Capsule Wardrobe: Cherrywood Flannel

Here at Articles of Style, we don’t want you to buy more clothes. We want you to buy the right clothes, so you can look great and get the most out of long-term investments. A smart wardrobe is one that is built around versatility and longevity. Ideally, the majority of the pieces can be mixed-and-matched to create different outfits for different occasions.

To illustrate this point, here’s the eight installment of our “Capsule Wardrobe” series, where we give an example of a capsule wardrobe built around, what else; a tailored suit in a seasonal fabric.

Today we highlight our Cherrywood Flannel suit to give you an example of the power of a well curated “capsule wardrobe”. Here’s 10 pieces to make 5 different outfits.

THE 10 PIECES

• Cherrywood flannel suit by Articles of Style
• Sky blue broadcloth shirt by Articles of Style
• Houndstooth tweed topcoat by Articles of Style
• Yellow bengal stripe shirt by Articles of Style
• Wool/Silk tie by Marshall Anthony
• Suede captoe boots by Johnston & Murphy
• Crocodile lace-ups by Scarpe di Bianco
• V-Neck marled sweater by Polo Ralph Lauren
• Hollywood flannel trousers by Articles of Style
• Vintage felt fedora by Stetson
• Bags by Dan Trepanier x Frank Clegg Leatherworks

Look 1: Shareholder Meeting



Look 2: Business Casual




Look 3: Client Luncheon



Look 4: Date Night




Look 5: Weekend Business Trip



http://articlesofstyle.com/65626/capsule-wardrobe-cherrywood-flannel/

Classic Menswear Patterns: Glen Plaid

Men’s fashion is deeply connected to history. Men are creatures of habit and, as such, menswear has evolved very slowly and gradually over the past hundred years or so. The best-dressed men have always understood the foundations of classic menswear and the “rules” that were developed to help them create functional, appropriate, and long-lasting wardrobes.

Our goal with Articles of Style is to break-down this vast history and show you how it can be practically applied to the menswear landscape today in order to build a smart, versatile, life-long wardrobe. As we’ve mentioned before, we don’t want you to buy a lot of clothes, we want you to buy the right clothes and understand how you can get the most out of them.

With that said, here’s the first installment in a series highlighting traditional menswear patterns that have lasted the test of time and are still considered the building blocks of style today.

Today we’re taking a closer look at the subtle but tastefully cool Glen Plaid.




This classic plaid has a few different names: glenplaid, glencheck, Glen Urquhart plaid, Prince of Wales check, etc. It’s a woollen fabric with a woven twill design comprised of small and large checks. It’s usually made of black/grey and white (or with more muted colors like faint taupes), often overlaid with a windowpane accent color (commonly sky blue, but also seen in lavender, red, etc). It’s a very subtle and muted pattern, making it a favorite among conservative businessmen.

The name is taken from the valley of Glenurquhart in Inverness-shire, Scotland, where the checked wool was first used in the 19th century by the New Zealand-born Countess of Seafield to outfit her gamekeepers (hence the slightly more sporty feel). Glen plaid is also sometimes nicknamed the “Prince of Wales check”, as it was popularized by legendary style icon Duke of Windsor, while he was the Prince of Wales, of course.

Today the glenplaid pattern is just as popular as ever, and it’s being used to make many different types of garments in menswear. Here are some examples of the classic check in action, from the AOS archives:

THE GLENPLAID SUIT




This unstructured wool/linen subtle glenplaid suit is a sample from our upcoming online bespoke collection. More on that soon :)







The Glenplaid Sportcoat











The Glenplaid Tie



This necktie was cut from a flannel suiting cloth. The brown/beige glenplaid has a pink accent, making it a great combo for a Spring day at the office – seen here with a linen/silk herringbone suit and pale pink micro-houndstooth shirt.










The Glenplaid Trouser












So there you have it, proof that even the most traditional and conservative menswear patterns can be re-invented in modern, stylish ways.

When in doubt, lean toward the items that have historically never gone “out of style”.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

http://articlesofstyle.com/55379/classic-menswear-patterns-glen-plaid/

Why boat shoes beat thongs as men's go-to summer shoe

With what looks to be the onset of a particularly scorching summer, perfecting a wardrobe that strikes a balance between style and comfort is a battle best faced early – particularly when it comes to footwear.

