Men’s Guide To Business-Casual – The Summer Edition
Paying Attention To The Details
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Men's Short Hairstyles
Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
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Celebrity Hairstyles
Introduction
The world is changing; the whole concept of what makes a man, what constitutes manliness and what is/isn’t acceptable of the male image is undergoing perhaps its biggest transformation in recent memory. As our attitudes change so to do our clothes, the social stigma and the attitudes of those around us. The way we approach our clothes, style and general body maintenance has come a very long way, but such movement has also led to controversy. Whilst developments in this field can for the most part be considered positive, there are also a few things that divide opinion, often leading to fierce debate.
Society has moved on sufficiently enough to make it more acceptable for men to care about almost every aspect of their image. No longer is their a need to rely on the age old idea of a man’s man – the kind of fearsome male that could fight off a bear, whilst holding aloft a fair maiden and who thought shopping was the sole domain of women.
Now men can groom and style, preen and pamper to their hearts content and the world doesn’t bat an eyelid.
Caring for yourself to this level makes you the exception to the rule; a man that stands out because he cares about his image, doing everything in his power to ensure he looks as good as possible. But just how far can we go?
The Debate – How Far Can We Push Masculinity?
The most obvious change in this attitude is how it is now expected of men to be on top of their image at all times. Looks have begun to play more of a part in this competitive world. First appearances are everything, we do not have time for second chances or the ‘get to know you’ phase – any man that lags behind with his image will get left behind.
But despite these new developments, just how far we can take the male obsession with image is still a big topic of debate. No one can deny that the relaxation of the social attitude has come from the fact that more and more men are taking a keen interest in the way they look and the clothes they wear, but the extent to which individuals immerse themselves in the world of fashion varies quite dramatically.
Whilst some can happily spend hours searching through photos of the big fashion shows, always looking to get the next big thing or push their style to another level, others are more interested in creating a consistent and classic image based on heritage and versatility than the trends (the style Vs fashion debate). You also have people that are very concerned by what they wear, but solve the problem by following the majority – dressing in whatever everyone else is wearing.
How far an individual delves into his image – how far they are willing to go to create their perfect idea – depends on the person, but it could well be argued that we are now reaching a tipping point.
As image conscious males, are we now taking this modern acceptance for granted, straying too far away from the traditional idea of what makes a man?
The Feminine Issue
The concept of manliness, particularly in this day and age, has become much harder to define. Is a man a rugged, hairy chested man’s man (as described earlier) or one that has managed to incorporate more feminine qualities?
The modern idea of a man is much more convoluted and the word feminine can crop up quite a lot.
One of my friends was recently complaining about his stubble making his skin itchy and dry; I promptly told him that he needed to start moisturising and his reaction was to exclaim that he wasn’t a girl and that moisturising was ridiculous. I replied that he would henceforth be banned from complaining about his itchy skin because he refused to do anything about it. One of my other friends got in on this moisturising is for girls action as well, but whilst it is plainly ridiculous, the point they raise is quite important.
We can all agree that there are essentials of body maintenance; we must shave (or trim our beards), wash our bodies and moisturise our skin to keep it healthy. But at what point do men stop? To what level can we ascend before we begin to push the upper limits of acceptability?
In recent weeks, we have had articles that have covered the topic of pedicures, make-up, body hair trimming, fake tanning and all manner of things designed to make us look our best. But which of these is unacceptable? Which of these (if any) pushes us too far away from any concept of manliness that still exists. Does having a shaved chest take away one of the manliest things around, hair, or does it make us more desirable to women (or men) who now prefer a smooth body?
Society might be able to accept some degree of male grooming, but at the back of everyone’s mind there must still be a pervading image of the rugged man – everyone’s knight in shining armour.
More and more we hear talk of the benefits of make-up, being able to hide the small blemishes that might otherwise blight our carefully considered outfits. But there is a big divide between those who have made this leap and those who have not, those who understand the need for make up and those whose idea of being a man prevents them from taking that final step. But which group has it right?
Top Grooming Products
Below you can find some of the top grooming products on the market. It is clear to see how far we have come; you will find everything from hair straighteners and styling gels to eye, lip and feet care products to anti-ageing specific solutions like overnight creams and hair loss solutions.
