20 BEST BOOTS FOR MEN

Nothing says ‘get it done’ like a good, solid boot. As the lines continue to blur between the functional and the fashion-y, stylish men this season need to pick up a pair of killer boots from the crème de la crème of luxury.

No longer reserved for outdoor adventurers, farmers or jackaroos the boot’s sporty antics and hard yakka history have softened a lot, letting it walk on in as a wardrobe staple for men. So, let’s take a look at the ins-and-outs of the classic footwear.

Breaking It Down

There is no such thing as a standard boot. A part from the generic types – be it, the Chelsea or the Chukka, there exists today a plethora of hybrid models – the hiker boot with a Derby sole or the biker with a cowboy decorative inlay.

Then, there are the varying finishes, textures and details across each model, as well as a difference in colour and fabric. Exhausted? Don’t be. Read on to unlock the key styles for this year (and how to work them), before clicking through the slideshow for the 20 best boots for men in 2015.

Boot Types

Chukka Boot

The chukka is named after a period of play in polo – the ‘chukker’. Hailing from the aristocratic sport, the chukka boot – in contemporary times – rides seamlessly as a smooth choice with smart casual attire and suits, depending on the sole.

Traditionally made in suede or calfskin, the chukka remains that way today and is appreciated for its short shaft, which also makes the boot an easy choice to be worn with tailored shorts.

How To Wear It

The chukka wears well with this season’s double denim trend, opting for raw denim jeans, a chambray shirt and a black denim jacket for an American workwear look. Otherwise, white chinos and a polo shirt give back something more quintessentially preppy. This boot is a wardrobe staple for 2015.

Chelsea Boot

We have the Beatles and London’s Fifties rock/pop culture for the Chelsea’s resurgence into men’s fashion all those years ago. Named after the borough located in the south west of the English capital, the Chelsea boot’s sleek, laceless designer makes a functional beauty to the stylish time-poor.

The Chelsea is recognisable for its elastic side panels for ease of slipping on and taking off, and in contrast colours agains the leather, the panels make for an instant style statement..

The boot also comes in different heel heights – from chunky and durable, to slim and formal, meaning the Chelsea works just as well with selvedge jeans and workshop coat, as they do with tailoring.

How To Wear It

The Chelsea takes it lack of laces, and absence of eyelets and metallic hardware, in its stride. Made in polished leather, pair the Chelsea with a super wool suit, shirt and tie – perfectly office or wedding ready. The rider-inspired Chelsea looks best in suede and look to brown for a change away from black.

Biker Boot

The vintage Hollywood trend continues to rev-up the blood. Drawing inspiration from the original bad boys – Brando and McQueen, the biker aesthetic rides ever so well in to 2015. I’m not talking about gang member tats and handlebar mo’s; more the chic leather and sleek black – all part of being a modern biker sans bike.

Always in leather, and in black or dark brown, the biker boat is distinguished by a side, asymmetrical zip or a leather strap with metal buckle detail – the latter being a slip variety, rather than zipped.

How To Wear It

Unlike other types, the motorcycle boot looks best kept to the tune of the biker. That means, black jeans and perfecto jacket, or washed grey denim with biker leg details paired with a plain tee. Don’t roll the cuff on pants with the biker, as you would a Chukka or hiking boot, it sabotages the care-free attitude needed to pull this look off.

Hiker boot

The hiker boot has been modernised this season – for a look that is a little more adventurous but without the harsh practicalities needed to climb a mountain. Made from leather with the occasional synthetic panels for a sports edge, the eyelets and laces of this boot are super sturdy and extremely practical.

The hiker boot is crafted with a mid-rise shaft and leather outer sole with a grippy heal for traction. Other hiker boot styles a have a flat sole, made from crepe, leather or rubber, and often come in a contrast sole colour such as white or black. This type of boot also features coloured laces. It’s the most casual of all the boots, and should be kept far, far way from a suit.

How To Wear It

Paired with chinos or slim fit denim, the hiker boot works well under wax-coated jacket or duffel coat, making hard work of a smart casual look. Looser jogger pants and a satiny, bomber jacket accentuate the active vibe of the shoe, treating it more like a sneaker than a boot.

Dress Boot

The dress boot is the most formal variety. And, like its shoe counterpart, it comes in two styles: the Derby or Oxford. The Derby has eyelets that stitched on top of the shoe vamp, creating an open front, appearing more casual (almost militant looking) compared to the Oxford variety.

