Researchers are developing a more efficient way to manufacture clothes using a new process called "fabric welding."

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John Lewis, the retailer regularly voted the UK’s best by customers, has released its annual report into the shopping habits of its customers, and it's stuffed with interesting insights into who buys what.

When it comes to underwear, Scots and Welsh men have very different tastes from Londoners, it turns out.

People from the Midlands like small, tight briefs the most — the opposite of men in Cornwall who seek "breathable comfort" from their boxers.

Men in the Northwest over-index in favor of trendy branded underwear: Armani is the No.1 brand up there.

But the weirdest result came from London: Men in the capital are more likely to buy pink underwear or socks, and longjohns. Londoners over-index by 14% on the longjohn scale, John Lewis says.

It's not clear what's driving longjohn sales in London. The southern region is one of Britain's warmest. It could be that London has more hipsters than other metro areas, and longjohns have a certain retro vibe. Or it might be that men there are buying them as leggings to use as athletic workout gear.

Here's a summary:

SEE ALSO: Here's How Teens Really Spend Money, What They Like, And Where They Shop

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On Wednesday night, Business Insider invited the hottest names in tech to come party with us and celebrate our SA 100 list for 2014. Many of those on our list were in attendance, including Lulu founder Alexandra Chong, PopTip founder Kelsey Falter, and Ori Allon and Robert Reffkin, the cofounders of Urban Compass. Many other notables were there as well.

While everyone was dressed to impress, some folks really stole the show. Our photographer, Michael Soto, captured the scene. Here's our selection of some of the most stylish at the party. Who says tech and fashion don't mix? 

David Goldweitz mixed formal and casual for maximum coolness, as only the cofounder and COO of GLAMSQUAD can.

Alexandra Chong, founder and CEO of Luluvise, epitomized simplicity and style.

Camille Fournier, CTO at Rent the Runway, paired a feminine dress with motorcycle boots.

You’ve assembled the perfect outfit: A well-fitted sport jacket; crisp, clean dress shirt; 7-fold necktie; and a pair of dark brown double-strap monk dress shoes.

You feel like a million bucks. You’re confident – ready to conquer the world.

But then you walk into the room and notice ... you’re the best dressed man in the room. In fact, you’re the only guy dressed sharp.

Which leads to the questions: Are you overdressed? What can you do about it?

Over the years, a number of guys have written me saying that they love what they’re learning on Real Men Real Style, but are scared that the tips are just too formal.

I understand.  So today we answer: How can a man appear more professional but at the same time not appear overdressed?

Here are five tips on how to deal with being overdressed:

1.  Ask yourself whether being overdressed is really a problem.

A lot of times and not just in fashion we often imagine problems that aren’t really there. When it comes to being overdressed you have to take a moment and ask yourself if it is really a real problem or maybe something that you are just imagining.

Men who live in rural areas often come to me wondering if their choice of clothes is appropriate considering no one is really going to see them anyway. When they don sports jackets to meet with their children’s teachers or to have coffee with a potential client they often worry about being overdressed.

I’ve been in similar situations and let me tell you this- no one has ever asked me in the times that I’ve decided to wear a tie why I chose to do that.

If no one else seems to have a problem with it, then why should you?

2.  Ask yourself whether this overdressed issue is actually just a confidence problem.

If other people cannot see anything wrong with how you’ve chosen to present yourself and yet you do, it may be worth asking if you have personal issues with confidence.

You may just need to have some confidence to be the best dressed man in the room!

There are certain professions that actually benefit when the man in them decides to dress “higher” and “better” than what his position dictates.

A lawyer in a small town can choose to not wear a suit as things may not be so formal there but if he does suit up and runs into people all over town, he may appear to be an impressive and professional figure that they will consider hiring.

As long as you know WHY you’re dressing sharp and what your overall why is then you will be able to pick out the right clothes for the occasion and not appear overdressed.

3.  Know the situation.

Take the time to examine the situation and look at the environment that you’re going in to.

Let’s say you’re applying for a blue collar position in a company. The situation immediately makes it clear that the guys here were cotton shirts and an overall functional uniform.

I’m not saying that for your interview you should dress this way. In fact you should dress a little bit nicer in order to make a good impression but understand then if and when you do start working with the guys then you should more or less dress in a similar manner.

4.  Wear flexible outfits.

The key to appearing perfectly dressed for events that you’re not too sure of is to wear a flexible outfit.

An example of situations like this is when a guy may have to transition between a big city and rural area within a day for work.

For guys with this kind of setup pieces like sports jackets and ties are sure to go a long way. The beauty about these items is that they can be easily taken off or put back on so it is relatively easy to dress your outfit up or down for the situation.

Don’t be afraid to change especially if you feel that the situation warrants it and you want to send the right message.

5.  Focus on the fit of your clothing.

When clothing fits you well you immediately look sharper and more put together even if you’re not dressed up per se.

This is why it is so important to pay extra attention to how your clothes fit you.

