Have you ever received an invitation in the mail for a special event, only to be thrown off when it mentions wearing semi-formal attire? You are not the only one! For most – men and women – the idea of semi-formal attire is confusing because how do you determine what falls between causal and formal? You can relax, because most likely you have all of the wardrobe options hanging in your closet right now, and if you don’t, there are just a few items you need to complete a semi-formal look repeatedly for different events. It is always a good idea to have a few different coats in your wardrobe so you are prepared for any special event or occasion. Here is a quick breakdown of what it means to show up in semi-formal attire and coats:

Don’t wear a Tuxedo – When you receive word that your event requires semi-formal attire, don’t bother reaching for the tuxedo. Ideally, a suit is the perfect choice. Depending on the time of day in which the event takes place, you can choose different colors of suits or coats to wear – such as a lighter suit for a day event, and darker suits for evening.

Choose a Sports Coat – In some cases, wearing a sports coat is adequate for a semi-formal event. It all depends on the type of event, and time of day it takes place. For example, an afternoon luncheon that requires semi-formal attire is often an ideal time to wear a sports coat, but for a semi-formal evening wedding, you are likely to stick out from the rest of the nicely dressed gentlemen. Blazers are another option for daytime events that occur outdoors, but never pair them with jeans – always stick to slacks.

Accessorize – When you are wearing a nice coat or suit, accessorize your look with a tie. Choose a tie that complements your partner’s attire or one that enhances the overall look of the wardrobe. For evening looks, choose more demure tie colors to keep the suit sophisticated. Daytime events or those that take place outside are ideal to wear lighter or patterned ties.

Next time you get an invitation in the mail that says ‘semi-formal’ attire, don’t worry about it. Pick out an appropriate suit and jacket to wear and accessorize it with appropriate pieces. The trick to wearing proper attire is not to look too causal or formal.

Unfortunately, even though we’re taught not to judge a book by its cover, many people do judge us by the clothes we wear. That goes for men as well. For a sharp, finished and polished look, men’s coats should fit well. Sure, many of us buy off the rack and figure that we’re doing okay. However, unless you’re out hiking or camping, men should take a bit of care when it comes to choosing their outerwear.

There are so many styles of men’s coats and outerwear that it would be impossible to mention them all. However, walk into the men’s department of any store, and you’re likely to find a variety of long and short men’s coats hanging on the rack. Whether you choose wool blend, cashmere, or down filling, chances are you’ll be overwhelmed with options. Are you looking for a sporty racer jacket, a coat with a detachable hood, or a zip- front adjustable coat? Or are you looking a wool peacoat?

Before shopping for men’s coats, try to have a rough idea of the look and style you want.  Some men’s coats are designed for casual wear, such as leather or quilted jackets and coats, while others are more formal. Are you looking for a trench coat to wear over your business suit, or a bomber jacket to wear with your jeans?

Regardless of the style of coat you’re looking for, try them on before you buy. When buying men’s winter coats, wear normal winter clothing to the store. Only then can you determine whether the jacket will fit properly. Stretch your arms in front of you and reach above your head to make sure that you have enough room without feeling the pull against the fabric at the back of the coat or jacket.

Men have different ideas about the proper length of sleeves. For business wear, coat sleeves should not fall beyond the wrist joint. For more casual wear, you can get away with a coat sleeve that falls to your knuckles.

The key to buying men’s coats is to try everything on, whether you’re wearing jeans or dress pants. Zip it up or button the front to see how it looks. Leave the front unzipped or unbuttoned to see how the coat hangs off your shoulders. Regardless of the style of men’s coat you purchase, make sure it fits and looks right for your frame and build.

Suits help a man look sophisticated and put-together, but only if they are worn properly and with the right accessories. Think of it this way – a suit should enhance your look, not overpower or detract from your personal style. The fit is highly important, and the coat is one of the main components of a suit that often detract from the entire look. Whether you have never worn a suit before, or you feel you might be one that is not wearing it to the best of your ability, there are a few tips to looking good in a suit:

Get it tailored. Very rarely can you find a coat off the rack and have it fit or complement your shape perfectly. Find a good tailor, and make him your best friend — a coat should be fitted, but offer you range of motion in the arms and not be stiff around the seams at the shoulders. Cuffs of your dress shirt need to stop exactly at the wrists, or if you are wearing a French-cuffed shirt, only a half-inch past the wrists. Hold out your arms when trying on dress shirts – if the sleeve pulls up off your wrists, it’s too short.

