Dear Leyn,

It’s 2010 and the month of May’s coming quick. As an early start, can you give fashion picks for guys that are trendy now? As for my age, im 17. And the business-y, older look doesnt really work for me. Can you give me, us a down-low on whats in for spring? Im more of a pants guy so it’ll be great if pants are features more.

BTW. I usually shop at Zara and Topman. Thanks a lot!:)

DarrenDynamite

Dear DarrenDynamite,

I usually base my taste for the latest trend from foreign designers and most recent runway collections. But because we don’t have the same season with US or Europe, I just check the pieces that are wearable and appropriate with our climate and culture. Anyhow, since you shop at my favorite stores Topshop/Topman and Zara, it’s easier for you to know the most up-to-date and hippest get-up.

First, I’ve sorted out some of my favorite outfits from the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection of different designers. You can draw inspiration from them. Here are my picks:

As you can see, most of the pieces exhibit dull colors of gray, earth, black and white. I know you’re young and hip, so most likely you’re into colorful and contrasting clothes but if you want to look more sophisticated then follow the pattern of these shades.

Second, I have no idea what’s your physique so I might be suggesting styles that won’t look good on you. But basically, you have to be particular with the right fitting:

Jeans
As mentioned on a previous post, I am still recommending Twister Jeans, Straight and Boot Cut. Then with trousers, pick the Slim style para hindi mukhang formal and you can match it with your shirts or use it during casual days.

Shorts
Quit the super baggy shorts and try the slim type from Topman. This style of shorts is usually knee-length with no extra pockets.

Tops
Based on the pictures from 2010 runway, fine/thin fabric is suggested. My most favorite get-up is from Y3 because the model sported a simple yet young looking fashion. If you’re into printed shirts, make sure to pick light designs with toning colors.

Shoes
Canvas sneakers are must haves this summer. Unlike the high-cut sporty rubber shoes, you can use them with smart-casual trousers or polo shirts. Also, canvas shoes are usually cheaper and lighter.

That’s it. Always remember, less is more.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn!

I consider myself a person who can design. I do visual art (photography and graphic design) but I think I cannot do good when it comes to styling myself. I have been reading GQ and August Man for a while now and they do help when it comes to clothing a man. But the models there are, well, good looking and slim/lean/whatever. How about for a guy like me? Ehe.

I am sort of biggie on the midsection (gah! big tummy and thigh!). I have been trying to cut that down but as of now, what are the styles you can advice? Thanks much! I trust your style that’s why I asked you. :s

If you need reference, i have attached a pic. :s

Dustin

Dear Dustin,

Basing on the picture attached, I think you pick the right clothes naman. But not the right colors. You may not be as lean as those guy models on magazines but you don’t look obese naman. I bet you already know these but as a recap, here are the basics for men with fuller bodies:

• Wear dark-colored clothes to avoid noticeable folds and creases.
• Avoid spandex-like material.
• Choose fabric with minimal or small prints.
• When layering clothes, make sure that the prints are harmonized with the other pieces you wear.

Actually, any style of top or bottom is okay. Since we’re talking about Men’s Fashion, it’s not as meticulous as Women’s style. The pieces that will look good on you depend if they are well-adjusted to fit your body (not too small nor oversized).

Tops
Wear 3/4 folded up sleeves as your basic top for an everyday smart casual wear. Collect the basic colors first before buying shirts with prints. You can wear these tops together with a pair of slacks, jeans or even shorts.

Pants
Wear darker jeans (gray or black) instead of denim because you can use them as an alternative for formal trousers. Skinny jeans don’t match your body type so buy the straight cut, boot cut or twister style. If you are a slacks person, do not wear the pleated type.

Layer
You can wear thin cardigans instead of bulky jackets. Knitted vests are okay as long as its color go with your base clothing.

Accessories
Invest on long lasting accessories like a formal watch and white gold bracelet. Pandagdag pogi points din yan.

Shoes
Stick to basic colors like black, gray, tan and a pair of white sneakers. If you think pointed lace-up shoes are too gay, then try boat shoes or desert design instead.

