Author: admin

If youre like most men, you probably dont buy a new jacket or coat very often. But when you do, its worth investing in a good one. A jacket has to be practical and protective from natural elements. But it also needs to be versatile, able to complement any outfit that its thrown over.

So when the time does come to buy a new jacket, its important not to be too won over by the latest trend especially if that trend is nowhere to be seen in two years, when you might still be wearing your coat. Heres a quick guide to prominent jacket styles for 2013 that offer a great blend of contemporary fashion know-how and timeless elegance.

Military and Magical Styles

One of the most enduring jacket styles for 2013 is the military coat. Military coats have been slowly emerging from the shadows over the last few years and their current prominence on the catwalks proves they have come of age. Look for long military-style coats with wide lapels and strong button details. For a military-influenced style that wont date, stick to serious colours like black, grey or navy one of this years on-trend colours and avoid the bright red variations that have occasionally cropped up over the last decade.

One daring trend that will please Harry Potter fans is cape-style jackets. Capes have been a strong feature of womenswear in the 21st century but are only just turning up in mens fashion boutiques. Some men might be deterred by the strong statement created by capes. But if youre looking for a jacket-style thats different and is likely to remain in fashion for another few years, capes are a good bet. Wear a heavy black cape over a suit to a winter wedding, or simply throw it on over smart trousers for stylish daily protection from cold weather.

Inviting Fabrics

Choosing a new jacket isnt just about style its also about colour and fabric. Mens leather jackets are a strong trend for 2013 and, given that they have lingered blissfully in the fashion background for over half a century, they will certainly be a good fashion investment if you dont already own one. For a double-retro vibe, look for a leather aviator jacket with a sheepskin lining. This 1940s style coat still packs a visual punch. Wear over blue jeans, a white jumper and brown boots for a casual but elegant look.

If youre dissatisfied with the jackets on offer on the high street, mens tailored jackets might be the ideal solution and its one thats always in style. Ask for a style thats versatile, so you can wear it over jeans or tailored trousers. This way, youre making the most of your investment, and ensuring it remains a key feature of your wardrobe for years to come.

There was a time when men shied away from embracing their geeky side, but this fairly recent fashion favourite means they no longer have to. Geek chic, which now has some close links to a few hipster styles, is a well-recognised sub-set of fashion and one well worth dabbling in.

The biggest thing to remember about geek chic is the fact that less is more. This is a style that plays on old preconceptions of the geekiest computer programmers and design workers around, and if you embrace the style too enthusiastically, you might end up looking a little too authentic.

The good news is that its incredibly easy to give yourself a little splash of geek chic. When youre dressing for the office, swap your shirt for a graphic t-shirt, preferably one that references a comic book character, computer-related in-joke or an old gaming system, and youre already half way there. Alternatively, go for a plain or striped polo shirt but instead of pairing it with a suit jacket, wear with a cardigan or V-necked jumper instead.

On your legs, you want a pair of slim fitting trousers with a low rise and a tapered leg. Wear these with trainers such as Converse high-tops or a pair of lace up brogues. When youre doing geek chic, you can also forget about most sock rules and wear a bright or pattered pair even when youve got dark trousers on.

Corduroy trousers are another favourite, theyve been lurking around in geek wardrobes for years and if you make sure they are long enough to gather at the top of your shoes and you pair them with a thin leather belt, they will look great for years to come.

As with many looks, the devil is in the details and one of the most well recognised geek chic accessories is a pair of thick rimmed, slightly oversized glasses. However, only indulge in this trend if you genuinely do need prescription lenses, theres nothing that will lose you more geek cred than faking a need for specs.

Striped ties are another easy step into geekdom, just be sure you buy decent brands that are long and thick enough to shake off any schoolboy overtones. Keep your hair neat too, a tousled style is fine, but if you let it become too unkempt you really will look like youve been up all night playing games.

Other looks that should most definitely be avoided are coloured suspenders (unless you are the kind of confident guy whos looking for a serious style challenge), bum bags and pocket protectors. As a general rule, these are the kind of dorky looks that are best left to the geeks of yesteryear.

Adding a touch of geek chic to your wardrobe is easy and with the help of graphic tees, a few carefully chosen accessories and some slim-fitting trousers, youll be ready to let a little of your inner geek shine through.