Black and white is hot. It’s timeless, and God knows that I love a fine tux or one-button silk blazer more than 75% of the things in my life. There really is no way of going wrong and hence, it is safe. A good friend of mine says, color is scary. He’s afraid to paint because he doesn't know if what he mixes will really turn out nicely, and ultimately, black and white are so much easier. It’s true gentleman. Colorful attire is risky and its application is often incredibly ambiguous; however if you get it right, it can look edgy, mysterious, and you’re the coolest kid on the block. Basically, it makes or breaks your get-up. Therefore, every man should have a healthy, love-hate relationship with multicolor. I know some fabulous men who can wear metallic cashmere-rayon suits and pink and white poke-a-dotted shorts without any reservations. They look phenomenal, however, I understand that these bold outfits don't look spectacular on everybody. In fact, these particular men are probably lucky. Still, there is no harm in trying and I would be offended if you didn't.

For those who fear any shade of pigment besides those found within a black hole, I suggest you start small. Perhaps opt for a vest and tie with color (maybe vanilla beige or a deep moss green), or select a blazer that is a lighter gray or brighter blue. For those that are a tad more adventurous, try patterns in your dress shirt like a blue-and-white butcher’s stripe with colorful ties, subtle and cool purples for sweaters, or throw in a pair of red moccasins, white bucks, or light tan dress shoes. And finally, for my men that are ready to step up to the coloring game, throw on a light colored suit like white, fawn, or seersucker (remember Atticus Finch from How to Kill A

Mockingbird? Sex), jump into those red pants, or whip out the pink blazer. No matter which type you are the key is to NEVER over do it and to always get a second opinion from someone sensible so you don’t mistake that what looks good on Kanye West will always look good on you. Make sure that the color of your pant or blazer doesn't make you look short and stout (which dark colors can do sometimes) and I would personally stay away from most of the obnoxious neons, just because I’m not really for the hipster fashion. Cool and soft colors such as violet, light yellow, and sky blues are always welcoming, so if anything, try those out.

Now, the final rule in dressing with color and class: confidence. If you are wearing a bright outfit, yet are cowering away in embarrassment, do me and the poor outfit a favor and don’t wear it. Convince yourself that what your wearing looks amazing and you’ll feel amazing, and that charismatic aura you project will impress people. Even if you are the only one in your group of buds that dress like it or some people look at you differently, there is no reason you shouldn’t be an individual and take proud strides across the street. You’d be surprised how many people will take notice, love, and perhaps sleep with you, and just like that the color pink made you a man.

Get a fashionable pink men's dress shirt now or create your own men's dress shirt online.

[Image Source: Amatamoda]

This post was written by Blank Label's All-Star Blogger and All-Star custom men's dress shirts stylist Youmi Park of our Co-creation Blog.

Some days I wake up in the morning and choose a certain outfit. I look in the mirror and believe that my look is eccentric, trendy, and unique. And I must say I’m feeling proud. Then, I walk out of my room and my dear gay roommates fly into the kitchen cabinets, blasted a whiplash of horror and disgust; cups and plates shatter, light bulbs burst into flames, demons jump out walls and cry. I don't understand and in that moment, I could care less. Everyone’s a critic and I’m an artiste. However, I go out, catch a glimpse of my reflection a shop window, and I understand. I look like despair. I cannot BELIEVE what I’m wearing and I’m instantly angry with myself, my roommates, everyone in the world, and with life in general. How is it that what we like and wear sometimes makes us look like douche bags? The truth of the matter is what we think looks good and what actually looks good are completely different entities, and our failure to realize this is the death of us. Both men and women fall victim to this decree. Women can sometimes get away with loopy shit and still look kind of cool, because well, we’re women and often times society applies fashion with women. However, at the same time people assume that we should know better. Men, you have the stigma of “don't-care-about-fashion” attitude stamped on your sex, which allows you to pass without judgment and be praised for the small efforts. Unfortunately, men often are prone to failure because despite the simplicity that one can often times find in men’s fashion, you often opt to wear outfits that flatter no one in this world. And that’s fine. I do it every week. However, these are landmark catastrophes that occur in men’s fashion, which you can now avoid:

1) The College Beach Kid: The blue, pink, and white vertical striped button-down shirt tucked into the belted khaki shorts that might as well be Capri’s? The flip-flops, the aviators, and the bad Zac Efron hair? Not only does it make you look extremely young, but it also makes you look like classless and generic.

