Recently, an OTC reader posed to me the following question: I’d like to ask your opinion on something — do rolled-up/cuffed pants make legs look longer, or shorter? I’m 5′ 7″ and started rolling up the bottom of my jeans/pants to look like a cuff, but was told it made my legs look shorter. (All…
Tag: Style Guides
OTC Recommends: Smart Turnout
Every now and then I come across a company that is truly unique and catches my eye. It could be the products or marketing approach. Sometimes it’s their buzz factor or ability to hit the market with the right thing at the right time. In the case of Smart Turnout, it started with a watch…
Candidates & Couture
I thought you all might find this interesting; today, DNR ran a story delving into the American presidential candidates’ and their wardrobes. It is not so much a critique of their sartorial choices as it is an exploration of how their personal styles affect perceptions, the media and the fashion industry. It’s no surprise that…
The Allure of Sterling Silver Accessories
Gold may be having its heyday in the markets right now, but silver still holds an unmistakable sway over man. The English are renowned for their penchant of silver collecting and companies like Tiffany have built their reputations on it. Silver, sterling silver in particular – which is nice parts silver to one part copper…
Well Suited for the World Stage
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a column concerning my decidedly negative opinion of London Mayor Boris Johnson’s appearance at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. I found his ill fitting suit, untucked shirt and generally sloppy appearance both confusing and disappointing. I received a host of responses; a number of them from…
Style Guide: The Colors of Summer
When it comes to summer dressing, most men like the idea of adding a little shot of color to their ensemble but are often fearful of overdoing it. When does a little become too much? How can I show some personality without looking like a caricature? Thinking this over, I am reminded of a fellow…
Style Guide: The Khaki Suit
I recently acquired a khaki suit. I’ve always wanted one and, being originally from New England, saw it as a happy inevitability. When warm weather hits, khaki suits – often in cotton poplin or chino – are to Connecticut what the seersucker suit is to South Carolina. Crisp, cool style that, as the day wears…
Style Guide: The Elusive In-Between
Some while back, my fellow MensFlair columnist Simon Crompton and I traded thoughts on the in-between look; that particular style which falls somewhere in the midst of formal and casual. He commented that Americans probably do this a little better than the English. I retorted that I know more than my share of fellow Americans…
One Thing: The Woven Leather Belt
Belts are a fact of life and most of us have a closet full of failed attempts at finding just the right combination of style and utility. For even the most sartorially proficient, finding a good fit can sometimes mean forgoing the style we really wanted – a practical example of form following function. Even…
Style Guide: To Cuff or Not To Cuff
Recently, I had an interesting question posed to me by one of my readers. He had purchased a pair of pleated trousers at Brooks Brothers and it was recommended that he have them hemmed with cuffs. His wife, who is German, objected to this approach and cited her and her European friends’ opinion that stylish…