Jackets for your shape. Jackets have the ability to enhance or detract from your body shape. Shorter men should stick to single-breasted suit jackets, since double-breasted styles are too overpowering, and will cause you to look even shorter. If you have weight around the middle, find a suit coat that features lower buttons, since it will help minimize the middle and help your torso appear longer.

Button up! Though the rules are very simple, many are often confused about how many buttons to use on a coat. There are a few options, depending on how many buttons the jacket has in the first place – on three-button jackets, you only want to button the middle button, but if you wish, you can button the top one as well. On two-button jackets, only fasten the top button. Of course, it’s just as acceptable not to button any of them at all. Don’t forget this rule – never button up the entire jacket!

These are just a few tips to finding an amazing suit that makes you look, and feel,  like a million bucks. Find the right accessories, such as dress socks, belt and tie to complement the suit and look well dressed.

In the southern hemisphere, cooler weather and winter is on its way. Men’s coats are one of the most important winter accessories men of all ages will benefit from. Whether you’re looking for a winter dress coat, an overcoat, or a coat for skiing, or merely getting from the parking lot to your office, men’s coats come in more styles, fabrics, colors and designs than ever before.

What style are you looking for? Let us count the ways! Wool and cashmere men’s coats are found in any department store, whether you’re looking for something to wear to work, or something cool like a wool pea coat. Outerwear for men these days is just as important as your business suit or your casual sports shirt and Dockers look.

Men who want to impress the boss (or the ladies) have a variety of coats for winter, depending on scenario. Look sharp at work, or cool at play by choosing the right coat for every need. For example, weekend warriors may prefer a collared bomber jacket-type short-waisted coat that looks great with jeans or slacks. A lighter weight coat is perfect for those transitional days between merely cool and frigid.

Every man looks great in a double-breasted wool blend pea coat or barracuda coat. Go Calvin Klein or Michael Kors for that little extra attention to detail that will set you apart from the crowd. For that extra stylish look, you certainly can’t go wrong with a wool and Cashmere bland overcoat on even the coldest of winter days.

The key to choosing just the right coat relies on finding just the right size. Men’s coats should be fitted whenever possible. Avoid coats they just hang off your shoulders. Find coats that fit your shoulders perfectly and that are slightly tapered at the waist. Make sure you try on any style of coat with the clothing you’re likely to wear under the coat, depending on season. If you don’t, you’ll end up looking chunky, bulky, or disheveled.

Whenever possible, have more than one coat in your closet depending on weather needs.  A wool or wool-cashmere blend pea coat looks fantastic, but you don’t necessarily want to wear it during a rainstorm. Speaking of raincoats, there’s nothing that looks better on a man than a well-designed trench coat. Today’s stylish raincoats offer waterproof yet breathable protection and water repellent properties in lightweight fabrics in a variety of styles and colors.

Take care of your winter needs by purchasing a variety of coats that will look great on you, rain or shine.

A trench coat is a versatile men’s jacket to have in the closet, but in order for it to look good, it needs to be fitted properly. Since men have all different chest, shoulder or arm measurements, it’s important to know your own measurements before you head to the store. When you’re shopping, try on different jackets to see what you like – some may have nice linings, details or styles that you like over the more traditional trench coat. Here are the measurements you need to have to find a great-fitting coat:

Arms – The arm length is important so you don’t end up with sleeves that are too long, or too short. Use a fabric or vinyl measuring tape (and a partner, if you can find one) to measure from the bottom of the neck straight down the arm, down to the bottom edge of the knuckles. Write all of the measurements down, so you can refer to them later.

Chest – Wrap the tape measure around the broadest part of your chest, and write the measurements down. The chest measurement is also essential, so you can easily find a trench coat that doesn’t squeeze the area and allows ample room for movement.

Waist – Wrap the measuring tape around your waist – specifically, where you wear the belt. This measurement will help you find a coat that fits around the trunk and waist, without being too snug or loose. Combined, the three measurements will help you find your ideal size on a fitting chart, located online if you are purchasing your coat or a store salesperson will be able to help you find the right size.

