Rath & Co. Tastehunter
From stocking stuffers to special gifts they’ll never forget, here are some Rath & Co. favorites for everyone on your holiday gift list.
For men, I’m loving indulgent accessories that fit into his casual lifestyle. For women, you can’t go wrong with festive pieces to fill her closet and luxurious skin care products thrown in for good measure.
Click one of the images below for my top 12 gifts ideas for men and women!
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving.
One of my male clients’ biggest fashion fears is combining patterns. So much so, that I often hear from new clients that they resort to only ever wearing solids because they’re unsure of how to mix and match patterns. In my opinion, that’s completely unnecessary (and unacceptable!). If you’re similarly stuck, try my inverse pattern matching rule. It’s easier than you think.
Above is the before — a white shirt with a burgundy stripe and a solid jacket. Easy and safe. But if you want to take it to the next level, you combine that pattern with a pattern that’s the inverse. So in this case, that would be burgundy with a white stripe. See below for the after.
White shirt with burgundy stripe combined with a burgundy jacket with a white stripe. It’s chef’s kiss and really that easy! Give it a try, and let me know how you do. And if you’re still confused, contact me for a complimentary consultation.
Yours in style,
Julie
Image via Forbes.com
I recently spoke to Forbes about men’s shorts. The article features several of my tips, and I dig in further below.
We’re in the middle of summer, not to mention a global heat wave, and shorts are a staple. Shorts are one of those things that, if you execute well, they can make your outfit. If not, they’ll break it.
Here are my additional tips on how to make your summer shorts style effortless and flattering.
Know Your Fit
I like to see the waistband laying neatly flat across the waist with no drooping in the front or sagging in the seat (aka khaki “diaper butt”). You also want to consider the circumference of your thighs in relation to the leg opening on your shorts. They want to be trim enough through the legs where they aren’t ballooning around your thighs, but have enough give that you can walk and sit comfortably. If you have very built thighs, narrow leg openings will be tough both putting on and going from sitting to standing. It’s annoying and uncomfortable having to tug a pair of shorts down if they get stuck on your thighs. So try the sit and stand test before buying.
Inseam Matters
Inseam is such a big deal that it gets its own bullet point. Think about inseam in relation to your height, whether you’re long- or short-torsoed (and, conversely, have legs that are proportionally short or long for your body), and how confident you are in your legs. As a general rule, the sweet spot for your shorts length is for the hem to hit about three quarters of the way down your upper leg. Most shorts have either a 5, 7 or 9 inch inseam. If you’re 5’ 9” or under, stick with 7 inches or shorter. Any additional length will be too long and look like board shorts on you. For those 5’ 10” and up, you can safely try any of the inseams, keeping in mind that a 5” inseam will be fairly skimpy on you, so it’s important that you feel good about the build of your quads. Keep in mind that lighter colors are less forgiving, so be careful not to push the envelope in a pair of white shorts. Finally, the 9” inseam reads as conservative. It’s also a good choice if you’re lacking confidence in the build of your legs. And don't be afraid to buy long, then hem a pair of shorts in order to achieve your perfect length.
Types of Shorts
-Flat front is a perfect no-brainer and classic go-to. You may turn heads, but you won’t raise eyebrows.
-Pleated reads as conservative and is helpful if you need a little more room for pizza.
-Denim is a tightrope walk. It can be youthful and edgy, or dated and dad-like depending on the wash and cut.
-The meme above always makes me laugh — I think cargo shorts get a bad rap. When pulled off well and fitting in a nicely tailored way, they can be a nice way to mix up your shorts game. The main thing here is to avoid very long or blousy cargo shorts because that can come off as frumpy.
-Drawstring is perfect for vacation-wear because it’s inherently more casual.
-Sweat and workout shorts are for exactly that: sweating and working out. They’re also OK for at-home loungewear.
When and Where to Wear Shorts
During the day is always a safe bet. If you’re considering wearing shorts to a restaurant but are unsure, take a minute to call and confirm whether shorts are acceptable if nothing about dress code is listed on the website. There’s no shame in doing some extra anonymous legwork!
Cheers,
Julie
I can’t believe I just wrote that title, but here we are. While plenty of people have a lot scarier things to worry about than overzealous ear hair, grooming maintenance is a true concern for those of us who are working from home, doing Zoom calls regularly, and just trying to feel good about ourselves. There are no magic fixes, but I do have some tips on how to keep things as tight as tight can be during a pandemic:
Follow the map: use a trimmer, trimming around your ears and zapping stray nose and eyebrow hairs. Try to stay within the framework of what your barber/hair stylist did during your last cut. You should be able to keep it up fairly well if you do this once or twice a week. Try to avoid over-scaping around your eyebrows, as over-tweezed eyebrows can look like a pair of caterpillars sitting on your head, which I assume is not the look you’re going for.
Whiten up: if you’re home working all day, my guess is you’re consuming your fair share of coffee. With no routine dentist visits in sight, why not do some at-home whitening? I like Snow, as it’s super-convenient. The LED light plugs into your phone, so you can do it while watching tv, folding laundry, etc. While their customer service/communication is lackluster, the product is very effective.
Avoid protein powder: I love my morning smoothie too, but many ingredients in protein powder make your hair grow faster. According to James Joyce, my go-to for all things nerdy and hair, “your hair is the waste receptacle for vitamins and minerals in your body. So the more nutrients you pump in quickly that your body can’t use, the quicker it pushes them out via your hair follicles.” Ingredients to watch for are collagen powder, biotin, gelatin, niacin, folic acid, B12, pantothenic acid and chlorophyll, if you don’t want your hair to grow too quickly.
Wear a hat: Not on your calls, but post-shower. Comb your hair smooth in the direction you want it to dry in, then put on a baseball hat and let it dry that way. That will compact your hair and make it less fluffy looking.
Use the right product: Opt for a light styling cream, not a pommade or gel. James recommends Baxter Styling Cream. Put it on dry hair to help contain the hair and make it look less voluminous.
