Camel Coats

Camel Overcoat Lookbook – GQ.com

How To Style

As you can see in the lookbook, the camel overcoat is much more versatile than you initially think. Keeping the fit slim and sharp is imperative, and will allow you to utilise it with more fashion forward items such as slim/skinny jeans and even bold coloured chinos. My favourite look above is the Riveira Chic outfit [top left], which pairs the overcoat with white jeans and a simple t-shirt. Although I would probably be a little more considered with the footwear choice, it goes to show that the look can be adapted to youthful and modern.

Notice how camel seems to make every item you pair with it ‘pop’. Colours seem bolder and richer, whilst monochromes come alive and really play off the neutral tone. This means you can literally pair it with everything in your current wardrobe – even other beige/cream tones if you make sure you alter the hue slightly to provide the contrast.

Of course, the camel overcoat lends itself very well to smart-casual looks. It is naturally a refined piece, so smart-casual footwear such as brogues, suede shoes and relaxed loafers will all look superb and help compliment the slightly more refined undertones. For those looking to inject some life into the look, bold coloured socks, patterned tops and your trademark accessories will all help casual down the look slightly and give you that personality and individuality you desire.

• J.crew Mayfair Wool-blend Coat
• Br Monogram Camel Double-breasted Jacket
• Etro Wool-blend Coat
• Acne Winston Wool-blend Coat
• Paul Smith Double-breasted Camel Coat
• Jil Sander Camel Coat

The Camel Jacket

For those of you that cannot shake off the formal connotations associated with the camel overcoat, there are still options for you. A wide range of camel jackets are now available from a multitude of brands and designers – from premium fashion houses to the high street. Everything from duffle coats and blazers to dyed denim jackets and trench coats are available, so you are sure to find one that suits your personal style and current wardrobe.

Of course, the camel colour will still integrate seamlessly within your existing wardrobe, whilst offering the same benefits that the overcoat provides – namely versatility and the ability to bring your other items to life.

Camel Jacket Lookbook

• Asos Coloured Denim Jacket
• French Connection Kicksies Canvas Jacket
• Carhartt Squire Coat
• Diesel Jiccon Trench Coat
• J.crew Holborn Trench Coat
• Br Monogram Camel Blazer
• E Tautz Tweed Blazer
• Ralph Lauren Black Label Anthony Wool Sport Coat
• Folk Waterproof Raincoat
• French Connection Kicksies Canvas Coat
• Peter Werth 4 Pocket Military Jacket
• Fred Perry Camel Duffle Coat
• Gloverall Made In England Melton Wool Rope Toggle Duffle Coat
• Burton Camel Hooded Toggle Duffle Coat
• Marni Classic Wool-blend Peacoat

Conclusion

The camel overcoat is an iconic piece of menswear that is now more wearable than ever. It will take both formal and casual looks to the next level, whilst providing that key individuality and separation from the crowd that most men desire. In a day and age when everybody is looking for an edge, the camel overcoat may just provide that for all the professionals out there. Easy to integrate within your current wardrobe, it makes other colours and neutrals come alive and provides the perfect backdrop for all your existing outfit combinations.

There are also plenty of alternatives out there for the younger or edgy types who love the camel colour but want something a bit more contemporary or modern. Whether you are looking for a new trench coat, quilted jacket or blazer to upgrade your smart-casual looks, they are all available today and provide much of the same versatility that the overcoat does.

Tweet

Read More

Chuck Bass: Style Breakdown

Chuck Bass Lookbook

Key Component #1: Print

In earlier seasons, Chuck’s style came with a slight preppy edge; he had a penchant for knits, cravats and argyle print in particular. Reflective of his character, he has never been one to shy away from a statement piece. Bold prints and colours have held a special place in Mr Bass’ wardrobe – the shark sweater and iconic J Press scarf were especially notable.

As the character has matured, his style has taken a similar turn. Print and colour still play a part, but gone are the days of tipped trenches and provocative shades. Mr Bass’ style is much more refined, reflecting the change in his character from a boy billionaire to a man with a shrewd sense of business and style (the penchant for womanising is still all too familiar though). This change in character hasn’t, thankfully, changed the core of Chuck’s style.

