Tastehunter

It’s true, nerds run the world, but they are not exactly at the forefront of creative genius when it comes to fashion. As a follow-up to my more general post on how CEOs should dress, this article deals specifically with leaders in the tech industry. Mark Zuckerberg, with his notorious hoodies, is one obvious example of a style SOS. While we can all respect his business accomplishments, his clothing choices don’t send the most positive message. Though there’s nothing wrong with dressing down to an extent as a way of relating to your customer base, Mr Zuckerberg’s message is so indifferent as to be alienating.

A pitfall of successful tech CEOs dressing this way is that it sends a message to those seeking success in the industry that they don’t need care about their personal presentation either. In fact, the opposite is true. It all matters: your outer image, from clothes to hair, to the state of your fingernails, is the very first thing people notice and use to form an impression of you. The image of your business is part of a much larger package, one which includes how those who run the business present themselves — even in the tech world.

In contrast, two tech leaders who use appearance to their advantage are Jack Dorsey of Twitter, and Sean Parker of Napster, Spotify, Airtime (above l-r). Mr. Dorsey sticks to basics — dark solid suits and light shirts — with impeccable tailoring. He knows what works for him: because there’s a lot of contrast between his skin and hair colors, he looks excellent in clothing that is high contrast. And Sean Parker’s style is youthful but pulled together, and it shows his playful personality.

Below are my style tips for up-and-coming tech guys:

1) There are plenty of ways to dress well and be comfortable at the same time. In fact, a well-fitting suit made of good quality fabric should feel as comfortable as a second skin. So, get yourself a killer custom suit.

2) A pair of faded dad-jeans is no easier to wear than a great pair of straight-leg jeans (try J. Crew). Look for a crisp, dark rinse with no excess detailing on the pockets.

3) Keep a blazer in your office. That way, you can throw it on quickly if you get called into an impromptu meeting. Wear it over a dress shirt, henley, a t-shirt, or a polo shirt. It works with jeans too.

4) If you wear sneakers to the office, make sure they’re a neutral, classic style. Save your athletic sneakers for when you’re actually exercising.

5) Don’t go overboard when creating a signature style. The point of clothing is to flatter, not to distract.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. How do you think a tech CEO should dress? And what do you think of Mark Zuckerberg’s hoodie…yay, nay, dependay?

Spring has not quite sprung yet here in NYC, but I’ve already been hitting the pavement and interwebs with my styling clients’ needs in mind. Even if you aren’t planning on a complete wardrobe overhaul this Spring, transitional periods like now are great times to take a look at what you own and consider strategically adding a few items that will help you get the most out of what you have. With that in mind, below is my roundup of Spring 2012′s menswear trends, along with corresponding suggestions.

Trend #1 Old Hollywood

Clean, crisp and confident, the Old Hollywood trend is timeless. In many ways, it’s a nod to style icon Cary Grant, known for his simple block colors and classic style. Think white pants, double breasted tailored jackets or sportcoats. For both, make sure the fit is slim, and for the latter, also have it cut on the short side, just covering your seat. Look for white pants from designers like Simon Spurr, Hermes, DSquared2, and Ralph Lauren Black Label ($295) below.

Trend #2 Suburbia

Spring runways abounded with checks and plaids, frequently in silhouettes that had a 1950′s suburban feel. Think of it as what you might wear to a summer barbecue: gingham, camp shirts, polos and blazers. This blue and green check shirt below ($185) from Billy Reid is an easy example of how to rock this trend.

Trend #3 Urban Safari

Safari jackets were introduced as part of the British military’s tropical uniform. They’re lightweight for easy mobility and typically contain expandable front pockets. I like the safari jacket because with it, fashion goes hand-in-hand with function, as it can come in many materials and colors (usually neutral) and have additional details like contrast stitching and an attached waist belt. The gorgeous leather one below from Bottega Veneta ($8100) is a luxe example of this look — let’s hope those safari pockets are loaded with cash though because this jam does not come cheap! Of course, there are plenty of other styles out there that are friendlier on the wallet (see here and here). Other ways to incorporate safari style into your wardrobe are via linen fabrics and silk-blend shirts.

A word of caution: when choosing neutral jackets, try to choose a shade that’s flattering on our skin tone. Most of us look better in either cool tones (blue-based, like grey) or warm tones (yellow-based, like tan or olive).

