Layering | Individualism

Fancy Dress

Monday = weekly style reflections. Let’s get on with it shall we?

In the past we’ve made a mockery of the products that lines the shelves of TK MAXX. However that was just a little bit of fun. If you really search hard enough, you can find some amazing treasures. Like these beauties from Boxfresh that came in at a mere £14. Now that’s real value even if you do have to search through hundreds of pairs of size 3673636 German-branded shoes!

The second pic was snapped during my visit to the GANT HQ for their press day. As you guys know, I’m a big admirer of the brand. For me, the classic and timeless preppy style is something they do very well. The red bow tie pops out of this outfit and the layering is spot on. Read More
Introducing Street Style Sundays

Welcome to our very first Street Style Sundays post. This will be a regular feature and for those of you paying attention, it will be posted up every Sunday.

The aim is to show and celebrate the variety of styles and the levels of creativity that the men of London possess, while hopefully providing some wardrobe inspiration to those who are in need.

Not everything is going to be to everyones style but there will always be something that you can pick up or, in the very least, appreciate.

So sit back and enjoy and remember the next time you head out that door, make that extra bit of effort. You never know you could be on here next week!

PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL RUWENDE

Name: Celso

Occupation: Music Producer

What we really like about Celso’s look is his subtle use of accessories. He’s wearing four pieces; the chain, bracelet, watch and sunglasses, yet they don’t seem to drown out his outfit. He also manages to pair contrasting denims, which is a very hard thing to do. Read More
Banana Republic vs Blue Inc – Week 1

Good Look /Bad Look is our brand new weekly post and it came about from all the small tips we’d pick up throughout our week that didn’t seem to fit into a relevant article, but knew would still add value.

Over the week, we’d see so many fatal flaws- terrible examples of how to go about your daily style lives which, if executed properly, could teach many great lessons.

So we thought we’d combine all the great, the good and the ugly things we picked up, noticed, witnessed, been exposed to and even discovered during the week and place them into a post which could benefit everyone.

It’s also designed to get you guys involved too; send in your own ‘Good Look Bad Looks’ and each week, we’ll reward the best entries with a spot on our blog. (contact@individualism.co.uk)

We’re getting all philosophical on you now, all that collective conscious stuff. Anyhow, with everyone’s lessons, we can all learn a little bit more. So here’s to sharing our collective knowledge and spreading positivity.

So, without further ado, drum roll please- here’s our first Good Look /Bad Look:

GOOD LOOK BAD LOOK

Good Look

Love the neutral grey on these Banana Republic boat shoes. It provides a nice alternative to traditional navy while adding a touch of formaility to the style. And the use of patterns in this ‘H&M’ scarf flawlessly compliments the grey blazer and purple cardigan. A touch of layering here too. Take notes fellas!

Bad Look

Jamaican colour desert boots just ain’t a stylish combination. We love Clarks for creating the style and taking a chance but this is one chance too far and don’t get us started on those head turners in the background…

Secondly, another ‘Blue Inc’ just means more guys walking round with pillified jumpers. Did you know that every time they open a new ‘Blue Inc’ someone somewhere dies?!
B-Store Double-Breasted Cardigan – Product Of The Week

Like GQ’s International Man of the Year (Micky Rouke), double-breasted garments are enjoying a successful comeback.

From classic shaped tailored suit jackets to lean, fashion-forward topcoats, the double-breasted design is one that is affecting everything in menswear and this week’s ‘P.O.T.W’. shows that it has even managed to weave its way through to knitwear.

B-STORE’S double-breasted sweatshirt/cardigan may not be as outrageously colourful as last week’s ‘P.O.T.W‘, but what it lacks in colour it more than makes up for in charm.

The navy/white colourway is a classic look and one that will stand the test of time. It’s thin enough to be used as an inner-layering piece, yet stylish enough for you to choose to wear as an outer. And at 50% off too, you’d be a fool to pass up this offer.

Pick yours up now from www.thecorner.com

Related posts: Folk Drawstring Cardigan, Top 5 Men’s Cardigan Styles,

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Top 5 Tips To Bring Your Wardrobe Back To Life

I can’t count how many times I’ve looked into my wardrobe and thought, ‘I have NO CLOTHES!’ Just like many of you, we have been students ourselves. We’ve been through some hard-ass times too; living on (other people’s) pasta. Just pasta.

However, even at the lowest of times, we’ve always managed to maintain a certain level of style. Many would have thought we had bank accounts similar to Sir Phillip Green, but they’d be wrong.

When our backs were up against the wall, with no money for new clothes, our creativity kicked in to rescue our reputation. Here are five of the best ways to jazz up your existing wardrobe while saving you a buck or two…or possibly three.

Enjoy.

1. Change the Buttons on Your Blazer

You may have a certain jacket that you stopped using because you don’t like the buttons on it. Or even worse, it has one missing altogether. But fear not; by taking it to your nearest tailor, you’ll be able to pick out what buttons you’ll like them to replace it with, and hey presto, you’ve now got a newly-customized jacket.

By making the button style more apparent, you can totally change the look of a jacket. Remember to experiment with your choice of buttons. There are many haberdasheries (fabric stores) situated around Central London, all offering a wealth of colours, textures and materials.

Don’t be afraid to show off your ‘Individualism’ lads.

2. Cut Your Combats into Shorts

If you have any old combats (cargo pants) or jeans that you never use, why not give them a new lease of life by cutting them into shorts.

1. Firstly, calculate where your knees are, and cut them down, leaving enough space for mistakes.

2. Once cut, fold them to where you really want them to drop and mark it with a pin or chalk.

3. Thirdly, draw a straight line with a pencil and then fold over, cutting both legs at once. (This will make sure both sides are evenly cut.)

4. If you’re a perfectionist, you can get your tailor to hem the bottoms for a nice, smooth finish. I left mine with that scissor finish look. Your call.

Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect, cargo shorts are meant to be rugged and distressed. The DIY element gives it that much needed character.

3. Create a Pocket Square Out of a Shirt

Have you got a shirt that is on its way to the charity shop because it has a stubborn stain or it’s simply too worn out to wear, but you still like the pattern or its texture? Why not turn it into a pocket square.

Cut the shirt into a large enough square so that you can fold it four times and to put into your top pocket. This will save you money while adding some flavour to your look.

4. Change the Laces on Your Shoes

By changing the colour of your laces, you instantly breathe a new lease of life into your trainers without breaking the bank.

Laces can be purchased cheaply and come in a variety of colours and styles. You can even change them to help co-ordinate with your outfit.

5. Use your Shirt Like a Jacket

By using a shirt as a jacket, you’ll open the door to so many new outfit combinations. This tip in its simplest form is about understanding layering.

I recently found an old shirt that I hadn’t worn as it was too big. I decided to layer it on top of another shirt and it looked great.

Jackets and coats are usually simple in design and pattern but shirts are different; they come in different shapes, colours and patterns. Try a few combinations; you’ll be surprised with what you come up with.

Military-inspired shirt with epaulettes (those shoulder folds found on trench coats) are a great place to start. Just make sure the outer shirt isn’t tighter than the one beneath and you’ll be fine.

As Always,

Stay Stylish

Aaron C.

Related posts: Button Protection, iPhone Shoelace App, Lace Styles

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