While the humble pair of thongs (or jandals, if you're from across the Tasman; flip-flops everywhere else) remain the national shoe for an Australian summer, they often fall short. Enter the boat shoe.


Infinitely more stylish than thongs yet less conservative than their Ivy League cousin, the loafer, boat shoes are the perfect solution for any man looking to embrace classic summer style.




A stylish history

Much like denim, the original purpose of boat shoes was purely utilitarian; they were designed to prevent sailors from slipping on a wet boat deck.

However, their simple elegance and the clockwork-like return of nautical trends has seen the design picked up and re-interpreted by major luxury labels including Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent.

Unlike other shoes, wear and tear becomes them and gives them a lived-in character.

Damian Burke

But for traditionalists and lovers of authenticity, it's the Sperry topsider that has both the look and the history.



Paul A. Sperry created the shoe in 1935 after experiencing a near-fatal slip while sailing on his boat.

Inspired by the way his cocker spaniel Prince managed to maintain traction while running across ice, Sperry carved grooves into the soles of his shoes in the same patterns that he saw on Prince's paw in a technique known as siping.

Soon after, Sperry's design was being worn on the feet of sailors all over America before becoming the official shoe of the US Navy during World War II.





Coast to coast
Their long standing association with the nautical life has been a primary part of the topsider's appeal.

General Manager for footwear and accessories at David Jones, Damian Burke, suggests that the ongoing love Australians have for the sea as both an emblem of Australian life and a national pastime is one of the primary reasons for the shoe's particular popularity here.

"I think that when you look at what trends Australian men resonate with, nautical or coast-inspired looks are hands-down the winner," Burke tells Executive Style.

"Whether it's surf culture and lifestyle or sailing – it really is coastal based and water-inspired, which is why the boat shoe is such a favourite."

From work to weekend
Sitting squarely in the middle of the spectrum between leisure and luxury, the versatility of the boat shoe means it lends itself to pretty much any outfit. Particularly if you're fortunate enough to work in an office with a relaxed dress code, or even allowance for casual Fridays.

Worn with chinos, a pair such as Sperry's Gold Cup edition, complete with 18K gold eyelets, will add the right amount of prep polish. Don't be afraid to roll the hem up once or twice to give the look a more casual vibe.

Alternatively, teaming Australian label Trenery's Elliot style with your favourite blue jeans can add a seemingly contradictory – although versatile – outdoors edge to your denim.

For an easy-wearing look that works just as well in the office as it does cooling off with something cold and frothy at your local rooftop bar, finish off with a white shirt for a simple, yet classic aesthetic.

Beachside style
Where boat shoes really come into their own, however, is with summer's standard fare – a simple tee and shorts. Or, in other words, much like you would wear should you happen to actually be on a boat.

While thongs remain the favoured option for weekends at the beach, ditching them in favour for a pair of boat shoes has several benefits. Not only are they better at protecting your feet as you make your mad dash across the scorching sand, they add just enough class to carry you from beach to bar.

More casual-looking than the leather varieties, Sperry's original 2-Eye style in canvas is the perfect lightweight option that won't leave you feeling the heat.

Wear them well
Boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks, a feature that has helped keep them such a mainstay of summer style.

The downside to this, however, is that they also have a tendency to get a little on-the-nose with time. A quick fix to this is to put some talcum powder on your feet before putting them on – this absorbs the sweat and helps keep them smelling fresh, although occasionally airing them out in the sun will also work wonders.

One of the best things about boat shoes, however, is that they only look better over time.

"They genuinely look better with age," says Burke .

"Unlike other shoes, wear and tear actually becomes them and gives them a lived-in character. Some are even specifically created to have a beaten-up look."