DIY Cut? I don’t think there’s a cut and dry answer (I know, lame double entendre) on whether or not to tackle the at-home haircut. It depends on who’s doing the cutting and her/his attention to detail and previous experience, your hair type and hairline style, among other factors. That said, I have found some good resources online for how to do it if you want to give it a shot. Worst case is you botch it up, and it grows back in by the time we’re out and about again. This tutorial in particular breaks it down clearly and even makes it look easy.
Get on the calendar: Obviously we don’t know when we’ll be back to life as we know it (and timing depends on your location), but if your salon or barber shop is scheduling or has a reopen date, try to get an appointment on the books. Many salons are already booking appointments following projected reopen dates, and appointments will be more spaced out than before and therefore trickier to get. You can always push it back if need be, but at least you’ll have something for when things do open up.
Until then, stay healthy!
Cheers,
Julie
Now that our primary means of human-to-human contact is across a screen, optimizing your setup is key. You want the lighting to be flattering on your face and distractions minimal. I wrote a post on this a back in 2013, which I’ve gone back and polished up for today’s technology and climate. Below are my updated tips on how best to set yourself up for video conferencing.
For lighting, natural light behind the camera is best, but if you aren’t near a window, make sure the room is well-lit (video looks grainier when it’s dark) and that no bright lights are shining on you. Also, while it sounds like nice ambience to have a window behind you, if you don’t have enough light in front of you, you’ll be back-lit. That puts your face in shadows. Instead, try to position the light so it’s right behind or next to the computer. If the light is too bright, cover it with a cloth to soften the effect. You can also try ring light which is specifically designed to create a flattering light for your camera.
Angle the camera so that it’s at eye level or pointing down at you. An upward angle looks awkward and is less complimentary. You can prop your computer up on a few books to get it to the right height.
Put a piece of white paper or a white cloth on the table you’re sitting at (keep it out of the camera frame). This will reflect flattering light up onto your face.
Look at the camera, not the screen. It’s awkward at first and takes some getting used to, but to create the best experience for the other user(s), you should be looking at the camera, not the screen. If this is hard, try turning off the window that allows you to see yourself. It can be tempting to check yourself out, but it’s distracting to the other person.
In contrast to a 3-D meeting in an office or boardroom, on a video call the focus is on you, chest up. So small actions or habits like clicking your pen, chewing on your nails, or rubbing your face/hair are amplified. Try to avoid them.
Sit up straight. Bad posture is also emphasized on screen.
Smile — you may feel goofy doing this when you’re not right in front of the other person, but it’s important.
If you can sit slightly back from the camera, do it. You’ll look better proportioned on screen.
Plug in your laptop instead of running on battery power, which may default to poorer video or sound quality.
Try not to adjust your setup during the call, as this can be distracting to those on the other side.
I know it’s hard with the whole family home, but try to have a clutter-free background and a quiet environment with minimal distractions or interruptions.
Don’t multitask. The person you’re conferencing with will know when you’re not paying attention, so avoid embarrassment and turn off all other programs on your computer. That way there won’t be any unexpected sounds going off, and you won’t be tempted to look at your email (the other user can hear you typing!)
I know, this is a lot to think about with everything that’s going on in the world right now, but do your best. Once you have a setup that works for one call, each subsequent call will get easier.
What are your strategies for successful video conferencing?
Cheers,
Julie
I sincerely hope your answer involves pants.
If I had posed that question to you six weeks ago, you would have looked at me like I had twelve heads. But now that we’re all homebound, what to wear for work from home is about as topical as you can get. While it may be tempting to grab a worn t-shirt off the floor and head straight to your laptop, there’s a good case for putting some effort in. And this applies whether you’re on zoom calls all day or not.
One of my favorite style writers, Ray Smith of the Wall Street Journal, recently wrote an article on the topic, in which he quotes my and other image and style experts’ advice. You can check out that article here, and I’ve included my entire list of tips below.
Overall my thinking on the matter is that we can all be a little more relaxed right now. This is a chance to show our human side and connect with others on that level. Now is a time for relationship-building, and exploring new ways to work together once we come out of this — however that may look. After all, partnerships drive innovation. So connecting with others is paramount.
I’m using the term ‘neat casual’ (or the more whimsical ‘corona cas’) for the WFH dress code right now. You don’t want your colleagues to be sitting there wondering if today’s wrinkled t-shirt was last night’s pajama top. And you certainly don’t want them wondering what you’ve got it paired with on bottom.
Stemming from the above: avoid the outfit mullet: business on top, party on bottom. What if you have to jump up to let your dog out of the room during a call? Your underdressed bottom half (boxers/briefs/what-have-you) may have an unintended reveal.
If you typically wear a suit and tie to work, swap that out for a neat button-up shirt. It’s both realistic and respectful. It would be odd to be sitting in front of your computer in a full suit and tie.
If your office is more casual, you can wear the same sorts of things that you were in the office — so a non-wrinkled t-shirt/henley/polo in a color that’s flattering to you will work nicely.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s not just about how others see you. Getting dressed is also for yourself. Wearing pants is good for morale! So even if you’re not doing video calls, take a shower, wash your face and put a complete outfit on. This helps with mood, self-image and productivity.
If you’re doing at-home workouts, good for you! Make sure you shower up after and don’t just jump straight into work. Doing so will help you transition from one activity to the other. This is important to get you into a productive work mindset since you aren’t physically changing locations.
Beware of wrinkles, as they can be amplified over video. You don’t need to break out the steamer before logging on, but the fewer lines in your clothes the better.
Avoid wearing black or white, both of which can wash you out on video. Also, don’t wear the same color as your background, as this can make you look like a floating head.
Instead opt for colors (ideally solids or non-busy patterns) that flatter your skin tone.
In terms of grooming, it’s OK to be slightly rougher around the edges than usual. So if you’re typically clean shaven, a little scruff is fine. And make sure to take a look in the mirror before you go online. Is your hair sticking straight up? Jerky in your teeth? Eyebrows crazy? Don’t overlook the grooming basics.
Overall, use common sense and good judgement based on whom you’re meeting with and what you want to convey.
One of my WFH looks: non-busy pattern and cool tone that’s flattering for me.
