunk with black calfskin trim.
Keeping the rest of your outfit monochrome – work suit and white shirt or crew neck sweater and chinos – let the suede accessory feature and adds a point of functional interest for an item that simply carries all your essential life things: keys, wallet, phone.
#6 Belt
Similarly subtle to the pouch, a suede belt is a blink-and-you’ll-miss outfit additive that only true style masters will see and appreciate. The brown hue is the perfect companion to denim, looping a wider suede belt through your favourite jeans for a timeless look. The ruggedness of denim matches the texture of suede, making them a heritage match made in heaven.
Both soften with age and wear, making them an easy buffalo plaid and hiking boot outfit accompaniment. Or still, something smarter: paired with a neutral top, brogue tan boots and a long pea coat for winter, switching for navy chinos and a Chambray shirt in summer – the brown belt separating the blue, matched by a deconstructed linen blazer in camel. You’ll be looking lumbersexual in no time.
#7 Topcoat
The boldest suede statement of them all, topcoats in suede sing a rock tune for winter layers. A burned camel hue (super natural looking) is the perfect colour for a trench coat for work. Layered it over a very business navy suit with rich maroon trimmings: brown buttons, marsala tie and a reddish windowpane check over the blazer. Just add dark brown shoes.
For a giggin’ weekend, opt for an olive green dyed suede peacoat with look-at-me shearling, the black version of the typically creamy white fluff a far better option for collar and cuff trim. Tan suede Chelseas and black cut-off skinnys complete the sophisticated lead singer vibes.
GRADUATE STYLE: HOW TO BUILD A CORPORATE OFFICE WARDROBE
Graduate style: how much does your suit really matter when starting out as the new guy in the corporate world? If the adage “first impressions are the last impressions” still carries weight in modern times, then your corporate style – from day one – needs to be on point.
Why? Looking good at works means you can be trusted to represent the firm well on the outside. And you’ll more likely build rapport within the day-to-day runnings of the glassy-walled firm because you’ll be more confident in your appearance, even leading to the chance of promotion.
Even ancient academics knew the sartorial worth of the well-dressed. Herbert Harold Vreeland couldn’t have put it better: “Clothes don’t make a man, but clothes have got many a man a good job.”
So, young chap, a sharp office look does give you a stylish step-up in the corporate jungle. Here are five office pieces that every businessman should own. And how to work them, like a negotiator, from the get-go.
The Suit
A tailored two-piece suit is the foundation of your corporate office look. For the more traditional workplaces, stick to a navy, black or charcoal single-breast suit with a streamline notch lapel. Venture into light grey, dark brown, or a subtle check jacquard (not windowpane, too casual), if feeling adventurous. And a soft pinstripe (never chalk stripe) is a nice finish also.
While a bespoke or made-to-measure suit is always best (giving you a glove-like fit not possible off-the-rack) shopping from a reputable suit store – and then getting alterations as required, is a solid secondary option for newly-salaried graduate who can’t afford something custom made – just yet. As a guide, the suit should broaden your shoulders and cinch in at the waist, oozing confidence and impeccable attention to detail.
For suit fabrics, look to pure wools and cotton blends (depending on your budget); the polyester content increasing as the price lowers. All sized up, invest in two or three solid suits, having them readily available for workplace rotation. Then, look after them well, which means doing less. Only dry clean a suit every two-three months due to the chemicals typically used, spot cleaning any blemishes in between.
The Shirt
A button up shirt in a crisp cotton fabric is your next point of call. While white is the fallback colour of choice, splashing around with pastels gives you a step up. For a tonal look, with a navy suit, a pale blue shirt is business-style savvy. A faint pink, green or lilac hue is a subtle hint for sweeter palettes, avoiding oranges and yellow, which tend to offend more corporate firms.
For an easy yet stylish tie-and-shirt combination, button-up patterns should be kept to a minimum – lean stripes and fine checks only, using discretion with butcher stripes or gingham checks, which may be too casual. Instead of prints, you can opt for texture to create visual interest, via a herringbone fabric or cotton poplin.