Designed for extreme conditions on the ocean, the individual characteristics of the leather become more pronounced over time, making them uniquely yours.



http://www.executivestyle.com.au/why-boat-shoes-beat-thongs-as-mens-goto-summer-shoe-gkihj6

Cardigans – Five Different Styles to Choose From

Cardigans – How to Wear Them

When British Army Major General James Brudenell led his men into battle during the Crimean war, I doubt he envisaged svelte like models, big bearded gents and high street stores the length and breadth of the country showing off his famous wears. And yet the 7th Earl of Cardigan could now find the garment bearing his name worn by every man from the age of five to 95.

The cardigan has come a long way since the 1850’s and while its more modern day history has seen it affiliated with old men and their pipes, the cardigan has now become a go to piece for both winter and summer wardrobes as it transcends not only the seasons but also the boundaries of both smart and casual. This multi-purpose ethos means the cardigan can be worn with a suit and tie but look just as stylish worn with either a smart polo shirt – buttoned up of course – or a plain t-shirt on a warm summers eve.

Bearing all this in mind, here is a brief overview of some great cardigans and how – and when – to wear them.

Heavy Knits

The answer lies in the word heavy. Thick cable knits are essential for the gents winter wardrobe; they look fantastic buttoned up over a shirt and tie (or even just a shirt) during office hours and just as good thrown on over a t-shirt. As they are very thick, you will want to be wearing a big jacket over the top, none of these skinny leather jackets, get yourself a decent Mac (may I suggest the Oliver Spencer Farringdon) and wear it unbuttoned with the cardigan fastened. Job done.








Belted Cardigans

There appears to be a bit of a scene around the belted cardigan but from a personal perspective, i’m not convinced. They remind me too much of a dressing gown and let’s face it, unless you are homeless or senile, wandering around outside in a dressing gown is not the done thing. Saying that, if you are going to wear the belted cardi, make sure the belt is not too tight, tailor it with a good pair of tailored trousers and maybe, just maybe, you might be able to pull-off this fashionable look. A good pair of Prince Albert slippers will also aid the slim line aesthetic.



Summer Cardigans

A word of warning, treat the summer cardi with some respect. With the wrong outfit you could end up looking like an extra from the Inbetweeners, worn correctly and it might just be the go to piece of your summer wardrobe. The summer cardigan has to be paired with well tailored pieces, wear it too long or too short, wear trousers that are too baggy or too skinny and you could me making a fashion faux-pas. I suggest a simple, lightweight button down paired with a well fitted t-shirt (Sunspel) tucked into a pair of slim-legged trousers or chinos and topped off with a simple pair of white pumps, keeping the palette clean and failsafe. For the more adventurous out there who like a patterned cardigan I salute you, but make sure the t-shirt and trousers you are wearing it with are kept neat and plain.






Shawl Collars

You cannot beat a shawl collar cardigan during the winter months. Tucked up tight around the neck to keep out the perils of winter with a coat over the top, or worn open for a more casual feel, the collar gives a totally different dynamic to the standard cardigan and on a clear winters day you won’t even have to worry yourself with a coat.





Sports Cardigans

Where would we be without good old Danny Zuko in that final scene of Grease and the classic Rydell High School sports cardigan. This again is a tricky one to pull-off, for one you need to look vaguely athletic, this will not look good walking down the street at 3 AM with a burger in one hand and chips in the other. It takes real aplomb to pull this off, wear it with jeans or trousers but make it look smart, the sport cardigan is the casual to the rest of your outfits smart. Unless you’re Kanye West in which case you can do whatever it is you please.





http://www.menstylefashion.com/cardigans-how-to-wear-them/6/

Men’s Blue Blazer

Coloured blazers are going to be a hit this summer and are a great way to inject life into your summer wardrobe.

Men tend to go for neutral colours (such as black, grey navy etc) and shy away from other colours.

Blue is not only a stereotypical colour for men but it’s also gives a sleek polished look to your outfit. Blue blazer is versatile and appeals to men.

I like how Arnold has styled his blue blazer by pairing it with a crisp white shirt, red tie, red rose brooch, black skinny trousers and shoes for a smart-casual look.

Blue blazer can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Since blue colour is easier to wear, blue blazers works well with most neutral tones and compliment other colours such as yellow, orange and red.