Men's Image Consulting: Before and After
If you've been hanging around here for a while, you've likely seen the before/after pictures of my work. What you may not know, though, is that it's quite challenging to get these pictures together, and the ones that I have posted only reflect a small portion of the results I've gotten with my clients. Many of them (understandably) are private and don't want their pictures included.
For those clients who are open to being featured, getting an accurate before picture that's also high enough quality for web use, is often difficult, not to mention planning a professional shoot for the after shot. But when it does all come together, and the client is up for it, the results are thrilling! I love being able to feature my clients and show off the hard work that they've done to overhaul their image. Even though I'm the image consultant, much of the work is done on the client's part: showing up for appointments, trying on all the clothes, implementing my advice, etc. Image consulting is like a 12-step program: it works if you work it.
So now that you've gotten that behind the scenes, you can appreciate how big a deal it is when the stars align, and I'm able to pull together a before/after I can use. Below are two new before and afters I'm proud to be able to share.
The first one is a tech CEO and father of 3 who lives in the midwest. We started working together in Spring of 2014 (when the before pic was taken), and we've been traveling back and forth to see one another several times a year since. At first it was a complete overhaul; now we're in maintenance, where we touch things up seasonally and depending on what events, talks, etc., he needs to attend or present at. This client is an absolutely fantastic guy, and I've loved every second of working with him (and incidentally, I've now worked with his wife and niece too -- it's a family affair!).The after shot was taken exactly 2 years after we started working together. The first three things we worked on that were the keys to our success off the bat were:
getting him into trimmer and better-fitting pants and jackets
convincing him that tucking in his dress shirts would actually be more flattering to his build than wearing them out, and
getting him an improved haircut that would be more flattering to his face shape and hair type.
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Men's Image Consulting: Before and After
The second before and after is one that my awesome client Michael H. sent me out of the blue one day. Michael is a busy attorney and father of two from the west coast. We started working together in April of 2014, coincidentally about two years ago as well. Even though the pix weren't professionally done, and I wasn't there to style him for the after shot, I was thrilled to get the email from him with the images and thanking me for my help. I don't get all the credit here though -- as you can see, Michael has not only been hard at work transforming his image and style, but he's also lost a ton of weight and gained muscle. He dropped 4 inches in waist size. Michael told me in his email that he laughs now recalling that he had told me his before picture was his best outfit.
The top three elements that paved the way for Michael's success were:
demonstrating to him that he had been buying shirts and pants in sizes that were too large for him
upgrading his haircut and showing him how to style it and with what product, and
teaching him how to dress in a way that was flattering to his height and newly trim build.
Getting results and feedback like this is a true rush for me, and it's the exact reason why I fell in love with the work that I do. I'm a Fixer (with a capital "F") through and through, and I love being able to use my skills to help my clients become their best selves. I always like to say, "it's you, only better."
Thanks so much for reading, and if you're thinking about making a major (or even minor) transformation, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Cheers,
Julie
Men's Image Consultant: How to Tailor Your Jeans
There very few things like a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans on a man (the above British GQ spread of Matthew McConaughey-hey-hey is pretty good proof). And the way you have them tailored -- or not -- can make or break them. I recently did a jean overhaul with a client, and as we were having them tailored, I realized that even though I’ve already written about how to find a great-fitting pair of jeans, it’s also important to talk about the tailoring.
Men's Image Consultant: How to Tailor Your Jeans
1. When shortening jeans that have any kind of distressing or detailing along the hemline, ask the tailor to re-use the original hem. That means he or she will remove the hem that’s already there, cut the jeans shorter, and then reattach the hem higher up. And you get to avoid that my-mom-hemmed-my-jeans look that distressed jeans get when they're just folded under and hemmed normally. If your tailor doesn't know how to do this, find another tailor.
2. Check the waist — if it gaps when you put a belt on but fits well through the seat and thighs, the waist needs to be taken in. Ideally, though, your jeans should fit well everywhere, so I'd only suggest this for jeans you already own or that are on super sale.
3. During tailoring, wear the shoes you plan on wearing most often with the jeans. That way, you and the tailor can choose the length based on that. Keep in mind that once you’ve chosen a length based on heel height, you’ll be limited to shoes with the same or similar heel height. If you have a broad range of shoe types (which hopefully you do — if not, here’s my post on the 6 essential shoes every guy should have in his closet), then not every pair of jeans is going to work with every shoe — i.e, you’ll have some that will work with flip flops and flat loafers but not with your dress shoes. So it makes sense to think ahead when having your jeans hemmed as to which shoes you’ll be wearing them most frequently with. And once you’ve decided, make sure you actually bring those shoes to the tailor when you go.
4. Taper jeans that are excessively wide-legged. Elephant leg, as we’ve discussed, is not a good look. It can make your legs look short and stumpy — not recommended! This often happens unintentionally when jeans get shortened — the tailor brings them up without realizing that the new bottom of the jeans is unflatteringly wide. So take a good look at the width of the jeans around the new hemline to see if it needs tapering. Some jeans only need a slight taper to just above the ankles, and others need it almost as high as the knee.Do you have any tips or tricks for how you get your jeans tailored perfectly? Please share in the comments!
Cheers,
Julie
Even if you're not going to the Derby itself, but rather watching at home or a party, I highly recommend dressing for the occasion. There are plenty of options for Derby gear, suitable for everyone from the most conservative guys to those with a little more style aplomb. Here are a three outfits to consider, from least to most dialed:
Men's Personal Shopper: Kentucky Derby Style
1.) Navy blazer, chinos or shorts, light colored dress shirt, and bright or pastel colored tie or bowtie (extra points for coordinating pocket square).
2.) Seersucker suit or jacket, white shirt, open collar, pocket square (in either a traditional/neutral color like navy or a bright/pastel).
3.) Brightly colored pants, light colored shirt and sportcoat, pastel tie and pocket square.
