Why should women have all the fashion fun on vacation? Here are some tips for the fellas. By Sandra Berry. Los Cabos Magazine Issue #17 Summer 2008.
Many women were born with a sixth-sense of fashion and have an innate ability for knowing what to wear, and when to wear it. Men, on the other hand, generally need a little guidance. Most men visiting or living in a resort area, such as Los Cabos, are inclined to believe that trunks and tee shirts will do for everything. Granted, the balmy weather of Los Cabos allows for a casual and comfortable look. However, even dressing down has its boundaries. We are in an age of ease and convenience. The challenge remains: How to look the best you can for any occasion and remain comfortable. There is a certain return to understated sophistication, and dressing properly doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up.
Dressing well is not all that difficult. A few basic rules and the “average Joe” can look smart and respectable, while still being cool and comfortable. First, knowing your own body type will take you a long way toward looking good. Skin color dictates what colors are best to wear. Certain colors enhance one’s appearance. For example, men with naturally blond hair and light skin look best in light colors. Men with darker complexions and dark hair look better in bright, crisp, clear, rich colors that pop out, like Navy blue for instance. Mature men with white, silver, or grey hair can wear stronger colors. And, of course, black is classic. A man wearing black suggests elegance, authority and power. The stripes, plaids, polka dots and other patterns are where men, shall we say, have most problems. This aspect of a man’s wardrobe is the most difficult in choose, if they elect to do so at all. The right combination of patterns can sometimes go awry. Basic rule Number One: Plaids do not mix well with stripes!
Dressing cool in our balmy climate is key. Today, modern textiles are available that achieve the feel of natural fabrics. Micro fibers give the wearer the added benefit of a wrinkle-resistant and breathable garment. Most male visitors want to get away from the grind of the real world. The liberation means leaving behind the everyday dressing in suits and ties, and enjoying the comfort of bathing suits and flip-flops, shorts and tennis shoes, golf attire, and perhaps a paper-thin flower patterned shirt, linen trousers, and a loafer worn without socks.
Most men want to look appropriate for the occasion and never out of place.
Los Cabos is a rich source for just the right wardrobe. Puerto Paraiso mall has many well-merchandised men’s shops such as Kenneth Cole and Boss, that have more subdued, formal-looking wear, with colors in blacks, grays, and white. Others like Façonnable, a high-end retailer specializing in tailored menswear with boutiques all over the world, carries colorful men’s clothing, as does Nautica. Miró carries 100% cotton, ideal for our climate. Tiki Lounge, in both the mall and at Las Tiendas de Palmilla, is famous for their Tommy Bahama brand, so popular for residents and visitors alike. Shopping is not a man’s favorite thing to do. But, it can be fun, especially if the woman he asks for assistance can get the job accomplished and make the outing enjoyable for both.
Los Cabos is the perfect place for a wedding. That said, most wedding celebrations call for dressing up to a certain degree. Leave the shorts for the beach and the fishing outings, and gear up in appropriate attire. If a suit is expected, resign yourself to having to bring one on vacation. For a totally Cabo dress suit, go to Toscano in the Puerto Paraiso mall, where you can buy it or rent it! Either way, having the suit may end up being in your favor. Consider its versatility. Wear the pants with a linen or silk shirt for a special dinner engagement. The jacket, worn with white pants and a white casual shirt can make quite a statement. Other wedding attire may be more casual, but always respect the couple’s wishes for appropriate dress. Match khaki pants with a dressy knit shirt instead of a dress shirt. Be cool and look great! For summer galas, a well-tailored white suit will set you apart. With an outstanding piece of men’s jewelry, a Rolex from Diamonds International would do it, people will notice and admire your great taste.
If you know you look good, feel good, and you’re comfortable, then your confidence will shine through and you’ll know you’ve chosen well.