Here are a few ways one can wear a blue blazer, since suits have regained its rightful place in men’s wardrobe why not wear a blue suit with pastel/checked shirt, a tie and black brogues for a statement look. Pair your blue blazer with a polo shirt, straight leg jeans and converse for an off duty look. For a summer look wear pair your blue blazer with a pair of shorts, loafers and a shirt/t-shirt. For the fashion forward individuals, pair a blue blazer with a black shirt, blue chinos, and black brogues to stand out from the crowd.

http://fashioncadet.com/content/men%E2%80%99s-blue-blazer-red-neck-tie-black-skinny-jeans-red-rose-brooch-street-style

Tweed Blazer

Tweed is one of the most essential fabrics for every gentleman’s wardrobe. Tweeds were initially favoured by countryside hunting elite which allowed the hunters to blend in with their surroundings, however over the year tweed blazer have made its way into the wardrobe’s of most men.

Ese has done a good job styling this look by pairing his tweed jacket, with stripe shirt, gold pocket square, jeans, bright argyle socks and brown brogues for a modern country inspired look.

Choose a proper fitted tweed blazer with slim fit that you should be able to button it comfortably over a sweater. Tweeds are composed of varying shades of yarn/wool which are woven closely together to form a weave of fabric. Tweeds have different patterns/plaids and a few of them are glen plaid, broken check, district check patterns, Harris tweed, herringbone and tartan patterns. 

Tweed blazers are so versatile which can be worn with a variety of outfits, and can be dressed up or down. Coordinate your outfit by picking out one minor colour in the tweed and match it with similar coloured pants or shirt to give your outfit a sense of depth. Tweeds are best paired with suede boots and brogues shoes for a rugged attractive look. Tweed blazer goes well with brown, green khaki hues and earth tones colours.  Avoid mixing too many colours; pair a tan herringbone jacket with black pants, blue jeans or brown pants. Always wear a darker shade of trousers than the blazer.

Here are a few tips on how to wear your tweed blazer without looking like a college professors, pair your tweed blazer with brogues, indigo jeans and a shirt for a clean simple look. You can also wear a tweed jacket with cord pants/chinos, shirt and loafers for a casual look. For a daytime look or an office look layer the tweed blazer with a shirt and V neck knitwear with jeans and boots for a casual look. Pair the tweed blazer with black tailored pants, collared shirt, bow tie and moccasins for a smart sleek look.

http://fashioncadet.com/content/men-herringbone-tweed-blazer-striped-shirt-bright-argyle-socks-gold-pocket-square-brown

Outfit:

Gray or tan tweed sportscoat (Harris tweed, herringbone, plaids etc.) + white or tattersall or stripe shirt or light blue / French blue shirt or black or chambray shirt or red plaids shirt or dark rollneck jumper + printed tie or bowtie + dark (Navy) pants or chinos or dark wash jeans + suede boots / moccasins / tassel loafers / brogues / double monk straps. Pair with aryle sweater and socks. 

http://theidleman.com/manual/advice/what-to-wear-with-a-tweed-jacket/

Velvet Blazer – How to Wear the Velvet Blazer

Velvet Blazer

The festive season is drawing near and the velvet blazer is the perfect evening attire to embrace this winter.  I went into Santa Eulalia, which is based in Barcelona and is one of the oldest boutiques in town.  This high-end store stocks a wealth of historical fashion couture. Santa Eulalia is the place chosen by many men when getting a tailored suit or advice on how to wear a suit. The friendly staff along side the personal tailoring service, is a perfect example of excellent customer service. Hence why Alberto Vallespir shows how to embrace a velvet blazer this winter.

The man in the velvet blazer

Alberto Vallespir is an expert adviser when it comes to a man needing any type of suit. This winter the velvet blazer jacket is a must.  Alberto is wearing two different blazers. The labels are Etro and Tom Ford. The quality of these velvet jackets look and feel stunning.  Alberto clearly explained how he would team the velvet blazer for this coming winter.