Finally, the shirt collar is very important: the cutaway for a more traditional formality; straight point for something contemporary and the tab collar for the bespoke taste. A great all rounder is the button-down, particularly well-suited forday-to-night dressing and casual Fridays.
The Tie
“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life,” wrote poet and dandy, Oscar Wilde. Stepping into your first big boy job, selecting a tie that is both stylish, functional and office appropriate is vital. For the city office worker this involves mild colour, offsetting the muted, somber tones of a navy suit and white collared shirt combination.
Silk business ties are great, opting for traditional prints such as dogtooth or tile, or something more polkadots or a thick stripe. Again, texture may be your preferred option too. Grenadine ties – woven from a high-twist silk yarn to create a fine knitted look – are a nice way to add depth to a neutral tie colour.
Finally, silk knit and flannel ties are having a moment, creating a strong textural look over flat cotton shirt. Cap the look off with a silver tie bar.
Pocket Square
Like the tie, a pocket square will awaken tailoring from its slumber. The pocket square is reactionary to the tie, opting for a complementary or contrast tie-and-square colour combination, depending on your taste. Our complete guide to colour matching will refresh your memory.
As a rule, let the pocket square do the sartorial talking. Due to the pocket square’s more demure positioning, geometric, floral or some sort of mosaic print will liven up a boring suit look, without the need for a garishly patterned tie. Finally, the either-or rule will keep you in the boss’s good books, coordinate your accessories, without matching exactly.
For example, a hint of burgundy in your pocket square’s print or pattern will team well with a burgundy tie.
The Shoe
Shoes are where your personal office style can shine, literally. A decent leather becomes the city slicker, and that means formal and refined, complementing all that hard work you put into tailoring. Key styles include oxfords, monk (single or double) strap and brogues, with a sturdy sole to pound that city pavement.
Keep the shoe leather black or dark brown for superior sophistication or something shady such as burgundy/oxblood. Consider tan as a fresh version of brown, which looks particularly stylish as a brogue with a Goodyear welt sole.
Finally, consider dress boot varieties of the aforementioned shoe types, ensuring the trouser break hits the top of the boot as it would a regular lace-up. And keep the sole neat and sleek, nothing with traction or hiking tread is necessary for the urban commute.
HOW TO GET DAVID BECKHAM’S STYLE
David Beckham wields a multi-stringed bow. Women swoon over the footballer for his God-given grin, and men envy his ability to strike a ball – and score. The Briton’s poignant quiff and chiselled jaw has splashed across the cover of big-name magazines making his face one of the most recognised faces in the business.
Despite his retirement in 2013, the man still remains a top scorer in our book when it comes to personal style.
Today we show you how to steal five of the man’s most iconic looks.
Breaking it down
Beckham shops like most men should; filling his wardrobe with staple tailored pieces that hang alongside easy loungewear jerseys and leather jackets. Off-duty, he dominates comfort looks and has no trouble balancing the complexities of smart casual wear.
He favours the tux on the red carpet, and isn’t shy on shorts and shirts snapped up from his athletic kit. Beckham’s thematic approach to style sees him play many roles. There is Beckham the biker and Brooklyn hipster Becks; James Bond Beckham and David Beckham Esquire – the English gent.
To sum him up in one simple sentence: Ralph Lauren suits, navy over coats, denim shirts and Christian Louboutin shoes – topped off with a flat cap or beanie, of course.
Key looks
The Sophisticated Moto Cafe Racer
Pushing a black cropped leather biker jacket with plain white or grey tee, Beckham channels a modern Marlon Brando; from the airport to doing the groceries, to posing for a Belstaff campaign. Bottomed out with slim black wash jeans and a leather Chelsea boot, his cruise-y biker look rides easy – work, rest and play.
The Sartorial Hipster
Beckham isn’t a hipster but he likes to spruce his casual look with Brooklyn-inspired accessories. The slouch beanie and beaded bracelets are two favourites, paired with a red plaid shirt worn open and vintage leather carryall. Double denim is also key for Becks, opting for light denim button downs over washed out black or raw denim jeans. Layer the shirt haphazardly over a plain tee: roll up the sleeves, roughly tuck it in and never fully button to the neck (revealing the fitted tee underneath).