Second, look into investing in the best quality of clothing that you can afford. Better clothing quality will immediately elevate even the most casual of ensembles.

Third, pay attention to those little style details. Get rid of anything that feels dated and looks like it’s not going to work.

That’s it, gentlemen: the five tips on how to avoid being overdressed. Hopefully you picked up some nuggets of advice in this post.

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Justin Jeffers is the editor of The Fine Young Gentleman.

For some, graduation is only a few weeks away.

Whether that's a good thing or bad thing is unimportant — it's inevitable.

For some guys that means it's time to dress up and work for the man, and if you do have to dress up you should definitely do it right.

Here are 10 things you should look to have in your wardrobe if you're heading out into the real world.

It may not be feasible to buy them all at once but in short order they can all be had.

Along with each item is a list of 3-5 places to acquire it, or at least a place to start your search. Most of the places are not as well known as the places you would find walking up and down 5th Avenue. However, they all provide a better value for your money.

A custom suit

The day will come for every man where he has to wear a suit. Remember, women view men in suits like guys view women in lingerie. So you may want to do this one right; go custom or made to measure.

Derek Tian of Black Lapel, a New York based made to measure suit brand, says "Nothing says college like hoodies, vintage tees, ripped jeans and flip flops. And similarly, nothing says you're a grown man like a flawlessly fitting custom suit. It tells the world you've got sense and a sense of style. And most importantly, it tells the world (and your boss) that you've got an eye for the details. After all, attention to detail is without a doubt on that job description whether explicitly stated or implied."

Suggestions: Black Lapel, Indochino, MyTailor, Martin Greenfield, Knot
Standard, SuitSupply

A navy blazer

You can dress one up or down and it can be worn just as easily in the summer as in the winter. Best to go custom on this but nearly every single brand out there has their version.

Suggestions: Black Lapel, Indochino, MyTailor, Martin Greenfield, Knot
Standard, SuitSupply

Custom shirts

For all the same reasons as a custom suit. Custom shirts become even more important if you do not wear a jacket because you shirt will be showing all day everyday. Remember, the two most important parts of a shirt are the collar and the shoulder fit. Start with the basics and build out from there.

Suggestions: CottonWork, Luxire, MyTailor, Alexander West, Cego

I’ve had a bit of an obsession with wearing black clothing since moving to NYC, and I’m not completely sure why.

On the sunny West Coast, I never wore black. I owned one pair of black chinos which rarely saw the outside of my closet. I only recently bought a pair of black lace-ups for formal occasions.

Even though I’ve written many times about not defaulting to black, there’s something about the city that inspires you to wear it. Maybe it’s that gritty, concrete jungle vibe, or perhaps it’s the onset of winter.

Either way, I’ve been experimenting, and in case you want to as well, here are some pointers.

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Denim from Levi’s
• Outfit 1: T-shirt, jacket, Converse sneakers
• Outfit 2: Chambray, chesterfield coat, Nike sneakers
• Outfit 3: Striped tee, gray sweater, black boots
• Outfit 4: White OCBD, gray sweater, black loafers
• Outfit 5: Light blue OCBD, burgundy sweater, brown loafers
• Shoes: white sneakers, brown loafers, tan chukkas, black sneakers, black loafers, black boots

First, Fit

Fit is always the first thing you must think about. If you’re buying your first piece of black clothing, whether it be a pair of denim or a T-shirt, make sure the fit is spot on.

Start With One Item

If you’re not sure how to incorporate black into your wardrobe, start with one item, like a T-shirt, polo, or pair of denim. For the sake of simplicity, the above example is focused on a pair of black jeans.

Just like with other elements of your Lean Wardrobe, don’t feel like you have to pick up multiple items at once. Take your time and buy only what’s necessary.

Don’t Wear Head-To-Toe Black

Though sleek, chic, and really easy to match, it’s a bit unimaginative. Unless you’re a club bouncer, an undertaker, a priest, or Kanye West on tour, mix in a bit of color in your day to day.

Wear Head-To-Toe Black

Do it even if the above point says not to, because it’s sleek, chic, and not to mention, really easy to match. Plus, in some places like New York, and (I imagine) Paris, it just works.

Even if you’re not living in either of these cities and you still like the sleek all-black look, by all means, try it out.

Go Tonal

Let’s say you don’t want to go the “all black everything” route. A great alternative would be to wear varying shades.

With black denim as your base, for example, try charcoal, heather gray, or white up top and on your feet. It’s hard to go wrong in this instance, so feel free to experiment.

Black + Navy, Black + Brown

I’m not sure where or how the rule started that you can’t wear brown or navy blue with black. You can successfully pull this off, and I do it all the time.

If you regularly wear dark, raw denim, it’s easy to make the transition to black. But if you’re still having a hard time, try a white OCBD or a bold navy stripe shirt with your black jeans as a segue. Simple.

White or light-colored shoes help break up the heaviness down below, so consider that high contrast with your footwear.

