The gender from Mars...

For some time now, my gorgeous male friends have been asking me to post something on mens' fashion and although I loved the idea for the very first moment I heard it, and felt a little bit flattered that they really wanted to hear my advice, it took me a while to actually get the nerve to do so - what do I know about mens' fashion? Absolutely zero! But then again, what do I know about women's fashion? Shall never forget the purpose of this blog -  a space where I get to share my humble opinion on things I love with you wonderful people that spend some of your time reading them :)

So, with that on mind, no longer shall I procrastinate - and although woman are from Venus and men are from Mars, we are not that different after all. We all want to look our very best, even if men try and pretend they manage to do so in under five minutes - and it is wonderful to see how much things have changed, and how mentalities are changing. I don't care for names such as metrosexual, never will understand our need to tag everyone and everything, I just love the idea of a man who looks after himself, who takes care choosing the clothes he wears, who knows words such as "moisturizer", "exfoliator", "facial", "manicure", after all, why should us women be the only ones to deal with skin, nails and whatnot problems?

And for my very first post dedicated to my male readers, I have decided to talk about basics - those key items every man should have in his wardrobe to make sure he will always look elegant and stylish, no matter the occasion, no matter what!

(1) The white shirt - just like the little black dress for women, the white shirt is your best friend; Simple, elegant, absolutely hot, you can always count on it, day or night, formal or casual, Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring!

Gucci Slim Fit Cotton Shirt 

(2) The Blazer - and by blazer I mean blazer, not a suit's jacket; versatile and stylish, a blazer is a must-have, you can pair it with almost anything and it usually adds the "it" factor to an outfit. Again, perfect for any time of the day, for any occasion, for any season. Remember your white shirt? Just throw a jeans and a blazer and you will look effortless chic!

Reiss Mens Lapel Blazer Lux Grey 

(3) The Dark Jeans - we all know how wonderful jeans are, none of us could ever live without at least a pair in our wardrobe, and let's face it, nowadays we all have several pairs, in different shades. However, if there is one shade that you absolutely must have is dark blue. Why? Because it is a little bit more formal, and for that reason it is the one shade that will give you an endless number of combinations, will never make you look overdressed or, worst, underdressed!

Ted Baker New Classic Fit Jean 

(4) The Plain T-Shirt - trust me, I am a big fan of colourful t-shirts, filled with cartoons and prints, actually the most colourful t-shirts the Hubby owns, I bought them for him. However, there is nothing like a plain black, grey or white T-shirt. Classy, hip, stylish, these colours will always be there for you. Going out for dinner at the new hot restaurant in town? Going for this art opening? Meeting the in-laws? Black t-shirt+dark jeans+blazer, gorgeous combo :)

H&M T-Shirt 

(5) The Cardigan - far more interesting and sophisticated than a sweater, perfect for workwear, perfect for evening wear, perfect to keep you warm and stylish during winter, perfect for those windy summer nights; gorgeous with a plain t-shirt, wonderful with a shirt, absolutely fabulous with a shirt and a tie! They are the perfect item to add some colour to your outfit, go crazy and buy them in different colours, different fabrics, with different necklines, trust me, they will prove priceless :)

H&M Fine-Knit Cardigan 

(6) The Bag - let me be brutally honest with you guys, after the age of 18, unless you are going camping or someother activity outdoors, a backpack cannot be your choice of accessory to carry your things around. Not stylish, not sexy, simply put, not cool! And nowadays there are so many alternatives, that you really need to stop hiding behind the silly justification "that's a girl thing!". Shoulder bag, messenger bag, holdall bag, you are really spoilt for choices! A simple leather messenger bag, elegant, fashionable and practical :)

Zara Leather Mini Messenger Bag 

(7) The Card Holder - my dear friends, better yet, my dear male friends, have you ever noticed how whenever your friend/girlfriend/wife/sister/mother is getting ready for an evening out, she always spend a good ten minutes struggling to fit everything she needs in a tiny clutch? You guys, instead, take your big chunky wallets with you, and as soon as you get to the restaurant/theatre/club, if it is just the two of you, you insist with her to try and fit your wallet in the tiny clutch or, in case you are in a group, you look for the girl with the biggest handbag and ask her to keep your wallet? Let me tell you, it is so not fair! We too do not wish to carry your big chuncky wallet! So, the perfect solution - a credit card holder that allows you to carry some cards and some money, which you can place in your own pockets :)

WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Leather Card Holder with Money Clip 

(8) The Scarf - other than for the obvious reason of "warmth" during winter, a scarf is the perfect accessory to add a "je ne sais quoi" factor to your outfit. It allows you to add some colour to your outfit, to add a funky element to a formal outfit, and they give a whole other energy to your ensemble :)

Alexander McQueen Skull Print Scarf 

(9) The Black Dress Shoes - I don't like the idea of "fashion rules", I am no big on stereotypes, and I believe fashion should be absolutely whimsical. Notwithstanding, I do believe every man should own a pair of black dress shoes. I know it sounds boring and not very interesting, but the word that really matters is versatile - shoes are a crucial element in an outfit, they can either complement it perfectly or ruin it altogether.

Reiss 3 Lace Formal Derby Black 

(10) The Dark Suit - a well cut, perfectly fitted dark suit is an essential piece in every man's wardrobe; Synonym of elegance and sophistication, a dark suit is highly versatile and you will definitely look sharp wearing one :)

Dolce&Gabbana Martini Two Button Suit