Never before has it been so fashionable to relax. Or make our lives appear that way on Instagram through #weekendgoals, should that be your weird flex.

This whole philosophy of ‘slow living’ – mindfulness, being still and in the moment – is seeing men chill more, recuperate after a long day at work and even spend the odd Saturday night in, lounging about on the couch.

And because fashion is a mouthpiece for current cultural trends, luxury brands are turning their hands to louche lounging too, crafting well-designed garments for simply laying around the house.

Defining Cool Men’s Loungewear

Made from soft cotton or exotic cashmere, and impeccably cut and crafted, some loungewear is so refined today that men are wearing their sweats inside – and outside of the home – with the correct styling, of course.

Neutral colours – navy, black, white and literally fifty shades of grey – are the homogenous palette for the contemporary couch potato; delving into reds, purples and greens for more sophisticated and silky items – just like the icons used to wear.

Getting you set for a big night – in, here’s our gentlemen’s guide to stylish and comfortable loungewear. Then, click through the slideshow for ten loungewear brands we’re loving right now. See that? We’re getting better at mindfulness too. Now where’s that tv remote?

Wool, Silk, Cashmere & Cotton Sweatpants

Outside the realms of the onesie, sweaters and sweat pants are the most potentially tragic loungewear piece for men; the need for comfort often proving detrimental to style. From top or bottom, loop back cotton jersey is supremely comfortable, breathable and the most affordable fabric for your sweats (unless you go pure polyester, which we do not recommend).

The most luxurious material of them all? Wool, silk or cashmere. And opting for a blend of one of these with cotton or a cheaper synthetic, gives some much-needed longevity to your sweats. And increases the likelihood of them being machine washable.

Men’s Track Pants

For an adjustable fit, look for trackies with a drawstring and pockets, opting for zips to avoid important keepsakes falling out and into the cracks of your couch. Think tailored-trouser for the pant silhouette, slim and following loosely the contours of the leg. Ribbed cuffs at the ankle give the bottoms extra refinement through tapering. As do front pleats – to mimic suit pants – up top.

For extra detail, look to contrast stitching, contrast cuff colours and extra pockets (on the backside or side of the leg), as well as zips which work as aesthetic decoration and have a functional appeal.

Cool Men’s Sweaters

Like sweatpants, sweaters should be slim – though not restrictive – and boast functional points of interest – tapered cuffs and hems and ribbed neckline. Look to intarsia patterns and retro prints for sweaters (the play on prints looks less childish on tops as opposed to bottoms). Or stick to foolproof navy, grey or black for a minimalist style. Again, zips and pockets add active details that look cool and have a function.

Boxers, Briefs & Thermal Underwear

From boxer shorts to briefs to long-johns (thermal underwear), underwear is a personal decision. When buying underwear as loungewear, consider the following: finding a pair that breathes well and that is supportive but not too tight.

For the former, avoid satin boxers (also for the Hugh Hefner-factor) as they stifle air flow. For a great all-rounder, opt for cotton – affordable and comfortable – with a bit of stretch when buying a blend with elastic fibres. And say no to synthetics; your privates will thank you for it, especially in summer.

Cool & Comfortable T-Shirts

Again, comfort is key. As loungewear, you’re not going to be worried about the rules of shirt tucking. Nor be too concerned about the t-shirt neckline. Going for pure cotton always, opt for scoop for a looser, longer fit or crew or v-neck for the standard slim to regular fit.

The t-shirt collarless design is an easy, paired back version of the pyjama shirt too. And, like the sweat shirt or cuffed jogger pant, basic t-shirts are suitable for slipping into your daily fashion arsenal. So, pick shirts in  nice cut and colour, designed for outdoor appearances too – to maximise their value-to-wear ratio.

Classic Dressing Gown

Dressing gowns – are the perfect post-shower put on – and are a comfortable outerwear option for a night at home. Most quality robes come with pockets and a belt for secure fastening and giving back shape, as well as a definitive shawl collar; sometimes crafted in a contrast colour or fabric for additional style and texture.

Cotton jersey is the most versatile – giving comfort and quality, while a flannel-cotton blend will give some extra warmth in winter. Wanna spend some money? Silk adds a chic element to loungewear. And, if you’re ok with a bit of statement dressing gown, opt for a rich red or paisley jacquard with brown trim. Vey European.

Cool Pyjamas For Men

Pyjamas are meant to be a quirky portrayal of personal style. So unless you’re Mr. Play-It-Safe in the bedroom, why not inject some pattern and colour? For the classic gent, plaid or stripe patterned pjs are big this season – in primary red, navy blue, white or dark green – reminiscent of times when aristocracy didn’t have to work.

Meanwhile, pastel jacquard fabrics are – like the dressing grown – more refined and springtime, some coming with coloured piping of the edge of collared pj shirts. For the modern main, a plain t-shirt and cotton bottoms, short or long are neat and easy (and little more attractive to your bedfellow than formal pjs).

Pants should be relaxed and light, and loosely elastic at the waist and ankle cuff. Fabrics are more diverse: ranging from pure silk to cotton or flannel and woollen materials for winter months.

