Style Icon: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

In 2012, Esquire Magazine named actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt as their Best Dressed Man and it’s easy to understand why. Not only is Gordon-Levitt hot property in Hollywood, thanks to roles in Looper, Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, he also manages to look stylish in real life.

But what can we really learn from Gordon-Levitt’s style?

1. There is never a wrong time to wear an Italian Shirt. Unlike a lot of young male actors, Gordon-Levitt is very rarely snapped by the media wearing anything other than designer shirts, accompanied by fitted pants and jackets. His sophisticated taste for a luxury shirt is quite unique clothing for someone his age, but it’s a look that he wears on both the red carpet and out on the street.

2. Make sure it fits. Gordon-Levitt’s suits are always a perfect fit. Too tight would show off a little more than the imagination could handle, whilst too baggy would make him look fat, which - of course - he isn’t.

3. Never to be afraid to experiment. Fashion shirts are becoming brighter, so take a leaf out of Gordon-Levitt’s style guide and dare to try it. If you’re feeling really brave, Gordon-Levitt is a huge fan of shaking up his outfit with plaid jackets and a variety of other patterns, fabrics and colors.

Try layering up a dress shirt with both a waistcoat and a jacket. It might seem old-fashioned, but this is a classic look that cannot go wrong. Perfect for weddings and red carpets.

4. Taking care of your outfit. Turning up in your best European clothing is all great, unless your shirt needs ironing and a thread has pulled on your pants leg. It doesn’t take long to check your outfit out and to iron out any problem areas. You’ll be glad you took those five minutes to do it.

5. Standing Tall. The secret to pulling off any outfit, whether you’re wearing your best suit or simple summer shirts, is to wear them with confidence. The way to do this is by standing up straight. It sounds simple, but even if you’re not feeling comfortable, it’s the easiest way to blag it.

6. Investing in the Best. Okay, so we probably can’t afford Gordon-Levitt’s budget, but before you head out and buy even the smallest part of your suit like the double collar shirt, make sure that you are willing to invest in buying the best that you can afford to pay.

5 ways to revamp your wardrobe

If your clothes are looking a little worn and tired it's high time you revamped your wardrobe and brought it into the 21st Century. Whilst you might have invested in high quality clothes that are still going a decade later, they are probably looking a little faded and frayed around the edges and in dire need of updating. Trends come and go and there are some really stylish clothes available right now. Choose from well cut denim, crisp cotton t-shirts, cargo shorts, fashion shirts and tailored jackets that look great dressed up or dressed down. Here are five easy ways you can give some of those old clothes the heave-ho and refresh your style effortlessly.

1. Take everything out of your wardrobe for review

Come on, that means everything. The rule is that if you haven't worn something in a year, it should probably be thrown out or given away. Make piles for your clothes so they are easy to sort - that good stuff that is staying in one pile and the 'never to be worn again' clothes in another. Keep the items out that you are going to keep as we are going to need those for later. Take the other pile down to your local thrift shop or put them in the garbage.

2. Make a list of clothing that you need

Think about the clothes you wear on a daily basis, your favorite items and the colors you prefer. Now, look at the items you have sorted out and are keeping. Make a note of the colors and styles so that you can buy new items that will coordinate with this clothing perfectly. Those stone chinos will look great with chambray summer shirts or a simple white t-shirt for example.

3. Capsule wardrobes are for men too

Revamping your wardrobe doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money on lots of different clothing. A capsule wardrobe means choosing some those essential items of clothing that can be easily coordinated and which are easy to wear. Cool white shirts, cotton pants, sweaters and one good quality sports jacket will ensure you always have the right clothes to hand.

4. Get an expert opinion

If you simply do not know where to start when planning your new wardrobe, ask for some advice. Shopping for clothes isn't usually an activity for the guys so why not take your girlfriend, wife, mom or a close female friend along for unbiased opinions?

5. Be open to new ideas

Why not try out some new trends. That doesn't mean you have to wear a red blazer with pink pants. Unique clothing can be clothes that have a little unusual detail or that are a different cut to what you would usually wear. Above all else, have fun choosing your new wardrobe!

How the clothes you wear can shape your future

If you think that looks aren't important, you'd be wrong. Since the dawn of time, the survival of mankind has been mostly shaped by looks, stature and being able to hunt down a good dinner! If those picky cave women back then didn't like what they saw in their cavemen, mankind probably would have stopped right there. Thankfully, we have more to wear now than a simple loincloth and can dress to impress by making smart fashion choices. Whether it's choosing a dress shirt or a new pair of jeans, making careful fashion decisions will ensure you look your best at all times.

