Choosing The Right Watch For Your Outfit for men

This article is made possible by The Fifth Watches, timepieces that incorporate a timeless design with minimalist elements throughout. Gain exclusive access to their October 5th release.

You’re an astute style student and long-time reader of Effortless Gent. So let me ask you:

• Would you wear your everyday gym sneakers with your nicely pressed trousers?
• How about a tuxedo jacket with sweatpants?
• Would you wear a hooded sweatshirt as a mid layer under your suit?

I have a feeling that when you visualize these combinations, something seems a little… off.
For each one, there’s a lack of congruency between the individual pieces that make up the outfit.
And as you know, putting together a solid outfit doesn’t end with your clothing. You want your shoes and accessories to also make sense with the outfit you’ve put together.
It’s not always easy to choose the best watch, because like shoes, they come in different shapes and sizes, are made from a wide variety of materials, and serve a myriad of purposes (yes, other than telling time).
In this article, I’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to pick the right watch for every outfit you ever wear.

Why the focus on wristwatches?

Watches are purpose-built pieces of machinery. Most of them are designed for very specific situations and functions.
You have your basic, no-frills watch on one end of the spectrum (i.e. the Timex Easy Reader), and on the other, mechanical watches with multiple complications… and everything in between.
Since we’re a style site, we’re going to consider a wristwatch’s design, purpose, and style when showing you how to pair it with your outfits.
Sure, you could wear a digital Casio with your suit. But that’s just like wearing your gym sneakers with your dress trousers… odd and mismatched in the most awful way.
Matching your watch to your outfit is not as difficult as it seems, once you know what to look out for.

Picking the right watch: A straight-forward approach

click to enlarge

First, take a look at your outfit. How would you categorize it: sporty, casual, dressy casual, formal?

• Working out, doing everyday errands? sport or casual
• Having dinner with friends, going to the movies, visiting the in-laws? casual
• Attending a wedding or similar formal event? Anniversary date at a fancy restaurant? formal

Next, check out your watch selection. Evaluate the following elements when trying to decide if a particular watch leans more toward the casual or formal end of the spectrum.

Watch case material and size

This is probably obvious: if the case—the main “body” that houses the movement—is a precious metal (yellow or white gold, platinum) or mimics a precious metal, there’s a good chance your watch is more on the formal side.
If it’s made from steel, plastic, or other materials (ceramic, titanium, carbon fiber, etc.), it’s most likely not a formal watch.
As far as size, most men’s watches are between 36mm – 50mm in diameter. Formal watches are typically on the smaller side (36-40mm), while sport-specific and fashion watches can be seen across the whole spectrum.
In general, casual and sport-specific watches are larger than more formal watches. Some fashion brands take it a bit too far, and, while novel, can look like you’re wearing a wall clock on your wrist. Avoid these.

Watch Dial

Does it have stick or Roman numeral indices? Stick or Roman numerals tend to be found in more formal watches, while Arabic numbers are commonly found in more casual watches. Of course, there are exceptions to both.
Is the dial elegant and simple, or does it have multiple functions and complications?
The simpler and more elegant, the more formal the watch. When a watch is built for a specific task and has more complications (stopwatch capabilities, time zone distinctions, depth measuring), the more casual it is.

Watch strap

Worn-in leather looks better with jeans than it does with a suit. Thicker, bulkier straps are better with casual outfits as well.
Glossy, slim, and thin leather bands are better with formal attire, and don’t pair as easily with denim and other casual clothes.
Classic metal bands can go either way, but if your watch is sport-specific (chronographs, divers, etc.) it’s meant for more casual wear, or that particular sport.

If you want versatility…

If you’re looking for a versatile alternative that can work well with a number of outfits, consider buying a simple watch with a leather or metal band and uncomplicated dial.
Then, invest in a few inexpensive watch straps. Most watches allow you to easily swap out bands with a spring bar tool.
If you look online, there are countless photos of higher-end watches on nylon NATO straps, a perfect example of versatility and a high-low mix.
Some brands (like The Fifth) include an extra leather strap with each watch. Pretty great deal, if you ask me.
This band strategy will allow you to use your one watch in a variety of situations, from casual to formal, and anything in between.

Shortcut: A few clear-cut combos

If you can identify your wristwatch as any one of these combinations, then it should be easy to determine whether or not it’s appropriate to wear with the outfit you’ve chosen.

