Fashion
The MH Style Essentials
By Myron Mariano; Photographs by Frank Hoefsmit; Styling by Ram de Vera; Hair and Makeup by Ogie Rayel; Model: Jon Mullally; Special thanks to Noli Coronado for the industrial artwork1 BELT
Believe it or don't, keeping your pants from falling is a belt's secondary function; it's there primarily to tame the visual lines of your midsection.
Make it different: You're forgiven for thinking that a camel-brown belt works with chocolate brown shoes—if your age is 20 and below. Build up a collection of brown and black belts that match the shade of your shoes. Also, try other alternatives to leather like a canvas military belt.
Van Heusen shirt, Burberry tie (P7,650), Celio zip-up sweater (P3,495), pants (P2,495), and belt (P1,895)
2 T-SHIRT
Different prints, fits, and colors to satisfy everyone's fancy. Need we say more?
Make it different: Start by staying away from logo t-shirts. The Walking Billboard look is so last century. Unconventional, art deco designs are better. Also, prefer ringer t-shirts over regular ones (ringers have a band of piping at the end of the sleeve). They help accentuate your biceps.
Oxygen tee (P399) and jacket (P949), Blueprint by Oxygen jeans (P1,099)
3 JEANS
Blues will never lose a spot in a guy's closet. But now, with dozens of brands and styles (and your girlfriend has a say about which one you should pick), what used to be a five-minute trip to buy jeans is now an hour-long affair.
Make it different: Experiment with different washes, cuts, details, and rises and see what looks right on you. Bootcuts look great on almost everyone; they're a great pair to pick up. Cosmopolitan's Nicole Romero shares her take on how jeans should fit: “Nothing too tight that I'd start wondering if the ‘80s have returned, or too loose and baggy that I won't be able to see his butt.” You've been warned.
Diesel tee (P2,850), Paul Smith jacket (P14,800), and Blueprint by Oxygen jeans (P969)
4 SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRT
The more versatile cousin of a t-shirt, a short-sleeved shirt is a great option for casual Fridays, friendly dates, and Sunday church.
Make it different: First, know what fits you and what doesn't. Pass on a shirt with too-huge sleeves and designs. If you'd like to diffuse the shirt's pattern, wearing a solid-colored crew- or v-neck t-shirt underneath is a nice touch.
Diesel tee (P2,450), Guess? shirt (P1,998) and shorts (P1,598)
5 CARRYALL
We're not like the women in our lives: There's no pressing need for us to purchase bags for every imaginable situation. A functional carryall fulfills our need to bring stuff around, whether it's just to the local gym, or to another country.
Make it different: Try a bag with a color besides black or blue—everyone most likely has their carryall in these colors. Contrast stitching and stripes further add attention.
U2 blazer (P3,598), and polo shirt (P1,598), Springfield shorts (P2,450), Paul Smith belt (P2,850), striped flipflops (P4,900) and carryall (P27,300)
6 SUIT
We have yet to hear from someone that wearing a suit never made him feel the least bit haughty. And with good reason—a finely tailored suit is about as elegant as they come.
Make it different: The safest and most flexible suit a guy can own is a single-breasted one with 2-3 buttons and a notch lapel. Stand out from everyone else by being particular about how it fits, especially if you buy ready-to-wear—there will always be something that won't sit right when you wear it. Pay an extra hundred or so to have it altered. Tip: Have the sides of your jacket tapered from the armpits to the point where your ribs end. It will make you look slimmer.
Van Heusen suit, shirt, tie, and belt, Paul Smith bag (P18,400)
7 WHITE SHIRT
The great thing about a white shirt is that it adjusts to your outfit excellently. Paired with denim and trainers, a white shirt looks fresh and a touch dressy. Adding it to a suit increases sophistication.
Make it different: A touch of quirkiness in the cuffs, like the beading on this page, makes a regular shirt pop. A necklace draped over it gives added "oomph" as well.
Paul Smith shirt (P10,700) and Blueprintby Oxygen jeans (P969)
8 MIX AND MATCH
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The best way to increase the lifespan of all the clothes in your closet is to continuously mix and match them. You don't need a wardrobe overhaul every season, just purchase of-the-moment pieces that complement those already in your closet. Wash, enjoy, then give away if they go out of style.
Make it different: Gently break conventional rules of dressing up. Soften a suit jacket by pairing it with a casual shirt, worn-in denim, and leather flipflops. You'll still look polished for a date, but not too dressed up that she'll feel awkward if she shows up in a jersey dress.
Springfield suit (worn without the pants, P14,500), Greyhoundshirt (P3,995), Blueprint by Oxygen jeans (P1,099), Hush Puppies suede sandals (P2,299.75)