Fashion week around the world is a place where fashionistas can spread their avant-garde, fashion wings. London Fashion Week AW10 was no exception.

LFW saw men take on skirts, fur, even heels, in fact this year the male of the species was definitely not fading into the background. Imagine a beautiful, country manor house surrounded by peacocks; that would be the best way to describe Somerset House on Menswear day.

There were times when I just sat, drank coffee, (*ahem*, Champagne) and watched people strut around in their killer heels, plumage and all.

I know not all of you guys want to look like a bird that’s so full of itself it hurts. And practicality prevents us from strutting down the street in a pair of architectural laser cut heels.

So I have carefully selected some great, slightly less avant-garde street style looks from this year, which you can adapt and interpret into your own style. Enjoy…

Editor Note: We are going to be grouping the pictures together in order to keep it in line with the site layout, so if there is a comment to go with the image, it will clearly describe which photo it relates to. Ben

Ryan, Nathalie and Devon

First up we have Ryan who wore:

• Jeans: Uniqlo
• Coat: Reiss
• Trainers: Nike
• Man Clutch: Reiss
• Scarf: Paul Smith

Next we have Devon and Nathalie (I know their Mini Celebs):

Nathalie

• Jeans: Topshop
• Boots: Topshop

Devon

• Jeans: G-Star
• Boots: Kurt Geiger

Chon, Headwear and Gloves

[Left Image] This picture of Chon doesn’t really do his drop crotch trousers much justice. They were AMAAAAZING!
Chon wore:

• Trousers: Comme Des Garcons
• Scarf: Topshop
• Bracelet: Topman

Unfortunately I didn’t get the time to stop every incredible looking person and note down each item of their daily get up (maybe if I’d spent less time drinking bubbly), but I still managed to get some great snaps of the fashion Divos.

[Middle Image] There were a lot of trilbies and bowler hats even the occasional top hat, but this teeny weenie little piece of headwear (that he clearly stole from a tiny lepricorn) was definitely one of a kind.

[Right Image] “Oh my days” check out those blue leather driving gloves. I am actually having my hair dyed this colour after seeing this guy.

Orange Knits, Great Bags and Best Dressed

[Left Image] I couldn’t decide if this was Henry Holland in disguise or not, and I am still none the wiser. Well he looked good anyway. This guy oozed cool: drop crotch trousers, bright chunky knit jumper and a cute little vintage watch. This is definitely a future wardrobe choice. I might replace the jumper and scarf with a stud embellished T for a summers evening outfit.

[Middle Image] “Hello bag, where have you been all my life?”

[Right Image] For me this guy took the award for best dressed male. He was so on it, in terms of being fashion forward. Rolled up, drop crotch pants worn with thick knit socks and big boots, black professor cape (the non super hero type) finished with black leather gloves and a bowler hat. Love it.

Great Mac, Sherlock Holmes and Great Eyewear

[Middle Image] Love this outfit. His coat is gorgeous, In-fact I was tempted to mug him. I love the red corduroy blazer with the red piping of the coat. Sherlock Holmes in the 70’s maybe? And the bag, I was using exactly the same bag as him this day…

Blazer With Hoodie, Cool Model and No Socks

[Left Image] I am not a huge fan of hoodies with blazers, but this guy pulled it off really well. And look at his funny Sasquatch hands.

[Middle Image] What can I say, he’s a model it’s his job to look cool.

[Right Image] Rolled pant legs and either no socks or statement socks is going to be a BIG look again this year. Here we have a great example from one of the brave men risking English weather with no socks!

Conclusion

I hope you’ve spotted something here that inspires an outfit idea, or you’ve just enjoyed looking at pictures of the CFB’s, (Crazy Fashion Boys).

I love street style articles, partly because I like looking at the pictures, but mainly because it’s a nice way to find outfit inspiration. You get to see clothes on real people, and in bad cases see others make the mistakes you can now AVOID.

I have to give a big shout out to my photography friends who took the snaps for me, as I’m completely inept when it comes to modern technology. Lauren French at www.LaurenFrench.com and Riad Hawa at www.eve-gordon.com

Is street style something you would like to see more of? If so, I’d better start getting some camera practice.

Big Love,
Jacob Kamara

Editor Take: Jacob and Street Style

I hope you enjoyed these street style photographs. Fashion weeks are truly inspiring if you love fashion as the outfits are always extravagant, but look amazing. A lot of this might be not your style, but you can take inspiration from everywhere in life, and there will be bits in each outfit you might like to add to your look… whether it be a “fit”, colour combination or just that key accessory.