Cool Men’s Slippers

Slippers are at home as loungewear. Perfect for little trips outdoors – getting clothes in off of the line or retrieving the mail – the slipper is as luxurious as you want to be.

Woven leather versions sit at the more premium end of the spectrum – especially when made from calfskin, while velvet slippers with embroidered toe detail are a plush choice – and a great way to add some subtle colour – burgundy, forest green or navy, to your otherwise neutral, lounge look.

Look for suede loafer models with a fleece-lining in the cooler months. Above all? Avoid novelty slippers; giant animal paws and Disney character heads are strictly off-limits.

Cool Loungewear FAQ

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• How To Look Insanely Sophisticated With A Casual Sweater
• Secrets To Making Your Casual Sportswear Look Damn Cool

The post How To Wear Loungewear When You’re A Guy appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If cattle class is a dungeon of despair – a medieval torture that spikes you (sometimes literally) to retreat into yourself – business class is a prison of gold (where spreading and stretching is not only possible but encouraged).In both cases, you’re still trapped in a glorified tin can, but at least in business you’re stuck in comfort. That’s the idea, anyway. But as we’re about to discover there’s more to it than meets the eye.In fact, if the revelations from a recent Reddit thread are to be believed, there are a number of hardships only business class passengers know. Go figure.Entitled “At what NW did you start to fly first/business class?” the thread asks users to comment, “where you paid for the tickets versus using points.”Attracting 235 comments the thread also reveals some of the unlikely perils of starting to fly up the pointy end.RELATED: Business Class ‘Slammertime’ Ritual Sparks Outrage At 40,000ftAttracting 295 upvotes, the top comment reads: “We started flying business class (mostly with credit card points, but sometime cash) at about $3M.”

“But be warned – once you start with the lay flat seats for long haul, it’s hard to go back. I essentially can’t fly over 6 hours or a red eye in economy anymore.”

Another user wrote, in response, “My wife, who is super frugal, had this issue. This is a woman who was happy to get married in Vegas for a few hundred bucks, buy her own wedding ring used off a divorcee for $1,000, and has no real interest in new cars.”

“But the first time I upgraded us to a lay flat on a trip back from London, she sat in the lay flat seat when it was still upright, took it all in, and said, ‘I don’t think I can go back to economy.’ Then I reclined my seat to flat and she said, ‘Wait, it’s a bed?!’ So yeah, it’s hard to go back.”

“Hah, that reminds me of my wife,” another commented, proving it’s not just luxury experiences at 40,000ft that can ruin you for life. “When we first started dating, she told me she didn’t really like steak. She wasn’t a big meat eater at all and it just so happened that she usually ordered the cheapest dishes on the menu at a restaurant.”

“Then one day I took her to a fancy steak house – the best one in town, with $80 filet mignon – and had her get a steak. She absolutely loved it. Now any time we go to a restaurant where filet is on the menu, she gets it. She went from always getting the cheapest thing on the menu to the most expensive thing. Every time.”

“This is my wife,” yet another user shared. “I used to get upgraded to business class when travelling for work so I got it, but she thought it was a waste of points/money/not necessary. Then we went on an international trip (red-eye from where we live) and I just booked business class top level on a 747. Didn’t tell her, but we got to the lounge and she’s like ‘how did we get access to this?’ and I said ‘because we’re flying business class.’ Was too late for her to complain, so she went with it. When we boarded early and were directed upstairs she was like wtf.

“Now she’s totally good with it on long flights.”

RELATED: How My First Ever Business Class Trip Ruined Me For LifeDMARGE has previously reported on the unexpected perils of the pointy end, including (but not limited to), it being hard to get ‘work’ done when you’re full-to-bursting and have quaffed one too many glasses of champagne, the seatbelt being ‘more complex’ than the economy one and ‘imposter syndrome.’That pales in comparison, however, to the stressors of first-class, which can be seen below…

Read Next

• Why Flying First Class Is Actually More Stressful Than Business
• I Tried Bali’s Instagram Famous Floating Breakfast & It Was A Complete Disaster

The post 'Hard To Go Back To Economy': Business Class Passengers Reveal Their Greatest Struggles appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In the world of looking your damn finest, it’s no surprise that things can get lost in translation. We’ll be the first to admit that we were never an open Wikipedia page when it came to the most common and confusing men’s fashion terminology. Luckily as a man, your primal instinct is to grow and with that comes knowledge and learning. For today’s lesson we’re imparting is a bit of the latter. Sit back and immerse yourself in the twenty-one style terms to keep you at the pointy end of sartorial glory.

Seersucker

This is a term given to mid or lightweight fabric which is often striped. A favourite amongst spring and summer menswear collections, seersucker garments can also come with a wrinkled effect which is naturally made in the weaving process. The intuitive design ensures that the cloth sits away from the skin, making it cooler for wearers during warmer months.

Single-Breasted

This one’s a no-brainer but is an essential for beginners. It’s a classic suit jacket which features a narrow overlap that is fastened via a single row of buttons in the left over right layout. Buttons can vary between one to four but the most common is two.

