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"Short Memo" is a forum for Consuelo C. Bova to share her knowledge about Men's Clothing. As founder and C.E.O. of ForTheFit.com (the nation's foremost short men's apparel retailer), she has learned a thing or two about Men's fashion- particularly as it relates to dressing shorter men. Her philosophy? "Men's fashion has less to do with the season's hottest trends or a man's natural good looks," she states "the secret is that any man, whatever his size or shape, can look amazing if he knows how to select the Right Style and the Right Fit for him." This blog will include style advice, tips, tricks and trends for making shorter men dress their very best.
Showing posts with label Celebrity Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celebrity Style. Show all posts

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Get That Look : Celeb Style for Shorter Men- Bob Dylan

Contrary to popular belief, all male celebs are not tall. There are quite a few shorter male celebs. Why don’t we notice how short they are? Style and confidence- these men have it and they dress to make the most of their best features, and visually add inches to their frames. How to accomplish this short men celebrity style? At a price you can afford? Here’s my suggestion…

This week’s candidate: Bob Dylan

Height: 5' 7″ (per celebheights.com)

Why: His vintage rocker looks are timeless and look as good today as they ever did! Fitted clothing in solid black tones worn during the 60’s and 70’s still look great on men today.

For example, here is Bob Dylan performing on stage in July 1978 and here in January 1965 while recording his album “Bring It All Back Home.”

The key to these looks? The dark, monochromatic silhouette makes the most of his slim, shorter frame by creating one long line, visually adding inches. More importantly, notice his the length of his sleeves, the slim fit of the trousers, and the close fit of the jackets- This man’s clothes FIT. Oversized items or too-long sleeves, jacket and pant lengths just make a person look shorter than their actual height. Dylan’s sharp clothing balances out his seemingly untamable hair to create a memorable rock star style. Note that the sunglasses he wore everywhere make him look relaxed in any situation.

Get the Look: In your Size and on your Budget...

Look for clothing, particularly dress shirts and trousers, labeled “trim fit” or “tailored fit.”

1) The Pants: ForTheFit.com offers black trousers for a Bob Dylan style in short rise, slim, flat front styles in various price points (Ben Sherman,$84 ; Ballin, $145). For more casual events, consider Skinny Jeans, like the Decker from Silver Jeans (available exclusively at ForTheFit.com in inseams from 27", $89)

2) The Shirt: Keep an eye on the fit through the torso. One option is to buy off the rack and have the shirt taken in at the waist, and sleeves shortened by a tailor as needed. Another option is to buy a slim-fitting or proportioned dress shirt. For Dylan’s look, try a trim black shirt in black or charcoal (Ben Sherman dress shirt in Black or Charcoal, $69). With a black suit. leather jacket and vest, wear a white shirt (Classix shirts are just $30, and BONUS: sleeves start from 30" and fit is proportioned for 5'9"& Under- no need to see the tailor). Dylan keeps his clothing neutral (wearing black all over is more Johnny Cash than Bob Dylan).
3) A Structured Jacket: In all three photos Dylan wears a jacket that fits him to a tee but each as has a different style: leather, tweed, and suit. A slim, fitted suit from Ben Sherman or Calvin Klein will give you the clean look you need at the office or a special night out (from $388).
4) Sunglasses: Instant cool. The RayBan Wayfarers ($139) Dylan wore indoors still look great today.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Celeb Style Report: Oscars 2009, a Short Walk Down the Red Carpet

Look no further than the nearest Red Carpet for exemplary Short Men's Fashion "Dos" (and some serious "Don'ts," too). It is especially important for shorter men in the entertainment industry to look sharp and confident at these events and make the most of their height. Some tips for looking smart (and walking tall) at your next evening event, garnered from observing some of our favorite, shorter male celebs:

1) Anthony Hopkins (5'8")

The Clothes: a two button, properly fitted tux (see it HERE)

The Lesson: DO choose a suit or a tux with lapels that start lower, since the longer V-shape can lengthen the look of the torso. A four button suit adds too much unflattering bulk to a shorter frame


2) Emile Hirsch (5'5.5")

The Clothes: Long, slouchy pants worn on the red carpet make him look shorter (see it HERE)

The Lesson: DON'T wear pants that are too long. Uncuffed suit pants should be just long enough to create just a small break in the front crease. If there is no break, your pants are too short. Multiple or deep breaks mean your pants are too long. Also, the hem should slope toward the back. ForTheFit.com offers advice and actual photos of great fit, click here. Get your trousers hemmed by a professional, or buy pre-hemmed trousers in your exact inseam (no additional tailoring time or charge) and even in short-rise styles, at shorter men's specialist, ForTheFit.com


3) Sean Penn (5'8")

The Clothes: Sean Penn wore all black on Oscar night, with a slim patterned tie for added style and visual interest (see it HERE).

