Can you wear Jeans as Business Casual

No!

Well okay, Maybe!

While jeans have become very stylish and dressy, it is often asked: can you wear jeans as business casual? And the answers is: it depends! The etiquette and proper answer is that there is not a real definition of "business casual." And, if an event calls for business casual, it never calls for jeans to be worn in the given setting. However, Americans often choose to go against the grain for one reason or another so it is important to be aware of what to do in this situation.

To answer this question further I will offer a few things to consider and scenarios that could call for business casual attire. By considering these things when dressing business casual will allow you to always be appropriately dressed.

1. Know your industry. If you're in an industry that calls for you to wear a suit & tie more often than not, jeans are a No. 
2. If jeans are apart of your profession such as denim design or fabric manufacturing, jeans may be Okay.
3. If the business casual event is held in an office or meeting space, jeans are a No.
4. If the business casual event is held in lounge or bar, jeans may be Okay.
5. If the business casual event is held  in hotel lobby or space, jeans are a No.
6. If the business casual event is at a someone's home, jeans may be Okay.
7. If your business casual event is held in a golf club house or private club jeans are a No. 
8. If the person your are attending with or who invited you is not wearing jeans, then No.
9. If you choose to wear jeans as business casual, always wear dark jeans with little or no washes. Darker than traditional blue jeans would be considered dark denim.
10. If you do choose to wear jeans as business casual, also wear a blazer and dress shoes so not to be considered casual.

The next time you or someone you know considers wearing jeans as business casual, consider the 10 tips above first and choose accordingly. Appropriate attire is much more valuable than stylish attire. 

"Life...With Style"

Yours Truly,

Michael Ferrera

The Look

Valentine's Day Date

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS Valentine's Day is usually one of the busiest dinner days of the year second only to Mother's Day! But this year it's on a Monday...

With that said make sure to plan your Valentines date ahead of time! To avoid the long waiting list or the awkward rush to finish the date in order to be ready for work the next day, here is a cool option. If you don't do it often and can, stay in and you cook for your Valentine's date that night.

So, pick up a nice bottle of wine, (get red wine mister, it's Valentine's) set the table, light a couple table candles and a few around the house, prepare a dinner that she will enjoy and let the Valentine's evening begin!

The way you finish the night is up to you, just make sure it's on a good note and that's Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Why Didn't She Call Back?

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS keep your cool! Even in awkward situations...

Have you ever been in the awkward situation when you call a chick and she doesn't call back? But that's not it, you happen to cross paths at a mutual event. Sounds funny huh, and can be very awkward but as the perfect gentleman what should you do?

If you happen to see a female in public that hasn’t called you back yet, it might seem awkward but keep your cool! There may be no particular reason as to why a she has not called you back so be cordial, be a gentleman and communicate as you would with a person you haven’t seen in a while. say hello to her, shake hands or hug and converse as you normally would. If the conversation continues to more than just hello and small talk, you can mention that you have called and if she has received your message. You can even say it in a joking way to lighten up the awkward moment for both of you. Whatever response she has, show no emotion as if it did not bother you and carry on. If you know why she may have not called you back be wise and just leave the topic alone.

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

What does RSVP mean?

We have all received invitations that finish with the fancy letters "R.S.V.P" but what does that really mean? You probably know that it means we are suppose to reply if we are coming to the event, but the abbreviation R.S.V.P. actually means Répondez S'il Vous Plaît which is French for "Please Respond." 

The reason we see this phrase R.S.V.P. in the English language dating back to the late 18th Century is that many naturally adopted this French etiquette since it does sound fancy and it is a nice way to abbreviate the long phrase. Yes it all comes down to knowing that you have to reply in regards to your attendance to an event, but it sure is nice to know what the R.S.V.P. means on that next invitation you send out or receive.

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît sounds like (Re-Pond-Zé-See-Voo-Plāa)

First Date Tips: 6 Steps to a Successful First Date

Ferrera Fresh Hint: GENTS The First dates the most important date, period!

Ahhh, yes the first date is always exciting for the simple fact that it is just New! However, the first date is your opportunity to display the gentleman that you are as well as observe and learn about the lady you are interested in.  Listening and good conversation will make this date successful without a doubt but remember dates are to be fun and not feel like an "interview." Here are 6 tips that will avoid date disasters and will make your first dates successful!

• Make sure to plan this date! It shows her that you take time and that she is important. There is no excuse not to plan the first date, period!
• Know a little about the weather for your date and a little bit about the things she likes and does not like as it pertains to food, fun and entertainment.
• There is no need for too much touching or being close on a first date. If it does happen let her initiate it.  She may continually and subtly invite you to be closer to her with small touches, and other flirtatious signs. Just take note and keep your cool. 
• The first date should be a place where you can actually talk! Movies, operas or plays just don’t work since you have to be silent in these places. Having dinner, a glass of wine, visit a café or a lounge is more appropriate since you can interact in conversation.
• Be very alert on the first date! Listen, respond, remember, take mental notes and know that all communication skills apply. Her body language and conversation will tell you whether this is the only date or if there will be other dates to follow.
• Keep your cool and do not be too romantic on the first date! This might even make her want you more because it gives the impression that you are polite enough to respect her space which she will be attracted to! But, let her initiate romantic interaction and you respond as you desire...