Double Breasted

Following its single breasted counterpart, the double breasted jacket features two rows of buttons parallel to one another. These second row of buttons are used to hold down an extra section of fabric which extends further across the mid-torso for an even more regal look.

Lapel

The lapel is the folded part of a suit jacket. People often call this the collar but lapel is more accurate. More specifically the lapel is either in notched or peak type styles and should be in proportion to the width of your tie.

Peak Lapel

The peak lapel appears on most formal coats and suit jackets and is defined by an aggressive and thick upward point towards the shoulder. The idea is to further enhance the V-shape on a man and his masculinity via an elongated torso.

Tie Pin

This is a decorative pin that once served to hold the cravats of wealthy English businessmen in the 19th century. Revamped in the modern world during the Mad Men days, the tie pin is today used to secure ties to the shirt in a fashionable manner and has seen a resurgence in styles from thick to thin.

Spread Collar

This is a particular style of collar on a dress shirt that is defined by the distance between each point. The distance varies from 3 to 6 inches with the larger spacing referred to as a Windsor collar.

Straight Collar

This is the go-to collar for most men and the safest option usually found on off-the-rack dress shirts. The points distance from 2 to 3 inches with the collar tabbed to retain its shape.

Raw Denim

Raw denim is unwashed and untreated material taken straight from the dyeing process. The reason behind this is to allow for the unfinished denim to age organically over time at the knees, thighs and crotch to leave a unique finish. To enhance this natural abrasion, wearers often delay washing their denim for six months to achieve their desired finishing.

Selvedge Denim

This is the reinforced version of unwashed or raw denim which gives off  clean natural edges that does not fray. It’s different to raw denim in that selvedge refers to the outer edge of the fabric whilst raw denim is the overall characteristics of the finish. It’s also a more expensive cut due to these properties and is often identified with red stitching on the weft.

Made To Measure

Made to measure suits take an existing base pattern to be constructed from. Tailored suits are often made to measure garments where the pattern is trialled on a wearer before the suit is constructed around it to ensure superior fit when compared to off the rack items.

Bespoke

Bespoke suiting is a piece that has been entirely crafted to a customer’s exact specifications. It involves the most workmanship as the process requires a full floating canvas, basted fitting and detailed hand finishing to achieve the finished garment that is one of one. Wearers can also have the option of choosing everything from fabrics to buttons to stitching.

Gingham Check

This is a plain woven fabric with a alternating check that usually combines white with another tone. It’s used primarily in men’s dress shirts with Germany, France and America all claiming to be the country of its origin. It is best paired with a solid coloured knitted tie.

The simple explanation? David Jones’ vintage logo. More specifically its a succession of jagged checks often in varying shades of black that resemble a dog’s incisor.

Designated primarily on shirts, the crewneck is the standard neck hole which rounds close to the neckline.

V-Neck

This is a T-shirt which features the ‘V’ neck hole to reveal a bit more chest to provide a sharper look.

Boatneck/Scoop Neck

This is a loose fitting neck hole which follows the same rounded contour of the crewneck but is much larger.

Double Monks

This is a dress shoe which features no laces and is fastened by twin buckles and a thick leather strap. It is considered the most contemporary looking dress shoe for men.

Loafers

Designated for casual wear, the loafer is a moccasin shaped leather slip-on shoe which features a flat heel and detailing across the tongue. they are best worn with invisible socks for the summer look.

Men’s Style Guide FAQ

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• The Suit Brands Dominating Today’s Sartorial Game
• Foolproof Ways To Buy Your Perfect First Suit

The post A Simple Guide To Men’s Fashion Terms appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Originally created in 1973 as an all-weather, outdoor boot for the frigid New Hampshire winters, the original yellow 6” Timberland has become an enduring fashion icon. Worn by tradies and musicians alike, it’s been adopted by everyone and anyone; a symbol of the contemporary ‘Made in America’ aesthetic.

Today, the ‘Yellow Boot’ has far surpassed its outdoor heritage and can be worn in a range of different ways. And whether you’re slipping them on to battle against the snow or they’re your go-to street shoes, there’s an art to wearing them. Here, we explain the best ways to sport this classic and ensure these stompers keep you looking fresh.

Timberlands With Denim

Adored by Yeezy himself, the Yellow Boot and jeans is the simplest look in the books. Slim cut denim and a pair of Timberlands with the tongue flopping out gives you instant street cred, regardless of how you style it.

However, for maximum impact it’s worth giving this look a little more thought. The top of your outfit in particular can change the feel entirely so think about the occasion and curate your look to reflect this. For drinks or going out, look at pairing dark jeans and Timberlands with a button-down shirt. Mr. West makes a strong case for a denim chambray shirt but a white or pale blue Oxford would look equally strong. Alternatively, if you’re chucking this on for a quick trip to the shops or coffee, lean in to these boots’ outdoorsy heritage. Plaid shirts and trucker caps are the name of the game and will give you a ruggedness even if you’re nothing of the sort.

Timberlands With A Bomber Jacket

Timberlands and bombers play in the same fashion heartland: street wear. There’s something inherently cool about both that lends to them being shrugged on without too much thought. When it comes to choosing the type of bomber you pair your boots with though, a level of discernment is key.

