Irish men of 2014 - count yourselves lucky! The range of options available to you these days is perhaps the best it has ever been when it comes to choosing where to shop and what to wear. What with it being Christmas and all, this means there's plenty out there to keep you looking as stylish throughout the festive season.
But let's be realistic we're probably not talking to many men here. So listen up ladies, here are a few stylish picks for men that will keep them from showing you up during The Christmas.
- Harris Tweed Bag
€199Bag accessories are always a very good place to start and one of our favourite pieces at the moment is this Harris Tweed bag from Marks & Spencers. Harris have been really expanding their brand and are collaborating with a number of different stores, from M&S to Penneys, but all the while maintaining that fine tradition of quality.
Whether it's used as a travel bag or a gym bag (just watch out for the stinky socks) this will instantly make any man look more suave. There are also a huge number of Harris Tweed accessories, from wash bags to phone covers, that are all pretty smart.
- Fred Perry Boot
€225Another Harris Tweed collaboration, this take on the boot from Fred Perry features chocolate brown leather and suede that contrast nicely with the navy laces, and the brogue detailing is a beautiful touch that adds another interesting layer to this piece. The military-style sole keeps that sub-culture look that the laurel wreath has been associated with in recent decades, but the patch of colourful tweed introduces something classic to the final product.
- Smart Shoes
€169The men's monkstrap is becoming more popular of late, but finding the perfect pair that are masculine, distinctive and the right shade is harder than you might believe. Spaniard Roberto Ley hits the right note on a regular basis across the collection, but in particular the monkstrap is a standout piece. Dark enough to be suited to the season without ending up looking as though they're plain black, we've heard from a reliable source that they're incredibly comfortable too. Roberto Ley's footwear is available from Thomas Patrick here in Ireland or on their own site.
€99.99Part of a capsule collection that sees Italian designer Daniele Alessandrini (a trend that has seen collaborations really become an important part of high street fashion) collaborate with Jack & Jones, this lambswool cardigan is the perfect piece that is unique without being over the top. The slightly off-centre buttons and the shade set it apart from the crowd, but it is casual enough to wear with jeans or chinos.
- A Watch
Watches can be difficult to buy as tastes vary quite a bit with men, from the ostentatious and gaudy to the simple and classic. This particular number falls in to the latter category, as do a lot of the pieces that Wellington makes. Available from Weirs, it's understated but at the same time its timeless, sleek design will grab the eye amongst a sea of bling and mark it out as something special, if not a little bit against the grain.
- Runners
€113Pairing Nike Frees or similar runners with skinny jeans (rolled up at the cuffs for extra hipster factor) is all the rage at the minute, but if you still want to stand out then look for something slightly different from the plain black that many have opted for. These are available from JD Sports and are still a dark shade that suits this time of year, or alternatively these deep burgundy numbers from Size are a great colour for this season.
£80 (€101 + p&p)- Blazer
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A good blazer will always find a home in any man's wardrobe, and the check pattern is right on trend this season. This grey piece will match well with a number of different looks, from a casual pair of jeans to a variety of slacks and chinos. A nice indigo blue pair will work nicely we think, with a lighter shade of blue on the shirt inside.
- Trouser
€89We've been told that Gagliardi is a very good option for men's pantaloons. When it comes to the quality that you're getting for the money that you pay, they're pretty hard to beat. A subtle houndstooth (or puppytooth in this case) makes these a little bit different and allows you to work patterns in to your wardrobe without it being too strong, while these indigo herringbone trousers are perfect for the office or a smart casual night out.
€29Right, we know, socks are not the most exciting present to get, but a lot of the time that's because we don't put much thought in to it. Really, it should be a hugely important selection, because men wear them all the time and even though they may not know it, they want them to be comfortable, breathable, and a little bit fun too, which is where Happy Socks come in. You can pick up the gift packs online or in Harvey Nichols, or pick a selection that takes your eye from their Christmas tree full of sock-based joy. Besides, it's time to replace all those ones with holes in the toes and ankles, seriously.
Men's fashion has improved a lot in recent years here in Ireland, and one of the benefits of that is great, home-grown companies doing some pretty fantastic things, like Loft Belfast. They make ties, pocket squares and accessories that range from the classic to the innovative, and are available in Dublin from Indigo & Cloth. Guaranteed to smarten up pretty much any look. Even the dress shoes and jeans look, we promise!
- Loungewear
For the man who doesn't want to look like a slob as he lounges, H&M's range of David Beckham loungewear is a cut above your average pair of pajamas. They fit is much nicer, the ends of the trousers are cuffed so that they don't drag all over the ground, and in general he'll look much better for those occasions where he's caught answering the door in his jocks. Not as good as Dave, mind, but sure that's impossible.
- Scarf
It's cold outside, as the song goes, and we need to wrap up. While snoods are great and all, they can make buttoning up jackets a bit of a chore, so opting for something a bit smaller is our advice. Of course, you still have to look good, so Barbour's classic designs are the perfect choice; we particularly like the red, but the green is a nice shade too, and are available from Arnotts.
