The Eyes Have It: A How-To

After my post on makeup, called “The Eyes Have It,” I was asked if I could write a how-to guide for makeup application. So, I have compiled a step-by-step outline of the classic and smoky eyes, but first, here’s a run-down of the tools you’ll need to help you create these easy looks. 

Tools: Just like a painter, you must invest in brushes. Those little sponges that come with eye shadows just won’t cut it. To get you started, and without paying a pretty penny, Sonia Kashuk for Target carries a wide variety. The six-piece wood set offers brushes for lipstick, concealer, crease, eyeshadow, blush, and powder. I’m not a fan of sets—I like to purchase individual brushes—but this is great and economical way to get started. If you choose to buy individually rather than purchasing a set, your must-haves are brushes for concealer, crease, eyeshadow, a flat for brow bone area, an eyeliner brush, a blush and an all over powder. As you work with brushes and try different techniques, start adding a few more to the collection.

If you decide not to invest in brushes, at least spend the money on an eyelash curler. I never used one until about a year ago and what a difference this little guy makes! My eyelashes are long but flat so even with coats of mascara I never had much definition. I have tried the curled mascara wands to provide lift and those just didn’t work either. An eyelash curler takes your lashes to a new place. They actually widen the look of your eye. If you are one for mascara, blush, and lipgloss only, I promise you this curler is something to add to your routine. It will add just that little extra oomph to your overall look.

Makeup: A cosmetologist can try and convince you that you need to purchase a million different products to get the look they created for you, but that’s really not the case. When I go for a makeover, I generally walk away with about five things that I truly think I will use after I leave the store. Sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the collection. The items you need, let’s call these essentials, are minimal. My essentials are a great foundation or tinted moisturizer, concealer, an all-over lid primer, a group of shadows, eyeliner, mascara, and blush. I’m not a huge fan of powder. I feel it makes one look cakey and can settle into the small creases of the face. Never a good thing when you are trying to reduce the look of fine lines! However, MAC has a product called Set Powder. It is made up of looser powders that stabilize and fix the makeup. The finish is very sheer which will make your face feel less heavy.

Application: The classic eye is very easy to achieve and takes only two shades. There are times where I use a set of shadows, called pink chocolates, to create this look. I will provide the how-to steps for both.

Classic Eye Two Shadows:

1. Apply with brush the MAC Paints in Untitled over entire eyelid.


2. Apply with eyeshadow brush the MAC Satin Finish Eye Shadow in Shroom should be over entire eyelid.


3. Apply with crease brush the MAC Matte Eye Shadow in Espresso to just the crease of the lid. Make sure you apply all across the crease, not just from the outer corner to the middle of the eye. This will break up the line and effect you are trying to create. Blend well.


4. Apply with eyeliner brush the MAC Matte Eye Shadow in Carbon along the lash line of the upper eyelid. I do not line the lower lash line but if you feel the need, use a very small amount of the Carbon shadow. If you are not sure about using a eyeliner brush, I recommend using a pencil for the lower lash line until you feel more comfortable. Or, use a couple of different products: the liners by Clinique go on smoother than most and have a velvety feel. Their Black Diamond should provide the same look as the MAC shadow version. I also like the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Black. Like the Clinique pencil, this goes on smooth and provides a creamier look than that of the Carbon shadow.


5. After using your new eyelash curler, apply two coats of your favorite mascara. My favorite of the moment, well over the past year or so, is the Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush Then Comb mascara in Black. This product received the Elle Genius Award in 2008 and I have to agree. Use the brush side to apply the mascara and the comb to even out any clumps that were created. It helps define your strands more than just the average wand. Again, I rarely apply mascara to my bottom lashes. I heard an expert say that they don’t recommend either because it can start create a raccoon effect as it flacks off through out the day. After applying the top lashes, you will actually apply mascara to your lower lashes as you blink. That’s all you need!

You now have the perfect Classic Eye! If you are interested in adding a little depth to your Classic Eye, try the Pink Chocolate quad from Clinique.

