Comments on: 5 Steps to Upgrading Your Business Casual Clothing

By: julia

julia — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:53:41 +0000

Hello: can anyone offer me suggestions for a nice pair of kahki’s and a nice dress shirt. A person I have a secret santa gift doesn’t want to look like he’s in the 80′s. Just need some “IN” brand names. he’s 50. Tks

By: SheepLute

SheepLute — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:55:05 +0000

This might sound weird, but I’m an artist; you’ve been warned. One thing that I think would look good is, if you’re wearing a jacket, embroidery. Nothing tacky like flames, but something creative and original. You could also do that on your jeans. I think it would look great. Presuming you get it done at an embroidery shop, and draw (or have a friend draw) your design for them, it looks very creative and original, and if you don’t mind me saying so, “artsy”. But the artsy look is what I go for…

By: BonzoGal

BonzoGal — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:46:48 +0000

Neim and others, there is NOTHING wrong with pink or other pastels on a man. On many men it looks downright hot. My husband is a tall, burly man, and in addition to blue and green business shirts he has a couple of pink ones. He wears this great blue tie with them and looks super sharp. The pastel colors look great with his darkish complexion. The attorneys at his firm often compliment him on the way he dresses.

By: happy5

happy5 — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:40:46 +0000

What is the origin of the photo with the man with the black sweater and blue dress shirt? It looks from an artist at an award show, and the combination is killer. Would love to have it!

By: neim

neim — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:03:50 +0000

Please, never suggest pink colour. Its uncool.

By: Wesley

Wesley — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:04:36 +0000

Thanks, Antonio–
I’ve taken your advice here on AoM to heart, and your pointers and information have really helped me improve my wardrobe and understanding of how to dress properly. When I shop for clothing, I feel confident that I’m going to look good with the choices I make. I do quite a bit of thrifting, and having a knowledge of basic style makes a huge difference in that when I put on those clothes, I never look as if I’ve gotten them at a thrift store.
Thanks so much for making this information freely available.
Cheers!

By: Chris H

Chris H — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:12:06 +0000

Off the top of my head, I cannot recall there ever being a mention on the site of the unsung hero not looking like you slept in your clothes; the shirt-stay.

Essentially it is an upside-down pair of suspenders for your shirt. Attach one end to the hem of your shirt, and the other to the tops of your socks, and throughout the day it will keep ones shirt from billowing and wrinkling as you move around the office, walk to meetings, and drive to meet clients for lunch.

I personally prefere the military straight style
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Military-Straight-Shirt-Stays/dp/B0001XLP9Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1309229898&sr=8-4
but they are also available in Y-styles.
They prevent the occurance of the “Al Bundy Look” by 3pm (front partially tucked in the front, flapping about in the back), and will keep one looking sharp on even the most stressful of days, which is very much a plus:

As shallow as it may sound, humans are visual creatures, the man who looks effortlessly put together (as opposed to constantly and conspicuously working on their appearance), even in the face of the worst company crises (tripple-checking the books to find the $100, 000 of misplaced funds) will be pegged by the higher-ups as a man who is not only able to keep his own head while doing his work, but also as a man who will inspire those around him.

See? I could totally write for this site, haha.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:56:39 +0000

Great tips, particularly on how to quickly identify cheap cloth that may not initially look poor. The bit on jackets is very true — having a versatile blazer that can be dressed up or down is well worth it.

By: Danny

Danny — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:35:47 +0000

Hi,
I’m a student so I stick with all the slimfit outfits. The most important thing about my suit is it should be comfortable to wear. The slimfitted look is still there and it makes you look good. The other thing is the shoes. My shoes are very decent and I don’t want people pay attention a lot to them, other way I feel like I have dressed up.
So to keep it short:
- Comfortable, fitted suit.
- Comfortable, decent shoes.

By: Jack A

Jack A — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:56:07 +0000

One trend that I really don’t like are jackets/sports coats that are cut too short and/or ill fitting. Even the newest stuff being shown for spring 2012 includes these short length jackets. I think guys look best (no matter what their build) when the jacket is long enough to cover the butt. I also see jackets that look two sizes too small (I’m not talking about Italian style close tailoring, I’m talking about Pee Wee Herman looking jackets. Conversely, too many jackets are cut so that they fit in the shoulders, but then are too loose and ill fitting for the rest of the jacket. Combine this “tent” with a cut too short and a guy just looks sloppy (and I’m not talking casual).

The other trend – I personally like the no socks look with loafers/slip ons. But what doesn’t work for me is the no socks thing with lace up shoes. Add to that pants that are too short or rolled up. Yes, I know the designers and men’s magazines are showing this as fashionable. But just because some editor says it’s fashionable doesn’t mean real guys should pick up on it.
Just my opinion.