Til' Further Notice

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages,

Straight Eye for the Straight Guy will be on a short term break as the author is currently undertaking a new job assignment and settling down in Singapore.

Nevertheless, have no fear, as many great things are in store.

Stay tuned and God bless,

-Rudi

Read more »

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go (Workwear 101)

You've just graduated from university with flying colors and you've landed a top job at a prestigious magic circle corporation that doesn't mind dishing out a five figure salary to you come the 1st of every month . Could life get any better than this?

Life could get wayyy better if you don't come into work on day one looking like a bum.

To avoid the latter, you are going to need some:

• great ties


• rockin' work shirts


• decent trousers


• impeccable shoes

so let's get you hooked up with

Workwear 101.





Your Shirts

Get fitted shirts in popular shades - lighter shades if you have darker skin and vice-versa. Lighter skinned individuals should opt for darker shades for the sake of contrast, but can generally wear most shades. Fitted shirts are shirts that are cut close to the body, so as to reveal a slim, elongating silhouette.

Fitting, slim cut shirts are cut along the lines of the body for a more flattering, slimming silhoutte.

Great fitted shirts are not difficult to find - Zara and G2000 are two chains that carry many good varieties. I personally feel that the era of bold stripes is over and that good solid pastel colours are an excellent classic alternative. Nonetheless, understated stripes (stripes that seemingly blend into the outfit, stripes that are only visible upon closer inspection) still offer a good way to make a shirt stand out.

If you're wearing your shirt with a tie, see below.






Your Ties

Ties are much like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. It's easy to feel intimidated by the sheer range of ties available out there, but Straight Eye for the Straight Guy is here yet again to save the day with some very practical and simple guidelines to make tie picking quick and painless.

Tie matching involves the art of finding a tie which complements the shirt you're wearing and not otherwise. It's a lot easier to first choose a shirt and then match a tie to that shirt rather than choosing a tie and then matching your shirt to it.

The tie you want will depend on the pattern of your shirt. Plain solid colored shirts, especially crisp plain white shirts, make a safe backdrop for almost any tie. Go with your gut instinct, if it looks right, it probably is. In case of doubt, consult a female/gay/metrosexual friend.

In case of the unavailability of the said friend, let's talk about some basic guidelines. One method for safe coordination is to match your tie with your other accessories, i.e. your shoes and your belt. Also, understated colors are always safer options - think lighter shades of blue, brown, cream and darker shades of green.

If you're wearing a striped shirt, you'll only want to wear a striped tie if the stripes are not identical in size. You preferably want a tie that offers a sufficient level of contrast with your shirt. Feel free to mix up the stripes, i.e. wearing a diagonally striped tie against a vertically striped shirt, but avoid the temptation of 'over-stripifying' by wearing a pinstriped suit with a striped shirt and a striped tie.

Diagonally striped.

Plaid shirts and checkered shirts often go well with solid colored ties. Take a look at your plaid shirt and pick out a tie that complements one subtle color in your shirt. If you're unsure, understated, non-threatening colors are always safer than bright screaming shades. Once you've mastered these basic rules of tie picking, you'll be able to start experimenting with much more interesting combinations. Remember, ties are not the enemy. Ties can make you look better. So don't be afraid to experiment.



Your Trousers

In a nutshell - all will be well as long as you avoid pleated and/or heavily flared trousers at all costs. There is an ongoing debate about whether skinny trousers are yay or nay, but if you ask me - nay. Lots of my female friends say nay too.

Get yourself a few pairs of straight cut trousers with flat fronts in black, grey, white and khaki - all very safe colors with which you'll be able to mix and match your shirts.








Your shoes

Read the footwear article. You do read all the articles, don't you?

Read more »

The Four (Female) Style Mistakes

My mother actually requested this article.

Mismatched? Dispatch.

I have to qualify that I don't see this happening much. But when it does happen, it's tragic because women who mismatch their clothing are like clowns who aren't funny. That analogy is supposed to work because clowns are supposed to be funny.