1. Simple dial, roman or stick indices, glossy leather or exotic hide strap? Dressy.
2. Digital interface, rubber strap? Sport.
3. Complicated dial, casual band (e.g. rubber, NATO, metal, worn-in leather)? Sport or casual.
4. Specific purpose (e.g. diver, chronograph)? Sport or casual.

Not as clear-cut a decision? Look down.

Dressy casual? “Creative” Black Tie? Which wristwatch do I wear?
If you’re all dressed, there’s a good chance you already have your shoes on, or at the very least, know which pair you’ll be wearing.
Where do your shoes fall on the formality scale?
If your shoes are formal (i.e. black oxford cap toes), go with a formal-looking watch.
If your shoes are casual (sneakers, boots, boat shoes) then your watch should also be casual, or all-purpose.
What if you’re wearing cognac-colored loafers? There’s a good chance your outfit is dressy casual, so avoid your digital Casio. Stick with something that has the same level of formality.
Want to make it even easier? Simply match the leather.
Black leather shoes? Choose your watch with the black leather strap.
Brown chelsea boots? Choose the watch with a brown leather strap, or one with the same level of formality, like a metal band fashion watch.

Luckily, it’s tough to mess up

For the most part, you can’t go wrong, as long as you don’t mix up two pieces from opposite ends of the formality spectrum.
In the end, you don’t want to think about it too much. Remember, dressing well should be enjoyable and, for the most part, effortless. No one’s gonna notice if your watch is slightly more elevated than the rest of your outfit, or vice versa.
Pay attention to key details in your watches, and you’ll have an easy time picking out the right one so your whole look is cohesive and well-put-together.
The Fifth has a great collection of minimal, classically-designed wristwatches—and like I mentioned earlier, their newest New York collection comes with interchangeable straps. Their styles range from casual to formal, so make sure to check them out.
The watches are only available from the fifth to the tenth of each month. Last month, a few of their styles sold out completely. Your best bet would be to get on their VIP list to snag early access and guaranteed availability.

TELL ME

What other hangups do you have with choosing the right watch for your wardrobe? How about your other accessories? Any trouble there?
Let me know in the comments below!

What color looks best with your skin type for men

DEAR MEN,

   Topic for you , it's little difficult when it comes to selecting the rite color for the rite evening . Do not worry here are you few favorite celebrities and their skin tone matching it up with the MOST FLAUNTING COLOR CHOICE FOR YOU.


                 Welcome to the newest edition of Back to Basics. The first three were super popular and shared all over the interwebz, and in case you missed those, you can find the first three Back to Basics articles here.
Let’s talk about what looks best with your skin color. Color and complexion are pretty important topics we haven’t discussed much here. This seems to be monumentally important to the ladies when they apply makeup, which makes sense when you’re basically coloring your face.
I doubt guys give it much thought; to be honest, I hardly do either. But if you’re spending time picking out some nice stuff to wear, why not take that one extra step to make sure the colors complement your complexion as well?
There are plenty of ways to determine the optimal color palette for your skin tone, but it really doesn’t have to be complicated. If we dudes follow a few simple pointers, we should be okay.

It’s important to experiment

Admittedly, color is a hard thing to get EXACTLY right, and luckily for dudes, it doesn’t matter that much. Just do your best. There’s a good chance you may not have the exact coloring of any of these examples, and so some color suggestions won’t apply to you. Or perhaps they’ll all apply to you… who knows.
For example, you may have olive skin but see a color under a different list that you like. Go for it! Try it out; it will probably look just fine on you. This list isn’t scientifically proven, so use it as a general guideline, and deviate when necessary. Remember that none of this is set in stone with no exceptions; it’s important for you to try stuff and see what looks good on you.
Some things to remember off the bat: If you have a lighter, paler complexion, avoid stark black and white. If you have a medium complexion, the primary and bold colors will suit you well. If you’re a darker skin tone, you have more freedom with whites and pastels than most.
Assuming you can remember those basic rules, you’ll be good, but let’s see if we can dig a bit deeper.

Dress for your skin tone

If your complexion closely resembles Conan O’Brien, focus on warm khaki colors, peach tones, teals, red, bright blues and greens.

