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How to appear competent without saying a word

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zac efron suit

Entrepreneurs represent their businesses in every way, whether exhibiting a certain work ethic or sporting a certain appearance.

Though they may prefer to be judged by their intelligence and experience, they are also evaluated by their style and attire.

First impressions are formed in an instant and appearance can heavily influence someone's initial opinion of a business leader's personality, competence and capability.

Like it or not, appearance does matter. When you dress and carry yourself in a positive manner, this helps convey to others the business message you're trying to convey. This is especially important in giving presentations, whether the audience is two executives or a thousand.

Presenters who appear put together will be perceived as more knowledgeable and responsible than those who seem disheveled. Impress others at your next important client presentation with the following tips:

1. Dress to boost your confidence

Everyone knows that when you look good, you feel better: You're more confident and others treat you with more respect. Your physical presentation should be on par with the quality of your work and the reputation of your business.

Looking your best isn't about vanity. Instead, it's about investing in self-improvement. Keeping high standards for your appearance will help you feel happier and more successful.

2. Send the right message

There's casual and then there's very casual. The definition of what constitutes a casual outfit has reached an all-time low. Though it may be quick and easy to throw on the first thing you see, your appearance speaks volumes about you.

If you look like you just rolled out of bed, most people will assume you just did. Regardless of the type of business you're in, strive to look your best and live up to the expectations of your audience.

3. Make your appearance a priority

Many executives put their appearance on the back burner because of obligations to work and family. Although your schedule may be packed, make your appearance a priority on the day of a speech.

Before your presentation, schedule some extra time to select an appropriate outfit. To look your best every day, dedicate resources toward long-term investments like clothing purchases, hair maintenance and self-care.

 Cara Delevingne cannes earrings

4. Mirror your audience

If you're presenting to a set of technology clients, a casual pair of trousers and a button-down shirt may be completely appropriate. Likewise, dressing in a more fashionable outfit may help an artistic crowd connect with you and your message.

But for some scenarios, traditional business attire is the best choice. Don't choose clothes for your own comfort. Instead, dress for the comfort of your client. When in doubt, follow your client's lead and dress just a notch above that level.

5. Make the most of your budget

Many professionals feel that they can't afford to be fashionable, but you can show your personal style without overspending.

Rather than investing in a large wardrobe, choose quality over quantity. Purchase only the items that send the message you want to convey. Classic pieces that fit and flatter your body will help you look your best for any presentation.

6. Details can amplify an appearance

Carefully selected accessories can make the difference between someone who puts on clothes and a person who gets dressed. For men, a nice watch and a classic pen will add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

For women, shoes, jewelry and a great handbag can mean the difference between a bland outfit and standing out from the crowd. Invest in the best shoes you can afford. And when choosing jewelry, keep things simple and classic. Remember, a person who is dressed more professionally is treated more professionally.

SEE ALSO: Here's what 'business casual' really means

DON'T MISS: The 27 jobs that are most damaging to your health

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Fashion guru Tim Gunn shares where he buys his suits

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Every man needs a good suit in his closet, but that doesn't mean he needs to spend a fortune to get it. 

We recently had the chance to chat with American fashion consultant and television personality, Tim Gunn, about where he gets his suits. 

His secret is Amsterdam-based Suitsupply, a company that provides high-quality fabric and cuts at lower price tags. 

suit supply suit While Suitsupply's pieces still include high-quality Italian wools and slim cuts that cater to a younger audience, they start as low as $399. 

"The reason I love them is because I was always spending a fortune for suits at places like Bergdorf, Barneys, and Saks," Gunn said to Business Insider. "The suit I'm currently wearing cost me $500, which means I can have fun — because if I spend thousands on a suit, I'm going to have to wear it over and over again." 

tim gunn suitsupply suitGunn told us that he could buy eight suits from Suitsupply for what he'd previously pay for one at other stores.

Suitsupply also has in-store tailors to ensure customers leave with the right fit, which is critical for Gunn. 

"Most of the men I know wear suits that are one to two sizes too big," he told us. "The bodice of the suit should line up with your shoulders." 

Gunn said that there are three elements men should consider with their clothing: silhouette, proportion, and fit. We should look at our bodies as a series of thirds, going down from our shoulders to our toes.

"You want to have two-thirds on the bottom and one-third on the top," Gunn said. "An un-tucked shirt cuts a man in half ... so you want to avoid that."

Suitsupply currently has stores across Europe, Asia, and 16 US cities including Miami, New York, Chicago, and Denver. 

SEE ALSO: 16 things the modern gentleman should buy for the winter

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NOW WATCH: 4 essential suits every man needs in his closet

Everything a modern gentleman needs to know about how a perfect suit fits

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Print this out, tape it to your cubicle.

Maybe put it under your pillow.

At the very least hang it on your refrigerator, because this has the potential to make your dressing game a whole lot simpler.