2) The Wife Beater: I know one may think that tank tops and wife beaters show off your rippling muscles, but this is just an illusion. You may simply look like a meathead who rather lift weights and down Creatin than move out of your mom’s basement.

3) The Quoted Tee: I’m sorry, “Tell Your Boobs To Stop Staring At Me” on a t-shirt? Not cute.

4) The Bro: The below-knee Dickies + Stars and Stripes knee socks + oversize black/ graphic tee +backwards baseball cap + Budweiser = ripshit.

5) The Fedora: Unless your Frank Sinatra, Johnny Depp, or Jesus, forget about it.

6) The Bedazzled Ed Hardy shirt: What IS this? No seriously, tell me. Nothing in this entire world makes you looks more like a rich-bitch jerk than this gem of douchebagery. You are not K-Fed. No need to disgrace yourself.

Now, you may completely disagree with me. Your girlfriend or boyfriend may love your look. You may love your look. But I will never lie to you. Wearing these demon clothes is like releasing silent beams of ugly that can be detected from space. More than that, you are suppressing your individuality and sense of style while probably masking your figure. In this society today, even if you're the kindest, most intelligent man in the world, people can misjudge you for what you wear. It’s by no means a good thing, but it is the reality. Therefore, in the philosophy of Calvin Klein, whether you are fashion-conscious or not, when you go out everyday you should think about what message you are sending people through clothing. You never want to be that guy. You want to be you, and you can. Then, even if you have the occasional bad outfits it’s just one of those days, and it’s funny.

Then you’ll know that some look won’t ever, ever define you.

Have anyone in mind that's that guy? Got funny things to say about them?

P.S. please do not pop your dress shirt's collar. If you do, then you're definitely that guy.

Source: www.votejoec.com

This post was written by Blank Label's Co-creation Blog fashion writer and custom men's dress shirts style guru Youmi Park.

Calling all gentlemen and wannabe gentlemen: If you’re on that path to senior year and graduation, or have just graduated and are not too sure about your wardrobe for the corporate environment, have no fear! I got you covered. Before you start pulling out dads old suits, check out 9 tips about finding your own suit style:

1. Try to stick with a suit with one fiber content. For the most part, 100% wool is standard and 100% cotton is good for the hot summer months.

2. Color is cool. Color is your friend (but too much color can scare people…).

3. Try a lavender, light blue, or peach shirt with a bolder, brighter tie in the same color family.

4. Pleated pants are a big no-no.

5. Learn how to successfully tie a tie.

6. Wear a belt. It will add a nice touch to your complete outfit.

7. For your first suit, go with navy blue or black. These neutrals will be appropriate for most any situation.

8. Prints on your dress shirts and ties can be done. Try argyle, pinstripes, boxes, or diagonals if you’re feeling bold (just not all of them at the same time!).

9. Most importantly, buy a suit that fits. Get it tailored if necessary (really, do it).

Have some fun with your look. Don't go the old Banker route. Sorry Jim, but the look is too dry.

Anyone else have tips on finding your own suit style?

This post was written by Blank Label's Co-creation Blog writer and custom men's dress shirts lover Cymone Gantt.

Good men, you remember the scene: The Podunk diner is at a standstill as Jules points his gun at Ringo’s bag, demanding back the wallet that was taken from him. Ringo asks, “Which one is it?” Raising his eyebrow, Jules responds, quite blasé, “The one that says ‘Bad Mother Fucker’ ”. Yeah, thanks. It is cool. And so the 90’s hit, Pulp Fiction set ablaze every man’s deep desire to grab a 9mm and wreak havoc, screaming, “And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you!" It's something we all wish we could do. Now, you may never be able to top or level Samuel L. Jackson for being the biggest badass ever born, but you can still look just as sharp. Pulp Fiction may have dawned a sardonic new age of filmmaking, however, people often fail to see the overall chicness that the fashion within it represents. The clean-cut line of the mobsters’ suits as well as the straight ties are classic yet bold, and because the overall look is so uncluttered and frank, it slims and silhouettes the body to look striking and fearless. There is nothing excessive or unnecessary or doubtful. It asks for nothing but respect, and there lies an astounding presence. The seemingly reserved and calm look embodies the unbelievable power and charisma that men can hold, with or without a gun or a sweet codename like The Wolf. Does Samuel L. Jackson look like he’s trying? Does Uma Thurman complain about what John Travolta is wearing? No. They are simply there in their suit, getting their jobs done while looking so effortlessly modern. So whether you're the bad guy or the good guy or somewhere in between, there’s no reason for you to stress about the mixing and matching or what hat to wear. If anything, simple is best, and confidence is key. Then you can be damn sure that when you walk through that door and into a room, you’ll be making an impression like a bullet through the head.

