Men & Style (2)

Men’s and women’s body shapes may be quite different, but the basics of camouflaging figure challenges are the same.

The big difference is that the ideal body shape for men is the “Y” or inverted triangle – wide shoulders tapering down to narrow hips.

Here are some reminders from my workshops: use the design lines in clothes to emphasise assets and camouflage figure challenges. Vertical lines help everyone look taller and slimmer. Select horizontal lines carefully; across the shoulders work well for most men.

Nobody (and no body) suits shapeless clothes; big baggy garments make you look big and baggy too. Anything worn too tight causes you to look heavier eg tops stretched over a beer gut are NOT covering it up, they’re emphasising it. The same maxim applies to men as to women – ‘Skim not Cling’.

Good posture and grooming are major contributors to looking stylish. As an added bonus, standing tall has an immediate effect on reducing tubby tummies yet expanding chests.

Your physiology affects your mood: slouching or scuffing your feet and looking down are all communicating lack of confidence – to everyone who sees you AND to yourself. Act as if you’re positive and self assured via your body language and these feelings will soon follow.

The well groomed man showers daily, uses anti-perspirant, trims his facial hair (including eyebrows, nostrils, ears), washes his hair regularly and gets it cut by a good stylist.

He looks after his skin; it’s kept clean and clear and he uses sun-screen. While he may not pay for a manicure and pedicure, he cares for his hands and feet which are clean and smooth, with nails short and tidy.

His clothes are clean and ironed, without any buttons missing or repairs required. His shoes are clean and in good condition.

Have you noticed how important CLEAN is? Being well groomed doesn’t cost much - it just takes a bit of time.