I am recommending neutral colors (tan, khaki, taupe, beige), gray shades, black and white. These colors look more professional and smart. It’s better if you always make yourself look presentable especially if you have clients as a visual artist. So basically, I am suggesting that you upgrade your wardrobe with smart-casual clothes that can help you with your profession. Artists don’t have to be ragged and dressed in pop culture shirts, if you get what I mean.

I hope my advice gave you an idea. Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Leyn,

I am Mark, 24 years old stands 5′9, kailangan ko ng tulong sa isusuot ko sa wedding ng friend ko. I will be a guest and the dress code is formal afternoon gagawin ang wedding. My friend told me that I can sport a smart casual attire, my only problem is I am on the stocky or chubby side type. Lagi akong disaster pagdating sa fashion, di ko alam ang tamang isusuot. Nakita ko yung mga previous posts for smart casual attires and medyo for lean guys yun. I attached here the photo na nakita ko sa web, dyan ako kumuha ng idea. FYI di ako fan ng tucked polo or shirts.

Thank you very much and I appreciate the time and effort. Goodluck and God Bless.

Dear Mark,

I hope my response is not yet late in time for the wedding. Well first, I’m unsure with the venue of the wedding (air-conditioned or open area) so we’ll just prioritize fashion instead of comfort, ‘k.

Buti nalang tucking in of shirt is not your thing because it will just show a division between your upper half and legs. I think your prospect outift (image attached) is all right and can go together with your fuller physique particularly the folded up sleeves. The idea of wearing a polo with front pockets is better if you plan to wear a skinny tie. It won’t make you look too corporate or an encyclopedia agent. Pick soild neutral colors (gray shades) aside from white.

For an added flare to your plain looking top, use a skinny tie with textured colors with the same color shade of your shirt. Just in case the wedding will be held in closed halls, then you can consider wearing a slimming blazer and plain shirt as undergarment. The fabric of the blazer should be crisp to avoid folds and bulkiness. The style is apt for formal events without looking too geeky. Whether you decide to wear a blazer or shirt, stick with the 3/4 style of sleeves.

Match your attire with a pair or loafers or plimsolls. Black is classic but I suggest a lighter color like brown or taupe.

Your built may look heavy but your tall height balances it off. So focus on emphasizing your tall height with clothes that outlines your height.

Good luck too!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear leyn sosyalera,

Hi I’m tet and I’m a public school teacher. Nabasa ko ang mga emails sayo sa net, well accidentally nagsurf ako sa net to look for  a dress not only dress but also designs and the in colors for this year. I’m a grade six teacher and its a problem to decide what color and design to choose. My co-teachers now are planning for our dress and we want it simple but elegant since we’re grade six teachers we want it to be stunning on that special event. Last year dress ang suot namin and the color is magenta, with shawl nga un eh kaso were not comfortable at isa pa mejo may kamahalan. Gusto namin ay magagamit namin in any occassion or events sa school namin. So now we decided to use pants and blouse but the thing is we don’t know what kind of design that fits on us especially I’m fat. I hope you can help me in this problem, because graduation is fast approaching so we need to decide before the time comes.

Aside from that, ilang kasamahan namin ay matnda na and sana makapagbigay ka ng designs that is really suits to us. Even for boys also, can you give suggestions dress for them.

Thanks and I hope you can help me in this problem.

More power to you.

tet

Dear tet,

Since we have to take in consideration the age range for the outfit, the style should be simple and can flatter any shape. As you have experienced before, using a shawl feels uncomfortable and old-school so don’t do the same mistake. Just in case you decided to stick on wearing a dress, come up with styles that are not body fitting (like bodycons and pencil skirts). Here are some examples:

What’s good about these styles is that they fit any body type, hide flabs, big arms and straight figures. Hindi rin tatagal ang paggawa for bulk orders because of its simple design.

Include 3/4 Tunics on your list if it’s okay for everyone to wear tops with longer sleeves. A straight or empire cut top can be matched with black leggings instead of slacks. Just add accents on the neckline like ribbons and ruffles. The downside is, this fashion is seems ordinary and doesn’t look that formal.