1. Apply with brush the MAC Paints in Untitled over entire eyelid.


2. Apply the Rose Pink with a small eyeshadow brush to just the bottom lid of your eye.


3. Apply the Warm Midtone Raisin to the crease of your lid with the crease brush. Again, apply all across the crease, not just from the outer corner to the middle of the eye.


4. Apply the Dark Chocolate to the outer corner of the eye using the tip of the crease brush. Make sure you blend well but do not take into the center of your crease.


5. Apply the Pale Pink with the flat brush to the brow bone just under the eyebrow.

Steps six and seven are the same as five and six for liner and mascara.

And now here are the steps for creating the smoky eye:

Smoky Eye using the Chanel Smoky Eye Quad:

1. Apply with brush the MAC Paints in Untitled over entire eyelid


2. Apply with eyeshadow brush the Slate Gray shadow to the lower lid.


3. Apply with flat brush the Pale Gray to the brow bone just under the eyebrow.


4. Apply with flat brush the Light Gray over the Pale Gray at the brown bone.


5. Apply with crease brush the Dark Blue to just the crease of the lid. Make sure you apply all the way across the crease, not just from the outer corner to the middle of the eye. This will break up the line and effect you are trying to create. Blend well.


6. Apply with eyeliner brush the Dark Blue shadow along the lash line of the upper eyelid. In this case, I do line the lower lash line, but do it finely. Do so with the Dark Blue shadow keeping very close to the lash line. I tend to blow of the access shadow before I apply.


7. Apply with eyeliner brush the MAC Carbon shadow over the Dark Blue to re-enforce the lash line. Do not use the black on the lower lashes.


8. After using your new eyelash curler, apply two coats of your favorite mascara. Again, in this case, I use mascara on my lower lashes sparingly. Try dotting the wand along the lashes instead of stroking.

You now have a modified version of the Smoky Eye. You can intensify the colors by adding a little more shadow than you would for daytime or by dabbing your brush in a tiny bit of water. Adding water to your shadows will intensify the look, but do not add water directly to the color. This will allow bacteria to grow. Instead, dab your brushes in water first and wipe off access water before applying to shadows.

To finish your looks, keep your cheeks very neutral. I like MAC Powder Blush in Blushbaby and Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Cupid. Keep your lips neutral as well especially, when wearing the Smoky Eye. I love the look of MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lovin’ It with their Tinted Lipglass in Young Thing dabbed over. It creates the perfect pout! If you want a little more color, use Clinique’s new Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour in Absolute Acai. It’s a nice berry without adding too much color.

There are so many things you can do with shadows but this will get you started. Again, investing in the right tools is your first step. If you can’t afford the brands I mentioned, take those colors and look for something in your local drugstore. Most drugstore lines are actually a subsidiary of the ones you find in department stores. You don’t have to spend a lot to get the same effect. Play around. That’s how you become comfortable with broadening your canvas. I’m here to help as well. Post any questions you might have! 

Great blog.  I find all your thoughts to be of great value and useful for all. 

Learning to Dress Yourself

Sometimes, we women have difficulty dressing for our body types. The answer to this is that it’s all about proportion. What might look good on your leggy, 5’10” friend is not going to look the same on a 5’3” frame. Same thing in reverse—tall women are not going to look good in petites. Being featured in a magazine or your favorite store’s window display, or it has a great sale price associated to it doesn’t mean you should buy that piece of clothing and wear it. Instead, take a look at your body. Use that full length mirror you’ve now hung inside your closet and look at your body’s proportions. Until you know what your body actually looks like, you are never going to know how to dress it. We come in different shapes and sizes and looking in that mirror will help you determine what part of your body tends to carry more weight than others.

I distribute weight evenly throughout my body. I think of myself as having an hour glass figure, but with some slight differences. My shoulders are about the same width as my hips, I have a small waist and I have fuller legs. However, I don’t have the stereotypical heavy bust line. Because of all of this, I have learned how to dress accordingly. I finally figured out what looks good on my body shape and how to hide imperfections. Wrap dresses work really well because they skim across my mid-section and hips but cinch in at the waist drawing the eye away from the lower half of my body. I wear straight leg jeans that are roomier in the hips and thighs. Very infrequently, I will wear a skinny jean, and I make sure that my top or sweater is long enough to cover my hips and the top parts of the thigh while still keeping the appearance of long legs. Boot cut jeans are great if you are heavier in your lower half. They create a flair which evens out the look of your leg.

