Dressyourway : Style Consultancy, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

FASHION FOR HIM

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Summer Q&As
Timeless Style
What does 'casual' mean in the office?

Summer Q&As

I work in a fairly relaxed office and would like my choice of shirts to reflect my creativity what smart summer shirts can you recommend? Francis Clark

I will suggest you focus on fabric and invest in a selection of printed, metallic & coloured shirts to make for an interesting collection. Take a look at DKNY summer collection's white cotton print shirt, Quicksilver orange range & Michael Kors silver metallic short sleeve shirt (08 collection). It's a clean & smart look that can be subtle or stand out as much as you want it to.

What do you think about men thongs (flip flops)? Can one wear them after the age of 25? Donald M. Hughes

I have a friend who buys at least two pairs every spring, he wears them from the first apparent sunny day throughout the summer. The main thing is to be comfortable with the shape and look of your toes. I think they look really smart in leather - dressed with a light weight casual pair of jeans or into the evening with a loose fitting linen trouser & white shirt if you are lucky to be in a place where summer nights are warm. Check out Quicksilver or Lacoste for ideas

I feel underdressed without a jacket and worry about it every summer. Can you offer a summery solution that will not crease? John Arnold, Edinburgh

The best jackets for summer are the cotton / polyester mix fabrics. You can find those alongside good quality linen in most designers or made to measure stores and as metallic shades are in choose slate or graphite e.g.: Mas Lapel Blazer, to maintain a sophisticated look. Check out some of the soft leather options e.g.: Daniele Alessandrini coloured designs or opt for a stand alone waist coat (not in colourful satin) to reflect creativity if your office setting allows.

Timeless Style

How to create a lasting signature style

At the start of every year many feel a desire to transform. They make unattainable New Year resolutions and feel inadequate when realising that the hunt for the latest Balenciaga bag or a hot limited edition Cavalli sun glasses is not enough to make them happy. Some will say it’s a start and I would agree if you, like my friend Maggie, only uses one seasonal bag. But if you need a different bag for each outfit one simply will not do.

We are all familiar with unique personal style statements such as Audrey Hepburn’s black dress, John Snow’s ties, Gwen Stefani’s lips, Bono’s glasses and Marilyn’s goddess style white dress. The desire to manifest a sense of individuality is a natural part of our human make-up, how far one goes in search and creation of it is connected to their personality and the level of attention they give to details which distinguish their style and compels others to take notice. There is nothing wrong with it.

When thinking of reinventing or revamping your look, ask yourself what is the message you want your style to convey. Examine the reasons behind the drive for transformation in order not to feel trapped in an image that doesn’t suit your life & personal style.

It does not have to mean big changes, these tips will help you on your way:

Invest in timeless pieces: Burberrys’ trench coat, a colourful Missoni or a graphic white Calvin Klein.
Combine quality items with “disposable”/ seasonal garments from Primark and Top Shop to maintain a current trend
Choose brands to suit your personality:
Dramatic - Galliano
Playful - Anna Sui
City Slicker - YSL & Donna Karen
Elegant - Chanel
Find your own signature piece: watch, braces, bowtie
Not all that glitters is gold - avoid cheap looking accessories even at a bargain price, as they may spoil your outfit.
Go all the way -refine the look to create the desired effect by attending to the details; think Valentino or 007
Keep it constant - in order to make a style unforgettable, even iconic, it has to be associated with its “owner”; the more you’re seen in it the longer it will last.

The above can easily apply to all aspects of your life but if you are starting out or changing jobs be advised to take caution when considering your image in the work place. Some industry personnel might not react kindly; "If it is too extreme or unconventional it can work against you" says Karen Molloy, director of international recruitment agency Thorpe Molloy, “Wear clothes that are a smart version of what would be worn by people working in that industry. The norm is a suit. Ensure you feel comfortable wearing it - if you feel great then this will certainly help with confidence levels."

The pursuit of perfection / celebrity trends can leave you breathless and sometimes penniless trying to keep up. Concentrate on your positive attributes and set realistic goals, most importantly: take a more forgiving look at your body as there is no such thing as a perfect shape. Celebrate your individuality and avoid becoming a fashion victim by creating a singular, lasting personal style.

What does “casual” mean in the office?

A large number of companies still promote a weekly casual dress day, making the definition of what constitutes casual a difficulty for some. Replacing the suit remains a challenge and the question is:

How to “dress down” while maintaining a professional look?

These general guidelines will assist in making the transition:

Use common sense; do not confuse casual dress with the “day in the park” look. Your clothes need to be clean, in good repair and wrinkle- free.
Lose the tie when around the office. However, if you plan to greet clients or schedule meetings, have a tie handy.
Combine pieces from your business and casual wardrobes, e.g.: replace your suit jacket with a good quality pullover or a self-standing blazer. Add a quality knit shirt, not a plain cotton T-shirt, and aim for a collected, neat and pulled together look.
Look to the top in your office hierarchy to get a cue regarding short sleeves (for summer) If you are not sure, keep it long.
Avoid large print T-shirts, sport shoes and novelty ties.

Examine your office setting, take your personality into account, draw your conclusions accordingly and always DressYourWay.