How To Wear it

And the dress boot is the most versatile of the group; pairing luxuriously with a suit for work, cotton trousers, shirt and blazer a down played tailoring fit, or denim and a tee for an off-duty model vibe.

25 BEST SHORTS FOR MEN

Get shorty. It’s never been so relevant to own a pair of shorts.

Tom Ford famously said that a man should never wear them. But, as men’s wear continues to contradict itself (think the return of old, bespoke tailoring and the rise in sports-inspired casual wear), we are equally seeing a return of the casual fashion bottoms made notorious by Nineties dads and mullet-rife trailer parks.

Click through the slideshow for the best 25 shorts for men in 2015.

A Short History

The short has had a love-hate relationship with men. The modern short silhouette came along in the mid-century, when the British military were looking for a way for soldiers to keep cool in warm places like Bermuda. It freed men from hot trousers in the summer months, providing less restrictive, more comfortable bottoms.

Hollywood style icons Paul Newman and Robert Redford picked them up in the Sixties and common men soon followed, before the Seventies saw shorts peak on the tennis court with John McEnroe. The aerobics-era of the Eighties saw shorts climax before the ‘normcore’ Nineties created shapeless denim and three-quarter length cargos, letting the dad dressers relish in the fact they never had to wear trousers again.

Ten years later, designers are reworking short silhouettes and prints into styles much like the ones seen decades ago. It’s a lot easier for men to buy stylish shorts these days, so click through the slideshow of the 25 best shorts for men, to get things started.

Breaking It Down

Despite their simple nature, shorts can still go very wrong. No longer one-type-suits-all, shorts come in a slew of styles, in differing lengths and various fabrics, making them occasion-appropriate for certain functions where a little relaxation is in order. From beach holidays to weekend getaways, summer garden parties to lounging around the home, the short needs just as much attention and planning as one would give their suit. Taking out the difficulties, we’ve compiled a complete guide on shorts.

When To Wear Them

Shorts are a casual piece of menswear – no arguments. You wear them because of the heat in summer, for comfort and as break from the restraints of trousers. Plus, they are offer a playful look to an otherwise ‘standard’ outfit. The big rule regarding shorts: they must not be worn in a corporate setting or in a formal environment (think weddings, funerals, formals and black tie).

The Big Five Types

Generally speaking, there are five types of shorts to take note of in 2015: dressy, casual, denim, swim and sportsluxe.

Dressy

A slight oxymoron, dressy shorts are practically cut-off trousers or chinos. The structured fit and finish of the pant remains, with standard pocket detailing, belt loops and a zip fly. Like trousers, the dress shorts will come in plain, neutral or pastel designs, which can be paired with almost everything tailored in your wardrobe.

In keeping with the formal vibe, opt for a button shirt in crisp, white and add a pair of summer loafers or brogues – always sockless. Tuck the shirt in for a more formal look and add a belt to blend in with the leather from the shoes. Feeling super suave? Add a blazer in a lighter hue so that it feels summery.

Casual

The casual short will differ in look and/or structure from the dressier variety. The structure of the casual short is softer and can be buttoned up, zipped or tied with drawstring. A key component is the print. This season is seeing a trend graphic patterns in geometric shapes, camo and wallpaper florals, so take your pick.

Because these are very much statement shorts, match the bottoms with a muted white shirt – cut-off at the sleeves or a polo shirt or tee. Keep the shirt untucked in a shorter length or tuck it in (no belt) so the pattern below remains the features.

Denim 

The denim short sees a return to denim’s industrial American roots. With a focus on indigo, the jean short for 2015 is a great off-duty look. It represents an organic, earthy approach to casual bottoms, matched with the easy-go versatility of what regular jeans bring to a contemporary street wear look.

Some denim varieties are literally cropped jeans, still featuring the workwear functionalities of five-pocket details, brass zips and buttons. Then there are the new generation of indigo-hued shorts, using minimal details in washes that feel Japanese-inspired. Both are made to be relaxed, so don’t over think your outfit.

Swim Shorts

The most playful of the shorts styles, swimwear comes in floral and animated animal prints this season, as well as hyper, block-colours. Not meant to be taken too seriously, these shorts are snap-button closed for a tight, retro vibe or cord-pulled for looser varieties, which provide a bit of roomier bunching.

Never wear them wet when away from the beach and pair swim shorts with flip-flops (thongs) and a tee or tank. Or nothing at all, making sure you stick close to water to avoid looking like a show-off.

