With the holidays abuzz, Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza parties, formal corporate dinners, fundraisers and more……., here is how to look sharp and stand out from the crowd.  The norm for men is to rent a tux for the occasion.  However, I have found, investing in a good fitting tux is the optimal choice. The reasons most men do not purchase a tux are; they think they do not look good in one, it is expensive, or they would never wear it again. The fact is; owning one would eventually be less expensive considering you might be renting over and over.  If you are young and in your twenties, imagine all your  soon to be betrothed buddies who will be getting married and all those formal events at your work place.  Also, as men grow older they tend to settle into certain size and rarely fluctuate significantly from that size hence investing in a good tux would last them for a while.

If you think you just don’t look good in a tux, chances are, you are not wearing a properly fitted one.  Most clerks at rental places are not well trained to get your proper measurements. You end up with a billowy, shiny, droopy, sack-like polyester outfit that is ill-fitting, with shiny worn out polythene shoes, wrinkled over-washed shirt, and a cummerbund you do not even need.  Each rental costs $200.00-250.00 despite looking like you are wearing a hand-down cater/waiter’s uniform.  Rent a couple times a year and in two to three years you will have out spent the cost of investing in a good tux.

Instead, invest in black high end Tux like Hugo Boss or Armani with peak-lapel that does exactly what it supposed to do; “Make you look your best!”  Think of James Bond!  If you are in great shape, get a slim (not skinny) and fitted jacket accentuating your shoulders to show off your physique.  If you are portly avoid slim fit tuxes, opt for a regular size tux and have your tailor custom fit it for your body structure.  Also, invest in a few men’s ab shirts (body shaper – see photos on right side of blog) to streamline your mid section – it will make you look better in any suit or tux.  For a modern look, skip the cummerbund, pleated or winged shirts!  The black-tie events are an opportunity to show off – all the more a reason to wear a tux that makes you look good, standout and feel confident.

Here are a few of Mr. Gee’s Fashion Tips regarding purchasing a Tux:

1. Wear  a white semi-spread designer collar like legendary James Bond
2. Wear a black bow tie. Avoid colored and patterned ones
3. Show off the cuff of about a quarter inch and wear classic cufflinks.  Because this is a formal affair, keep away from bling.
4. Wear black polished handmade leather designer shoes, like Jo Ghost.
5. Get yourself a good watch e.g. Armani, Tag, etc. with a white or black face.
6. Invest in a high end antique silver bracelet.

This holiday season skip the norm and investment in a good tux.  You will not only look good but you will find it a worthwhile long-term investment that will keep paying dividends in the many formal events down the road.

Happy Holidays from Mr. Gee.

Note:  If you need help picking out a good tux or a wardrobe analysis, please send us a message @ AskMrGee@gmail.com.  If you have not already done so, go to my fashion blog: AskMrGee.com and download a complimentary Mr. Gee’s 13 fashion Tips newsletter. Follow me on Twitter @ AskMrGee@ twitter.com for daily fashion tips.

Individuals who want to change their overall style can use a fashion and wardrobe consultant to improve their looks, their self-esteem and even their relationships. The way we feel about ourselves can really affect how we interact with the rest of the world, our professional behavior at the workplace, and the way we feel inside. Finding an outfit that accentuates your good features and fits perfectly to your shape can drastically modify your outlook in a number of ways.

Image consultants help people to enhance their professional image. They focus on colors, styles, accessories and personal grooming. They keep on top of the latest trends and translate the looks from haute couture into more affordable and less extreme business, casual, and social wear. They know that when people look good, they gain confidence to succeed in business or careers and their personal lives. Creating a stylish unique image is often the key to positive self-esteem and success in both business and social spheres.

Ascots invoke images of old Hollywood and a royal day at the races. This hybrid of a tie and scarf is a rare sight these days, one that will surely bring attention to the man who dares to wear it. It makes the wearer look fashion forward with a retro classic look.

Instructions:
1. Pull the ascot around the back of the neck as you would a tie. Let the left end hang a little more than two inches longer than the right.
2. Wrap the left end one and a half times over the right. Continue around, as if you were going to complete a second turn, and push the left end up, through the neck loop, so that it emerges over the top.
3. Center the top flap so that it is the only visible portion of the ascot. Spread the sides slightly, creating a “waterfall” of fabric from the base of your neck. Shallow creases should be visible.
4. Undo the top button of your shirt. Tuck the ends of the ascot into the mouth of your shirt and center it.
5. Secure the ends of the ascot with a stickpin or tie tack if desired.

Fonzworth Bentley

Jeremy Piven @ Golden Globes Awards

1. Pair an Ascot with a tux for unique formal look to a formal reception or wear it under a button-down shirt and a blazer or sports coat for a dressier look for night out or a date.
2. Contrast colors. Pair lighter-colored ascot with dark shirt, and dark colored ascot with a light shirt and dark jacket.
3. Keep the fabrics consistent. Wool and cashmere blends complement a heavy tweed sport coat, while a silk ascot will be dashing with lightweight wool blazer.
4. Avoid wearing ascot with crewneck shirt or any sweater.

Cary Grant

Ashton Kutcher

The Ascot tie is back in fashion as evidenced by many celebrities forgoing the usual tie for an ascot.  Some of the most notable ones include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Jamie Foxx and David Beckham.  I did a little research on the history about the ascot – it is quite interesting.  Here is a little history about it.  The ascot is a type of formal fashionable neckwear for men that originated in Ascot, a village near Windsor, Berkshire, Britain during the late 19th century.  It got its name from the fashionable annual horse race-meeting called “Royal Ascot” – an event that even to this point requires men to dress in traditional morning tail-coat and ascot tie. Besides this event, the ascot is occasionally chosen as a formal type of neckwear for weddings occurring during the day.

The look of the ascot tie resembles part modern necktie and part scarf or pashmina.  Ascots are usually much loser tied than traditional neckties, and secured with a tiepin that is commonly decorated with a pearl or round silver or gold ball. Traditionally, the ascot is associated with morning or daytime attire. In addition, it is matched with a type of tailcoat jacket called “Morning Coat”.

Today, however, wearing an ascot gives you that refined and distinguished look of a gentleman.  Always wear it with a nice crisp dress shirt with a high collar to invoke an elegant and civilized look.  It will give you a refreshing look in otherwise bland landscape of menswear.

IMAGE is defined as a mental conception of a person or organization.

What do your clothes and how you dress say about you?

Your look can say you are confident, sloppy, lazy, unfocused, sophiscated, superior, polished, detail oriented, and so much more.  Your cloths and your “look” speak volumes to others.

“Image” is the way other people see us. It influences whether or not, people will agree to our requests, hire us and even pay us the salary we desire.  A good image consultant will enhance your appearance and polish your professional presence. Your image is more than your appearance.  So much of what you do and say contributes to the impression you make.  The proper image can help you make a unique impression in many areas of your life.

An image upgrade in all areas of your life; visual appearance, verbal and nonverbal communication is necessary especially if you are making major changes in your life like changing jobs, getting married, or seeking a major promotion to a corner office with a window!

As a Personal Image Consultant, my mission is to empower you to discover and achieve “a look” or “brand you” that brings joy and self-confidence.  A look that makes you say; “I know who I am!