Being a hottie doesn't give you a license to dress badly. As oblivious as the average straight man is, a well matching outfit will often subconsciously be noticed by the straightest of straight men and will get them thinking "there's something about that girl, I just can't decipher it."

Skimpy skimping

There is an adage that goes - the more a man wears, the better he looks (think: a great suit) and the less a woman wears, the better she looks. This is probably very open to debate, but personally I feel that a classy, sophisticated lady who doesn't need to bare bits and bobs of her body to attract attention beats a minimally dressed woman any day. Leaving more to the imagination is the way to go, ladies.

Saggy baggy

Some schools of thought have submitted that lesbianism comes about when women find that they are only attracted to the female form - the sensuous curves, the intricate styling and the artistic qualities of the female body are the features that earn a woman the prerogative of being described as "beautiful".



If you've got it, flaunt it.



In any case, something so beautiful as the female body should not be hidden beneath layers upon layers of ill-fitting garments. Whether you've got it or not, it is never the wrong answer to wear something that fits. Whether you're a size 16 or a size 0, The Bible says that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made". Thus, every curve lining your frame, every blob of cellulite on your body, makes you you. Trying to cover up those so-called imperfections by donning baggy clothes will only work against your case. Being "big" doesn't make you unattractive, but looking disproportionate might.

Made up, make up

This is probably a ridiculously overdone photoshop job, but, y' know, whatever it takes to illustrate a point.

I'm not going to step on any toes by denouncing the use of make-up, but I am going to say that if you want to know if a man loves you for who you are, face that fella without makeup. If he still looks you straight in the eye and tells you how beautiful you are, you've got a keeper. Or rather, you're the keeper.


Nothing better than a woman looking great au naturel.


A lot of women actually look better without makeup - especially if you have softer 'babyfaced' features as makeup tends to complement women with stronger features more readily. That being said, I speak for a large portion of the male population when I say that less is more when it comes to makeup.





But, as they say, there will always be exceptions.






An early start.

Read more »

What Is This?

Guys, we have 2 weeks left for the poll on the right to run, and look.*

A measly 18% of the ladies think we dress well.

Another 48% think we're bad dressers.

And 33% (1/3) are of the opinion that all hope is lost for us men.


The combined 81% of women who feel we men have achieved a failing grade in the fashion department has demonstrated the direness of our need for regular doses of style advice.

For all you know, the 18% who voted 'Yes' were referring to their gay male buddies.

So, straight fellas everywhere!

Bookmark http://straighteyeforthestraightguy.blogspot.com now.

Your life depends on it.









*Results accurate as of September 15th, 10:02 (GMT+8)

Read more »

Cologne or Nothing?

Some of you may have noticed a poll running a while back posing the question "Ladies, how do you like your men to smell?"

Approximately 90% of voters chose 'like cologne', and the remainder chose 'like nothing'. Remarkably, nobody voted for 'like fish'.

I initially encountered a similar poll a few months ago where the respondents leaned heavily in favor towards wanting their men to smell 'like nothing'. I guess the female readers of Straight Eye for the Straight Guy are a discerning bevy of individuals who won't settle for anything less than the sweet/musky/citrusy aroma of a good fragrance.



Men's fragrances are popularly known as "Cologne". In true fact, cologne is merely one subset of the wide range of fragrances available:

• Perfume extract: 15-30% aromatic compounds
• Eau de Parfum: 10-15% aromatic compounds.
  
• Eau de Toilette: 5-20% aromatic compounds
• Eau de Cologne: 2-5% aromatic compounds
• Splash Perfumes and Aftershaves: 0.5-2% aromatic compounds

As above, fragrances come in a variety of strengths, with 1/3 of perfume extract made up from aromatic compounds, to your everyday aftershaves which don't smell like much because they only contain up to a maximum of 2% of aromatic compounds.


Keep in mind that the saying "less is more" holds true. If people can smell your fragrance five minutes after you've left a room, you might want to think about going home and taking a shower. Being remembered as a walking Rafflesia flower is not the way to go.



