Top Twelve Gifts for the Men in Your Life

In last week's holiday gift guide, we brought you Ten Cheerful Gifts for the Holiday Host or Hostess. For this week's post, we present the top picks for the men in your life. Whether it be your husband, your brother, or your dad, we've got the best gifts for the pickiest guy on your list. Look out for next week's post with gifts for women. Happy holiday shopping!

Pengallan Black Leather Genius Gloves, $175

Is the man in your life addicted to his iPhone? These gloves are not only made with high-quality leather and lined with cashmere, but they also have flip-back technology on the thumb and pointer finger for touchscreen use!

Freshneck Monthly Membership - Silver, $20 - Gold, $35 - Platinum, $55

The self-proclaimed "Netflix of ties," Freshneck is perfect for the fashion-obsessed man in your life. Simply choose from their selection of ties, pocket squares, and other accessories, add your favorites to your "queue," then receive your top three in the mail and wear all you want! Whenever you decide you're ready for some "fresh" looks, mail them back and receive the next three ties from your queue. 

Everett Handcrafted Manhattan Set, $110

For the man who needs help curating a trendy new look, choose from one of the many gift sets from Everett. Choose from more simple, solid colors or go all out with camo print or paisleys. I love that they come pre-packaged in a cigar box!

Armstrong and Wilson Pocket Squares - In The Wild, $55 - Stain Glass, $65 - Salad with Raisins, $80

Created by two of Esquire Magazine's "Best Dressed Real Men," Armstrong and Wilson has the best selection of pocket squares for any man's suit. Whether he wants a funky print or a simple white square with blue trim, these buttoned pocket squares are a great gift for any man who loves to accessorize.

12 Month Birchbox Subscription, $195

No man could say no to a Birchbox subscription! With samples of all the top grooming products sent monthly, he'll be able to discover new brands and purchase straight from the Birchbox website. 

Dapper Classics Sky Blue with Navy Polka Dot Socks, $20

The perfect stocking stuffer, Dapper Classics has men's socks in every color and pattern combination he could dream of.

Everlane Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $120 

Every man should have a classic cashmere sweater in a neutral color. Everlane uses the same manufacturers as designer clothing, yet offers high quality at a more reasonable price.

Trask Jackson iPad Sleeve, $85

Give him an iPad sleeve that will impress his boss and coworkers.

J.Crew Skull Flannel Pajama Pant, $34.50 

We love all things skull and crossbones in my house. Pajama pants too “old” for the man in your life but you can’t look at his holey sweats from college for one more minute? How about these edgy J. Crew PJ pants I bought my husband last year?

Sephora Fragrance Sampler for Him, $65

Is he picky about his cologne? This Sephora gift set includes 10 samplers and a coupon to redeem for a full-sized bottle of his favorite fragrance.

Mark and Graham Gentleman’s Zip Folio, $145 

Perfect for keeping pens and electronics organized inside his work bag for easy (and super chic!) access.

J. Hillburn Custom Belt, $125 

Does your husband dress well at the office but lose it on the weekends? This J. Hilburn belt allows you to choose your own combination of leather or suede and stitching. I got my husband chocolate suede with blue stitching for his birthday this year and he wears it all the time.

The First Ever Guest Post from Mr. Real Life Style!

The Top 5 Fundamentals of Office Wear for Men

With the government shut down and Mr. Real Life Style stuck at home, I've been tasked with putting together some workplace basics for the guys. These tips aren't for the super-trendy man who is already going sock-less in monkstrap shoes. Rather these are the“Top 5 Fundamentals of Office Wear” that will keep you (or your partner) looking sharp, professional and on top of the fashion game.

1) How to Wear Pants Properly: Whether you're in a suit or in business casual, RLS continues to endorse flat front pants. These are a more modern look and will make you look thinner than pants with pleats.

Bonobos Heathertones Grey, $178 

Exceptions are only for seasoned gentlemen wearing suits or the super-trendy catching pleats that have recently re-emerged on the runway. However, I can tell you with confidence, that not many DC government workers are wearing anything that hot off the runway. For those considering "the new pleat", remember that the pleats should lay completely flat while you're standing and be worn at the waist—not below. The newest interpretation, for the super stylish, have fewer pleats, are more likely to use a “reverse pleat” (facing away from the fly), and a more narrow silhouette, meaning you're more likely to find what you’re looking for in the store than in your closet.

Ted Baker Movtro Suit Trousers, $248

2) The Down Low on Dress Shirts: Guys, just as you should have purged your wardrobe of puffy pants, it’s time to get rid of the puffy dress shirt hanging out over the back of your pants. Go for a more narrowly cut shirt that still considers comfort (the shirt shouldn't be so narrow that the buttons are pulling).

Ledberry Blue Herringbone French Cuff Slim Fit, $135

Armani Collezioni Micro Gingham Spread Collar Shirt, $195

For men who aren't skinny but are looking for a slimmer cut, check out the “slim fit” selection at Charles Tyrwhitt, which provides more space than their “extra slim” line.


3) Shirt Collars: Whether you opt for a classic or spread, make sure that your collar corners aren’t curling up like elves’ shoes. Remember those little plastic tabs that came in the collar? Those should come out when the shirt goes to the cleaners but go back in before you head to the office. Lost your collar stays long ago? Pick up a set of various size stays, so you're set with all different collars. Better yet, your wife should get you a set of custom message stays from Red Envelope.

Red Envelope Personalized Hidden Message Collar Stays, $59.95

20 Stainless Steel Collar Stays in a Box - 4 sizes, $29.95 

Brooks Brothers Plastic Collar Stays, $9.95

4) Match Your Leathers: Some suits or slacks deserve black shoes. Other combinations will go better with brown. Either way, make sure your leathers match. If you opt for black shoes, make sure you’re wearing your black belt. And likewise, brown shoes mean a brown belt. If you can, pick a watch band to match too.

To Boot New York Aaron dress shoe, $299

Harris Burnished Leather Belt, $175 

Cole Haan Air Giovanni Cap Oxford, $398

Cole Haan Harrison Belt, $75

5) Suiting Up: I find most men know the color basics (or have fallen into them). Have a navy suit, have a grey suit, and build out from there. We've already talked a bit about flat front pants versus pleats. So, let’s talk about fit. First and foremost, make sure your suit jacket fits across the shoulders. If it doesn't fit there, forget it, no matter how much you like the pattern, price or fabric.

J.Crew Ludlow suit jacket with double vent in Scottish wool, $525

We recommend sticking with two-button suits. They’re classic and will stay in style. More modern silhouettes are cut in above the waist and have higher armholes. If you’re still in the baggy Tony Soprano suits, it’s time for a change. Tailor the pants and sleeves to fit your limbs. The pants should hit just at the top of your shoes, and the jacket sleeves should hit at the wrist bone, giving you an opportunity to show a bit of shirt sleeve.

Uman Solid Two-Piece Suit, $3,250

Hugo Boss Cross Hatch Two-Piece Suit, $795

Some companies are now integrating working button holes into the sleeves, which is a nice touch. But if you have shorter arms like me, take a pass. A tailor won’t be able to adjust the sleeve length if there are actual buttonholes, and it’s better to have a properly fitting suit than something that doesn't fit with bells and whistles.

Charles Tyrwhitt Grey Donegal Slim Fit Suit with working buttonholes, $725 

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be a step ahead of the competition in your office. Check back later in the season for five tips on taking office wear to the next level.