The Lessons:

DO try a monochromatic look at your next formal event. Wearing the same color head-to-toe helps visually lengthen the body to make you look taller. Plus, an all-black suit, shirt and tie ensemble projects a high-fashion and high-powered image.

DO keep the width of your tie thin and the knot small. Looking taller can be accomplished by creating vertical lines wherever you can. A thinner tie guides the eye down the line of your body and a small knot will keep the tie from looking too angular. Also, be sure the length of your tie is right for your body; it should never fall below your belly button.


Black shirts with a trim fit and skinny ties available at FortheFit.com.



* All heights are provided based on estimates available at CelebHeights.com. They are offered for entertainment purposes only and we cannot verify their accuracy.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Did you know that June is the shortest month of the year?


It's official! June is the shortest month of the year!

National Short Men of Style Month

For those who don't know, ForTheFit.com sponsor's National Short Men of Style Month each year in June. It is a month when we celebrate shorter men everywhere of "style & substance." In the past, we've celebrated with a month of savings at our annual sale event. This year, we're super excited about adding new events and fun activities. For example, we'll be publishing a list of the most stylish male celebs under 5'9". This year, to celebrate "National Short Men of Style Month," ForTheFit.com is sponsoring a contest to find America's most stylish shorter man. We'll also be searching the country for the most stylish and generally all around -good guys under 5'9", for a chance to win a new wardrobe (Grand Prize) or a new suit ensemble (runner-up) from ForTheFit.com. Are you the man this year? For more info or to toss you name in the hat for consideration, visit www.ShortMenofStyle.com.

I know June is a few months away yet, but we're gearing up for the shortest month and want to make sure you are ready to enjoy it, too!

Best of Luck,

C. Bova, CEO ForTheFit.com

The Premier U.S. Short Men’s Apparel Retailer

Monday, March 3, 2008

Get That Look : Celeb Style for Shorter Men

Contrary to popular belief, all male celebs are not tall. There are quite a few shorter male celebs. Why don't we notice how short they are? Camera magic, for one. But the other reason is style- whether by natural talent or talented stylist, these guys dress to make the most of their best features, and visually add inches to their frames. How to accomplish this short men celebrity style? At a price you can afford, no less?? Here's my suggestion...

This week's candidate: Seth Green

Height: 5' 3.5" (per celebheights.com)

Why?: He has size and proportion down to an art, and is "Master of the Monochrome"

Green knows how to work events and the red carpet by making use of proper proportion and monochromatic colors. Check him out at the Emmy Awards this year. black tux jacket and skinny trousers, black suit and skinny black tie. At the Nov. '07 premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures "Fred Claus," Green rocks the red carpet in a pair of skinny, charcoal trousers and tailored black dress shirt.

The key to these looks? The dark, monochromatic silhouette makes the most of his slim, shorter frame by creating one long line, visually adding inches. More importantly, notice his sleeves, hem length on the trousers, the slim fit of the trousers, tux jacket, and the black dress shirt- This man's clothes FIT. Oversized items or too-long sleeves, jacket and pant lengths just make a person look shorter than their actual height.

Get the Look: In your Size and on your Budget

Look for clothing, particularly dress shirts and trousers, labeled "trim fit" or "tailored fit."

1) The Pants: BananaRepublic.com offers a good selection of items in slim fits, including flat front, slim fitting charcoal trousers ($129) in a regular rise, inseam 30"+ (online only). ForTheFit.com offers charcoal trousers for the Seth Green style in short rise, slim, flat front styles in various price points (Ben Sherman,$99 ; Berle, $75) - inseams from 26" to 30"+.

2) The Shirt: Keep an eye on the fit through the torso (a modern dress shirt should be worn close to the body- forget the blousiness so popular a decade ago. One option is to buy off the rack and have the shirt taken in at the waist, and sleeves shortened by a tailor as needed. Another option is to buy a slim-fitting or proportioned dress shirt. For the Green look, try a Ben Sherman Tailored Collection dress shirt in Black or Charcoal ($69-$89) . Or, try a Classix dress shirt, $30, in Silver Gray (BONUS: sleeves are available starting at 30"- no need to tailor).

3) The Tux Jacket & Tie: For a trendy, slim fitting, tux jacket- try the Ben Sherman Velvet Tux Blazer, sale $179. For a more casual jacket, the Ben Sherman Hammerite Heavy Metal Blazer, $179 (try pairing with jeans). The Tie? Easy- Stephen J. Sotnick is the celeb favorite for the skinny black tie (from $18), and it is a few inches shorter than industry average (perfect for the shorter guy!).

Good luck and happy shopping,

Consuelo Bova,
C.E.O. of ForTheFit.com,
"The Nation's Premier Short Men's Clothing Retailer"