Try to avoid: Black and white. The stark contrast is too much for your skin and will only accentuate the lack of color.
Let’s say you have the coloring of Justin Timberlake. Pastels look best on you. Think baby blue, light pink, lavender, pale yellow. Neutrals also look good on you, such as a lighter beige and heather gray.
Try to avoid: Really striking or primary colors. Also, too much deep, dark color can wash you out. Stay away from all black or all navy.
If you have more olive or tan skin like Adrian Grenier, try warm colors such as rich browns, orange-yellow, olive green, deep reds, and purples.
Try to avoid: White and black, pastels, any kind of faded color. These don’t work well with your complexion.
Lastly, let’s say you have a complexion like Will Smith. Dark colors look great on you like black, dark gray, and navy. Rich, deep colors also look good. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, royal purple. Bright white and pastel colors look great as well.
Try to avoid: Earthy tones and washed out colors; these don’t do anything for you.

Four universally flattering shades

Apparently, there are four colors that are universally flattering, regardless of your coloring. Pantone lists the official names of these colors as Eggplant, True Red, Indian Teal, and Mellow Rose.
Most guys wouldn’t know what the hell Indian Teal is. Don’t worry about it; it’s not important at all. How would guys wear these colors? Indian Teal and Eggplant (or similar variants) would look great as sweaters. True red? Try a Polo shirt. Mellow rose is basically a light pink / peach color, so try a dressy button-up under a blazer. As long as you find something in between those two hues, you’re good.


 
What do you think? Is this helpful at all? Let me know in the comments.

12 Tips Can Help You Save Big on Holiday Shopping

 HEY CHEERS!

    SO CHRISTMAS IS ON AND SHOPPING IS ON,SO WHY DON'T WE MAKE A SNEAK PEAK INTO OUR POCKET AND HOLD ON TO OUR TEMPTATIONS. HERE ARE THE FEW TIPS TO PLAY SAFE FOR THIS HOLIDAY...

Because on the twelfth day of Christmas, your true love won’t say, “I wish you spent more on me.”

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about holiday gifts. And while picking them out is half the fun, you’re probably thinking about the hit your bank account is about to take. We feel you, lady.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you need to skip the gifts altogether. It all comes down to forming an action plan and thinking outside the box. With these twelve easy tips, you’ll be able to form a budget—and stick to it. Playing Santa has never felt this good.

01. START EARLY.

Save yourself the headache by shopping as soon as possible. And because we’re well into the holiday season, no time is better than now. Literally. Start now.

Think of it this way: The earlier you start, the more time you have to be picky. You can compare prices, options, and alternatives. Not only will this make you a wise shopper—and awesome gifter—but you’ll also be more aware of what you’re spending.

Shopping earlier also prevents last-minute panic purchases. You know the drill: When it’s close to crunch time, people tend to snag whatever is left. As a result, price tags are ignored, at least until the credit card statement arrives.

02. MAKE A LIST. CHECK IT A FEW TIMES.

Santa doesn’t have to be the only one making a list and checking it twice. Instead of blindly diving into a shopping spree, map out your plan with a shopping list. It doubles as a roll call, ensuring that no one is forgotten. A list also minimizes the chances of last-minute or unnecessary purchases. Basically, it’s the go-to tool for any smart shopper.

When you’re armed with a list, you can also hash out potential opportunities for group gifts. For example, an entire family can be gifted something shareable—a chocolate gift basket or tea assortment, for example. Young siblings can share a set of art supplies, while newlyweds can benefit from a matching set of classy mugs. By group gifting, you’ll skip the hunt for individual items, saving you time and money.

03. GO PAPERLESS.

Thanks to today’s digital age, you can send monetary gifts and greeting cards with a click. Because you can do it from anywhere, you can skip the trip to the store. It’s a foolproof way to save on gas money during the holiday frenzy. And while it’s a little less personal, people do actually like gift cards.

Websites such as Cardpool, Gift Card Lab, and E-Gift Cards offer discounted electronic gift cards for a variety of retailers. This is an excellent option if you’re buying gift cards for several people. It’s also useful if you want to buy different gift cards all at once.

Going digital doesn’t stop there. Thanks to websites such as Blue Mountain, 123 Greetings, and American Greetings, you can instantly personalize and send holiday greeting cards. You’ll save money on the card and postage while doing Mother Nature a favor.

04. USE SOCIAL MEDIA.

These days, almost every retailer is on social media. This makes it easy to keep tabs on upcoming promotions and deals. You don’t need to be a social media maven to take advantage of this. Platforms such as Twitter and Instagram offer the option to receive notifications whenever a particular account posts something, so you can be on top of the announcements as soon as they pop up. Remember, even something as simple as free shipping will curb costs. Every little bit helps.

