HOW TO ACCESSORISE YOUR SUIT

Alot of men have been asking for the best ways in which they can dress their suit. It can be difficult to know how to accessorise a tailored look to stand out without looking overdone. Since smarter wear should be sleeker and elegant, accessorising in the wrong way can completely change the look you might be going for.

TIES 

The most obvious way to dress a suit and the most vital accessory of all. Without one a suit certainly doesn’t look complete. If you are dressing for the office your tie doesn’t need to be plain and lifeless, just so long as it is appropriate and not covered in a cartoon print or anything else childlike. For any occasion, think about the colours in your suit - if you are wearing a plain navy or grey suit with a white shirt you can instantly add life by your choice of tie. Choose something with a print, such as paisley or check pattern. 

Keep colours to a minimum with a maximum of four colours, the less colours used the more formal the look will be. If you are dressing for an evening occasion or a wedding you can be more adventurous with the colour and pattern choice than that for the office. The key is not to make your outfit look too matchy matchy, for example; don’t match check with check. So, although you want to complement the style of your suit you can do this with a subtle colour match.

POCKET SQUARES 

A dapper accessory for dress suits but can also be worn for the more informal side of tailoring. This is because it does also mean you don’t always need a tie. In fact if you want to show off your choice of pocket square don’t wear a tie at all and leave the top button of your shirt undone. A pocket square is the perfect way to add colour and character to your jacket. Commonly made from silk or cotton you can get a variant of patterns and styles, the more patterned the pocket square the less formal the outfit becomes. If you do want to wear both a tie and pocket square don’t ever match them, just choose one or two colours the same so they complement each other as well as the colour of your suit. Too much colour and it will begin to look fussy.

TIE CLIPS 

A tie clip can be used for practical reasons as well as a fashion statement to accessorise your tie. They work well on plain ties as it will stands out and gives more texture and character. There are a variety of choices from a simple bar or those with a unique design commonly gold or silver plated. For functionality purposes they also keep your tie from creasing without damaging your tie. A top rule to follow is to make sure that the width of the tie clip is never wider than the tie.

ADDED EXTRAS

Something that has become popular in recent years with men’s fashion weeks and fashion fairs booming across the globe. We're witnessing more and more variety amongst men’s tailoring which makes wearing a suit more unique as opposed to just something you wear to the office or a wedding. Collar chains are a great alternative if you don’t want to wear a tie without the centre part of your shirt looking plain. They are modern, unique and often work better in the cooler months of the year styled with a suit in a winter material such as tweed or velvet. 

Lapel pins, like a collar chain, gives that added detail to your jacket. Where a pocket square adds soft details a lapel pin can give you a masculine touch. Again they work better with winter suits as opposed to linen.

Lastly, belt chains - these look great on a patterned suit in a tartan or herringbone material because it adds a sleek dimension. If you wear a three piece and want to break up the centre without wearing a belt, add a belt chain. Some are more subtle than others finished in silver or with added beading. If there is any colour involved, always choose something to complement the colour of your suit.

THE AFFORDABLE SUIT

Every guy should invest in a tailored suit before they’re 30 – it is a statement and a staple that will be in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Throughout the years my core tailoring style has pretty much remained the same, but I love experimenting with accessories, colours and patterns. My favourite bespoke suit from Sir Tom Baker has been in wardrobe for a long time now, and it will always be my classic go to suit. 

While bespoke traditions and standards have been maintained, times are changing. The rise of the high street has done away with the need for custom-made clothing, and buying an affordable, well-fitting suit is a lot easier than you may think. 

Nowadays people either buy instantly online or opt for a bespoke product made by the very best people in the industry. From Next, Debenhams, Reiss, H&M to Topman there is something for everyone.

Zara and ASOS are my ultimate suit saviors, with ASOS being my main port of call due to the fact that they allow you to mix and match on pretty much all their tailoring. Both ASOS and Zara suits start from £100 and are great quality – their prices are credit card friendly. 

I always try to carefully select classic items, all of which are super versatile and can be worn both for formal occasions and everyday wear. After, buying the foundation items for my suits, I then like to buy some statement pieces in more bold colours or prints; details like this are a perfect way to add a playful twist to your tailoring.