Easy on the eye and easy on the wallet

It's a common misconception that you have to spend a lot of money to look good. A good haircut, a smart fashion shirt and freshly pressed pants is often all it takes to make a lasting impression. Oh and don't forget those shoes! Statistics say that women and men check out the shoes of somebody they are meeting for the first time. Those kicked in sneakers just aren't going to cut it with an otherwise smart outfit.

So, how can clothes shape your future? Well, think about all of those major events in your life - getting a job, meeting your life partner, getting ahead in business, being a good example to your kids, etc. Would you get the same success achieving life's milestones if you wore sweatpants and sneakers every day of your life? Probably not. It's the clothes you wear and how you carry yourself that can make such a difference to the things that happen to you throughout life.

Keep up to date with the latest fashions

Men's fashions come and go. Whilst male fashion trends may not move as fast as women's fashion trends, there are still enough changes to ensure male fashion stays fresh, focused and interesting. Cargo pants, twisted jeans, double collar shirts and high top sneakers are just some of the trends that are still going strong today. Choose your clothes to match the occasion and try to make those clothes look as smart as possible by washing them carefully, pressing them always and giving yourself a thorough once over before you leave home. You don't have to fill your wardrobe either - a handful of good quality clothes is always so much better than a huge collection of out of shape, faded and creased clothing.

The Perfect Gift For the Stylish Father

Milano Navy blue by Franck Michel

If you’ve got a father with a lot of style (or maybe one that needs a little more style), consider moving on from the typical necktie gift for Father’s Day. The necktie, while an essential piece in any working man’s wardrobe, can be hard to pick out for a man who is up there in his years, and may have many neckties already. However, what your father probably doesn’t have, and would love, is a beautiful European dress shirt. European dress shirts are unlike the American dress shirts that he probably currently wears.

First of all, European dress shirts fit much slimmer. This can make picking them out a bit tricky, but if you consult the size chart you’ll be fine, and your father will love the way that it makes him look after years of wearing shirts that aren’t meant for his body. They will sit differently, enhancing his shape and most importantly enhancing his confidence.

Secondly, European dress shirts like those from Franck Michel are made with the highest quality Italian cotton. Your father will appreciate the way the cotton feels, as well as its durability; it will look great through years of wear. Franck Michel shirts are also constructed in Europe, further speaking to their high quality and long-lasting qualities. Designed in France, materials from Italy and constructed in Europe, they’ll match perfect with his fancy European luxury car.

Lastly, for a father with style these fashion dress shirts will allow him an opportunity to stand out from his friends. Though he may seem stuck in his ways, or without interest in fashion, it’s likely he’s doing his best to look good he just needs your help. For a man who may have an interest in fashion but might not be following the latest fashion trends as well as you are, it can be the perfect chance to show your dad what the coolest fashion shirts look like these days. Be careful though, once you get him started it’s unlikely that he will stop after just one designer French shirt. Between the luxury details and the enhanced quality compared to what he is used to, he’ll definitely be asking for more gifts in the future!

Designer Men’s Dress Shirts for Wedding Season

One of my favorite parts about summer is going to weddings of friends and family members.  Not only is it a great time for the couple being married, but of course it also comes with a great party to celebrate their vows.  As a fashionable guy who likes to have fun I always look forward to the chance to bust out a new look and hit the dance floor.  Weddings are a unique venue to try out new styles and looks.  For me, there are two main style tips to consider when selecting a dress shirt to wear to a wedding. 

First, you’ll want to pick something that looks good with your suit and tie but also will look good later in the night when you’ve taken your coat and tie off to take a turn on the dance floor.  Weddings are the prototypical situation where your outfit must easily transition from daywear to eveningwear.  You’ll be at the ceremony during the day, and then head to the dinner and after party where you might be long into the wee hours of the night, and you know you won’t have a time to change, so make sure you pick something that will be able to adapt.

Secondly, you don’t want to pick anything too bold that will turn too much attention to you, and upstage the bride and groom.  It’s their night and they should be the center of the attention wherever they are, be it during the ceremony, the dinner, or the dance floor.  You don’t want to do anything that could be construed as trying to attract attention away from them, a major wedding etiquette faux pas. 

