Category Archives: Image consultant

The malebox essential style guide for men

Welcome to Part 1 of our 10 part series! Today we’d like to introduce our series and have a quick chat about the all important suit!

Did you know that dressing against your body shape or current trends has been determined to add 10 to 12 years to your perceived age?

Studies show that looking outdated and older than your years can affect everything from your salary to your social status. It’s no surprise that men are looking to improve their image now more than ever. In fact, leading market research firm Global Information Inc. has found that a staggering 89% of men in Europe and the US believe that good grooming and presentation is essential to their personal and professional success. First impressions count.

What type of first impression are you creating?

Two Button Wool Suit

Two Button Wool Suit – great first impression!               Courtesy of Farage

Want To Look And Feel Better?
If you are simply trying to impress others then don’t read this! Good grooming and presentation is about feeling your best, inside and out. Even the best-dressed man will not put forth a positive image if he lacks the self confidence to pull it off. There is plenty of material available on self-improvement, but for this series we have focused on maintaining your outward appearance to build confidence. Before we get into what you’re wearing, we believe a few other things are worth a mention.

These simple lifestyle changes (if you don’t already practice them) will give you the boost you need to get started on the road to self-improvement:

1. Eat well. Easier said than done, but sticking to a healthy diet will keep you closer to your optimum weight and do wonders for your mindset.

2. Exercise. You’ve already heard it a million times, but everyone needs an exercise regime to keep fit, mentally and physically. Even if it’s a brisk walk every morning, do yourself a favour and get moving.

3. Learn something new. It’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut and stick to what we’re comfortable with. This goes for our careers, our social lives and our personal appearance. Try new things—learn how to cook, practice a second language, change your haircut—anything that adds some variety to your life. You’ll feel renewed and energized—a great confidence builder.

And last but not least—treat yourself with respect and always aim to look your best.

Lets talk about the suit!

Suits are best when they are custom made and perfectly tailored to your body, however most men prefer to buy a suit off the rack whether it is for convenience, price or personal taste. If you do choose to buy from a store, make sure that a knowledgeable sales associate is on hand to help you select the best cut, colour, patterns, fabric and size for your body. If you have any doubt or need extra help, employ the services of an Image Consultant (they are employed by more people than you think!). If you have the extra funds, by all means have it altered to fit you perfectly and enhance your look. At least once in your life, make sure you have a suit tailored for you. Trust me, you’ll never look back!

Men's Suit

Superb Men’s Suit – Courtesy of Farage

If you are buying a suit, it is going to be an investment. Always go for classic styles over trendy ones to get the most value from your purchase. Each man will have his own likes and dislikes, but for a classic, sophisticated choice we recommend…

  1. Colour: black, grey or navy
  2. Quality fabric – wool or wool blend or cashmere (if you prefer)
  3. Single-breasted
  4. One or two button closure
  5. Flat front trouser (no pleats)

Finish it off with a pair of matching oxford or brogue shoes and you are ready to work The Suit!

For what it’s worth…

“Updating your style can be daunting! If you would like to improve your appearance, which will boost your self esteem, we want to help you. Our goal is to ensure you feel great every time you walk out the door. The changes you can experience from a positive image are immense. I am confident that the malebox Essential Style Guide for Men can help you on your journey to becoming a more stylish, confident you.
I think that both women and men appreciate a well dressed guy. He’s the one that stands out in a crowd. He’s not necessarily dressed lavishly or unconventionally, he’s a guy who puts together a great package. If a man cares about the way he looks, it is obvious to other people that he’s got something going on for himself and has more to offer. With that in mind, I have created this series as a simple, easy-to-use guide for men to enjoy more success in their lives—personally and professionally.

First impressions count so remember to always dress for the occasion and dress for success!

We care about our customers and aim to provide a reliable and trustworthy resource for men to get their fashion and grooming questions answered, without the awkwardness of discussing personal care with friends or loved ones. Men don’t have to turn metro just to look good. You can still have that guy next door look with the right items in your wardrobe.”

Dimitri Kontopos, MD at malebox

We’d like to hear your thoughts on suits and would love if you posted yourself looking stylish in a suit to our facebook or google+ pages!