"Add a playful twist to your tailoring"

London is a great place to pick up luxury tailoring at affordable prices – my favourite hidden gem is the Paul Smith Sale Shop near Bond Street; 23 Avery Row. Whilst you may not always find what you want, they do have a vast selection of cuts, colours, classic and trend-led suits to pick from. 

I have picked up a suits for as little as £399, with friendly staff that will help you from the minute you walk in and take time to advise you on an alteration service right around the corner. 

A man will never look worse than when he wears a suit wrong (fitting and cut) and the right tailoring will make your suit look expensive and luxury – so a few small alterations and a little bit more money will be worth the transformation.

"The right tailoring will make your suit look expensive and luxury"

Get Suited

Before you start here a few things to take into consideration: 

Know Your Measurements - if in doubt pop into a tailor and ask them to measure you up. The jacket should fit you in the shoulder. You should be able to slip your hand between your chest and your buttoned jacket. It should fell snug, but with room to move. The trouser should fit you in both the thigh and the leg. If you are a fashion-forward and want to make a modern statement, the trouser hem should hit right at the top of your shoe. 

Your body shape - know your body shape and choose accordingly, if you are a fuller figure, a skinny suit if not for you. Go for the double vents in the back, they are more modern and fashionable. A great detail and super flattering to the fuller figured man. 

Mix and match - make the most of your classic staples and combine with statement pieces, it will ensure your style remains fresh and you won’t get bored. 

Tools - a seam ripper or a small sharp pair of scissors are a must-have tool. Unstitch the jacket’s pockets, remove the tack stitches from the jacket’s vents, and remove the little embroidered label from the jacket’s left sleeve. Do this very carefully to ensure you don’t actually rip the fabric or neighboring threads. This is a must, there is nothing more unseemly than leaving these unstitched. 

Don’t be too formal - remember to experiment with colours, patterns and fabrics... make tailoring your own.

"Remember to experiment with colours, patterns and fabrics"

4 STEPS TO SHAPING UP OVER WINTER

It’s that awkward time of year. Summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye and its time to pack away the swimming trunks, shorts and sunglasses for another year. It’s not quite cold enough for winter but we all know that the gloomy nights and Christmas festivities are just around the corner. In most cases, fitness is slipping off the high priority list.

As we adjust to the colder and darker days it is easy to forget that the summer body is in fact honed to perfection during the winter months. Autumn 2015 is the perfect time to start training so that by the time Summer 2016 rolls around your fitness goals are firmly in check. We take a look at four important fitness trends to make working out more fun, more effective and easy to incorporate into your lifestyle this season.

1. HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) 

HIIT has gained a mass following this year and is the perfect way to warm you up during the winter! It is fast-paced and packed with variety meaning that you are constantly challenged and engaged during your sessions. This is the exercise of choice if you are after a ripped torso and muscle definition. Short bursts of high intensity training are followed by quick low intensity breaks where you slow down to a light jog or walk. It may be tough to start, but it’s quick. Long gone are the days of running at a medium pace on the treadmill for hours on end! With HIIT, you can achieve your fitness fix in under half an hour.

2. RECOVERY WORKOUTS 

These are proving to be as important to your progress as the workout itself, and rightly so! Your rest days and recovery periods are absolutely crucial in allowing your muscles to rest and strengthen, ready for your next workout. Skipping proper recovery can lead to injury and extended periods of soreness and pain. You may have noticed some strange looking equipment including foam rollers and massage balls in gyms and fitness stores. The truth is that these recovery tools have been used by serious athletes for years but they are only entering the mainstream now due to higher intensity workouts such as HIIT training leaving individuals much more sore and in need of recovery tools. 

3. TRAIN WITH AN EXPERT 

If you have a very specific training goal, then it may be time to up the ante and employ the help of a personal trainer. Rather than spending money on unutilised gym memberships, receive a fitness education with focused one-hour sessions either at your gym or with a mobile personal trainer who can come to you. As cold evenings draw near, there is no better time to train from home or at your office to increase your chances of always getting a workout in.

4. GOOD FATS 

Common sense prevails when it comes to nutrition also this season with good fats back in favour with fitness enthusiasts. Fat is no longer demonised by the fitness industry with the consumption of natural fats found in meats, nuts, oils and butter gaining positive encouragement. Sugar now faces the spotlight, as we realise low fat foods are the worst sugar culprits, causing many of us to easily exceed our recommended daily consumption levels. High fat, high protein winter comfort foods are back on the menu this season. Avoid packaged and processed foods and pay extra attention to your sugar intake if you want to get in shape this autumn and see the results!