The blouse & pants attire may be too casual so I suggest that you concentrate on designing details on the blouse’s sleeves and neckline. Allow some space on the chest part for jewelries/necklace. Here’s sample of a chic design:

For boys, all I can think of is a semi-formal shirt with mandarin collar.

I remember that we were assigned to design our graduation blouse for the Baccalaureate Mass few years ago. We searched for a prospect blouse that we can use as a pattern then bought 1 sample for the seamstress. If you’re running out of ideas then do the same. Looking for styles in actual can help you easily decide than starting from scratch.

I hope this helped a bit.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Sosyalera,

Hi, first of all. I’m a fan. hehe

I would like to ask for a trend tip from you for this holiday season since we don’t have winter here in Phil. What style do Filipinos have this season?

Also, I recently read about you email sender about smart casual clothing tips. coincidentally I was wondering of the same thing so i allegedly read it, but no tips were found for men. that’s why I wrote.

I work for a business outsourcing company as a lead generation specialist. I lead a small group of 6 people but we’re just of the same age (some are even older than me). our dress code is smart casual, but i don’t want to look too simple and too corporate with my appearance. I usually gear up a shirt and a blazer/jacket or sometimes printed long sleeves on jeans these past few days. my personal style is on the rugged-vintage-punk-edgy side and I love to experiment with clothing styles and accessories(recently i bought a plum and cream stripes scarf).

I’m a 21yo guy, 5′8 and slim med. built body. I’d like to know more from your point of view.

Thanks and more power!!!

adrian

Dear adrian,

We all know that a couple of typhoons destructed our country so apparently, Christmas season for this year started quite late. People are still in the recovering process and most of us are trying to lessen our expenses but without neglecting the spirit of the season. Relating to fashion, people now settle for simple but elegant styles to avoid over spending. Nearly everyone’s trying to be practical and creative in re-using some old clothes. No worries because even on the latest runway reports, neutrals and simple pieces are worn together to form a fashion.

3/4 Shirts

I don’t see anything wrong with your typical outfit but your taste with colors, quality and combination judges it all. Start with collecting shirts with solid shades. Solid-colored Tops can be easily matched with other clothes like jackets, ties and scarf. If you don’t want to look too corporate nor casual, then you have to fold your long-sleeves in 3/4.

Jackets

I hope we can soon feel the cold Christmas breeze so we can use our fashionable coats and jackets. Blazers are okay even with jeans. But there are still other styles out there that surpass the casual look but don’t appear too formal like the Two-breasted style Coat.

Neck Ties

Thin Neck Ties are trendy. They look modern than the usual 3.75” wide ties. Also, make sure to pick the reversible design so can you have two prints in one tie.

Skinny Belts

Same with belts. Skinny width belts are in.

Shoes

Your shoes also carry the entire outfit so start collecting pairs with quality. Aside from the classic black leather, Boats Shoes are must-haves this season. You have to invest on seamless looking shoes. You’re no longer in college so quit the dirty type of sneakers.

Body Bags

Doctor bags are useful and spacious but if you’re not comfortable bringing one, spot for an over-sized Canvas Body Bag for everyday use. It will be good enough for your laptop, books and gym clothes without looking too metrosexual.

Accessories

Who says wearing jewelries and baubles are just for ladies? Men should also have their own set accessories. A silver or vintage watch plus white gold chain bracelet can add classiness to your simple clothing.

To sum it up, I’m just recommending neutral colors, simple pieces and materials that don’t easily get creases. These are just like my suggestions with the winter clothing I posted before, minus the thick fabric of course. Don’t combine clothing as if there’s too much going on. Avoid shirts/jackets with too many extra pockets. You can experiment but don’t exaggerate.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. More power din. Lol.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Sosyalera,

Malapit na mag-autumn dito sa lugar namin at kasunod na neto ang winter. Ano ba ang usong trend ngayon for this season? Gusto ko na kasi magpalit ng wardrobe dahil nakakasawa na rin yung mga bulky-type-jackets. Naghahanap rin ako ng alternative sa denim jeans. Wala kasing uniform sa school ko tapos lagi lang ako naka-maong na pantalon.