Sportsluxe

With the athleisure trend continuing its furore, the intermixing between sports and luxury fashion has not escaped the short. The silhouette of these shorts are evidently roomier, less structured and sometimes unhemmed and drop-crotch. The muted colour of the sports short gives it a parred down feel, not designed to draw attention, but more aligned with comfort and minimalism.

Going for a pair of gym-look, lounge-y shorts under a tee and sneakers is a great wind-down look for the weekend and post-workout, with the active-fashion hybrids designed for an effortless transition from sweating to street.

Rules of Length

As a general rule, shorts should be short enough so the knees are visible, but long enough that you’re not flashing a horrid tan line from last summer. Shorts that do come up to mid-thigh should be limited to athletic body types, confident of having the pins to pull them off. This excludes swim shorts and retro-inspired casual pairs, which need a little shorter length to give-off those Seventies-vintage vibes. Final rule: never go past the knee (ever).

Baggier silhouettes should be kept to certain versions of swim shorts and sportsluxe types, which get their urban, lounge-y attitude from appearing a touch oversized. Dressier shorts, like the Bermuda, are a classic style that need a close fit the leg and crotch (the seat) and follow tapered down toward the knee.

Fabric: In Short

Cotton is the most common short fabric. It’s lightweight, breathable and comfortable – all things expected of summer clothing. Common cotton types this season are seersucker (a light cotton weave with a dimpled surface); twill (a durable, denser cotton); and linen (wrinkly and breathable).

Other key fabrics for shorts in 2015 are denim and chambray for casual shorts, and neoprene, jersey and polyester for sportsluxe types.

10 BEST WATCHES UNDER $500

At a time when high-tech smartwatches and fitness gadgets are becoming all the rage for your wrists, we will always have a soft spot for the classics (especially when it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to get them). It’s not every day you find sapphire crystal for under $500, but we’ve done it. These are ten of the best looking, and totally affordable, watches of 2014 – all of which I’d be happy to call my own. For best results, wear these watches with a nice suit or smart-casual attire, not to the gym. Note: More online watch shops options can be found at the bottom of this affordable watch feature.

If these don’t suit, more cool & affordable watches can be found at these online shops:
SHOP ASOS WATCHES / SHOP MR PORTER WATCHES / SHOP FARFETCH WATCHES

Best Watch Under $500 #1 – Tissot Tradition Rose Gold PVD Men’s Quartz Classic Chronograph Watch

The Tradition Rose Gold PVD Men’s Quartz Classic Chronograph Watch promises to blend ‘ultramodern watchmaking’ with a ‘hint of nostalgia.’ The nostalgia piece comes in the form of guilloche decoration, vintage finishes, and classical aesthetic details. The high tech half takes the form of a Quartz ETA G10.211 movement, a stainless steel case with PVD coating, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.  (Price: $495.00 BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #2 – Seiko Men’s Stainless Steel Green Dial Chronograph

Seiko’s Men’s Stainless Steel Chronograph oozes class. The large, open dial comes in a distinguished green shade that will make you want to go hunting or racing immediately. Contrasting features in gold and white provide functionality in the form of glowing hands and hour markers, date display, and an unusual-for-an-analogue alarm. The final piece of the smart-casual puzzle is a brown crocodile-patterned leather strap.  (Price: £148.75 BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #3 – Breytenbach BB7760

Here is German efficiency at its finest, coolest, and cheapest. As automatic watches became increasingly expensive, Breytenbach became determined to build an automatic watch that offered both unique design and sufficient functionality for an affordable price. The BB7760 has it all, from a Ronda 5020B Swiss Quartz movement, to a stainless steel case and bezel, to a leather crocodile strap, to an eye-catching black and white face, to a surprisingly low price tag.  (Price: €299.00 BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #4 – Magrette Regattare Chronograph

Magrette was founded on four words: Mysterious, Alluring, Old-World, Strong. Together, they’re the driving force behind a watch brand that champions bold but timeless designs. The Regattare Chronograph achieves the eternally cool look with a chocolate brown leather strap, Superluminova C3 details, a double domed sapphire crystal, a stainless steel case, and a Seagull TY-2901 (ST1901) hand-wind chronograph (based on the vintage Venus 175).  (Price: $498.00 BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #5 – Bulova Men’s 98B103 Marine Star Calendar Watch

