We’re going to discuss some specific aspects of Mens business dressing, which has different rules than womens. Ladies, if you have a husband, son, brother, good friend or other relative that could use this information, please feel free to pass it along. Enjoy this segment, and come back for the others!

Whether you are a new college graduate, just joining the working world, changing jobs due to a merger, acquisition or dot-bomb or just feel the need to update your professional look, putting together a business wardrobe can be a scary prospect.

In the next installments of this article, well discuss the components of a great classic wardrobe that will have you well dressed for years, and will prove to be wise investments.

Lets start with the potentially most expensive, yet most important part of your business wardrobe your suits. Rather than buy the latest cutting-edge, designer look of the moment that will be dated and obsolete next year, select 3 4 classically tailored suits in year-round fabrics and conservative colors.

If you’ve seen my articles about Color and its effect on you, you’ll know that men also fall into the color Seasons, and there are suggestions for colors in those articles. Ill also include some hints and tips in this article regarding colors for mens suits.

A popular choice of fabric in mens suits is 120s merino wool in a bengaline weave, which tends to resist wrinkling and provides a natural stretch for increased comfort. Whats 120s merino wool? Well, Merino Wool is a specific designation for the wool grown and sheared from Merino sheep. Its very silky and soft, and the fiber diameter further distinguishes the various grades of Merino Wool.

There are three major classifications: Super 100 (wool fibers slightly thicker than 18 microns), Super 100s (wool fibers less than 18 microns thick), and Super 120s (wool fibers sheared only from the neck and shoulders of the sheep, under 16 microns thick).

The higher the grade number of the wool, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will be that is created from it and correspondingly, the higher the price for the garment! A suit made of a Super 120s wool will cost more, however, that same suit will last years instead of months. It is well worth the investment in yourself and your professional appearance.

Popular choices for mens suit colors include navy and charcoal grey, in a plain or pinstripe pattern, and make for a polished look. This is a terrific suggestion for men whose coloring is cool or blue-based. Winters and Summers are included in this color range. Additional popular colors for cooler-toned men are midnight navy, black, and gray navy.

Men who are warmer in their coloring could choose a bright navy, warm taupe or camel as a basic suit color, remembering that dark navy or black will wash out the coloring on these men and may make them look pale or unhealthy. Not exactly the impression we want to give, now is it?

Classic looks are ensured with a two or three button jacket, and current trends are favoring the 3-button style. More trendy looks have been seen with over 4 buttons on a single-breasted jacket, but these looks are best kept for evening activities and not for a business look.

Double-breasted suits can be problematic if your physique is not suited for them, and the difficulty of sitting in an always-buttoned jacket can cause extra wear and tear on your investment.

Business pants with a double-reverse pleat are a classic that will endure. You should be sure to have them tailored to fit your physique, as pulled-out pleats from an abundant abdomen or rear are sure to make you look even bigger, not business-like. An adept tailor is invaluable to a businessman, and the recommendations of friends and associates will help you find a good one.

Many suit retailers offer tailoring with a purchase, which can be a good way to start. Always test a new or unfamiliar tailor with one suit, so that if he / she doesnt work to your liking; they havent affected your entire wardrobe!

Once you have your 3 or 4 basic suits, you can slowly add other suits to round out your business and entertaining wardrobe. Remember to keep your suit colors classic, and use what you know about your personal coloring (cool or warm) to choose shades and variations that will suit you best.

The best rule of thumb for Menswear: wear what is comfortable for you, remembering that classic tailoring and the right colors for you will best stand the test of time.

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image. She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com

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Let me let you in on a little secret. Wool is back (actually it never really left, as you’ll see below). Wool has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It still is a major industry in a lot of countries around the world (Australia and New Zealand come to mind), and it’s used in sweaters, socks and general fabrics. People have been wearing wool for style and warmth for generations. wool has come back into style in recent years and shows no sign of waning. Let’s take a look at the top 3 reasons why wool is now as cool as ever.