The Timeless English Gent
Heavy weight cable knit jumpers or cardigans are often paired with train driver/flat caps in Herringbone – for night and day wear. Beckham layers textured cashmere jumpers with slim-fit navy outerwear pieces such as three-quarter length coats. And the coats always have a defining point of detail such as a leather collar or brass nautical buttons. Tweed and check blazers in ochre yellow are a third gentlemanly look worn over khaki chinos.
The Casino Royale High Roller
The tuxedo is Beckham’s go-to suit for the red carpet. With most celebs like Pharrell sporting athleisure looks (think blazers and sneakers) this season, Beckham channels 007-class in a sapphire blue suit with contrast black lapel. Keep it simple with patent black derby shoes.
The ‘Seal The Deal’ Business Hotshot
Corporate Beckham opts for razor cut jackets with slim (but not overly so) trousers in wool. Not much of a black fan for tailoring, Beckham usually suits up in tobacco browns, navy and charcoal grey. His choice of suit for a meeting or business lunch is typically single breasted with a white shirt and navy tie.
Essential Beckham Fashion Items
Shirts
Blue denim/chambray monogrammed shirt from Louis Vuitton or Levi’s vintage wash denim shirt. For suiting, Beckham favours Ralph Lauren Black Label crisp whites. He takes his tees from his self-designed H&M range, particularly the long sleeve henley.
Jackets
The Hugo Boss ‘Orange Joser’ leather jacket offers a classic Becks look in dark brown leather. So to does the Belstaff ‘Stannard’ biker jacket with black quilted shoulder. For denim, go for Acne‘s ‘Jam Shearling Collar’ raw denim jacket with wool collar.
Suit
Dior Homme‘s sapphire blue suit is Beckham’s suave alternative to black. For the casino, a white contrast lapel dinner jacket and black pants from Ralph Lauren is best. The Ralph Lauren Black Label three piece suit is a statement piece, paired with the brand’s Purple Label silk tie, white silk square and brown polished leather lace-ups. Separating the pants and jacket, Ralph Lauren-obsessed Becks goes for Polo Ralph Lauren ‘Sport Coat’ and wool trouser for some unashamed mono-branding.
Jumper
Beckham is an avid fan of French brand Maison Martin Margiela and its cable knit jumper. His other recent favourite is Missoni‘s zigzag wool blend cardigan heavier winter layering. For the gym and more lightweight comfort, look to Givenchygraphic sweatshirts such as the ‘Stars and Stripes’ or Kenzo‘s ‘Tiger Face’ jumper.
Coat/blazer
The leather collared coat from Saint Laurent layers well over cardigans and knits is an obvious choice for Becks in navy. Meanwhile, the Junya Watanabe ‘Field Coat’ in grey with brown suede detailing is a great adventure option.
Shoes
Beckham rarely attends a formal event without his Christian Louboutin ‘New Orleans’ lace up derby shoes. And the Adidas ambassador only sports the retro German brand’s sneakers, favouring the ‘Stan Smith’ model most recently.
Hats
Herringbone flat caps from Ted Baker and milliner Jaxon Hats are great interpretations of the allusive Becks cap. Stick to navy (Beckham’s favourite colour for winter pieces) or traditional green tweed hues for authenticity.
Jeans
Denim is a second skin for Beckham. He wears Acne Studios classic wash in slim fit and Belstaff’s ‘Blackrod’ for his biker travels. And Ralph Lauren vintage denim is almost a daily wear for the star, slightly distressed and always relaxed.
HOW TO GET COLIN FARRELL’S STYLE
One of Ireland’s biggest exports, Colin Farrell is an actor of funny-guy antics and renegade villainy; depending on if you’re talking about In Bruges or Minority Report.
But the actor doesn’t play the fool when portraying his personal style, nor is he a typical bad-guy. He sticks to the rules when it matters most, while for the most part messing things up in such a way that his disrespect for colour, pattern and even the common trouser don’t seem to matter. He’s got other things going on.