Bulova introduced its first line of wristwatches in 1919 and maintains its tradition of excellence in technology and design today. With the 98B103 Marine Star Calendar Watch, the New York-based watchmaker brings the drama without bringing on bankruptcy. Bulova’s affordable watch combines a Japanese-quartz movement with a mineral crystal, a square stainless steel case, a black dial with a grid design, and a tough-looking black leather strap with distinctive perforations.  (Price: $225.06 BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #6 – Lacoste Black Leather Strap Watch

Normally decorating your wrist in crocodile means donning a reptilian watch strap, but this time it means sporting Lacoste’s famous crocodile emblem on your watch’s face. If you ever doubted that Lacoste has anything going for it other than polo shirts, doubt no more. The Lacoste Black Leather Strap Watch is simple, sleek, and stylish, and will hardly put a dent in your bank account.  (Price: $188.55BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #7 – Citizen CA0331-56L Men’s Stainless Steel Mesh Strap Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy – meaning it never needs a battery, and it’s hands down one of the coolest features you’ll see for under $500. The CA0331-56L Men’s Stainless Steel Mesh Strap Watch from Citizen gives the Eco-Drive movement a handsome, effortlessly sharp exterior with classic styling and a slightly sporty edge. (Price: £229.00 BUY)

Best Watch Under $500 #8 – TRIWA Havana Nevil Brown

Swedish watch and sunglasses company TRIWA takes its name from an acronym: TRansforming the Industry of WAtches. The company is out to bring attitude, individuality, and creativity to the traditional world of watches and accessories. The Havana Nevil Brown injects a little more sophistication into that ethos – via a genuine leather strap, a stainless steel sun ray dial, and brown chronograph sub dials – though the orange contrast second hand makes it clear that the brand’s playfulness is still fully intact.  (Price: $329.00 BUY) SHOP MORE TRIWA

Best Watch Under $500 #9 – Sekonda Chronograph Watch

British watch brand Sekonda has produced innovative designs since its launch in 1966. The Sekonda line-up is built on a foundation of high-quality movements and materials, then amped up with playful pops of colour and bold sports watches with oversized dials. The Sekonda Chronograph Watch is all of that rolled into one, at the surprisingly cheap prices ASOS does best. (Price: $114.25 BUY) –SHOP SEKONDA

Best Watch Under $500 #10 – Daniel Wellington Classic York

Daniel Wellington is clear in its mission: provide watches for the preppy market. In keeping with DW tradition, the Classic York is thin and elegant with a clean, nearly-featureless face – designed to complement the bright patterns and colours of a Nato strap. The Quartz Japan citizen 1L22 movement-driven Classic York comes with a dark brown crocodile strap as a chic counterpart to its rose gold body, rather than one of the brand’s famous Nato straps, but it’s interchangeable if you’d prefer to stick with tradition.  (Price: $229.00 BUY) – SHOP DANIEL WELLINGTON

10 BEST SUITS FOR UNDER $1,000

Clothes maketh the man. And clothes can also maketh the man’s wallet very, very empty. We all need to suit up sometimes, but does that have to mean dropping thousands? We’ve found 10 suits that prove that dressing for cheap doesn’t have to mean looking cheap. All of these can be had for under $1,000, but you’ll still look like a million bucks.

Best Suit #1 – Suitsupply Soho Grey Plain

We’ve seen a lot of suits in our day, but we’re still surprised that something that looks this good could be so affordable. The double-breasted Soho Grey Plain suit from Suitsupply features jetted pockets, peak lapels, a natural shoulder, and pure wool fabric provided by the Ormezzano mill in Italy. This suit is a stunner. Making an entrance just got a whole lot easier – and a whole lot more economical.  (Price: $569.00 BUY)

Best Suit #2 – M.J. Bale Inverell Navy Suit

M.J. Bale’s dashing Inverell Navy suit is constructed from some of the finest material on the planet: Super 110’s Superfine Australian Merino wool. The floating half-canvas construction, notched lapels, and sharkskin weave fabric will leave an impression on the boardroom and all kinds of formal occasions, but almost no impression on your bank account. As part of the entry-level M.J. Bale Classics line, the Inverell jacket offers superior construction and quality at an impressively low price point.   (Price: $599.00 BUY)

