Saturday, December 18, 2010

Going Casual

I love it whenever someone appraises me with how I look and what I'm wearing. Having lost a lot of weight over the past few months has helped me improve my style and my new career as a socialite has done wonders for my social life and my social connections. What can I say- my life is almost perfect!

I attended this fashion gala at the Shangri-La hotel a few days ago- and as you can imagine, everyone on the A-List are there. Celebrities, some politicians, fashionistas, and the top socialites of Manila are all present for this December gala. It's like fashion week in New York- only local.

A fashion event as big as this normally requires it's attendees to come in their formal wear. I came in a much different style- and everybody loved it. Fashion is ever changing and even the most staple of all styles can go out of style in a blink of an eye. With fashion statements being ephemeral from time to time, true socialites and fashionistas must be chameleons if they wanted to stay on top of the fashion runway. This season, casual style is in.

Chace Crawford At The NYFW
I got the idea from Chace Crawford himself. His outfit at the New York Fashion week is simple, casual and yet very elegant. No uptight suits that could almost cut off your circulation and with this kind of style, you're free to move any way you want! Not to stuffy and not too shabby.

Gone are the days when suits are in and you're obliged to come in your best Armani attire. Fashion is a little more loose these days. The looser the better. But still, small details are being taken into consideration. You cannot just appear off-dressed and call yourself fashionable. It all goes with style , the body and the clothes you wear. Not everybody can pull off a Serena van der Woodsen look- and not all are Chuck Bass.


Since fashion is not really a common interest for men, let me share some real nice and basic looks to go casual this season. While most men will just wear anything that they can get their hands on to in their closet, some who are fashion conscious and in the same line of work as me would actually care if their shoes match their pants or their shirts clashes with their jeans. Here are some basic casual looks any man can go for:


Tops
Tops are very important. Most of the time people would look at what you're wearing beginning from the shirt you decided to pick out at that moment. Guys, wearing tops are very basic but the style to make them look really nice can be tricky. You don't just wear them and tuck them in your pants like you used to! Wear 3/4 folded up sleeves as your basic top for an everyday smart casual wear. Collect the basic colors first  like black, brown, dark green or blue before buying shirts with prints. If you decided to buy printed tops though- avoid big and wild designs as much as possible. Go for a more subdued but classy casual look.You can wear these tops together with a pair of slacks, jeans or even shorts (yes- you can wear them with shorts!)



 
 

Where To Buy Tops: Topman, Zara for men, Folded & Hung, Arrow, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Burberry,  Lacoste, Myth by Randy Ortiz, Paul Smith, 


Pants
Wear darker jeans (gray or black) instead of denim because you can use them as an alternative for formal trousers. Skinny jeans are okay if you're slim but if you're a bit heavy on top, go get the straight cut, boot cut or twister style. If you are a slacks person, do not wear the pleated type. These would only make your pants look traditional and out of style.





Where To Buy Jeans: Seven Jeans For All Mankind, Calvin Klein, Marithe & Francois Girbaud, Levis, Diesel, DKNY, People Are People, Gas, Human, Viktor Jeans

Layer
Layering is very important if you're going for the sleek casual look with class. Most men basically forgets this thinking that a simple top and pants would do. But if you're going for style and class like me, layering is always part of the get up. You can wear thin cardigans instead of bulky jackets. Knitted vests are okay as long as its color go with your base clothing. What's important to remember here is that layering must go with your base clothing. Never clash the two. If you're wearing a top with collar, never wear a sports jacket with it! Colors are basic. Black, brown, tan and darker shades are all good choices.



 Where To Buy Layers: G2000, Topman, Zara for men, Myth by Randy Ortiz, Hermes, 158 Designers Boulevard


Accessories
Accessories are a must if you're going for that casual but classic look. Though many actually do not notice it, but contrary to what most people think, accessories are not just for the ladies. Even men are expected to wear accessories that can glam up the look while still keeping that casual style in check. Invest on long lasting accessories like a formal watch and white gold (or silver if you can't afford white gold) bracelet. Remember, though men wear accessories, we keep them to a minimum. Over accessorizing your get up will make you look gay- if not a starchy dresser!

 

Where To Buy Accessories: There's a lot of shops where you can buy really nice accessories and watches. Scout around. I don't normally stick to just one shop for this. But check out Imono at the Mall Of Asia. They have really good stuff there!


Shoes
Shoes are by far the trickiest part of dressing up. Most guys stick to just one basic shoes and wears it all the time no matter what the occasion is. Some only own two pairs- 1 leather and 1 rubber shoes. Stylist would definitely frown at this idea. While women can have a whole closet filled with shoes, so can we men!  Start buying more than just 1 kind of shoes. Stick to basic colors like black, gray, tan and a pair of white sneakers. If you think pointed lace-up shoes are too gay, then try boat shoes or desert design instead. However,  remember that even as you buy shoes, the shoes you buy should match with the clothes you own.


Where To Buy Shoes: Bally, Franco Sarto, Fred Perry, Hideout Shoe Salon, Hush Puppies, Marithe  & Francois Girbaud, Salvatorre Ferragamo, Tony Burch, Trod,


Going casual is all about style at the most relaxed moment. Nothing too stuffy and too uptight. IIf you want to update your wardrobe with this kind of look, I am recommending neutral colors (tan, khaki, taupe, beige), gray shades, black and white. These colors look more professional and smart. It’s better if you always make yourself look presentable especially if you have clients, or you're going to a party or a soiree on the upscale class. This does not only enhance your style but it can also enhance your career. Who you are is what you wear.


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