Summer style tips: White Legwear as a summer style.

Men’s Summer Essentials: White Legwear

In the past few weeks it seemed like we were concentrating more on the ladies and ignored the men totally but that is not the case at all because we at Styles Today were doing a careful research on this interesting topic that we've brought to your reading delight.

A Modern Warm-Weather Essential

Although generally considered part of the uniform of those who ply their trade on Wimbledon’s centre court, white legwear has, over time, emerged as a popular summer choice for fashion-conscious males.

Well suited to the hotter months of the year – white reflects the entire spectrum of light, therefore keeping you cool – white shorts, trousers, chinos and jeans offer a versatile and eye-catching option for those who are looking for a simple yet stylish way to rejuvenate their warm-weather style.

And while many men are still of the belief that wearing white legwear outside of the Riviera or tropical climates will encourage mockery, we here at Styles Today believe they are an essential part of the modern gent’s capsule wardrobe.

To help fight our case, and in an attempt to prove any doubters wrong, this article aims to highlight the three key options available and show you how to incorporate each into your everyday outfits successfully…

White Trousers/Chinos

The thought of wearing white trousers or chinos can be slightly intimidating. However, they’re actually a classic and versatile piece of menswear that have long been sported by some of the most stylish men on the planet, from timeless icons such as JFK and Paul Newman to contemporary idols like David Gandy and Tinie Tempah.

As always, it’s imperative you get the fit right – perhaps even more so with white trousers. To guarantee you do just that, opt for those that are cut slim through the leg and narrow at the ankle (Popularly known as pencil in this part of the world). A loose fitting pair will just end up looking sloppy and extremely unflattering, especially if you’re looking to wear loafers/drivers or go sockless
In terms of what to team your new legwear with, the opportunities are somewhat endless. While navy and grey are the obvious choices, white can be considered the ultimate neutral, meaning these trousers will anchor any bold colour or pattern you currently have in your wardrobe.

With this in mind, those who like to stand out from the crowd should try pairing them with a printed statement tee and some colour pop footwear. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things more refined, a simple sky blue Oxford shirt and brown leather penny loafers will do just the trick.

As alluded to above, white trousers are a key component of the highly desirable Riviera aesthetic, therefore mixing and matching them with pastel polo shirts, Breton stripe tops, espadrilles and unstructured tailoring will help create effortlessly chic ensembles for a variety of warm-weather scenarios.

Finally, it’s important we address the practicality aspect of any white legwear. Yes, these trousers can get dirty easily, but the simplest way of combating this is to consider the event/what you will be doing ahead of time. For instance, they are probably not the best option for an alcohol-fuelled night out, but a beach wedding? Ideal. Use common sense and you will be able to wear them year-round, not just in high summer.

Anyway, if they do get a little dirty you can always add a small amount of bleaching powder to the wash in order to restore their lustre.

Styles Today Inspiration

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White Shorts

Easier to wear than trousers, simply because there is less material, white shorts are the perfect way to set yourself apart from the countless number of beige/navy designs you are sure to spot on every high street up and down the country this summer.

Not only do they reflect the heat, making them ideal for holidaying in tropical climates, they’re also a versatile and eye-catching option that is capable of being integrated into a wide variety of outfits, smart or casual. But before you go and invest, there are a couple of guidelines to bear in mind:

Look for styles that are cut slim through the leg and finish an inch or two above your knee. Although short shorts are currently on trend and reminiscent of classic 1950s summer style, it takes great legs and rock solid confidence to pull off the cut. Plus, white shorts are often enough of a statement on their own.

To create an outfit, try teaming with leather sandals and a plain navy vest during the day on holiday, switching for a tailored short-sleeved shirt and tassel loafers for summer evening drinks.

For those that want to take a more trend-led approach, why not embrace the white-on-white aesthetic this season? A well-cut pique polo shirt and a pair of minimal leather trainers will help create a crisp and clean outfit that is reminiscent of the sporty ensembles sent down the Emporio Armani SS14 runways. You could even layer a lightweight white bomber over the top to add depth to the look.

Styles Today INSPIRATION 

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White Jeans

Looking for something more relaxed than tailored trousers/chinos, but smarter than shorts? White jeans are the perfect option. Whether dressed up with tailoring or down with casual staples, they will help give your look a crisp, summer-appropriate twist.