Key Component #2: Tailoring

Tailoring has forever ruled supreme in the world of Bass. His style is the embodiment of sartorial excellence; from detail to fit, nothing ever goes unconsidered. knots have always been perfectly dimpled and pockets appropriately full – usually with a favoured paisley print (or something purple).

The current (fifth) season of Gossip Girl is a reiteration of this mantra, as it has seen Bass adopt the knit lapel pin as an everyday part of his style. While most men skip over lapels when putting together an outfit, a pin or boutonniereadds that little bit extra in the way of individuality.

Ultimately, Chuck takes the stiffness out of tailoring; he makes it appear dangerous through the use of carefully selected accessories and a carefree, effortless attitude.

Chuck Bass Inspired Clothing

• Austin Reed 110th Anniversary Blue Textured Jacket
• Reiss Weatherby Db Classic Double Breasted Suit Navy
• Asos Skinny Fit Grey Check Suit
• Turnbull & Asser Contrast-collar Striped Cotton Shirt
• Jaeger Blue With Red Stripe Shirt
• Topman Blue Double Cuff Best Shirt
• Ben Sherman Camden Pin Dot Sheen Trousers
• Reiss Fenchurch Slim Fit Tailored Trousers Light Grey
• Topman Peoples Market Blazer
• Collezione Pure Cashmere Single Breasted 3 Button Coat
• Turnbull & Asser Classic Paisley Woven-silk Tie
• Reiss Flounder Paisley Print Cotton Airforce Blue
• Lanvin Buttonhole Flower Pin
• Austin Reed Red Leather Clip Braces
• Turnbull & Asser Paisley-print Silk Pocket Square
• Topman Burgundy Geo Pocket Square
• Churchs Suede Bampton Monk-strap Shoes
• Reiss Whiterock Seam Detail Oxford Shoes Tan

The Bass Look on a Budget

At this point, I usually put together a series of example outfits. However, the lack of diversity in Chuck Bass’ look would make it somewhat limited. The style breakdown and lookbook above should give you the kind of detail needed to take inspiration from.

As an alternative, I’m going to put together a Chuck Bass look on a limited budget. As his style is very expensive (the man is, after all, a billionaire) and his wardrobe is sourced from the likes of Brooks Brothers and Turnbull & Asser, which fall out of the regular price range for many.

To start, you want a good suit with a slim fit and modern cut. By modern cut I mean the jacket shouldn’t go to far past your backside – a bum freezer if you will – and the waist should be tapered to some degree.

At a lower price range, the materials used aren’t going to be premium, but aim for something with a good proportion of natural fibres. This Marks and Spencer suit is 50% wool but at £149 it’s relatively well-priced considering the rates you can find yourself paying for 80%+ polyester equivalents.

If you’re working with a budget, pick a neutral colour for additional versatility. This indigo/navy is perfect and works great if your going to apply the Chuck Bass ethos of print, pattern and colour for the peripherals.

Moving on to the shirt. In my opinion, a stiff collar looks far better with a silk tie than a soft collar. For a good stiff collar, traditional shirt makers are often the best, such as Hawes & Curtis, Charles Tyrwhitt etc. Shopping the sales and flash promotions are a great way to find excellent examples at better prices. This stripe shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt is currently just under &20.

A navy silk spotted tie works great with the pink in the shirt. If you’re not sure on spots, paisley is also a fantastic choice with stripes. Don’t forget to pop in a pocket square in a Bass favoured puff fold.

Finally, brown shoes are a given when working with a navy suit. These 100% leather Derbies are a solid choice. Sock-wise, look to compliment your trousers and have the colour work with the rest of the palette of your wardrobe; these pink-ish socks do just that and are great for this look.


Read more : http://www.fashionbeans.com/2012/mens-tv-style-chuck-bass/

• Autograph 2 Button Slim Fit Suit With Wool
• Austin Reed Non Iron Pink Dobby Stripe Shirt
• Navy Paisley Pocket Square
• Reiss Morton Oxford Dot Tie Blue
• Topman Pink Neppy Socks
• Asos Lace Up Derby Shoes

Tweet

Read More

Trench Coat Guide

Cut & Style

Ok, so the double-breasted trench coat. Great for adding a more classic feel to your outfits, they look extremely smart and can also be a great tool to use for those who wish to add a bit of extra bulk to their upper torso. But of course, that also then means that they aren’t always quite as well suited to the slightly fuller man. A single-breasted style – which probably comes more under the title of Macintosh – will be a much greater aid in lengthening the torso, drawing the eye downwards as opposed to across. Wear the coat unbuttoned from the sternum area and fold the collar down and out to create a V-shaped neckline that will lengthen your neck and add width across your shoulders. A single-breasted style will also fall a lot cleaner if you choose to wear the trench open.