When it comes to wearing brown with black, the trick is in finding the rightshade of brown. So with leather shoes, consider lighter shades, such as tan, cognac, or natural. Even a medium brown would work well with black.

Bringing in other warm colorsmakes it easier to pull off brown with black. For example, a burgundy sweater would pair nicely with black pants and tan loafers.

What About Shoes?

Treat black like white, in that it goes with practically anything and everything.

Black is your most obvious choice.

You can also go with gray or white, as well as any combination of the three. There’s also the aforementioned cognac (or tan) leather.

It may help to find black shoes that aren’t just black.

Maybe they have a natural sole, or contrast stitching.

If you’re wearing black formally — anything from black slacks to a full tuxedo — it’s best to stick with an all black shoe.

How do you wear black?

Hopefully this helps you incorporate black into your wardrobe more easily.

If you’re like me and have mostly stayed away from black, I’d start with a pair of black denim; that way, you already have a starting point using the diagram above.

If you’ve already picked up a pair of dark blue denim, a black pair won’t be that much of a stretch anyway. Start here for some inspiration.

If you have any questions about wearing black, or have picked up a few tips along the way, I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments below.

SEE ALSO: How To Spot A Fake Luxury Watch

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Zurich (AFP) - From a symbol of power to a fashion statement, ties in all their guises are on show at a new exhibition dedicated to the neckwear at the Swiss National Museum.

They speak volumes about their wearer, whether sported by British regimental veterans and university alumni, or US presidential hopefuls -- red for Republicans, blue for Democrats.

The subtle tie-codes at various points in history are set out step by step for visitors to the Zurich-based museum.

"The concept of the exhibition is to show the different facets and contexts of the necktie and also that it had different meanings depending on the era," co-curator Joya Indermuehle told AFP.

Ties of various kinds were long worn as a symbol of social and political status.

They emerged in the 17th century when French aristocrats adopted the cravat, originally a simple scarf worn by soldiers from Croatia.

The name cravat was a nod to "Hrvat", to the Croatian word for a Croat.

Among the treasures on display in Zurich is a long lace cravat worn by Christian VII, king of Denmark and Norway, at his coronation in 1767.

From more recent history is a tie offered to US president Jimmy Carter in 1979 by American artist Jeffrey Vallance.

Vallance's "Cultural Ties" project involved sending neckties to a host of heads of state and asked them to give him one in return.

Alongside the somewhat psychedelic tie is a letter Vallance received from the White House.

"Although we can appreciate your interest, unfortunately, the President receives so many requests for souvenirs and other momentos that it is not possible for him to comply with all of them. He believes it would be unfair to make an exception in this case when he has not do so for others. I hope you will understand," it says.

Beyond monarchs and politicians, the exhibition also spotlights ties in the art world, including those of Port Art icon Andy Warhol, or from the punk movement.

- Emancipation symbol for women -

Others include one sported by German actress Marlene Dietrich, in a sign of the rebellious androgeny of the post-World War I Berlin cabaret scene.

A section of the exhibition is dedicated to women's ties.

"We wanted to show that there were contexts probably not so much known,  like for example the women neckties in the 17th century," said Indermuehle.

While aristocratic women had adopted neckwear, ties became a mark of the female challenge to male dominance from the 19th century onwards.

"It became a statement later on when George Sand or Colette started to use it as a symbol of emancipation," said Indermuehle.

Despite that, neckties have remained a largely male preserve.

Zurich is a fitting location for the exhibition, given that quality cloth for ties fuelled the prosperity of a city now best-known for its banks.

Rival manufacturing hubs included Como in Italy and Krefeld in Germany.

In tribute to the Zurich manufacturers of the past, the exhibition includes a section of cloth production, with a huge image of a design used on the weavers' "Jacquard" looms.

Britain was Zurich's main export market in the 19th century, joined by the United States and Japan in the 20th century.

The sector was vulnerable to shifting economic winds, noted historian Alexis Schwarzenbach, who is researching the Zurich silk industry.

"The devaluation of the dollar in the 1970s practically wiped out the American market," he said.

Swiss exporters also faced rising competition from Asian producers, just as male dress codes became more relaxed, and the sector slowly withered.

With ties no longer deemed essential in many circles, they have become a way to personalise men's style.

"Tie-wearing has lost its obligatory side and returned via fashion," said Isabelle Lartigue, head of menswear at Parisian trend-spotting company Peclers.

On the catwalks, ties are this year facing tough competition from flowing scarfs, though retro-style knitted ties with square tips are back in, she said.

In Italian fashion, the current trend is to deploy ties in "almost theatrical style", said Lartigue, while American designers are opting for ties that match the colour of the shirts.

The exhibition runs until January 18.

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Try this classic double-roll technique to keep your shirtsleeves tidy, prevent unraveling, and stay cool. Thanks to our friend Style Girlfriend, who turned us on to this neat trick.