Again, stick to slim fits – skinny cuts restrict airflow and are always uncomfortable to wear in the heat – and fully embrace their neutrality. As previously mentioned, they will help anchor any pattern you can think of, from camo and floral to tie-dye and animal print, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colours and motifs.

Want to rock double denim but unsure how? This nineties look is set to be big news again in SS15 and these jeans are made for pulling off the aesthetic in a contemporary way. Simply combine your jeans with a light blue chambray shirt or indigo denim jacket for an effortlessly cool take on what many consider to be one of menswear’s most risky style statements.

Alternatively, dress your jeans up with a pink Oxford button-down, navy double-breasted jacket and tan suede Derbies for an evening meal at a restaurant or dress-down Friday in the office or even lectures.

Finally, consider these jeans a year-round option. Although they’re most appropriate for the summer months, denim’s natural durability and thickness ensures they can be used to breathe new life into your autumn/winter wardrobe. For example, try combining with a tweed jacket, flannel shirt and textured tie to instantly refresh your cold-weather style.

Styles Today INSPIRATION 

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Final Word

With the majority of men continuing to shy away from white legwear, particularly here in Nigeria and the UK, there has never been a better time to introduce a pair of white shorts, trousers or jeans to your wardrobe.

But what do you think – are you a fan of white legwear? Do you already own a classic pair of white trousers? Or are they simply not appropriate in a country like Nigeria? 

Go ahead and drop a comment on what you feel about this subject. 

I hope this article will inspire you to experiment with a white Legwear pair this season. For my African audience, this style can be carried out all through the year without any fuss. 

Tell next time when I bring to you more fashion tips I say "Stay bold, stay swaggering" 

7 FAST TRICKS TO FIX MAKEUP MISHAPS

• Today we will talk on the following: 
• Recommended Products
• Mistake #1: Smudged Lipstick
• Mistake #2: Too Much or Poorly Blended Foundation
• Mistake #3: Too Much or Poorly Blended Eyeshadow
• Mistake #4: Over-Tweezed Eyebrows
• Mistake #5: Clumpy Mascara
• Mistake #6: Concealer Creasing into Lines Around the Eyes
• Mistake #7: Too Much or Poorly Blended Blush

Smudged lipstick, streaky foundation, clumpy eyelashes—we've all been there! Just as we’re about to head out the door, we catch sight of a makeup mistake staring back at us in the mirror. Now what? We at Styles Today feel your pain, and me and some makeup consultants have come up with seven fast fixes for common makeup mishaps. When you don’t have time to start over, these tips help ensure you’ll be on your way (and looking fantastic) in minutes—and we share solutions for preventing the mishap from happening again in the future.
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Mistake #1: Smudged Lipstick

Fast Fix: Take a slightly damp cotton swab or a concealer brush and put a bit of foundation or concealer on it, then trace over where the lipstick has smudged. If the issue is lipstick traveling into lines around the mouth, simply trace the cotton swab or concealer brush around your lipline to remove the excess; then reapply your lipstick if needed.

Stop-it Solution: Unfortunately, some of us have thinner, less defined lips or we have lines around the mouth that lipstick and gloss easily moves into—issues that make it almost impossible to keep lipstick in place and looking beautiful. An anti-feather lipliner is our first line of defense against these issues! It also helps if you stop using creamy or greasy lipsticks or glosses, which are guaranteed to travel into lines on just about anyone, (except maybe Angelina Jolie). If you don't have lips like Angelina, don't fret, using a matte lipstick with a matte lip-liner is an excellent way to keep lipstick on longer and minimize smudging.

Mistake #2: Too Much or Poorly Blended Foundation

Fast Fix: Use a slightly damp makeup sponge and stipple it over your face to soften and blend out the excess foundation. If you don't have a sponge, blending with a clean kabuki or foundation brush will also work. Be sure to blend around the jaw and hairline, too. After you've finished blending, don't forget to apply a light dusting of pressed powder to smooth everything out!

Stop-it Solution: Sometimes when you don't get optimal results from a foundation, the problem is actually the technique you're using to apply that foundation. When using a new product or learning how to apply sheer or full-coverage foundation, it doesn't hurt to get a makeup lesson (available by appointment at some makeup counters) to be sure you're using the right technique for your desired results. Then, experiment at home when you have time to concentrate on your technique!

