July 5th, 2011 by Amy

In order to prepare for your next fashionable vacation, you might want to think about updating your summer wardrobe with this season’s key pieces. Many high street retailers have taken inspiration from the catwalks this year and come up with designer price tag worthy ranges. House of Fraser and other such major department stores stocking a range of different fashion brands are a great place to start your search for a trendy summer look. However, you might also find that key summer pieces can also be sourced from second hand clothing stores, supermarket clothing ranges and a variety of other budget-shopper-friendly outlets.

For slightly formal occasions, a good summer jacket is a must. When it comes to mens fashion and making an impact it is usually better to err on the side of caution and slightly over dress instead of underestimating the tone of the event. For summer, the perfect fabric is linen. Choose an easy to wear neutral tone such as beige, taupe or pale grey and team with a darker coloured shirt for a snappy summer look.

This season’s shirts should always be a shade or two darker than the jacket. Because when it comes to men’s fashion, summer looks are usually associated with pale colours, teaming a darker shirt with paler trousers and jacket will add an instant edge to your ensemble. If you would prefer to steer clear of solid black then try a charcoal grey for a more flattering alternative.

Looking for the perfect pair of shoes? Our two favourite looks for the season come in the form of the brogue and the chino. Chinos are the easier to wear of the two and look great with pale coloured trousers, particularly when you choose a pair in a mid blue or mid grey shade. Brogues, best worn in tan or sand coloured leather, are great for a slightly dressier look.

Last but not least, be sure to spend sufficient time seeking out the right pair of sunglasses for the season. Get it right and your shades will add effortless style to any outfit. Get it wrong and they could be the ruin of the entire ensemble. Think carefully about your face shape and if in doubt seek advice from those in the know before you commit to purchase.

Check out the House of Fraser website for mens designer clothes.

July 4th, 2011 by Amy

Looking for a great new jacket? When it comes to men’s outerwear there are a range of classic styles from which to choose.  Whether you prefer to shop in charity outlets or vintage stores or in commercial department stores such as House of Fraser you’re sure to be able to find a classic style jacket. To help you make the right decision, we’ve compiled a list of classic designs complete with a few pointers in order to help you to choose the right jacket for every occasion.

The Leather Jacket – Whether you go for a classic 1950s bomber jacket or a longer length 1970s number, the leather jacket is a perennial classic. Depending on the occasion you can dress it up or down. The leather jacket looks equally good with a simple jeans and T shirt combo as it does with dress trousers and a formal shirt. Leather jackets have also been spotted on the red carpet, worn by celebrity style icons such as Brad Pitt and Colin Farrell, perpetuating their classic status in the world of men’s fashion.

The Tweed Number – Preppy hipsters are sure to find the tweed jacket a big hit. Again, this is a look that can be dressed up or down. If you want to keep it chic, avoid the green and red tones that may lean too far towards a country bumpkin look but stick to classic grey shades with black elbow patches and you are sure to be onto a winner.

The Linen Jacket – This is the perfect breathable choice for summer. Choose a classy pale shade, such as pastel grey, cream, light brown or an easy to wear beige. If you want to dress to impress, for a first date or a summer garden party, then try to find coordinating trousers or even a full suit for a snappy dresser look. Brogues in tan or dark grey worn with no socks and a dark coloured shirt, preferably black or charcoal grey, will complete the ensemble and set off your pale jacket perfectly.