This explosion and exponential progression of the industry can only be a good thing if we want to look our best on an everyday basis – but do we really need tinted moisturisers, foot creams and make-up? It really all depends on your views of what makes a ‘man’ and what, ultimately, makes you feel your best:
- Baxter Of California Slick Pomade 60ml
- American Crew Hair Recovery Anti-hair Loss Shampoo 250ml
- Ghd Gold Mini Styler
- Burts Bees Shea Butter Hand Creme
- Aveda Foot Relief 125ml
- Tweezerman Pedro Callus Stone
- Tweezerman Slant Tweezer Stainless Steel
- Anthony Logistics For Men Ingrown Hair Treatment 70g
- Clarins Clarinsmen Line-control Balm 50ml
- Brave Soldier Lip Defender 8g
- No7 For Men Rapid Revival Eye Roll-on
- No7 For Men Energising Moisturiser
- No7 For Men Gradual Tan Face Spf 15
- Guyliner Disguys Concealer – Medium
- Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Body Wash 300ml
The Clothes
Alongside this issue of femininity, we must also consider the actual clothes we wear. How does the way we dress impact on the world around us. Does our sense of style and our desire to dress impeccably well, often in a way that only a select few will truly appreciate, alienate us from society?
Do we push ourselves too far with our personal styles? I’m sure that many of you are guilty of never really being able to relax because you are permanently thinking about the way you are dressed. I don’t think it would be unfair to say that this could be seen as a bit vulgar, unnecessary, vain or inappropriate. Whilst first impressions are important, it is certainly possible to over-obsess with image.
I for one know that the vast majority of people think I’m a bit of a loser for combing my hair as I walk along the street. What I feel is completely necessary (and secretly a bit cool) others find ridiculous. I can see their point – we all like to look good, but it shouldn’t start to dictate our lives.
Peer pressure is also a massive factor in how far we are willing to go. If all your friends are doing something then you don’t want to be the one that gets left out. On the other hand, if your friends don’t like a particular style/item then you probably aren’t going to wear it. This applies to almost every aspect of the male image – from clothes to grooming, from the obvious to the more obscure.
This pressure is a limiting factor on either side. On the one hand, it prevents you from dressing a particular way or partaking in a particular grooming regime because you know it wouldn’t fit in, but it also means you do something else because you know it will work within your group.
The boundaries of acceptable fashion are increasingly being blurred and style is constantly being pushed to its limits. You could argue that the edge of what is acceptable is now being pushed just for the sake of it, in order to be so different that no one else can come close to you. One only has to take a casual browse through street style blogs or lookbooks to see where fashion is going, but is it all necessary?
In the real world, taking your obsession with your image too far is just as bad as not doing anything with it at all. There must be a balance between the need to look good and the relaxed acceptance of your body as it is. There is a clear divide between taking care of yourself and becoming a social pariah because of the way you create yourself.
Constructing your perfect image is about striking a balance. Make the most of a renewed and accepting society, but don’t take this new freedom for granted by stepping too far from the basic elements that make us men.
Product Picks
To help illustrate my point, here is a selection of product picks that will tickle the fancies of anyone looking to make a menswear statement as well as cater for those that want something a little more reserved and classic.
- Asos Oxford Shirt
- Levis Monochrome Blue 2 Worn In 511 Slim Jeans
- Topman Nautical Blue Skinny Chinos
- J.crew Waffle-knit Shawl-collar Cotton Cardigan
- Topman Burgundy Swallow Print Short Sleeve Shirt
- Allsaints Cargo Biker Leather Jacket
- Allsaints Spires Blazer
- Reiss Varnish Long Sleeve Mercerised Polo
- Oliver Spencer Fair Isle-sleeved Wool-blend Bomber Jacket
- Worland White Paisley Pocket Tee
- Our Legacy Mens 1950s Great Sweat
- Asos Skinny Cord Shorts
- Grenson Tan Grain Leather William Brogues
- Nike blazer High Vintage
- Reiss Brunswick Smart Loafers
- Uniform Wares 150 Series Slim Steel Wristwatch
- Asos Mustard Plait Belt
- L.g.r. X Oki-ni Limited Edition Maputo Sunglasses
Final Word
Now it’s time for your thoughts:
- How far do you think men can go?
- Has male grooming gone a bit too far?
- Has menswear started to push unacceptable boundaries?
- What is your idea of a MAN?
