Man guide

CEBU, Philippines - Men’s wear designer and Fashion Institute of Design and Arts-Cebu class instructor Lord Maturan lists down simple rules on how to wear leather sandals, tuxedo, dark colors—and why perfection isn’t really everything.

1. “Know your body type and be aware of the right cuts, right patterns and the right proportion for your body type. If you are on the heavy side, choose dark colors, vertical patterns, relaxed neckline, shorter sleeves for better proportion.”

2. “Sandals are meant for the feet to breathe and be comfortable.  Honey, don’t you wear it with socks. And don’t even bother bringing that socked-sandals look on a semiformal affair—just because its leather doesn’t make it chic.”

3. “When wearing tuxedo or coats, don’t ever attempt to go all Hollywood and wear sneakers with it, the way Justin (Timberlake) or Kanye (West) does. It takes a certain fashion gene to pull it off. If you don’t have that gene, then stick to classic leather shoes.”

4. “If you are invited to a formal affair, say, to your prom or to a wedding, and if you are wearing a button-down shirt, dude, don’t wear it hanging loosely; no matter how cool you think you are, not tucking in your shirt just isn’t cool. Keep your shirt size your size and your trousers slim.”

5. “Grooming is the key.  Clip your nails, shave or, at least, keep your stubbles at 0.1. Yes, you can be vain, but dude, if you’re a straight guy or even a gay guy who ultimately wants to look straight, don’t forget to keep it a little rough on the edges.

Don’t be too perfect. A little imperfection does wonders to your sex appeal: scars, a wrinkled t-shirt, stubbles, a little messy hair that doesn’t stick to your face. Comfort in your own skin just exudes effortless self-assurance and confidence and that’s the key accessory any man ultimately needs.” (FREEMAN)