My upper body is a little more sculpted, not from years of working out, but from day-to-day upper body activities. In the summer I tend to wear sleeveless tops and dresses but avoid anything with a cap sleeve. Cap sleeves cut you off at the “fattest” part of your arm. (They hit right under the underarm and at the base of your shoulder creating a negative effect on the length of your arm.) If you feel uncomfortable in sleeveless, reach for a short-sleeved version instead. I also love the look of a top with a boat neck or ballet neck. Halter tops are great as well.

Things to avoid with this body type:

• Straight skirts, as they will cling to your curves not skim.


• Tops with bold patterns, ruffles, and added details if you are busty. This will only enhance your bust line.


• Baggy clothes. We need clothes that create shapes. Otherwise, we will look heavier than we really are and that’s what every woman tries to avoid.

If you find that the top half of your body is smaller than your bottom half, you want to try and take the focus off your lower body and move the eye upward. Unlike those of us with curves, you can wear tops with bold prints, ruffles and details to add fullness to your bust line. Scoop and V-neck tops are great as well. Find jackets with puff sleeves to help create volume. Empire waist dresses are perfect for this body type. They create fullness in the bust while skimming over the mid-section and hips, thus creating a nice balance. You also want to find bottoms that are fuller. Go for an A-Line skirt in dark colors such as black or charcoal gray. Pants with a full leg or slight flare will help balance out your hips.  Again, go with darker colors, especially in jeans.

Things to avoid with this body type:

• Bottoms with side pockets, pleats, and large details.


• Bottoms made with fabrics that are bold in print and in bright colors. These will only accentuate your hips not slenderize.


• Jackets that hit lower than the waist. These will hug your hips.


• Tapered, narrow, and skinny jeans and pants are not for you.

When the top half of your body is larger than the bottom half, the opposite rules apply. You want to play down your bust and mid-section and add volume to the lower body to create proportion. V-necks and scoops are tops that work best and should be in solid, darker colors. It will downplay wide shoulders and draw the eye to your waist. You want to create the illusion of a waist so wrap tops and dresses with an A-Line cut work well too. Jackets with belts help cinch the waist and should fall a little lower than your natural waist. Empire waist dresses work well for this body type as well. Small graphics will work, but try to get a solid color around the bust. One with a tie will create a waist. Your jeans and pants should have a slight flare at the bottom, so go with a boot cut to add volume to your lower half. Also, keep the rise lower than your natural waist. You should have pants and jeans with flap pockets to add shape to your derrière. That’s the only time I hope to say that!

Things to avoid with this body type:

• Tops that have bold graphics and bright colors, and fits that are baggy. This will only create volume, making you look larger than you are.


• Steer clear of anything with a high-waist and/or pleats. These clothes will make you appear thicker in the mid-section.


• For jackets and tops, you don’t want anything that rests on or at the hips. If they graze your hips in length, try a shorter version.


• Remember to keep the leg of your pants and jeans full. Tapered legs will only make your mid-section thicker.

If you have what the industry refers to as a “boyish” figure, you are probably fairly thin with small hips and a smaller bust line. You want to create the illusion of curves and with that, you need to wear dresses, jackets, and pants that lend themselves to amping up your assets. Tops with ruffles, pleating, details, prints, and gathers will do the trick. Wrap dresses and blouses will cinch the waist creating that hour-glass look. Dresses that are cut on the bias will hug your body and help create curves, as well as A-Line and pencil skirts. Skinny jeans look the best on this body type. Also, if you can find jeans with detailed pockets, these will produce a rounder bum. 

Things to avoid with this body type:

• Flared leg jeans and cargos


• Full skirts


• Sweetheart necklines and baggy tops


• Sheath dresses and anything with a drop waist

(These items will only enhance the boyish frame and could eliminate a bust line all together.)

