Not too starched and certainly not too stuffy. Post economic hemorrhaging, today’s creative account executive needs to shake off all the illusions and pretensions of the doo-dah days and keep it amiable.

It’s still important to stick to a silhouette that complements your physique and a style that adds credibility to your expertise and clarifies your authority. Keep the most part of your ensemble somber but confidently play with sparing pops of color and layer with an interesting sport coat, like this Jersey Blazer.

Vintage Tuxedo Shirt from Martin + Osa ($79.50), Skinny Fit Trousers from Topman ($80), Jersey Blazer from Topman ($138),Perforated Penny Driver from Prada ($460) and Trooper Bag ($215) from J.Fold.

In spirit of optimism, some form of obscure notion of job stability and perhaps an economy piqued, I’m compiling looks for the working man, the job seeker or professional poseur.

Whichever man you are, here’s a work-look to don for those of you in the creative field. Designers, writers, artists, photographers and those of you in-betweeners, here’s how to really look like you’re basking in artistic expression and professional acumen.

Broken-In-Button-Down from Martin + Osa ($59.50), Dylan In Boone, Slouch Tapered denim from J Brand($165), Classic Pointed Lace Ups from Topman ($76) and Rugged Twill Tote from Martin + Osa ($99.50).

Although it may not be present in all its glory, Spring is here. Dress up for the weekend and for the jaunty season.  For a comfortable and relaxed look, incorporate bright colors, with breathable fabrics, and geometrical prints.

Polo ($40), Cardigan ($50) and Shorts by Top Man. Bag ($298) by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Espadrille ($78) by Jeffrey Campbell.

With a robust heritage of producing high-end athletic and lifestyle fashions, PUMA has upped the ante on its creativity and joined forces with contemporary African artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley is a unique talent, very well known for his portraits rendered against intricate backdrops of graphics and patterns. Coupled, Wiley and PUMA birthed an African spirited campaign that melds bright colors, rich graphics and portraits to produce a line of apparel, footwear, and accessories that are bleeding-edge, but still very PUMA. Ushering a historic event unlike any other, the World Cup 2010, which be held in South Africa is the genesis behind this initiative. Simply, the collection is an African art and fashion jamboree, juxtaposing classic portraiture with modern patterns and prints.

Highlights of the line include, the Limited Edition v1.10 Kehinde Wiley boot, where only 302 unique pairs will be released and two Kehinde Wiley T-shirts.

Limited Edition v1.10 Kehinde Wiley boot

Kehinde Tee

Kehinde Puzzle Tee

Pieced Track Jacket

Jean Paul Gaultier’s recent men’s collection shown in Paris takes classic masculine garments and juxtaposes them with feminine-tinged fashion elements, resulting in a fragmented, yet mystifyingly cohesive, collection of ephemeral looks. From skintight satin leggings, to pleated skirts, to fur jackets, the designer disobeys traditional rules of style (e.g., “black tie”) and reinterprets them for a new generation of buyers ready to embrace a spirit of extreme free expression that was seemingly smothered by the looming economic environment.

Despite the bloodstained models who appear bruised and battered, it appears that victory was achieved through a tripartite convergence of masculinity, femininity, and athleticism. Perhaps the fight theme for Gaultier’s most recent runway exhibition can be decoded as being symbolic for his continuous fight for a shift in fashion from being a fixed mode of tradition and safety, instead to becoming a fluid exploration of reinvention and revision. (photos courtesy of nymag.com)

Ladies, it doesn’t require a whole lot of effort to easily transition from day to night.  With the holiday season in full swing and parties happening every night, be sure that you don’t miss out on the fun just because you feel the need to trek all the way home to change.  Mostly likely, when you get there you’re not going to want to come back out.

A lesson can be learned from Diane, who shared with me her personal approach for going from work to an evening cocktail party.  With Diane as my main source of inspiration, I’ve developed five easy tips for making the transition from day to night simple and painless, just as Diane did.

1. The Plan – Be strategic and have a plan.  Think about what you want to wear in the evening, and then add or subtract accessories and layers accordingly.  Remember, the more layers you have and the less skin you show during the day, the more professional you will appear.
2. Accessories – Wear simple jewelry to work, and pack your evening jewelry in a small jewelry bag.  Don’t pack a jewelry box, as that only adds weight and bulk to the purse or bag you’ll be carrying. As evening accessories, I recommend dangling earrings, a diamond tennis bracelet, a statement necklace, and a jewel tone ring.  Remember, you want to sparkle.  Optionally, you may remove your glasses if you have contact lenses.
3. Layers – During the day wear a cardigan or blazer with a scarf for a more professional look.  In the evening, you’ll discard the top layer and remove the scarf to reveal shorter or no sleeves for a sexier appearance.
4. Shoes – Given the cold and often wet outdoor weather, if you’re wearing a skirt or dress then opt for a knee length boot during the day for added warmth.  Pack a pair of light weight heels in your purse that you can slip into in the evening.
5. Make-up - Keep your make-up fresh, light and nude during the day, and in the evening go heavier on the blush, add smoke to the eyes, and opt for a deeper shade of lipstick.

As you can see from the pictures below, Diane nailed the approach.  Job well done Diane!

Day Look

Evening Look

On my way home from a Turkish Jewelry anniversary party in Soho, which I’ll blog about it later, I noticed Jesse waiting for a downtown E train.  His nonchalant demeanor and effortless suaveness is very reminiscent of the trendy dandy variety that has overtaken the young artsy, hipster crowd in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan.  Jesse’s personal style subtly whispers to passersby that as the mercury dips and temperatures get frigid, you can still look hot.   I’m taking notes.

Clients and friends often ask me what to wear for an evening out in the city.  I usually have a hard time answering the question because natural style isn’t something that can be taught, theorized or replicated.  It just is.  However, people can be taught how to dress, which is different from having natural style.  This is why the image consulting and wardrobe styling industries are continuing to experience record growth.

This prototypical stylish Parisian couple exudes natural style. Dressed in a stacked black jean, lace-up peep-toe heels, military influenced jacket and knit tam, the woman in the picture conveys a relaxed yet confident style that is difficult to reproduce.  While her boyfriend (I’m guessing) embraces fit in a euro-masculine way that has only been accepted stateside in big cities like NYC and San Francisco.   Americans have a long way to go in understanding natural style

When shopping for dress shirts, from time to time, you’ll spot the club-collar. Making a subtle yet significant presence, today you’ll find this anomaly of a collar popping up more often, and why not? For one, it breaks your shirt wardrobe beyond color and fabric. Many men fear to dabble with the way the club collar appears. Alien to the standard, it does not have those protruding sharp isosceles shapes we’ve been accustomed to associating with a dress shirt. Less prominent and organic, the club collar subtly makes its mark on the wearer’s neckline.

The biggest mistake many make is have it end up looking too themed or more reminiscent of a specific period. Since the club collar carries a wide and rather curved surface area it needs slimmer, fitted pieces to work with. For a look that’s definitely outside the box, opt for the club collar in interesting colors and knits. For a modern look, pair a crisp white club collared shirt with an impeccably knotted bowtie and a fitted suit jacket. This allows for a strong but super sleek focal point. Dior has, on several occasions embraced the club collar. For its fall collection this year Burberry has paid homage and many will suit to follow.