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You have a lot of hard decisions to make from day to day, don’t make choosing socks one of them. Here’s a simple guide.

When in doubt, socks should be one shade darker than your trousers:If those are in the laundry, as an alternative go with socks one shade lighter than your shoes:If you want to add a little texture follow the rules above but include a subtle pattern, like these herringbone cashmere socks:

If you’re experimenting with “statement” hosiery, or looking to add a little flavor to a simple outfit, start with a subtle stripe where one color is already included in your look:If you’re looking for something with even more punch, go with vibrant colors that contrast against a more neutral look:Final note: socks come in a variety of weights. Keep your thin socks with your smooth fabrics and sleek shoes, and your beefy socks with your heavier cloths and sturdier footwear. Consistency in weight makes all the difference.

NOW WATCH — Stop Embarrassing Yourself: Here's How To Wear Colors Without Clashing

SEE ALSO: You've Been Rolling Your Shirtsleeves Wrong Your Entire Life

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Entrepreneurs get a bad rap when it comes to style. Sure, a handful of billionaires still get away with a (walk-in) closet full of (gold-plated) hoodies, but this slacker style isn’t as prevalent in start-up culture as you might think.

I run a start-up, after all, and I can say with certainty that if I showed up to a business meeting in frayed jeans and shower sandals, all I’d raise are eyebrows – not capital. In start-ups, as in the rest of the world, how you look matters. 

For proof, look no further than these three start-up founders: Mashable’s Pete Cashmore, Jack Dorsey of Square and Twitter, and Walker & Company’s Tristan Walker. Don’t expect anything too daring – they’re out to change the world at large, not the world of fashion.

Think: super clean-cut, tried-and-true formulas, in luxurious fabrics and stellar, slim-fit construction. I can only hope that the next generation of innovative, young CEOs follows in these guys’ surprisingly stylish footsteps.

PETE CASHMORE, CEO AND FOUNDER OF MASHABLE

Blazer: Gant Rugger, $650| Shirt: PS by Paul Smith, $137 | Jeans: Topman, $50
Pocket square: John W. Nordstrom, $15 | Wallet: Shinola, $125 | Belt: Ishaor, $120

Mashable‘s Pete Cashmore is as close to a trendsetter as we’ll get in the upper ranks of the start-up scene. Last year, the Scottish-born CEO appeared in a John Varvatos campaign (alongside Cleveland Indians’ Nick Swisher and comedian Anthony Jeselnik). He says, “I wear pretty much the same thing every day: a white shirt, jeans, and a blazer. I’m so predictable that people get weirded out if I wear a blue shirt.” Hey, I’ve said before there’s nothing wrong with adopting a uniform, so long as it works for you.

JACK DORSEY, TWITTER CO-FOUNDER AND SQUARE FOUNDER 

Jacket: River Island, $284 |Jeans: Levi’s, $68 | Tee: Everlane, $15 | Boots: Topman, $120
Sunglasses: A.J. Morgan, $19 |Fedora (optional): Brixton, $42

Twitter and Square founder Jack Dorsey regularly lands on Silicon Valley’s best-dressed lists for his  super-slim suits (Dior Homme and Prada are favorites) and what Vanity Faircalls, “a creative approach to collar-popping.”  Need further proof? Dorsey’s style has landed him a Buzzfeed article compiling his 23 best fashion moments.

TRISTAN WALKER, WALKER & COMPANY FOUNDER

Sweater: A.P.C., $250 | Jeans: Lee, $131 | Shoes: Converse by John Varvatos, $140
Sunglasses: Ray Ban, $150 | Fitness tracker: Jawbone, $130 | Bracelet: Miansai, $95

Walker & Company‘s eponymous founder Tristan Walker might not be as well known outside start-up circles (yet) as Dorsey and Cashmore, but give him time: He’s famous inside them, as a forward thinker and one of the industry’s still too rare African-American CEOs. Walker & Co. is best known for its Bevel shaving system – made for men of color, with its razor and skincare products created specifically for dealing with coarse, curly hair and sensitive skin. Walker himself is just as fashionable as his shave products, and he’s one of the few start-up CEOs to confidently embrace knitwear—though the new dad isn’t completely averse to a more structured look.

SEE ALSO: A Simple Guide To Matching Your Socks And Shoes

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There's nothing quite like a custom shirt that's been tailored to your exact measurements, but they usually come with a hefty price tag.

A new app called MTailor plans to change that, however, by outsourcing the measurements to your smartphone's camera.

Here's how it works.

Shirts start at $69, but that's still cheaper than other custom shirts out there, which can cost $100 and up. Also, shipping is free.

First, you choose the type of fabric you'd like in your fitted shirt. There's plenty of options, with premium fabrics including wrinkle-free options. You can also choose the style of cuff and collar you'd like.

Next, you use your phone's camera to record your measurements, which the app guides you through. Basically, you need to wear clothing that is as skin-tight as possible, and then you're asked to slowly rotate so your proportions are recorded.

