Monday, August 22, 2011

Smart Work - Part 2

Last week By The Collar started a series on 'Looking sharp and smart at your work space', debuting it with the basic trousers. Taking this forward this week we bring you the basic tips to keep in mind for work shirts.

The idea is to stay away from prints, embroiders and crazy textures. Remember, you don't want to look like a gigolo at the night club when you're sitting with your million dollar client. Having said that, don't shy away from experimenting with colours, stripes and checks and different styles of collars and cuffs. However, be sure that your checks and strips are playful yet sober. Smaller checks and thinner stripes are ideal, unless you are sure you can carry off a basic madras without being loud and obnoxious.

Though the simple barrel cuff is the most common and easy to carry off, having a few shirts with a French cuff will allow you to use some classic cuff links that can add not just glamour but also an aura of 'being well versed with style'. Similarly don't just stick to the normal collar, rather experiment with a cutaway, or for that matter even a contrasting colour cuffs and collar shirt. Keep the cut simple with either one or none breast pocket and minus any box pleats at the back. And though slim fits are perfect, hit the gym if they're going to make you look like a beer barrel! Yes, the idea is to stay fit so that you can dress fit.
White cutaway collar shirt, Zara

Small checks with contrasting cuffs and collar, H&M

Blue striped shirt, Paul Smith

Classic pink cotton shirt, Thomas Pink

Point collar, Top Man

French cuff shirt, Turnbull & Asser

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Smart Work - Part 1

I was once told by someone that he didn't want a job that would require him to be formally dressed everyday. Now, would you leave a great opportunity just because you don't want to stuff yourself into a pair of dress pants, or a shirt? Though men have fewer options and choices, dressing for work can be fun and interesting with a little bit of work. So here's the first of a series of posts that will help you build a great wardrobe and also give you a noticed entry at work everyday. This also means that you can never be late again!

Let's start you off with the trousers. There are three things that you need to look for - slim, straight and simple. Do away with anything that looks like a sack and opt for more fitting flat front trousers in cotton, linen or even a mixed fabric. Remember, stay away from anything that shines brighter than a light-bulb. Though don't shy away from trying out a new sober colour, as long as you don't count bright red and yellow as 'sober'!

Black , Zara

Wool blend, Burberry

Grey cotton, American Apparel from Asos

White, H&M

Stonewash blue, Top Man

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Quick Finds

There are those mornings when all you want to do is go through the various e-shopping websites and see what they have on offer. Here are some quick finds to keep you going in style.

D&G leather shopper from Asos.com

Graphic T-Shirt from FCUK

Imitation leather boots from H&M

Tweed limited edition bow tie from Top Man

Versace sunglasses from Sunglasshut.com

Travel set from Zara