Gradually and globally this trend is creeping up into men’s wardrobe. Lo and behold my male brethren! Gone are the days of  low-slung baggy jeans and say hello to super tight skinny jeans. For the uninitiated the trend goes way back in 1950s. In the early 2000s, they became favored by garage rock revival bands and musicians, such as The Strokes.They have grown in the later half of the 2000′s to become associated with an emo and indie rock trend. Nowadays the media publicizes the image of musicans/ singers wearing skinny pants, even pop stars like Justin Timberlake or the much-hyped Pete Wentz from the band Fall Out Boy are seen sporting these pants.

Well as the new writer for Fashion and Couture segment (menswear), I have a question: how many you guys (as in men) out there who wear skinny jeans whether it being on a daily basis or just for the sake of trying something new?

Yes, some of you dudes out there may frown at the notion of wearing these skintight pants as the myth says they may torture your precious ‘family jewels’, ‘asset’, (insert other euphemism here). Well based on my personal experience this is not so true. I believe on the right guy these pants can be quite flattering, especially for those who are confident enough to flaunt their haunch (the area of hips and buttocks combined). On the other hand some body types just don’t measure up for skinny denim. Imagine a well-fed/voluptuous guy wearing this thigh-hugging garment, highlighting his excess subcutaneous tissue and unsightly bulges for everyone to see. This fashion faux pas is not only for women, but it also applies for the above-said men. (Now you can empathize the feeling of a woman who is skeptical to wear body-hugging outfits or tight skirts).

My advice for you ‘skinny jeans virgins’ out there to go to Topman (yay we have it in Volgograd finally!) and try those denim labeled ‘skinny’. Try to feel what it’s like on you, and see the difference of silhouette that it creates. Given the right body proportion and the skinny outline of your body, these pants are surely meant to accentuate your height and you can show off your favorite sneakers as well! (The ends of the pants are tapered to fit your ankles, say no more to jeans bleeding on to your white sneakers). If you’re still not convinced, try the ‘slim fit’ line for starters. This cut is more forgiving and not to mention the extra room that your legs will have.

Here’s a link for pics from Topman for your inspiration. They have a wide array of options! : Topman skinny jeans page

The author is a self-proclaimed fashion enthusiast, who apart from studying spends his free time ogling at fashion sites and blog-hopping.

The term vest derives from French veste, Italian vesta, veste “robe, gown”, Latin vest is “to clothe”. In fact the vest was introduced by the King of England back in the 1660’s. King Charles II declared his resolution of fashion for clothes (which is the vest) for the purpose of teaching the nobility thrift. (haha, dun see the point though)
Well, vest in the “oldern” days used to be worn under the blazer by men as a form of a formal attire. But as fashion (and the music industry – thanks to Justin Timberlake) is one hell of a crazy uniquely astounding amazing expression of taste and ideas (as one quoted) it has materialized the old traditional monotonous concept of vest. Even the donning of the suit vest in women is proving its come back.

Vests do come in different shapes and sizes and materials and styles basically ranging from :-

Button up vest (Left), to sweater vest (R) and suit vest (L) (Middle), to in-bankerly worsteds and pinstripes (Right), and “odd vests,” in solid colors, checks and suede.

Here, are some tips on how to carry the vest image right:-

For da’ gals

• A long white button up shirt, vest, blackleggings, heels.
• A white shirt that has the tuxedo ruffles at the top, vest with a black pencil skirt, or with dark was trouser jeans (or even with those checks pleated skirts).
• Vest with any sleeveless top with skinny jeans and heels.

For da’ guyz

• Any long button up shirt (of course the shirt color has to somehow match the color of your vest)
• A suit vest with a polo T with either black jeans or dark colored jeans (an addition of a fedora will definitely make your look stand out)
• Any casual T’shirts with a rugged pair of jeans will go well with a simple black vest.

*An addition of a fedora will definitely make your look stand out. Of course make sure the vest hits the belt right and that the vest isn’t boxy but form fitting.*
With all that erudition, go to your nearest store and pick out a cool looking vest and just go insanely artistic and just ROCK IT BaBEh…!!