Just as different brands and styles fit different, taking your measurements aren’t the only thing you need to do to make sure a coat fits. Put it on, move your arms back and forth and even raise them over your head. Your coat needs to be comfortable and functional, so try different brands and styles to find one you like. If you are purchasing a coat online, be sure to review the return policy just in case the coat doesn’t fit the way you’d like after you try it on.

Trench coats come in different materials, and that could affect how it fits, based on your size measurements. Shop around and compare looks and prices before you settle on your trench coat.

If you live in a rainy climate, a rainwear coat is something you need to have in the closet. There are so many coats to choose from, it’s sometimes hard to know what to look for when you are shopping. Rainwear coats are usually lightweight and made with breathable material, so it protects you from getting wet, but won’t keep you warm during icy wintery conditions. Here are a few things you need to consider when you are out shopping for your next rainwear coat:

Dryness – The purpose of a rainwear coat is to keep you dry when you are headed out into wet, drizzled weather. Many coats are labeled “waterproof” and when they are new they stand up to moisture, but over time the protective layer wears down, leaving you wet when you head outside. It’s also important to note that rainwear coats are meant to take the place of a heavier coat and umbrella during a downpour. Rainwear coats are effective if you want to go jogging in a light mist or run errands with a light rain.

Breathability – This feature should be of concern if you plan on using the lightweight coat to do outdoor activities in and stay dry. The breathable fabric that makes up these coats allow you to sweat during a workout without leaving you feeling drenched on the inside. The fabric is light enough to wear without it getting in your way of movement and allows you to easily layer underneath in case you get too warm during exercise and want to remove the jacket.

Design – There are plenty of designs to choose from that look masculine and offer a variety of features, such as trim, advanced technology fabric to promote breathing and accents, such as zippers. Rainwear coats come in various price points, so you are truly able to find something that fits your budget and style preferences. The lightweight nature of the coats makes them perfect to fold into a compact bundle and pack for any trip. A rainwear coat is suggested for vacations of any destination, because you never know what the weather is going to do while you are there.

These are just a few things to consider when purchasing a rainwear coat. Try on a variety of styles to see which features you like the best and offer the most benefits for your daily or exercising needs

If you plan on going outdoors during cold weather, or you like to do activities in winter, then a good outdoor coat will keep you warm and protect you from the harsh elements. In order for an outdoor coat to keep you warm and dry, it must be a proper fit and give you enough room to move comfortably. Here are a few easy ways you can measure for an outdoor coat in order to find the ideal size:

Chest – If you are at an outdoor goods store, a dressing room attendant may be able to help you measure, otherwise, you should have a friend help you so you get the most accurate measurements possible. Leave your arms comfortably down at your sides, and then measure around the widest part of your chest, under the arms.

The widest part of your chest is typically in line with the shoulder blades. Write the measurements down so you can refer back to them when you are selecting the proper-sized outdoor coat.

Sleeves – Keeping your arms relaxed and down by your sides, have your friend measure the length of your arms from the shoulder to elbow, and then down to the wrist. Keep a very slight bend in the elbow so when you take the measurements they are slightly larger – this will ensure the sleeves are not too short and will cover adequately.

Neck – Though many coats do not require a neck measurement, you can always take the numbers down in the event you want a coat that secures around the neck. Simply measure the neck at the base, close to the collarbone, so you get the measurements of the widest part of the neck.

While you can take measurements of your body and find the right-sized outdoor coat, you will never truly know how it fits until you try them on and move around. Your measurements can serve as a guideline to the general size you should look for, but try on coats and fasten them thoroughly, then move your arms across your torso and over your head to determine if there is enough movement in the shoulder area and it doesn’t hike up your waist too much.

Outdoor coats are made of a variety of materials, so look for styles that offer you the features you need for your activities. A heavy-duty parka is necessary for snow and ice, but may not be ideal if you simply want to jog or exercise outdoors in winter.

One necessary piece of clothing to have in the colder months is a winter coat, but there are so many to choose from the options could start to get a little overwhelming. While there are various features to look for when shopping for a coat, one of the most important things to look for is fabric type. The type of fabric on the coat will determine how warm you stay the next time you head outdoors during winter. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you go shopping for your winter coat:

Cashmere and wool are two of the best options for a winter coat simply because the material is durable and insulating. Of course, cashmere and wool are more of the expensive options, but the durability and quality of such a jacket actually make it an investment in the winter wardrobe. Wool pea coats are a classic winter coat style, but if you want a little more warmth, look for a coat that offers a thermal insulation between the outside material and inner lining. Goose down lining is a great option for insulation and is found in many winter coats.