Trend #4 Naval Academy

Brands like J. Crew and H&M presented collections with a maritime aesthetic, as seen in details like stripes, ribbed knits, blue/red/white color palettes, nautical prints, Bermuda shorts and Fisherman’s sweaters. This pocket square ($65) from Richard James is a peppy way to work the trend into dressier outfits.

I hope you found this trend report helpful and inspiring as you get your wardrobe in gear for Spring. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. And if any of these trends resonate with you, but you’re still not sure how to implement them, please contact me for more tailored help.

Runway photos courtesy of Fashion Snoops.

Happy (almost) Spring! Of course, one day’s sunny and sixty-five could be another day’s stormy and forty, so don’t forget to dress strategically. The key to successful Spring dressing is layers. Below are five tips on how to layer for everything from lion to lamb, along with my top picks for Spring layering pieces.

1) Wear thin combinations of layers, like a fine cashmere sweater, a Spring jacket, or a lightweight t-shirt. The more thin layers you wear, the more you can adjust to your comfort.

2) Consider the vest. From down to leather to suiting fabric, there’s a vest for every occasion. And remember, with a down vest, you can wear it over or under your suit/blazer.

3) Just because you’re not wearing your puffer doesn’t mean you can’t wear gloves and a scarf. I love the cool, nonchalant look of winter accessories on their own, without a heavy winter jacket.

4) For days where it’s too cold to wear your lightweight jacket but too warm to wear your heavy one, wear two lightweight jackets. Try a denim jacket beneath a one that’s cotton-twill or nylon.

5) This is pretty intuitive, but typically the easiest and most visually pleasing way to layer is to wear the lightest weight layer closest to your body, going thicker as you move away from it.

And here are just a few of my Spring layering picks…

Lightweight Jacket

Belstaff Gangster Waxed Cotton Jacket ($645): I admit, one of the main reasons this jacket caught my eye is its name (but let’s be real, can anything from Mr Porter truly be categorized as “gangster”?). Name aside, it has a great trim fit, and waxed cotton is a good way to get the look of leather without the pricetag.

Vest

Rag & Bone Milano Waistcoat ($255): This vest is is a nice piece because even though it’s a sweater, it doesn’t fall into the trap of looking frumpy (which sometimes can happen with open sweaters like cardigans and vests). The buttons, pockets and triangle-opening at the bottom give it a pulled-together, suiting feel.

Lightweight Scarf

Yigal Azrouel Tonal Colorblock Scarf ($135): Throwing on a lightweight scarf like this one is an easy way to cut the chill without risk of overheating once you go inside.

For more specific Spring outfit ideas, click here. And if you’d like more tailored help with your Spring wardrobe, contact me.

There’s a lot of great info out there on what to wear for dates, but not so much for a high-level business role like CEO. Whether you’re looking for a C-suite position or you already have one and want to dress the part (this can define your relationship with your staff), your appearance is key to your success.

Appropriate attire will vary based on the type of business environment you are in. A Fortune 500 company is likely to have a much more formal dress code than that of a smaller tech company, which, in turn, is apt to be even more dressy than a start-up. Below are eight tips on how to dress like you run things:

1. Dark colors and straight lines signal authority. So a navy suit and with a strong shoulder and a red tie connote power and authority. For the smaller tech company or a culture where you want to be slightly more approachable, it might be a textured red tie with polka dots and a navy blazer. (Tip: many websites allow you to shop by color, which is a great time-saver.)

2. High contrast color combinations are perceived as powerful (that’s why a tuxedo is so eye-catching); just make sure you’re not wearing too much contrast for your own natural coloring.

3. For dress shoes, opt for lace-ups over slip-ons. You’ll gain credibility that way.

4. While we’re talking footwear, it’s important to keep your shoes clean and well-maintained. Find a great shoe guy and take your shoes in as often as needed for polish and retooling. Here in Manhattan, my go-to is The Leather Spa.

5. Get good haircuts. A lot of guys discount the importance of a great scissor cut, but it can truly make or break your look.

6. Invest in high quality accessories like a leather carry-all or portfolio. You’ll use these things everyday, so it makes sense to spend a little more on them, as your cost per wear will be lower.

7. Make sure your clothes fit right. A good fit not only flatters your body, but it also shows that you’ve taken the time and effort to make yourself look good, and that you’re aware of where and how to choose clothes that suit you.

8. Have confidence in your choices. For example, if you decide to wear socks with an interesting pattern or a color you’ve never worn before, dive right in. If you don’t own what you wear, people will pick up on that. The absolute most important element of your outfit is confidence!