1. Velvet blazers are commonly worn in the evening.
2. Velvet blazers are normally teamed with different material trouser bottoms.
3. Black velvet blazers looks great with dark grey suit trousers.
4. Always wear it with a new, crispy white shirt.
5. Choose  a dark colour tie or bow tie to match your blazer jacket.
6. Add a personal accessory to give your own edge to the overall look.
7. Velvet materials are very seductive so wear it with macho attitude. Us women will go gaga.

http://www.menstylefashion.com/velvet-blazer-how-to-wear-the-velvet-blazer/

Men’s velvet blazer jackets: How to wear

Every man should own a velvet blazer in their lifetime. Velvet blazers are luxurious, timeless without forgetting the soft texture. Velvet blazers are perfect for work or play.They'resatile and timeless blazers can be teamed up with tailored trousers or jeans for a smart-casual look.

See below celebrities on how they have styled velvet blazer

Green velvet blazer with a waistcoat, smart trousers & bow tie

Matthew McConaughey attended the Golden Globes awards in an emerald-green Dolce & Gabanna velvet blazer with black peak lapels with a matching waistcoat, white shirt, black bow tie, black lace ups and black smart tailored trousers for a savvy look.

Velvet jackets with bold trousers/pants

Luke Jacobz attended the the InStyle Men of Style party at Hilton Sydney's Marble Bar in a velvet tuxedo jacket, a white shirt, a bright crimson/red pair of trousers, black lace up shoes and a black bow tie for a bold statement look. Tyson Beckford hit the red carpet together at the Courvoisier launch of the Exceptional Journey Campaign dressed in a black velvet jacket which he paired with cobalt blue trousers, a crisp white shirt, black slippers and bow tie.

Velvet blazer with jeans

Andrew Garfield attended a Radio 1 chat dressed a brown velvet blazer which he teamed with a blue chambray shirt, indigo jeans and a pair of brown tassel moccasin for a casual smart look. Russell Brand was shooting the latest episode of his comedy at London's Duchess Theatre dresses in a purple velvet blazer paired with a crisp white shirt unbuttoned to the navel, black skinny jeans, grey leather shoe boots, a long necklace for a smart element to his outfit. Kirk Norcross wore a dusky pink t-shirt which he teamed with a dark brown velvet blazer, burgundy Converse trainers, brown belt and blue straight jeans for a night out outfit.

Black velvet blazer with smart trousers

McKellen wore a black velvet jacket with matching black trousers, shoes and white shirt for a red carpet event.  Clive Owen attended the premiere of The Knick in Rome wearing a Giorgio Armani velvet blazer which he paired with Giorgio Armani grey trousers, white shirt and dark leather shoes for a polished look.

Velvet suits

Ryan Gosling attended the premiere of The Place beyond the Pines in a dark green velvet blazer jacket with matching trousers over a white shirt, black tie and black shoes for a polished look. Neil Patrick Harris attended the 30th Annual Musical Celebration of Broadway black tie event in navy blue velvet suits with white-dress shirts, black shoes and bowties for a polished look. Joel Edgerton attended the premiere of Exodus: Gods and Kings wearing a velvet-texture suit with a pale-grey shirt, striped tie, and brown dress shoes.




 Velvet blazer with a bow tie & camouflage loafers

Tyson Beckford arrived at the Victoria's Secret parade in London in a in a black velvet suit jacket which he teamed with camouflage loafers, white shirt, a black pocket square, a block bow tie and a black suit trousers for a polished look.

Navy blue velvet tuxedo jacket with a necktie

Benedict Cumberbatch looked dapper when he attended the premiere for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies dressed in a navy blue velvet suit jacket, black trousers, white shirt, black shoes and a black tie for a clean-cut look.

http://fashioncadet.com/content/men%E2%80%99s-velvet-blazer-jackets-how-wear

How to Wear a Velvet Blazer


Plush velvet glides across your hands, feeling ultra soft to the touch. As a material for clothing, velvet has numerous uses including as material for men's blazer jackets. Whether you desire a blazer for formal outings or simply as your go-to jacket for a quick date, the color options available include rich, deep hues of black, purple, blue, and green. Learning about how to wear this versatile fabric allows you to create outfit combinations for any day of the week. Velvet blazers are available from retail clothing stores and online. eBay has a selection of men's velvet jackets in many sizes to pair with your existing wardrobe.