Men's Image Consultant: Kentucky Derby Style
Hats, of course, an optional bonus ;)
Cheers,
Julie
images via kentuckyderby.com, GQ.com, vineyardvines.com
Men's Style Consulting: What Shoes to Wear
What would you say if I told you there was one shoe you could wear with just about anything on a daily basis? You'd be all over that, right? It's true. A medium brown lace-up dress shoe can be worn with any outfit except for a tuxedo, a black suit (which you shouldn't be wearing anyway), and shorts. Wear them with jeans, chinos, suits and dress pants.
One of the places I always recommend investing in wardrobe-wise is shoes -- you're better off buying one pair of quality shoes and replacing them as needed every 5 years or so, than a crappy quality shoe that you have to replace every year. When it comes to making the most of your footwear investment, another key to keep in mind is not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. If you rotate your shoes, they'll last a whole lot longer.
So if you're going to make an investment shoe purchase, I highly recommend a medium-brown lace-up. They can have a cap toe, no cap toe (see above), or you can do a wingtip (see below).
Men's Style Consulting: What Shoes to Wear
Cheers,
Julie
Men's Image Consulting: How to Wear Man Jewelry
Man jewelry is one of those things that a lot of guys are curious about but are not sure how to (or if they even can) pull off. I get it -- it's so easy to do it wrong, that it's almost too intimidating to try. Take my long-time client "A," for example, who works for a management consulting firm. When we first started working together several years ago, every Friday when he came home from the office, he'd put on a colorful beaded necklace. This was his way of marking that the weekend had begun and he was transitioning into hip and relaxed dad mode. Only issue was the necklace looked like one of those candy necklaces kids wear (that's actually what I thought it was the first time I saw it -- oops). Not exactly cool dad material. Even though A didn't quite execute, I give him props for trying. Fortunately this problem had an easy solution -- we ditched the necklace in favor of a more masculine-feeling and subdued combination of bracelets that he looked forward to putting on every weekend and that didn't make him look like he shopped for accessories at the candy store.
How can you avoid looking like a casualty when it comes to wearing man jewelry? I've put together the following 8 basic rules for you to follow so you can get it right the first time, plus a few pix from around the web for inspiration.
[Note: for the purposes of this post, I'll only be addressing casual jewelry -- necklaces, bracelets and non-wedding band rings -- as that's what I see guys struggling the most with].
Men's Image Consulting: How to Wear Man Jewelry
The less shiny the better. Shiny jewelry can come off as cheesy, so if you're thinking of incorporating metal into your jewelry repertoire, go for darker tones and matte finish. Texture within a piece can also reduce shine and make it more wearable. Bottega Veneta and David Yurman make great textured metal pieces (woven, grooved, etc.).
Man jewelry doesn't have to be metal. Consider pieces made of materials like rope, leather, wood and beads for a durable, earthy look. Think masculine shapes -- things like bars, nail heads, hooks, spikes, arrows, anchors, shapes with strong lines and hard angles, and antlers all give off a manly vibe that works well in jewelry.
Bracelets > necklaces. If you're just dipping your toes in, I highly recommend starting with a bracelet or two, as opposed to a necklace. It's a more subdued statement that won't completely take over your look the way a necklace does. You can wear one bracelet next to your watch, or a few on their own. And don't be afraid to mix a couple colors or textures, while keeping the overall look tasteful. Once you're wearing it, try not to fiddle. Put it on, then forget about it.
But if you're already a style renegade, go ahead and jump in with a necklace. A good length is somewhere between your collarbone and the middle of your chest. And one or two at a time is your max.
If you're going to try rings, the most in my opinion a man can safely pull off is 2 or sometimes 3 per hand, and keep in mind the masculine shape element in #2 above.
Try vintage. Vintage pieces often have a patina that give wonderful character to man jewelry. Bonus: they can also be good conversation starters. Things that are interesting and look like they have a story to them pique peoples' interest.
Keep your build in mind. If you're smaller-boned, go for smaller-scale pieces. Similarly, if you're a big guy, you don't want to dwarf overly-delicate pieces.
Don't match...complement. If your watch is black leather with silver-tone metal, then don't pick a black and silver bracelet to wear with it. Try a royal blue instead, something that will work with the cool tones. In general, warm tones (gold, mustard yellow, forest green, eggplant, maroon) work together, and cool tones (purple, royal blue, blue-based red) work together. If you're curious about how to combine colors for the best possible effect, you may want to check out my online style course, Next Level Style, which has a full section on color.
images via GQ, Giles and Brother Instagram
Men's Image Consulting: Half Tuck Shirt
Have you tried the front-tuck yet? It's one of the best (and easiest) ways to create that undone-done look that makes it look like you're not trying too hard.
Here's how you do it:
Pick a t-shirt or button-up shirt that fits you well and that hits about halfway down the fly of your pants.
Button your shirt all the way to the bottom. (Even though the front will be tucked in, it's easier to control if it's buttoned).
Tuck the front of your shirt into your jeans or chinos (again, these should fit well).
Don't think too hard about what you're about to do next.
Pull the front out so that it's blousing over your pant waistband as in the image above. The front/center 3/4 of the shirt should stay inside your pants.
Go on with your day! The less you fuss around with this look, the better.
Note: this does not work with baggy shirts (it just looks sloppy), so make sure you don't skip step 1!
image via people.com
People ask me if when I'm out in public I mentally critique what other people are wearing. While unflattering outfits do register on a subconscious level, I'm actually not always scoping folks out. But every now and then I come across a particularly egregious style snafu that makes me stop and scratch my head.
Below are 5 of the worst style offenses I came across in 2015, and because I like to keep things positive around here, I also put together 5 easy actions you can take to improve your image in 2016.
1. Pants so tight we can see the full curvature of your rear end. Let's keep some of that badonkadonk a mystery, shall we?
Men's Image Consultant: Tie Length
2. Tie point hitting in the middle of your belly. When this happens, because the tie point often lands on the widest part of your stomach, this can actually make you look like you have more of a belly than you actually do. The bottom of your tie should instead hit at the top or center of your belt buckle, so tie your knot accordingly.
3. a) Poorly-fitting rented tuxedos.
b) Known associate of offender
#3a: tuxedo vests.