The rule of thumb to keep in mind is that nobody should be able to detect even a hint of your fragrance unless they are within touching distance of you. In practical terms, this translates to keeping your usage each time to a single spray from your perfume bottle. Your girlfriend knows the best way to do it: spray it into the air in front of you and walk through it.

Other fragrance enthusiasts propose that the best way to wear perfume is to apply it on your 'hot spots' - the neck, wrist and chest area. Nevertheless, I don't really compute when guys talk about spraying their privates for a 'lil' somethin' special'. :/

"If the ladies only knew..."


Keep in mind that each individual fragrance is like a Harvard graduate - they don't work for just anybody. The way each person's body interacts with a fragrance is different. In addition, deodorant can actually alter the smell of a fragrance, so go for an odorless deodorant if possible whenever you wear a fragrance.



Perfumes are grouped into what is known as 'olfactive families', characterized by nouns that are indicative as to the scent of the fragrance:

Generally, the families to the right of the diagram are heavier in scent and the ones to the left are lighter and more refreshing. Don't be afraid to ask your salesperson as to the description of each individual fragrance you're considering. A good salesperson should be able to inform you as to the notes present in each perfume. Oriental noted perfumes are great for a versatile day-night fragrance, fresh notes are excellent for emanating summertime vibes and woody notes are the quintessential way a man should smell.

If you've so much as thought about wearing a florally based perfume (with the exception of perfumes merely bearing subtle floral tones), you need professional help.

Read more »

You Don't Wear Jeans To a Wedding & Other Short Stories

Men violating dress codes and the number of children dying in Africa as we speak have something in common - it's happening. A lot. My due respect and condolences to the latter.


From men who wear jeans to a wedding to those who wear Crocs to... well, anywhere for that matter... the violation of dress codes by men all over the world is a very real and a very serious dilemma that must be given due attention.


And this is me doing my part to make the world a better (dressed) place.






Barbeques/Picnics/Roadtrips


There are actually a wide range of outfits that you'd be able to reasonably wear to a barbeque/picnic/roadtrip. And 7 out of 10 guys are going to wear a logo tee and some bastardized form of shorts.


Nonetheless, a personal favorite of mine is the combination of an untucked shirt with sleeves rolled up (neatly) and a pair of fitting bermudas (shorts that are exactly knee length). Alternatively, and especially if you're of athletic build, opt for a fitted polo tee in place of the dress shirt.

I'd personally also recommend loafers/flip flops instead of the shoes as depicted in the photograph above.


But if you happen to be the one tending the barbeque, you might want to consider leaving your good clothes in your wardrobe and simply donning something you don't mind stinking up.

Weddings/Other Semi-Formal Events


There are so many things you shouldn't wear to a wedding (jeans included) that it probably makes more sense for me to just list down the things you should be wearing to a wedding.


Overseas, you'd want to settle for nothing less than a good suit.

However, in a tropical country like Malaysia, there is a risk of looking overdressed in light of our country's adversity to good dress sense (and good weather for the matter).


Play it safe with a nice dress shirt, slacks, a good pair of leather shoes (preferably brogues).

Don't be afraid of using color to make your outfit stand out.

Parties/Nights out


A very safe bet would be the same outfit you'd wear to a Malaysian wedding (see above), a dress style also known as 'smart casual' - i.e. smart but not prick-formal. If it isn't too warm outside, a blazer is always a welcome addition. But remember, we're practical guys.

A blazer can easily transform you from a T-Shirt and jeans kinda guy into a... much better looking T-shirt and jeans kinda guy.

Velvet blazers = YES.

Other options include the rock-chic look as endorsed by Usher Raymond - leather jacket and dark indigo/vintage jeans.

Some say there is nothing more essential than a well-made fitting leather jacket. Jacket by Dolce & Gabbana

Work


It's probably best for you, the reputation of your sexual orientation and your career to not sport anything too flashy at work (unless you work at John Varvatos.).


Your essentials should simply consist of a good quality oxford shirt, slacks and leather brogues.

And oh yes, no matter how practical or 'cooling', there is almost never an occasion to wear a short sleeved oxford. Unless you're aiming to rock that forty-something year old high school principal look.