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BODY SHAPE AND POSTURE

Looking good in clothing has a lot to do with your body shape and posture. The way you show your style and confidence is certainly linked to the way you carry yourself. 

With this I mind we speak to an expert, founder of Timed Fitness about getting into shape and find motivation. 

What advice would you give to us men who're finding it harder and harder to make time for the gym? 

"The gym is not the only place you can get fit. Walk, run, jog, and swimming are just a few things you can do to start getting active. Be creative with your time management. Book 4 x 30 minute sessions in your diary and aim to complete at least 3 in the week and one on the weekend. Only have 15 minutes free? Pick 4 exercises, do an exercise for 30 seconds and rest for 10, then move straight on to the next one. Once you have done all four start again." 

Motivation to get up and exercise is a usual problem. How can guys get around this? 

"The main thing to remember is that exercise is one of the few things in life that we can count on to produce direct results. Higher energy levels, feeling stronger, and faster are just a few of the benefits. Lifting 'this' weight or running 'that' far will not only get easier the more you do it but you will be able to go further, faster and lift heavier. If that's not enough get a trainer, go with your partner, friend, colleague, your next door neighbour and motivate each other or with someone you don't like so you can compete with them. Just get your self there because the only regret you will have is not going."

 Train with someone for motivation

Are these new diets such as 'The Caveman' or the '5:2' diet any good? 

"Good nutrition is sustained through developing good habits and not buy following fad diets. The Caveman and 5:2 diets are the new 'it' diets like their predecessors the Atkins and Meat eaters. Eating whatever you want for 5 days cannot be balanced out by 2 days of fasting. The potential damage that can be caused raises huge red flags for me. I would never encourage my clients to try it. Even though The Caveman / Paleo diet has several positive traits such as removing processed foods, eating small meals instead of having large sittings and increasing fruit and vegetable intake, nothing beats a healthy well balanced nutrition plan which includes Fruits vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. Eating 3 main meals a day plus 2 healthy snacks in between helps speed up your metabolism and avoids spikes / drops in your blood sugar levels." 

A mans style can be improved by posture. What tips can you give to improve this? 

"Exercise is key to keep your entire body in tune to support your posture. Exercises that strengthen the muscles across your upper back, shoulders and activate your core will help you to maintain good posture. Bad posture causes muscles to shorten so stretching is very important and will help with back and neck pain. Use stretches which aim to open and lengthen muscles. Asses your work station, your chair and desk should support you and allow you to maintain good posture. Become ergonomically sound with your computer setup. Keep your eyes level with the top of monitor, with elbows and wrists straight at 90-degree angles."

  The gym is not the only place to get fit

What tips would you give to men who're looking to bulk up? 

"Like with losing weight, be realistic and plan ahead. Having support from friends, family or a training partner will help you achieve your goal. Increase protein - it is vital for muscle building. Increase carbohydrates because lots of energy is needed for heavy and intense training sessions, as well as the repairing process. Food preparation is essential you're not going to have time to cook every time you are hungry. Pre pack and freeze meals ahead of time. Making Smoothies with peanut butter, yogurt, whey protein etc will provide an easy to consume meal, packed full of calories and nutrients. Eat plenty of nuts, seeds, natural oils, oily fish and Protein shakes after training but don't rely solely on supplements. Typical repartition range for bulking is 8-12 but experiment to decide what works best for you. Compound exercises with just a few isolation exercises for variety such as squats, dead lifts, bench press, rows... etc are essential movements."

HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE

For ultimate style you need to think about what pleases your taste and what works with your body shape. As a personal stylist I hear a lot of women talking about the ways in which they can make their figure look better by their choice of clothing. The same applies to men and more of us should take advantage of this. Whether you have short legs or a beer belly it doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel good too, it’s just a case of making the most of your assets and scaling your body to the right proportions through illusion.

There are a number of different common body shapes that most men will fit into. The technical term for these three sizes is 'somatotypes' and we discuss the 3 that most gents fall into.