When the site redesign is finished we are hopefully going to have a regularly updated street style section which will definitely server to inspire and provide outfits for you throughout the year. What I love most is that street style normally proves you do not have to spend the earth to look good. When we have taken photos before you will find a LOT of the clothes come from River Island, Topman, H&M and the like, but then mixed in with great statement pieces from the high fashion designers. This is how to think whilst you are shopping… sometimes you need to spend good money on timeless investment pieces, but you also need to look for those bargains that will complement your personal LOOK and style. It can be done and it is a skill, but we will help you every step of the way as much as we can.

One final word on Jacob… As you can see on the right, the guy has a flair for fashion AND style. I am really pleased to have him on board and he is a big part of the site’s future. He is going to be concentrating more on the high fashion side from now, as we both feel it will round out the site nicely. He will also have a regular column along with Luke and some of the other main writers once we relaunch, so look out for this!

For now keep in touch with Luke and Jacob on our Twitter Page.

Bags of Style

“The Man Bag (the-man-bag) – noun

A place for the modern day gent to carry his tools of the trade. Born from the metro-sexual phenomenon of the 90’s, the man bag is a style essential that comes in many different shapes, sizes and materials and is now widely used, even by those who first ridiculed its creation.”

It’s been nearly a decade since Jude Law and David Beckham helped open our eyes to the benefits of the ’man bag’, and while the term now seems outdated, the concept is still very much alive. Rather than being an accessory born from its female counterpart, today’s man bag needs to be a whole lot more than a bit of arm candy, it needs to be functional, stylish and above all – masculine. In 2010, a man’s affection for his bag need no longer be a hidden love affair. The man bag has cemented its place as a style essential – just as long as it’s not too feminine. Splitting my search into four key categories I’ve hunted down the best of the bags for Spring/Summer 2010.

Bags For Work

Spring/Summer 2010 office fashion sees the return of power dressing. With competition in the workplace tougher than ever, it’s time you smartened your look with sharp suits, an even shaper intellect and a power-accessory that combines timeless elegance and business-like practicality. Whether you need to carry your laptop, vital paper work or just your cheese and pickle sandwich, invest in a stylish work bag to ensure you look the business.

Casual Bags

All work and no play makes for a very dull boy, so while power dressing has re-emerged in the work place, outside of 9 to 5 the emphasis is on taking fun very seriously indeed. Perfect for the gym, the beach or around town this seasons casual bags are mod-inspired and awash with colour so don’t be afraid to be bold and experiment.

Bags For Travel

Because of travel restrictions, getting from A to B now requires a little more shrewd planning. The celebrities are well versed at strutting through airports with designer luggage, and while we can take inspiration from their man bags, sunglasses inside are very much a no-no. The emphasis this Spring is on lightweight coats, mini sized grooming products, and luggage that allows you to travel in both style and practicality. The leather holdall is a timeless classic, but don’t overlook canvas as your fabric of choice for a more relaxed look with a vintage military feel.

Multitaskers

With as much storage as style, these multitasking bags will cover even the most demanding daily schedules and are still portable enough to carry around without leaving you with the posture of the hunchback of Notre Dame. The canvas bags continue the retro explorer feel with a vintage take on the modern shoulder bag but it’s the tote bag or ’shopper’ that is fast becoming the man bag of choice. Simple but oh so effective, these bags are widely available in a variety of styles and colours, but I particularly like how the examples below give a more sophisticated edge.

So I’ll be the first to admit that I am running low on ‘men’s basics’ to cover these days. I look back on the previous instalments and I’m pleased with how they’ve turned out and also just how MUCH we’ve covered together. However, I feel that our time together may be drawing to an end soon but never fear; I still have some aces up my sleeve before it’s all said and done.

I was walking through town the other day trying to get ideas for an article, watching all the unwanted winter stock getting shoved into smaller and smaller corners like your ugly cousin at a wedding and being replaced with all the new and shiny things of summers to come… when I came across an item that had escaped my mind for the past few months. A waistcoat. Suddenly, all sorts of images flashed across my mind, Justin Timberlake videos, Tom Ford in his three piece suits and Paul Newman looking like the coolest man alive in his tweed version from the 60’s. And I remembered just what we’d all been missing out on in this harsh winter we’ve had.

Waistcoats are great… brilliant… fantastic or any other superlative that takes your fancy. Despite what others may think, they are an extremely versatile asset to your wardrobe and will always add a unique twist and dash of sophistication to your ensemble. Nothing can quite beat the powerful demeanour of a man in a three-piece suit in the office (just think of Al Pacino in the Godfather films) or how the right waistcoat can straddle ‘casual’ and ‘formal’ like no other clothing can.