Best Suit #3 – J.Crew Ludlow Suit In Houndstooth Italian Wool

The Ludlow suit is a classic from J.Crew. This version of the Ludlow comes in fine houndstooth Italian wool that originates from a family-owned mill that’s been in business since the 13th century. The jacket cuts a trim silhouette, as do the trousers, which are slim through the hip and thigh, with a narrow leg and a slightly shorter cut to ensure a clean break at the shoe. (Price: $662.90 BUY)

Best Suit #4 – Topman Charcoal Grey Checked Suit

Topman is a go-to choice for affordable suits. They might not last as long as some of the other suits on this list, but they’re a perfect pick if you’re looking for something inexpensive and on-trend. Consider it the perfect opportunity to try something that might otherwise be out of your comfort zone, like the Charcoal Grey Checked Suit. The skinny trousers and fitted jacket give it a modern silhouette, and the adventurous large red and grey check pattern is anything but introverted.  (Price: £220.00 BUY)

Best Suit #5 – BOSS ‘Keys/Shaft’ Italian Virgin Wool Suit

There’s no going wrong with the Boss. The ‘Keys/Shaft’ suit from BOSS is a regular fit suit crafted in Italy’s famed Reda mill from ultra fine super 110 Italian virgin wool. Of course, it’s not just the luxuriously soft fabric that makes it special. It also gets a hearty helping of style from details like a contrast colour undercollar, notched lapels, and chest pocket lining that can be turned up to become an attached beige and brown printed pocket square.  (Price: $795.00 BUY)

Best Suit #6 – Herringbone Dark Grey Super 120S Kyoto Suit

Herringbone got its start as a boutique line of shirts for men and women in 1997. Now the iconic home-grown brand offers a fully-fledged ready-to-wear collection complete with shirts, tailored suiting, knitwear, and a range of accessories including silk ties, cufflinks and bags. Herringbone’s beautifully tailored and hand-finished Dark Grey Super 120S Kyoto Suit features half canvas construction, flap pockets, peak lapels, and working sleeve cuffs.  (Price: $995.00 BUY)

Best Suit #7 – Suitsupply Plain Grey Washington SuitThis is a Harvey Spectre special. Cut from Super 110’s pure wool woven by Vitale Barberis Canonico, the grey fabric provides this Washington tailored suit with a classic touch. The fit features contemporary details such as a peak lapel, ticket pocket and flat front trousers with a higher rise. (Price: $469.00 BUY)

Best Suit #8 – PS By Paul Smith Slim-Fit Linen Suit 

Jackpot: a suit that looks high-fashion and comes at an affordable price. You will not be mistaken for a wallflower in the Slim-Fit Linen Suit from PS by Paul Smith. And it’s not just that incredible blue that makes it stand out. There’s also Paul Smith’s unbeatable tailoring expertise, which makes for a trim, slightly structured, partially lined blazer with two front pockets and a double back vent. Tone it down with a simple white shirt/black tie combo or stick with the daring look and mix in more colour.  (Price: $755.00 BUY)

Best Suit #9 – Reiss Napoli Three Piece Geo Print Suit

Reiss’ Napoli Three Piece Geo Print Suit takes a classic look to the next level. The traditional three piece suit gets an upgrade with a unique grey fabric with an all-over geometric print, crafted from a wool blend. The rest of the details are restrained to balance out the bolder material, including peak lapels and a double back vent on the jacket, a contrast back panel and back buckle fastening on the waistcoat, and creases running down the trouser legs.  (Price: $555.00 BUY)

Best Suit #10 – Jigsaw Slim Cotton Micro Dot Suit

Jigsaw is a British company that has been involved in the design, manufacturing and retailing of clothes and accessories since 1972. The brand’s quintessentially British aesthetic is inspired by country living, irreverence, and humour – all offered at an affordable price. The Slim Cotton Micro Dot Jacket in constructed from a distinctive fabric with narrow notch lapels, a two-button front closure, flap pockets, and an interior welt pocket.  (Price: £350.00 – incl. Trousers BUY)

10 BEST DRESS SHOES FOR MEN

Sometimes you just want a shoe that will get you from Point A to Point B. Other times you want a shoe that will get you from Point A to Point B with a parade of admiring men-who-want-to-be-you and women-who-want-to-be-with-you in tow. These shoes – our picks for the 10 best men’s dress shoes of the Spring/Summer 2014 season – fall into the latter category.

