The well dressed man

Day 4

The meaning of colours for men

Since men don't tend to wear make-up the choice of their colour clothes is essential. They are sometimes wary of choosing too bright colours. Knowing which colour palette works best, how to use it and combine colours helps you look flawless. It also has an impact on how your image is perceived. The blues are amongst the most popular colours in men's wardrobes. Mostly because they are easy to mix and match but also it shows trust, peace and order. The browns are part of the unifying colours, the neutrals. Less aggressive than the black they produce a comforting feeling. They carry an image of simplicity, and grounding. For a masculine, re-assuring and wealthy image greens are a great choice whereas yellows are more approachable and knowledgeable. Pinks and purple are now more commonly found in a men's wardrobe. Most men wearing pinks are comfortable with their masculinity. It is a sister colour of red but has a tranquilizing effect with more optimism. Purple shows sensibility, nobility but also creativity. Black and reds are both assertive and dramatic colours. While black is multi dimentional meaning both classic and new, modernity and power, reds inspire passion, challenging energy.

The importance is in how you will choose the right tones matching your skin complexion as well as how you will team them together to create the perfect wardrobe for the specific occasion.

"A very few men are in complete proportions"

Now that you have the best colours you need to find out the best personal look. An outfit should fit you and not vice versa.We are all differents in scale, shapes and very few completely in proportions. Fabrics, patterns, fitting cuts are essential guidelines when choosing your outfit for either a rectangle, inverted rectangle or a rounded bodybuild. Your proportions will affect the way you wear clothes; if you tuck in or not shirts or tops, choose a long coat, 3/4 or sports jacket or the way you button the jacket of your suit. Those tricks will have the immediate effect of balancing your overall proportions and enhance your global look.

"Casual doesn't mean can't be bothered!"

Adapting your wardrobe to your life style does not apply only for formal clothes such as suits. Casual has an instant connotation of comfort. You should wear more comfortable clothes for a more relaxed environment or journey. It does not mean you can't be bothered making an effort. Grooming has different levels and a formal look is just the next level up from casual. Same rules apply to both but with different fabrics and cuts. Getting in a track suit and trainers is self explanatory when going at the gym or at a sports match. On other circumstances it is shapeless

The seven ages of man ".. one man in his time plays many parts, his act being seven ages" As you like it .Shakespeare

Men's fashion offers a wider diversity of styles nowdays. So what is your signature and which one to choose from? According to your lifestyle, your cars, hobbies even the holidays you take there is a logical pattern behind those choices. We all need visual references to adhere to a group and without them we feel lost. From the schoolboy till the retirement being through the lover, businessman, parent phases men's signature will vary and adapt. And so will your style.

Browsing for men's clothing should be as easy and enjoyeable as it is for women and I am glad this is no longer a restricted area for women only. Who knows? The "I have nothing to wear" excuse might not just be a feminine slogan soon. There are plenty of great bargains out there for you guys so get out and look the part!

A complete style and image consultation for men includes a full colour and style analysis with a 42 wallet of your best colours. Please ask me for other requirements including personal shopping and/or wardrobe weeding at info@renaissanceimage.co.uk

2009: Style on a shoestring

Day 3:

   For those who thought fashion was just frivolity and estranged to the economy, 2009 has proven just the opposite. When times get tough conspicuous shopping looses its political correctness. The relationship between those two is subtle. A substantial change in the economical climate and you will see fashion trends following up. Fashion adapts to its current environment while retaining the glam effect.

   When the credit crunch struck, restrictions all of the sudden became not an enemy but an ally resulting in a sudden urge for a post-war, more fitted, tailored look. It gives the reassurance of the neat, uncluttered elegant woman. As simple feminity and glamorous trends returned to the fashion stage.combined with a crucial feel good and versatility factors. This transition in 2009 could have been advertised as the "let's go back to our secured values of who we are and what makes us feel good" year. Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Gucci and others designers were still a reference. Meanwhile we saw and heard redundancies one after the other. So when the storms were looming and clouds appeared the party season was launched with glitters and sequins all around. Style helps us to forget the odds of reality.