To purchase, make, or tailor a suit that fits perfectly, a modern gentleman needs to know how all the key — but subtle — parts of a suit should hang on his body. This makes you look slimmer, taller, and all-around more put together.

That is why Business Insider figured it would be a good idea to put all of this suiting info in one place. We enlisted our personal-shopper friend, Jessica Cadmus, of the Wardrobe Whisperer, to help us out.

Read it, bookmark it, and go about your day a more learned man.

bi_graphics_anatomy of a suit

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NOW WATCH: 4 essential suits every man needs in his closet

3 style lessons every guy can learn from Tim Cook's ill-fitting suit

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Tim Cook: tech innovator, precedent-breaking CEO, style icon?

Maybe not so much that last one, if a recent picture proves anything. The Apple CEO recently tweeted out a photograph taken with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi during a trip the the Mediterranean country to launch Europe's first iOS development center.

After comparing Renzi's masterfully tailored suit to Cook's mess of rags, one thing becomes clear: Cook has no idea what he's doing when it comes to wearing suits.

Observe:

  • Mistake #1: The suit jacket just plain doesn't fit at all. It's clearly a size too big, and, apart from it not being tailored correctly (or at all), the shoulders don't fit. The shoulders are the most important part of any suit jacket, as they can't be adjusted.
  • Mistake #2: The pants are too long. Sure, full breaks (a full fold where the pants hit the shoes) are in now, and guys are wearing their pants a little longer. Cook's pants, however, are so long they make him look shorter than he actually is.
  • Mistake #2: Black on black is extremely boring. A black tie with a black suit and a white shirt? This isn't a funeral, Tim! Cook could have mixed it up here in any number of ways, but the dark palette casts a shadow over what is surely a fine accomplishment for Apple and for Italy.

Compare these mistakes to Renzi's suit, which was born out of a country known for its fine tailoring and suiting, and we see what a difference a well-fitting suit can really make.

With Cook's $10 million salary, he can surely afford some sort of tailor. We strongly suggest that next time he wears a suit, he start over with a clean slate and bring it to a tailor before he plans on wearing it. These mistakes are easily avoided.

SEE ALSO: 3 style lessons every guy can learn from President Obama's new $485 sunglasses

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How to de-wrinkle your suit without leaving the house

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james bond

Oh, I sure do have some suggestions—and I'm thrilled with the timing of this question, arriving as it did just before the holiday season, what with its fancy dress affairs, kicked into full swing.

While the question is specifically about a dress uniform jacket (cue Gang of Four) the advice I have to offer you can also be applied to suit jackets, classic navy blazers, and even tuxedo jackets. Let's do this thing.

Steaming

Stickler-ish fabric-care experts will warn you about the dangers of steaming suit jackets—steaming will warp the fibers! Steaming can cause the lining to pucker, creating unsightly ripples!

Steaming a hanging garment may cause stretching!—and I feel honor-bound to mention that to you. I also feel compelled by the fact that I live in the real world with the rest of you to mention steaming as an option for de-wrinkling and freshening up a suit, dress uniform, or tuxedo jacket, and give you a few pointers on how you might go about doing so.

If you have a steamer, great! Use that. It can be a handheld dealie, like the ones that are so popular among frequent travelers (hot tip from me to you, the frequent traveler: drain the water out before packing to avoid damp messes), or a standing model. Both are great!

To use, heat the steamer, hang the jacket on a sturdy hanger, and steam away. Depending on how wrinkled the jacket is, you may want to give it one pass, allow it to hang for 15-20 minutes while the wrinkles ease out, and then do another once over to ensure it looks its best.

working, steam, steaming, clothes, care, careful, tending, cleaning, huffington post, office tour, november 2012, bi, dng

But let's say you don't have a steamer. All is not lost! You can certainly employ a tea kettle for steam-making purposes (mind your fingers) or the old shower steaming trick, which involves hanging your jacket up in the bathroom while the shower blasts hot water, creating a steamy de-wrinkling chamber.

Do you mind if I level with you? I've never found shower steam to be particularly effective and it is, of course, quite wasteful unless you're in the shower performing your ablutions, in which case, shower steam away.

I can, however, provide a tip to help you make shower steaming more effective and it is this: After you've steamed the garment while hanging, lay it on a flat surface, like a bed or table, and smooth it with your hands, pressing down quite firmly.

Wrinkle-Eliminating Sprays

wrinkled clothes

The lay-garment-flat-and-smooth technique brings us nicely to this next subset of de-wrinkling tips, the first of which is about as lo-fi as you can get. This is seriously so startlingly good at removing wrinkles, you won't even believe it. Grab a clean spray bottle, fill it with water, and lightly spritz the jacket—you don't want to saturate it, so be sure to keep the bottle at least six inches away from the fabric, which will allow you to mist the fibers without soaking them—before using your hands to smooth out wrinkles. As the jacket dries, more of the wrinkles will ease out, so employ a small amount of patience before repeating as needed.