- How do you think society has dealt with the shift in attitudes? Do you think there actually has been a shift?
- Do you feel that some men take things too far?
- What are your thoughts on male make-up?
Let me know in the comments below.
Will.
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A Guide To: Men’s Italian Style
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Back To Top
I, like most readers I would imagine, have received snide remarks when I mention some of my grooming regimes. The look of shock and disbelief on my masculine inclined friends faces when I tell them that I trim my body hair or that I own a hair dryer, it’s quite remarkable.
I have had my sexuality questioned many times just because of the fact that I dress well. Although if you couple that with the fact I work in theatre and I am of a slender frame, it doesn’t make my case for being heterosexual any stronger haha.
Having said that, I have seen a change in attitude. I have had male friends phone me whilst they are clothes shopping asking me for advice, rather than talking to one of the shop assistants.
I do believe the tide is changing. I am noticing more boys/men are becoming more aware of how they look, and living Essex you do stand out if you make an effort. But it is very samey in the fashion sense, last year it was tobacco chinos, white tee and a blue gilet, this year you would do well to go 30 seconds without seeing a snapback planted on someones head.
I think that there has been a shift towards a more feminised look for men over the last decade or so. But lately it seems to be shifting in the opposite direction with men embracing a more rugged look, more stubble and breads on show.
I have noticed that there seems to be a correlation between the state of the economy and how men dress. It is just me or were men more androgynous and effeminate during the boom years?. Now that the economy is going down the tubes there seems to be a shift towards a more masculine image, is this driven by how females respond to feast and famine?.
Your thoughts on this guys.
Very interesting comment ^
I seem to remember there being a few studies that showed that in times of trouble, women are more attracted to and look for men that can keep them safe and look after them. A masculine image denotes confidence and power and a stronger survival instinct.
Seems logical and I’m sure that for some people this is the case but I can’t see it being the case across the board.
While I agree there does seem to be a correlation between good economic or social times and the more androgynous look, there is another side to consider. One of the classic male archetypes, generally referred to as the dandy specialises in playing with gender and androgynous styles, look at Beau Brummel and many of trend setters of that era and you’ll see things such as men’s corsetry and the adoption of what were referred to a feminine attributes.
While most men didn’t go as far as the dandies they did use their excesses to add some touches of the same. We may have gone or are going through a similar period. Dandies are also characterised often as profligate spenders, and so with the return of lean times they is a back swing away from that and back to the more aggressively masculine.
Those friends that mocked you for combing your hair in the street, do any of them smoke? There are other contrived actions we do in the name of being cool, but there is a line. There is more pressure now in society for men to put more effort into their appearance, I just wish that men would start admitting this and stop pretending that it doesn’t matter to them when in reality they have insecurities about how they look/present.
I told a friend recently that I was thinking about investing in the concealer you have above and she laughed in my face! Other than that though I’ve really noticed a shift particularly at Uni. Its now a lot more casual to talk about trimming body hair and the like. Much better for it I say I can’t stand this whole ‘man’s man’ thing that’s prevailed during my upbringing.
one thing im interested to know is, is there such a thing as too masculine nowadays??
now i’ll be the first to admit im not the most fashion conscious (thats why i visit this site, to learn). but being a 6″2 quite muscular man with a beard and chest hair, the majority of ‘fashionable’ clothing look silly on me. skinny jeans or chinos look silly over my thighs and fit can be a big issue, sometimes having to buy the next waist size up.
with the majority of girls out there seeming to be being drawn towards the skinny jeans wearing imaculately groomed guys that spend more time on the way they look than the girl does, is there a place for the more rugged masculine man nowadays?
Sorry dude, there is no way girls be even vaguely interested in guys like you…
Poor you, being all tall and muscular:).
Seriously, get your s**t together. I’d love being taller and (a bit more) muscular.
No way! Girls seem to always go for the protein gulpin, rugby playing meatheads! Don’t no where you hang out, we should swap towns.
Your image should stem from your character; it’s about what works for you and what you feel comfortable with.
A person who pushes forward an image but leaves behind their character is extremely undesirable. (it’s called a fashion victim)
The constructions of “masculinity” has been something that I have been obsessing about for the last couple months, and I am very happy you guys have addressed the push away from traditional masculinity. I myself am conflicted with how I present myself, and how I will construct my image, but I find that to be a product of my surroundings–being both an American, and living in a small, Conservative city. I do think it is important to push against the accepted forms of manliness, and I have a great deal of respect for those designers who have been pushing against the grain in that regard.
