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How To Wear Black Jeans

How To Style Black Jeans

The humble pair of jeans, your friend in your time of need, you can always rely on them to be the fundamental element to any outfit, whatever the occasion.

Once you have started to carve the path of brand loyalty and the perfect fit you, the next port of call is the shade. Not sure on what fit jeans are the most flattering for you? Check out our Jeans fit guide below.

Now black jeans are the holy grail of the denim world; with their power to give a slightly slimming effect to an outfit.

Black Nudie Jeans

HOW TO WEAR BLACK JEANS

We are all aware that the old faithful denim can be tarted up or down. The first look we are going to delve into is the smart casual, one of our favourite fashion terms ever.

For this article we have selected a pair jeans that will stand the test of time, and any styling looks we throw at them – the Edwin ED-80 Jeans in Black CS Selvage. A pair of jeans that should work for the average Joe. The ED-80 is a slim fit jean with a slightly tapered leg that works well for most men in their everyday lives. This pair of white-listed selvage denim has been crafted from a cotton and elastane blend resulting in comfort stretch fit, perfect for post pizza.

1. The Smart Casual Look – Black Jeans & White Shirt

To get the ball rolling, you will need a classic white shirt, an item any man of sound mind will have at least one of, and a man with a great mind will have an abundance of them. We have hand selected the APC Oxford Shirt in White, a shirt that has been crafted from sturdy oxford fabric with perfectly proportioned collar and mother of pearl buttons to the cuffs. Now, this piece firmly ticks off the smart aspect of the outfit, with a bold red marker.
How To Wear Black Jeans White Shirt

The ultimate casual styled jacket ,with a sprinkle of refinement, is the iconic coach jacketOur favourite one this season is the Saturdays NYC Copper Jacket in Stone Blue. This jacket has crafted from a nylon-polyester fabric that is double garment-dyed for a saturated colour and unique finish. Sporting a slightly oversized collar, hidden placket with snap disc fastening and elasticated hems.
How To Wear Black Jeans Coach Jacket

The statement sneaker – is any outfit complete without a pair? We love kicks that give a punch, if that is physically possible, and the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 in Red Stardust do just that. The court legend has returned in a buttery suede upper in a soft dusty pink shade, that perfectly compliments the coach jackets stone blue. Black jeans are the perfect canvas to showcase your avant-garde sneakers.

How To Wear Black Jeans Statement Sneakers

Et voila the complete outfit from The Smart Casual Look.


How To Wear Black Jeans Smart Casual

2. The Smart Look – On Foreign Shores

Here in the UK, we spend most of working lives wishing away our precious time until we can step foot off a plane and let the heat hit our sun deprived faces.  Do not fret though, you don’t have to leave your beloved black jeans back in the departure lounge , we have devised a plan to get them rolled up in your case.



How To Wear Black Jeans Abroad

Style your black jeans with a bold printed shirt, you don’t have to go full on statement shirt, like the Baz Luhrmann’s take on Romeo & Juliet (but we aren’t ones to judge if you want to go full hog). The perfect compromising piece has to be the Norse Projects Carsten Shirt in Kelp Green, this lightweight cotton shirt has been in a relaxed fit creating a slick contrast against the slim cut jeans.
How To Wear Black Jeans Shoes

With the Norse Project’s bold botanical print being centre stage of the outfit, we don’t want to dull it’s shine so black footwear would be the perfect pairing. We like to push the boundaries, so for an alternative look we have chosen the Paraboot Chambord Tex Shoes in Black.  A legend of style, comfort and quality, the Paraboot Chambord derby presents it’s self in a rich, waxy black leather for a touch of rugged luxury. Sat atop a hard-wearing Paratex rubber sole with a two-tone Norwegian welt, the uppers boast classic apron-front styling.