MTailor claims that using a camera to record your body measurements is a process can be completed in less than five minutes and that it's "scientifically proven to measure you 20% more accurately than a professional tailor."

Once the app has your measurements and shirt choice, the MTailor team gets to work, creating your shirt from scratch and sending you email updates along the way.

BuzzFeed's Matthew Lynley tried out MTailor and was so pleased with the fit that he's since ordered two more.

The shirts are very comfortable. The fabric, which feels a little bit thinner than a normal shirt like a Ralph Lauren-branded shirt, still seems to hold up very well and feel very good. The cut fits neatly around your chest and waist without feeling too tight. The collar, too, feels just the right size, and the sleeves feel like they are fit to the contours of your muscles. They are also easily roll up and fit around sweaters without feeling baggy or loose, which is a problem with some shirts.

To give MTailor a try, you can download the app for iPhone over at the App Store.

SEE ALSO: There's Finally A Real Hoverboard, And You Can Pre-Order It Today For $10,000

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Learn how to combine different colors when choosing your clothes in the morning.

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We can’t deny it any longer. Winter is coming.

Time to start making those necessary acquisitions to bolster your wardrobe for the colder months. I’ve identified 10 trends that you may want to take note of for the season.

Some focus on the casual side of things and other the formal side.

Either way, when incorporated properly into your wardrobe, they will help you up your style game for years to come.

Bold prints

Floral, hounds tooth or check prints and patterns are sticking around for the foreseeable future. Designers seem to be quite bullish on them.

Suitsupply has some great checks like this grey one, Black Lapel has this more conservative navy plaid on offer as well.

Military/field jackets

Not that military jackets ever really go away in menswear but this season they are particularly prevalent. Field jackets in particular are having their moment.

If you have taken the time to peruse this season’s offerings from J. Crew you will see the brands obsession with military inspired jackets of all type. Cockpit USA and Alpha Industries are two more authentic players. Then of course there is always your local surplus store.

Boots

Boots are the biggest thing in footwear this season. Hiking boots, military boots, dress boots – you name it. J. Fitzpatrick and Cobbler Union have some of the best deals for really nice dress boots.

Ahhh – pocket squares. One of my favorite accessories, they have come back into fashion after decades of being “gone.”

Which if you know me ... is a bit of a joke as in my opinion, pocket squares are timeless. They never go out of style, and are the perfect way to top off a well fitted suit or sport jacket!

But the knowledge of how to properly fold a pocket square has not been passed onto most men.

Not to worry – we are filling the gap with this simple pocket square infographic.

Want more?  I explain each fold in more detail in this support article – click here.

Now that you know 9 pocket square folds, you can play around with different styles.

You can also check out this article on matching pocket squares with different clothes.

SEE ALSO: How To Wear Colors Without Clashing

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A menswear factory in Brooklyn has been "doing things the old-fashioned way" for more than 60 years.

Martin Greenfield Clothiers produces handmade men's suits, an impressive feat considering less than 3% of clothes sold in the U.S. is American-made. Most U.S. apparel companies outsource their labor to places where clothing is faster and cheaper to make. But Martin Greenfield isn't in the menswear business for the money alone.

Greenfield arrived at Brooklyn manufacturer GGG Clothes in 1947 from Czechoslovakia; it was his first job in the States. He carried unfinished garments from one station to the next. A poster boy for the American Dream, Greenfield worked his way up from blind stitcher to supervisor to vice president, and eventually bought the factory, renaming it in 1977.

Today, he continues the tradition of making suits by hand at his four-floor warehouse in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where his client list includes Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Michael Bloomberg, and Leonardo DiCaprio. "I see my suits being worn all over the world," Greenfield says. "I love to see the results."

You can read more about Greenfield's life story in his upcoming memoir, "Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor," which goes on sale November 10. 

On Varet Street in East Williamsburg, a 100-year-old brick building houses the last unionized men’s clothing factory in New York City with more than 100 employees.

The city was once an epicenter of apparel manufacturing, with more than 3,000 clothing factories rooted here. During the 1970s, fast and low-cost labor abroad forced U.S. companies to ditch the “Made in the USA” label for cheaper alternatives.

Today, 97.5% of apparel sold in America is made outside the U.S. Martin Greenfield Clothiers is the exception — a company thriving by doing things the old-fashioned way, and employing people rather than machines.

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association

That’s not a problem – because if you’re reading this article you’re about to learn more in 5 minutes than what 95% of the population knows.

There are many traditions regarding jewelry in general, and rings in particular. Use them to make a statement without opening your mouth.

Now be aware – it’s not a statement everyone will get — but like a lot of fashion choices, they’re there for the people who notice, and being part of the elite club that “gets it” is part of the fun.

So if you’re someone who’s considering wearing a ring purely for the style of it (rather than just a wedding band), here are a few of the traditional associations for rings on fingers.

First – Right Hand vs. Left Hand

For the most part there aren’t any steadfast rules about which hand you wear your ring(s) on.