If you want something a little more commercial, Downy Wrinkle Releaser is a good option. You can also take a DIY approach by combining 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon liquid fabric softener in a spray bottle. However, beware the scent, which some find to be a bit cloying. Using the product a few hours in advance of donning whatever it is that needs to be de-wrinkled will allow the smell time to dissipate, as will hanging the jacket (or shirt, or slacks, or dramatic kimono) outside or near an open window. Don't underestimate the power of fresh air, is what I'm trying to tell you.

Ironing

ironing

I'm usually a save-the-best-for-last kind of gal, but in this case I deliberately saved ironing—which I do not at all find to be the best, total honesty time here!—for the end of our discussion about de-wrinkling. Not because it isn't the ideal approach (it is actually the ideal approach, humph), but because ironing tends to be a chore that many people absolutely dread. I know, because I'm one of them!

And I, like, love scrubbing a bathtub. With that said, there are loads of people who really love ironing and we should all strive to be a bit more like them. Ironing is a good thing to do! And the more you do it, the more comfortable you'll get with it, the less awkward it will feel, and one day you'll wake up to discover that you're a person who doesn't at all mind ironing. Weird but true.

To help you down the path to becoming A Person Who Loves Ironing, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind. The first is to go slowly and use patience. Oftentimes, our instinct when it comes to tackling tasks that we absolutely hate is to rush through to get it over with. That is totally understandable! But rushing is also likely to yield a less-than-stellar result and can also result in mishaps like, oh, I dunno, running the iron over your hand. So! Take a deep breath and don't be afraid to take your time.

The next tip is to lean on YouTube, which has a trove of how-to videos detailing all manner of ironing techniques. I like this series of short clips because it's broken down by suit detail, providing individual instructions on how to iron lapels, pockets and collars, sleeves, underarms, etc. The narration isn't the most scintillating, so if you'd prefer your ironing tutorials be delivered with a British accent, try this one.

There are also a few small details around technique that will help to up your ironing game: Place a towel between the ironing board and the garment, which will help to protect buttons and other embellishments when ironing the inside of garments.

Check the care tag for details on what fabric type you're working with to determine which heat setting to use; in the case of suit, dress uniform, and tuxedo jackets, which are generally made of wool, you'll want to use the medium heat setting, which will most likely be identified right there on the dial as the one to use for woolens. In addition to placing a towel down on your board, the use of a press cloth is absolutely a thing you should do. "A wha?" A press cloth. It's exactly what it sounds like, a piece of cloth that you place in between the iron and the garment in need of pressing and, in the case of wool items, it's especially crucial to use one to help protect against scorching or those ugly shiny patches that sometimes occur while you're ironing.

martin greenfield clothiers suit factory press pedro sanchez

You can use virtually any light-colored fabric that is iron-safe—an old white tee or a lightweight cotton dishrag are good options—or you can buy a dedicated press cloth online or in the notions department at the kind of stores that still have notions departments. Man, I love a notions department so much.

Oh right, and you should have a good iron. Do you need a recommendation? Check out The Sweethome's pick. You'll be in good hands with The Sweethome, they manage to be even more obsessive than I in their approach to their jobs.

 

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NOW WATCH: This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds

5 essential rules for wearing sneakers with a suit

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Sneaker with suit

You have to know the rules before you can break them.

But once you do, go crazy. Case in point: the adventurous look of wearing sneakers with a traditional suit.

We'll admit, this isn't a great look for everyone, and it will never be accepted in the boardroom. 

However, when it works, it can really supercharge your style, making your suit suddenly not seem so dressed up anymore.

Like anything, there are some rules you should follow when attempting to take this style plunge off the deep end.

  • Keep it simple. You're already making a serious statement. Don't go for anything flashy or bright, as that will only make your outfit look mismatched and disjointed.
  • Stick to natural materials. Leather and suede are your friends here, and they're the most likely materials to work for your suit-paired sneakers, Man of the World editor Christopher Tennant told the New York Times. Skip the more "athletic" looks that come with nylon. You're not running a marathon, and your shoes don't need to be made for that.
  • Make sure your suit fits slim. There's nothing worse than on-trend stylish footwear combined with a suit that just doesn't fit your body. Picture your grandfather wearing a suit in some clunky New Balances. Now go for the opposite of that. A slim-fitting suit is absolutely essential, according to Brad Bennett, editor of Well Spent.
  • Skip the tie. We're already messing with traditional formality here — a tie will just confuse things. Also optional: a dress shirt.

Some of the best sneakers we can find that would go effortlessly with a suit are the Common Projects Achilles Low ($410) or Adidas Stan Smith ($75).

Alternatively, don't listen to me at all. This style is all about breaking the rules, after all.