Left: Peak Lapel || Right: Notch Lapel

I hate to say it because I always think George Clooney looks like a million bucks (and my image and style consulting clients often request looks reminiscent of his signature nonchalance), but I was struck watching last night’s Oscars by how much less sharp than usual he looked. Time and time again, we’ve seen him bang-on in peak and shawl lapel tuxes (which btw are the only “correct” types of lapels for a tux, according to tradition). But last night’s rule-breaking notch lapel was, I think, a mistake. Take a look at the images above where the peak lapel is on the left, and the notch is on the right. It’s a subtle difference, and of course that’s why I love menswear, but he looks sharper, taller (he needs all the help he can get next to Stacey Keibler!), and more built through his chest with the peak lapel. Not to mention, the peak draws the viewer’s eye up toward his face, highlighting his eyes, strong features and great haircut. Usually it’s the younger guys who are still figuring out their personal style that experiment with tux details (think long ties instead of bowties, etc.), but once you’ve reached a certain age/sense of style and are known for always nailing classics, there’s no reason to push the envelope. At a certain point, you’re just pushing it the wrong way.

What do you think? Do you prefer the peak to the notch on Clooney too?

I can’t believe it’s already been three weeks since my trip to Paris. I had a spectacular time wandering the city and checking out all the shops on my list. When it comes to how the men over there style themselves, I will say this — French men wear scarves like nobody’s business. Even once indoors, the jacket comes off, but the scarf stays on. It’s clearly an integral part of the outfit. Below are a couple mannequin shots I took outside Eglé Bespoke demonstrating different ways to incorporate a scarf into your look.

dressy

casual

Note in both images how the scarf doesn’t cover up the other detail at the neckline — tie knot or collars. It actually adds visual interest and dimension to the look, making it more sophisticated. Another nice thing about adding neckline detail is that it draws the eye upward making you look taller and flattering your chest. On top of that, the vertical lines created by the downward drape of the scarf are slimming…scarves for the win!

Below are a few more images from the trip:

Doorway on Rue du Mont Thabor

These button cufflinks are an easy way to add color to your wardrobe -- and a nice change from the silk knot.

Looking out the window of the Musée Carnavalet in the Marais

Surprisingly, this taxidermy ceiling at Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature did not give me bad dreams.

Patterned socks are a small detail that pack a lot of style punch (remember, only a sliver of the pattern is visible to others)

Snowy night on Pont des Arts

Caught myself in this one

What is said to be the most romantic day of the year is coming up, so on that note, below are my top five tips on how to get this Valentine’s Day thing right this year!

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1) Get her flowers. Yes, it may feel trite, and she may have even told you not to do so, but trust me, she wants them. Pass on the carnations and go with a bouquet of roses — white or purple are a nice change from the standard red.

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2) Accessorize yourself. Valentine’s Day is a fantastic time to inject your everyday look a shot of romance. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about anything strange or tacky (tuxedo’d monkey holding flowers: I’m looking at you), but rather selecting an accessory or two that shows your date you put a little extra thought into your outfit. If normally wear solid socks, this might be your day to bust through the Gold Toe barrier. Try these jammies from Paul Smith ($33). Remember, just a peek of the pattern will be showing (er, depending on how the evening goes). The dyed copper tie bar ($15) above Pauis another great option that gives a lot of style bang for minimal buck.

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3) Bear gifts. She said she doesn’t want a present? Of course she wants a present (see point #1). You can do no wrong with lingerie from Kiki De Montparnasse. Another tried and true gift is jewelry. But think outside the Tiffany box on this one; it’ll show her you put some effort into finding something unique and special for her. I am a big fan of Borgioni’s triple diamond slice necklace for its unconventional take on diamonds by the yard.

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4) Step away from the Hallmark aisle. Hand crafted greeting cards are luxurious (c’mon, it’s an $8 card) but not that luxurious (c’mon, it’s only $8). The few additional dollars you’ll spend on this card will go a long way.

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5) Quaff romantically. Staying in for the evening? Whip up a signature Valentine’s cocktail. The Riviera is about as red as you can get due to its use of blood orange juice and Dubonnet rouge.

Wishing you all a happy and stylish Valentine’s Day…

Cheers,

Julie

I leave for Paris in less than 48 hours, and I am beyond excited for this last-minute trip. Many French brands and shops don’t sell/ship outside Europe, and I can’t wait to research those that aren’t available in the U.S. Lots of time will also be spent observing how the everyday Parisian man puts it all together (love me some street style). Some of the shops I’m going to hit up for menswear are Arnys, Tremblay Alvergne, Merci, Pierre Talamon, Rosewood Chaussures, and the pop-up Le Bazar Des Poilus. Where are your fav places to shop in Paris?