4. Excessive amounts of cologne and/or aftershave. If your smell stays in the elevator for more than 5 seconds after you exit, I implore you to tone it down. And I know I said this last year and the year before that, but my nasal passages are still being assaulted more often than they should be by awful-smelling aftershaves. If the kind you use rhymes with Schmold Schpice, find something less offensive to wear.
Men's Image Consultant: how jeans should fit
5. Jean pant legs that run like a straight column from knee to ankle (above, left). I call this "elephant leg." Some tapering above and around your ankle will make you look longer and leaner (above, right).
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1. Get undershirts that fit trimly. This will make a world of difference in terms of how your dress shirts look on you.
Men's Image Consultant: Undershirts
2. Replace your worn-out jeans. I get it, they've been with you through all your ups and downs. But trust me when I say the holes and shredded bottoms are not cute.
Men's Image Consultant: Boots
3. Incorporate a great pair of boots into your wardrobe. If boots aren't a regular in your casual wardrobe routine, it's time to change that. Get yourself a go-to pair of leather or suede boots, and your wardrobe will be elevated instantly.
4. Update your loungewear. Just because you're hanging out at home doesn't mean you need to be sitting around in a pair of old mesh shorts or your boxers. Get a few pairs of shorts and t-shirts that are specifically for just chilling (bonus: if there's a fire alarm and you have to run outside, you're set). James Perse and Derek Rose are two brands in particular that I like for this.
5. Dress situationally. One of the secrets to refined style is to dress in line with whatever situation you find yourself in. This means if you go out at night, you don't wear the same thing you did to work that day. You take it up a notch. Similarly, you wear different colors and fabrics in Fall and Winter than you do in Spring and Summer. Think darker tones and more texture. Once you start learning how to dress situationally, you'll actually radiate a sense of effortlessness through your look.Wishing you a dashing and delightful 2016.
Cheers,
Julie
Welcome to the 6th annual Rath & Co. holiday gift guide! This list is one of my favorite posts to create for you. And if your inbox over the past week has been anything like mine, it's filled with a frenzy of sales and offers, some better than others. It's a little overwhelming, even for me. There is so much stuff to weed through. And let's be real, much of what's being touted as good holiday gifts is uninspired and trite. Kind of like just going through the motions of giving someone a gift without putting much thought into it. What's the point of that?
What I've done with this year's gift guide is scouted for Rath-approved items that not everyone else will be getting -- interesting and unique gifts that show some thought was put into choosing them. The list is divided up into ideas for men and ideas for women and cover a range of budgets. The ideas for men may cover the guys on your list -- or maybe they're things you'll ask for yourself.
FOR HIM
Executive Image Consulting: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Cause and Effect bracelet ($50) - This is for a guy who's somewhat advanced in the style dept. Man jewelry is not the easiest thing to pull off (post coming soon on that, I promise), but I love the raw feel of this painted copper cuff. It can be worn alone or in combination with a watch or other bracelets for a full-on arm party.
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Men's Image Consulting: Gift Ideas for Men
Nike + Undercover Court Force High-Top Sneakers ($150) - OK, so he's got a basic non-workout sneaker (hopefully). Now it's time to take it up a notch with something more stylish. This high-top from Nike is a great option for a guy who wants to step up his style but doesn't want to get involved in wacky colors or over-the-top patterns.
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Executive Image Consulting: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Felisi jeans belt ($175) - If you or the guy on your list doesn't have a solid jeans belt (no, the reversible black to brown one does not count), it's time to remedy that. I like this one from Felisi because each buckle hole is embossed with numbers for a subtle twist on the classic.
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Executive Image Consulting: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Wooly Mammoth Tusk Kershaw Knife ($270) - I can't think of many gifts more manly than a badass knife like this one. The handle is made from the tusks of wooly mammoths that lived around 15,000 years ago.
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Image Consulting for Executives: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Kingsman + Deakin & Francis rose gold chevron money clip ($395) - Many of my clients use money clips, so I'm always on the lookout for extra cool and different ones. This rose gold chevron one is a great find -- totally unique and eye-catching.
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FOR HER
Image Consulting for Executives: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
D.L. & Co snake journal ($35) - There's something so luxurious about pulling a gorgeous journal out of your bag to write in, and this glitter snake journal does not disappoint. If snakes aren't her thing, D.L. & Co. has a number of other lovely options including feathers and butterflies.
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Image Consulting for Executives: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Eberjey pajama set ($102) - Nice pajamas are the kind of thing women rarely buy for themselves but make them feel totally pampered when slipping into them at night (I will admit though that I inspired myself with this post and picked up a couple pairs of these for myself).
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Image Consulting for Executives: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
$495 Dana Rebecca earrings - Every woman needs a pair of signature everyday earrings -- ones she can wear to spin class and straight into the shower after -- without having to remember to remove them (who has time for that, really?). Jewelry is also an awesome gift because it's something she can wear but that you don't have to worry about sizing for. Bonus is she'll think of you whenever she looks in the mirror.
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Image Consulting for Executives: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Miscere weekender bag with zip on/off appliqués ($650) - I discovered these Miscere weekender bags on Instagram a while back and became obsessed immediately. With interchangeable fabrics/patterns to choose from for the center panel, she can adjust the look seasonally or just according to her mood or outfit. Such a smart idea in this era of "bespoke" everything.
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Image Consulting for Executives: Men's Holiday Gift Ideas
Lana Jewelry necklace ($980) - If you want to roll a little bigger on the jewelry front than the earrings above, then have at this black mother of pearl and quartz necklace. It has tons of different colors in it and will therefore work with a lot of different outfits. It's unique, sexy, earthy and interesting -- lots going on in one piece!
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Here's to a hip and happy holiday season.
Cheers,
Julie
Men's Image Consultant: How to Choose a Watch
Are you wearing a watch everyday? If not, you're missing out on an easy way to create a signature look, one that will set you apart from everyone else. In the image above, I've selected 25 of my favorite watches on the market right now. Many of them are from under-the-radar brands you've likely not heard of. The nice thing about these watches is that NOT every other dude in your office will be wearing the same thing as you. Several are under $300, so you don't need to break the bank to do this (although I did choose some deliciously splurge-worthy ones as well!). Below are where to find/buy, along with style notes for a few of them.