SEE ALSO: The fabulous life of Italian denim god Renzo Rosso, the billionaire founder of Diesel

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Amazon just started selling suits made in Canada — and the early reviews say they're good

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amazon suits

It's true: Amazon has started selling its own private-label clothing.

One of these labels, Franklin Tailored, sells men's suits and accessories.

Now you might not expect the e-commerce giant to produce suits that were anything better than middling for their first foray into men’s clothing, but that’s not the case. For about $300, these suits are good, according to early reviews.

They come in a variety of ready-to-work colors, but there seems to be only one general style and fit: the Tracy.

Men's style blog Dappered got an early look at the suit, and had a lot of things to say.

First, some preliminary quality stuff:

  • The suits are made from 100% nondescript wool and lined with synthetic material. Dappered says its "not the softest stuff in the world," but it will get the job done.
  • Fit seems to be tailored without being too slim — the perfect middle ground for a suit that's looking to please every guy.
  • The suits are manufactured in Canada, which is certainly a surprise at this price.

Dappered says the suit is "decent quality, fair price, and nice to see something made in this hemisphere." Amazon reviewers have echoed the sentiments, with one saying they were "very very pleased!"

Compared with other suits at this price point, this about as good as you can expect. It's a nice alternative to J. Crew's factory outlet Thompson suit, which is cut a little more modern with slimmer lapels, or other web-based brands like Combatant Gentleman, which still has the e-commerce edge on Amazon.

Amazon's suits come in only one cut that may not work for everyone, and it doesn't even offer a size 36 jacket. In order for Amazon to be able to better compete in this space, it's going to need to branch out into more modern styles of suiting, including a slimmer fit with narrower lapels.

In addition to suits, the Franklin line also includes shoes, ties, pants, blazers, and a tuxedo suit.

Dappered also liked the brand's take on blazers, calling it "a really nice debut for this new Amazon clothing project," but the shoes are basically just "not terrible."

The tuxedo, on the other hand, looks like a basic black suit that has none of the things that made a tuxedo a tuxedo, like satin lapels and a stripe down the leg.

SEE ALSO: How to fix the 7 most common causes of hair loss

SEE ALSO: Amazon quietly launched its own clothing brands — and they could be the company's next smash hit

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NOW WATCH: This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds

Here's why we named Eddie Redmayne the most stylish guy in the world right now

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eddieredmayne1

By all accounts, Eddie Redmayne is killing it.

But we're not talking about his numerous acting awards, including the Best Actor Oscar he won in 2015. 

No, we're talking about his style game. It's so off-the-charts incredible, we named him the most stylish guy in the world right now.

Basically, it all comes down to this: there isn't anyone else around that can wear suits as well as he does. And it's not like he has just one suit that fits him really well and he wears it all the time.

No, the man has a closet full of suits of every color, shape, style, and texture. He's worn velvet suits, tuxedos in every color, and he's rocked them all. Miraculously, they all fit him like they were born to hug his slender 5'11" frame.

Redmayne has spoken to his love of tailoring and suits, telling Men's Health that he's "always worn suits", so he "always felt at ease in them".

"Maybe wearing them makes me feel subconsciously like I have a proper job," Redmayne said. "A well-cut suit feels like armor. If it’s tailored to fit, you feel strong."

As for his look, Redmayne describes it as "simple and classic." He prefers to add substance with texture and color.

Eddie Redmayne

What can you learn from Redmayne's killer style? There's one main takeaway: tailoring matters. He looks like a million bucks in every suit he wears because each one is tailored to fit him perfectly.

So, yes, it is possible to copy Redmayne's style. And every guy should strive to look as good as he does in a suit.

SEE ALSO: The 15 most stylish guys in the world right now, ranked

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NOW WATCH: This sensor-packed suit will immerse you in virtual reality like never before


The best kind of suit for every body type

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Suits are not one-size-fits-all. That much is obvious.

But just how much variation suiting requires to fit different body types isn't so obvious. Let us help you with that.

Here are the best ways to suit up your unique frame, taking every kind of body type into account.

bi_graphics_the best suit for every body type

SEE ALSO: The 15 most stylish guys in the world right now, ranked

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NOW WATCH: 4 essential suits every man needs in his closet

A Chinese suit-maker Warren Buffett swears by has set its sights on North America

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Warren Buffett

Investment mogul Warren Buffett has sworn by Dayang Group's suits for years. Now the Chinese manufacturing powerhouse has set its sights on North America.

Buffett loves the brand so much, he appeared in a promotional video in 2009 extolling the virtues of the 15,000-employee company. Buffett claimed he "threw out all his suits" and bought nine made by the company instead. 

"They're comfortable and people tell me they look good," Mr. Buffett told the Wall Street Journal then. "I went 78 years before I got a compliment on my appearance."

Buffett has even had four Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, including Bill Gates, fitted for Duyang suits, even though he maintains no stake in the company.

