MEN'S BRACELET TREND TIPS

Popular women’s jewelry brand Kendra Scott has launched Scott Bros., a collection of men’s bracelets. Photo kendrascott.com

In general, I’m not a fan of jewelry for men. Exceptions are a great watch either worn solo or, for the married fellas, with a simply classic wedding ring.

But modern men of all ages are beginning to layer on more pieces, especially bracelets.

Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian - wearing two bracelets on his right wrist and a classic watch on his left wrist - is an example of how men of all ages can elegantly adapt the men’s bracelet trend. Photo: foodnetwork.com.

One of the most successful at this trend is Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian who’s applauded for his sartorial style as much as his expertise as a chef. He’s often photographed wearing multiple bracelets on his right wrist, or on his left wrist paired with one of his stunning timepieces. (In interviews he has mentioned his appreciation of Lange & Söhne watches, which are assembled by hand in Germany and can start at $32,000.)

He immediately came to my mind when I saw that popular women’s jewelry brand Kendra Scott has just launched Scott Bros., a collection of bracelets for men.

The collection offers several styles including the Beck Chain Bracelet in Oxidized Sterling Silver ($198); the Evans 18K Yellow God Vermeil Corded Bracelet in Black Leather ($118) and bracelets made of gemstone beads - agate, jasper, lapis, and tiger’s eye ($78).

For advice on how to wear bracelets with style, I turned to the website and YouTube channel of one of my favorite men’s fashion experts, Brock McGoff of The Modest Man. Here are some of the tips he offers in his videos and articles:

• It’s fine to wear multiple bracelets, but he recommends limiting it to three.

• Chain and leather bracelets can be more formal, although he says to proceed with caution when wearing them to work or in a situation that requires a suit and tie.

• Beaded bracelets look best with casual outfits.

• If you wear a bracelet with a watch, the bracelet should be worn lower than the watch because it’s more loose fitting. Also, be mindful of the bracelet’s material. A leather bracelet won’t scratch a watch, but a beaded or chain bracelet may.

• Beaded bracelets look best in neutral colors (he’s not a fan of multi-colored beads) and the beads should be small, not oversized.

FASHION: ADVICE FROM STYLE INFLUENCER SCOTT NEWKIRK

Fashion influencer Scott Newkirk, the buyer and creative director for Tabor, in the courtyard of the unique menswear store.

Tabor is arguably Charlotte’s most unique designer menswear’s store. No surprise since it’s the well-dressed brother to sister stores Capitol and Poole Shop.

Scott Newkirk, Tabor’s buyer and creative director, says the store’s core clientele are young, old and everything in between. But they do have some traits in common.

“The Tabor customer has a sense of humor, is willing to experiment a little and be open to what’s happening in the world of menswear,” he said. 

Scott's buying trips to Paris and New York, where he spent decades as an influencer on the fashion scene, have given him an expert eye for all things elegant and modern. 

Now that he’s in his 50s, here are some of his stylish tips for men 50 and up:

Think about streamlining and dressing more simply. “Almost everything in my wardrobe is navy so I don’t have to think about what goes together.”

The "great" staples he recommends for every man’s wardrobe are: “A great fitting pair of jeans, a great pair of shoes, a great jacket and a great pair of sneakers. And buy a great new white shirt every season.”

Even on your most casual days, maintain a certain level of elegance. “Elegance is attractive to everyone. The older you get, it’s nice to have that in your mind when you’re getting dressed and socializing.”

His final words of wisdom: “Shoes are important. Eat well. And get a good haircut."

FASHION: MICHELE MELVILLE SHARES HOW TO STAY MODERN

Michele Melville is a stylist with custom and made-to-measure brand J.Hilburn.

Texas-based menswear company J.Hilburn prides itself on bringing custom, luxury clothing  to its customers via a network of stylists across the country. It's a business model that eliminates unnecessary markups.

J.Hilburn stylist Michele Melville offers free wardrobe styling consultations, guarantees fit and makes shopping for any of your next social occasions easy and fun.

Charlotte area J.Hilburn stylist Michele Melville sat down with The O Report and shared her advice and trendy tips for men 50 and up. You can shop her site at  MicheleMelville.JHilburn.com. Contact her by email at Michele.Melville@JHilburn.com or 704-299-1026. 

The J.Hilburn pieces in your closet are guaranteed to fit. 

Wear clothes that fit:  "So often I see men wearing clothes that simply don't fit. If it's too big, too small, too boxy - it doesn't work. Ill-fitting clothing will make you look heavier, older, less put- together and less confident."

Khaki/off white luxury blend trouser ($125).

Eliminate pleats: "There was a time and a place for pleats. However, most body types can handle a flat front pant, trouser and short. It will immediately update your look. And by eliminating extra fabric and bulging around the middle, it creates a sharper, more current and tailored appearance. If you must have a pleat, consider updating to a single pleat."

Don't short yourself: "One of my mid-50ish shorter clients was wearing pleated, knee length khaki shorts. We updated them with a made-to-measure, flat front chino short. It immediately modernized and slimmed his appearance by 20 pounds and 10 years!"

Italian-made multi-checked jacket in Storm Blue. $650. 