As always guys, the fit is EVERYTHING. Make sure that it is cut with high armholes so you can have more movement and less restriction and that it has a snug but not tight fit to your body. Similarly, don’t be wearing your looser fitting shirts or t-shirts with waistcoats because it creates a billowing effect at the shoulders and waist that just looks untidy generally.

When it comes to style and material, there is as much variety out there for waistcoats as there is for blazers right now. You can buy them seasonally with tweeds and herringbones for the colder months and cotton for the summer. You can go for them in standard neutral tones, bright bursts of colour or even plaids, checks and gingham patterns. In the end, it will come down to your personal preference and what you want out of your waistcoats. For more versatility, start off with neutral tones like grey, black and navy that will be easier to pair with what’s already in your wardrobe, then graduate to the colours and the patterns. And when you do, remember to keep your other pieces simple and neutral in colour so as not to detract from the focal point of your outfit; the waistcoat itself.

Ways To Wear

And as always here are some fool proof ways of wearing a waistcoat: -

• A real easy way of incorporating a waistcoat is by pairing it with things you’re already familiar and comfortable with. Try some dark denim jeans and your favourite neutral coloured printed/graphic t-shirt with a dressy black cotton waistcoat. Reach for that trusty pair of Jack Purcell Converse’s or Adidas Stan Smiths and a black trilby to round things off in style.
• Since chinos will be really big this summer and next autumn, pair your waistcoat with these as well. If your chinos are on the darker side like navy or black reach for a white shirt with black or brown stripes and a lighter grey waistcoat. If you’ve got the traditional camel/beige chinos then contrast them with a black waistcoat instead.
• A look that I always seem to end up in – dark denim Jeans, a slim fitting smart striped or plaid shirt in reds, blues or pinks and a medium grey tweed waistcoat. Rounded off with a grey drivers cap I recently got from Topman and some brown loafers, black Chelsea Boots or navy boat shoes.
• Finally, one for the office/formal events and really simple to pull off. Buy the waistcoat as well as the suit but leave the jacket at home. Pair it with a simple shirt in white, blue or pink, a colourful stripe tie and some black brogues for a different but commanding take on how to wear a suit.

The Final Word

Finally, a word on buttons. As some of you will find, there are some waistcoats available that have all there buttons low down and the V is similarly cut low as well. These are fine and should always be buttoned due to the way they have been designed. However, for the standard 5-button waistcoats in a traditional cut, try to leave the top and bottom button undone to allow more room for movement or leave completely unbuttoned instead for a more casual look. Other than that, go go go! Get yourself a waistcoat lads.

Until next week
Matt Allinson

Basic Waistcoats

Topman

All Saints

ASOS

MyWardrobe

Editor Introduction

Yvadney is one of women’s fashion writers who has a keen eye for all things to do with fashion. Her expertise actually comes in the form of analysing current trends, catwalk shows and collections for right on the money predictions about where fashion is heading. I LOVE this post and I hadn’t even thought about the recent move towards a more masculine look this year until she pointed it out right under my nose! Obviously with all the workerwear that was present at the end of last year, and even myself writing about denim shirts last week, I still failed to notice that two of the biggest commercial brands on the high street were really pushing this ethos through. As mentioned in the article below, French Connection have made a whole advertising campaign based on “The Man” and even All Saints have leant towards a new older model who is more rugged and manly than their usual pretty boy rockers. So embrace the trend/style this year and be a MAN.

From boys to Men

Here’s a trend that really pushes the limits of men’s style. Forget the dandy! Metrosexual – be gone! They’re both so circa 2009. The latest look to do the rounds is… The Man. That’s it, back to basics, straight forward and masculine clothes to make a man out of a boy. Born out of the practical workwear of the industrial revolution, the shirts are plain, trousers loose fitting, jackets boxy and shoes chunky and worn. Colour is equally restrained and urban; using greys, chalk, black and white, while sunbleached blues and tans compliment the look. Think of traditionally manly careers, like carpenters, miners and even prisoners(!) and mix it up with the austerity of Savile Row tailoring. David Beckham in his double denim and a bearded Brad Pitt now that he’s harassed by Angie and kids. A simple equation really, it’s a no nonsense style which is made to last.