Engagement and wedding rings are exceptions — there are a lot of specific cultural traditions — but at the end of the day there are so many cultural traditions that it becomes an anything-goes situation anywhere that’s not completely homogeneous.

Just for example, most American men will wear their wedding band on their left ring finger, but a man married in an Eastern Orthodox church could end up using the right hand instead (I do this – watch my videos and you’ll see!). And engagement rings are rare enough on men already that there is no set tradition.

Some schools or organizations may have rules about how to wear their rings (in which case you’ll be told), but most will leave it up to their members.

So for pretty much any ring, don’t worry about right hand vs. left hand rules. As far as symbolism goes, the right hand is generally seen as the “physical” hand — the active, dominant one that makes most of your gestures. The left is thought of as the “mental” hand, representing your character and beliefs.

Those are based, unsurprisingly, on a right-hander’s view of the world. A left-handed man might personally find it appropriate to reverse the whole thing. At the end of the day we’re talking about some very general concepts here — don’t be afraid to go your own way.

1. The Little (Pinky) Finger

This is often the first choice for a man who wants to wear a “statement” ring.

Pinky rings have a couple of advantages: they don’t have religious or cultural associations in most cultures (unlike the ring finger), and, like rings on the fourth finger, they don’t touch or interfere with the index/pointer finger at all.

It also isolates the ring from your body a bit, making it more of an eye-popping statement. As a result, pinky rings tend to be among the “busiest” or flashiest of designs. It’s where you wear things when you want attention paid to them.

People who like astrological or palmistry-related symbolism will associate the littler finger with intelligence and persuasion. It represents Mercury, which was (for obvious reasons) associated with the element of mercury, so you’re not going to have a ring made of the relevant metal here — mercury is liquid at room temperature, and highly toxic to humans.

2. The Fourth (Ring) Finger

In the US and much of North & South America, the ring finger is most commonly associated with wedding symbolism: a band on the right fourth finger indicates engagement, while a band on the left fourth finger indicates marriage.

That said, nearly all men opt for a simplegold or silver band for their wedding/engagement rings. A large ring with a jewel or a three-dimensional design on it is far less likely to be taken for something related to your marital status.

That’s not to say that people don’t wear some very strange and artistic things as wedding bands, from time to time, but it’s not the cultural norm. A distinctively decorative ring on the fourth finger probably won’t beassumed to be a wedding or engagement ring, while a plain metal band or one with minor, same-tone etchings or designs probably will be.

Symbolically, the ring finger is associated with Earth’s moon, creativity, and beauty, as well as its obvious associations with romantic relationships. The moon’s metal is silver, making silver rings a natural choice for non-wedding-related rings worn on the fourth finger.

3. The Middle Finger

Apart from the obvious hand gesture, the middle finger is your largest, boldest finger.

Rings worn on the middle finger are surprisingly uncommon — in part, that’s because it’s adjacent to the index finger, and anything bulky can be quite a hindrance to fine manual tasks. It’s best to keep things small and simple if you’re wearing them on your middle finger.

That said, a lot of first-time ring-wearers might feel more comfortable with the middle finger, purely because if feels so central, sturdy, and frankly, “manly.” If the idea of a pinky ring weirds you out, and you don’t want any confusion with wedding/engagement symbolism, the middle finger’s a safe default.

Because of its central location, the middle finger is held to symbolize balance and responsibility, and is associated with Saturn. Since Saturn’s metal is lead, simple gray metals like steel are common middle finger choices.

4. The Index or Pointer Finger

There’s a natural instinct to keep the pointer finger clear, since we use it more than any other digit (except the thumb), but it turns out that a ring on the finger doesn’t interfere with it as much as one on the finger next to it.

If you go back hundreds of years the index finger was the most common location for a man’s ring (generally a signet or a crest — in some parts of Europe, people below a certain rank were actually forbidden from wearing rings, because they denoted specific family status).

That makes the index finger a good place for things like class rings, fraternal rings, or family and membership crests, although many men (especially younger, unmarried men) opt for the ring finger out of habit instead.

Anything that you want to be used frequently and emphatically in your gestures can go on the index finger. It’s not as dramatically isolated as something on the outer digits (thumb and pinky), but its prominence in our basic manual dexterity makes it noticeable.

The astrological association for the pointer finger is Jupiter, which symbolizes power, leadership, and authority. The metal association is tin, which you won’t find many rings made out of, but bright silver tones are a normal choice for the index finger.

5. The Thumb

Thumb rings have a slightly outlandish feel to people who come from conventional North American culture, but they’re actually reasonably common world-wide. In most societies a thumb ring on a man is a sign of wealth or influence, and they tend to be broad or bulky to reflect that (also to fit comfortably on the thumb, of course).

A thumb ring is also often the natural choice for men who want to wear multiple rings on the same hand, since it’s at least somewhat distanced from the others. A wedding band plus a pinky or middle finger ring can get quite crowded, both visually and physically, whereas a thumb ring gives everything some space.