Breaking It Down
Anti-colour, pro-muted sums up the shadiness of Colin Farrell in a phrase. But a lack of colour means the actor plays around with the simple and puts them artistically together: the tuck of the shirt, the length of a jean, the fit of the jacket – offering stylish nuances that fellow fashionofiles pick up on.
An actor, Farrell likes to take on roles in the wardrobe too; changing from an off-duty muso by day into a sleek, suited and booted king pin au soir. So, let’s take a look at the key fashion moves to get Colin Farrell’s style.
Pinned-Down Tee
Whether he’s attending a film festival or running errands in New York, Farrell finds a dapper way to wear his favourite plain tee. The trick? Keep in white, ribbed and fitted.
It’s what your grandfather would’ve worn but under a fitted blazer with close-drawn pinstripes in thin white, the shirt is much more than a plain shirt. It’s there to host effortlessly the smart casual jacket.
Rolling the denim cuffs styles-up the denim/blazer/tee and when wearing a belt, a loose shirt tuck to expose the leather adds more game to Farrell’s go-to Chelsea boots in black, complementary the two pieces nicely.
The Half Tuck
To tuck-or-not-to-tuck is never a question for Farrell. It’s a complete ignoring of the rules. The actor opts for the half-tuck – that is, a nonchalant semi-shoving of his top shirt into his jeans.
Farrell takes a charcoal, thin cotton tee and tucks it at the front, no belt – using the metallic of the jean button to create a focal point. Grey jeans and black biker boots complement the leather cuff and beads. The hat is a little random but works for the actor – concealing an unkempt hairdo, perhaps, for lazy Sundays/
The the half-tuck really only works with denim, and needs a follow through with long sleeves; rolling them just as carelessly so to emulate the ‘this just happened’ tuck of the shirt. Though don’t be fooled, it probably took a good ten minutes to perfect.
Sharp & Black
Like his coffee, Farrell like his suits sharp and black. The modern two-piece in matte is decorated a touch with a grey button-up shirt and silvery rose print; the marble jacquard affect of the floral given a stronger grounding by cement grey tie.
The subtle sheen of mohair wool gives Farrell’s other go-to suit, midnight blue, a luminous quality that lights up at the flash of a red carpet camera. Fit is everything for the actor, which he traditionally bases with sheeny leather, black lace-ups. Nothing but the original and the best.
Off-Duty Muso
If acting is Farrell’s one true love, music would have to be his mistress. And he likes oiled, imperfectly sexy type – judging by his rocked-out get up. Without question it’s black-on-black; from the tapered ankle straight-fit to the more relaxed denim that covers the shaft of the boot to heal – the top half sings in colour tune too, be it a sweater or black jacket.
Adding metal to the genre is easy with silver neck chains that complement the hardware of a furry-collared, plaid-line leather biker. Other times, the headgear takes the lead, ranging from a felt fedora to a slouch beanie – depending on the weather. What stands is the quality of Farrell’s gear: the cashmere sweater, those calfskin boots and the razor fit of his jacket. He’s reinventing the off-stage rocker – as a stylish guy would.
Key Farrell Fashion Items
Suits: Casual blazer in dark hues from Tomas Maier, black blazer from Boglioli and two-piece black suit from Gucci.
Tops: White ribbed t-shirt from Sunspel, muted neutral t-shirt from Song For The Mute, paste blue cotton shirt from Gieves & Hawkes and rose-print grey shirt from Paul Smith.
Jackets: Black leather jacket from Allsaints.
Denim: Heavy washed dark denim from Neighborhood, mid-grey washed biker style from Balmain, and mid-blue washed jeans from Dolce & Gabbana.
Shoes: Black Chelsea boots from Tod’s and Berluti, and biker boots from Alexander McQueen.
Accessories: Our Legacy sunglasses in black, Randolph Engineering aviators, Tanner Goods leather cuff and Alexander McQueen skull pendant. The fedora comes care of Brixton.