If you still have issues defining your frame, rely on stylists and personal shoppers available at some major retailers. Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Ann Taylor Loft all offer these services. Take along a trusty girlfriend for feedback or check out your favorite celebrity. Fashion magazines do spreads on this issue all the time so look for your mag of choice or go online and do some research. Some items that every woman should avoid are the new “Daisy Duke” denim shorts that literally look like bikini underwear and bare midriffs. They are so inappropriate for all body types. Use your full length mirror to your advantage. If you are spilling over, spilling out, or you appear larger in the areas that you are trying to minimize, those would be the items not meant for your body type. If you discover pieces that are right for you, let me know! I would love to hear success stories and see the outfits you put together! Good luck!

Label Lust: A Shopping How-To

With television shows like Lipstick Jungle and Gossip Girl and red carpet events for movie premieres and award shows, it’s no wonder we have become quite the label obsessed society. Our shoe offerings boast of Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo. We’re told to stuff our wallets into handbags by Fendi, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. And as for clothing, classics like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and modern fashions by Marc Jacobs and Zac Posen are top runners for choices. I could go into severe debt just trying to collect them all and really, how many occasions would I ever have to wear them? Oh wait, I don’t need specific occasions. Work, dinner with the girls, date night with my husband, shopping … I could find an excuse to wear these pieces everywhere—and I have. This is my tried and true how-to guide for shopping for the labels we lust.

Sales

One of the best times to shop for your labels is during major sales. Nordstrom’s hosts a half-yearly and yearly sale. Their half-yearly sale allows you to buy those pieces you’ve had your eye on all year and at fraction of the cost. But their yearly sale is my favorite. Fall merchandise hits the store in the middle of summer and at prices we can afford. For me, it’s a Christmas miracle! I can’t wait for my catalog to arrive in the mail! Check out this year’s sale on July 16th. 

The Saks Fifth Avenue Designer Sale is another favorite of mine. Clothing from top designers at 60 percent off and shoes from labels that only celebrities seem to sport are 50-60 percent off. Shop at your own risk! I have been lucky enough to be in New York several summers in a row to attend this sale in person and I’ve walked away with Christian Louboutins and Jimmy Choos that I will wear for seasons to come! If you plan a trip to the concrete jungle, try to squeeze in this event.

Sample sales are another great place to locate those must-have labels. New York Magazine provides weekly updates of these sales taking place through out the city. I’ve had terrific luck at such sales. Most recently, I purchased my first Rebecca Minkoff handbag and carried it during my entire trip. It’s a great cross-body bag that I will wear again and again. I also got great pieces from Michael Kors, Max Studio, and Soshanna. I also had success in San Francisco a few years back. Search online for sample sales in cities where you might be traveling. The Thread Lounge has a permanent store in Chicago and is currently trialing a store in San Francisco. You can sign up for their mailing list for notification of future sales.  

Online

I love Rue La La, but this amazing website can be dangerous. Enter with caution! The only downside is that you must be invited to join. If you are a frequent reader of iforstyle and are interested in seeing how Rue La La can change your world, let me know! An invitation will be on its way. The site provides you with a daily e-mail alert of the featured boutiques of the day. Shop the labels you want, click the size you need, and check out. It’s as simple as that, I promise! They keep your credit card and shipping information on file. Just click and shop. No purchase required at any time. Just window shop if you want. Most boutiques are open for two days but be warned, item sell out very quickly. If you find what you’re looking for, and it’s something you can’t live without, purchase it and then go back for more shopping.

Gilt.com is another online daily boutique site, but for more luxe brands. Again, you receive a daily e-mail alert with the featured boutiques of the day. These boutiques generally stay open for two days as well and sell out just as quickly. The items are much pricier than the items found on Rue La La, but they are just as worth it! 

Lucky Magazine is one of my go-to fashion magazines. They feature great pieces at affordable prices and have a wonderful online shopping guide. One of their regular features, called Lucky Breaks, consists of selected discounted items throughout the magazine that are also featured online. They provide you a discount code to apply when finalizing your purchase. (A side note: The magazine features a store directory. It’s a list of all their favorite stores throughout the country. Map out your assault with this handy tool. It’s been very successful for me.)