When to wear a tuxedo

If an invitation to any special occasion (wedding, formal dinner event, convocation etc) say that it’s “optional” to wear a tuxedo, then you don’t have an option – wear a tux. Then again, even if it doesn’t state the attire, you should go to the extra effort of showing your young lady friend that you’re a man of taste and wear one for that romantic evening. You really don’t have to have an invitation as an excuse or a reason. Her affection should be enough of an incentive – it will be worth it! Other than that a tux will definitely strike an impression in any job interview.

Ways to wear a tuxedo

Tie options: The first thing you should know when you’re learning how to wear a tuxedo is that you have three tie options to decide upon: first is the pre-tied bow tie. The second is the actual bow tie, which takes a steady hand and a bit of practice. If you’re in a rush, don’t even think about this one. Third, a black tie adds a modern touch to any tux and is best for an evening with a younger crowd.

Collar styles: The band collar with the two small points facing down is what you usually get if you rent from the tux shop. However, if you have a pinpoint French-cuffed shirt of your own, wear it instead. Why? First, you know it will fit. You’ll also be more comfortable and you won’t have to pay for a lousy shirt rental.

Shoes: Two words for you: Black leather. Just wear your own black shoes, but make sure they are a simple capped toe and polished to a high shine. You’ll be happier during the event and the next day.

Which style of tuxedo should you wear?

1. Single breasted jacket is the all purpose and classic style that will fit all body types

2. Double-breasted jacket always looks better on taller men because of its boxy shape and cut. If you are under six-feet tall, stay with a single-breasted jacket.

Bending the rules

Wearing only the jacket is probably the single best way to dress up a pair of jeans. The mere act screams rebel, so if you’re not confident in yourself with this kinda look, try something else.
Wearing the jacket and trousers with a matching black shirt for a modern look is worth trying if you’ll be attending any event other than a wedding. The shirt, however, must be exceptionally well-made and look as good on its own as it does under the jacket.

sharp-dressed man

Men have a terrible tendency to ridicule the fashions that once made men. Men sometimes still want to go to the party, but don’t think they should dress up. If you don’t want to wear the appropriate attire, then you might as well stay home. Otherwise, just try out the ‘tux’ look and enjoy the fun. The ladies are wearing actual dresses. Your efforts will be rewarded.

The latest craze this fall are shooties! The shooties are ankle boots that look like your regular shoes – in short, boots that are low cut. These styles work well with skinny jeans or pants and can add a hint of toughness to your favourite dress! Its a shoe that you can wear whether warm or cold. A definite must have this season for all the fashionistas out there! Shooties flatter ankles and are making a major appearance this fall. They come in a variety of shapes,sizes n styles: there’s just so many out there to pick from – from suede to belted, cut out to peep toe, studded to ruched.

one of my favourites, the ruched v-line pump

next up there’s the peep toe bootie and a real eye catcher, the suede belted bootie some with straps for the gladiator look

or even the old school look

So what should you wear with these boots?

1. Ankle boots work best with pants.The advantage to wearing them over shoes or taller boots is that you get ankle coverage without the bulk of a knee-high boot. But the only pants that work well tucked into ankle boots are very tight ones. Wide legged pants tucked into short boots create an unflattering balloon effect.

2.Long leggings or tights look great – assuming of course, that leggings look good on you in the first place. Cropped leggings and short tights are a definite no-no as this combination takes inches of your height while adding bulk to your legs.

3.Long skirts are a classic combo. Key is to show no leg.However for those of you who prefer short skirts, look for skirts that are a couple of inches above the knee or shorter.

Here are a few pictures of celebrities who have the whole shootie look figured out:

By staying all in one color, Kate Hudson elongates her slender frame. Usually, short boots tend to break up the leg, cutting them off at the ankles, but Kate’s gray ensemble keeps her looking long and lean.

By pairing ankle boots and pants of the same color Ashlee creates the illusion of long legs. Plus, the slim-fitted leggings tuck perfectly into her booties for a clean line and smooth silhouette.

with all this in mind, what else are you waitin for? go look for your perfect pair now….