What other great names come to mind when you think of badass fashion?

We've covered suits. Ideas for discussing badass celebs who wear killer men's dress shirts?

Source: ups2006

This post was written by Blank Label's Men's Fashion Blog fashion and style author Youmi Park.

So...guys. Let's be honest. I know that you would rather lounge around the house in boxers and your mis-matched socks all evening rather than getting dressed up and going out for the night. I don't know what it is, but guys these days have a hard time staying in their clothes. But really, as soon as my brother gets home, he is down to socks, boxers and a beater, if a shirt at all. Is this the average male dress code for the house or what? Being comfortable is one thing, but is all that really necessary? Women, on the other hand, love to dress up. Once the evening hits and work is over, it is time to shine. For women, it is all about how to dress up after work. In every magazine, there are tips on how to take work attire to the next level. Rather than dress down after work, women are ready to show some skin and look as cute as possible. Guys, even if you do go out after work, the effort level definitely does not match that of your female counterparts. You might pick up those khaki pants (that may or may not have been washed in ages and have been sitting on your bedroom floor for several weeks) and throw on a polo shirt, if not a button-down shirt, that is in dear need of ironing. Minimal effort is what many guys are about and simplicity is the goal. It is understandable but is not acceptable. Most women I know spend maybe an hour, at least, (with three outfit changes) on getting ready. This is just another thing that men and women do differently. Try to take 15 minutes today or tomorrow to think about what your next outfit should look like. Do not just desperately slap some clothes on in a hurry to get out of the door or to just get through the process of clothing yourself. ** Guys this is a calling-out of those who are lacking effort. Step your game up or continue to lose the respect of women and your peers. **

Perhaps you will prove me wrong and find a nice ironed dress shirt or blazer for your night out? Will you make that big move starting today to put a little more thought and care to your outfits?

This post was written by Blank Label's Men's Fashion Blog Style and Trends Guru Cymone Gantt.

NBA players wear them; NFL coaches want to wear them (and would wear them if it wasn’t for the 2002 NFL agreement with Reebok that put Reebok in charge of game-day apparel for athletes and coaches). Athletes all around the world are getting fitted for a new suit. There is nothing quite like a man in a good-looking suit. Something about that look just screams confidence. A well-fit suit is essential for any man’s closet. If guys like LeBron James, Dhani Jones, Dwayne Wade, and Roger Federer can do it, so can you. There are so many star athletes out there that are flexing their fashion muscles. I mean, just take a look at David Beckham for a second. This guy seriously knows how to dress. Metrosexual? Maybe, but even the most masculine guys can work the suit look. Terrell Owens has donned some dapper suits. His most memorable fashion statement was probably the custom-made black and white jacket that he wore to the 2008 ESPY Awards. LeBron James is another perfect example. Just check out his post-game press conference gear. Since the NBA changed their dress policy for team and league business back in 2005 to business casual, Mr. James has really stepped up his game (both on and off the court, of course). Gone are the days of wearing headphones, large chains, and sunglasses during post-game interviews. Even some of my favorite sports personalities are stepping their style game up. Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, Magic Johnson, and Stuart Scott are among those who aren’t afraid of fashion. Charles Barkley unfortunately doesn’t quite make the cut. A little effort can go a long way. Roger Federer is definitely one who doesn’t lack effort, both on and off the court. His gold and white ensembles branded with the RF symbol are now a Wimbledon staple.

Whoever said sports and fashion don’t mix?

Know any other athletes that have class like Mr. James and Federer? They don't always need to wear a suit either. Sometimes a fashionable dress shirt is all that's needed.

Source: MuLaN™

This post was written by Cymone Gantt for our Men's Fashion and Style Blog by Blank Label.