Hello Hauteness

To round out Menswear Week on HelloHauteness I wanted to broach the subject of men and accessories.  I have to be careful in my comments here because I don’t want to offend anyone but I definitely have a strong opinion when it comes to what men can get away with.

In general, accessories are seen as female territory.  A lot of men don’t even know what to do with jewelry, scarves or even hats (at least beyond a baseball cap).  The thing is, these items can really enhance your look…if you do them right.

There’s a fine line between wearing jewelry (i.e. watch, class ring, and even a simple necklace) and looking like you subscribe to the Mr. T Jewelry Club for Men.  First of all, heavy chain is never a good idea.  Trust me on this.  Unless you want to look like you’re in the cast of Jersey Shore, stay away from chain.  Second of all, there’s something downright scary about pinky rings.  They remind me of every stereotypical mafia character I’ve seen in gangster movies.  Once again, stay away.  Earrings…this is a subject where I could offend some.  I’m a girl that likes a clean cut guy and in my opinion earrings are a feminine look that should not be seen on males.  That’s just my two cents.

So what’s acceptable in men’s jewelry?  Well, there’s the obvious…wedding band.  In addition, I like a sophisticated watch on a man as well as the occasional simple necklace.  When I was in high school I really dug the guys with the woven hemp necklaces, a la the surfer the look.  Now that I’m in my late 20’s I don’t still go for that look but I can appreciate it for the younger crowd.  My absolute favorite piece of jewelry on a man has been cufflinks as of late.  I seem to have radar for them (like some women have for a wedding ring) because I find myself checking out the cufflinks of every guy that sports them in my office.  There’s just something sexy and sophisticated about a man that can rock cufflinks.

Outside of jewelry, don’t be afraid to try hats, especially now that the seasons are changing and cold weather is on it’s way.  While I LOVE a guy in a baseball cap (probably has something to do with my love of the sport it’s associated with), I really appreciate the look of a guy sporting a fedora, flat cap, newsboy cap, pork pie hat or even a knit beanie.  In the summer I love seeing guys in straw fedoras and shorts and in the winter I think flat caps give a guy a very polished look along with a pea coat.  Don’t be afraid to try a hat guys…remember that a lot of body heat escapes through the head and it’s about to get cold outside.

Last but certainly not least, is the scarf.  I think most men are comfortable wearing a warm knit scarf in the winter but see it purely for it’s function…to keep them warm.  The scarf is actually my personal favorite accessory.  There’s something cozy about wearing something around my neck (even in the summer) and it really tops of an outfit nicely.  Most people don’t appreciate the scarf and what it can do to add to a look.  Guys, consider getting lighter weight scarves to wear with your long-sleeve t’s and thin sweaters during this fall transitional period.  You can pull it off, I promise.  And don’t be afraid to try winter scarves in prints or bold colors.  For example, if you have blue eyes, bring them out with a blue scarf.  Remember, scarves bring attention upward to the face so it’s all about wearing a style that enhances the moneymaker.

While accessories are rather simple, I feel like most men stray away from them and keep it simple.  Don’t be afraid to top off your look with an appropriate piece of jewelry, hat or scarf.  It will go a long way to complete a polished, packaged look.

My friend Cesar sporting a fabulous flat cap.

I heart argyle.  Plain and simple.  In fact, I think one of the reasons I’m a fan of golf and golf fashion is because argyle is so closely associated with it.   Recently when I signed up for a new credit card that gave me the option to have one of three patterns in the background, I of course chose the diamond pattern that most resembled argyle.  Yeah, I kinda like it.

For those of you who don’t know, argyle is a pattern made of a diagonal checkerboard arrangement.  According to Wikipedia, this fabulous pattern is derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll in western Scotland, and from the patterned socks worn by Scottish Highlanders since the 17th century.  It’s closely associated with knitwear so it’s mainly a pattern you see in the Fall and Winter.

While thinking about my favorite menswear looks for cold weather, argyle came immediately to mind.  You can find socks, sweaters, vests, and even boxers in the classic pattern.  I love the look of an argyle sweater vest over a button up and tie (especially if you’re brave enough to throw a plaid tie into the mix).

You’ve probably figured it out already, but I  kinda like the prep look on men.  I’m not talkin’ the frat boy prep that consists of the same elements year in and year out (khaki’s, polo’s, loafers with no socks, and popped up collars).  I’m talkin’ a guy who knows how to take classics and make them his own.

The great thing about argyle is that any guy can infuse it into his style.  From preppy young professional to nerdy hipster, the diamond pattern fits in.  It makes a bold statement without going into overkill.  Just be careful when mixing it with other patterns.  Remember, less is more.

Guys, if argyle is not already a part of your winter wardrobe, considering trying it out.  I obviously like it and it’s a pattern you can wear for years because it never goes out of style.  Think of it as an investment!

I love being able to spotlight lesser known designers to help all of you discover great up and coming talent.  But while perusing the Fall 2010 RTW menswear shows, I found myself salivating over Ralph Lauren, an American style staple.  Even after all these years on the fashion scene, RL continues to create classic looks that just about anyone wishes to attain.

When it comes to menswear, he knows what he’s doing.  The suits, the sweaters, the trousers…swoon!  The clean cut looks on these models definitely do it for me.  As a girl with an old soul, I love the idea of getting dressed to the nines.  I want to see men walking down the street in 3 piece suits and fedoras.  I want a man that looks as put together as I do.  Fashion in general is getting away from this, but Ralph’s 2010 Fall menswear collection reminded me that all is not lost.

Here are my favorite picks from his collection.  Ladies, feel free to drool…I did.

Not only do I love Fall for all the great womenswear pieces there are out there, but I love it for the menswear as well.  I love seeing guys in cardigans over button-ups with ties.  Or a sleek leather jacket over a v-neck sweater and a dark pair of jeans.  And don’t even get me started on newsboy caps matched up with scarves.  Whew!  Is it getting hot in here?

As another ode to my love of Fall, I wanted to pay homage to layered menswear by sharing my favorite looks from the Fall 2010 RTW menswear shows.  There’s a little bit of everything:  the sleek & smooth, the nerdy & patterned, the rugged outdoorsy, and the preppy young professional look.  I appreciate them all and think you should too.

Calvin Klein

Canali

Louis Vuitton

Gilded Age

Etro

Prada

Michael Kors

Louis Vuitton

John Bartlett

Etro

Canali

Gilded Age

Perry Ellis

Louis Vuitton

Emporio Armani

Viktor & Rolf

Canali

Perry Ellis

Hello all!  As of late a lot of my posts have been more girly and womenswear focused.  I know I have a few loyal men that like to follow me so I am dedicating my posts this week to them.  It’s time for me to get in touch with my feminine side…in the sense that I want to tell you men what I find appealing.  While not all women go for what I like, I feel like I’ve got a pretty broad appreciation for menswear and the different sexy looks you can rock.

So this is just a little preface for my week’s posts so you guys know to be on the lookout for some man-centric commentary from me.  In the meantime, check out this 2010 Fall RTW style from Billy Reid.  I affectionately refer to it as the Elmer Fudd look.  Guys, you may not get the women swooning over you with this look, but you’ll definitely get a smile and laugh.  Sometimes you just have to laugh at fashion…because the style world oftentimes takes itself  seriously to the point of ridiculous.

Happy Sunday!