I think it is much more difficult for this to be done within the male realm than with women. This comes from the assumed dominant role that men have played inside society for basically forever. If you look at women, they have been able to move into specifically gendered clothes and styles much easier than men have, which comes from the feminist movements, but also because the concepts of masculinity have always been more rigid. From my own perspective, masculinity is still necessarily defined by a sort of alpha male sexual promiscuity, which demands exaggerated masculinity.
To move against this construction of the masculine, there needs to be push in the opposite direction. It is, of course dependent on a person’s willingness, and interest in creating a sort of polar masculinity, but I feel that as long as we are discussing it, and addressing it, and not necessarily damning it, we are moving in the right direction.
Masculinity is a complex issue, but also one that is ‘in the eye of the beholder’.
The point is it’s rather hard to define, i would suggest that the key constituent in masculinity is a confidence in oneself rather than in an image. If a man is confident and chooses his clothes and/or cosmetics based on preference (hopefully with some adherence to style) then he will appear masculine. Take the Italians for example, they are a culture that prides themselves on their masculinity and their appearance, seemingly striking a balance.
So I say dress how you like, use whatever cosmetics you desire, as long as you do it with confidence you will maintain your masculinity.
Confidence and the way you carry yourself makes such a difference. The way you walk, the way you look at people (or not) as you walk down the street and your demeanour in general are huge factors in how people perceive you, regardless of what you wear.
The aritcle mentions that people have no time to get to know one another and that first impressions are the only chance to portray your image – I dont wish to surround myself with people of such little integrity!
As mentioned above, masculinity is how you carry yourself… who cares if you use concealer? (I do!)
You only have to please yourself :)
I’m all for spending more time on yourself and the way you look, and accepting grooming products into my life has been one of the best choices i have ever made (although i never actually saw an issue with it). I do however draw the line at make-up and spray on tans, not because it’s for females, but because i feel as if it’s not you and i shouldn’t have to paint myself to look better, with something so temporary and fake.
Great to hear people’s opinions – keep them coming guys.
Great article, all the guys will agree that looking good and making an effort will get you the occasional ignorant comment, which is just that, always from people who hide their own insecurities about striding out and looking good, so don’t let it stop you. Living in the moment is very important, therefore enjoying that moment by looking and feeling good is just as important. I have nothing but respect for lads who take care of themselves and their appearance and I for one will be continuing to look good and where required, push the boundaries.
I believe men can go as far as they please with out the unintended; Feminine or homosexual context. If a man is comfortable doing and dressing the way he pleases then I for one praise him.
Grooming. I think I would have to be to far if guys start anal bleaching and waxing. I think that is where it goes over board. But, with cosmetics industry advancing rapidly. It is personal business.
Men are the species that make all the rules and break all the rules. Count me in for pushing the boundaries.
My idea of a man is a guy who is comfortably 101% with himself, who he is, what he is, and who he stands for. On that note not going to go into the closet cases.
YES! Society day by day is coming more acceptable to change. I for one believe change is the best thing to any bad thing. There has been a tidal shift in attitudes. We are growing as a society day by day and that is a huge benefit.
I don’t want men to think its right or wrong. It is there for us to use as a personal choice. Who gives a F$#@!
Make up the best solution to a mess. I’m for it.
I think the limits on mens grooming and fashion are that of women – in a completely non gender specific way. Anyone can moisturise, have a bit of fake tan or whatever and it can look good, and it can look ‘normal’ – but it can also look ridiculous. I see many women that wear too much fake tan and see that the same as a man. Centuries ago men wore make up, high heeled shoes and had long hair – it just depends on the social norm at that time. There is no right and wrong.
In terms of menswear pushing unacceptable boundaries I’d say their is no such thing. I would wear anything that I thought looked good. Mens ‘normal’ clothes, mens extravagant clothes, but also womens if I thought it pulled off what I wanted.
A man to me is a social construct – and really any masculine idea or ideals do not exist in any objective way. A male is a human and that’s as far as it goes for me. I detest the idea of manliness and am probably its’ antithesis. Though I have seen, over the last year or two a change in how drastic you have to dress to be noticed. A few years ago, if I wore shorts that weren’t cargo shorts or swim shorts I was a girly freak, but now with all the bright colours I’ve adopted over 12 months, no one seems to see it out of place now. Which is great I think.