Because Timberlands are a relatively bulky shoe, it’s important to balance out your outfit with a bomber that isn’t too puffy. Find a classic nylon or satin version that has slim sleeves and finishes on your waist. This will make your outfit appropriately proportioned. If you go for the classic yellow boot, also think about bomber colours that play well with mustard. Burgundy and khaki lend themselves naturally as a contrast and look great layered over a plain grey tee and dark jeans.

Timberlands With Cargo Pants

Cargo pants have been experiencing a resurgence of late and, whether you like it or not, they’re well and truly back on the high street. Getting away with them without looking like a bad 90s rapper is a challenge though. Particularly for your average punter.

If you are taking the plunge (and pairing them with Timberlands no less), simplicity is key. Unlike the cargos of yore, the contemporary iteration should have fewer pockets and be in earthy shades like brown or black. Opt for a slim fit and pair it with a plain crew neck tee shirt. Whilst this look is street, it shouldn’t feel sloppy. Finish it off with a well-cut denim jacket and you’ll be ready to go.

Timberlands With A Coat

If, like me, you wear Timberlands for their original intended purpose; when it’s bloody freezing; chances are you’ll also be donning a winter coat. Coats, beyond just being practical, are an opportunity to elevate your look and give it additional polish. This is even more the case when it comes to these classic boots.

Having a high-rise side, Timberlands give you permission to experiment with a longer style coat. Explore knee length camel options that look just as good with jeans and a hoodie as they do with a suit. Alternatively, a double-breasted pea coat is an equally stylish method for upping the ante on your Timberlands – pair them with dark chinos, a chunky knitted scarf and a beanie for the consummate winter look.

Timberlands With Sweats

I’m of the Karl Lagerfeld school of thought when it comes to sweatpants; they’re ‘a sign of defeat’ and something would have gone terribly awry if I was wearing them in public. Nevertheless, with increasingly high-tech (and fitted) iterations entering the market, they’ve become semi-acceptable in the public sphere. And runners aside, Timberlands are one of the only acceptable shoe options you can pair them with.

Timberlands FAQ

Read Next

• The Ultimate Guide To Wearing Dress Boots For Work & Play
• A Simple Guide To Men’s Dress Shoes For Those Who Know Nothing About Them

The post A Guide To Wearing & Styling Timberlands For Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

2020 will forever be a year remembered for Australian bushfires, a pandemic and more time half-dressed for at-home Zoom calls than previously thought imaginable. It also, for men at least, paved the way for a whole new trend of getting their hair cut at home.And, while such a trend delivered, let’s be honest, mixed results, some men decided to go all out and bleach their hair. Because if not now, when? However, while the days of #CrisisBleaching our hair may be behind us, 2021 doesn’t want to banish the hydrogen peroxide to the bathroom cabinet just yet.Case in point: Ricky Martin.The Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and global megastar isn’t just known for his Latin pop hits, but also for his handsome face and super slick fade haircut. Usually seen rocking nigh-on perfect stubble, Martin has recently taken to Instagram to post a completely new look, and it could well prove to be the new grooming trend 2021 is looking for.

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A post shared by Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin)

Rocking a new bleached blond beard – still perfectly trimmed, of course – Ricky Martin claims the reasoning for such a move was because he was bored, using the caption “When bored, bleach”. Certainly, words to describe the mindset of many during 2020 (and likely 2021).Receiving plenty of praise from his adoring fans, “Oh Absolutely!”, “Blondes have more fun”, and more fire emojis than we care to count, it’s safe to say that Martin may have got away with his latest exploit and could have become the unlikely trendsetter for the year ahead. Summing up men’s attitude to grooming in 2021, you might say.We wouldn’t be surprised if something such as beard bleaching takes off in the coming months – actor and Childish Gambino rapper Donald Glover attempted the same thing in 2019, albeit with less success – as it appears beard-owners are now hoping to have their time in the spotlight, choosing to experiment with new ways to style their facial fuzz while they continue to find themselves spending most of their days at home.Enter, monkey tail beards. Not unlike something you might see in a Tim Burton flick, monkey tail beards are slowly becoming a ‘thing’ in the US and the UK. Thankfully, there are currently no signs of it making its way to Australian shores. Yet.

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A post shared by Denise DeCrescito (@frominhere)

Quite possibly one of the most awful grooming trends we’ve come across, the monkey tail beard sees men shaving one side of their face, leaving a sweeping tail from the sideburn and round to form a moustache. No, we’re not sure why either.

Trend will fade when they realize their ear is the monkey’s butthole. Shoulda thought it thru.#MonkeyTailBeard #thinkagain https://t.co/NikLvE2tqE

— robwear #Joemala (@robwear57) January 17, 2021

But, while many media outlets are claiming it can be traced back to 2019 and MLB baseball player Mike Fiers, a quick look on Twitter suggests it actually dates back much further to 2011/12. It’s unclear how it became a trend in the first place back then, but it died off around 2014 – and should have stayed that way – and has seen a resurgence since Fiers took to the field rocking his, for a “dare”.It’s a unique way for men to experiment with their lockdown beards, we’ll admit, and a far cry from the Amish beard trend that found particular favour with celebrities in 2020.While that trend could have been attributed to its low maintenance qualites, according to Jacob Martin, owner of Sydney barbershop Tate & Lyle, who spoke exclusively to DMARGE, this latest craze to sport a monkey’s tail on the face looks to demand far greater upkeep.Let us hope the trend is a temporary one for Instagram likes only, and not one we’ll see when out and about.