A big thank you to The Wall Street Journal for including me in the recent article, Spring Shoes for Men Step Brightly. The piece discusses how men’s footwear is trending toward colorful uppers or soles and “statement” elements like spikes and wild patterns; my advice on how to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is included at the end of the article.

After speaking with the WSJ reporter, I had an outfit brainstorm, and below I share with you a few specific looks that incorporate Spring 2012′s shoe trends.

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1) A great Spring combo would include a pair of neutral shoes with a neon sole like the bucks, above, from T&F Slack. Pair them with white straight-leg jeans and a denim shirt for a casual night out.

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2) If the shoe itself is brightly colored, like Tods’ royal blue Competition Shoe, go with a dark wash, straight-leg jean, a grey henley shirt and a navy vest.

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3) If neon shoes are too much of a commitment for you, you might dip your toes in the trend by adding color via your laces, as with the Esquivel shoes above. Because the color pop is not too prominent, you can play around by incorporating other colors into your look. Pair these boots with dressy jeans and a sport shirt that has some yellow in the pattern, like the one below from Polo Ralph Lauren. The reason yellow and purple work together is that they are complementary colors, meaning that they live opposite from each other on the color wheel. When used together, complementary colors intensify each other and create a harmonious color scheme.

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4) For a shoe where the detail (as opposed to the color) is the statement, like Jimmy Choo’s “provocative paisley” slippers above, you want to keep the rest of your look tailored and simple. Wear these with a midnight three-piece suit for a posh night out, or for a more casual event, try a medium grey dress shirt and black or charcoal grey pants. The important thing to keep in mind with shoes like this is that they need to be in line with your personality, and wearing them with confidence is key. (As an aside, check out this fun Bond-style video detailing the Burlesque silhouettes hidden in the print.)

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I hope the post above gives you ideas for your own combinations if you decide to rock Spring 2012′s shoe trends. Let me know what outfits you put together!

There’s lots of advice around on how new moms can keep it together fashion-wise after a little one arrives on scene. As a men’s Image and Style Consultant perhaps I’m biased, but sometimes new dads have just as much trouble maintaining a fresh sense of style. The keys are to keep it straightforward and functional, and below are six tips on how new dads can do just that.

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Masculine Baby Accessories

The heading may sound like an oxymoron, but there’s a whole industry catering to hip dads who don’t want to carry around flowered diaper bags. Companies like Diaper Dude and Storksak design bags with these dads in mind: they come in solid dark colors like carbon grey and army green, not to mention in brown and black leather.

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Stylish Functionality

It’s no secret that you need to tote a lot of gear when you have kids. Luckily for the fashion-conscious dad, slim cargo pants are currently on-trend, so these guys can stow some of what they’ll need in those pockets for easy access. I like this khaki pair from Lands’ End Canvas, the black camo’s from Rogue or J Brand’s vintage trooper cargo.

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Dark Matter

The first thing I usually hear from clients who are parents is how easy it is for clothes to get ruined from drips, drools and worse. With this in mind, new dads should look for machine washable clothes in forgiving dark colors.

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Know Your Fabrics

Style-savvy dads can further protect their clothes by wearing stain-resistant fabrics. A company called Nano-Tex has engineered an incredible fabric called Nano-Care Stressfree that literally repels stains; brands like Gap, Levi’s and Eddie Bauer sell clothing made with this technology. New dads can also protect themselves from looking worn out by wearing fabrics that look better when a little wrinkled. Think chambray, linen or flannel shirts and washed cotton chinos from inexpensive stores like Uniqlo.

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Basic Grooming

It can be easy to get lax about haircuts, hair trimming and shaving once the little one shows up, but part of looking good is maintaining these elements of style. Many hair stylists make house calls, making it easy to fit cuts into your busy schedule.

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Stay Organized

When you’re sleep-deprived, you won’t want to contend with a messy, confusing closet. Clean and organize your closet regularly so you can get dressed quickly. And if you need help, call in a professional.

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Most importantly for new dads: Have a clear game plan at the outset. There’s no need to descend to a dad jeans + hoodie combo when you can just as easily put on a casual sport coat and well-fitted jeans – even if you’re just heading to the park. I hope the above tips help, and I welcome your questions and comments!