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.

DKNY Jeans - Spring / Summer 2010 Collection.

As a young male spending much time in the city, it's hard to escape the fashion life. (Plus I'd never be seen out looking a mess!) Now, I'm not one to go around in the haute couture fashions (all the time!), when I shop I look for classic yet contemporary, vintage yet modern and something with a twist. Recently I ventured into the DKNY Jeans store and had a browse at the new Spring / Summer collection and picked up some amazing pieces.

I've not always been a fan of DKNY, however, in recent times I've started to take turn to them. DKNY Jeans is the more affordable branch of Donna Karen New York, with purchases starting from about £50 for a t shirt. Dubbed as the "New York State of Mind" I enjoy their urban vibe yet still classic look. Not too Lady GaGa fashion, yet not too boring I've started to mix and match their collections.

According to the website: "The New York mindset: it's a sensibility, an attitude. Whether you're a New Yorker by birth or desire, the spirit of that city runs through your veins: raw ambition, energy, and courage with a streak of rebellion." This gives the fashionista much choice in what they want their look to be.

Now, the new collection appears to feautre a lot of demin and hints towards this seasons military look. A prime example of their New York inspired and fashion trend style can be seen in their use of military garments. Not too soldier-y, yet not too boring I'm definately enjoying their jackets and shirts in this collection. A personal favourite is thier "Short Sleeve Patch Shirt", (http://www.dknyjeansintl.com/collections/Spring-Summer-2010/men/Spring-Summer-2010--br-Look-17.aspx), the lapels and breast label create the military feel with an almost pastel colour giving it a Spring atmosphere. However, I do have a shirt almost the same as this in my wardrobe from about two seasons ago from one of the Armani Exchange collections - this is a prime example of the "recycling" of trends.


One of my favourite items is their "Slim Fit Jean, Rinse Wash" (http://www.dknyjeansintl.com/collections/Spring-Summer-2010/men/Spring-Summer-2010--br-Look-21.aspx) . It appears that the short jean style is making a come back in much darker tones this season. This is definately a staple for any wardrobe as we move into the Summer months.

Now, one thing I'm not too keen on, not just in the DKNY Jeans collections but in pretty much every other designer's collections is the graphic - print style t shirts. They never seem to suit me and I'd rather have a plain(ish) t shirt that I can dress up with accesories. (A typical example of my "classic style" buying).

Another note to make is that the "layering" style of last year has definately started to take a decline with DKNY Jean's collection with outfits appearing much simpler and less textured with much more detail in one colour than a mixture.

As my first fashion blog comes to a close I'll leave you with a tip: remeber, mix your wardrobe with staple items from top brand designers and dress them up with off the rail accesories from the cheaper high street stores.