Alexander McQueen’s SS10 collection is the perfect starting point. Faded denim jackets, paint splattered jeans and collarless shirts, while simple in concept, were executed to perfection. Where Dior Homme brought the manorexic look to the noughties, this season’s range, while still Gothic, was transformed for the tweenies with slouchy trousers and draped flannel outerwear. The tailoring was loose and tonal, at Costume National, founded on minimalism and classic fit. While even D&G beefed it up, presenting a rugged masculine look, albeit a combination of Auntie’s romantic novel hero and John Wayne. None the less, the denim was torn and distressed with scuffed work boots, even the models were butch and brooding.

So, on to the high street and once you fight your way through all the male leggings, pastel jeans and pop coloured t-shirts you’ll find Man clothes. These are wardrobe essentials every man should own; such as a decent chambray shirt, cashmere jumper, gibson shoes and a waterproof jacket with handy pockets. French Connection launched it’s Spring collection, with a new campaign featuring a full-bearded Gallic telling it as it is. He wears stylish clothes with practicality at the forefront of his mind. He doesn’t do colour, bar monochrome, grey and blue – he will not be swayed by sequins or floral print. That is to say, in the simplicity of simple jeans, shirts, jumpers and jackets, the Man look oozes rugged masculinity. Rugged, utilitarian and designed for the rough stuff, this look is hard wearing just like the wearer.

Man on the Catwalks

Man Advertising Campaigns

The Man Rules

Man rules:

• Less is more, so avoid slogans, layers or pattern
• Go for head to toe denim, that;s a denim shirt tucked into jeans
• Straight cut jeans are perfect for that authentic, classic fit
• Keep your neck line round, that’s crew neck jumpers and collarless shirts
• When you do wear a traditional shirt, button it to the top and tuck it in
• Roll the hem of your trousers up just once
• Shoes should be round toe
• You’ll know your blazer is loose enough if you can twist it at least 45°
• Don’t be sloppy and take work wear too literally. Everything should be crease-free and tucked in.
• Work on a deep bellowing voice
• Grow a beard and if that’s too much then stubble will do

Man Picks

Introduction

Time to be shady about events.

It happens twice every year, four if you’re a real stickler, but leave the pedantic geography teacher at the door. I’m talking about seasonal change. No matter how prepared you anticipate you are; you never are. The first day that the sun arrives is the day it all goes tits up.

You end up fighting with the single Mum holstering two melting, sticky ice lollies for the best spot on the green. She, at the same time, seems to be employing her shins to carry her two brats from; both of whom are in equal stickiness. The sun, in all its rarity seems to bring about a plunder of nostalgia amongst middle aged men turning the park into Vietnam with Frisbees and badly monitored chest hair. And you can’t help but notice the whale from across the way that may as well sun-screen her back with a paste brush for efficiency. But don’t worry about that just yet. It is not of course until you stand in complete cynicism of your Summer wardrobe that you realise “you weren’t ready were you?”

A true gentleman would approach his Summer wardrobe the same as he would his Winter: with care and intelligence and with a heavy advancement about it. He would define who he is, who he wants to be, what trend he will emanate. He would write all of this down. Then he would throw it away.

A man who carries himself with dignity and pride will define who he is through his actions. He will only want to be who he has become. And he will characterise the trend, not allow the trend to characterise him.

In the first of all that is summer essential, I will be showing you how to fashion sunglasses, for your style, for your trend and most importantly, for your face shape. If you are going to do something, do it with effort (and a little bit of flamboyance). A man who gives anything less than his all deserves nothing more than a brisk encounter with a cigarette lighter. Too far?

A man who puts on sunglasses is hiding something.
A man who wears sunglasses is telling you something.
But a man who wears sunglasses correctly is showing you something. Style.

WWII may have been an event you failed to attend. Top gun may have been the best film you never sat through. James Dean’s fame, Jacqui Onassis’ style and John Lennon’s drug abuse might just be a smudge on your page of history. But all these events, people and places epitomise the iconic eyewear of modern fashion. And they didn’t get there by wearing the wrong shades.

Arguably, the key looks for SS10 are more diverse than they have ever been in past years. There has never been a bigger gap for error. And never a better time to educate yourself.

Anatomy

This is one anatomy class you can’t fall asleep in; or giggle at for that matter, unless you’re into that sort of thing in which case – stay away from my Ray Bans! I just wanted to point out that if no one compliments my anatomical drawing, I will resign from FashionBeans!

Here is all the nooks and crannies of the classic eye suave:

1. Lens
2. Rim/ Frame
3. Bridge
4. Bar
5. End piece
6. Temple
7. Pad plate
8. Nose pad

Are you chewing gum? Yes you! Right, up to the front of the class… spit it out! Now go sit down. And your shoes suck by the way! Anyone else think I shouldn’t become a teacher?

