Styled By The Kokonut Stylist - Article 11

Ten Items Every Man Needs In His Wardrobe

Clothing is rarely ever considered an investment but for guys, it is always a good idea to invest a little more into it. The fact that guys' clothing items do not evolve that much is a good indication that what you buy this year will still be good to wear three years from now, so why not put more thought and quality (read money) into it?

When compiling this list  of ten items every man needs in his wardrobe, I had my ultimate stylish guy in mind. Of course, it will not apply to every guy out there but for the more-than-average guy, this list should do.

1. Crisp White Button Down Shirt: This is a wardrobe essential and very versatile too. Depending on the make and cut of the shirt, this can be dressed up and down.

2. Navy Blue Formal Jacket: This is for those in-between moments; the I do-not-want-to-be-formal-but-take-me-seriously moments. It is easily co-ordinates with most items and can be a good idea for keeping any outfit well put together. Make sure it is a slim-fit jacket.

3. Cashmere V-Neck Sweater: Have this sweater in any colour that best suits and complements your complexion but make sure it is a good quality sweater. The v-neck will increase the versatility of your sweater, which means you can wear it with your crisp white shirt or a simple v-neck t-shirt. It can also be dressed down with jeans or dressed up with more formal pants.

 4. Dark Blue or Black Slim Fit Suit: Someone once said "suits are to women what lingerie is to men". A good slim-fit suit is the basis of a good wardrobe for any man and I would even advise you to actually invest in one. It wouldn't hurt to add a good solid colour necktie while you are at it and a great belt too.

5. Khakhi Chinos:Chinos are another classic wardrobe item that has stood the test of time. A good pair of chinos, your crisp white shirt with the navy blue formal jacket is always a formidable combination.

6. A classic pair of blue jeans:

The truth of the matter is this, denim will never be outdated so you may as well invest in a good quality pair of jeans. You can get them in various shades of blue and make sure the fit is suitable for your body type.

7. A Good Quality Pair Of Shoes:

One can never go wrong with a good quality pair of dark brown broques and while you are at it, invest in a good pair of sneakers.

8. A Trench Coat:

A trench coat can sometimes be a good fit when we are in-between seasons. Make sure it's those light ones not necessarily the heavylijazi type. Oh and just as a tip, it doesn't get better than a Burberry trench coat.

9. A Hooded  Woollen Tracksuit With:

Ask any woman, life rarely ever gets better than seeing a man in a hooded woollen tracksuit and some good old All Stars. It is the ultimate sexy item for laid-back days and the sweater can be worn in chilly summer days too, not just in winter.

10. Accessories:

By accessories for men, I mean watches and sunglasses. Not the face-covering type of sunglasses, leave those to women, get a good pair that is well-suited for your face. A good watch is actually an investment so make sure you spare no expense on it.

Just as a reminder, The Kokonut Stylist does offer great styling advice as well as personal shopping services for guys, so be sure to drop us and email on: kokonutstylist@gmail.comfor the best styling tips.

Always remember, style is personal and these items may not necessarily apply to every man out there. Define your own style.

Please follow this column and engage with us on:

*Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheKokonutStylist

*Twitter: www.twitter.com/kokonutstylist

*Blog: http://www.thekokonutstylist.blogspot.com/

For feedback, email: kokonutstylist@observer.org.sz

Written By: Koko Shabangu 

Help! My Work Wardrobe Needs An Intervention

This week, one found herself in a position where things were happening too fast. Have you ever been in one of those situations where you just need a day to rest and assess the situation? I know this is all vague but I have a point, hear me out. I recently started this new and amazing job that is everything I have been longing for, for the past year and I thank God for it every single minute!

Only a few people know that I had a year off the corporate world. In that year I established my own business, finished my Master's Degree, did everything that made me happy and even did a bit of modelling. It was fun and all that but I am a grown ass woman, I have bills to pay and corporate ladders to climb thus I find myself here.

The first thing I noticed about being here is that the wardrobe requirements (though not communicated) state that I dress in business suits and look like a woman who means serious business all the time. Now this is a challenge for me given the fact that I gave away my entire work wardrobe (I know I can be crazy at times, don't judge ha ha ha) and I am only left with a wardrobe that is "weekend appropriate". A "weekend appropriate" wardrobe comprises of short skirts, short dresses, denim of all colors and makes, shirts, thigh-high boots, colorful shoes, bright lipstick....you get where I am going with this right?

My current wardrobe, which just won't cut it in this corporate world.

So, I have made a mental note of all the items I need to make up my appropriate corporate wardrobe. This may or may not help you but I figure from the Twitter re-tweets I have been getting, a lot of us need this.

*The Black Suit
This can be in the form of a pants suit or a skirt suit. Black is a good color because it will give you options to wear it with many other different items.

If you get the skirt suit, make sure the skirt is a pencil skirt.

*The Formal Shirt

A good fitting, good quality shirt is like a gift from the shirt-gods. Why are good shirts so hard to find? Well, if you do find one that does not cost an arm and a leg, buy it and buy it in all colors available!

*The Formal Dress(s)

Get the dress in dark colors and make sure the design is suitable for work.

*The Dark Pencil Heel

Pencil heels are good for work and they will ensure you always look good and presentable and that you don't abuse your really nice shoes (I mean the fancy ones) by wearing them at work.

The million dollar question that proceeds from this marvelous list of clothing items is, which bank am I robbing?

Side Note: Dear Universe, on the picture below is MY work wardrobe. Lets make it happen, please and thank you.

This is *ALL* I want.