1) Tsovet, $200
2) Tsovet, $225
3) Aark Collective, $199
4) TID, $250
5) Nixon, $350. The face is made out of recycled newspapers fashioned to look like wood.
6) Daniel Wellington, $299
7) Orient Watch, $340
8) Orient Watch, $340
9) Diesel, $350
10) Seiko, $350
11) Aark Collective, $319
12) Tsovet, $450
13) Tsovet, $475
14) Helson, $599
15) Bravur, $820
16) Autodromo $875
17) Bravur, $880
18) Jenny Watches, $990 [click for black band]
19) Seven Friday, $1150
20) Uniform Wares, $1200
21) Autodromo $1200
22) Junghans, $2120
23) Graham Chronograph, $2825
24) Tsovet, $10,000
25) Rolex/Bamford Watch Dept., Price upon request [If you haven't heard of Bamford Watch Department, they take various luxury brand watches like Rolex, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, etc. and customize them, for example with military grade titanium or graphite particle coating, along with bespoke dial colors. Pretty much your wish is their command. Just like with anything on this level of exclusivity, be prepared to open your wallet in a big way for watches like these. There's some amazing pieces on their website, along with some pretty trippy pieces (like this), so it's worth a click over even if just to browse.]
Tip: if you like the overall shape of something but aren't sure of the color, click over anyway, as many of these styles come in multiple colors.
Men's Style Advice: Dating Profiles
I held a contest a few weeks ago, along with dating coach Sarah Jones, to review the dating profiles of 3 guys' from our email lists. We had some great entries, and I'm excited to be sharing our commentary with you. Huge props to these guys for entering the contest -- it takes some serious cojones to put yourself out there like this. If you're not on my newsletter list, I highly recommend getting yourself on there, as I frequently hold contests and share commentary in my newsletters that you won't find me posting about anywhere else. Read on for our reviews...
Julie:
These pictures display a great mix of expressions and moods. It shows you as a well-rounded guy, and I like that you included one with more of your body as well as just your face. What would make your profile pix an even more thorough combination, is if instead of using all of them from the same scene, you included pictures from different situations. That gives you a chance to show yourself in various situations where you show up in your life, and how you dress for each one.
Overall, you have a friendly, open and smart look, which is appealing. I like that the images aren’t too posed -- you come across as very “real” in them. Great shirt choice, too. The grey picks up nicely on the silver tones in your hair, and the rolled up sleeves make you look approachable.
I do have a couple of suggestions for you:
In the two closeup shots, your dark glasses frames obstruct your eyes. Most women find eyes extremely appealing (they’re often the first thing people look at in others’ faces), and with the glasses impeding my view of them, I lose that connection.
There are a few red spots on your face, which can be a little distracting to the viewer. I’d love for you to clear them up so that we can focus on everything else that’s so great about these shots. Here is a blemish patch that I've found works well for my clients, and it's only $5.
Great work!
Sarah:
Hi there! Excellent job right off the bat talking about her and her values. Intelligence, openness, and playfulness. “Deliriously exciting” — so good! Every woman wants to have that effect on a man. :)
I love the “stimulating conversations that would last all night…” — very, very good. See what you did there? You incorporated “stimulating” with “lasting all night.” Very sexy and yet subtle. It is referring to “conversations” after all, ahem (straightens collar). ;)
In that second paragraph, you go more into what those initial values you mentioned in her say about your relating with each other and your experience of her as well as what you’re like as a man.
Then you segue into who you are, and I love that you’re not overly humble. You’re honestly stating what you enjoy about yourself — so important, as it sets the tone for her to enjoy you too!
In the end, go into a little more sensual detail about your favorite kinds of gigs and museums and where you’d like to take HER.
Also, maybe replace the last line, “If this sort of man would rock your world, get in touch as I’d love to hear from you,” with something like, “If you’re half as excited reading this as I was writing it, message me. I’d love to hear from you.”
It feels more natural and playfully personal.
Overall, beautiful job! I can feel your excitement through your thoughtful, visceral words. You took it home for the win with the “stimulating conversations” line. Well done. ;)
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New York Men's Image Consultant: Dating Style
Julie:
Your images show a nice mix of expressions which allow your potential dates to see both your serious and fun sides. To add to that, if you’re going to include two pics, I’d love for one of them to show more of your body (either full body or even just the upper half). That way, they can get a sense of your build and how you dress, and therefore determine if you’re a match physically. It also makes it more personal and less like you’re using posed headshots. This is an excellent start!
Sarah:
Hi there!
I like how you share your value of meaningful conversations and discovering new places. It goes harmoniously with your expat detail and love of adventures. Beautiful statement, “I consider myself an energetic person with a stable character.”
I can see your character shining through in that very statement! That’s not something you hear often – the combination of those traits — so it’s fresh and sincere.
I’d replace the, “Some people would say they don’t understand my sense of humor,” with, “It takes a special jewel of a person to really, fully understand my sense of humor — most likely, a jewel with a deep sense of humor herself who I’d immensely enjoy getting to discover!”
This way, you’re acknowledging her, calling her special, and generously / rightfully sharing the attention with her and her sense of humor.
In the food and books section, talk about your very favorite Mediterranean dish and your very favorite Asian dish. The sensual specificity of the exact meals shows your own sensuality, that you experience the world in a delicious way — implying that you’ll delight in her sensually as well, and she in you. It brings the conversation there in a subtle way. (Thanks to my friend and colleague Adam Gilad for that special tip as well as the principles of a lot of the advice I’m sharing!)
Overall, your personality shines through, and what I suggest is bringing her in more and sharing your sensual side more through describing food and places you enjoy.
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New York Men's Image Consultant: Style Advice for Dating
Julie:
I love the friendly, engaging smile you have in your profile pic. It makes you come across as easygoing and happy with lots of positive energy. I do have a few suggestions which will help make your images even better:
1) I like your breezy haircut, but it would be great if you could trim the hair over your ears (or have your hairdresser do it). This will clean up the look and make you look a little less shaggy.