" We now understand what hangs in our wardrobe: Money!"

    Out of the econimic crash a new breed of consumers was born. The "Recessionistas" have learnt how to adapt in the current economy. T-K Max, Primark and other low budget high street fashion stores have grown in popularity and became part of the wardrobe of those who could still invest in a new designer outfit. Seasonal fashion events in high street stores became a new way of entertaining the clientele, and promoting fashion while clothes swapping parties recycle your wardrobe in a friendly and fun way. Indulging is now translated as investing and creativity as recycling.

"  The art of versatility has become a new trend"

     The sales for most are approaching. Stores like Hobbs and L.K.Bennett have already begun and there are some great bargains to be found. We are on a more limited budget so we are looking for that investment piece to look the part. The fashion industry is showing its understanding and there are a constant flow of deals both in-store or on-line. We now understood what hangs in our wardrobe: Money ! 2009 has unveiled the importance of making the most of selective buying and making the most of what we already have.

      The art of versatility has become the new trend. Wardrobe weeding is a great place to start. See my style consultations on how to make the most of what you already have, adding a few signature pieces, optimising the versatility of your wardrobe. That's the triple play: work, party and weekend. The new art of getting dressed is in how well you get the sense of your wardrobe multi usage.

The importance of staging clothes.

Day 2:

 It is funny how simple details can change a look. I often get clients coming for advices either because they are stuck in rut and need guidance to enhance their look or they just are looking for reassurance. So I help them to add a little extra detail that changes the whole outfit.  This is the whole point of getting your colours right and your clothes tailored for your body shape, and not vice versa. These are the basic rules of looking good.

Anyone can achieve this. Take that knitted tunic which you have ignored in your wardrobe for years. Find some great textured tights (Wolford, Falke for the high end market), high boots (high knee for those more daring) and a statement necklace. You now have a straight-forward, versatile outfit set up to impress. The message you will be sending is "I am approachable, current and feminine". Trying too hard can sometimes go wrong. The answer is often in simplicity spiced up with some details that enhance the whole look. This is the difference between staying at home, being comfy in your clothes and the magic twist of some great accessories to show off your fabulous look to the world. The art of staging clothes is the key to an effortlessly stylish look.

So yes a designer outfit is an investment and with the sales approaching I highly recommends hunting for those bargains before they are all snatched away. Even our celebrities are caught in leggings, a tunic and a pair of Uggs... Casual clothes can create as much Wow factor as a designer brand. Let's show our personality and creativity, and stand out from the crowd!

I don't change people, I enhance their assets and help them feel better about their clothes and their image.  As a result, I see clients' confidence grow right there in front of me. I don't have a magic wand, just a keen eye for style and for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. With some basic tips and some guidance, you can too! See my colour and style consultations.

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPPAHOLIC.

That's it! I did the jump into the Blog world. Twitter and other similar sites are only useful when they facilitate a quicker access to live information. And that is the only purpose of this blog. Delivering informative, unusual tips to a broader audience.

Day 1:

Coccinelle - Sloane Square: Amazing A/W collection to watch out when the sales start. The brand is usually known for their trendy city chic bags. This season it's all about texture with the crocs and patent all in bright, glossy colours but also those muted with a mat finish. The quality leather means you keep them for quite a while and if the bag has a problem- they come with one year warranty- you can always bring it back and have it fixed. That's quality service and shows concern for their reputation. Their shoes and boots are deceptively glam, sexy ... purely italian. The colour scheme proposed for each item means there is a choice in every palette - See my Colour Consultation.

Coccinelle's range also includes accessories such as key rings, gloves and hats and in a trend where accessories are increasingly taking a bigger part in our outfit. So it must be the time to have a serious look in there to grab the finishing touch to your perfect look. My advice is to keep an eye on when the sales start at Coccinelle... It might be wise to wander in Sloane Square after Christmas-New Year and invest in one of those desirable shoes, bags, or other accessories to avoid disappointment... it's already written in my diary!