Pwede ka ba mag-suggest ng mga magagandang coats, leather/casual jackets, hoodies, cardigans FOR MEN etc.? I usually buy my clothes from TOPMAN and Urban Outfitters.

Thanks a lot!

-Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Basing on the latest vogue from 2009 A/W runways, neutral colors and bold prints are all the rage. I’d be suggesting that you stick with the classic looks appropriate in school. Be fashionable yet think that you’re not attending a party or concert. With your case, it’s better not to catch much attention but pick clothes that you can effectively mix and match to maximize your school attire closet.

Cardigans: Classic V-neck type / Exact Fit / Neutral Colors

Coats: Hoodies / Double Breasted Coats

Style and Prints: Checkered / Funnel Neckline

Trousers: Dark Colored Pants

If you’re fed up with the usual bulky jacket, then avoid the nylon or leather materials which are prone to folds and creases.

To complete the outfit, gear yourself with a dark colored doctor’s bag. With regards to footwear, moccasin type of shoes is now fully fashioned to match any clothing without getting too corporate. If you feel awkward with the Native American feeling, then leather boat shoes, pointed lace ups or your classic white sneakers can also be your options.

I guess I don’t have to elaborate each piece since the concept of “classic grays and neutrals” is already understood.

Inggit ako. Sana may winter din dito. Hehe.

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi leyn,

good day!

just started reading your blog and i noticed that you are good in noticing the latest fashion do’s and don’ts, runway looks and don’t-try-this on your next nightout look. Which brings me to why im sending this letter. Call me PICKY-EATER. I’m 22 y.o. Gay male from cebu, a nurse turned billing adviser for a telecommunications company abroad (outsourced-callcenter baby), and im borderlining chubby vs. obesity. I tried to lose weight but i still got a long way to go. Which now brings me to this email. I would like to ask you stuff regarding Clothes that would look good, err great on me, as you know the fashion industry is not that Kind to people who are plus-sized or a bit too JUICY. please indicate trends that would TRY to complement me, my body in general.

thanks… Ü

jeRemiAh

Dear jeRemiAh,

Actually, plus size figured bodies can also wear the latest trends but you just have to know the cut, style and colors. Like it’s recommended to wear a cardigan instead of an old school bulky jacket – though its design should be vertically inclined. The tips below are mentioned in general because fashion trends change every now and then. You just have to know the ABCs of plus size clothing:

Avoid wearing two contrasting colors like blue jeans and an orange top. Pairing such colors emphasizes your middle part. Stick with dark pants and go neutral with your upper body. Looks boring, but at least quite effective.

It’s really not good for plus size people wearing solid bright colored apparel. Aside from the fact that it shows more fabric stretches, it doesn’t camouflage your figure as a whole. And speaking of bright colors, avoid soild purple. Big purple shirts look so Grimace.

Lines and stretches can show off your flabs so it’s not recommended to wear anything spandex. Shop for clothes with substantial fabrics that stay in shape. If you wear shirts a lot, try to be particular with texture and thickness. A polo shirt in Lacoste is a good example, though you don’t have to spend like 3k per garb. You just have to be keen with quality.

Everyone already knows that horizontal stripes make us look wider. If you really dig for prints when buying clothes, just be picky and look for chevron patterns with V shaped graphics.

Inclining style with your profession, it won’t hurt if you put some corporate touch with your clothing. Buy hip length blazers that perfectly fit on you. Wearing blazer adds lining on your chest-torso part and buttoning can hide bulges. Vests and waist length jackets aren’t plus size friendly because it will make your body look “boxed type”. Hooded cardigans are also good replacements for your huge-looking sporty jacket.

With pants, skinny jeans aren’t that big-sized-figure flattering so you have to stick with the straight-cut style. Choose trousers with vertical linings that exactly fit without flare.  With shorts, buy the knee-length ones and avoid Capri pants.

Quit the manly jordan rubber shoes and square tipped loafers. Since lace-ups are in, these kind of pair complement a heavy figure. The slim structure of a lace-up/plimsoll shoe doesn’t make your footwear part bulky.