Home

Wear whatever you want, your mother is going to love you no matter how you look anyways.

But if you're really some fly, stylo-milo kinda guy, I'd recommend the Hugh Hefner look - luxurious satin/silk pyjamas coupled with a pair of equally luxurious slippers. I don't know, i guess you could stumble out into the street once in a while to exhibit your awesomeness.

Who'd have guessed that the secret to being a ladies man lay in a pair of great PJs.

Read more »

The Style Commandments

Thou shalt not...

Wear white athletic socks with dress shoes

Athletic socks are called athletic socks exactly because they were made to be used solely for athletics. You might have been able to get away with wearing them under your green trousers in primary and secondary school, but that was just because everybody else was doing it. You're now a new man, so you need new socks.

In any case, a good pair of cotton black socks is never the wrong answer. If you're feeling adventurous, try patterned socks, but remember to choose a pair with dark shades as its base color. And the law dictates - no novelty socks! (e.g. Star Wars, Homer Simpson, Mickey Mouse patterns.)

Great style comes from having great socks.



Alright alright alright, a little riddle.


How many holes do you have in your socks?


None?


Then how'd you get your feet in?
Geddit? Geddit?

Hm. That seemed wayyy funnier when I was twelve.

Anyway. Socks are the undergarments for your feet as your boxers are for your crotch. As you wouldn't want little (or big, whatever makes you happy) Johnny peeking out through your underpants, similarly you don't want a toe burrowing its way out into the real world. Throw out those 'hole-y' socks and get new ones! Pronto!

You don't get any classier than this.





Wear a fanny pack

One or two people I've met have expressed to me their horror at the invention that is the fanny pack. Personally, I've sported it. Haha. I don't really see the issue with fanny packs. In my opinion, as long as the 'fanny pack' is made out of good material and is of a color that complements your entire getup, it can be a functional, convenient and practical tool, especially when you're hiking around a Lonely Planet destination and want to keep your hands free to ward off evil sand dune creatures.





On a serious note, some designers as of late have come up with updated renditions of the 'fanny pack'. Have a look:






The ugly ones should be called 'fanny packs' and the nicer ones should be called something less 'fanny' - like 'waist pouches'.


I cordially welcome enlightenment on this topic! Leave a comment if you wish.





Wear Crocs

There is probably no more-passionately-hated variety of footwear in the world today. In fact, Crocs Inc. stocks have plummeted recently due to a surge in I-Hate-Crocs campaigns.

I can think of a few advantages of Crocs though.

They're pretty durable... They're waterproof! They're...

Um yeah. That's about all I can think of.


Gotta give him kudos for trying.

Read more »

The Sexiest Thing A Man Can Wear

I was reading a certain mens' magazine recently (the kind with the good articles), when I came across an interesting poll.

The poll's results revealed that the majority of women think that the sexiest thing a man can wear is...




not...




the perennial Tuxedo,






not...



the Italian swim trunk





not...



the 'Birthday Suit'



No photo you dimwit. Children are reading this.



The outfit that beat them all for the title of 'The Sexiest Thing A Man Can Wear' was none other than...





the White T-Shirt and Jeans combo









Has that particular mens' magazine committed a grave injustice? Or was it spot on?

You have permission to rant.

Read more »

Accessorize, Mesmerize, Magnetize

Accessorizing - the word alone is enough to make any straight man recoil in horror.

But wait. Look at your hands - that ring on that index finger of yours. That's an accessory. Your wrists - Tag Heuer, no less - an accessory. Your Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack you used to carry to kintergarden? Son, you've been accessorizing even before you even knew how to count to three.

So don't fear the man-accessory. Embrace it and use it to your full advantage. Here are a couple of accessories every man should own.

The 'Man-Bag'

The man bag is the male counterpart of a woman's handbag. Where carrying around a handbag will make you look positively queer, the 'man bag' is instead designed to be a functional, chic and practical (there's that magic word!) alternative for the everyday man to keep his necessities (laptop, documents, sunglasses, etc) in check.