Buffett isn't the only American who's a fan of Dayang. The company also makes suits for Ralph Lauren, Macy's, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and others, as well as their own luxury suit brand Trands (Buffett's favorite).

Suits sold by the company go for about $800, which is especially expensive for Chinese markets. The company mainly serves Chinese leaders, and their stores are closed to the general public.

Boosted by its relationship with Buffett, Duyang is now looking to expand to America.

Indochino

The company just purchased a $30 million stake in Vancouver-based web-first suiting brand Indochino, according to Bloomberg, which has made a name for itself selling well-fitting suits at affordable prices. Though the company primarily sells its suits online, Indochino is looking to expand from its current 10 showrooms in North America to 150 worldwide by 2020.

Bloomberg speculates the $30 million investment may lead to a the North American retail outlet for the ambitious Chinese brand.

The company has also leased a 4,000 square foot showroom on Fifth Ave in Manhattan since August of 2015, according to the Real Deal, which has not yet opened to the public. 

SEE ALSO: 11 etiquette mistakes a modern gentleman never makes

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6 rules to actually look good in a suit

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suit fit rules

Sometimes, it can seem like we at Business Insider are a little obsessive about fit when it comes to suits.

But it really is the most important thing when wearing a suit (besides confidence, but that's more a byproduct than a requirement).

For a suit to look as good as possible, all these different parts of the perfect fit need to come together just so, presented as a cohesive package.

We've decided it's high time to enumerate all these intricacies of fit one by one, as modeled on Eddie Redmayne, the best man wearing suits alive today.

Redmayne has fit down pat, so there's no better teacher.

Let's take it from the top and break it down:

  • Shoulder alignment. This is the most important thing you're checking to see if a suit jacket fits correctly. Everything else can be tailored except the shoulders. The jacket's shoulder should end before the end of your actual shoulder. A good way to test this is by leaning against a wall. If the shoulder pad of your jacket hits before your actual shoulder, it's too big. Redmayne's jacket fits well.
  • High armholes. Armholes are the subtle difference between a well-fitting modern jacket and a poorly fitting, more conservatively cut jacket. You want them high, but with no restriction of movement. When you move your arm, your whole jacket shouldn't move. This is another thing can't be tailored, and you must check before purchase. You can tell by the fit of Redmayne's jacket it has high armholes.
  • Slim fit. The fit of your suit should be close to your body, but not so close that it looks like you're being smothered. A tailor will usually need to take in the sides of your suit to create a trimmer silhouette, as Redmayne has done.
  • Jacket length. This is one of the easy ones. The bottom of your jacket needs to be long enough to cover your entire butt in the back as well as the entire front fly in the front — and no longer. Some guys with shorter torsos might need to go for short sizes, and they shouldn't feel embarrassed about that — they'll end up looking taller. Redmayne's got it perfect.
  • Shift cuff and sleeve length. There's no hard-and-fast rule for sleeve length and how much cuff should be showing. A good rule of to have about half of your shirt cuff showing, with your suit sleeve hitting just before your wrist. Short guys should have more cuff showing, like Redmayne has done, while taller guys should have less.
  • Little or no pant break. Your pant break refers to how much fabric is left over after the leg ends that drapes over the shoes. Right now, fashion favors little to no pant break, and that tends to look the best with the slim fits that are popular now. Our recommendation is a small break, as that tends to walk the best line between trendy and appropriate, as exhibited by Redmayne.

SEE ALSO: 11 articles of clothing no man should wear after college

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NOW WATCH: This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds

This is the biggest mistake you're making when trying to dress business casual

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blazer annotated

Contrary to what many men think, there is a measurable difference between a suit jacket and a blazer.

And that difference could make or break your business casual outfit.

Whether or not you can take that suit jacket and wear it as a blazer is almost entirely a case-by-case basis.

Before we jump into some specific rules and things to look for, first I want to make you aware of the easiest way to tell:

If you look at the suit jacket away from the trousers and think that it looks like it's missing its partner, that's a dead giveaway you can't wear it as a blazer.

The goal is to be able to look at a guy wearing a blazer, and not be able to tell if that jacket is supposed to belong to a pair of dress pants.

If you're still not sure, here are some other things to look at:

  • Color. Light gray and navy are very safe, and will probably work. Black and charcoal are a little riskier. Keep this in mind. 
  • Pattern. Most patterned suit jackets won't work as a blazer. The good news is that if you've got a large enough suit collection to have a patterned one, you probably don't care if you can wear it as a blazer or not. Pinstripes and window panes are both no-nos, but a thicker fabric might offset this.
  • Fabric. A fabric like tweed or other "classic" fabric, however, will nearly always work in a blazer context, according to Real Men Real Style. The thicker and less shiny the fabric, the easier it would be to pull off.
  • Details. Though this is no longer quite the case, the difference between blazers and suit jackets was all in the detailing like buttons and stitching. Those have largely gone away, but new ones to watch, like if there are peak or notch lapels, should be paid attention to. (Peak lapels mean it probably won't work as a blazer).
  • Fit. Blazers should fit slightly looser than suit jackets. A good rule of thumb is if you can wear a sweater underneath it, it can be worn as a blazer, according to GQ.