Thumb gestures are associated with interaction and friendship (think “thumbs up”). Wear a ring that you want people to like — big and chunky is fine, but nothing incredibly gaudy or expensive-looking. It’s already going to be bigger than most rings, so if the design is extravagant as well it just becomes this massive anchor dragging your hand down. Keep it bold but simple.

The thumb doesn’t have an astrological association, but in classic mythology (and pre-scientific medicine) it was believed to be an indicator of character: strong, straight thumbs meant an authoritative personality, while crooked ones were seen as a sign of wickedness or dishonesty.

How Many Rings Can a Man Wear On His Hand?

What’s the maximum number of rings a guy should wear?

It’ll depend on the rings. Generally you won’t wear more than one on any given finger, but then you’ll run into things like clusters of four or five wire-thin bands that are meant to be worn together.

But assuming only one ring per finger, two or three spread out across both hands is usually a safe max. Even that’s going to be very striking — go too much beyond that and you’re just a caricature.

Oftentimes, you’re best off with a single bold “statement” ring on one hand and nothing else, or nothing more than a plain wedding/engagement band if it’s relevant.

Quality matters more than quantity, at the end of the day — no matter what finger you’re displaying your rings on.

NOW WATCH: 3 Watches You Should Wear If You Want To Impress People

SEE ALSO: 9 Ways To Wear A Pocket Square

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I recently acquired this navy plaid suit from Black Lapel, and while it’s not the boldest suiting fabric ever, I can see its pattern posing a challenge to a Lean Wardrobe student venturing out past his basic solid navy or gray suit.

Solid navy is always a great first choice, but if you relish the tiny details, you may be dying for a more interesting suiting fabric.

This navy plaid strikes a great balance.

The lighter plaid pattern is visually interesting without being too bright, since the navy ground balances and tones it down.

You may have something similar in your closet, or you might have been interested in a suit with a bolder pattern, but weren’t sure exactly what to wear with it.

In this article, I’ll show you three different ways to wear a bolder suit.

I love mixing and matching suit jackets and pants, as well as pairing with more casual pieces to downplay formality.

Check out some of the ideas below. Do your best to identify the basic principles behind my suggestions and apply it to the next bold fabric you choose!

Look One: Full Suit, Simple and Straightforward

 navy plaid suit, white dress shirt, plum tie, black wingtips

The one concern you may have about wearing a bold suit is appearing too “loud” or attention-grabbing.

Neutralize the boldness of your suit’s fabric by choosing a subtle shirt and tie combination (balance is a good rule of thumb for any suit, shirt, and tie combo). Black or dark brown lace-ups would complete this look nicely.

Then again, don’t be afraid to punch up the contrasted pattern in your tie if the pattern of your suiting fabric is as subtle as this one.

Look Two: Mix and Match

navy plaid suit jacket, gray dress pants, light blue shirt, dark red knit tie, burgundy lace-ups

We’ve chatted a bit about separating basic suits to create new outfit combinations. This is basically the same idea.

That solid gray all-season wool suit you picked up for your Lean Wardrobe? Grab those nicely-tailored pants, pair with the jacket from your navy plaid suit, and BAM, killer combo.

If you have a pair of gray flannels; those would work nicely as well. Throw on a light, light blue dress shirt, a deep burgundy knit tie, and dark brown lace-ups, and you’re good to go.

Look Three: Dressy Casual

navy plaid suit jacket, wine-colored dress chinos, light pink dress shirt, cognac loafers

My usual day-to-day outfit consists of something very similar to the pieces in look three. Chinos, a dress or a sport shirt (sans tie), and my favorite pair of cognac loafers.

I wear this outfit for after-work drinks (which means it would work well in a business casual office), casual client meetings, or a relaxed weekend hanging out somewhere in the city.

I may even swap the dressier chinos for something more laid back and rumpled. This is a good example of the high / low approach we discussed in this article. You may want to substitute an OCBD for that crisp dress shirt as well.

Look Four: A Pants-Focused Bonus

navy plaid suiting pants, white leather sneakers, light blue chambray, charcoal sweater

You’re not stuck with jacket-only options; the trousers can be just as flexible.

Using the pants as your starting point, throw on your favorite blue chambray, white Chuck Taylors (the ones pictured are leather!), and a medium gray V-neck sweater. (Want to lighten it up a bit? Try a cream cable knit sweater.)

SEE ALSO: How To Avoid Looking Overdressed

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How and when to tuck in your shirt is something everyone has to get right to thrive in the office. For even more on the subject of tucking, click here.

Produced by Matthew Stuart. Special thanks to Alex Kuzoian and Antonio Centeno.

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Sao Paulo (AFP) - Fashion stars Stella McCartney and Donatella Versace this week will launch collections with two department stores in Brazil -- a country with consumers hungry for top brands despite an economic downturn.

