The difference between a good outfit and a great one rests upon its finishing touches. The right little details can tie an outfit together to such a degree that it tells the world that the wearer is detail orientated, organised, calm and generally has their life in order.
Let’s have a look at the finishing touches that will have your styling game on point this winter.
1. Get Groomed
Whether you’re looking to shave your face as smooth as a baby’s bottom or are trying to cultivate facial hair worthy of the manliest mountain man, invest in product and equipment that will give you the best results, not just ones that will get the job done. If you’re looking to be clean shaved, invest in a product that will guarantee a clean and close shave without causing any skin damage or irritation – razor burn is an unsightly irritant that should be avoided at all costs. For those growing
their beards investing in washes, moisturisers and oils to get your follicles soft and luscious will be beneficial not only to you but also to anyone else who will be coming into contact with it, so get that beard nice and soft.
Great skin is the perfect accompaniment to any outfit, so care and protect yours with good quality washes and moisturisers. Also, remember that the best way to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy is to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun, so don’t skip using suncare – yes even in winter – you might not feel it as much but the sun is still actually up there.
2. Sock It Up
Going sockless with a pair of trousers cuffed above the ankle and some loafers is a look to copy… in summer. Protect your feet and ankles from the rain and almost frostbite-inducing cold mornings of a South African winter with a pair of warm and fashionable socks. Cuffed trousers and a pair of brogues will look smartly polished when teamed with a pair of
black, charcoal or navy socks, while a pair of patterned socks will enliven the look.
3. Have a Hot Head
The easiest way to lose body temperature is from the head; trust me on this, there have been scientific studies and everything. For guys with short hair or bald heads, this loss of temperature through the noggin becomes especially egregious during the winter months, so combat this by getting a few knitted beanies. Plain colour beanies, especially ones with a cable or chunky knit, are a great and functional addition to a work wardrobe, while colour-blocked and/or branded ones are winter weekend casual perfection.
4. Watch The Time
A man’s biggest style investment – in a monetary sense – is usually his watch. A great watch should last a lifetime and still be good enough to pass on, which is why they cost such an eye-watering amount. When choosing a watch it’s important to remember that however stylish and expensive a watch is, it won’t always suit every occasion or outfit. So when investing in a good watch always be mindful of what sort of look you’d pair it with and if that look is something you’d wear often enough to justify the spend.
Classic faced analogue watches with straps in leather or the metal of your choice are good options for most corporate or formal environments, while digital watch options are a great downtime timepiece. Also, unless you’ve cracked it in the music industry or on the sports field (or ring, court or whatever) leave the diamond detailing to events that usually involve dinner and dancing.
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5. Don’t Bulge, Bag It
There’s nothing that ruins the sleek silhouette of great fitting trousers more than bulging pockets. Phones, keys, wallets, and lord knows what else, all stuffed into poor unsuspecting pants pockets creating two bulging protrusions jutting out from the hips. Not attractive! Have mercy on your poor pockets and find a bag to hold all your personal belongings.
Simple black or brown options in leather, canvas or nylon are perfectly suited to any professional environment – yes, even backpacks.
If you’re looking for a more casual bag, the trendy option would be to choose a waistbag (moonbag, bumbag, fannypack etc.) and wear it diagonally across your chest or to choose an actual cross-bodybag.
6. Look Great, Smell Great
The most effective finishing touch to any outfit is one that cannot be seen, your fragrance. However good any look you’ve put together is, it will be completely ruined by bad body odour. Fresh, clean smelling fragrances are always daytime appropriate. Heavier fragrances – usually with a hint of musk – which would normally be considered a nighttime fragrance in the summer, become daytime appropriate in the winter months.
We hope these winter shopping guides for clothing, shoes and finishing touches prove beneficial when ordering your new winter wardrobe.