One more tip for good measure which you regular readers know from other post which is, always dress your best! Put your skills in to play from the gentleman’s style blogs and carry on your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Thanksgiving With Style!

First of all Happy Thanksgiving to all! Thank you for the continued views, blog reads and comments. I know there is a ton of valuable information here at "Life...With Style" by Michael Ferrera and we do our best to continue to provide you with useful information. Nonetheless, it's Thanksgiving week, a short work week, and another week to be thankful simply just for the gift of LIFE!

"With Style" as is in the title of the blog is an additive, a plus, a perk, a choice. But, the fact that we are able to have life in itself is enough for us all to be grateful and thankful all year around. In regards to the Style portion I encourage you to all add as part of life here are 3 Tips to make your Thanksgiving day more enjoyable:

1) Be on time! - This applies to both the host and the guest. If you are the one hosting Thanksgiving meal, make sure your food is prepared when your guest arrive and you are not still cooking! Your guest came to eat not to wait and eat. If you plan to have others cook with you, make sure they are aware of that and there are no surprises. As for the guest arriving to eat, please be on time especially if you are bringing a dish for others to eat. If there is a time set to eat, be respectful to that so that you do not hold up the party. If you know that you will be late because of other engagements, inform the host ahead of time.

2) Converse with Confidence! - Sometimes at holiday parties we are around family members we don't get to see regularly and the conversation can be awkward. I mean, you're technically family but this may be the first time you are meeting or haven't talked in years. The best way to avoid this awkward moment is to engage a third person or join into a conversation with the person you don't know and the person you do know while they are already talking.This gives you a common ground and possible introductions or backgrounds to be explained. After that, continue on talking to that person and get to know them. If you feel like you are the person that doesn't know many guest, you may need to mix & mingle a little more throughout the year. Use Facebook and Twitter to start building on relationships throughout the year!

3) Be Stylish in your Attire! - Yes, it is a holiday but that is not a day to take off your style! So on Thanksgiving day dress with style as your normally would. Do not hold back saying, " I don't want to slip on myself" or "maybe I'm too dressed up." It's cool, be yourself and you might even encourage others to step there style up or may want to direct them to this blog, "Life...With Style." ;) As you may know form reading other post the most important thing is style is being neat & organized!  If you remember these two components at all times your jeans, shoes, hats, or whatever you put on will have more value in your attire.

Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving and as usual live Life with Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Button Collar Shirts: In Style or Not

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Style is a personal preference that should make you feel good!

With all the feedback & questions on the post "How to Choose a Collar Spread," I believe now the button down collar shirt deserves it's own mention! Before we go in to style tips, lets make it clear that there is no right or wrong in regards to button down collar shirts. The button down collar is a personal preference. If you like it wear it; if you don't, then don't.

When deciding on a button collar shirt or not, here are a few things to remember:

• The purpose of button down collar shirts are to hold your collar in place. 
• When you are wearing a jacket, the lapel of the jacket should hold your shirt collar in place anyway.
• Button collar shirts are better fit for casual business attire and when you are not wearing a tie.
• Collar dress shirts without a button do give off a cleaner and more crisp image. Buttons distract from your stylish tie.
• If your concern is that your collar slides under your jacket lapel, try using very heavy or even metal collar stays. If your shirt does not have collar stay pockets, you can have them added in by your cleaners.
• Rumor: Button down shirts are better for guys with large necks. Not true, the bulk of the button just makes the neck look larger.
• Rumor: Button down collar shirts are for old guys. Not true, a button down shirt serves a purpose and can be use by either gent when appropriate.
• Finally, if you do wear a button collar shirt always button the buttons! You just look sloppy if they are undone.

Form the mind of yours truly Michael Ferrera, I feel that a NO button collar is the better option when wearing a suit & tie. In a more casual environment the button collar shirt is more appropriate. Keep in mind gentlemen, & ladies who dress them, a variety of collar styles are nice to have in your wardrobe as you complete your Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

 

Classic Button Down Collar

 

Hidden Button Down Collar

 Stylish Button Down Collar

Michael Ferrera Wins Project Style Top Trendsetter

 

As head PR representative a Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing, I'm am not surprised that Mr. Ferrera is the champion of the Project Style competition at Victoria Gardens!

This past Friday October 29, 2010 The Victoria Gardens Mall hosted the final round of their style competition. Earlier this year through the months of June and September contestants styled off head-to-head to create the most stylish outfit and users of @Shoptopia voted for the winners. Designer & stylist Michael Ferrera won the 2nd round that placed him in the finals with five other contestants who also won their rounds with unique style.

