The secret for creating your personal look is knowing how to express yourself through style! As I’m sure you all experienced before in life, when you stay true to yourself, you are at your best! It’s then when you are an impact to others and inspire them. Well, it’s kind of the same thing when it comes to style. Since expressing one’s self is not the same for everyone (personality, age, social status, career and so…) every one has to find his way of doing it, so here are 5 ways to add a personal touch to your look and express the REAL YOU!
SHOES – I already spoke about the importance of shoes in creating a look (and about my personal obsession with them…) in my
previous posts about what to look for when buying shoes. So, here is a quick example that will sum it up… think of how personalizing your car's wheels impact your car's all over style, the same thing with shoes. Your quality and taste will always shine through your shoes and it is a subtle way to make a style statement. Choose to invest in quality rather than quantity, well made shoes are more comfortable, they last long and usually are easier to refurbish. Advise: Look for thin-soled and avoid thick, rubber soled shoes. Own at list one pair that stands out in color, material or shape for all these times when you just need a spark to light a classic simple look. Last, but not least, take care of your shoes, a quality pair that is not kept well that is wrinkled, dirty and dusty will work against you!
BELT – I personally enjoy wearing belts even when they don’t serve me with a functional need. They can either blend with the colors of the outfit or add a complimentary color to it. Try to match your belt to your footwear either in color, material or style, that will lock out your whole look and will show your attention to details. Be careful with big, shiny buckles and wide belts, those are usually work well only for a casual look pairing with jeans, khaki pant and alike.
BAG - In recent years we have seen how bags became almost an integral part of the way we dress. It might have started with the fact that we carry much more with us now days (cell phones, personal computers….) but over time men became more open to them, designers became more creative with them and now bags became an important accessory that can add a splash of fun and individuality to one's style. What bag to get? that depends on your needs, your job and your bank account, but your choices range in colors, sizes, shapes and materials. From a conservative black leather briefcase for a classic business look to a funky printed
canvas messenger bag or a young professional style.
FRAGRANCE – Don’t under estimate the sense of smell. When meeting someone for the first time our sense of smell DOES have a saying in the all over evaluation and can add a sophistication to one's impact. When choosing the right one for you, consider your body’s chemistry, try a sample on the inside of your wrist and walk with it for a couple of hours before deciding (if you find yourself walking on your own while the other side of the street is packed...i think there is a clear conclusion here...). I
n order to make it your own, the cologne is best when combined with your natural scent, so when applying, spray just a mist in the air and then walk into it with no clothes on (just remember to close your curtains first... ). Also keep in mind that the scent should really only be smelt by people who are in a one yard radius.....you are not an air freshener and you’re not suppose to cover for others bad odor (unless it is your job and you are getting paid to do it….)
HAIRSTYLE - Choosing the right hairstyle can make a huge impact on your look! A common mistake for men is working against the hair type. For example if your hair is curly, let it be, use a hair product, cut it short but don't fight it (believe me if it didn't change so far, i doubt it will ever will...). One other common mistake to avoid is hiding what you don't have. If your hair is thinning or receding, it's a natural process, it says nothing about you so don't try to grow it to cover the thinning patches or to show that you still have hair, just embrace it and cut it short. It will than blend better instead of highlighting what you don't have and you will appear as a confident man who is very secure in your self.
So, the next time you're getting ready for a business meeting, first date or any other important event, look at the mirror and ask yourself what can i do to better express my individuality? we are all unique and special in our own ways so why not show it in our style???