If your technique is tried and true, and you still have problems, the issue is most likely your foundation. If the texture of a foundation is too thick or too thin, it won't apply evenly and the results will be disappointing—having the wrong color only makes matters worse! Making sure that your foundation is appropriate for your skin type is also an important part of looking your best. Watch out for foundation reviews here for the best foundations that suits your skin tone and colour. 

Remember, it takes time to apply foundation smoothly and evenly, so on days you're in a big hurry, you may want to skip the foundation and dust on a pressed powder instead.

Mistake #3: Too Much or Poorly Blended Eyeshadow

Fast Fix: For pressed-powder eyeshadows, wipe off the excess eyeshadow or blend hard edges with a soft, full eyeshadow brush that doesn't have any product on it. After that, you can improve the look by using an eyeshadow brush to apply a lighter shade of eyeshadow on top of the area you want to soften.

Stop-it Solution: Flawless eyeshadow application depends on two main factors: First is the size of your eyelid; consider the eyelid as a canvas—the size of your "canvas" is a major consideration in how eyeshadow should be applied and which looks will work for you. For example, a person with small, deep-set eyes requires much less eyeshadow to create definition than a person with larger eyelids and more space between the eye's crease and brow bone.

The second consideration is the tools you're using. Without question, using brushes gives you the most control and creates a cleaner, more polished look. Plus you should have a brush for each color; don't use the same brush to apply a dark brown eyeshadow and a beige eyeshadow. The price of an eyeshadow has nothing to do with how it will go on. 

Mistake #4: Over-Tweezed Eyebrows

Fast Fix: Select a matte eyeshadow and use a good brow brush to fill in any sparse areas ("holes") in your eyebrow shape. Brunettes should choose a shade that matches or is slightly lighter than their brow color, while blondes should choose a shade slightly darker than their natural brow color. Dark girls will want to go with black of course. Applying a color that is dramatically darker or lighter than your actual brow color always looks unnatural.

Stop-it Solution: There's no denying it's difficult to find the patience for reshaping your eyebrows, but ultimately, the best solution to filling in over-tweezed or too-thin eyebrows is to put down the tweezers. Our mantra is let ‘em grow, let ‘em grow, let ‘em grow. Remove only the hairs above and below your brows, and nothing else until you get the shape back. If your brows aren't growing, you can consider prescription Latisse, which is designed to promote eyelash growth, but also will promote eyebrow hair growth.

During the waiting process, consider enlisting the help of a professional at a brow bar or brow-threading salon for assistance. These experts will be able to help you create a brow shape that is full, symmetrical, and and flattering to your face—and they can help you deal with the awkward grow-out stage. You can also check www.beautydiaryofkhasome.blogspot.com for variant look on brows and how to achieve them. 

Mistake #5: Clumpy Mascara

Fast Fix: Apply a very small amount of water or, if it's a waterproof formula, a silicone-based makeup remover on a spoolie brush or a clean mascara wand, and then gingerly wiggle the brush across the base of the lashes to soften the dried mascara and separate the clumps. You can try this with a dry mascara or spoolie brush, but the makeup remover or water works better to smooth big clumps. (The key is to use only a teeny-tiny bit so you don't break down the mascara that you want to stay on your lashes).

Stop-it Solution: To avoid clumpy or messy eyelashes, make sure your mascara wand has only a minimal amount of mascara on it. For some mascaras, this may mean gently wiping the brush with a tissue before applying. Next, apply mascara starting at the base of the lashes, slightly wiggling the brush back and forth as you move it out towards the ends of the lashes. To create more volume without clumping, apply additional layers using short upward strokes—and do this before the first coat dries.

If your mascara is still clumping or flaking, the issue is most likely with your mascara—not your application technique! Don't worry, getting a good mascara doesn't require breaking the bank on department store brands; there are many excellent drugstore options as well. Some inexpensive but great mascaras are; Mary Kay Lash love, L'Oréal voluminous, Covergirl Lash blast volume mascara, Bobbi Brown "No smudge" mascara, House of Tara mascara which goes for #1700. Most of these mascaras are under five thousand naira. 

Mistake #6: Concealer Creasing into Lines Around the Eyes

Fast Fix: Wash your hands, and then use your ring finger to smooth out any concealer that has begun to crease. Prevent the concealer from creasing by setting it with a small amount of pressed powder. For best results, use a small brush or sponge, making sure to blend the powder from where the eye and nose meet, softening out to the temple where any crow's-feet lines may reach; you want to avoid putting excess powder on wrinkles.

