We learned yesterday that Tom Ford has a pair of $990 jeans for sale. Why so pricey? Pre-washed selvage Japanese denim, and 18-karat gold plated front button and pockets lined with fine silk -- that's why. While we'd gladly fall to our knees (in prayer) to try and get a pair, the economy and our meager editorial salaries sadly don't allow for such excess. Still though, we understand the importance of a great pair of jeans, even though typically "great" becomes synonymous with "expensive."
Thankfully, times are a-changin' and, beyond the more affordable labels we know and love, some of our favorite designer denim brands have, to our homo-heart's content, introduced jean lines that come in at a lower price point but certainly don't sacrifice on style.
Q:Should I wear the collar of my leather
jacket or blazer turned up? It seems a little pretentious, but women I
know say that it looks more stylish that way. What do you think?
-- S.G., Philadelphia
And their response:
So guys, there's nothing foppish about turning up the collar on leather
jackets, coats and some shirts. Check yourself out in the mirror from
all angles to experiment with ways to pop up that collar ever so
slightly, so that it looks stylish and not too studied.
We here at Stylelist would like to step in for a moment and comment. A leather jacket -- OK, maybe you can pop the collar if said collar is not too big. A great overcoat or trench -- sure, sometimes, when it's frigid, you can throw that collar up. But, never, under any circumstances, no matter who says so, even if it's a deliciously hot and/or European, should you ever pop your collar on a shirt, a polo (DEAR GOD NO!) or a blazer. EVER. Got it? Thank you.
As fabulous as we may be, sometimes even gays can become fashionably perplexed from time to time. That being the case, Out.com thankfully offers clarity for all your queries with our Fashion Q&A's in the Style section of the website.
Now, you -- like we -- may be aware that the site has been woefully unattended as of late, but we're rededicating ourselves to keeping you fashionable so, we beseech you, send us your questions! We know you've got a burning style question that, despite your gay pride's unwillingness to let you ask it, is just bugging the hell out of you. Well, ask away! Anonymity is guaranteed, but bruised egos our out of our hands. Send your questions to fashionadvice@out.com and we'll tell you how it's done.
In our mini-series dedicated to James Bond's spy style, we've looked at 007's khakis, his package in those khakis, and, of course, his tuxedo. The only thing left to finish off your espionage look? Accessories. Because no international agent is sartorially complete without the right underpinnings to polish everything off.
First up, watches. James Bond has been bolstering watches since the series began with Sean Connery, and while you'll usually find a Rolex or Omega on his wrist, you don't have to be nearly as exorbitant with your choice, but you will need at least two options. The first is your kick-ass watch -- ya know, the one you wear when you gotta rough someone up. It should be durable, heavy duty, but also classic. Multi-face is fine, but don't go overboard with gadgetry because, after all, you aren't solving any international mysteries (we think). For your evening watch, the one you wear with at tux, you want to switch to a leather band and keep the face as clean as possible, just like the tux.
Speaking of that tux, one of the most important accessories you'll need is cuff links. There is nothing sexier than a perfect pair of cuff links peeking out from under your tux jacket. But, remember, less is more. No eight-balls or dice or other various wingdings that make you look like you're twelve. Just something sleek and understated, but not boring. It's always best to stick to the basic rules of composition: line, shape, texture, space, etc. And higher-end brands like Bottega Veneta down to basic department store labels make acceptable pairs.
Rounding at your Bond-age accessories are your shades, man. Being that the Bond franchise has basically started over, his style is back to classic, so aviators are your go-to sunglasses. You can never go wrong with a pair of Tom Ford plastic aviators, but, for Bond's on a budget, if you're doing everything else right with your look, any pair of knock-offs from H&M or some guy on the street will still look chic.
Earlier in the week Popnography was obsessing about Daniel Craig's perfect package in his perfect khakis in the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. And while we can't say that his package, or those khakis, have been forgotten, we're moving on today in our break down of Bond's classic style to the most synonymous outfit in the 007 wardrobe, the tuxedo.