As Formal Attire
Whether its black tie formal or casual formal, a velvet blazer matches perfectly for this type of occasion. Pair a black tuxedo velvet blazer with a pair of black dress pants or tuxedo pants. Underneath choose a classic white button down dress shirt or add a little color to your formal attire by choosing a colored dress shirt. Some velvet blazers offer a lapel pocket that you can add a small cotton handkerchief in plain white or one in color that matches the theme such as a wedding or other event.



As a Casual Jacket
A velvet blazer and denim are a combination for casual evenings out, whether it is to a dinner date or out on the town with friends. Choose from a wide variety of colors like royal blue, hunter green, black, maroon, or bright red. Underneath choose a shirt that matches well against the blazer's color, whether it is a T-shirt, button-down shirt, or polo shirt.

Another option is wearing a velvet smoking jacket, which is a velvet blazer that comes in both short and long lengths. These jackets are lightweight and have two or three buttons to close the jacket around your torso. Some velvet smoking jackets also include side pockets and an interior pocket for placing items.



Caring for a Velvet Blazer
Velvet is a delicate fabric that usually requires cleaning by a dry cleaner. Pressing the blazer occasionally also helps keep the shape of the jacket. Check the interior label of the velvet blazer to identify the cleaning method for a specific jacket. If the blazer is a cotton velvet material, you may attempt to wash it on delicate cycle in your washer, but dry the jacket by placing it on a hanger and sticking it outside.

When you accidentally spill something on your velvet blazer, quickly blot the spill with a clean cloth and water. This does leave a water stain where you clean the spill, so taking your blazer to the dry cleaner or washing it immediately is ideal.

Store your velvet blazer when not in use in a garment bag. This keeps dust and dirt off the jacket when not in use. Keep space between the bag and other items hanging around the blazer to prevent crushing of the velvet. Select a wide width hanger for your blazer when you hang it.

http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Wear-a-Velvet-Blazer-/10000000178723177/g.html


Velvet – The Party Season Staple
Selecting a party season style that stands apart but stops short of peacocking can prove difficult. Case in point? Velvet. Get it right and you’re the epitome of understated opulence, but mess it up and you’re a woeful throwback to a bad, 1970s-flavoured acid trip.

Luxuriously smooth, soft to the touch and always equipped with a subtle sheen, velvet is a statement fabric that will get you noticed – if you want to make sure it’s for all the right reasons, take note of these foolproof tips for wearing velvet, whether you’re bound for a full-on formal affair or something a little more low-key…

On The Runway
While velvet’s been an autumn/winter evening wear classic for decades, this season saw designers put out a slew of new, much more decorative takes on this fabric that included everything from jacquard to digitally printed styles.

Credited with giving Gucci its sexy back in the 1990s, Tom Ford now seems more an advocate for understated elegance at the helm of his own label. For AW14, smoking jackets in silk jacquard and velvet were at the fore of his offering, running the gamut from slick and sophisticated to a little psychedelic.

The black smoking jacket with a jacquard that seemed to merge both floral and leopard prints was an obvious highlight – at once classic in its colouring and eye-catching in its finish. Also, sensing (albeit a little slowly) that sports luxe is still a force in fashion, Ford put a particularly luxurious spin on the hi-top trainer (or what he likes to class as the ‘tennis shoe’) with an upper made entirely of black velvet – covetable, yes, but probably not the best for hitting the court in:



Elsewhere, Dolce & Gabbana gave velvet their signature grandioso treatment, showing smoking jackets and full suits printed with feudal-inspired imagery that ranged from saints and knights to cathedral interiors.

Though these showpieces definitely piqued interest, the Sicilian-Italian duo’s contrast-trim velvet suits in black and bottle green seemed much more wearable:




Given that velvet’s a firm fixture for autumn/winter 2014, there’s never been a better time to have a go at sporting this tricky material.

In The Details
If you’re looking to take a tentative step into the world of velvet without leveraging the fabric’s full va va voom, adding a velvet accessory or detail to your look is your best bet.