1. Round Face

Now you don’t need to measure your face to be a part of this category (nor any of them really for that matter). The round face shape is an instantly recognisable attribute. Soft, curved lines being similar width to its length; this face shape has no harsh angles and is visible in celebrities such as Elijah Wood and Jack Black. With any face shape, when it comes to glasses you want to counteract the shape of your face.

Understanding this is the first step is choosing the right sunglasses. If you mimic your face shape within the glasses you will accentuate the longer/shorter/rounder features and ultimately end up with a face that looks like it really shouldn’t.

With the round face, the clue is in the name. For a round face you want to favour straight lines. This will relax the curvature of your face and add definitive to your silhouette. Avoid smaller, circular frame that exaggerate the natural curves of your face and instead go for the wider sort.

Here is my ‘round face’ summer essentials look book:

2. Diamond Face

This is a shape often favoured by designers and models for its sharp lines, defined silhouette and high cheek bones. This of course, like all shapes, does not come without its setbacks.

If you took note in the opening shape you will be screaming profanities at the screen by now. The best way to counteract the harsh diamond shaped face with sunglasses is to soften it. The instant appeal of many diamond-face carriers is to round off their face with circular lens. The much sought-after cheek bones of this structure make this a very unwise idea indeed.

Instead, use soft square frames and focus your attention on the fit. The outer most part of the glasses should be no wider than your prominent cheek bones. This will avoid drawing claim to the widest part of your face and in turn making it wider and disproportionate.

The essential diamond face look book is essentially… a little like this:

3. Oblong Face

In case you missed year 3 maths, oblong shapes tend to be long and thin. Well I say ‘tend to be’, they are! The perfect example of this face is Johnny Depp. However, Depp is one of the few celebrities who appear to fair well when it comes to spec-choices. Many celebs overlook the aid of the stylist they deny having when operations move into this department. So if you see any A-listers wandering round your way, politely redirect them to this page.

The aim with the oblong face is to widen the centre most width and balance the length. This can easily be done by employing the use of careful framing. Select frames that do not reach past the side of your head. A common misjudgement when trying to widen a face is to fashion the widest potential frames. Overhanging the face will only overpower and in fact thin the face further.

Rectangular frames are the choice when balancing length and take note of the bridge (refer to the anatomy students). A low sitting bridge will help shorten your nose which is often a prominent feature is oblong faces.

Here is how to rock shades with an oblong face:

4. Square Face

I hope by now you’re getting the hang of this and if we haven’t already covered your face shape, you have a good idea of what’s in store! Up next is the dominating square face. This can appear aggressive and overpowering so with sunglasses not only are you adapting the face shapes but in fact changing its appearance. This shape is characterised by the likes of Channing Tatum and is often the sought-after shape.

Wide cheekbones, a strong jaw line and a broad forehead are on the menu for this shape. If this sounds like you then you need to occupy curved or round frame glasses for your spectacles of choice. This will add softer lines to your look and leaves you with some great choices when it comes to your summer essentials shopping. Utter the word sunglasses and have the word Ray Ban thrown back at you almost instantly. Ray Bans new shape look is perfect for this face shape so there is currently a few hundred readers screaming ‘we hate you’ to all your square-facers out there!

From square to round and how to wear it:

5. Oval Face

I left this shape till last on purpose. For this shaped face read looks 1, 2, 3 & 4 again…

The Oval shape is the only shape where all the rules and none of the rules apply. This face is symmetrically balanced and equally proportioned allowing you to carry off any style you like. To those who were hoping for a few choice words, some guidance and wisdom (firstly what are you doing reading my articles?) I will say this. There is no style for you to favour but if you wish to maintain the proportionate and symmetrical look of your face, even when rocking glasses, square frames, round lens and high temples. Because you are balancing out of all the possibilities, you maintain the structure your face provided.

Now enough gloating, you can still take note from the oval shape look book:

A little something for the class

Before I love and leave you for another week and you sneer at every oval faced person you greet. I wanted to give you a few last choice NON NEGOTIABLE RULES:

• As with clothes, fit is key. Your eye should be positioned in the centre of the lens; horizontally and vertically. This is the same no matter what your face shape is. Shy away from buying too many sunglasses online to avoid a poor fit.
• The frame should follow the line of your eyebrow (just because aviators have a ‘bar’ –this is no cause for monobrow.) And you should never be able to see your brow above the frame.
• Warm skin tones suit warm colours such as tan, gold and red.
• Cool skins tones suit cool colours such as white, black and silver.
• Punching someone in their oval face won’t change yours…