There are several 'man bag' varieties available out there, but the golden rule is to avoid anything that is too small to keep a standard sized laptop in.

A little (OK, a lot) too small.

A little too big.

Perfection - The classic messenger bag.

You can almost never go wrong with a smartly constructed good quality leather bag. Think of it this way - bags made from nylon/artificial materials are to milk as leather bags are to fine wine. The former will eventually turn bad, but the latter can only get better with age.

Two kinds of travel bags I think men should invest in are Samsonite briefcases (for corporate types) and duffel/tote bags (for weekends away).

Even Kanye's a believer.

A black leather duffel tote bag.

I don't think most of you will go this far, but remember that as far as possible, even when it comes to your bags, match your leathers (i.e. black leather belt, black leather shoes, black leather watch, black leather duffel tote bag).

The formula for looking rich and successful is simple - a black leather Samsonite briefcase + bespoke business suit.

And you'll still look important even if all you're carrying in that bag is the packed lunch your mother prepared.

Sunglasses

The art of choosing the right pair of sunglasses deserves a post of its own, but anyway, here are some pointers to get you going:

• When faced with a choice between two frames, always go for the simpler one. Flamboyant frames are really never the answer unless your aim is to look "totally fabulous". And you're straight right? If you are, you don't want to look "totally fabulous".
• The size of your sunglasses should be proportional to the size of your face - smaller sunglasses for smaller faces; larger sunglasses for larger faces. The frame shape should contrast with (that is, be the opposite of) the shape of your face.
• Classic frames (e.g. Wayfarers, Aviators) never go out of style and complement almost anybody
  

The classics: Aviators and Wayfarers, both by Ray Ban

The Pocket Square

Again this goes back to one of the most sacred rules of style: last thing on, first thing noticed. Pocket squares may seem like an insignificant final addition to the average straight man, but again I must reiterate, last thing on, first thing noticed! Behold the two following exhibits:

The pocket square on this gentleman's jacket is expertly matched to the white tones in this 2 tone-ensemble and instantly adds a touch of candor and sophistication to an otherwise uninspiring getup.

Photographic evidence that women dig guys who wear pocket squares.

Cufflinks

We men don't really have as much variety and spice in clothing options as compared to the fairer sex - most of what we wear are variations of suits, shirts, polo tees and trousers in different fabrics... thus, accessorizing is vital for the sake of your individuality. And think of cuff-links as your paintbrushes on the canvas of your individuality (i.e. your french-cuffed shirts).

Attractive woman: "Oh my word, he's wearing CUFFLINKS!"

There are no strict rules when it comes to choosing cufflinks. However, to be safe, opt for platinum, white gold, silver and steel. Gold seldom looks good on anyone under 40 and is also generally harder to match.

Watches

Similar rules apply to watches - gold is always a no-no if you're under 40 and don't have a great tan. That being said, you can never go wrong with a nice strong steel watch. Gay men sometimes look at another man's watch to make an educated guess as to that person's sexual orientation. Strong steel watches lean toward a "I like women" sentiment, so if you're not one who walks on the wild side, think steel.

If you're a man of exceptional style and class, consider watches with a leather strap. Again, keep in mind the rule on matching leathers (brown leather watch, brown leather belt, brown leather shoes). Aim to own one black leather and one brown leather strap watch. Black leather is great for formal/business events whereas brown leather carries across a sense of casual-coolness with a tinge of rebellion.

And guys, repeat me after me: sports watches are exactly as their name implies - strictly for sports.

Jewelery

There's nothing wrong (or gay) with wearing rings, but keep in mind that wearing anything more than one ring is pushing it. Again, white gold and silver will be your top choices. Save the diamonds for your other halves and gold rings for the tanned 40-somethings of this world.

I honestly can't say much about earrings. Apparently there is a stigma that wearing an earring on your left (or was it right?) ear is literally indicative of your sexual preference. In any case, less is always more when it comes to jewelry.

But yet again I have to qualify that although these guidelines will work for almost every man, there is a particular section of society which does not play by the rules (and can get away with it).

Read more »