Somatotypes

TRIANGLE

This refers to men with broad shoulders and athletic chests with a smaller torso and waist (Mesomorph). For the first the best advice we can give is to avoid adding further attention to your shoulders, so anything with a lot of padding or jackets with large lapels should be avoided as these will only make your proportions look off. Slim fitting jackets with skinny or shawl lapels are the best options for you. You also need to concentrate on balancing out your upper and lower body by drawing attention to details at your waist area; you can do this with belts, bulky pockets, t-shirts with bold stripes at the waist and tapered trousers.

Triangle/Mesomorph

SQUARE

In short this is when you’re a little bit larger (Endomorph) so if you struggle with shifting weight on your tummy there are various ways to disguise this. Keep to straight fitting jackets and single breasted and avoid any bomber or puffer jackets as these will make you look top-heavy. Instead, wear longer coats in straight fits. If you like stripes, keep them vertical and avoid horizontal at all costs, this will give the illusion you’re taller and subsequently will distract attention from your mid body area. You also want to concentrate on your lower body to scale, so add attention to your waist with a belt and feet with socks and footwear.

Square/Endomorph

RECTANGLE

This is where your torso is straight from top to bottom (Ectomorph). You need to aim to broaden your shoulders and nip in the waist. Keep to single breasted jackets that are slimmer on the waistline for a balanced look and go for large collars/lapels and throw a scarf or cravatte on to bulk your top half. Avoid any t-shirts with block patterns or block colours. Instead, experiment with layering or piping on jackets and stick with tapered trousers as opposed to straight fits.

Rectangle/Ectomorph

Lastly, we answer a few of your frequently asked questions to help increase confidence and minimise confusion. If you have further questions feel free to ask in the comments section below. 

I have short legs for my body, how can I keep them in proportion to my body? 

"Wear tapered trousers and make sure the length is perfect, not too short and not too long - so they sit on your shoe. If you need to, get them altered. Avoid wearing trousers with turn ups as it will give the illusion your legs are shorter than they are. Keep any jackets you wear short because longer jackets will instantly cut you down in size and I also advise you to wear pinstripes and vertical stripes." 

I have sloping shoulders, can I make them look straighter by what I wear? 

"Whatever you do avoid shawl lapels and relaxed tops with raglan sleeves or gilets. You want to put emphasise on your shoulders not away from it, so find jackets with padded or pleated shoulders with big collars and lapels."

James Corden for Burberry

I have big feet for my body, how can I make them look smaller? 

"Anything pointy and shiny is a no-no. Keep to styles such as boat shoes or loafers which are rounded at the front and generally minimal, anything brightly coloured with bold patterns should be avoided because you’ll be drawing more attention to your feet. For a casual option try to find slim fitting trainers or sneakers, with a shallow sole."  

My bum is quite big and protrudes too much, how do I make it smaller? 

"If you’re purchasing a jacket make sure it's either single vented at the back or not vented at all as double vented will add bulk. Opt for large pockets on jeans and trousers to create a smaller surface area."

6 TYPES OF SHOES EVERY STYLISH MAN SHOULD OWN

We all have one pair of shoes that we’ve worn to death, be it the pair of trainers that go with everything or the brown suede’s that fit like a glove. But there’s more to shoes for men than having a signature pair. 

Any stylish gent will know that having a variety of shoe styles and colours gives your wardrobe the edge. To help you branch out we’ll be looking through our top 6 shoes that every stylish man should own - so let’s take a look.

OXFORD SHOE 

Named after Oxford University, even though the shoe was originally found in Scotland, the Oxford Shoe style is great for everything. With this style available in so many different fabrics and colours, you won’t be hard done by to find something that suits you. Using leather for suits and suede for smart-casual means you’re good to go before you’ve even decided what outfit to wear. Just make sure to look after them.

"Named after Oxford University"

CHELSEA BOOT 

The Chelsea Boot was originally a women’s shoe style, more recently this has been trickling into men’s fashion and rightly so. The boot has an elasticated side to help pull them on which allows easier access but also keeps the shoe tight around your foot. As the boot has this elasticated cut out, working these into an outfit with skinny jeans will sharpen up your bottom half by keeping it tight and defined.

"Originally a women’s shoe style"

BROGUE SHOE

The rustic design which features on the Brogue shoe gives an intricacy to your style that provides the impression that you spend time thinking about what you wear. The style is a lace up type with a solid shape that a shoe-tree would be great for maintaining. A slim pair of jeans rolled up to allow the shoe to be fully shown is a great way to display them, and a tan or brown option would look great with denim of any colour.