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #1 – Church’s Suede Oxford Brogues

Back in 1881, Church’s became the first shoemaker ever to produce differently shaped left and right shoes, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing when it comes to dressing your feet. The Suede Oxford Brogues are a timeless staple that add style while still looking completely effortless (and, as an added bonus, they break up all that black in your wardrobe).  (Price: $545.00 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #2 – Valentino Garavani Rockstud Oxford

A lace-up may be a traditional shoe, but that doesn’t mean experimentation is out of the question. The Rockstud Oxford from Valentino Garavani is a great example of tradition-meets-rebellion. It’s a classic, round toe, stacked heel shoe in chestnut patent leather, but the stud details around the toe, heel, and laces give it just the right amount of rock’n’roll edge.  (Price: $833.11 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #3 – Grenson Stanley Brogue

We all know Grenson can make boots like nobody’s business, but the brand’s footwear expertise doesn’t stop there. The Stanley is Grenson’s famous brogue, part of the Rushden collection, made from premium waxed leather uppers with traditional punched brogue detailing. It’s impossible to go wrong with a look like this.  (Price: £199.00 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #4 – Giorgio Armani Perforated Lace-Up Shoe

This is how casual dress shoes should be done. Armani gives the classic Derby shoe a modern makeover with all-over micro-perforation throughout the smoky brushed calfskin upper of the Perforated Lace-Up Shoe. And the cool train doesn’t stop there. There’s also a contrasting interior and a unique rubber sole that add to the shoe’s contemporary look.  (Price: $861.93 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #5 – Mr. Hare Leather Double Monk-Strap Shoes

Marc Hare launched his men’s shoe brand in 2009, specializing in handmade footwear with rakish designs manufactured in limited quantities for discerning customers. Case in point: the Leather Double Monk Strap Shoes, which feature the company’s sleek, elongated shape and characteristic elegance. The blend of the classic monk strap look with the more daring blue colour works wonders.  (Price: $700.00 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #6 – Common Projects Derby Shine

Common Projects aspires to provide minimalist designs, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship in an industry that’s often lacking those three elements. This take on the classic Derby is a stripped-back version made from polished luxury Italian leather that sits atop a wedge rubber sole with Stormwelt construction. Look for the brand’s iconic gold ID number at the heel.  (Price: £335.00 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #7 – Alden Cap Toe Blucher

Made exclusively for End, the Alden Cap Toe Blucher is a classic open-laced shoe with a stitched toe that’s perfect for blending the casual and the formal for everyday wear. Alden constructed this limited offering from burgundy Shell Cordovan leather, sourced from the Horween tannery in Illinois, and a Goodyear welted double oak leather sole. (Price: £629.00 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #8 – Givenchy Patent Leather Lace-Up Brogues

Givenchy’s Patent Leather Lace-Up Brogues aren’t complicated, but they don’t need to be. Simplicity reigns supreme in this case. The pointed toe and hyper glossy black patent leather are more than enough to set these shoes apart in any well-dressed crowd. Other details include a stacked rubber heel and cushioned leather insole.  (Price: $756.88 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #9 – Paul Smith Knight Brogue

Sir Paul Smith brings his individual and quintessentially British style to footwear with the Paul Smith Knight Brogue. The smooth navy blue leather uppers are decorated with elaborate punched wingtip detailing and tonal lacing. A vintage heel tab with Paul Smith’s famous stripes and a white leather trim around the sole finish off the look.  (Price: $448.59 BUY)

Best Men’s Dress Shoes #10 – John Lobb City II Leather Oxford Shoes

The City II Leather Oxford Shoe from John Lobb is a modern classic with a double-stitched toe cap seam and mottled brown leather. Looking at that smooth, simple exterior, you would have no idea that over 190 processes, many of which are performed by hand, go into completing each pair of John Lobb’s beautiful shoes. Now that’s the kind of craftsmanship that earns you a spot on a “Best Of” list.  (Price: $1,360.00 BUY)

10 BEST WATCHES UNDER $1,000

We love a complicated, high end, I-think-I’m-going-to-have-to-rob-a-bank-to-afford-this watch as much as the next guy, but there’s something to be said for a timepiece that won’t earn you jail time. A good watch is one that functions properly, makes a statement, expresses your personality and gets you (at least) the occasional compliment – and none of that has to come at a price of thousands of dollars. These are our favourite watches under $1000 for 2014:

Best Watch #1 – TW Steel Grandeur Diver TW702
TW Steel is a Dutch watchmaker known for its oversized watches and chronographs and its unique use of stainless steel. The Grandeur Diver TW702 features the brand’s customary steel case covered in A-grade PVD rose gold plating, a 6S20 movement from Miyota and a black silicon strap with an anti-dust protection layer and a PVD rose gold plated clasp.  (Price: AUD 825.00 BUY)

Best Watch #2 – Magrette Moana Pacific Pro
Magrette watches are built to be mysterious, alluring, timeless and strong. The Moana Pacific Professional is a commanding all-black watch with a 9015 Miyota movement housed inside a 44MM PVD case with a matte finish. Two straps are available: one in leather and one black PU rubber strap with a logo, name and customised deployment buckle. (Price: USD 575.00 BUY)

Best Watch #3 – Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart Watch
Thomas Sabo’s Rebel At Heart collection includes cufflinks, rings, necklaces, other accessories, a fragrance and, of course, watches. This watch from the line has an imposing presence that’s impossible to ignore. The black, two-layer dial features a gothic cross pattern as well as a date display and a 24-hour display. The case, bezel and bracelet are all a masculine, polished black ceramic.  (Price: USD 819.00 BUY)

Best Watch #4 – Swatch Sistem51
The Swatch Sistem51, announced at Baselworld 2013, is poised to be a major breakthrough in watchmaking. The watch features a new automatic mechanical movement that is completely assembled by machines and is priced below 200 Swiss Francs. When it comes to getting bang for your buck, it doesn’t get any better than that. The Sistem51 may not be the prettiest watch on this list, but that in-house movement with 50 moving parts means it’s easily one of the most impressive.  (WWW)

Best Watch #5 – Tissot PRC 200 Men’s Blue Chronograph Quartz Sport Watch
Tissot’s PRC 200 Men’s Blue Chronograph Quartz Sport Watch is a classically sporty timepiece that’s water resistant to 200 m. The chronograph features Super-LumiNova hands, a tachymetre and a Swiss-made Quartz ETA G10.211 movement. All of it comes in a can’t-miss-it blue package with a leather strap and a stainless steel case.  (Price: USD 525.00 BUY)

Best Watch #6 – Seiko Sportura SNAE95
Seiko’s Sportura collection represents strength and elegance for the man who wants a timepiece that is both sporty and stylish. The SNAE95 is an easy everyday watch with scratch resistant sapphire crystal, environmentally safe Lumibrite hands, a rotating bezel and an alarm. The chronograph measures up to 60 minutes in 1/5 second increments.  (Price: USD 595.00 BUY)

Best Watch #7 – Shinola Runwell Chronograph Watch
Based in Detroit, Michigan, Shinola is dedicated to producing high quality, American-made products. The Runwell Chronograph Watch claims to be “the only chronograph style that tracks the return of American watchmaking with split second precision.” It’s a big claim, but we’re a sucker for that black, white and orange colour scheme so we’re willing to believe it.  (Price: $872.09 BUY)

Best Watch #8 – Citizen Promaster Sky CB0134-00E Eco-Drive Solar Watch
The Citizen Promaster Sky CB0134-00E Eco-Drive Solar Watch runs solely on power produced by both natural and artificial light sources. Utilizing the mechanism of a solar panel and a charging device, light is converted into energy that ensures normal performance even in deficient light conditions. The watch also comes equipped with functions to indicate the charge level and prevent overcharging. Now that’s some impressive technology.  (Price: USD 711.00 BUY)

Best Watch #9 – Ingersoll Brandenburg Gate Sapphire Limited Edition
Since its beginnings, Ingersoll has offered real quality at reasonable prices (there was even a 1 dollar watch once upon a time). The Limited Edition Brandenburg Gate watch will cost you more than a dollar, but it’s still a bargain. Everything is solar, from the band, to the dial, to the stainless steel case. The watch sports a colourful design on the face and an image of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate on the caseback.  (Price: USD 639.99 BUY)

Best Watch #10 – Zodiac ZO3006 Navy Sea Dragon Limited Edition Reissue
There is no ignoring anything this bright. “Bold” is an understatement for the Zodiac ZO3006 Navy Sea Dragon Limited Edition Reissue. Designed with the spirit of adventure in mind, and inspired by the original Zodiac dive watches created in the 1950s, the Sea Dragon features a navy rubber strap with a stainless steel case and a multi-coloured dial. Each piece comes with the edition number etched into the back in a special collector’s box.  (Price: USD 595.00 BUY)