1)Retro. Back in the 80s, everybody was into the wool look. The stuffed up L.L. Bean preppy style was in and any fan of the 80s teen flicks knows that it was the decade of the wool sweater. All those college films seemed to make their characters sport wool as mandatory attire.

2)Movie Stars. You may have noticed that some of your favorite celebrities have been wearing wool in recent photos. Much like the trucker hat phenomenon of a few years ago, wool sweaters have become cool again (they are in with the in crowd) and you can see the trend setters wearing them. Movie stars and general celebrities often start trends which the rest of the population mimics. When its hot with the stars, it quickly becomes hot with the rest of the country (and often the world). Wool clearly is no exception.

3)It never really left. For a certain element of the population, notably skiiers and outdoors people, wool is a simple necessity of life. Wool socks can keep even the coldest of skiiers warm from frigid outside temperatures. Most of us don’t think about this because more than of us live in cities these days and the southern and southwestern cities have become huge population centers. After all, do most of us really want to live in the cold year round? Judging by the demographics and population shift, the answer is clearly no.

Wool is hear to stay. Learn all about wool and how to get a good deal on your next wool purchase: whatever it is.

Amy Metz is author of The Wool Guide. Pick up your copy at http://www.discoverwool.com.

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Cruella De Ville must have hit some fashion nerve when she puts on her marvelous fur coat. But we are no Cruella De Villes and because of highly revered designers we have now, we dont have to kill all 101 Dalmatians to make an impression with an overcoat.

You might also want to think twice in putting on those lavish furs she has. A coat is a necessity in the winter season but with just the right amount of being finicky and some sense of style we might just turn this old timer outfit to a fashion statement.

Here are some tips on choosing the best coat.

1. First off, assess your figure.

2. Highlight a good curve with double breasted coat or choose a design where you can overlie the coat and produce a v-neck style.

3. If you are blessed with great hips, accentuate it with a chic shawl coat. Try fur coats that would highlight your hips.

4. On a full breasted figure a turtleneck coat would look formal and sleek; it will make your breast appear an inch or so less.

5. For women more on the petite side do away from bulky coat as it would make you appear shorter. Choose a single-breasted cut coat. Keep it simple and elegant.

6. You can fake an unfavorable figure by choosing a waterfall coat that would just fall down stylishly away from the problem spots.

7. If you go for the classic look, you would never go wrong with black or khaki trench coats over some pair of jeans

8. Your daily activities would also dictate on which coat to pick. Knee length overcoats are best when you drive or if you are more of the always-on-the-go type. Though mid-thigh cut would flatter a tall figure knee lengths thigh is more practical.

9. Aside from the style, coats are primarily made to keep us warm. Thanks for Thinsulate technology, we can now junk the bulky and thick coats and go for coats of synthetic material with slimmer fit with more varied style to choose from. They still provide the same warmth big coats do.

10. In addition with woolen coats they are a wide variety of fiber you can choose from. You can prefer viscose, polyester or plaid for inside linings. Suede and leather exteriors would also do to cope with the winter season.

11. In addition to your well-picked coat you can accessorize by putting on a suitable hat, hand warmers or gloves. Just remember that these should all go with the over-all color scheme or style of your coat.

12. For bargain hunters, you can always opt to shop during the springtime when coats are sold the cheapest.

13. Maintain the condition of your fur by dry cleaning them. Never put them in the washer. Proper storage could keep your coats for a lifetime. Closets should have proper air circulation, preferably 50F humidity to give the coats just the right amount of moisture.

14. Invest your hard earned money to quality clothes. Be practical, choose a durable coat (remember good quality doesnt always come with a high price tag) that suits your taste which you can wear even for the next winter season.

15. Finally, a good fit is always the standard factor in choosing the best outfit. Be sure there is no awkward space between you and your coat.

When finally deciding on which coat to buy keep in mind that the style you should pick exudes your taste and personality.

Then all other factors come second, including the quality of the coat, the comfort and fit, and lastly its price. So now, for sure, youll figure out which coat is best for you. Go get yourself a coat and strut your stuff!

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of CoatCentral.com and writes expert articles about coats.

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