You can go all out with a statement maxi dress like the ones below or take the leopard print top with a pencil skirt and heels for a smart office wear look.

Leopard print

The main thing to remember when wearing leopard print or any type of print for that matter is to not go over the top, you don’t want to be clashing prints or wearing head to toe print otherwise you could end up looking like a leopard. If you’re going for a statement piece of clothing opt for plain accessories, nothing too fussy, and if you want to dress up an outfit then opt for some print accessories.

Print accessories

True vintage clothing will have been manufactured from the 1920’s up to around the 1970’s. It is also very rarely that you will find a true vintage item in a charity shop. Most people who have vintage clothes will recognise its value and will sell to a specialist store or through an auction site online. The popularity of vintage clothing also means that you should be prepared to pay out for it. Some vintage items will cost more than a similar item brand new.

Popular vintage items today include designer handbags, 1950’s dresses, evening dresses from the 1920’s, as well as jeans and dresses from the 1960’s.

It is also a good idea to double-check sizes when purchasing vintage items. Sizes were calculated slightly differently in the past and it may be that if you buy an item in what you think is your size, it will not fit. Some items will give measurements rather than a dress size, so it pays to be aware of your individual measurements.

Those who do not have the money to invest in genuine vintage pieces may be tempted to purchase a reproduction vintage item, and there are many shops where these are available.

Before we start, let’s be clear… we’re not looking at hats as they were originally intended – a form of skull protection or a religious statement – no sir, we’re talking fashion and here’s how to get it right.

The Beanie hat – strictly for students and teens only and really it’s had its day. If you own one wear it only on emergency bad hair days or in the house.

Beanie hat

Fedora – the ultimate rock-star hat, universally popular and the more battered the better. Think Pete Doherty and you’ll get the general idea – tilt it to the side slightly for a hip look. You’ll find the best styles in the men’s fashion section at ASOS.

The cap – flat cap, driving cap, newsboy cap – whatever you call it this is one style that never seems to date. A favourite of Brad Pitt, the traditional cap is a good way to make a statement so wear it to show off your inner artist (just leave the plus-fours in the wardrobe).  Note: the baseball cap is not cool, clever or ironic. Avoid.

Trilby – a structured hat that’s slightly more formal than the hip Fedora and one of Justin Timberlake’s top picks. Choose a straw version for a funky summer look; tip it to the back of your head for extra style points.

Trilby

Hats are still the number one accessory for 2010 so trawl the shops, try every possible style and see what works for you. Be adventurous and remember: if you want to get ahead, get a hat.

A great way to instantly modify a dull and boring outfit, necklaces are really popular for men at the moment and come in a huge range of styles and materials. Choose a military dog tag style for a sexy rugged look that works well with a tight white vest and vintage denim shirt. Or, wear a selection of silver chains to add some masculine bling to casual weekend clothes.

Brooches are the marmite of the men’s jewellery world – you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Open your mind though and see how versatile a brooch can be (dismiss those thoughts of your granny’s floral cameo and think stylish lapel pins or vintage dandy badges); look to Gucci for catwalk inspiration, you can even make your own for a completely unique style.

Rings are becoming more and more popular and Top Man is leading the high-street pack with their range of cheap and cheerful finger fashion. Go gothic with skulls or kooky with brightly coloured gemstones. Or, for a more subtle look make a statement with a single silver investment piece that you’ll keep on wearing.

The right watch is an essential jewellery item and a good way to express your individuality. With many inexpensive styles on the high-street at the moment, you can have one for every outfit! Retro is in vogue with chunky calculator watches and vintage Casio popular for summer or aim higher and invest a month’s salary on a stylish Tag Heuer or an Omega timepiece – classic, quality brands that will last forever.

There are just a few rules to remember:

1. Tighten your belt so your jeans do not slip down to show your underwear, there’s a reason it’s called underwear, it goes under clothing and should not be seen.

2. If you have a tidy shirt that needs tucking in then make sure you tuck it in whether it’s into your jeans or trousers, some cuts of shirt are made specifically to be tucked in.

3. Make sure your clothes fit properly, no shirts that are too tight and are strained around the buttons and make sure jackets are a good fit and not too tight or too big.

4. Look at your shoes, are they tidy and clean and not covered in scuffs or marks and have you tied your laces properly?

5. Don’t over accessorise, be subtle and keep it simple, a good watch or smart leather belt are a good place to start, don’t go with too many fashion trends either especially not all at once, when it’s cold opt for a smart scarf or stylish hat.

Looking at the above tips before you go out can start you off ahead in the style stakes.

A rucksack is a safe choice – pick a stylish leather version from Eastpak for cutting edge style. Ideal if you commute or you prefer a sporty rather than high-fashion look then Soul Cal has some simple ones.

Soul Cal bag

Soul Cal

For an alternative to the stuffy briefcase, a leather tote can instantly update your look. Similar to a bowling bag, the tote has softer lines – it’s a sophisticated yet informal style that can house your laptop and other essentials.

Try a gym-style bag for a fresh, summer feel. Padded versions are great for protecting the contents; try Urban Outfitters for a great value interpretation.

A classic brown leather camera bag is a brilliant investment, and perfect for carrying your weekend accoutrements. Use it often and it will last for years. Ted Baker has a great range of masculine leather bags and while you’re there check out their brilliant summer range of men’s clothing.

A grungy duffle bag is a rugged choice, perfect for the active male. Bigger than some of the other styles, you can cram pretty much anything into one of these beauties. Choose a hard-wearing leather version with a classic military feel.

Invest wisely and pick a style that will see you through all the seasons. Once you’ve succumbed to the man-bag you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Diesel bag

During colder months hats are a great accessory to add not only do they look good but they keep you warm and protect your sculpted hair if it rains, if you going for a casual look a beanie hat like the one below is great but if you want something smarter for a night out then a trilby is just what you need. As well as a hat a scarf is also handy to keep warm when cold but you can get some great smart looking ones that can add some style to your outfit.

If you are wearing jeans a belt is more than just useful for keeping your jeans up they also look great especially a stylish leather on below, which you can get in different colours and styles, with studs and without.

Funky headphones are also great if you’re out and about and listening to your MP3 player the Fenchurch ones below have excellent sound quality are comfortable and look great.

Mens Accessories