Stop-it Solution: Be sure to prep your eye area with a thin layer of a good moisturizer (it need not be an eye cream); apply sparingly because overdoing will cause creasing. Choose a concealer that is appropriate for your skin type, is smooth, easy to blend, long-wearing, and opaque enough to cover any undereye darkness. The thinner the texture, the less likely you are to experience creasing. House of Tara Concealer and Mac are very good. You can also try Mary Kay and Milani. 

Mistake #7: Too Much or Poorly Blended Blush

Fast Fix: When you accidentally apply too much blush, the first impulse is to blend the color out over the entire cheek area (in an attempt to sheer out the color). Don't do it! You'll be left with strange rosy patches reaching down to your jawline. Instead, use a clean powder brush (preferably, one with densely packed hair) to pick up and blend out the excess product by rubbing the brush in small circular motions between the apples of your cheeks and your temples. Double-check to make sure there are no hard edges—if there are, blend them out using a slightly dampened makeup sponge.

Stop-it Solution: Blush may seem like a beauty basic, but it's not without challenges. Be sure you're applying blush with a full-size blush brush. The brushes included in most compacts are too small to provide proper application, and guarantee you'll get a stripe of color, which we see on women every time we're out. Good blush brushes have longer, looser hair that can pick up color and apply it evenly. This is important because you want to start out with a sheer amount of color, and then apply more only if necessary. With makeup, it's always easier to add than subtract!

When applying blush, start by using the fullest part of the brush to pick up color and then tap off the excess. Smile (to find the rounded apples of your cheeks), and then relax your expression and use an upward, controlled swirling motion to apply blush from the apples back toward your temples.

These are simple tricks to correct makeup errors that have been carefully researched and tested and also tips to avoid making these mistakes. I hope you found them helpful, try them out and please leave a comment. Additions, corrections or observations on how to improve this writeup or the blog at large would be very much appreciated. 

Till next week when we bring you your beauty style tips, we say stay chicy stay classy. Cheers. 

The Ultimate Makeup DOs and DON'Ts

In This Article:

• Recommended Makeup Products
• Makeup DOs
• Makeup DON'Ts

Makeup tips fill the pages of fashion magazines, beauty blogs, and YouTube videos galore. Although well-intentioned, most of this so-called "advice" is confusing, contradictory, completely impractical, or unnecessarily complicated. What's worse, following some of the recommendations can even harm your skin, and that's never pretty!
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Rather than leaving you to sort through all of those tips on your own, we've compiled a list of the ultimate makeup DOs and DON'Ts. Follow these tips and no matter what your skill level, you can achieve a gorgeous look without wasting your money or harming your skin! Now that's what we call beautiful!

Makeup DOs

• DO use a foundation that matches your skin tone exactly. Your best bet is to try on a foundation in the department store before you buy it. Drugstore options are often brilliant, but you can't try them on, and trying to make do with the wrong color will lead to nothing but problems. Apply the foundation from your cheek down past your jaw. You're not going to wear foundation on your neck, but you want to make sure it looks natural from your face to your neck. 
• DO apply foundation on your eyelids up to the brow. Applying foundation on your eyelids will help eyeshadows go on smoothly and cover any redness, giving your entire face an even and smooth appearance.
• DO use complementary makeup colors. Think of your blush and lipstick as an outfit you're going to wear on your face. For example, if you are wearing a pink lip color, make sure your blush is in a similar color family. You wouldn't wear a pink skirt and an orange top, would you? DON'T wear that on your face either.
• DO apply eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. A soft black, grey, or charcoal brown shade can beautifully enhance your lashes and frame your eye. Be sure to get the liner between the lashes; it's helpful to use a magnifying mirror to be sure you place it exactly. If the outer corners of your eyelids have begun to droop, make sure the eyeliner turns up ever-so-slightly, so you DON'T emphasize the drooping.
  
  For the lower lash line, for daytime, it's best to use a softer color than you do for the upper lash line. Lining all the way around your eye in black is an extreme look that's best saved for nighttime, if ever.
  