And for make up – I dare say I’ll have a different opinion than most on here. Make up for me is a look enhancer and artistic outlet – I see little point in wearing foundation and concealer unless it is a base for a look to be placed upon it. Be that eye shadow and eyeliner or something much more exciting.
Good comment, I agree.
Just wear what you identify yourself with and feel comfortable in. I really think it’s that simple.
You lost me at the GHD Hair straightener and the concealer.
There’s a fine line between caring about your looks and scrubbing up presentable, and absolute vain douchery. No guy should ever feel the need/self consciousness to use a hair straightener and guy makeup.
I can just see Cary Grant and James Dean looking down on us, shaking their heads at what ‘manscaping’ has evolved into.
Is it alright for women to use straighteners and concealer?
If so, what makes it gender specific?
Yes it is, and you know it is so don’t bother with that sort of logic.
I could ask you in return- Is it alright for women to shave their faces? To let their arm hair grow long and fruitful?
There are gender established traits and norms, and there are things which we (the greater collective society) also frown upon. You could just as well say that one shouldn’t feel the need to conform to the collective, or be apart of the ‘established’ or whatever, but hey.. Feel free to wear as much concealer as you want and get the straightest hair possible. You can get viewed at by other guys (and most girls; lets be serious here- women don’t want to date a guy who wears makeup) as an oddball and what is most commonly nowadays referred to as a Douché.
I’m not sure if you were insinuating that you use concealer/straighter your hair, or anything of that sort, or you were just spurring conversation. Anyway, what do you think?
Not so – like I said in my previous post, throughout the last 1000 years men have transitioned from not wearing make up and high heels, to to wearing them, and then back again. This is another part of that cycle. Gender identities are defined by the time they exist in – we are in a transition it seems. What is socially accepted now, wasn’t 70 years ago. It mutates along with morality.
And no, I have no problem with women shaving their faces and leaving everything else. Continental Europe has a minority of women unshaven still, and I don’t find it disgusting.
I’ve no need to straighten my hair, or the need for concealer – but I wouldn’t have qualms with using either. I’ve used makeup from time to time, eyeliner or eyeshadow. It’s not the norm, however I don’t feel the need to conform to such.
Im with Ed on this one, BUT having previously used a straightener myself i would say you can make masculine hairstyles with it if you want, and i do use concealer when i have a nasty spot.
Yes these products ARE gender specific lets not forget but its how you use them e.g. i pluck the middle of my eyebrows to avoid a unibrow, but i have never even thought of shaping my eyebrows. i think understanding that i am using a womens product means i take more care to not overdo it because i have technically overstepped the mark, so i just use the products not to look ugly.
Androgyny is a no no for me im NOT going to argue on that again, but manliness is about confidence but also how you carry yourself, there is a gay guy in our class and although he is confident in who he is, (respect,) his demeanour is VERY feminine.
About masculine trends being implemented during recession, although i believe that to be true to an extent, i also believe that it is cyclical, in that once everyone has become masculine brutes, fashion changes so there can be dandies that stand out from the crowd, and vis a vis.
My thinking is use what you NEED to look normal in terms of make up, and wear what you want, as long as you not just trying to be different. But whatever you do, do it with confidence.
This is a great article and something that i talk about alot, both at home and in the office.
The main comment that sparks it off is ‘ you would make a great women’ . why would i make a good women, i cant bear children, couldnt brestfeed oh you mean because I buy clothes and tak an active intrest in how I present myself. these conversations do seem to happen on a regualr basis with more and more sexuality comments creeping into the mix.
With this at the forefront i can say attitudesa have started to move on but not as far as they seem. you can be different as long as its not too different, you can preen and lookafter yourself as loog as it doesnt look like you have and you can buy new clothes as long as you dont discuss where you got them and for how much becasue these still sit in the relams of the female domain.
personally I have a great ring of friends who will talk about new things, going with style and new grooming products. most wont amit to trying them but will ask for advice ‘for a mate’ so it is nice to be seen as peron in the know but i get it all from you lot!
so in finishing i think their is still a long way to go but more with the female acceptance of the change in masclinity than the males view on it.