Instyle is another fashion mag go-to. They feature luxe labels while sprinkling in affordable lines, which makes it so worth the time to flip through. Their online shopping site allows you to shop by category and designers. The Deals & Steals feature provides discounts on selected pieces, also with a promo code to be used at check out.

eBay

eBay can suck hours out of your life, if you let it. But there are so many good finds in the process. My first foray with eBay resulted in my Prada clutch, which is a fantastic purchase that I use constantly. I also found my Balenciaga motorcycle handbag that I will carry for ages! It’s tough but oh-so-chic! I also found a vintage Gucci suede clutch for a girlfriend’s birthday. Take the time to browse and I promise you will uncover the find of a lifetime!

Outlet Malls and Discounted Retailers

You have to be very careful at outlet malls. Some are very deceiving. You aren’t always getting a deal. I recently shopped at The Legends here in Kansas City. The Legends features an array of stores, some are outlets, and I was surprised to find many stores I currently shop. I had major success at both BCBGirls and BCBG: Max Azria. They both carried this year’s styles, as well as some from past seasons. A dress that had originally been $148 was purchased for $29!! Same for a black, wool coat with ¾-puffed sleeves. And, for the low price of $29, I have an adorable new black coat for winter! Other items made their way into my closet and I will be back for more in the coming months!

Century 21 is one of the best stops on the retail trail in New York. There are several locations through out the city so check out their Web site for one close to you. I make sure I go every trip I make to the city. My Badgley Mischka suit was an amazing find and at a price I couldn’t pass up. I’ve also found pieces by Marc Jacobs, L.A.M.B, Tracy Reese, and Diane von Furstenberg. Make sure you add it to your site-seeing list! You won’t be sorry.

Places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx can be very hit or miss. I’m not a digger and in stores like this you have to want to take the time to dig for a bargain. However, I did find a fantastic pair of Dolce and Gabbana black heels at Marshalls. Imagine my surprise! They are a small patent leather weave, with peep toes and mirrored soles. Fantastic! I find that I now head straight for the shoes upon entry and it never disappoints. TJ Maxx, in my opinion, carries better designers in handbags. It’s definitely worth a trip as long as you’re prepared to dig.

Designers for Less

Finally, some major fashion designers are heeding the call to design lower-end collections at affordable prices. JC Penney carries some of these lines, such as Charlotte Ronson’s I Heart Ronson, Allen Schwartz’s Allen B, Nicole by Nicole Miller and Liz&Co by Liz Claiborne. Target has some amazing designers coming and going! I have been able to collect labels such as Botkier, Liberty of London, Eugenia Kim, and Cynthia Vincent. Most recently Target carried Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, and the late Alexander McQueen. I can’t wait to see who brings their designs next! Even Payless Shoes is on the label train with lines by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano and Alice+Olivia.

As you can see, there are so many ways to get the labels you desire and at prices you can afford. All you have to do is decide how you want to spend your time and money to get them. There are still labels out there that one day I will get my hands on. My wish list contains the iconic quilted Chanel handbag with chain strap, a simple black pair of Manolo Blahniks, and a Burberry trench coat. Maybe I’ll get them, maybe I won’t. If not, that’s okay. I have some incredible labels that I haven’t even begun to mention and they will last this girl a lifetime. Now, go get yours!

Cameltoe: More Comical Than Comfortable

So many rules of fashion are so passé these days; it seems the only rule is that anything goes. No longer do the antiquated rules apply. (You know those rules. Only wear black shoes with black pants and brown shoes with brown pants; your belt should match your shoes; your handbag must match your shoes; never mix prints. Please, I don’t follow any of these rules anymore and neither should you.) There are, however, faux pas that everyone woman must avoid.

Rule Number One: A visible panty line is a no-no! I cannot stand seeing the outline on any woman, especially when there are so many undergarments on the market to eliminate this very issue. Invest in thongs, ladies; they aren’t nearly as uncomfortable as they are made out to be. Get the right one and they can be virtually unnoticeable. I personally love the Body by Victoria line at Victoria’s Secret. The triangle is large enough that it’s not the feeling of dental floss like a string can create. Cosabella is another line of intimates that celebrities swear by. I have never tried their products but would love to invest in a few of their “Never Say Never Cutie” thongs. They come in fun, pretty colors and are oh-so-cute. It’s right there in the title. It’s also cut for those pesky low-rise jeans. SPANX offers a wide array of unmentionables that not only make you Hollywood thin, they also don’t show signs of having anything on underneath your clothing.

