Men’s styles continue to change. One the major shifts is the rising popularity along with the acceptance of the different styles of men’s suits.

The European cut is once again moving into the mainstream. This mean a narrower suit lapel, closer fitting jackets and flat front style pants without cuffs.

What does this actually look like?

A great example is the difference between the look of the suits worn by FBI agents and the main character in White Collar series. It appears the younger, slimmer body wears the more European cut suit. The older man with the more robust body wears the fuller cut suit.

Here are some brands to look for to determine a style and shape of a suit for the male body:

Fuller: More traditional shape – Hart Shaffner & Marx
Fuller: Slight European shape cut- Hugo Boss
Slimmer: European shape- Joseph Abboud
Slimmer: European shape- Armani Collezioni

Does this mean if you are an older man, you cannot wear the European style suit? Absolutely not! What is more important is your body type and audience. Once you are aware of this, you will always be in style.

The Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, January 11, 2011, featured Nicolas Cage’s ever-changing hairstyles from his nearly 70 titles. They range from Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) to The Season of the Witch (2011) which is set in the 14th Century (with shoulder length hair appropriate for the times!). His hairstyles set the tone for each character he plays.

What’s fascinating today is the rapid pace of change in hairstyles for all men, not just for actors. In fact, hair has become the trendy image setter for men much as it is for women.

No longer is the traditional hairstyle the only acceptable one for men. The key, though, is for men to make sure the hairstyle remains in synch with his lifestyle, stays age appropriate and accents clothing choices. If a man can pull that off, his hairstyle will be the crowning touch around his sense of style.

It is hard to say no when we think we will disappoint folks if we don’t live up to their expectations. But it is a trust breaker when you don’t deliver what you agree too.

Of course, you can continue to say yes and hope most of the time you will be able to deliver what you promise. However, think about the times you did not deliver. A person’s word is golden.

Here are some words to use to help you say no in an inclusive manner:

• Yes, I can and by (blank date) it will happen.
• Yes, I can but I will have to postpone the other assignment if I do. Which would you prefer?
• Yes, I can and it will take me to (blank date) to complete it. Are you good with that?

You can say no by saying yes cementing the conditions that will ensure you will be able to deliver what you agree to. That way your word will always be golden.

The jacket (blazer) continues its resurgence each year among business casual attire. It still represents authority and professionalism.

Here are some nuances to be aware of when you decide how to choose your jacket and the impact you want to create with it.

Fabric:
• Tightly woven material – authoritative
• Soft knit – casual
• Nubby knit – very casual

Style:
• Notched collars- lapels or one, two or three buttons – authoritative
• Shaw collar – casual except in formal wear
• Usual collar style or collarless – neutral

Color
• Dark color – authoritative
• Light color – casual
• Bright and dramatic colors – tends be have more authoritative

Understanding these messages will help you decide how to control the “first impression” in creating the impact you desire when choosing a jacket to wear.

In today’s fast paced, ever changing business climate, competition is fierce and talent is abundant. So, who you know vs. what you know becomes more important. What do you do to set yourself apart from others?

To become known you must be seen.

This is not easy since most of us only have so many hours a day to focus on networking. And let’s face it, you cannot be out every night meeting folks. Also, trying to keep up is very time-consuming even if you do not have a day job.

To ensure you are networking properly, I suggest the following:

• Join Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Spoke to name a few of the mainstream sites
• Become published by writing articles or being quoted in a trade magazine, company newsletter or any business magazine or newspaper
• Obtain a leadership role in an organization associated with your profession

Being active in these three areas will ensure you will be seen. Remember this will take patience. In fact, becoming fully networked can take up to one year. Then you will be noted as a valued resource who everyone wants to know.

A must see movie is The King’s Speech. The main theme centers around a speech coach and therapist who works with a King (King George IV of Great Britain) to help him overcome his stammer.

What I find most motivating and inspiring about the film is the coach’s passion and drive to do what is right for the king while at the same time maintaining what he believes is the right path to success.

Being committed to do what is right in professional relationships while staying within the guidelines of not pushing too hard or too quickly is a delicate balance.

However, I believe when you are committed to do what is best, most of the time you will be successful although the result may not always be perfect. The story of the King’s Speech proves this can, indeed, be the case.

This was the topic of an article that appeared in Sunday’s New York Times Office Corner interview of Catherine Winder, President and Executive Producer of Rainmaker Entertainment, an animated production studio.

Winder was asked to comment about the critical elements of communicating as a leader. One essential is being able to succinctly sell an idea.

Here are some tips on how to successfully pitch a concept:

• Begin with the end in mind
• Focus on the big picture
• Say it in 30 to 60 seconds
• Present the concept first
• End with a deliverable
• Use the broad brush approach

Using the above as a guideline, you will be communicating as a true leader.

Speaking to a group or making a formal presentation calls for high performance dialog. To guarantee a home run each time, these are the critical things to remember and implement.

• Know your audience
• Have an opening that lets the audience know what to expect
• Always tell the audience what is in it for them
• Practice your talking points
• Be prepared to answer any question, especially one that may be the elephant in the room
• Always close the dialog with a call to action
• Make sure your word choices resonate with the audience

Following these elements will ensure your presentations will always produce a high performance dialog.

All of us have experienced situations when those we trusted have disappointed us not once but several times. The most difficult thing to do is let the individual know how you feel without it sounding like you are just venting. You want to have a crucial conversation that is inclusive and if possible, produces some resolution.

Here are some tips to ensure your conversation is productive:

• Have the conversation only when both parties are calm
• Never bring up the past situations, only present ones
• Practice the points you want to cover in front of mirror
• Never interrupt
• Realize that sometimes it comes down to both of you agreeing to disagree

Keeping these points in mind when you have a conversation will help your dialog go beyond the realm of rant and into an inclusive crucial conversation.

A recent New York Times article indicates color is in again. Black and other dark shades like blackberry, charcoal, and chocolate brown are slowly giving way to color.

Pantone’s color of the year choice is honeysuckle, the rosy-meets-magenta hue. Visit http://www.pantone.com to see the actual color. It is vibrant and an attention getter.

This rosy magenta is a very strong color so use it wisely:
• For men: Wear it in a tie or shirt – never in a jacket or pair of slacks
• For women: Wear in a blouse, sweater or piece of jewelry.

Never use it in a full outfit unless you are wearing a formal gown or intimate wear. The color will look best around your face if you have dark hair and a light complexion.

So to ensure you are stylish and elegant – put a bit of Honeysuckle in your wardrobe for 2011.