  Helpful hint: Powder eyeshadow can also be worn as eyeliner. Apply it wet or dry with a fine-tip brush.
• DO shade and define your eyes. Eyeshadow is all about enhancing your eye area, not coloring it. It's best not to use eyeshadow colors that match your eye-blue eyeshadow does not make blue eyes look better, it just looks out of date and overdone, which is why you rarely see examples of this in fashion magazines. Shades of brown (there are dozens and dozens) all the way to black allow for an amazing range of sophisticated, glamorous, elegant, and classic looks.
  
• DO consider the intensity of your blush with your skin tone. If you have fair to light skin, then pale pink, rose, or peach blush shades are more flattering than deep berry or plum shades, which can make your cheek area look bruised. In contrast, women with medium to tan skin tones can look gorgeous with berry or plum-hued blush, and also can opt for russet, or even mahogany shades.
• DO use professional makeup brushes. You'll be surprised at how beautiful your makeup looks when you apply it with full-size, high-quality brushes rather than with the tiny, cheap applicators that often come packaged with makeup. Investing in a set of good brushes is one of the wisest beauty moves you can make!
• DO check your makeup in a magnifying mirror. What you can't see, you can't fix; for example, makeup settling into the fine lines around your eye or perhaps into the folds around your mouth. Applying a little powder directly over the line, and then blending upwards and out can keep everything in place, but you have to see it up close to do it right. Any mirror of 4X magnification or greater (depending on your eyesight, of course) will do the trick, and these mirrors are widely available, at most drugstores, Bed Bath & Beyond, and beauty supply stores.

Makeup DON'Ts

• DON'T wear full makeup every day. It isn't necessary to wear a full eye design every day … consider a simpler look for your daily life. Foundation, concealer, lipstick, blush, eyebrow shapers, if needed, a little powder, and mascara is plenty. Eyeshadow is great, but it's also time consuming, and it'll look bad if you try to slap it on in the few minutes you have in the morning.
• DON'T use emollient/greasy concealers on blemishes or the undereye area. Emollient products will either clog pores or slip into lines … all day long.
• DON'T use a concealer that is too light or too dark. Using the wrong color concealer will make your eye area look strange. Use a flesh-tone concealer (that means no yellow, orange, or lavender tones) that is just a shade or two lighter than your foundation.
• DON'T skip lip color. Adding a pop of color to your lips can brighten up a washed out face and polish your overall look. Experiment to see what colors and intensities look best for your skin tone, andDON'T be afraid to be bold or step out of your comfort zone. Keep in mind that small, thin lips look best with brighter, vivid colors, and larger lips do better with softer shades. Avoid dark colors because they make lips look ominous and Gothic.
  
  Helpful hint: Red lips can make a beautiful, dramatic statement; just keep it on the brighter side, as opposed to magenta, purple, or brown. The best way to tell you are wearing a beautiful lip color for your skin tone is the number of compliments you get from your friends and family.
• DON'T overdo mascara. Clumped mascara is distracting and messy looking. 
• DON'T stripe on blush. Use a great blush brush, a soft color, and apply it using light, sweeping strokes. You should see no lines where the blush stops and starts. Blending a little powder on over your blush can soften any lines.
• DON'T overdo your eyebrows. Brows that are drawn-on, pencil-thin, overly sparse, strongly arched, or too heavy or thick can make you look older than you really are; plus they can look harsh and dated. If you're at a loss as to what to do for your brows, make an appointment with a brow specialist, who can guide you to the right brow shape and show you effective grooming techniques. Many salons and spas offer this service, or ask around at your favorite cosmetics department.
• DON'T glob on lip gloss. Too much gloss can make it look like you're drooling instead of adding a beautiful shine to your lips. If you have lines around your mouth, avoid glossy, slick, or creamy lipsticks because they'll quickly bleed into the fine lines, and they won't last past mid-morning before you need a touch-up.
• DON'T get carried away with glitter and shine. A little extra shine or glitter can spice up an evening look, but during the day it's just distracting, kind of like wearing a sequined gown to the office. However, there are many "radiance-boosting" makeup products that forgo that obvious, distracting shine in favor of a subtle luminosity
• DON'T over-moisturize around your eyes. Too much moisturizer encourages concealers and foundations to travel right into the very lines you're trying to hide. If you feel you need an extra-emollient moisturizer around your eyes, apply it at night after you've removed your makeup, and use lighter-weight products during the day.

Now that you know the ultimate makeup dos and don'ts, with a little practice and a dash of finesse, you'll be on your way to looking gorgeous, healthy, and vibrant in no time!