2) It’s a bit hard to tell because the image size is so small, but I’d love for you to consider whitening up your teeth. You have a wonderful smile, and this would freshen it up even more. Crest Whitestrips are a great, affordable option.
Overall, like I said, you come across as very appealing. And with a few tweaks, you’ll be even more so.
Sarah:
Hi, your profile is great. We worked on it together, and when you first sent it to me, it was a little too strong with, “We are going to do xyz,” instead of, “Let’s see about xyz,” which is a more laid-back feel.
For everyone else reading, I’ll share what you and I did with your profile so they can benefit too. :)
First, you open with the, “You’re the kind of woman who…” frame, which sparks her intrigue and pre-qualifies. The women who respond to, “You’re usually shy, but bubbly and talkative around people who ‘get’ you,” are women who are right down your alley, from Sentence #1.
Then you continue to explore her personality, views on life, and values in that first paragraph, allowing her to see herself there.
In the second and third paragraphs, you talk about the two of you together on a fun date, piquing her interest further and showing your playful side.
Then you mention you as a couple, “if we’re fortunate to get that far with each other,” which acknowledges that you are two people with your own choices and preferences and may or may not be the right fit. This is realistic and the opposite of needy. It sets a strong vibe.
Finally, you transition into, “As for me,” and share more about yourself - both your personality and your values so she can really get a sense of you. I remember we changed one sentence in that last paragraph from details all about your multiplayer tactics game “‘baby’ project” and replaced it with, “I’ll spare you the details, but just know - it’s quite exciting though a potentially distant second to sharing a laugh with you. :)”
I love that sentence! It shares your real, palpable passion for what you’re creating while also giving her “potential” space to come in and share a laugh with you, bond with you, and be the center of your attention for an evening.
So good! All in all, you share what she’s like, what you’re like together, and then what you yourself are like, all in a way that showcases your unique personality in an inviting, laid-back, genuine way.
Well done! :)
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For more information on Sarah, including how she might be able to help you, click over to her website Introverted Alpha.
Cheers,
Julie
Fall jackets represent one of the biggest gaps in a man's s wardrobe. And as I've mentioned before, your outerwear sets the tone for your entire look. It's the first thing people see on you when you walk in the door, and the last thing they see when you leave. So even if the outfit you're wearing underneath it is on point, a jacket that's off kills the whole look. Below are my Fall jacket picks for this year in a range of price points.
Men's Image Consultant: Fall Jacket
$0-300
Asos Burgundy Peacoat $126 - This one is a little out there with the burgundy color, but the classic peacoat style keeps it grounded. It's for the guy that wants to think outside the box while maintaining a level of convention.
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Men's Personal Shopper: Bonobos jacket
$300-500
Bonobos grey quilted $328- The heather grey on this jacket is universally flattering, and the waist tabs in the back allow for a trim fit around the waist where many jackets balloon out.
Men's Style Consultant: Aether Apparel Jacket
$300-500
Aether Apparel blue zip $395 - This Aether Apparel jacket is perfect for a sporty yet tailored look. I love this brand because their clothing is performance-focused but still manages to look sharp on.
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Men's Personal Shopper: Belstaff Fall jacket
$500-1000
Belstaff navy quilted and ribbed $650 - Known for well-made and stylish outerwear, Belstaff jackets are an easy win. (David Beckham is a fan -- he has a capsule collection with Belstaff of moto-inspired pieces which I also recommend checking out.) I like the combination of the knit and quilted textures in this one.
Men's Style Consultant: Belstaff Fall jacket
$500-1000
Belstaff multi-toned wool and nylon $850 - Similar to the navy Belstaff above, the mixture of different colors and textures in this jacket give it a strong visual appeal.
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Men's Image Consultant: Thomas Maier Fall jacket
$1000+Tomas Maier grey cashmere $1250 - This faux shearling cashmere jacket is understated luxury at its best. The knit texture gives it a relaxed sweater-y feel, and yet it's tailored enough that you could also wear it more dressily.
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Early Fall is the best time to buy because selections are good, and many stores are running sales. Don't delay -- if you wait too long, you run the risk of there being nothing left in your size, and you being stuck jacket-less until next year.
What's your Fall outerwear of choice this season?
Cheers,
Julie
With Fall on the way, it's time to get down to the important business of layering.
Layering is THE way to get through transition seasons like Fall and Spring where there can be dramatic fluctuations in temperature at different points in the day. To make Fall shopping easier for you, below I've shared 4 of my top picks to layer with for layering this season, within a range of budgets, so there's something for everyone.
$0-100 Thin Sweater - This sweater is the perfect basic. You can wear it in place of a standard dress shirt under a sportcoat or suit jacket. It can go under a thick button-up shirt, and even under a chunky, textured cardigan sweater.
$100-150 Dressy Hoodie - Another versatile piece of knitwear, this hooded linen blend cardigan is perfect zipped up or left open in place of a jacket on a crisp day. For dressier occasions, you can wear it in place of or under a sportcoat/suit jacket (with or without neckwear).
$150-200 Lightweight Vest - Like the hoodie above, this vest can go beneath a sportcoat/suit jacket (the idea behind this look is that just a portion of the vest or hoodie peeks out on either side of the jacket opening, thereby creating visual interest. Unlike the sweater, however, the vest can also go on top of the jacket. For casual looks, try it as shown above right over a dress shirt and zip-neck sweater. The three collars work together nicely as they frame the face.
$200-250 Denim Overshirt - A.P.C. is a French brand known for high quality denim. A shirt like this will only get better with time. Wear it over a t-shirt, henley, or thin sweater like the first one listed above. Leave it unbuttoned or buttoned just to the bottom of your breastbone.
I know how it is. Your wardrobe is missing some key pieces, but you don't have tons of cash to devote to the resolution. Don't worry -- I've got your back! Read on for some of my best budget shopping secrets.
Get on the lists - There are some great flash sale and deal sites out there like Jack Threads and Gilt. These websites have daily drops of curated collections at excellent prices (and yes, you can typically return things that don't work). Also, make sure to check out Dappered, which is a site that shares some of the best deals to be found on the web.