SEE ALSO: These are the most popular shoes for guys right now

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NOW WATCH: This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds

How to spice up the most overlooked part of any suit

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socks

When it comes to suiting up, the less obvious details can sometimes be forgotten about. But if you're looking to refresh your usual suiting setup for spring, the details are exactly what you need to pay attention to.

The detail today is socks. Socks are now more important than ever since men are wearing their pants shorter — referred to as "no break," where the pant does not fold or break near the ankle over your shoe.

So for spring your frumpy gray or navy socks just aren't going to cut it anymore. Instead, you should use this as an opportunity to show off your more colorful side.

Take the newly minted and youthful Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau. He's already made waves with his take on the traditional world leader dress code of all suits all the time. He's worn socks with blue, green, and red florals, stripes, a remixed pattern of the red and white Canadian flag, and even a pair embroidered with the logo of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team.

Traditionally, the sock rule is that their color should be as close to your pants as possible, so it essentially looks like an extension of your pant. But it's safe to say that if the leader of Canada can get away with breaking this rule, you can too. It gives off a more creative and interesting vibe than the old stodgy suit you've been wearing all fall and winter, which is perfect for a season that symbolizes new beginnings.

socks

Before you go crazy though, here are a few words of warning. There's a large gulf between boring and garish: You can't just throw on a wacky pair of socks and expect them to blend with any outfit. A style move like this requires a certain eye, as pointed out by Real Men Real Style.

Here are some colorful-sock rules to bear in mind: 

  • Start slow and keep it simple and classic. Argyle, stripes, and solids are safe yet interesting places to start; paisley and polka dots move you up the ladder, and after that it won't be long until you're wearing dinosaur print socks, which are fine — if you know what you're doing. 
  • Coordinate with the rest of your outfit. The level of your formality and the wackiness of your socks should be inversely proportional. Think about the colors you're wearing and stick with a general theme. For example, you wouldn't wear neon green socks with a black suit, but you could wear them with a navy suit.
  • Be aware of contrast and balance. If bright socks are the contrast for the lower portion of your outfit, you may need some contrast (think a checked shirt or a pocket square) on your upper half.
  • Confidence. Bright socks make a statement. Wearing them with confidence is key to being able to pull off the look. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 worst style mistakes a man can make, according to women — and how to avoid them

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This one super-easy trick will tell you if a suit jacket is too big for you

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leaning suit

It's nearly impossible to buy a suit off the rack and have it actually fit you. Suits must be tailored to fit your body in the sleeves, arms, legs, tail, and waist.

The only place a suit can't be modified is the shoulders. If it doesn't fit in the shoulders, that means it doesn't fit, period. There's no tailoring magic that will make it so — just don't buy it, no matter how good a deal it is.

But what does it mean if the shoulders don't fit? Basically, a suit jacket's shoulder should not extend farther than your natural shoulder.

You can try this test to be sure.

Lean your arm against a wall while wearing your suit jacket. Your natural shoulder should hit the wall before the shoulder of the jacket does.

If the jacket's shoulder hits first, the jacket does not fit you. And as we all know, fit is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a suit. You'll risk looking like you got caught wearing your father's suit.

SEE ALSO: 10 men's style essentials that look expensive but aren't

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NOW WATCH: This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds

Save $150 on a Vitamix blender — and more of today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.


1. Save big on dress shirts at Charles Tyrwhitt

Screen Shot 2016 04 18 at 10.21.44 AMIf you’re a business professional looking to refresh your wardrobe for spring, Charles Tyrwhitt has a deal for you. With 10% off everything on the site, you can stock up on shirts, ties, shoes, cuff links, or whatever else you might need to impress at the office.

Used in tandem with its ongoing "4 shirts for $199" offer, the additional 10% discount brings the price down to just $45 a shirt, saving you $24 on each one you buy. The discount is good through May 5; just remember to use the code “10PER” at checkout.

Charles Tyrwhitt "4 for $199" Slim-Fit Shirts, $179 (originally $199), available at Charles Tyrwhitt. [10% off]


2. Take $150 off a Vitamix blender

71ekW3x5Q4L._SL1500_Vitamix blenders are some of the best money can buy, and they have the price tags and customer reviews to prove it. If you've been thinking about buying the kitchen gadget, but have been hesitant to spend the money on it, now's a good day to finally submit your order. Amazon has the 5200 Series Blender down to $400. 