Let’s admit that whatever apparel we’re in, it doesn’t totally cheat our figure. As I always say, I suggest that you have to invest on quality clothing and look sophisticated as much as possible. Citing locally, Raymond Gutierrez dresses well regardless of his big built. Rumors say he’s gay, but we don’t care. It’s obvious that he’s plus sized BUT people are more excited to see what he’s wearing. You need to have this kind of intuition. Love your body and just add vanity. Also, good physical impression starts with a light aura, smart posture and a contagious smile.

Thanks dear.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hello Leyn,

Nagulat ako nang malaman kong hindi nga scripted ang naunang liham sa iyo ni Gasul.

At dahil diyan ay naisip kong hingin ang iyong tulong tungkol sa masakit sa matang pananamit ng isa kong kaibigan na itatago ko na lang sa pangalang DYALIBI. Kung hindi ninyo naitatanong ay aminado naman siyang wala siyang taste sa pananamit (it’s just another normal day to see him in the office wearing a grayish green trousers longing for miss flat iron’s touch, brown synthetic leather sandals on the brink of retirement, faded orange T shirt emphasizing his bulging tummy).

At dahil very willing din siya por a meykober, naisip kong since ikaw ang talagang fashionista sa grupo natin, ikaw ang perfect choice para tulungan siya.

Mayroon ka bang tips na maaaring ibigay sa kaniya tungkol sa tamang pagporma? At dahil nariyan na lamang din tayo, sino-sino pa ba sa mga greenies ang nangangailangan ng isang LEYN MAKE OVER? At dahil naririyan pa rin tayo, ano ba ang iyong general tips tungkol sa pagdadala ng sarili para sa mga kalalakihan?

Ibalik ang dangal ng tigas-titig,
ELVEEE

Dear ELVEE,

Salamat sa effort. Actually, ayaw ko sana sagutin ang problema mo dahil kilala ko si DYALIBI. Haha. Hindi naman sya “baduy” manamit dahil hindi naman mala-table cloth ang kanyang sinusuot – maaaring “boring” lang. So, ano ang solusyon mapa-boring o baduy? Magbibigay ako ng mga basic tips for a start sa kanyang make-over:

1) Magsuot ng kulay green, creme at mga earthy colorerd shirts para sa sophisticated look. (hindi kulay matanda at hindi rin kulay pa-bagets). ‘wag malalaki ang prints na design ng top dahil lalo magmumukhang malaki ang built.
2) Kung magsusuot ng mga boring na kulay tulad ng black and gray, ternohan ng silver watch o light colored sneakers para ang ilang parte ng iyong pananamit ay flashy.
3) Magsuot ng appropriate size at hindi sobrang laki for your body figure. ang maximum ay 1 size larger.
4) Replace your black nylon jacket with a not-so-formal coat. Kung talagang gusto mo ng jacket, i-try ang mga happy colors tulad ng example sa taas.
5) Wag magsusuot ng faded-colored maong o blue jeans para hindi magmukhang “galing Saudi”. Dark Jeans and Khaki will do.
6) Palitan na rin ang iyong old school na leather sandals with crocs or the like para sa lazy day effect.

Aminin na natin na maling term ang ideya na comfortability is fashion. Kadalasan ay kailangan mong mag effort to look good. Payo ko lang ay pwersahin mong mag-shopping si DYALIBI kasama mo. Idiin mo rin sa kanya na ang pagbili ng tamang damit ay hindi makakasakit sa bulsa lalo na’t gagamitin nya to ng ilang taon. Ipagdukdukan mo rin na panghatak sa chicks ang magaling pumorma para ganahan syang umistayl.

Gusto ko nga rin palang i-make over si Ayz, sayang kasi ang skinny built nya kung lagi nalang siyang naka t-shirt. Parang gusto ko syang bihisan ng dainty clothing.

Note: Ang mga tips ko sa itaas ay inakma ko para sa kaibigan ng letter sender. Maaaring hindi ito bumagay sa ibang tao.

Love Lots,

Leyn