This technique is ideal if you have your heart set on a specific item. Check back often—your hard work will pay off.

05. SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS.

To go the extra savings mile, sign up for a retailer’s newsletter. Often, companies will send a coupon code just for signing up. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to stack a “welcome” code on top of other promotions or sale items. Newsletters are especially useful if you’re not the social media type. If you’re loathe to give your email out to yet another company, create a separate email address just for subscription lists.

06. THINK SIMPLE.

Gifts don’t have to be elaborate. It’s the thought that counts. Think of small, inexpensive gifts such as notebooks, pens, and bookmarks. When purchased in bulk, these thoughtful and useful items are cost-effective and easy to divvy up. They’re excellent for curating a gift bag full of personalized presents.

If you’re the crafty type, consider making batches of gifts. Opt for items that only require a few materials, such as basic beauty products or infused sea salts. Basic supplies can be purchased in bulk, stretching your dollar even further. The best part is that these types of gifts can be individually customized depending on the recipient.

Alternatively, check your local thrift store. You’ll be surprised by the amazing “giftable” finds out there. Vintage jewelry, used books, and interesting housewares are all wonderful ideas.

07. ACQUIRE A BUDGETING APP.

Along with a shopping list, consider arming yourself with a budget app. This useful sidekick can play an enormous role in your holiday budget planning. Apps such as BudgetTracker, Fudget, and Totalist are free and easy to use.

Remember, a budget app doesn’t have to be intricate in order to be effective. All it has to do is create a visual of your spending. By looking at it, you’ll get to know exactly how much you’re spending and where your hard-earned money is heading.

08. ARM YOURSELF WITH CASH.

Like apps, using cash creates a visual for your holiday spending—the old-school way. Ditching the plastic for crisp bills will show you exactly what is leaving your bank account. There’s also a better chance that you’ll pay closer attention to your purchases, lessening the opportunity for impulse buys.

Psychology Today says that people subconsciously forget the concept of limits when using credit cards. Consumers are willing to spend twice as much on something when using plastic over cash. While it’s a scary thought, this further emphasizes the importance of a trip to the ATM. Ultimately, cash will save the day—and your budget.

09. SHOP ALONE.

Like eating, shopping becomes a social activity the moment someone else enters the picture. And while the company is appreciated, a shopping buddy might actually do more harm than good.

When you’re with someone else, you’re likely to do more browsing as you chat. And as your friend does her own holiday shopping, you’ll probably wander through stores you normally wouldn’t have. This can throw anyone off course.

For the most budget-friendly approach, shop by yourself. This will also give you space to focus on the task at hand. Need to give yourself an extra nudge? Schedule a dinner date or non-shopping activity later in the day. Knowing that your presence will soon be expected will help you get in and out instead of shopping the hours away.

10. USE REBATES.

For prime budget-planning arsenal, check out rebate websites before you even start shopping. These sites will give you cash back based on a certain percentage of your purchase. You can even plan your purchases accordingly based on the retailers and items listed. Popular ones include Ebates, CashbackHolic, and Mr. Rebates. Some platforms require you to use a specific link, and others require proof of your receipt. Because rebate companies are separate entities from retailers, you can still use retailers’ current promotions and coupons on top of these rebates. How’s that for spending wisely?

11. GIFT A VOLUNTEER EFFORT.

Help your loved ones help others by leading a group volunteer effort. While we totally encourage volunteering during any time of the year, the holidays open up the perfect opportunity to reach out to others who need it most.

Luckily, organizing a community service event doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep it simple and local. Contact nearby clothing drives, shelters, and soup kitchens to inquire about group opportunities. Typically, these programs will be more than thrilled to have a solid group of volunteers come in at once.

This type of gift is both inexpensive and productive. It’s the epitome of “a gift that keeps on giving.” Group volunteering is especially ideal for children and young people who are still learning the importance of community and relationships. It will double as the ultimate bonding experience for your loved ones, providing something a tangible item could never offer.

