Men’s Style Tips … Inspired by Women
“Le smoking,” the wingtip shoe, intentionally large watches, and a number of other masculine pieces make up many a fashionable woman’s wardrobe these days.
In fact, most of them are declared “must-haves.” Women have been stealing from the closets of men for decades, but perhaps it’s time for an ironic twist.
Women have been stealing from the closets of men for decades, but perhaps it’s time for an ironic twist.
SIX THINGS MEN CAN LEARN FROM WOMEN’S FASHION:
1) Dress for your body type
This rule of thumb is the first thing out of many women’s lips when asked: what fashion guideline do you live by?
Nearly every stylish woman knows which body type she is and how to flaunt it the best she can. Because of the extensive research on this subject regarding women, many men disregard the rule. But every male body is different, so dressing each type varies.
Every male body is different, so dressing each type varies.
2) Skincare is everything
Women tend to be quite attentive to their skin: its smoothness, evidence of aging, spots, acne, and a plethora of other issues. Skin is skin; men have the same needs and issues, but the emphasis on their skin doesn’t stretch nearly as long.
With frequent shaving (or not!), the face becomes a battleground of oily, dry, or irritated skin. Products for the skin can be pricey or seem irrelevant, but its an investment for the future. And as always, sunscreen is a must.
The face becomes a battleground of oily, dry, or irritated skin.
To address the growing attentiveness of the male population to their skin, products have entered the market specially tailored for a man’s skin, such as the Alpha Fit, by Clarisonic.
(Our publisher got this for Christmas last month. Okay, he got it for himself. So far he reports it feels nice on the face, but it still hasn’t magically removed the hideous bags under his eyes.)
3) A thoughtful spray goes a long way
The art of choosing a perfume is a delicate and serious one.
And one can bet many women know where and how to apply it for maximum results in regard to allure.
Unfortunately, many a man has walked by with a wall of cologne at their heels — or a bottle of drugstore deodorant the victim of their abuse. With a little schooling in the matter and a discerning sniff, suddenly a few sprays make all the difference.
Many a man has walked by with a wall of cologne at their heels.
FWO recommends ditching the department store and trying more interesting and complex fragrances from someplace like Lucky Scent. Our two top picks? Arso by Profumum, and Kilian’s Pure Oud, for the adventurous.
FWO recommends ditching the department store.
Want to stick to Sephora? Try Dior Sauvage.
4) LBD (NQS)
In the closet of nearly every fashionable woman in the know, there is the mythical “little black dress” — quality-made, thoughtfully purchased, and instrumental to her array of ensembles.
The equivalent? A nice quality suit (NQS). The pieces and parts of a suit present endless opportunity for stylish combinations. In colors like gray, navy, or black, it’s a piece that’s worth the investment.
And don’t be afraid to mix it up. Over-coordination is a distinctly American obsession.
The equivalent? A nice quality suit (NQS).
If you want to know how it’s really done, look to the Italians.
5) Always look tops
Many women enjoy looking chic at the post office or towering in heels in the dairy section. It’s a point of pride some fashionable women hold on to.
There’s also a sort of mystic allure when a man appears well dressed for no apparent reason. Even the framing of a car window when reaching for fries in the drive through is an opportunity to show off your new shirt.
There’s an allure when a man appears well dressed for no apparent reason.
6) Cling to your signature piece
The key to being stylish is just that: style.
To have style, women know that they need a clothing watermark: that one piece that is their signature. Whether it’s a pair of glasses, a perfect cat-eye, or a vintage bomber jacket, it’s what makes her who she is. As to avoid being lumped in the other 3 billion or so men in the world, a stand-out piece is a must.
A stand-out piece is a must.
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With love,
FWO