Read Next

• ‘Beard Baiting’ Is The Latest Dating Trend Australians Need To Watch Out For
• How To Grow A Beard That Jesus Himself Would Be Proud Of

The post Ricky Martin's Latest Look Perfectly Captures Men's Attitude To Grooming In 2021 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

As men’s wear continues to look to the ‘street’ for style inspiration, the lines between casual and formal attire are blurring.

That’s not to say blazers and chinos can be worn with thongs (or flip-flops for our American friends). Nor can distressed denim and a tee be worn to the corporate office (even if they come worn with Italian leather brogues).

In 2015, the style rules governing what’s formal and casual in fashion aren’t so absolute anymore; serving more as a guide to be tweaked or dare I say, broken – once in a while. Here are five ways to mix casual and formal pieces, for looks that will take your casual Friday conservatism well into the dapper weekend.

Embrace The Tee & Suit Combo

Made cool by creatives and fashion types, the tee-under-suit look may not be possible at work for some but can most definitely serve anyone for those nights out and strolls on the weekend. Above all things, I say to thee: the suit needs to be well-tailored, with a slim-fit jacket and trousers that are streamline, running along the lines of the leg without being skinny.

Then, look to the colour. This parred-down tailored look is all about minimalism, so opt for a neutral block-coloured suit (think grey, brown and black) and don’t be afraid to play around with hues; opting for pastels for a summery look. Going tonal (matching the t-shirt colour with the suit) works super well with navy and charcoal, blending the look and playing down the absence of a traditional button-up shirt.

Otherwise, go monochrome – contrasting the dark with the light; a black tee under a pastel grey suit or a dark navy suit over a crisp, white tee. Finally, keep the t-shirt length to waist-height or casually tucked in. Then, go without a belt, and no socks with your leather lace-ups – accentuating the casual chic.

Try A Blazer Over Your Denim Jacket

I can explain. Let me set the scene: the denim jacket needs to be a perfect fit (no vintage, oversized arms here) and in a raw or classic wash (nothing acid, please). Now, the blazer. Unstructured, slim fit blazers work best with this look and stick to lightweight linen, pure cotton, and polyester-wool blend fabrics with minimal pocket detailing.

Layer the blazer snugly over your denim jacket, which should always be worn with a button shirt, undone (the crisp collar of the shirt and the denim sitting nicely like peaks). Keep the blazer unbuttoned always, and sway between buttoning or opening the denim jacket, depending on your mood. If the denim is closed, just do-up the third and fourth middle buttons, for a jacket that looks like a cool version of waistcoat.

Step Up Your Suit & Sneaker Game

Similar to the suit-and-tee look, the suit and sneaker combination is an evolution of sports’ influence on tailoring. Again, the suit needs to be sharp and smooth – without brazen check prints or statement pinstripes, in a cotton or lightweight wool-blend.

Then, let that monochrome money work its way onto your sneakers. Nothing gym-looking or chunkily dad-ish, here; keeping the silhouette low-cut, clean and – like traditional lace-ups – always in leather.

White sneakers are best with this look; letting the hue pop like a light under your trousers. The next step up is coloured sneakers, which look great in tonal symmetry and contrast fabrics to the suit itself. Foolproof combinations are a navy suit with retro sneakers in blue suede panelling and a touch of white, matching the white in the shirt.

While tees do work with this look, but the formality of an Oxford shirt is a nice combination, worn tucked in and with no tie, with the collar unbuttoned. Lose the socks and you’ll be set.

Rock Your Suit With Shorts

Pioneered by Mr Nick Wooster himself, the blazer/shorts combination is the least common of the casual and formal mixing. For reasons of feeling underdressed and falling ‘short’ in the style stakes, the common short doesn’t really get a look-in for most men mid-week.

It’s a given, due to the fact most have of you have corporate jobs and the short is definitely not office-appropriate. But on the weekend, paired with a blazer, the summery short can look a million bucks.

Go for separates as opposed to a matching jacket-and-short suit; the latter is hard to pull off and can look a little cheesy unless you’re in Cannes. Next, make the statement part of the suit, the jacket – either in colour or print – keeping the short in a neutral tone such as beige, khaki, navy, grey or black.

The short length needs to be just above the knee (no longer or shorter) and should retain the properties of tailored pants: slim fit, structured pockets and waistband, and be of cotton, linen or a polyester-blend.

Pair the look with shirt or tee, ensuring to balance out a checked jacket with plain under shirt and opt for sneakers or classic brogues (no socks please). And play around with neckwear, sacrificing a traditional tie for a neckscarf to continue the tailored, holiday look.