When talking to Michael Ferrera about his style idea for the finals he said, "...I really wanted something that would make my outfit stand out drastically, since I know the other contestants have nice style!...The rules were that I had to incorporate my style, add a current trend, and stay within the budget allowed so I thought in my mind about the outfit before I even started shopping. I really wanted to stay true to my style and not just go for the win with a bunch of trends...and (While nodding his head) I definitely feel like I did that in what I call an "Elegant Swaggeristic" outfit! (Michael chuckles)

Congrats to Mr. Ferrera and check out Victoria Gardens Project Style! Thank you all for the continued support, blog views, and comments! It is always a pleasure to blog about the exciting things happening in fashion & style.

Finally, as you know, you are welcome to ask Michael Ferrera questions on Twitter or Ask@MichaelFerrera.com for any style tips that will enhance you "Life...With Style!"

Stay Fresh,
PR for
Michael Ferrera

 

How to Choose A Collar Spread

Dress shirt Fashion & dress shirt Style are not one in the same. You may have seen in a recent Ferrera Fresh Tip: Fashion is what you wear, Style is how you wear it!

I've recently been getting a ton of emails on shirt styles. What type to wear? What collar styles to choose? Whats "in"? Among others.

This timeless question will always remain but the most important thing when choosing shirts off-the-rack or custom made is a good fit. Find a brand that fits your body type and stick with it. The new hot brand won't work for you if it doesn't design to your body type. Remember that just as your suits can be tailored to your body, so can your dress shirts. Take your over sized, box shaped dress shirts to a good tailor that can have them cut and shaped to your body. The shirt will feel better and not look like you're just wearing a puffy pillow case with a collar on it. Try tailoring your shirts, it works!

When choosing collar styles for men's dress shirts, rather than going with whats "in", use the collar to compliment the shape of your face and body type. The wider spread collar has recently become more popular at the time of this print, but it doesn't work for every guy. For slim gentleman it may be better to go with a wider spread collar. This allows your shoulders and face to look a bit broader, giving a nice even appearance to your slim body. Just the opposite, for larger gentleman a medium spread or more narrow spread collar may be a better fit. It allows for a more narrow sharp image in round shoulders and facial features. When in doubt on what to choose its best to ask a professional for tips or go with a medium spread collar which is about 3'' apart from point-to-point. (See image to the right)

As for style of shirt such as french cuffs, plaids or stripes we'll save that for another post. But choose your fit and collar styles wisely to compliment your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

For specific questions send them to ask@MichaelFerrera.com
or connect on Twitter @MichaelFerrera

some images from www.raresplendors.com

MENSWEAR FALL FASHION TRENDS 2010

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Just because it's "in style" doesn't mean it's your style! Stay true to your style by picking and choosing which fashion trends to wear this season...

It's in! After the season's showings at MAGIC, MRket and a tons of other fashion shows this Summer in Las Vegas we now know the items and trends that will be in the stores and boutiques for Autumn/Winter 2010. To save you time on looking into countless magazines, watching senseless sitcoms & movies to find the latest fashion trends, just stay close to "Life...With Style" by Michael Ferrera and we'll keep you covered.

Recently GQ online posted over 200 snapshots of the top trends in male fashion for the upcoming 2010 Fall season. Many of which were seen at MAGIC, Project, Pool, and MRket trade shows in August '10 by yours truly. A full view of the shots are below for you to look at, grab ideas, or take tips when you're ready but here's the "Ferrera Fresh" rundown of the notable trends to consider or not consider

1. For your suits gents, the slimmer suit lapel is still holding its ground as one of the looks to go for when choosing your suits.

2. The plaid neckties are still in as well. Not really the coolest thing to be wearing now since everyone is doing it, but nonetheless it's still a popular trend. Try not to wear this look more than twice a month.

3. Surprisingly the boat shoe that we talked about (in this post here) is continuing to be worn in the fall! Now it is like a mid-high boot style boat shoe in navy, green or tan that's worn dressed casual with tailored jeans and a blazer. A very cool look try it!

 
4. Flannel! Oooh, yes, I like! From full over coats, to simple blazers, ties, socks and other accessories, flannel is definitely a Fall trend 2010 to be used in your wardrobe this Fall gents.

5. Lace-up boots are another notable mention and I'm not complete with this look. It's cool for some gents but it looks very ol'-school-vintage-military. Not the coolest look if a girl will think you're leaving for the military next week.

6. The toggle coat is in and is Certified "Ferrera Fresh!" Although we may not get that cold on the west coast, it is for sure a piece for east coast gents to have and others to travel with.

7. Whoaaa! Graphic knit sweaters are in? Didn't see too much of this coming for the season. It looks kind of 'kid-ish' for a grown man to be wearing in 2010 but if you do wear this just wear confidence. I may try a few out and let you all know the response from the ladies.

8. The plaid suit or what GQ calls: shadow plaid....(Whatever) It's cool, try it! I have a nice amount of these styles in the Michael Ferrera Collection this season as well. It's Hot!

Other notables are wide knit scarves, beanies, leather gloves and oh leather wristbands on watches rather than metal links among the other usual accessories for the Fall season. Take a look at the picture and choose what looks you like and remember just because it's 'in' doesn't mean you have to do it. That's a "Life...With Style"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Check the article HERE

HINT: If you click the print button on the slide show you can see all the pics by scrolling down 

rather than clicking the next button hundreds of time!

Here's the Looks!