"Gives an intricacy to your style"

MONK STRAP SHOE 

Double strap, single strap or a low topped buckled boot are some of the options of a Monk shoe. With a technical design that uses no laces, only buckles, they look great under a pair of suit trousers. In terms of formality though, the Monk shoe style is less formal than an Oxford but more so than the tan Brogue. The slight heel that some of the shoes have will subtly give you a little extra height, but also the range of colours gives you the versatility to round of your style for any occasion.

"A technical design that uses no laces"

DESERT BOOT 

Desert Boots are almost posh high-tops, worn by the British Forces in World War II. The Desert Boot, such as the Loake Sahara, used to be made with Calfskin leather but more recently the use of worn suede has given the shoe a smart sandy look. Finding the right boot for the mood is a little harder here as they’re predominantly a smart casual uniform wear shoe. Using darker colours with some fitted suit trousers, making sure to not clash the colours too much, is a great way to style them.

"Worn by the British Forces in World War II"

PENNY LOAFER 

Pull-on shoes could bring back the memories of horrible wrinkled faux leather “school shoes” you had back in Primary school. But the Penny Loafer is the answer to posh outdoor slipper prayers. The leather shoe has no buckles or laces, features a solid figure and the iconic shape of the shoe itself makes it one of the most recognised formal shoes you can own. The high shine you can achieve with a bit of wax is why it has always been a popular choice. The Penny Loafer isn’t a smart casual shoe by any means but if you’re feeling a little brave then wearing slim light trousers or formal chinos and no socks will bring the shoes into the outfit.

"One of the most recognized formal shoes"

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUIT FABRICS

When it comes to spotting someone on the street in a particular kind of suit it can be hard to distinguish the exact material without examining it or touching the fabric, unless in fact you are a suit connoisseur. There are some pointers to note when it comes to choosing which suit is right for you or a particular occasion. 

Wool is a sleeker fabric that is commonly preferred by brands as it is the most formal and mainstream of fabrics to choose from. Whereas a material like linen is a little less structured, creases easily and can have imperfections running through it, which can make it look quite natural. Then there is cotton which is the most rigid of suit materials - it’s heavier since it is woven tightly. Lastly, there is silk, the luxury suit material which tends to be used in bespoke suits because it can be difficult to work with. Italian silk, Dupioni being the most popular kind of silk will give you the perfect fit and drape.

When evaluating which fabric to choose - whether this is an off-the-peg suit, made-to-measure or bespoke, there are some things to remember. In some cases fabrics will consist of a blend of two materials which can be silk-wool or cotton-linen for example.

"Fabrics can be hard to distinguish"

Knowing the basics of these four materials will determine the kind of drape. Since wool and silk are the sleekest of fabrics they add sharpness to your suit because it shapes to the body better and drapes in a natural form. This is also a great factor to remember if you are travelling overseas on business - they also crease much less than other materials. As previously mentioned it is hard to find a pure silk suit off the peg - for business and formal attire you are more likely to come across a silk-wool blend. The wool gives the suit some stiffness and both materials carry colour very well. Generally speaking a wool/silk suit is to be worn on duty so this limits the options slightly and dependant on colour or pattern they can’t be interchanged between seasons as frequently as other suits fabrics can.

"Linen creases easily"

Moving onto the second most popular material after wool, cotton -this can be easy to find off-the-peg and in every tailoring house. For most men this is a good choice as there are many kinds of cottons e.g. seersucker, denim, chino, fleece or corduroy. Since it is a stiffer material, the drape on a cotton suit is probably the poorest - it doesn’t give you much room to move in and tailors will recommend making the suit slightly bigger to give you breathing space. It’s also worth noting a cotton suit can be limited on how well it ages, it can begin to look a little rough around the edges if worn regularly. Although a lot of workwear suits are made from cotton for expense reasons they are considered less formal. However, they're much more versatile and can be dressed down as well as worn all year round.

Lastly, there’s linen which is certainly a summer material. It’s woven loosely so is rather light and best suited for the warmer climates. It’s also a fairly durable material but creases easily and is often considered too casual for formal occasions. Alternatively, you can opt for a linen-cotton blend which will give the outfit a little more stiffness and will crease slightly less. If you’re in need for some tailoring inspiration for a summer wedding this material is a well-suited light and comfortable option that we recommend.