Rule Number Two: Please stop wearing pantyhose with open-toe shoes! And sandals! Stop wearing pantyhose in general! If you need support, refer to SPANX above and their ability to make you thin. I can’t stand seeing a woman dressed for success or a formal event and remark on how lovely she looks … and then I see the dreaded pantyhose and open-toe shoe! If you must wear the hose, you must wear a close-toe shoe. There is no way around it. This is a cardinal rule!

Rule Number Three: Make sure your pants and jeans are long enough to cover the back of your shoes. Your pant leg should fall over your shoe no matter what heel length you are wearing. Please pay attention to this detail. You never want to look like you’re waiting for a flood! The hem of your pant should hit where the heel of the shoe meets the seam. Anything higher than that and you burn those pants. We should never see the top of your shoes, and especially not your socks. 

Rule Number Four: A cameltoe, though comical when you see one, is so unattractive and a sure sign that your clothing is too tight. Let’s face it ladies, we aren’t the same size we were in high school or even in our mid-20s, so stop wearing a size that no longer fits you. Plus, it can’t be comfortable. Get thee to the mall and start shopping for appropriate-sized clothing immediately. As mentioned in a previous post on dressing for your age, going up a size is not necessarily a reflection of your weight. Not every designer uses the same fit model. Going up a size merely means your clothing will fit you properly and you will look more comfortable in what you are wearing.

Rule Number Five: This rule, based on my strict Southern raising, is never wear white before Easter or after Labor Day. Many fashion experts claim that you can wear white in the winter but really, wear it very sparingly and with great thought. There is such a thing as winter white, but that is really ivory. I do love the look of a wool, winter white suit. So rich and reeks of Upper East Side glamour. I own a sleek pair of winter white pants that I pair with cashmere turtleneck sweaters and rich-in-tone shoes to keep the look simple. And, last winter I also added a ¾ length, cream, wool coat with a beautiful pearl and crystal brooch to my coat-of-many-colors closet. Now, if you happen to live in the tropics, white in the winter is probably more acceptable; but until you live in those specific areas, store those white jeans, capri pants, and dresses for next summer.

I would love to hear what you consider to be a fashion faux pas. Again, these are my rules of thumb when either dressing for the day or shopping for myself and others. Invest in a full length mirror that you can hang inside a closet door and check yourself from all angles before heading out the door. I have mine hanging from inside the linen closet door and use it daily. I also rely on my husband for those areas I can’t see and trust me, he is very honest! If you can see them, others can too, and you don’t want to be the topic of their cattiness. (You know you’ve done it too when witnessing one of these for yourself.) Be honest with yourself, and to others if you’re asked, and those fashion mishaps will be a thing of the past! 

If I Were a Man, This is What I'd Wear

I was recently asked by a male friend, “What should we wear?,” and though I’m not sure I’m all that qualified to dress men, I’m going to give it my best attempt. Please keep in mind this is truly my point of view; these are things I like to see a man wear, things that compliment a man and make him look dapper. I again refer to these as staples.

A Suit

Every man should own a plain-and-simple, basic navy suit. No pinstripes or details. The suit coat should only have two buttons and worn with a crisp white button-down (staple number two), a simple tie, and black shoes. This entire ensemble can be worn for a first interview, wedding, funeral, or a nice dinner out on the town. When hemming the suit pant, keep in mind the length and break of the leg. I like a full break, which is hemmed to reach the top of the shoes’ heels, with the front of the hem “breaking” naturally over the shoes. Love this look!

Dress Shirts

There are two staples in a men’s dress shirt, white and blue. The blue is a standard blue, not French blue, royal blue, or denim. A dress shirt can be worn with almost anything in your closet. Above it was paired with a standard navy suit. You can also wear a white button-down with a simple tie, sweater, jeans, and a corduroy blazer for the fall season. Again, pair the white shirt with a black, wool trouser and a houndstooth blazer. Wear the blue shirt with jeans and a basic navy blazer (not your suit coat) for a laid back but sophisticated look. These two shirts have endless opportunities. They are an investment. Find one that fits and wears well. If you are unsure of the correct size, refer to this Nordstrom link on how to find the perfect fit.