Make friends with the salespeople - Salespeople (naturally) like to make sales. For that reason, a really good salesperson will go out of his or her way to let you know when certain items are going on sale, often in advance. If there's a store with clothing you typically like, look for a friendly salesperson who will add you to their "book" and let you know when the items you're interested in are going on sale before the sale gets announced to the general public. They may even be able to put things on hold for you so that you can snatch the items up before anyone else gets them.
Set up alerts - If you find an item you like online that's out of your budget, you can set up a sale alert so that you're notified of when the price drops. Shoptagr, Nifti and Rack It Up are three sites that do this for you.
Get the code - Most online stores will give you 10-20% off just for signing up for their list. That allows you to take a good amount right off the top. You can also try googling the store name plus the word "code" or "coupon," and you may be able to get a discount that way too.
Happy Fall, and happy bargain-hunting!
Cheers,
Julie
In July, I made an offer that as a free gift, I would evaluate five of my newsletter subscribers' LinkedIn profile pics. I chose randomly from the applicants to give suggestions on where they can make improvements. These guys were brave, agreeing to be critiqued in public like this! (I warned them that they needed to be thick-skinned to apply.) Huge props to the guys who did. See below for the 5 reviews. And if you aren't on my newsletter list, definitely check it out, as I make offers like this frequently.
Men's Style Makeover
Fran, you have an open facial expression, which is very appealing. Busy backgrounds are usually not a good idea, but the trees in your picture mesh together, and your face pops against them so we don't lose you in the background. Given your profession as a chaplain, these elements of openness are a bonus. The main thing I'd change about your picture is that I'd much rather see you in a button-up shirt or even a nice sweater than a plain t-shirt. Simply put, it's more professional. There's also something about the way your face is skewed to the diagonal that makes my brain hurt a little! The shot would be better if it was straight on so people don't have to tilt their heads to look at you.
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Men's Style Makeover
Hi Terry, thanks for the nice note you included in your entry. Here's what I think you can improve upon with your profile pic -- overall, the image feels dated to me with that colorful mottled background. For a studio shot, you're better off with plain white behind you instead. If you're going to redo these, I'd also suggest you get (and use) a higher resolution image so it doesn't look as fuzzy on screen, and when you crop it before uploading, I want to see more of what you're wearing on top. I like to think of a suit, shirt and tie as a portrait themselves, and it's distracting that we only catch the top part of your tie. Try to show more to waist level or the bottom of your breastbone, and make sure you're centered in the image when you crop it too. You're smart to be wearing a solid shirt (solids photograph easily), but white can look stark in pictures, so I'd suggest a different solid like light blue instead. In terms of the content of the image (aka you!), I know it's hard if you aren't comfortable being photographed, but it would be great if you could give more of a natural smile. A good photographer will be able to help you relax and be more yourself in the moment during the shoot.
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Men's Style Makeover
Hey Rob, your image is another where my eye immediately gets distracted by the background. You get lost in front of the tree, lights, snow, decorations, and pine cones -- that's a lot of stuff going on behind you that isn't related to your work! It's cool to take your pic outside or look for an interesting background, but it should be neutral and not distracting. My advice: keep it professional and get the seasonal stuff out of there. Check out point #4 in this post on how to get good headshot photos, and also this portfolio of client images on my website for ideas on better backgrounds. Your outfit, too, is a little casual for a LinkedIn shot (definitely looks like this is a pic that was taken socially but that you're using for business). I'd suggest the same shirt with a sportcoat or suit jacket instead. Otherwise, your smile is fantastic -- you come across as very personable and likeable, a can-do guy!
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Men's Style Makeover
Chris, I love how you come across in this image as having a fun, upbeat personality. Who wouldn't want to work with someone with that energy?! With your sales job, being magnetic in that way is key. A few things for you -- see if you can crop the image so that the top of your hair doesn't get cut off and so that we can see more of your upper body. Cut it to mid-chest at least. That said, the shirt you're wearing is too busy for a headshot (which may be why you cropped it so much!). Busy patterns are distracting to the viewer. So, eventually, you should look to have a new pic taken wearing a solid color or less busy pattern instead. Finally, there is nothing like a gleaming white smile, especially if you're selling things. Check out some of those tooth whitening toothpastes or Crest whitestrips and/or, if you know someone who's good with photoshop, you can have him or her whiten your teeth couple shades. It'll brighten you up and make you even more appealing!
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Men's Style Makeover
Calvin, you clearly put time and energy into this shot, and it shows. I like how you're looking off to the side -- it's different from the standard straight-on shot, and with your line of work being creative, it's compelling. The first thing my eye is drawn to though is a dark line that cuts across the top of your image, skirting your hairline. Can your photographer edit that out? It would make a huge difference. I'm also not wild about the grey suit against the grey background, as it gets a little lost, but the windowpane pattern on your suit does make it stand out somewhat. Like I said, you clearly put effort into creating this shot, and a lot of things about it work -- the patterns in your suit and tie are the right scale for a headshot (i.e., not too small). The charcoal grey suit picks up on the grey in your hair, and your skin pops against your vibrant blue shirt. In terms of your outfit, the two things I would change are your pocket square and lapel pin. The pocket square is too close to your shirt color but not exact -- it looks like you were trying to match it but didn't quite execute. Rather than matching your pocket square to a major element in your look (i.e., your shirt), you're better off with a square in a color that picks up on a minor color elsewhere in the outfit. A light grey like the one in the pattern of your tie or the windowpane of your suit jacket would be better -- it will be a more nuanced look. You might even be able to have the color of your square photoshopped so you don't have to reshoot. Finally, the lapel pin. It's a great detail for in-person, and it suits you and the creative image you're putting out there, but it doesn't translate in pictures. To someone who doesn't know what a lapel pin is, it will be confusing and distracting (it almost looks a little like a microphone!). It's a nice touch, and it suits you, so save it for in-person appearances.
Thank you so much to everyone who entered. You guys are awesomely bold putting yourselves out there for critique like this -- I know it isn't easy! I'll be doing more contests like this in the future, so if this sort of thing interests you, make sure to sign up for my list so you can find out about it.
Cheers,
Julie