With these tips in mind I would recommend a white or muted tone shirt like a beige or pastel pink or yellow (these pastel colors are especially great for outdoor weddings).  However, I wouldn’t pick any old white dress shirt of the rack at the local department store.  I would go with a shirt with a little bit of flair, a little bit of a twist on the original, and one that is more fitted and as it will look better than the alternative once you’ve removed your jacket.  Something like Franck Michel’sMilano White (available at fashion-shirts.com for $99) is the perfect mix of a fashion forward designer dress shirt and a timeless classic.  Franck Michel’s designs are made to fit very slim so it will look really great once you remove your coat, no billowing or baggy fabric.  The contrast color lining will show more and more as the night goes on and you loosen your tie and start to undo the buttons.  It’s like having a new shirt once you take off your tie! 

What Fashion Shirt to Wear: Different Styles for Different Events

Summer shirt by Franck Michel Paris

There are many different styles of men’s fashion dress shirts available these days.  Nearly as many choices as there are days in the year.  But your goal as a fashionable man is to find some select few of these shirts to be your go-to designer shirts for the events that you’ll attend when you are trying to dress to impress.  In this article you’ll learn a little about which men’s designer shirt to wear for each type of event you might attend this year.

Formal gatherings: Classic, elegant shirts

For formal events like a wedding or black tie event, it’s often best to choose a fashion shirt with a more understated style, that doesn’t scream ‘look at me!’  However, if you get close this type of shirt will whisper to you about its elegant details and the craftsmanship that goes into its construction.  Though it pairs well with tie, make no mistake, this is not your father’s dress shirt.  It wears very slim fit and won’t look baggy or billowy when you tuck it in.  Shirts of this ilk can be found in the ‘Moderne’ collection on fashion-shirts.com, the North American distributor of French fashion designer Franck Michel. 

Nights Out: Luxury, patterned shirts

For nights out on the town, whether you are going out on a date, or prowling with the boys, you have an opportunity to wear shirts that are much more eye catching than you might wear to a more formal gathering.  Here is your chance to take fashion risks, and wear something that no one else in the club has ever seen before.  You won’t be wearing a tie, so don’t be afraid of more fashion forward collar designs like double collars, or the reverse collar innovated by Franck Michel.  Also you can be much more aggressive with the pattern of the shirt, since you’ll have no tie to pair it with and it might help to stand out in the crowd of the nightclub.  Don’t be scared of stripes, checks, gingham, or even floral patterns.  Franck Michel’s Luxe collection has plenty of this type of shirt, available at fashion-shirts.com.

Summer Wear: Lighter, pastel shirts

In summertime for outdoor events, one must also consider the season as well as the type of event.  For summer, pastel is in fashion as it always is.  The light colors look great in the sun and can make your tan look great.  There is a wide range of different summer shirts available in the men’s fashion shirt market, and increasingly they employ boating motifs and lots of embroidery.  They also tend to have great bold styles like the luxury shirts, and are great for their eye-catching designs.  Show off your summer style with Franck Michel’s summer series collection also available on fashion-shirts.com.

Cannes Film Festival Style with Men’s Designer Shirts

Cannes Film Festival 2013

Men’s style might take a backseat to women’s fashion on the red carpet, but at Cannes Film Festival, that’s not all there is to consider.  While the men’s stars may keep things fairly simple and classic on the runway with white button up shirts, black suits and black ties.  However, when they aren’t on the red carpet stars (and you!) have a lot of fashion decisions to make, and they can be some important decisions in ensuring you have the best and most successful time at Cannes Film Festival.

When you are checking out films during the day, you never know what party you might get invited to, so it’s important to choose a shirt that can seamlessly transition into evening wear.  Cannes Film Festival season is full of fashionable parties that necessitate fashion wear that will make you stand out and earn the respect of the fashionable people around you.  Prepare to be judged on what you are wearing, and who you are wearing.

Because it’s so important to be fashionable you’ll need to make sure you are wearing a fantastic design from the European continent.  My personal favorite designer right now is Franck Michel.  Franck Michel is a well-established fashion house located in the heart of Paris and has been producing the high quality men’s fashion shirts since 1969.  Their designer shirts have been featured across the European continent and have brand recognition in the European fashion sphere.  The designs from Franck Michel are eye-catching and timelessly elegant.  They have a diverse line of fashions that can be worn at different types of occasions and translate from daytime wear to the nighttime events you are likely to encounter on a successful trip to Cannes.

This is a time to go bold with your designer shirt choices.  A plain white button up is not going to cut it at Cannes.  Cannes is a place for bold styles like those offered by Franck Michel.  When off the red carpet, you’ll see stars wearing bold patterns and colors.  Franck Michel also provides shirts with unique details, like wildly different types of collars including double collars and reverse collars.  The double collar in particular is perfect for Cannes, as it provides an elegant turn on designer shirts that would otherwise be fairly simple and timelessly elegant.  This allows the shirt to be a great example of what I wrote about earlier, a shirt that seamlessly morphs from daywear to eveningwear.