Tuxes today seem like a chore to have to wear, but boys should remember that there's hardly an outfit out there that, when done right, makes you look as good as a tuxedo does. That being the case, here's how to do it without looking like a cater waiter:
The easiest rule of thumb for the tux is to just go classic. A traditional tux may scream boring, but if it's perfectly tailored with the essentials -- notched, peaked lapel, bow tie, cumberbun if you wish -- it's going to look great. Just remember that at some point in the night that jacket is going to come off, so keep the shirt pristinely white and slim on that body you work so hard to maintain.
Most labels out there do their version of a tux, the most perfect of which come from the likes of Tom Ford and Dior. But, look to labels like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren for equally impressive tuxedos at a fraction of the cost. And speaking of price, just suck it up and buy one. What's the point of renting every time you need one when a good tux will last for years? Surprisingly, tuxedos are even versatile enough to wear with a cool tee and tennis shoes. So, again, lay down some cash and get your own.
As we noted yesterday, gays aren't always keep to stick to the classic, so if you're one of those divas who just has to steal the spotlight from the bride, here are some suggestions on how to update the tuxedo:
Instead of a notched lapel, try for a slicker, but appropriately slimmer, shawl collar. For your jacket (and jacket only) there's always the white dinner coat or a velvet smoking jacket, and, if you really want to stand out in good way, opt for a midnight blue tuxedo (for Inspiration, Gucci makes a beautiful version). Still dark, still classic, but with just a bit if snap. Band of Outsiders also makes a perfect hipster tux if you're one to go against the traditional grain. And, as we see time and time again on the Hollywood crowd, the long tie is now perfectly acceptable for a tux. Bond would never do it, but if you do, make sure the color and fabric of the tie match your lapel.
Now you know how to go both casual and chic like Bond. Next up we'll tell you how to elevate it all with the perfect 007 accessories.
Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q: Whenever
I wear a light-colored shirt in the spring or summer, wet sweat spots
in my armpits ruin my outfit and it's embarrassing. Besides wearing
black t-shirts all summer long, what can I do?
A:Fear
not, my friend, we'll have you sporting your pink polos in no time!
While sweating is a natural and vital function of your body, nothing
can ruin an outfit like an overzealous sweat gland. Keeping your sweat
in check is also more than just a vanity issue -- it can also cut down
on malodor. B.O. is caused by stinky bacteria that love to inhabit
dark, warm and moist areas of your body, which makes your pits prime
real estate. Keeping those areas dry is like a "No Vacancy" sign for
odor-causing nasties.
Antiperspirant is key. Make sure you pick up the
stick that says "Antiperspirant" and not just "Deodorant." While a
deodorant will mask or neutralize underarm odor for a short period of
time, an antiperspirant will actually reduce or stop your glands from
pumping out the sweat. Most people put on their antiperspirant in the
morning after their shower but for best results, apply it before you go
to bed to ensure that your body absorbs the maximum amount of
sweat-stopping aluminum chloride. It works for 24 hours! Applying an
antiperspirant right after a shower won't allow your body enough time
to absorb the good stuff before you become active. Also, stick to
natural and breathable fabrics like cotton--like you needed another
reason to avoid rayon and polyester.
If you're still sweating a ton, upgrade your antiperspirant. Try
Degree, which is activated by body heat, or Gillette Clinical Strength.
If those don't work, reach for CertainDri, a roll-on that contains the
maximum amount of aluminum without a prescription. Apply as little as
possible or you'll feel the burn—especially if you have sensitive skin.
If your sweat glands are still wet and wild, see your doctor because
you may have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (a medical term
that means "I sweat too much")—which can be treated with prescription
antiperspirants and even underarm shots of Botox (yes, that Botox!).
Now go forth and work those pastel Ralph Lauren or Lacoste polos with
confidence!
Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q:I
was wondering if penny loafers are still ok to wear? I like to wear my
Bass Weejuns all the time with jeans or khakis. They are really
comfortable once they get broken in. I like the look, and I want to get
a new pair but I want to know if they are in style?
A:The
penny loafer is the ultimate in classic preppy footwear that has
adorned men’s feet since the mid-1930s when Bass debuted the Weejun. If
prep-school style is in fashion -- and it always seems to be -- then
you can work those classic kicks. The moccasin-inspired penny loafer is
a footwear staple and you’ll only start to see more of them as the fall
season (and fall semester) approaches. Cole Haan, the esteemed footwear
brand who has been hawking penny loafers for decades, is celebrating 80
years and highlighting a number of beautiful loafers in their spring
and summer collections. So, if you can’t find your beloved Bass
Weejuns, Cole Haan will certainly satisfy your loafer craving. But
please, avoid slipping a copper penny in the strap at all costs. Some
people take fashion too literally.
Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q:The weather is finally nice and I'm heading out to the beach for the first time. What kind of sunscreen should I use if I don't want to get a major sunburn?
A:Temperatures are heating up and it's time to bare your body at the beach! But be warned that a sunburn is never in style. Protecting yourself from the sun won't only prevent your skin from turning a painful and unattractive shade of pink, but it will also keep wrinkles away! After all, sun damage is the most common cause for premature aging. If you want to keep wrinkles at bay, prevent your skin from looking like crepe paper, and avoid skin cancer, get some major SPF and slather it on with gusto! Unfortunately, not all sunscreens are created equal. It is most important to buy a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause the painful, lobster-style burns and UVA rays cause aging and cancer. Unfortunately, most sunscreens that claim to be "full spectrum" only block a portion of the sun's UVA spectrum, while letting some of the rays attack your skin. So pick up a trustworthy cream that provide complete protection. Here are some sunscreens you can count on: If you need serious coverage (meaning you've got pale skin and plan to frolic in the sunshine for a few hours), pick up Neutrogena Ultra Sheer™ Dry-Touch Sunblock, which comes in SPFs of 55. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Milk is the gold standard in sunscreen but its ingredient Mexoryl XL is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (it is approved in numerous countries and available for purchase online, albeit illegally). If you don't need such strong sunscreen and you prefer a lower SPF, La Roche-Posay also offers an FDA-approved Anthelios SX SPF 15 waterproof sunscreen. Now, I don't want to nag you like a worried mother, but applying your sunscreen once during the day is not enough! Reapply often -- about every two hours -- and especially after splashing around a pool party or doing your best impression of the Little Mermaid on the beach.
A look from Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2008 Collection Photos: Getty Images
Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q: Things are starting to warm up and I’m interested in buying some shorts, but my friend told me that my cargo shorts aren’t cool anymore. What should I buy for spring and summer?
A: Unless you’re packing some precious cargo in those oversized pockets, skip the cargo shorts. All that baggage just adds more junk to your trunk and needless bulk where you would rather look slim and trim. If you really need to carry a ton of cargo, buy a stylish bag. This season, shorts run the gamut of short and shorter -- from nut-hugging numbers to knee-length Bermuda shorts. Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Lacoste all offer short-short styles that show a little more thigh by stopping a few inches above the knee without reaching daisy-duke territory. If you’re not up for showing some thigh, preppy-classic Bermuda shorts are also back for another season. But they’ve received a little nip and tuck while in hibernation. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Missoni and Band of Outsiders have taken a cue from skinny trousers and slimmed down the silhouette for an overall lean look that would look great with the season’s nautical looks. Let’s just say that this season’s styles will show off your biggest asset.
A look from Lacoste's Spring/Summer 2008 Collection
Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q: I’ve
noticed a lot of bowties showing up in stores like Club Monaco lately.
Are they back in style or are these stores just reaching out to older
customers?
A:After
years of skinny ties and mod style, designers like Ralph Lauren, Etro,
Paul Smith, Thom Browne and Band of Outsiders all featured bowties in
their spring runway presentations. But the nerdy-chic classic isn’t
reserved for math geeks and history professors, it’s making inroads
among younger, trendy guys.
If you want to give the nerdy-prep-school look a shot, pick up a solid
bowtie and pair it with a button down shirt and a light-weight spring
cardigan, v-neck sweater or vest. If you are feeling particularly
brave, tie on some bolder patterns and colors. But do yourself a favor
and avoid the pre-tied clip-on. If you’re man enough to work a bowtie,
you can figure out how to tie the thing properly or you’ll go from
nerdy-chic to plain geek.
Gay men love fashion, and fashion loves gay men. Is it something in our jeans? Celebrating this long tradition, Stylelist exists to offer advice, tips, and the occasional catty observation on celebrity style coups and faux pas.
Recent Comments