Blue skies are definitely calling with this Smart Look – On Foreign Shores from the How To Wear Black Jeans guide


How To Wear Black Jeans Abroad

3. The Relaxed Look

The perfect way to end this guide has to be with our favourite day of the week, Sunday – the day of slouching. With black jeans being a such a blank canvas it is so simple to throw on your favourite sweater and look effortlessly cool. The sweatshirt we have on our lust list this week is the APC US Stars Sweatshirt in Grey, is have been proudly made in California U.S.  and holds a simple, minimal style that follows a military aesthetic with APC branding on the chest with accompanying stars.


How To Wear Black Jeans Relaxed Sweater

Since we are feeling so relaxed, we want to keep this look monochrome and laid back so a black sneaker is needed. If you are haunting your stomping grounds do it in style with the Nike Air Max 97 OG Trainers in Black.  Sporting sleek layered uppers in a tonal black shade set atop a clean white sole unit with distinctive full-length Max Air bubbles, the Air Max 97 is finished subtly with contrasting silver mini Swoosh logo embroidery to the sides and tongue



How To Wear Black Jeans Black Sneakers

The Relaxed Look from the How To Wear Black Jeans guide has us counting down the minutes until the weekend.


How To Wear Black Jeans Relaxed Look

PS before we wrap things up here if you need a quality pair of men’s black jeans will last you a lifetime ever black – check out Nudie Jeans Lean Dean in Ever Black. A pair of jeans that have been crafted with a dye provides a stronger fixation for colour fastness properties and minimises excess dye.

 

Find out how to spot fake Canada Goose with @TheHoxtonTrend

Canada Goose Coat

So you’ve saved up for months with the aim to treat yourself to a Canada Goose gilet. What would be more disappointing than to receive what you’ve worked so hard for to discover it is actually a fake?

There are so many counterfeit Canada Goose jackets all over the web, resulting in people being conned out of hundreds of pounds without realising that the jacket they’ve bought isn’t genuine.

With this in mind, men’s lifestyle and clothing blogger @TheHoxtonTrend has put together a video comparing a fake and real Canada Goose gilet. The real gilet being the red one and the black one being the fake. Details such as the zip, press stud buttons and inside labels can give away that the gilet is fake. During the video, it is pointed out that even the stitching on the label and lack of stitching on the inside of the garment proves that it isn’t genuine.

You can watch the video below:

 

The Hoxton Trend has created a few videos on how to spot fake designer clothing. You can view his channel here.

To avoid buying a fake Canada Goose item, ensure that you purchase from official stockists!

You can shop our range of Canada Goose products right here.

fake stone island

How to Spot Fake Stone Island

The brand famed for their intricate dyeing process are undoubtedly popular and loved by many, including brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher. They’ve amassed a worldwide fan base, with their older fans affectionately nicknaming the brand ‘stoney’. Unfortunately with such a big brand comes the mass intrusion of counterfeits, with more and fake Stone Island pieces becoming available on the marketplace. We recently came across this article from High Snobiety which gives a great insight into how to distinguish the fakes from the genuine. Here Lyle Cross details the most common fakes to watch out for.

Stone Island

“There’s loads of fakes! Mainly spread about on eBay, Facebook marketplaces, Depop, and street markets…that kinda thing. The most commonly faked items are Raso Gommato jackets, Micro Reps jackets, tracksuits (normally those have two badges — which is a dead giveaway), polo tops and tees. There are few ways you can look out for fakes, I tend to find looking at the buttons is the easiest. All the sleeve buttons on Stone Island jackets made after 1986 have a cross in the centre of them, as opposed to four holes which you see on a lot of the older fakes.”

To find out more ways to spot a fake, head over to High Snobiety!

 

 

How To Style Your Summer Jacket

Everyone should invest in a trusty Summer jacket. Perfect for the unpredictable British weather, a lightweight jacket could just be your saviour when a hot summers day turns into a rainy day. Here at Aphrodite we can cater for your needs with our range of lightweight and practical jackets which are certain to keep you stylish this season.