When shopping for a coat, keep in mind that it needs to fall past the hips and be slightly larger than your typical size in case you need to layer a sweater underneath. Most men find that going up one more size than normal is enough to accommodate any extra layers underneath the coat and will provide plenty of movement while wearing. While trying on winter coats, it is suggested that you button or zip it up fully and then walk around, swing your arms back and forth across the body and sit down to determine if it is a comfortable fit. Many people find something to fit well in the store when standing up, but once they get home and actually need to move around it is not as easy as thought.

Men’s winter coats come in a variety of colors, but the classic options are dark colors – such as gray, navy, black and charcoal. Each of these colors look great when paired with business suits, but also match up well with a causal option of jeans and loafers. Shopping for a men’s winter coat can feel overwhelming at first, but once you know what you are looking for the options become more apparent. Fabric and fit are two of the most important aspects of a winter coat, so look for a style you like and feel great while wearing.

For men, a great-fitting coat is one essential piece to have in the closet. There are many different styles of coats to choose from, so as a man you may need a variety of coats to go with several occasions. While it is important to wear the appropriate coat for the occasion, such as a suit jacket for a formal job interview, how the coat fits is virtually as important. A loose-fitting coat can detract from the rest of the wardrobe and create an unflattering look when you need to impress. There are a few ways you can measure yourself so a coat fits perfectly the next time you try one on.

The chest is an important measurement to have when determining the size of any jacket. If you are measuring yourself, or having a partner do it for you, you will need to measure at the fullest part of the chest for accurate measurements. Many men have broad shoulders and chests, so the measuring tape must be smooth around the body in order to determine the exact size. The overarm measurements are equally as important, and should be done when you have both arms resting at your side. Your partner should wrap the measuring tape around the largest part of your arms for an accurate measurement.

Your height is also a determining factor in the type of coat you should buy. Coats, especially suit coats, range in size from extra short to extra long. Depending your height, you may need a regular or long jacket – or various other sizes depending on your measurements.

When shopping for suit jackets, it is always a good idea to have a few color options, such as navy, grey, black and even brown so you can pair them with like-colored dress pants for a versatile wardrobe. Suit coats also come in different materials, so you can choose the ideal coat for the changing seasons. A wool coat is a great option for colder months and adds a classic and functional look to your wardrobe. Linen material is lightweight for the warmer months and looks stylish when paired with jeans or khakis.

There are plenty of options when it comes to the color and material of a suit coat, but the way in which it fits is an important factor. Take measurements of your chest and shoulders before heading out to the clothing store, or have a professional measure you as you try on jackets for the perfect fit.

Boots have come a long way, baby. From plain brown and plain black (don’t get me here, plain brown and plain black boots are still cool) we now have boots in different styles, lengths, boot heels, colors and various other features. Look around and you will see boots being worn with skirts, pants, leggings, jeggings and any other way people can think up an outfit. From regular people to celebrities people are wearing boots everywhere. As Ke$ha says in her song, Boots and Boys, “Something ‘bout boots and boys, they bring me so much joy…” Feel the joy this winter.

So many boots and so little time. This is how you will be feeling when you check out all the great styles. From leather to faux leather, suede to sheepskin, knitted to glitter, rubber to quilted – there is no end to the choices. Then there is height of heel to consider. Boot heels come from flat to 4-inch heels with everything in between. Not to mention the style of the heel. After that there is the height of boot to think about. Boots come in all lengths from thigh highs to ankle boots with a medley of lengths in between.

And just wait until you see the many features to choose from. Some boots have fringe and can be pulled on while other boots have to be zipped and unzipped. There are boots with buckles that serve a purpose and boots with buckles that are simple decorations. Boots can come with glitter, pom poms, beads, appliqués, patches, rivets, rhinestones, shoe strings, buttons, clips and even pockets. And cowboy boots are always a winner with everyone.

So what do boots go with? Everything. Boots look great when worn with jeans, peasant skirts to mini-skirts, corduroy pants to cargo pants. Boots can dress you up or keep you looking casual. You can determine the look you want by adjusting the clothes you wear along with accessories like jewelry and handbags. So remember to add some boots to your wardrobe when sprucing up your winter fashion. Keep warm and stylish at the same time with boots