Vitamix 5200 Series Blender, $399.99 (originally $549.99), available at Amazon.  [$150 off]


3. Get $50 off a great leather watch

K0uvXlJT3U_svt sc38_0_originalWhile we sometimes write about them without regard for their exorbitant price tags, we know that a good amount of watch wearers who read Insider Picks are, ultimately, just looking to get the most bang for their buck. Tsovet watches hit that sweet, being both affordable and good-looking on a wrist. This one's $50 off at Huckberry right now; but hurry, the flash sale won't last long. 

Tsovet SVT-SC38 Watch, $199.98 (originally $250), available at Huckberry.[$50 off]


4. Save over $50 on one of our favorite iPhone battery case

lenmar mavenRunning out of battery life is an all too common problem in 2016. If you can’t call your Uber and can’t reach your friends to let them know you're running 30 minutes late to dinner, what was once a well-planned night of merriment can go south quickly. Investing in a charging case for your iPhone is an easy and affordable solution. Lenmar's is one of the best options, and it comes in four colors. 

Lenmar iPhone 6s Battery Case, $27.61 (originally $79.99), available at Amazon. [65% off]


5. Get $120 off a pair of Sennheiser over-ear headphones

81ix7abdgfl._sl1500_At a typical street price of $150, Sennheiser's HD 598 over-ear headphones are a particularly good value for audio enthusiasts without hundreds to spend on higher-end cans. Right now, though, Amazon has them down to $130. That’s not the lowest they’ve been — they fell under $100 around Black Friday — but it’s a good discount all the same. You can read more about them here.

Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Headphones (Black), $129.99 (originally $249.95), available at Amazon.[48% off]


 

READ THIS: This is the most practical wallet you'll ever use

SEE ALSO: 9 tech gadgets that’ll make your everyday life easier

DON'T MISS: The 18 best-looking watches you can buy for under $300 this spring

Join the conversation about this story »


Save big on dress shirts at Charles Tyrwhitt — and more of today's best deals from around the web

$
0
0

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.


1. Get a great pair of workout headphones for $12

1The warmer weather finally gives those of us who are fitness-inclined the opportunity to exercise outside again. For those who are excited to take their daily jog off the treadmill and into the great outdoors, you should consider buying a new pair of headphones to keep you company. Today, you can get these MEE audio in-ears at a great discount.

MEE audio Sport-Fi M6 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Headphones, $11.99 (originally $29.99), available at Amazon.[60% off]

 


2. Save big on dress shirts at Charles Tyrwhitt

Screen Shot 2016 04 18 at 10.21.44 AMIf you’re a business professional looking to refresh your wardrobe for spring, make your way to Charles Tyrwhitt. With 10% off everything on the site, you can stock up on shirts, ties, shoes, cuff links, or whatever else you might need to impress at the office.

Used in tandem with its usual "4 shirts for $199" offer, the additional 10% discount brings the price down to just $45 a shirt, saving you $24 on each one you buy. The discount is good through May 5; just remember to use the code “10PER” at checkout.

Charles Tyrwhitt "4 for $199" Slim-Fit Shirts, $179 (originally $199), available at Charles Tyrwhitt. [10% off]


3. Take over half off one of our favorite watches under $300

2Q==We sometimes write about watches without regard for their exorbitant price tags — some timepieces too cool not to share. But we also know that a good amount of watch wearers who read Insider Picks are, ultimately, just looking to get the most bang for their buck. Today, that comes in the form of a sale on a Seiko timepiece. If this one's not your style, you can check our more great watches under $300 here.

Seiko SSC017 Stainless Steel Solar Dive Watch, $189.99 (originally $425), available at Amazon. [55% off]


4. Get our top-pick wall charger for its cheapest price to date

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If you hate waiting for your phone to juice up, this Anker charger is for you. It allows compatible devices to charge at up to four times their normal speed. While it's already available at a discount, you can take an additional $5 off the list price by using the code "Y5CX4CRN" at checkout. The deal is good through the end of the month.

Anker Quick Charge 3.0 18W USB Wall Charger, $16.99 (originally $59.99), available at Amazon.[72% off]


5. Pick up this practical desk gadget for half off

anker usb hubSome laptops have more ports than others; Apple's MacBooks are noticeably lacking. If you find yourself needing more ports — to charge your phone, connect your laptop to a monitor and separate keyboard, or to access files on a flash drive — something like Anker's 10-port USB hub should prove useful. 

Anker 10-Port 60W USB 3.0 Hub, $39.99 (originally $79.99), available at Amazon.[50% off]


 

READ THIS: The best Fitbit for every type of person

SEE ALSO: 9 tech gadgets that’ll make your everyday life easier

DON'T MISS: We’re obsessed with this online mattress that’s perfect for every type of sleeper

Join the conversation about this story »

4 things every guy should know before going to a tailor for the first time

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Going to a tailor can be a daunting experience for a young man.

Many questions are likely swirling through your mind: "How do I know what to ask for?""How do I know if I'm getting my suit tailored the way I want it to be?""What do I even ask for?"