The Mac

The mac is a staple and timeless piece which always serves well whatever the weather. This style from APC features a classic collar and concealed full button fastening with two slanted hip pockets. With its straight cut silhouette and soft lining, the mac is the ultimate jacket for this season. With the option to dress the mac up or down, you can wear it over your suit for a day at the office, or over a shirt and slim fit jeans with a pair of brogues.

APC Beige Mac

 

The Blouson jacket

The Belstaff Racemaster blouson jacket in ash green is another ideal choice for the upcoming months. With a more sporty look, the Racemaster is a lightweight and waterproof jacket which allows extra breath ability through under arm air vents. An all round practical jacket with two front pockets and a full zip fastening. Style this jacket with slim fit jeans and terrace trainers with a simple cotton t-shirt underneath for a smart casual look.

 

Belstaff Racemaster Blouson

 

The Bomber jacket

Sporting a summery light blue colour-way, this lightweight jacket from Norse Projects offers a lightweight construction with a full zip fastening. Boasting both comfort and style, this jacket would look ideal with jean shorts and a simple cotton t-shirt.

Norse Projects Bomber Jacket in Blue

The Suede jacket

A quirky and stylish piece, the retro style suede jacket from Oliver Spencer is the perfect way to keep your cool this summer. Adopting a shirt style silhouette with a full zip fastening to the front, this can be worn with slim fit jeans, brogues and a t-shirt underneath for a retro look.

Oliver Spencer Jacket

Which summer jacket will you be investing in? You can shop our full range of mens jackets.

How to Wear a Denim Shirt

Denim has an eternal appeal that transcends time, age and appearance. It has been adapted over time to suit all styles. Since the 17th century, denim has been converted into just about anything. A writer from the magazine American Fabrics said in 1969 that “denim is one of the world’s oldest fabrics, yet it remains eternally young”. Find the right colour, style and fit and your outfit opportunities will be endless with the denim shirt.

Firstly, the most important thing when investing in a denim shirt is to make sure the fit is spot on. The sizing is very important, too big and baggy will give you a slouchy undesired effect, even if you are looking for an oversized aesthetic it’s best not to go to large.

Here are a few of our favourite denim shirts;

How to Wear With;

Chinos
Possibly the easiest way to style with a denim shirt is with chinos. No matter what colour chino you opt for, it will match perfectly with either a light or dark wash denim shirt. Darker coloured chinos tend to match better with light and opposite for light colours they work better with dark but don’t rule out mixing light with light etc. You can create a minimalist yet statement look by keeping your shirt tucked in and finished off with a pair or brogues or loafers for a great summer outfit.

Jeans
Now jeans are slightly trickier to style. Double denim is one of those trends you either love it or hate it. But styled correctly and you can nail this trend. Go for similar shades to create a unique, unified look, if you aren’t a fan of double denim, there is still a way to get around it. Try colour contrasting your jeans with your shirt, like the chinos styling, if you wear a pair of dark wash jeans then match up with a light blue denim shirt and opposite for lighter coloured jeans. Finish this look off with a pair of converse for a cool casual appearance.

Shorts
Matching shorts with a denim shirt is like a match made in heaven, it will be your go to essential this summer. When pairing with shorts make sure to go for a lightweight denim that won’t leave you sweltering in the summer months. Add some converse and aviators to finish off the look.

Other Ways to Style Your Denim Shirt

For a laid-back look layer your denim shirt over a simple white tee, keeping the shirt buttons undone so it doesn’t look restricted. If you aren’t sure about the different colours keep in toned down with black jeans or chinos. Try adding a denim jacket on top for a real denim layered look but make sure it’s a contrasting colour so that your shirt still stands out underneath.

The leather jacket is a great statement piece and a must have for any man’s wardrobe so paired with a denim shirt just makes sense. The leather compliments the denim harmoniously and makes for a good mix of contrasting textures. Wear your denim shirt open with a white tee jeans and layered with your favorite leather jacket.

