14 DAY TRIAL // Stylists often point out that style, the genuine kind that can truly makes an impression, is nothing but an expression of one’s personality, and this applies to both men and women. Still, many continue to be at a loss as regards how to find and exploit their personal sense of style so as to keep up with the trends and the demand imposed by society. As some sort of helping hand, Hugh O’Neill from Men’s Health is here with the answers.
Whereas style must come from within, and then channeled via clothing items and accessories, fashion is, more often than not, a science with very strict rules. The do’s and don’t’s in fashion are very well established, and have been so for decades, if not actually longer. This is also the first thing that men must pay attention to when they set out to find their inner trendiness, O’Neill points out.
“Clothes make the man? It’s more like the opposite: The man makes his clothes. That is, your suit, tie, and even socks, for goodness’ sake, should be tangible, outward evidence of the stalwart man within. So let’s define it. True style is... always moving. Work the old ways, but always look ahead – with a time-tested, pinstriped suit, and cuff links that whisper of downtown, for example.” O’Neill says in a new piece for the aforementioned publication.
Attention must be paid to textures, it is also being said. One of the most important golden rules is that one should never mix textures, no matter how daring, fashion-forward or savvy they think they are. For men, this rule should be stressed twice because they often find themselves victims to such a horrendous temptation, stylists say, especially if they’re in a hurry. “Rough goes with rough, smooth with smooth. No cable-knit sweaters with fine-worsted trousers, no patent-leather loafers with khakis.” O’Neill stresses.
Of course, a more confident man can, should he really want to, take this rule and blow it to smithereens by brandishing a style so unique and bold that literally no restriction can contain it. Since men of this kind are not exactly growing in trees, stylists warn, it’s best to stick with the safest combinations at first.
Speaking of combinations, knowing how to mix’n’match elements that render a certain sense duality is, again, of vital importance. Stylish men should avoid looking plain at all costs, because, why not face it, anyone can do that. “[Be] simultaneously strong and gentle. Robert E. Lee sent his daughter a letter from the battlefield, enclosing a wildflower he found amid the gore. [Be] sparingly fussy. Fine things require great care. Take shoes, for example. You’re smart enough to polish them every third wearing and give them some rest in the rotation with a palliative stint on cedar trees. But a rough buff job leaves them wanting. A retired toothbrush is great for detailing, like probing the cranny between sole and last.” O’Neill concludes by saying.