The daughter of the Beatles legend is launching her second collection, this time just for Brazil, for international chain C&A.

Versace, meanwhile, has designed an exclusive collection for Brazilian store Riachuelo, which has more than 220 stores -- and more than 20 million clients. Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima is fronting the ad campaign.

The launches -- the latest in a series of similar high-low collaborations in the fashion world -- come during Sao Paulo Fashion Week, the largest such event in Latin America, which runs through Friday.

"These collaborations with C&A and Riachuelo show the maturity and the marketing power of Brazilian fashion -- its importance, scope and strength," Paulo Borges, the founder and artistic director of Sao Paulo Fashion Week, told AFP.

"'Fast fashion' is a process which allows a greater number of consumers to satisfy their fashion desires," he said, referring to the trend to get designs quickly from catwalk to store shelves.

"Brazil is 10 years behind in terms of consumption, as compared with international markets. It will continue to buy a lot more," Borges predicted.

Huge Market

Over the past decade, Brazil has undergone a deep social transformation with welfare programs lifting some 40 million people out of extreme poverty and into the burgeoning consumer ranks.

As a result, it has become an attractive destination for top international fashion and beauty brands. Shopping centers are springing up at a rapid rate.

Luxury labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Tiffany and Valentino can all be found in this country of 202 million people -- in both big wealthier cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and in smaller cities in the northeast like Fortaleza and Recife.

Spain's Zara, the reference in the fast-fashion world, has already set up shop in Brazil with great success. 

Others, like Sweden's H&M -- one of the pioneers of special collections with top-name designers -- are scheduled to make the move in 2015.

"Brazil is a huge market, but one that is essentially geared towards the mass market. We are betting on the future by setting up here," a spokesman for one Italian luxury brand told AFP on condition of anonymity.

London-based consultancy Euromonitor calculates that sales of clothing and shoes ballooned by 62 percent in Brazil between 2008 and 2013, and predicts a further rise of 20 percent for 2013-2018.

"Even if the economy is stagnant, Brazil has economic pulling-power plus very favorable growth in the fashion business," Luciane Robic, an expert at the Brazilian Institute of Fashion, told AFP.

'Brazil cost' 

Brazil is home to some 300,000 fashion businesses. But even if the market is booming, many are struggling.

The reason for that is what is termed "the Brazil cost": high taxes and lots of red tape, along with expensive raw materials and labor, make local production costly.

In addition, quality lags behind international standards, leaving Brazilian labels at a disadvantage compared with foreign luxury brands.

"In Europe, a luxury brand is much more accessible than it is in Brazil," says Robic.

Brazil also suffers from competition from large-scale producers in China, where associated costs are generally lower.

"Without cutting costs, Brazilian production will not prove successful," warns Borges.

The entire Versace for Riachuelo collection has been produced in Brazil, compared to only part of the McCartney line for C&A.

Both designers are in Sao Paulo for the launch events this week.

The McCartney line includes suits in pastel shades with hints of navy blue, gold and black.

The Versace for Riachuelo collection is the Brazilian store's first international fashion collaboration. It includes "animal print" designs in mauve, yellow, black and off-white. Prices range from $20 to $200.

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Don't let the Aussie accent fool you: Designer Jess McKie knows her way around dressing for a cold winter.

"People get really surprised when I say that I used to work at a ski mountain," she says of growing up in Melbourne. "We can see snow if we want to."

That experience served McKie well as she designed the first fall collection for Sködia, her line of minimal, high-end basics made with an emphasis on comfort.

The cozy Sködia aesthetic is at the forefront of the "softwear" movement, which embraces any clothing that is comfortable and versatile and has longevity, staple pieces that are still fashionable and can be worn on their own or piled on together.

Who better to ask, then, for pro tips on layering for winter? Here are McKie's top six failsafe rules below, even if your wardrobe skews toward the not-so-softwear.

Pay Attention to Color
"Color is really important," McKie says. As it gets colder and your number of layers increases, it helps to keep things relatively neutral. While McKie says you don't need to dress in monotone, if you do mix colors, taking the time to make sure they complement each other can elevate your look so you're both warm and fashion-forward.

Check Your Silhouette
If you're coming off a bit top-heavy, try to add some pieces that hit at different points on your body. "It's all about the balance of the length of each layering piece that you have," McKie advises.

Don't Be Afraid to Mix Materials
"I use a lot of cotton and a lot of sweatshirt fabrics, but then I always try to choose a few different textures," she says. "That complements the simplicity of normal shirting fabric."

Simplicity Is Key
There is a limit to how many layers you can throw on. Too much of a good thing "can be a little overwhelming," McKie says.

Opt for Versatile Pieces
McKie's favorite is a gray-marl sweatshirt: "I think it goes without saying that it's a key piece that everybody should have in their wardrobe. There are so many different ways you can wear it, and the color gray goes with everything."

Invest in a Nice Jacket
After all, take it from a former Melbourne ski instructor: "You can wear anything with a really good jacket."

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