STYLE PILOT -

Tips: Clothing Coats Trousers Shirts T-shirts Jeans Blazers Leather jackets Suits and tailoring Knitwear Polo shirts Shorts and swimwear Socks Underwear

Clothing
- Follow trends appropriate to your age not just because they are the height of fashion.
- When wearing an all black outfit, mix up fabric textures to make it look less like a uniform and more like you put a little thought and effort into your look
- Choose clothing that fits your body. Loose clothing is not particuarly flattering and gives an unkempt impression. Take them to a tailor if necessary.
- Despite the rise of the 'Christmas' jumper this year; novelty ties and t-shirts are not the most stylish pieces. Go for classic pieces to build a stylish wardrobe that will last longer.
- Wearing loud designer labels doesn't always make a stylish statement. Choose understated classic styles for a smarter wardrobe.
- Select colours that compliment, flatter and accentuate your features, whether it's eye color, skin tone or hair style.
- Don't hold onto clothes that no longer fit or are worn out. If you haven't worn it in the last year either donate or throw away.
- Don't be afraid of colour, try incorporating subtle hints into your outfits. It'll liven up any look and add stylish details.
- Take style inspiration from the things you see everyday, whether that's someone on street, a shop window or a magazine article.
- Charcoal grey is better than black for pairing up with bright colours. It 's not as harsh against skin tone.
- Black and white evening wear is a staple classic that works for everybody. Remember you don't always have to 'put your own spin on it'. Classic works.
- Avoid colours that are the same shade as your colouring - they'll only make your face look drawn and tired (not exactly what you need on a Monday morning)
- If you're a slim jim, thick stripes that work either horizontally or vertically will help add the illusion of width to your body
- Think of matching tones of a colour together rather than trying to match shades exactly (it's much easier).
- As a general rule, single-breasted suit jackets look best on every shape whilst double-breasted can draw attention to a fuller midsection
- Make good jokes but avoid comic clothing. Funny prints, flashy colours and clown-like designs won't make people like you more.
- If in doubt keep accessories simple and discreet to complete an outfit.
- Avoid carrying lots of items in your pockets.They not only make you look wider but will tear clothing and put holes in pockets.
Coats
- Jacket sleeves should be half an inch shorter than your shirt sleeve as this will give your look a sharper finish as well as elongate your arms .
- Invest in a wool overcoat for winter. It looks professional for work or meetings, but can be paired with jeans for the weekend.
- An overcoat should fall to about mid-shin for taller men, and to the lower knee for shorter to average height men.
- A dark pea coat, a classic trench coat or overcoat are right for any occasion throughout the winter both workwise and casual. Keep this in mind when you shop.
Trousers
- Don't weigh down and ruin the shape of trousers with bulky things like keys stuffed in pockets, stash them in a bag instead.
- Trousers in solid colours go best with patterned jackets.
- Grey flannel trousers can be worn with most jacket patterns and beige chinos go well with sportswear style pieces.
- Leg length: the trousers need to break slightly over the instep of the shoe.
- Trousers without turn-ups should be cut slightly longer at the back.
- High rise waist trousers can slim a bigger frame down by making your legs look longer.
- Dark colours, vertical stripes and corduroys can help slim down a bigger frame.
- If you aim to lengthen legs, you should hem trousers at a length that produces a slight break in the trouser leg over the shoe.
- Dark colours, vertical stripes and corduroys can help slim down a bigger frame.
- Trousers with cuffs will visually shorten your legs. Therefore trousers without cuffs will make legs appear longer.
- Don't iron the crease or cuff in your khakis, it will add years to your look. Keep it casual instead.
- For a fuller figure, avoid light coloured chinos. Try darker colours to appear longer and slimmer.
- Avoid wearing the same colour khaki on top and bottom. You are not Indiana Jones.
- For a tall, thinner frame, avoid trousers that show any ankle.
- For a stockier frame, shoot for straighter-legged, dark trousers without pleats or excess fabric.
Shirts
- Oversized work shirts look sloppy, experiment with cuts to find a style that fits your body
- If you're not wearing a tie with a shirt, leave the top 2- 3 buttons undone to create a more flattering neckline. However, if you're after contemporary style and you're a slim build, try the buttons done up all the way up to the collar.
- Generally large collars shorten necks.
- Button down shirt collars generally look better without ties
- If wearing a shirt untucked, the shirt should end no lower than just above the bottom of the crotch
- A crisp, classic white shirt works with everything and will always look sharp.
- A classic white shirt is the perfect multitasker and can take you from the office to the night.
- If you have a long face, shirts with a spread collar, button-down collar or a tab collar will flatter you best.
- If you have a square face, shirts with a button-down collar or a rounded-point collar will flatter you best.
- If you have an oval face, opt for any shirt except for a rounded collar.
- The cuffs of a shirt should protrude half an inch past the sleeve of a jacket.
- To disguise a long neck, wear shirt collars that fit high on your neck.
- A short neck will be elongated by wearing open collared, low fitting shirts.
T-shirts
- The polo shirt is a modern classic and works well under cardigans and sports jackets
Jeans
- Dark blue denim is your best bet for smart jeans that you can wear to work. They cover all occasions, smart or casual, work or weekend.