When you think of denim you don’t particularly think of it to be number one choice for formal wear, but with all the right pieces you can create some unconventional edgy outfit.  For a more casual approach start with jeans, ditch the oxford shirt and replace with a denim shirt and finish the look off with a tweed blazer, or for those warmer summer days, try opting for a lightweight linen blazer. If you’re going all out formal, then add some smart slim fit trousers, blazer and tie. Make sure you go for a slim fit shirt if you go for this look so it’s thin enough to layer up.

The denim shirts versatility and timeless appeal means it is truly deserving to be an essential to every man’s wardrobe.

How to Style Brogues

History of the Brogue

Brogues are one of the most recognizable styles of shoes, dating way back to the early 1800’s when they were worn for a completely different purpose. Originating in Scotland and Ireland they were traditionally used by farmers they were specifically made for outdoor and country wear. The word ‘Brogue’ was initially used to describe a form of outdoor, country walking shoe which comes from the Gaelic and Scottish word ‘bróg’. They were made from a sturdy leather upper with decretive perforations also known as ‘brogueing’. The perforations were designed to drain water from the shoes when the wearer was walking through boggy and wet terrain. They were certainly not used for any other occasions and were worn by the majority of the working class. So how did the brogue evolve to be a timeless fashion icon? It was only when the young men from Oxford University began wearing the shoes that they became so popular for all occasions. This is why the Brogue became such an iconic style was because it was so versatile suiting both casual and smarter wear.

Brogues

Different Brogues

Brogues can be spotted by the perforated patterns that run all over the leather. The eye-catching detail adds luxury and style to any outfit. Today there are three main styles of Brogues;

  • The Full Brogue is the most iconic style with perforated and serrated edges and seams with patterned toe cap, this is often called the “wingtip”. When viewed from above the toe cap will look as though it has a ‘W’ shape. This style is great for a more informal look perfect with jeans.
  • The Half Brogue/Semi Brogue has the same perforated detailing around the toe cap and seams but has a straight toe cap and not in a W shape and has less detailing overall. Fitting well with workwear.
  • The Quarter Brogue is defined by the straight toe cap with detailing along the caps edge, but not pattern in the middle of the toe cap. As well as the half brogue it is suited with suits and workwear.

Coming in three different main styles there is plenty to choose from and the majority will be leather in either black, dark brown or tan. However there has been a big change in fabrics and an increase of in suede brogues. However there has been a big increase on a new fabric, which is the suede brogue. It takes things into a whole new level, making them a more informal style footwear. Being more casual they come in a range of colours from navy to cream or khaki the list goes on. This makes them the perfect transitional brogue great for Spring/ Summer 2017.

How to Wear Brogues

Buying into a good quality brogue is something you will not regret, if looked after properly they can last you decades. A good brogue will endow poise, reliability and coolness. Mixing jeans with brogues is a great natural pairing and if done correctly can make for a great versatile smart/casual outfit.

  • Skinny/Slim Fit Jeans: For a clean, sophisticated look, team your slim jeans with a pair of classic brogues either style would suit well, mix it up with a brogue boot to make it that little bit edgier. If you want a real casual outfit, add a suede brogue into the mix, a great match with black skinny jeans.
  • Straight Leg Jean: For a casual cool look that’s easy to throw on try a straight cut jean, roll up the bottoms which makes for a nice contrasting hem and pair up with a full tan brogue, this outfit will suit a range of sizes.

Brogues

To keep your outfit classic and cool, wear a black or tan brogue and wear with a slim or straight cut jean, t shirt and add a structured blazer or camel coat for an easy, sophisticated look. Or add a crisp white shirt and jumper for a more casual feel. For a street style look add a skinny jean with a t shirt and bomber jacket and if you want to wear your brogues for work, a semi or quarter brogue is the perfect fit as it’s not so much in your face but still you don’t have to rule out the full brogue if it fits in well with your chosen suit, then why not. Remember to always match up the colour of your belt and brogues so they complement each other.