When considering what fabric to choose it’s worth noting that the less structured the material is the less formal the suit will look. For example, unstructured blazers have draped shoulders or none at all for a real relaxed flair. Colour is also important; the brighter and bolder will give a much less business-formal aesthetic compared to the classic navy and charcoal colour options.

THE FADE HAIRCUT

The short back and sides cut has been in existence for a long LONG time! Men of all hair types, textures and colors have been sporting this hairstyle for decades. A variation that has been popular for decades but has recently had a surge in popularity (much like the humble beard), is the fade haircut. 

For a fade to be a fade, the short back and sides taper in length from the longest length at the top of the head, getting shorter to the nape of the neck. What’s so versatile about the fade is that any hairstyle can be at the top of the head. a top knot, a comb over, a pompadour - the possibilities are endless.

A skilled barber is essential for a fade. You definitely can't achieve the desired look at a £5 unisex hair salon! As your trusted barber will tell you, there are 5 types of fades to choose from: The regular fade, the high fade, the low top fade, the low fade and the temple fade.

"A skilled barber is essential"

The Regular Fade: Normal and simple, the go to fade. The High Fade:The fade disappears higher up with the fading closer to the top of the head. The cut is connected into the crown or completely disconnected, allowing the hair to hang below the crown area (think David Beckham). The Low Fade: This variation is higher than the regular fade but lower than the high fade. Complicated right?

The High Top Fade: Synonymous with the 80s and 90s (think 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’). It made a comeback a few years ago, when everything was throwback 90s. But in 2014, football stars like Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and such have a Jerry curled version! The Temple Fade: Here the transition between hair lengths is very abrupt. Sometimes, the temple fade can include the fade being done on the hairline of the forehead too.

"There are 5 types of fades to choose from"

Tapering around the edges and the back of the hair strengthens the overall shape and structure of the hairstyle atop the head, i.e. a pompadour or top knot, and also makes facial hair appear thicker and bushier while also framing the face – perfect for men who have beards or want to emphasise their Neanderthal-like masculinity. 

Keeping more length through the sides will suit most face shapes. For a timeless appearance make sure your barber does not take the clippers beyond the curve of the head. For a more modern take on the fade, you could also consider a skin fade, where there is no grade on the clippers where the base of the haircut begins. 

"The short back and sides taper in length"

Because of its roots in the 17th and 18th century, this cut is highly masculine. There’s also a recent rise in guys asking for the “Peaky Blinders Haircut”. That's why it works for my point of view as a female. It frames a man’s face too, making him look extra gorge! 

Products to perfect the look include: Pomade, Wax, Grooming Cream,Comb/Brush, Hairspray and your trusty hairdryer. Let us know if you have any tips for perfecting this look in the comments section below.

"It will suit most face shapes"

HOW TO WEAR THE ROLL NECK JUMPER

In recent observations of men’s fashion week it was clear that men are still adopting the layered tailoring look, however in a more relaxed manner. In this sense they are dropping the shirt and tie for a roll neck jumper instead. This is not only a way to keep yourself warm but also a smart-casual way for work wear and weekend wear. The traditional roll neck was a huge fad of the 70s when men would match them with their flares and round glasses, but you can now drop that image because they are currently seen as a modern contemporary garment - making them versatile and very easy to wear.

This isn’t a style for every man though – it’s a person-to-person case as to whether they’ll suit you and your style. We’ve broken down the different ways in which this winter staple can be worn.

If the weather is not too frosty you can just wear a roll neck on its own with a pair of smart jeans or brush cotton trousers for a smarter look completed with brogues or Chelsea boots. Opt for a rich merino wool which is soft; light yet warm and of a high quality when it comes to any kind of knitwear. You can dress this down by layering with a casual bomber or leather jacket for a relaxed style. Alternatively, layer with a Pea coat and knitted scarf for extra texture.

The lightweight sweater especially looks great with layered tailoring – simply add a blazer with smart jeans or formal trousers and finish with slick shoes. When choosing a colour palette; if you choose a dark color roll neck maintain this throughout your outfit and match with a dark colored suit, since generally dark roll neck sweaters work well with a suit as opposed to a dark shirt.