Formal & Casual FAQ

The post Mixing Formal & Casual Pieces Is The Easiest Way To Look Off-Duty Sharp appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Anyone can dress themselves, but there’s more to styling than simply knowing which jeans are the best fit for you. So listen up class; today we are going to learn how to develop personal style that speaks to the man you are.

Size Yourself Up

Men represent all body types. Large, thin, short or buff. Whatever the stature, you are physically unique. And your approach to personal style needs to reflect that; enhancing your genetics (as well as working with that belly that McDonald’s has blessed you with).

Take a good, hard look in the mirror and make an honest decision as to what body type you are. Then, take a read of our dressing for your body type guides: the larger gent, the skinny guy and the short guy. Or maybe you’ve crafted a more bodybuilder physique?  Categorising allows you to lay a foundation for how to develop personal style. Made just for you.

Know Your Lifestyle & Apply Accordingly

Your professional and social environment is another personal style cornerstone. You banker boys will have different personal style needs (with traditional suits, leather lace-up and a hefty collection of silk ties), compared to the agency creative who can rock tailored denim jeans, a button shirt and sockless brogues to a work meeting (as well as to dinner on the weekend).

Then there’s geographic location. Australian suit wearers should to look to cotton and lighter wools and need to in invest in a few solid pairs of tailored chino shorts and basic tees for Summer weekends. This is compared to Brits, who will look to tweed jackets and woollen trousers in Winter, as a way to look good and survive the chill.

Essentially, when it comes to how to develop personal style, it needs to be practical, first and foremost. And, now we can have some fun.

Always Invest In Staples To Save Time & Money

Not having men’s fashion staples is like trying to drive a vehicle with the handbrake on. Read our article on men’s fashion items that will never go out of style for some start-up ideas. Once you’ve got the basics down, add to that list: a knitted sweater, neutral-hued chinos, a plain white tee, an Oxford button-up shirt and a few decent pairs of jocks and socks. While there remain other pieces to bulk up your style canon, start with these essentials.

Next, keep colours neutral (navy, brown, black, white, grey) and opt for darker yellows, reds, greens or pastels for lighter, Spring-time looks. But don’t overdo colour. Let one piece of clothing be the feature. The key is to colour block; stacking full, patternless shades of colour into one outfit. For instance, a plain black tee under a navy blazer, paired with white chinos is solid, vibrant and instantly stylish.

Add Another Dimension With Accessories

Now, it’s time to play. Adding different textures and patterns lends that individual touch to classic items as does mastering the art of accessorising. It’s purely a matter of personal taste. Let’s take the dinner jacket, as an example.

A velvet jacket with metallic-gem lapel pin matches your musician mood – so rock it. Identify as the timeless gent? Stick to a black jacket with satin lapel. Or perhaps you’re the modern dandy (down to your powder blue suede shoes)? Then opt for a dinner jacket in jacquard weave that looks good enough to stroke.

When you get that overwhelming ‘yes, I need that‘ stomach rush – buy it. This kind of intuition cannot be ignored.

Look To Your Favourite Style Icons

While your girl follows celebs for their dramatic love lives, it helps to check in with the rich and famous for tapping into their approach to style. I’m talking about those seriously stylish actors, only the most fashionable sportsmen and that handful of luxury designers.

Pick one or two celebrity gents (with a similar physical look or taste to you) and start to draw inspiration. The idea is not to copy, as this will lead to frustration. Instead, reinterpret the way the actor styles his night-time suit versus his daytime blazer and chinos. And, what does he wear off-duty when he’s chilling – be it, at the airport or a local LA bar?

You’ll find the best-dressed celebrities keep their clothing simple, well-fitted and in-the-moment. The biggest personal style mistake is to overthink it. So don’t.

Wear It Because You Love It

Nothing is stylish about a guy wearing an outfit chosen for him, not by him. It’s normally a case of the clothes wearing the man, instead of the way around. Give yourself a break. Yes, being fashionable does come from looking to others – be it, models in magazines or other gents in street.

But don’t start wearing say, bow ties with a blazer, simply because your mates are, especially if you don’t love it and feel ridiculous. Your awkwardness will show, regardless of how dapper you’re trying to look. And honestly, a great outfit will never be truly stylish without complete confidence in your choices.