Classic jacket: "A great tailored sport coat provides so much versatility to any man's wardrobe. It's not too formal, not too casual and when done right, it will become your favorite go-to in your closet. The problem for men over 50 is that many in this age group wear their sport coats and suit jackets extremely full, creating for many a boxy, outdated, uninspiring look. Instead, examine fit, zoom in on your fit preferences and work with a stylist that can help you personalize and tailor your selections to work for your unique body, individual style and your lifestyle. Go bold and consider a plaid. Paired with a crisp shirt, a great trouser, casual pant or even denim, this is a look that can take you from the office to a social evening and essentially anything in between." 

Break it down: "Consider adding a deconstructed jacket style to your wardrobe. It combines the tailoring of a sport coat with the comfort of a sweater."

Luxury polos: "I'm in love with our made-to-measure polo shirts. They're made from refined Italian and performance knits.  Customization details include two collar options, four placket options, three sleeve options and  a variety of other features.  Some of my favorite features for 2018 include contrasting fabric and color choices as well as a long sleeve version with a shirt cuff."

Taupe textured solid reversible vest ($400). 

Best vest: "Another on-going trend is the reversible vest. Not only are they highly functional, they are good looking and provide another level of warmth and casual style."

Look good on and off the course in J.Hilburn's innovative new golf line. 

Fore: "J.Hilburn is revolutionizing the golf apparel industry with the launch of its full golf line. The line's innovative fabrics that are made to your measurements will take you straight from the golf course to the boardroom."

Jean rules: "Keeping it simple is best.  A dark hued, tailored (not skinny) leg will serve you well.  Having the right pair in your wardrobe will provide you with more versatility than you can imagine.  The key is finding the right fit for your body type to ensure comfort. They can give you a super casual, cool look - yet can be totally dressed up, too. I enjoy taking one pair of jeans and showing my clients 20 new looks by swapping out different shoes, belts, shirts, sweaters, sport coats, and outerwear. "

Ivory Revenge tuxedo jacket (starting at $725); Super Black tuxedo trouser ($250); White Poplin shirt ($185); Black Satin self-tied bow tie ($55) and white cotton/linen pocket square ($49). 

Own it:  "If you have a social life that puts you in a tuxedo more than once every year or so, do yourself a favor and have one made for you. No one over 50 should rent a tuxedo."

FASHION: EXPERT ADVICE FROM JON SIMON

Men's fashion expert Jon Simon of Paul Simon Co. 

Second-generation clothier Jon Simon of Paul Simon Co. at the Village at South Park is a men's fashion expert. He has a hand in shaping the style of some of Charlotte's best-dressed men of all ages, but here he shares his advice for men 50 and up in a Q&A with The O Report.

What are some of the fashion problems men in their 50, 60, 70s and up are facing? And what are the clothing solutions you recommend?

"The business environment has become much more casual, and senior leaders are having a hard time visually distinguishing themselves. Knit shirts and khakis look good on a younger toned guy, but do not always flatter an older physique. Men this age don’t have the same body they had when they were in their 20s and now they have to turn to clothes to continue to look young and vibrant. The pace of men’s fashion is now moving more quickly than it used to and men in a leadership position need to keep in step. My suggestion is to make your clothes a priority each year. Keep up with what your needs are. Ask your significant other if they will share some of the yearly clothing budget. Find a professional to help you that you trust and are comfortable with."

What are some of the new trends that can help men in that age group update their look?

"I still believe that a sport coat is a difference maker. The shoulders and silhouette of a jacket show superiority, confidence, and give a sense of personal presence. Fabrics with stretch that started in women’s wear have invaded better men’s fashion. It has been helpful having fabrics with stretch coincide with the trimmer fits of today. This has allowed men 50 and up to adopt some trendier looks while retaining a comfortable feel."

What are the key quality wardrobe pieces that men should have by that age?

"A tuxedo for special occasions, life cycle events and galas. Two suits that are current in fit and design. A navy blazer without brass buttons. A nice piece of outerwear for wearing with nice clothes to work or going out in the evening that is in addition to their technical North Face type outerwear. Some ties that are a current width. Two good pairs of jeans, one for hanging out with the kids or grandkids on the weekend and one that is dressier for going out in the evening. And at least one sport coat that is seasonal in fabric and color."

What are your thoughts about untucked shirts?

"Untucked is comfortable, but is not flattering on all body types. There is a time and place for the look. Not all shirts are designed to be worn untucked. A professional can help you determine if the untucked look is right for you or not."

Who are the best-dressed male celebrities, from both the present and the past, that older men can look up to as style role models?

"Michael Douglas, George Clooney, Robert Redford, Tom Brady, Van Jones, Jeremy Piven and Ed Bradley."

How can men dress casually without being sloppy?

"You must have clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in. Get rid of the baggy look. Everything has a more tailored fit today. Make sure you have the right accessories. For example, wearing an old belt with a new outfit will ruin the entire look."

Trask Chukka Boots come in a variety of colors and materials including leather and suede. 

What are some of your favorite new pieces for Fall/Winter that would be a great addition to the 50 and up man's wardrobe?

A quilted vest from the Italian brand Waterville. 

"Trask Chuka Boots. An updated cardigan knit. An unconstructed soft coat. Five-pocket non-denim pants from Brax. New denim washes from 34 Heritage. A quilted vest from Waterville or Corneliani."

Five-pocket non-denim pants from Brax.