How to wear Oxford shoes for Men

September 13, 2012 | Posted by Aquila in Style and Fashion (with some malebox edits)

The malebox crew is currently on the road through Europe searching high and low for the latest trends. Shoes are a BIG deal in Europe and every single city has numerous stores looking after guys. In Australia, men usually wear black or brown leather shoes. You will see a few guys with lighter shoes, but the general trend is for old school and mainstream colours. What we are seeing in Europe still leans towards the traditional colours as a foundation shoe. The black leather shoe is a must have in your wardrobe. If you only have budget for one pair, black is the shoe for you. If you do however like to splurge a little… adding a little colour to say a navy suit will definitely get you noticed. The Navy shoe is available in numerous designs in every shop as is the burgundy. Every time we travel to Europe we come away with a few finds… and this is definitely one of them. Oxford have covered shoe types below and we thought it was a good time to share that also! The time-honoured Oxford shoe is the foundation of a true heritage look. Traditionally the more formal of the classic shoe styles for men, the Oxford lace-up has really come into its own element over the years. The versatility of this shoe is considerable. Available in a variety of materials, colours and style variations – suede, leather, wingtip Brogues, toecaps, saddle shoes, and more – the Oxford shoe is befitting of any occasion and look.  Whether you’re coveting the cool, stylish, or traditional style, you’ll find a comprehensive guide below on how to wear Oxfords for men.

Oxfords: The Cool Look

Oxford shoes are traditionally noted for being a formal dress shoe but this is no longer the exclusive case. If you tend to be more relaxed in your dress sense, you’ll be pleased to know that Oxfords work just as well with chinos, trousers, jeans and yes – even shorts.

Oxford Shoes

When going for a relaxed look, it’s important to select an Oxford shoe that’s more casual. A suede fabric like Winslow Black or a uniquely coloured Oxford lace-up immediately eliminates the formality of this classic shoe. When deciding upon a style variation, a two-toned saddle shoe or wingtip Brogue would dial up the cool factor of your outfit. Wear your casual Oxfords with natural coloured chinos if you want to call attention to your dashing footwear. If you’re the daring type, add some colour to your outfit with a statement blazer. Check out the cool floral, checkered and gingham statement blazers featured above. If you’re wearing coloured chinos, try a tan Oxford style like the Reese Tan, which is a quirky version. This particular style will also look good with jeans or shorts.

Tan Shoes

Oxford shoes only work well with tailored shorts or dress shorts. Dress the shorts up with a blazer or keep it casual with a t-shirt. Admittedly, the sockless look may not be for everyone but unless you’re incorporating socks into the overall look of your outfit as a style accessory, (note: the photo above on the left) losing the socks is the preferred look when styling with shorts. Remember, losing the socks doesn’t mean throwing hygiene out the door. Purchase some no-show or invisible socks to make going sock-less easy to achieve.

Oxfords: The Stylish Look

Those who find themselves erring towards the modern and sophisticated looks will be able to appreciate this timeless shoe and its full potential to polish off an outfit. Whether it’s dressed down smart attire or opulent suiting, it’s possible to find an Oxford shoe that will bring your look to life.

 

Stylish Shoes are a must!

 

Oxford shoes in burgundy or certain shades of brown – chestnut brown or mahogany  – will give root to any suiting. That doesn’t mean you should step out of the house in a mismatched suit. If you’re doing colour, keep it to a maximum of 3 colours or you risk losing the thread of the outfit. Like the middle picture above, try similar tones of colour from the same family. Dressed down elegance can be achieved with a linen suit and shirt and similar coloured Oxford shoes for warmer months.

With jeans, keep to straight or slim-fit jeans that cut just at the ankle. While suitable for jeans in a range of colours, keep in mind the lighter the colour of the denim, the more casual the look. Rolling your jeans up with a pair of Oxfords is fine if you’re aiming for a relaxed look. Keep the top part of the outfit sophisticated with a shirt, tie and jacket or knit.

Oxfords: The Traditional Look

Vintage heritage is easily attainable with the traditional Oxford shoe. This formal shoe was made to complement suits.

For the conservative types, match your black leather Oxfords with a tailored suit – black goes with everything, although purists will insist that black does not go with brown. If you’re going for a black Oxford shoe then you can afford to have a little detail for a point of interest. A toe cap (cap toe) Oxford lace-up like Farris Black would work well with a suit and trench coat in black over the cooler months, or a pebble blue suit over the warmer months. Brown leather Oxfords, like the Royston Brown will work well with grey or navy suits. Constructed from chocolate brown leather, this plain Oxford lace-up is as traditional as you can get. If you prefer a modern take on old world charm, stay true to tradition with a well tailored three piece suit but update it instantly with patterned or coloured socks. Work a natural-coloured suit with similar coloured Oxford shoes, or try invisible socks for a sock-less look. Dont forget to keep those shoes in tip top shape with a shoe shine kit. However you decide to wear your Oxford shoes, make sure you’re comfortable with your outfit and it reflects a bit of your personality. Most importantly, the key to pulling off any outfit well is confidence. Own the look, and you’ll look great in anything. How do you style your Oxford shoes? Do you have any style tips of your own? Share by commenting on our facebook page!