- Fading or washes across the thighs will make legs look thicker, whereas a solid colour will help them appear slimmer. Bear this in mind when buying jeans.
- If your inside leg measurement is 32" or under, avoid bootcut jeans as they'll just shorten the leg further. Straight leg's are much better.
- Dark slim leg jeans are modern and flattering on all leg lengths
- After years of skinnys it's time now for a looser fit. In the office, combine them with a blazer and a slim tie.
- If you want to go denim head-to-toe, mix and match different shades and material thickness.
- When doubling up on denim, wear a lighter shade on top and darker jeans on bottom to keep the balance.
Blazers
- If wearing a blazer remember the button rule: 1st button; Always, 2nd button: Sometimes; 3rd button; Never
- if wearing a dinner jacket a waistcoat or cummerbund are only optional accessories.
- Only a small segment of waistcoat should be visible above the jacket (no more than the top button).
- For a contempoary twist, style dark jacket with light trousers, or dark trousers with a light jacket.
- Sport coats and Blazers are slightly different. Sport coats tend to be more casual and do not have matching trousers like a blazers.
- Look at the care instructions before you buy a blazer or coat. If you know you probably won't be bothered to have it dry cleaned like the label says, try out a different fabric.
Leather jackets
- A leather jacket can be your best friend if you get it right. Invest in the best quality you can get, with the softest, most buttery leather and impeccable cut. It really pays off.
- Try out a few different colours of jackets. The jacket you admired on your friend may not necessarily work for you.
- Keep in mind that leather jackets are difficult to alter, so shop around for a perfect fit.
- Bomber and Biker are the two most versatile styles for different body shapes.
Suits and tailoring
- Single breasted suits are the most flattering cut for men of all shapes, sizes and heights
- Narrow deep collar and lapels will elongate and slim down the appearance of the chest
- If you're looking to make an investment with a suit, 1 or 2 button jackets are more timeless than 3+ buttons.
- Avoid double breasted blazers if you are particuarly slim, the cut will swamp your frame.
- If you're under 5'7, jacket lengths should end at the top of the thigh to avoid foreshortening legs.
- To complete the smart look, suit trousers should always be finished off with a belt
- Navy blue suits work best with brown accessories for daytime. They will make the shade of blue look richer. Just make sure your socks are navy too.
- Wear black shoes with a black suit and brown shoes with blue or grey suits. If you want something a bit more individual, try a wine red brogue or a colourful sole.
- Lightweight fabric for suiting is far more ideal during the summer season, just be prepared for more ironing.
- If you have a thin frame, avoid three-button suits as the jacket shape will cause for your chest to look narrower.
- Heavier set men should avoid double-breasted jackets to avoid bulk.
- It's a staple style rule and it still works; striped suits will elongate your look.
- When opting for a suit with stripes, be conscious of the scale and strength of the stripes to balance with your body type.
- Regarding jacket detailing, less is more. Extra flaps or pockets only add bulk.
- If you're building your work wardrobe, start off with a charcoal suit. The colour is most complimentary to all complexions and most versatile with coloured shirts.
- If you have a lean frame, add bulk by using horizontal lines.
- If you have a thin frame, add bulk by wearing tweeds, plaids or checks.
- If you want to look taller, wear vertical lines.
- If you want to minimise your height, wear patterned suits over solids.
- If you want to appear slimmer, choose suits with vertical stripes or dark solid colours but avoid black.
- Create the illusion of longer legs by shortening the suit jacket.
- Only a small segment of waistcoat should be visible above the jacket (no more than the top button).
- Your waistcoat should entirely cover the belt of trouser-belt. No gap!
Knitwear
- V-necks strengthen the jaw and elongate the neck. To enhance the effect and appear taller, wear them over a shirt with a structured collar.
- Jumpers are timeless pieces. It's best to wear lightweight cottons for the summertime and wools for the wintertime. You can wear cashmere all year.
- Invest in cashmere jumpers in traditional colours like black, navy, and grey. That way you can really get your wear out of them.
- If you wear a round-neck jumper over a shirt, the collar belongs under the sweater.
- To hide a long neck, choose crew neck jumpers and avoid open v-necks.
- If you have a short neck, you should avoid turtlenecks and crewnecks.
- Create a more stylish fit on a cardigan by buttoning up top 2-3 buttons only
- Clash your necklines and team a cardigan with a round neck t-shirt.
Polo shirts
- Polo shirts are great casual pieces. When trying one on make sure they're showing a little of your jeans pockets, never too tight, never too loose.
Shorts and swimwear
- When it comes to swimwear, always go for shorts. This is 2013 and trunks are just a no go.
Socks
- Socks should always be a similar tone to trousers, no one wants the Michael Jackson look.
- Always wear a matching pair of socks. You never know if you'll need to take your shoes off!
- White sports socks should be worn to the gym.
- The more formal the ensemble is, the finer or more sheer the sock should be.
Underwear
- Keep your underwear simple and classic. Comical undies and cartoon boxers are usually the choice of teenage lads (plus girls hate them).
- Fitted briefs or trunk style underwear should be worn with tighter jeans or trousers.