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ressing up is all about being creative, always making it exciting to jot down inspirations from the runways to smartly transform your unique personal style. Fashion designer Ichwan Thoha shows you how to sport the latest men’s fashion trends in up-to-the-minute and dandy ways.

The new dapper. Today’s debonair men are in constant need of sharp offi ce attire that goes beyond ordinary tailored clothing.

Although classic safe colors — like black, navy, grey and white — still reign for everyday working gear, jackets and coats have been progressively re-invented in many different styles and shapes to cater to everevolving tastes of modern men.

This year, the double-breasted jacket makes a contemporary comeback and steals the spotlight in a polished business executive ensemble.

“A well-fi tted double-breasted jacket works best with a blue shirt with white pinstripes and a pair of dark-colored pants such explains Ichwan. Another nifty yet utilitarian piece of that any man would be happy to wear the lightweight trench coat.

“A white collared shirt and either black light grey pants provide a totally cool yet elegant to the trench coat,” says Ichwan. “You can either knot the coat’s belt at the back or loosely tie it around the waist for an effortless prim look.”

Ichwan recommends completing the above ensembles by “throwing on a black skinny tie and a pair of black formal lace-up shoes”, for an attractive neat appearance.

“The smart jacket and coat also act as versatile pieces for dressy after-offi ce occasions, such as company parties or dinners with business partners or clients,” he notes.

Subtle tones. “Create a laid-back weekend look by infusing pastels — this year’s favored colors (from neutral cream, light brown and pale yellow to light blue and dusty pink) — into your outfi t,” he says. Pastel shirts are the easiest option to don a soft hue, such as a dusty pink long-sleeve shirt with tiny fl oral prints from Ichwan’s latest collection. “Mix the shirt with comfy drawstring pants then add a Panama straw hat, a pair of aviator sunnies and canvas loafers for a casual yet refi ned leisure getup,” Ichwan recommends.

Dare to be different. In today’s world where personal style is highly respected and can even elevate anyone into a global fashion icon (thanks to the outburst of street-fashion photo blogs such as Scott Schuman’s The Sartorialist), Ichwan’s signature bow tie collections provide instantly unique self-expression for any style-conscious individual. “An edgy bow tie, such as the two-tiered ‘Hanging Tough’ bow tie, can radically revamp any outfi t in seconds and is an essential accessory for any social events,” he explains. “You can combine the bow tie with a white shirt, a black-and-silver color blocking jacket and black pants.”

Attractively accessorize. Every man, Ichwan says, should own a couple of good quality clothing accessories to complement both his daily offi ce wear and casual wardrobe. These up-to-date yet practical items include a messenger sling bag (preferably leather), scarves (worn effortlessly around the neck ala Mr. Brad Pitt), leopard-print sunnies and a pair of dark brown canvas hiking boots.

“These accessories not only enhance a man’s natural good looks but also heighten his masculinity to a stylish level.”