Personal Style FAQ

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The last twelve months have certainly done a number on the world economy, and while Australia has done better than most, it still hasn’t been easy.Some economic trends have been shorter than others. Rent prices took a nosedive at the start of the COVID-19 crisis – although that was quite a short-lived phenomenon, much to the chagrin of many. Other trends have been more persistent, such as the insane upwards performance of the US stock market or prices on the used car market.In short, there’s never been a better time to sell your old car. The Spicy Cough has seen public transport operating at reduced capacity (and made the entire prospect a somewhat dicey proposition regardless), so the demand for cars has never been higher. At the same time, a reduction in global trade has meant there are less new cars hitting Aussie dealerships. Not to mention that international holidays are still off the cards and road trips are so in vogue.The upshot? The Australian used car market is on fire right now, with observers calling it the ‘COVID Tax’. It’s a seller’s market: even run-of-the-mill beaters are going for hundreds if not thousands of dollars more than they were in 2019, and while we’re still waiting on a vaccine rollout Down Under, prices are set to remain pretty damn hot.But what if you’re buying rather than selling? Where are the best deals to be found?Somewhat surprisingly, it’s in Australia’s biggest city, as recent stats reveal. Gumtree Cars, Australia’s #1 marketplace for privately listed vehicles, recently released their quarterly statistics, which reveal that Sydney is the best place in the country to buy a used car: Sydney alone represents around 20% of Australia’s total population but represents over 22% of all cars listed on Gumtree.Considering that Sydney has been harder hit by other capitals such as Brisbane, Canberra or Perth – and also that the city has a huge and growing population that relies on an extensive public transport system – you’d think it would be harder to find a used car in the Harbour City. Not so, as the case seems to be.DMARGE spoke with David Low, Marketing Manager at Gumtree Cars, who gave us some more insights about Sydney’s used car market, as well as the Australian used car market more broadly.

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“Sydney has maintained its ranking as the top metropolitan city in Australia for listings over the past year and a half,” he relates, with growth driven by a few key suburbs:

“[In particular] we have seen strength in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, with a large proportion of private vehicles listed on Gumtree in Liverpool (2.9%) of all listings nationally, Parramatta (2.2%) and Blacktown (1.9%) which has helped increase Sydney’s overall listings.”

Such growth in the Western Suburbs might mean that more North Shore or Eastern Suburbs dwellers might have to park their elitism at the door and venture out to the West to find their next car. Pop that Bondi bubble, we say.RELATED: ‘Most Bondi Photo Ever’ Sums Up Australian Café Culture In 2021Gumtree have also shared that certain car brands are experiencing more growth in listings than others and therefore might be a better deal. More listings means more competition means more competitive prices.Nationally the top five most listed car brands on their platform were Ford, Holden, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. The premium market has seen a surge in listings too, up 16% for brands like Audi, Land Rover, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz (officially Australia’s #1 hooning brand).Indeed, the premium market might be where the best deals to be found are, as luxury brands tend to be hit hardest with depreciation – something that even the ‘COVID Tax’ can’t get away from. DMARGE spoke to Carsales‘ Editor-in-Chief Mike Sinclair last year who explained that the worst-depreciating brands on the market typically include those that have left the Australian market or failed to resonate with Aussie consumers, like Infiniti, Opel or SAAB.RELATED: Car Brands Australians Should Buy If They Want To Minimise Depreciation, According To Auto ExpertsBut just how bad is this so-called ‘COVID Tax’? The average listing price for a second-hand vehicle on Gumtree is $10,811, up 16% on 2019 for all vehicles priced at less than $200,000, the platform reports. Things are worst in the NT: the Northern Territory saw a slightly higher average listing price for second-hand vehicles at $11,550.

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In particular, speculation has been incredibly intense for so-called ‘bogan cars‘ as well over the last 12 months: a combination of the aforementioned ‘COVID Tax’, news of Holden’s departure from the Australian market and the demise of classic car enthusiast options like rear-wheel-drive sedans or the iconic V8 engine.Specific market trends aside, Low suggests that the reason used cars are becoming more expensive is because cars are just getting better.

“A trend we’ve been experiencing over the past decade is an improvement in vehicle safety features and advances in vehicle manufacturing allowing the second-hand market to grow as consumer’s trust in vehicle longevity has improved.”

The reality is that the average shitbox you’ll find on the online classifieds is miles safer than the used cars our parents or even our older siblings were forced to choose from. Take this 2004 Peugeot 307 that’s currently for sale for $999 on Carsales in Sydney’s Smeaton Grange: one of the cheapest cars on sale in the country (that actually works).Yes, the body’s a little worse for wear. Yes, the clutch is potentially a bit dodgy. Worst of all, it’s French. But for less than $1k you can get a safe and fun little runabout with a fuel-sipping, 100kW 2.0L turbo diesel; front and side airbags; ABS and power steering; power windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, an immobilizer and a CD player. Not bad, all things considered.The moral of the story? Used cars will continue to be expensive in Australia for the foreseeable future, so you need to be savvy as to where you go hunting for your next ride. Find the cities and suburbs with a glut of listings, figure out which brands will have the best deals, and be ready to negotiate hard.Good luck, speed racer.

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The post Sydney's Used Car Market Booming, Gumtree Statistics Reveal appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Last Friday Emirates announced the suspension of its services to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane indefinitely (though Perth was left alone). It has today announced these services will resume next week, from Monday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

The services were cancelled last Friday after it was announced international flight caps in three Australian states would be scissored in half until February the 15th (which came in response to the threat of a new highly transmissible strain of COVID-19 from the United Kingdom).

Although the services are now set to resume (as reported by the ABC today), this has left a week’s gap in services, which has left hundreds of Australians stranded overseas. For some, it was the fourth time their flight home had been cancelled.

Emirates provided DMARGE with the following statement last Saturday, when asked if the flights had been suspended in response to the new arrival caps (which appeared the obvious trigger for Emirates’ decision at the time).