Gifts For Men: Get His Groove Back This Summer!

It has always been a struggle for men to look sharp, classy and formal during the hotter months of the year. Everyone gets fixated on their coat and tie fashion even if it seems too warm to wear a coat.  Often, men who seem classy and stylish with their coats on, are arrested by the fashion and social police once they take it off and potentially expose sweaty armpits. If you are thinking of giving unique mens gifts it would definitely be unwise to give a gift not suited for the warmer months ahead.  If you are struggling to find new gift ideas for men, look at things that would compliment his getup during the warmer months ahead.  It would be better for him to dress more appropriately for the weather conditions, than stick to his old coat and tie amidst the heat and humidity.  Here are a few tips on some guys gifts that you can give to keep fresh and spice up his summer outfits.

Men’s gifts to help him freshen up on warm days– Sometime’s a man has to do what he needs to do.  Depending on the occasion, he still may need to suit up even during the baking weather. Think corporate men or a more typical example… the wedding!  On occasions like these, accessories (for his bathroom) such as a face care package or a shaving soap would help him freshen up on those scorching days and keep his cool under the pressure of his traditional suit.

Men’s gift accessories that accentuate his overall style – Men will eventually take their coats off and just wear an office shirt to work as the temperature rises.  As the cold weather slowly dissipates, most of them would fail to notice that they have been constantly updating their winter wardrobe and have slowly ignored accessories to compliment their business shirts.  As the thick coat hibernates out of the men’s summer fashion scene, accessories such as men’s ties, belts, hats, and cufflinks emerge as centre pieces to his ensemble; and would be a perfect gift for him.

These accessories would match with his business shirts and would go assist him trying to acclimatise to the warmer weather.

At malebox, you are sure to get it right as they stock the perfect collection of summer gifts for men that are now just a click away.  Come and see innovative men’s gift ideas now.

Perfect Mens Gift Ideas for Fathers Day!

Buying presents for men can be difficult at times… especially when Fathers Day creeps up on us! We all have our own reasons why we love our father and can appreciate his quirks and differences. At malebox we realise that every father is special in his own way and therefore has different tastes, which is why we have come up with some dad gifts ideas to suit every type of dad… Go on spoil him this Fathers Day with our great range of men gift ideas!

The male gift ideas for the Sophisticated Dad

If your Dad loves to look polished, enjoys the finer things in life and exudes the confidence that only a truly sophisticated man can pull off, then boy, do we have the perfect gift ideas for you! Some great ideas include a fine looking pair of gloves and stunning pair of cufflinks. A pair of gloves can instantly add sophistication to any outfit and are perfect for both day and night wear. Cufflinks can also spruce up an evening outfit and add a sense of old fashioned class.

Gloves make the perfect mens gift

The male gift ideas for the Frequent Flyer Dad

If your dad loves to travel or travels for his profession, then travel gifts are a great idea. Not only can they look classy, but they are extremely practical too. Why not get your dad a fashionable travel wallet to keep all his documents together or a cufflink case to help keep his jewellery in the one place and not rolling around at the bottom of his suitcase. These men gift ideas will make travelling that much easier for him.

A travel wallet is perfect for the travelling Dad!

The male gift ideas for the Dad who needs a pick-me-up

Is your Dad lacking self-confidence? Or maybe new to the dating game? Well, why not book him in for an image consulting session. Updating a style can be daunting… but image consulting can get your dad on the right path to a more confident future. You will notice the change in not only his appearance but his confidence as well. Image consulting is the perfect mens gift for Fathers Day!

For more inspiration on what to get your dad for Fathers Day, check out our range of Dad Gifts.

Why Hire An Image Consultant?

Up until recently, image consultants have had a reputation for working with two types of clients only – the rich and the famous. Hollywood celebrities, jet-setter executives and public figures always had a stylist on hand to ensure that their impeccable image was maintained. However, the rules have changed. People from all walks of life understand that looking good can help you be more confident and successful, and now image consultants work with everyone from company directors to stay-at-home mums. Continue reading