Here at Aphrodite we have

How To Style The Adidas California T-Shirt

The Adidas California t-shirt is a high demand staple piece, which always proves popular among the masses. The timeless design of the statement three stripes carried over the shoulders and sleeves and trefoil logo to the chest has made this simple t-shirt iconic among the fashion world.

Adidas T-Shirt

Available in two different styles, the California t-shirt is available to buy with either a short or long sleeve construction depending on preference.

The t-shirt holds a casual look, with a slim fit to complement. As well as being iconic and available in a range of colours, the t-shirt is both convenient and versatile, making it easy to style and create different looks.

 

The California t-shirt is suited for wear all year round. In the summer, the t-shirt is your trusted companion for those BBQ’s and sunny days in the beer garden when worn with chino style shorts and a pair of terrace trainers. It boasts laid-back style and comfort, making it ideal for your timeless wardrobe. The t-shirt can then be worn throughout the autumn and winter months, when paired with jeans or joggers and with a hoodie layered over the top.

Here at Aphrodite, we have a wide range of colours and styles of the California t-shirt in stock. From a simple legend ink colour-way with contrasting white stripes and trefoil logo, to a more vibrant red and white colour-way which is certain to turn heads.

Shop our full range of Adidas clothing, including the California t-shirts

Your Guide On What To What To Wear To The Gym

What To Wear To The Gym

If you’re the type of guy who still likes to stay on trend whilst at the gym, check out our guide on how to stay practical and stylish whilst working out.

Joggers or Shorts

Depending on what is more comfortable for you, joggers and shorts are practical to wear at the gym. They are lightweight, comfortable and easy to move in which is exactly what you want when doing cardio or weights. Try a pair of timeless Adidas joggers with the stylish 3 stripe detail, and a slimmer leg design with functional pockets. Otherwise, a pair of grey shorts with a comfortable drawstring waist might be better. Wear with a cotton t-shirt for a casual look suitable for the gym.

 

T Shirt and Hoodie

A lightweight t-shirt paired with joggers or shorts will make an ideal outfit for the gym. Pick a t shirt which carries a logo print to the front from Nike or Adidas for a subtle designer finish. For the transition from home to the gym, a staple hoodie is the perfect choice, especially in the cooler months.

IMG_0208

Trainers

Choose some practical trainers, which are guaranteed to be comfortable and stylish. Whichever trainers you choose, make sure they are comfortable enough to work out in and suitable for the gym. Trainers with a cushioned midsole will provide support during your gym session.

We hope this guide has helped you to find your ideal gym outfit!

 

A Guide On How To Style High Tops

How To Wear Hi Tops

Hi Tops are a timeless silhouette often presented in the collections of Nike, Adidas, Vans and Converse. Often worn to complement a casual outfit, high top trainers come in a range of colours and styles. It’s sometimes difficult to decide what to wear with them, so we’ve created this guide on how to style your high tops to match the mood of your outfit.

1. Casual

The clean silhouette of the casual hi top will stand out with a casual outfit. One way to wear these is with an oversized cotton tee, adorning a chest print, with a pair of slim fit dark jeans to give a laid-back feel. To layer, add a lightweight jacket such as a bomber or windbreaker. You’ll never know when it might come in handy!

nike

2. Skater

To give your outfit a skater vibe, wear this distinctive trainer with a regular fit checked shirt and jeans. For the cooler days you could pair with a classic sweater with a cotton tee underneath, a casual and comfortable ensemble for an off duty look.

vans

Black High Tops

3. Sporty

For a sporty look, wear your high top with co-ordinating joggers just like the adidas black SST cuff pants, available here. Complete the look with a branded short sleeved t shirt and matching hoodie.

4. Classic

Suitable for all seasons, the Converse hi top is an authentic silhouette which can be paired with almost any outfit. For the warmer days, style your converse with some denim shorts and a crew neck tee for a stylish, summer look. Another look is slim fit/skinny jeans with an Oxford shirt or sweater.

How do you like to style your high-top trainers?