“Emirates flights to/from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be suspended until further notice due to operational reasons.”

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers. Affected customers should contact their travel agent or Emirates contact centre for rebooking options.”

“Australia remains an important market for Emirates. We continue to serve Perth with twice-weekly flights and we are working hard to prepare for resumption of services to our other points.”

DMARGE had also heard rumours Emirates’ suspension of flights could have been to do with a strict cabin crew policy speculated to be in effect in Melbourne (wherein, if one crew member tests positive on arrival, the rest of the crew are considered close contacts and there is no one left to operate the flight back, resulting in many outbound flights being cancelled). This rumour, if true, would pose operational challenges to any airline running international flights in and out of Melbourne (not just Emirates).

This was unable to be verified. When DMARGE asked about it last weekend, Emirates responded: “At this stage, we don’t have anything further to add around the suspension but there’s some more information around travel requirements by destination here.”

Even the ABC, which wrote an article entitled, “Why did Emirates suspend flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,” five days ago, could come up with little hard facts at the time.

“For now, Emirates has said the decision was due to ‘operational reasons,'” the ABC reported.

“The airline has said it ‘remains committed to Australia and continues to operate twice-weekly flights to/from Perth.'”

“We don’t have any more information about the reasoning behind the decision beyond that,” (ABC).

Today, however, the ABC reported a statement released by Emirates, which may shed further light on this topic: “The pandemic has made international flying incredibly challenging, and the dynamic restrictions and requirements implemented by the different state authorities in Australia had added complexity and burden to our operations.”

“This led us to temporarily suspend passenger services while we engaged with various stakeholders regarding crew protocols and other operational details.”

Emirates confirmed to the ABC that crew operating on Australian flights were already required to take a PCR coronavirus test 48 hours prior to scheduled flight departure times from Dubai.

“With the latest adjustments, these tests will be administered in their homes, and our crew will also observe self-quarantine in their homes from the moment of testing until their flight… Combined with the hotel quarantine and tests on arrival in Australia, this effectively means that our crew are in a bubble from 48 hours before their flight, until they return to Dubai.”

“This is an added burden for our crew as individuals, for our rostering, and operating costs, and therefore this decision was made after careful review and consideration.”

“We are grateful that our wonderful crew teams are very understanding and supportive, which has enabled us to quickly restart passenger services.”

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority, and as always, we work closely with the authorities and health experts in this regard.”

Airlines have been doing it tough since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, with limited numbers of carriers still operating services to Australia. Neither Qantas nor Virgin Australia are currently running international flights. As Flight Hacks founder Immanuel Debeer told DMARGE recently, “To give you an idea, only 73 people per day are allowed into Western Australia from overseas. We currently have three airlines flying passengers. So that means around 24 people per flight depending on the schedule.”

Qatar Airways is one of the other airlines currently operating flights to Australia. When asked whether they would consider suspending services too, in light of what has just happened with Emirates, DMARGE was provided with the following statement, which outlines some of the challenges airlines seeking to fly to Australia currently face.

“Due to the restrictions on passengers travelling to Australian destinations, Qatar Airways can only carry a limited number of passengers per day to certain destinations. While some governmental exemptions apply to these numbers, we must strictly adhere to these restrictions.”

“Qatar Airways analyses each flight based on a range of criteria, including compassionate and medical requirements, connecting flights, booking class, party size and commercial value. In order to ensure the continued viability of our operations to Australia commercial value of tickets sold must also be taken into consideration to be able to operate each flight.”

“However, each passenger’s case is treated on an individual basis regardless of what cabin class they have booked. We have been assisting many passengers with emergency/compassionate issues as first priority to help them get on a flight home to Australia as soon as possible. We continue to work closely with all our passengers to find alternative flights if they are unable to travel on their original intended flight. The airline also recently resumed flights to Adelaide, one of the five Australian cities now served, further supporting repatriation efforts.”

“Qatar Airways has been one of the few international airlines to never stop operating to and from Australia, helping carry over 180,000 Australians and international travellers home since the early stages of the pandemic, more than any other airline.”

To place this in context, Sydney University Professor of Transport and Supply Chain Management Rico Merkert told DMARGE last year Qatar Airways’ persistence with international flights could also be because it doesn’t have as many domestic routes to sustain it like, say, Qantas, or Virgin Australia.

Qatar Airways also came into this year’s aviation crisis one of the richest airlines in the world. And – as their decision to declare themselves the “world’s largest carrier” in June 2020 suggests – taking the punt to keep operating in this time may prove a smart marketing call in the long run (they weren’t even in the top 7 in 2018).

Merkert confirmed to DMARGE exclusively: “Yes, [continuing to operate flights has been] great for brand building and grabbing market share. It is harder to gain customers than to lose them in this business (once loyalty schemes and a decent product come into play).”

“They also understand the importance of aviation to their economy (as a hub with some pretty new and expensive infrastructure sitting there and lots of competition from the UAE and other places).”

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The post New Statement Sheds Light On Emirates' Recent Australian Flight Cancellations appeared first on DMARGE Australia.