Well, worry no more. Here's your cheat sheet:

Know what tailors can actually do

A tailor is not a miracle worker, and there are only a few set common alterations a tailor will be able to make to your suits and shirts.

According to Primer, here they are:

  • Shortening suit-jacket sleeves
  • Hemming pants to make them shorter
  • Adding or removing pant cuffs
  • Slimming the arms or sides of a suit jacket
  • Slimming the rear and legs of the pants
  • Adding darts to make a dress shirt fit slimmer and shortening the cuffs

Familiarize yourself with the tailor's approach

Tailors are not a one-size-fits-all affair, according to Men's Journal. A traditional Wall Street-style tailor is going to adjust the suit a little more conservatively than one who specializes in the more modern, closer-fitting style.

Know what your tailor is known for, as you might need to give additional instructions to get exactly what you want.

Learn the language

suit_tailor

It's simple, and it's a lot easier to ask for what you want if you know how. Chances are a good tailor will already know what needs to be done, but it will never hurt to be more specific. The three most important terms to know are:

  • Let it out: You want more fabric here
  • Take it in: You want less fabric so it fits closer to the body
  • Break: how your pants will drape over your shoes

With these three under your belt, you'll likely sound like you know what you're talking about, even if you really haven't a clue.

Know what's in style

In order to be certain that what you're asking for is appropriate, you need to know what the current trends are for men's suiting:

  • For shirt cuffs, you're going to want between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch showing.
  • Pant breaks should be kept to little or no break so that the pant flows seamlessly into the shoe with little extra fabric draping over.
  • Jackets should be kept slim-fitting, with only the slightest hint of tugging at the front when buttoned.
  • Pants should be relatively slim-fit and flattering, with a slight taper to your ankles.

SEE ALSO: Why your white dress shirt yellows when you sweat — and how to fix it

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This legendary Hong Kong tailor has outfitted everyone from Prince to Donald Trump

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Sam's Tailor

The late David Bowie and Prince had more in common that just genre-defining music and gender-bending on-stage personas.

They also shared a tailor. Specifically, Sam's Tailor, an unpretentious neon-signed shop in Hong Kong's take on London's famous Savile Row.

Now run by Manu Melwani, the shop has been operating since his father opened it in 1957.

It's an essential stop for everyone visiting the autonomous region, and Melwani counts Queen Elizabeth II, David Bowie, Ronald Reagan, Michael Jackson, Margaret Thatcher, and the late Prince among his clients. 

It's no surprise world travelers and foreign dignitaries alike love Sam's. Melwani offers bespoke, custom-fitted suits that cost less than $500 and are made of top-notch quality by a skilled team of tailors in 24 hours.

Melwani outfitted the Purple Rain rocker when he came to the peninsula in 2003 as part of a world tour, according to Time. Prince knew exactly what he wanted: two suits, both in silver with three buttons. They were cut with a silver lining, and made from Italian silk with no back vent on the jacket. He wanted to wear them for upcoming shows, and needed them in 48 hours. 

Melwani was happy to oblige, and 15 tailors got to work on the garments. The tailor recounts to Time that the singer was "very skinny" and "spoke very little."

Though Melwani's wall is filled with pictures of the famous people he counts as his customers, Prince's picture is missing.

The notoriously secretive musician "didn’t want a picture,” Melwani told Time.

Sam's Tailor

SEE ALSO: 4 things every guy should know before going to a tailor for the first time

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Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds

17 items every man absolutely needs to have in his closet

The biggest mistake guys make with their business attire

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suit

Menswear expert G. Bruce Boyer has some advice for men who wear business attire every day: quit fussing.

The menswear expert included in his book "True Style: The History and Principles of Classic Menswear" what he calls the "big mistakes" that men make when dressing for work.

The number one mistake: making everything look too perfect, Boyer writes.

A bunch of guys wearing an identical suit to the same event emphasizes the idea that business dress is a uniform that can't be altered. Wearing the same suit the same way just highlights that idea even more.

"Everything all matched up makes the uniform obvious, overly fastidious, and blatantly narcissistic," Boyer writes.

Think Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho"— now head toward the opposite of that. Don't worry if your tie is slightly crooked, your hair is slightly out of place, or you can't quite see your reflection in your shoes. Don't worry if everything doesn't match perfectly.

It's ok! We're all human and have imperfections.

A good example of this is when you wear a tie. Unless your tie is a clip-on (which it shouldn't be...), you can expect it to never quite be perfect. Maybe you're wearing it a little off-center, or maybe it's slightly too long. 

Don't worry about it! Pursuit of perfection is misguided — if every man who wears a suit to the office is pursuing the same idea of perfection, every suit will look exactly the same. Then, everyone really will look like office drones.

"Individuality should be in evidence, quietly," Boyer writes.

SEE ALSO: 4 big mistakes guys make with their business attire, according to a menswear expert

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NOW WATCH: This is what you get when you spend $15,000 a night on a hotel room in Vegas

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