Collar Styles: A Great Way to Stand Out With a Designer Shirt

Reverse collar by Franck Michel Paris

Double Collars: This type of collar has been in fashion in Europe for some time and is now starting to find its way across the ocean and into the wardrobes of fashionable American men.  There are many variations, but typically a double collar consists of a collar on top of another collar that allows the designer to showcase two types of fabric, usually of contrasting patterns and/or colors, in one shirt.  A prime example of this type comes from the Parisian designer Franck Michel.  Franck Michel provides many shirts of this type, and one of my favorites the Limited Edition Paris Blue Gingham is currently available for just under $150 from online retailer fashion-shirts.com.  This particular example pairs a solid navy blue collar under a light blue gingham collar, which really draws the eye, but does so in an elegant, fashionable way. 

Reverse Collars: This is a truly unique collar design that was invented by Franck Michel in Paris, France.  It is an elegant style that allows for flashy fabrics and interesting complimenting color combinations.  A prime example of the design innovations that typify Franck Michel this look has now been copied by other fashion designers the world over.  Franck Michel offers many styles with this type of collar, my personal favorite being the Miami range, specifically the Miami Red, which is available from fashion-shirts.com for $159, and is a shirt that truly typifies this type of luxury shirt look.  Reverse collars are not for the faint of heart, but rather those who are confident standing out.  One look at a Miami from Franck Michel and I’m sure you’ll agree with me.

Button Down or American Collars:
This is a prime example of the merging of American and European influences in the designs of Franck Michel.  The button down collar was pioneered on American sport shirts, and was popularized as a more formal design in the 1960’s by American style icons like John F. Kennedy.  Franck Michel has taken this traditional American look and added a distinctly European twist.  By making the collar taller and more crisp and defined, they have added an air of formal style that is unlike the original American look.  This transcontinental blending of styles is the essence of the modern look of Franck Michel.  By taking luxury details from different cultures and blending them into a new look, they achieve an international style that sets them apart from the competition.  A great example of this Franco-American blending from Franck Michel is the Eiffel range.  Available in black, blue and white, these designer dress shirts are $129 from fashion-shirts.com and are an exceptional addition to any modern men’s wardrobe.

How to Wear it: Men’s Plaid Fashion Dress Shirts

One recent trend I’ve noticed in men’s fashion shirts is that some of the more adventurous designers are rolling out collections that include a lot of plaid patterns.  Plaid is a pattern that we are all familiar with of course, but we might not expect to see it on a high end fashion shirt, but rather a flannel work shirt or something similarly casual.  However, men’s luxury designers are increasingly working plaid into their collections and we should consider how to best work it into our wardrobes.

Plaid fashion dress shirt for men

First of all, let’s delineate how the plaid shirts on offer from men’s fashion designers differ from those that your dad wore to go camping.  The chief way they are different is the material on offer.  Casual plaid shirts are often done on heavyweight flannel or other thicker fabrics.  Thicker fabrics are never going to look as sharp as the crisp look of a thin elegant cotton dress shirt.  Additionally, these casual plaid shirts are designed to fit a range of body types, and thus have a lot of room in the lower torso.  The offerings from today’s men’s designers are usually slim fit, and personally I think the slimmer the fit the better.  These shirts will fit and wear completely different than dear old Dad’s camping shirts.

So how and where should we wear these new patterns?  For me, one great thing about these patterns is their versatility.  I personally like to wear them with dark jeans on a night out.  The plaid gives off a more casual vibe than a solid color satin fashion shirt, but at the same time with the slim fit and crisp collar you know that you will be look like you’ve put time and thought into your sartorial choice, which of course you have.  These shirts look great with the sleeves rolled up when you’ve been putting in a hard-working shift on the dance floor.  Be sure to keep your sleeves, and your look in general, looking sharp though, by actually folding the sleeves back in folds that match the width of the cuff.  This will keep them from unrolling, and at the same time will keep the upper arm of the shirt from becoming a bunched up mess.  You are going to want to keep that upper-arm portion smooth to show off those hours you’ve put in at the gym.

For a little more conservative or dressed up look, I like to layer a blazer or a solid color sweater over the top of my plaid dress shirt.  This is one of those cases where showing less of the pattern actually makes it pop even more and really will have people asking you wear you got your shirt.

I really like this new trend in men’s fashion shirts.  Plaid is a versatile pattern that can be conservative or eye-catching depending on how you choose to use it.  For me, anything like this where I can buy one shirt, but express my fashion many different ways is definitely a good thing.