Obvious options include a velvet bow tie or velvet-covered cuff links, but you could also try your hand at something a little more unexpected like a velvet pocket square, velvet contrast lapels or even a pair of velvet slippers. Each of these would lend your ensemble a subtle hint of extravagance while still keeping you well within the confines of classic evening wear.

You can either choose one or two of these elements or incorporate them all at the same time (having the good sense to keep each of your velvet accents in the same colour, of course).

Pulling off velvet footwear, particularly formal slippers, is certainly more difficult, both in terms of the confidence required and the post-revelry aftercare. Still, a pair of velvet shoes is the perfect accompaniment to an understated velvet blazer and wool trousers combination, for a look that’s formal but not as fussily black tie.




Velvet Separates
If adding mere accents of velvet doesn’t get you going, then you could step your party season style up a notch with a velvet blazer or a pair of well-cut trousers. We won’t pull the wool over your eyes here – going down this route does come with its risks, but you can reap some outstanding rewards provided you make a considered investment.

Before opening up the outfit possibilities, it’s worth taking note of two need-to-know points when it comes to wearing velvet:

The Cut
Though important most of the time, choosing a sharp, flattering cut is imperative when it comes to occasions calling for velvet. You’ll want to look for a blazer that offers a snug fit without appearing skimpy.

If you’re going for trousers instead, then slim styles work best – a skinny fit is too glam rock and anything wider and looser than slim is probably god-awful. Experiments with oversize fits and proportion play are definitely not appropriate here, so avoid unless you’re after a look that falls somewhere between Austin Powers and an unfortunate mystic.

The Colour
Equally key in ensuring your velvet venture is a resounding success is choosing colour carefully. Given that the fabric itself speaks volumes, you needn’t shout as loud when it comes to hue.

Black is an undisputed classic and comes highly recommended for those who are investing in velvet for the long haul rather than one night only. For similarly timeless alternatives, you could try maroon, Byzantium purple (a dark shade of purple that’s particularly luxurious), navy or bottle green.

Velvet Jackets
If you’re looking to go for more velvet than a few subtle accessories affords, then a velvet blazer is a great option. Put simply, if it’s a formal aesthetic you desire, team your jacket with a pair of slim-cut wool or cotton trousers, a smart button-down shirt (in a colour that doesn’t detract from your velvet focal point), and add a finishing touch with some patent leather/velvet shoes and maybe even some velvet accessories.

If the above seems a little overkill for your particular occasion, then opt for something smart-casual. Try a velvet jacket in a dark colour (black or midnight blue work best here) with a plain tee (whichever neck style suits you best), pair of slim jeans in grey/black and whatever footwear feels right – whether Chelsea boots or chunky sole brogues.




Smart-Casual Styling Lookbook




Formal Styling Lookbook



Velvet Trousers
Not for the faint-hearted, a pair of velvet trousers constantly teeters between sartorial success and absolute disaster. Apart from teaming them with a velvet blazer, there’s little else you can do without looking like the unfortunate guy who failed to read the memo.

Wearing a perfectly cut, inoffensively coloured pair of velvet trousers with a non-velvet blazer or jacket isn’t a punishable crime, but it isn’t all that brilliant either. What you can do in situations where a jacket isn’t required is style some velvet trousers with a roll-neck and a pair of monk-straps for elegance with an edge.


The Velvet Suit
One for true velvet enthusiasts, the suit seems at first frighteningly full-on, but – provided you adhere to the rules set earlier – will have jaws (and hopefully not glasses) dropping throughout the night.

Given the sheer amount of velvet on show, busy jacquards and bright-coloured velvets won’t work here, so stick to darker shades and subtler finishes.

Flesh your look out with a white dress shirt, patent leather court shoes (you’ll want a contrast between the leg of your trouser and your shoe) and a few velvet accessories. It’s easy evening sophistication.


Final Word
Though you may have seen it murdered by others before, there’s nothing inherently ugly about velvet. On the contrary, when styled correctly velvet is at the very top of the list of show-stopping evening wear options.

Follow the dos and don’ts we’ve set out here diligently and you’ll be en route to an unforgettable party look.

http://www.fashionbeans.com/2014/how-to-wear-velvet/