The Dapper Look: French Connection and Ted Baker.

This season it’s all about looking sharp and looking dapper. Gone are the days where you can get away with throwing on a pair of jeans and a hoodie to stroll down the high street, this Spring / Summer it’s all about taking pride in your appearance. This look is definitely combing itself with the “military” style with collections using more neutral / earthly tones to create outfits that scream “care taken to dress this morning”. Two of the biggest high street brands that have always fused the clean cut style are French Connection (FCUK) and Ted Baker, for years they’ve always infused their collections with a dapper style giving off oozes of confidence.

As previously mentioned in an earlier blog post, the trench coat is a staple for any wardrobe. This season is the perfect opportunity to invest in a good quality trench coat as they appear dapper and combine the look of World War I military. For the skinnier man I advise in purchasing a trench coat with a belt to draw the figure in and add feature around the waist. French Connection has the classic black trench coat available for £150. I cannot advise how important this is for any stylish man's wardrobe!

(http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/Man+Collections/50AB3/Storm+Terry+Mac.htm)

For the (cough)larger(cough) male, it’s important not to have a coat that goes lower than the hips unless you definitely know how to wear it. (Otherwise that beer belly will just make you look pregnant). French Connection seems to be catering for all shapes and sizes and the larger male can look just as fashionable in their “Corporal Jacket”. Even though it does have a belt, the many pockets will allow the eye to be drawn away from the larger figure. Again, priced at £150 it definitely is a staple item for your wardrobe.

(http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/Man+Collections+Bestsellers/55AN3/Corporal+Jacket.htm)

A major mistake for the older man (anyone over the age of 25) is the “white trainers and jeans” look. There is nothing worse than see a perfectly dressed gent and them looking down to see a pair of shiny white trainers. No, no and no! Unless you’re a teenager or a student it’s should not be happening. It’s all about boots and shoes this season. French Connection have the perfect example of neutral boots. The “Arid Dessert Boot” can be worn with jeans (or for an edgier look, try them with flesh / cream tone shorts). For just £75 these suede lace ups can transform you from trainer teen to booty bloke.

(http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/Man+Collections+Shoes/TFAE3/Arid+Desert+Boot.htm)

One of my favourite ideas this Summer is to mix and match style with practicality. Therefore, it’s a good idea to mix a slim fit shirt with a pair of shorts and plimsolls or casual shoes. For an even more preppy look, add a tie and polo knit jumper to it, throw in a pair of sunglasses and you’re set to have heads turning.


Ted Baker’s neutral shirt is perfect for this look...


Mix it with these denim turn up shorts...


And throw on this tank top to give that preppy edge to your Summer outfit.

Ted Baker definately is the place to shop for shirts this season (and pretty much any other season). With their famous floral designs they are perfect for the working day and the nightlife partying. With prices starting from around £65, it's definately worth taking a trip to your nearest boutique.

And on that note, I leave you with one tip. Mix style with practicality for an infusion of fashion and individuality.

D&G Men Spring / Summer 2010 Collection: My thoughts.

Instantly logging onto the D&G Store website you see the words "Spring Summer 2010, Summer Tailored Mood". This tagline really sums up the new D&G collection as many of the catwalk outfits feature the suit and blazer look. After checking out the latest styles of D&G the main look I seem to be getting is the "stylish preppy with a tailored attitude". Blazer jackets, waistcoats and straight cut jeans seem to play a big role in this collection. The featured colours of this new collection are browns and pastel blues, completely contrasting with last year's rainbow colours.

The new collection definately feautres some staple wardrobe items, such as this "virgin wool stripped waistcaot":

http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/49113011NM/areaid//sts/ .

A definate investment buy as it features that all important tailored look yet has an aura of relaxment about it. This stylish piece can be worn for any occassion (that is, of course, if you dress it properly). Neatly matched with a shirt and straight cut trousers it can be the perfect look for the office, or if desired, dress down with a pair of dark toned jeans for an image ready for a casual night out with the mates.

The 2009 "Grandad" look still looks as stylish as ever, however, appearing in a more conformed style rather than the relaxed 60's look from last Summer. Knitwear plays a vital part in any man's wardrobe, giving off the more gentleman rather than caveman image. Branching off from the tailored image, D&G have created this 2 in 1 number:

http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/39159780JL/areaid//sts/

This piece can be worn by the larger male for a more casual outfit, however, still smart enough for the office. Although the piece is moving towards the tailored image of the new collection, I'd not bother in splashing the cash on an image that can be pulled off using items from last year's wardrobe.

It appears to be that the tailored look is best accesorised using eyewear. Many models seen in the Spring / Summer 2010 collection are decked out in the latest D&G glasses.

Sunglasses are a must for any stylish gent's wardrobe as they give off a confident and mysterious image (and sunglasses take many years to go out of style). Even when you find yourself not wanting to wear them anymore, they're sure to come back in style in 20 years or so. (Last Summer I found myself wearing Ray Ban's from the 80's). Some of my favourite sunglasses in the new D&G collection include the more earthy toned style.

http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/46150753HH/areaid//sts/
These shaded lenses give off style and confidence and will look good against any sun kissed skin in the late summer evenings.

On a side note, practical glasses seem to be edging into the smart cut image as well: with eyewear taking a more rectangular shape able to portray the perfect cut gent.

Gone are the days of chunky glasses lenses, along with the days of bright colours. This season's colours are the more earthly browns and the sky blues. In the new D&G collection it's all about smart, tailored and fitting clothes giving off the aura of a man who takes pride in his appearance. With this fashion line you're sure to have heads turning in the office and out of the office with the smart looks.