First off, let's clear up some misconceptions relating to this:
Fact No.1: Associating a particular human with particular attributes not because of the ideas and values that he holds but because the way he materially presents himself to the world is just plain wrong.
Fact No.2: Trying to stereotype people into certain categories is wrong. That is why I am against using the term 'metrosexual' to describe anyone. Or any other term to describe any body else. Because human beings are so complex that trying to fit them in small compartments associated to behaviour is wrong.
Winter is coming yet I don't see any of these small tweaks to a conventional shirt + jumper outfit. How cool is this?! http://jakandjil.com/
Freedom of choice is all important. If a man likes to spend more money on clothes and beauty products than his other friends, that's OK. If he spends less money with regards to these things, then that's OK too. Do you see where I'm getting at? It's totally OK to be who you are, and not need to fit in a mould.
Bryan Boy working printed eggplant trousers. Mauritian men, if you are afraid to wear coloured trousers, you should seriously consider that it is the most tame of your wardrobe concerns.
Many take their supposed 'metrosexuality' to extremes as if they have something to prove. Exaggeration is wrong in all cases. You are not here to show you are XYZ, a rebel, an 'avant-gardiste.' You were placed on this world to be the best you can possibly be and live your life each day as fully as you can. Wear something because you like it, not because you have something to prove. Again, this is just my opinion and this could change, and this is probably one of my first opinion-centred articles, but I feel so saddened by the fact that there are many men out there who would like to break out of the corporate mould and try 'riskier' fashion choices.
And here, to be frank, we have a long way to go in improving public perception on men's attire.
Fashion Blogger Bryan Boy shows how you can work colour, and one hell of a statement clutch.
Most men here believe that they will not be taken seriously/their heterosexuality will be undermined/ they will be ridiculed if they step out of their corporate attire and try something that draws a little more attention, such as bright colours. Mauritian men are frightened of bright colours and prints like the plague. The corporate world has formed them so that they rarely step out in anything except various shades of blue, black, white, and in some cases a pretty soft pink. Now if this is a particular person's taste, and he likes wearing those shades, then that's all good, but generally speaking most men feel trapped within these colour spectrums when they would secretly like to try other colours. Concerning colour combinations? They think its out of the question. Bryan Boy shows how to work it in the photo above.
This is not to say that its tasteful to go out in a striped, multi-tiered, glittery, printed, ferocious outfit - your pieces and outfit of the day should be composed with taste, but taste does not mean not taking risks, or staying traditional.
You can start with the details, such as a different set of cuff links, and a new tie that isn't just plain dark blue or black. The fabric on the under side of your cuff which you roll up- I know Celio have some very pretty designs that just peek out and twist a whole outfit around. I have a friend that particularly likes square buttons, because they really do make a shirt different. As is the case with a motif or print running on a shirt.
I believe everyone respects a man that has common sense in carrying a small bag than one who stuffs his pockets and looks like he is about to explode just for the sake of not looking 'feminine'. Just as everyone respects the man who turns up at a party dressed as specified in the dress code, not looking like he couldn't bother changing his look from work.
The epitome of style-Karl Lagerfeld
It's in the simple things, the simple tweaks in your wardrobe that will make the difference. Most importantly though, it's the tweaks that you make to your attitude that make the difference. You came into this world alone and you will die alone, in your own body. Life is what you make of it. There is no point in wasting time on what 'others' may think.
I have peppered the article with some of my favourite photos of men who have worn clothes brilliantly. Be inspired, and inspiring to others.
Have a great week and amazing weekend!
xoxo
Alex
Email: stylemauritius@live.com
Twitter:@stylemauritius
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