Frequently Asked Questions

I thought it might be helpful to share a few of the questions that I'm asked frequently by clients whilst we're on shopping trips or during a personal styling session, and the answers I give or the other websites I direct them to for reference.

If you have a styling question then please feel free to ask.

Q: What shape glasses or sunglasses should I wear for my face shape?

A: As a general guideline I would go for frames that are the opposite of your face shape - if you have a round face then choose rectangular frames or ones with squared off edges. If you have a square angular face and features, you can wear ones that have a more rounded frame.

If your face is long, then wear bigger frames that are quite deep, and if your face is short (very round or square) then wear ones that are a bit narrower. Here are some other general guidelines for glasses:

• The top of the frame should follow your eyebrows or be just below
• The sides of the frame should not extend beyond the sides of your face
• The bottom of the frame should not be touching your cheeks
• Your eye should be in the centre of the lens
• Scale the size of the frame to the size of your face

Q: How do I fold a pocket square?

A: When I encourage clients to wear a pocket square to add some interest / colour / formality to their outfit, often the first question they ask is "how should I fold it". As I (still!) haven't made my own videos yet, I frequently send out these 2 videos as I think they give some good all round advice:

• Mr Porter - 4 Ways to Fold a Pocket Square and which outfit they will suit
• Harry Rosen - Peaked Fold - this one I particularly like the 3 point peaked fold - it's about 3.11 mins into the video

Q: Should I tuck my shirt in or leave it out?

A: This depends on a few things - the shape of the hem, the formality of the shirt, what you're wearing it with, how long it is. Here are some pointers:

• If your shirt has longer tail at the back then it's meant to be tucked in, if it's straight across it's okay to leave it out.
• To be left out it shouldn't be any longer than the middle of your back pocket of your trousers or your zip.
• A formal shirt with a stiffened collar should be tucked in
• A polo shirt or t-shirt should generally be left out unless you're wearing it under a blazer or suit or going for a specific look
• A button down shirt can be worn either way - if you're going to leave it out it will look better if it's a more fitted shape

Q: How do I keep my shirt tucked in and avoid a muffin top?

A: I was recently asked this question by a client and the reason the shirt he was concerned about kept coming out and "puffing" over the top of his trousers was because it was too big. It's now been altered and I hope that will have solved the problem. So my advice is:

• Shirt stays - they look pretty uncomfortable to me but maybe not!?
• Rubberised waistband shirt grip - you've probably noticed it on some formal trousers - a rubberised strip inside the waistband. This will help your shirt grip and stay tucked in to your trousers. Ask a tailor to add a strip to your trousers if you don't have it which will help with the problem.

Q: How do I tie a bow tie?

A: Watch this video! It's absolutely the best one around by my colleague Mickael Koraush from La Bowtique bow ties. as it clearly shows the loop at the back, which is the part that is difficult to get right. It also likens tying your bow tie to tying your shoelaces which you can all do right?!