12. SKIP WRAPPING PAPER.

Going paperless doesn’t stop at greeting or gift cards. Instead of splurging on fancy wrapping paper and ribbons, consider using resources that you have on hand. Again, the key is to think simply. Newspaper is accessible, inexpensive, and gives off an edgy vibe. Brown paper bags can be cut into sheets and decorated by hand for an artsy touch. Have some old maps or damaged books whose pages you can tear out? Those can work, too. They’ll be a hit with travel-lovers and bookworms, respectively. Or opt for fabric, from old clothes to inexpensive thrift store finds. Use shimmery garments for something quintessentially festive. For a cozier touch, turn to our graphic designer and photographer’s brilliant sweater gift wrapping.

These options offer the perfect canvas for customization. To add cheap and easy holiday flair, bring on the paint, glitter, and stamps. If you have children, let them decorate and draw on the makeshift wrapping paper. Relatives adore this stuff.

Now that you’re armed with twelve budget-saving tips, you’ll be able to spend that hard-earned cash wisely. Remember, gifts don’t have to cost much to be awesome. Take the time to think carefully about each recipient and what you love about them. After all, this is what the holidays are all about.

The Best Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Hot topic for the day !!!!

           WE BEING A GIRL THEIR IS ALWAYS SOME MUST TO HAVE IN OUR HANDBAG AND ONE TOP OF THE LIST IS LIPSTICK. SO NO WAIT JUST GO STRAIGHT AND FIND YOUR HOT COLORS.

Knowing your skin tone and what colors suit you best—whether for clothes or beauty products—can change your entire look. The correct complementary hue can brighten your complexion, make your eyes sparkle, and enhance your whole appearance so you can put your best face forward. And it can all start with a simple lipstick.

First, determine your own unique skin tone: light cool, dark cool, light warm, or dark warm. These categories are dictated by your skin’s undertone, which is either cool (pinkish) or warm (yellowish). We all have undertones in our skin, and most of the time, you can discover this by holding up different-colored clothing next to your face to see which “washes” you out or brightens your complexion.

Another quick and easy way to find your skin tone, especially for beauty products, is to look at the inside of your wrists.

COOL TONE

The blood in your veins looks blue-ish, and you gravitate toward wearing white, blues, and grays. Silver jewelry looks best on you.

Whether you are light or dark depends on the outer tone of the skin. If you're a light cool tone, you have fair or ivory skin with a pinkish undertone and tend to burn easily in the sun.

If you're a dark cool tone, you have medium or dark skin that might burn but then turns into a tan.

WARM TONE

Your veins look more green-ish, and you tend to wear creams, browns, hunter green, and warm red. Gold jewelry looks phenomenal on you.

As one with a light warm tone, you have light or fair skin with an olive tone, and you easily tan into a light golden hue.

If you're a dark warm tone, you have medium or dark skin with a deep golden warmth and tan or darken very easily in the sun.

NEUTRAL

And of course there are those with “neutral” skin tones, where your veins are a mix of green and blue and you look fantastic in both silver and gold jewelry. If you have a neutral skin tone, you’re a lucky wild card! You can experiment and play with different makeup hues, but keep in mind your eye and hair color when choosing products.

Below, we’ve laid out a sampling of fabulous lipstick hues in neutrals, pinks, and reds for your unique and gorgeous skin tone.

LIGHT COOL

1. MAC, Please Me, $16 / 2. MAC, Chatterbox , $16 / 3. MAC, Good To Be Bad , $18 /4. MAC, Dangerously Chic, $23

You can go two extremes: soft, muted mauve neutrals and pinks or bold and bright. Just make sure your bright reds and berries have a blue, almost purple-y undertone!

DARK COOL

1. MAC, Faux, $16 /2. MAC, Girl About Town,$16 /3. MAC, Runner, $16 /

You can afford to go a little more bold with your color choices. Think deep plums or poppy, fuchsia pink. Again, since you're cool, stick to blue-toned pinks and reds.

LIGHT WARM

1. MAC, Creme d'Nude, $16 /2. MAC, Overtime,$18 /3. MAC, Viva Glam I, $16 /4. MAC, Ladybug, $16

Think warm, sandy neutrals and slightly sun-kissed pinks for lighter lipsticks. And for darker berries and reds, you want to go more toward brick red or rich wine.

DARK WARM

1. MAC, Ravishing, $16 /2. MAC, Lady Danger, $16 /3. MAC, Hang-Up, $16 /4. MAC, Good To Go, $18

Tangerine orange and pinks, deep and warm brown burgundy, as well as fire-y reds are going to look amazing on you!