Secondly, you could choose all black, all navy or different shades of grey - or alternatively choose colors which complement each other e.g. a deep red or khaki looks great with camel, navy, grey or black. If you decide you want to wear a shirt as well as a roll neck you can basically pop the collar underneath and you’re set for a real continental look. Finish this off with a simple pocket square for on duty attire.

If the weather is looking bleaker, colder and frostier than you’re comfortable with, choose a chunky roll neck with a cable knitted pattern to be worn solo under an overcoat. This is an off duty style - a casual look which works well with lace up boots or high top sneakers. A key attribute of the roll neck is it makes easy simplicity without having the need of a scarf, keep colours neutral for a clean and smart style.

MEN’S HAIRSTYLE TRENDS FOR 2016

As the menswear industry grows, so does the barbering world. It’s a time where men’s hairstyles are changing faster and faster, so if you want to keep up with haircut trends for 2016 - read on. We spoke with experts about complimentary products and future trends. We also analysed hairstyles at the most recent global men’s fashion weeks, both on the runway and streets.

TEXTURED QUIFF 

The quiff over recent years has come and gone in different variations, big or small, with a relaxed or structured cut. With this trend coming back in you can be adventurous with a textured quiff. This hairstyle can be fairly easy to style with the right products too. It's about adding depth and life to your hair without it looking too structured and stiff. You can develop this with a sharp cut especially through the back and sides and by leaving quite a lot of height on top - this will create a sophisticated but natural look. Recommended products are Sea Salt Spray and Hair Doh for a good hold and a natural, easygoing look. To style just grab your hair at the sides of the crown and pull it up and twist the hair slightly. With the front, simply choose to wear this pulled away from the face or down slightly.

Textured Quiff

MAN BOB 

Over the last few seasons we have seen that a lot of men have grown out their hair. Whether they chose to leave it down or pull it back into a man bun it’s been something that we are beginning to grow tired of (no pun intended). Murdock’s Sam has predicted that where in 2015the hair length was below the collar bone, men will be reducing this (in 2016) to below the shoulders for a much neater and sleeker look. The slightly shorter style will instantly make the hair look fuller and neater all over. It is important when asking your stylist for this type of cut to make sure you ask for textured ends to avoid it looking too feminine.

Man Bob

MILITARY-ESQUE 

Expect a super short haircut for SS16, hence the name ‘military-esque’. With this style it’s about keeping it really tight at the back and sides and a crop on top. It’s a style that has over the years stood the test of time, it’s simple and easy to style. However, something worth noting before cropping your mop, this is a cut that suits those with a more structured face shape as opposed to those with round or square shapes. Otherwise your face will look too block like and the haircut won’t add any depth to your face. When it comes to styling just at a very small amount of Matt Mudd for a textured finish so it doesn't end up being fluffy and fly away.

Military-esque

SIDE PARTING 

The side parting is a contemporary look inspired by the 1960s which has been pretty predominant in recent seasons and it is here to stay in 2016. It's a style which works really well for those with thick hair, whether a pompadour style or buzzcut. Most men have a natural parting as their hair falls one way or the other. So emphasize this by creating a deep side part that is faded and slightly undercut on one side whilst structured on the other. It can be a bold look if you want your hair to stand out, needless to say it’s still appropriate for the office and can be worn with both long or shorter hair. If you want something more sophisticated try a wet look with a strong hold Fudge Hair Gum and comb the bulk of the hair at the top over to one side - go for either a sleek combover or vintage waves for texture. If you have longer hair or a slight fringe, add some mystery to your style and leave it more relaxed on one side and across your forehead.

Side Parting

NATURAL TEXTURE 

A trend which we saw emerging from the recent SS16 runway shows. If you weren’t putting all your attention on what the models were wearing at LCM this year you might have also noticed the naturally left hair a lot of the guys were sporting. If you want a style that is a quick and easy day-to-day option this could be something to consider. When visiting your barber ask for natural layers to maximise the volume and texture as much as possible (it doesn’t require much styling afterwards). The little styling needed is simple - wet down the hair with blow dry spray and blow dry it flat whilst it remains in the natural wave of the hair, add some GHD straight and smooth spray once dry and shake it out a little whilst still keeping it as flat as possible.

Natural Texture