Blazers

This blazer is different than the suit blazer mentioned above. Again, a classic navy blazer can be paired with so many things and kicks your look up a notch. I love a man in dark jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a navy blazer. Simple, yet oh so chic! That same navy blazer, a blue button-down, simple tie, and a gabardine khaki trouser looks cool for a night at the theater and drinks after. Another invested piece that will last years. Keep it classic, not modern.

Another blazer staple is made of a cotton and corduroy blend. This is so versatile during the fall and winter months. It keeps your look casual but adds just a hint of style. Worn with jeans, a light sweater over a white button-down, and casual shoes, you can take casual Fridays by storm. I love when my husband sports a similar look for date nights.

Dress Pants

Again, a dress pant is different that a suit pant. When shopping for this look, try a light weight wool in either khaki or black. The wool is comfortable all year long, wears well, and looks polished with dress shirts, sweaters, blazers, and ties. This pant runs in typical men’s sizing.You can find them un-hemmed and if you chose to go this route, refer to the break rule mentioned above about suits. A flat front trouser looks best. There is less material to work with when wearing sweaters and blazers, and the look is a little more polished when shirts are tucked in.

A classic chino is needed as well. Not as dressy as a wool trouser but just as necessary. Cotton, flat-front chinos in khaki, black, and navy are all a must and can be worn with any of the items you would pair with the dress pants and jeans. 

Jeans

Like women, jeans are a very important staple to a man’s closet. If you are part of a casual Friday environment, then you know jeans make up 50 percent of your working wardrobe. Gone are the days of your acid-washed, button-fly jeans of the ’80s. Instead, invest in dark denim with a straight leg. A relaxed leg is nice as well. I am not a fan of boot cut on a man.

Jeans go with everything. Dressy and casual blazers, polo style shirts, casual, print button-downs, sweaters, and the occasional t-shirt when appropriate. Your jeans should fit your waist. If you can see more than the elastic of your chosen style of underwear, put them back and try a different size. There is nothing more sloppy than exaggerated, baggy jeans.

Casual Shirts

A disclaimer: When I say casual I’m not talking about the shirt you’ve had since college. The one that’s faded beyond its glory days or ripped from that awesome night out with the guys; it is no longer acceptable to wear. I’m referring to cotton button-downs in either solids, stripesor plaids, polo style shirts, and the occasional t-shirt. T-shirts advertising a concert, company logo, or vacation print are best suited for shorts when lounging around the house or running errands on an early weekend morning. Take the casual look as seriously as you do your work look. It’s just sheer respect.

Shorts

When living in the Midwest like we do, you know it gets hot in the summer. Shorts are a must! You probably wear them everywhere—after work, on the weekends, even out to dinner or backyard BBQs. Cotton, flat-front shorts are great. They can be paired with all the casual shirts listed above. I love the look of khaki shorts and a long-sleeved, Chambray shirt rolled up to the elbow. Too hot for that look? Go for a polo style or plaid, short-sleeved button-up. They are everywhere right now and look great with a contrasting t-shirt layered underneath. Please wear an undershirt when sporting these looks. It helps capture sweat that will otherwise leak through without it. Trust me fellas, no one wants to see that!

I would love to your get your feedback on what I consider men’s staples. If you like what you read but feel stumped, I would also love nothing more than to shop with you! Shopping for men’s clothing is just as much fun as shopping for myself. Again, these are just my ideas of what every man should have in their closet and it just so happens to be everything my husband owns, with a few exceptions. Like I tell my female readers, shop out of your closet first to see what you have. Fill in the gaps where needed. The links I provided are just some of my favorite designers and retailers but not the gospel. Find the ones that work for you and report back!

Safari Chic Contest

Hey Readers! Check out www.whatiwore.tumblr.com, where I was featured from her Safari Chic contest! See what I put together as my most Safari Chic creation!  What do you think? Would you wear this?