The waist belt on a trench is an absolute godsend. When worn tied into a effortlessly home-made knot, not only will it help to break up the torso it will also nip in that waist, therefore accentuating the shoulders and giving the impression of that perfect triangular shape we are all told to strive for. Epaulettes on the shoulders are great for giving a more structured, stronger shoulder and of course, portraying that military trend that is looking to stay with us until the end of time.

As for the length of the coat, I personally wouldn’t advise any man under the 6ft mark to wear a trench that finished far below their knees, and although a trench coat can be just as easily worked into both smart and casual outfits, baggy trousers/jeans just don’t quite fit that slim-line, sharp look that we have just created. Sleeve length is somewhat down to personal preference but I favour them sitting as the sleeve of my blazer would, just above the wrist bone. If people can see your under-layers poking out through your sleeves or maybe even a cheeky glimpse of watch, well, that’s just perfect!

Colour

For a staple trench coat that will work with both a smart/smart casual/casual looks, my number one choice in terms of colour would be a navy blue every time. It doesn’t look quite as formal as a black trench does and isn’t half as contrasting against other colour. Brown shoes, black shoes, jeans, chinos, trousers, city shorts… they all work perfectly.

My second choice would be a neutral tone such as a stone, camel, khaki or a light brown. If wearing louder colours/prints as a base layer, a trench of any of the above tones will help to re-neutralise the outfit. The only thing to be slightly weary of when choosing lighter tones is to avoid washing yourself out (much like grey does) – oh, avoid grey at the moment by the way. If of a lighter skin tone, opt for a slighter stronger, deeper stone or camel colour in order to add a bit of contrast against your skin tone.

Bold colours such as electric blues, burgundy reds and forest greens will add a much-needed burst of colourful energy into yours outfits during these final winter months. This possibly isn’t the route to go down however if you are looking for a staple trench, but if you are in fact looking to add to an already established collection, now is the time to take the leap my friend.

Modifications

With a garment such as a trench coat, I believe it is worth spending just that little bit extra – or in some cases a lot extra – for quality. However, realistically not all of us are in a financial position to be splashing out on Paul Smith trench coats and Aquascutum macs as we please, and so turn to our local high street retailers for guidance.

For those of you like myself, who watch the Burberry shows every season sighing in bitter jealousy at a collection of trench coats that I will possibly never be able to afford, don’t give up all hope just yet, as there are a few little tricks we can pull to turn that high street trench into your very own high fashion creation.

Trick 1: Change your buttons. A massive give away that most high street pieces are in fact high street, are those poor quality, plastered on every garment, plastic buttons. Replace them with a whole new set of vintage wooden buttons and your final garment will be almost unrecognisable from that basic Zara trench it once was.

Oh, that reminds me actually. Trick 1 Part b: Learn to sew on a button. It’s really rather easy once you’ve attempted it a couple of times and will save you a fortune in tailoring expenses.ished article than one that is unlined. Firstly make sure you know of a good tailor that is capable of re-lining coats, next take a trip to any good quality fabric shop and simply choose the cloth that you can not live without. Also, if you often tend to wear the collar of your trench stood up then you might even want to consider buying a bit of extra material to add a strip to the back of the collar? Just a thought.

Trick 3: Vary your belt. Instead of sticking to that matching material belt that comes along with your coat, try adding a thick leather jeans belt instead. I have even seen men rocking – and successfully pulling off – patterned scarves and even pieces of rope hooked through those belt loops. I am fully aware that this one won’t be a tip suited to all as it is sometimes deemed to be too ‘girly’, however, it really can look great.

Of course there are a number of other ways to personalise your outerwear, adding brooches/badges, customising the epaulettes etc. But by simply changing your buttons and adding a completely different lining to your £70 Topman trench coat, the chances of someone else having that exact trench, with that exact lining, with those exact buttons drastically reduce to near impossible – you now own a one-off piece.

Read more : http://www.fashionbeans.com/

New Season Styles

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 
• 

Tweet

Read More