Creating and maintaining the right personal image for you and your company

A good source for men to take a look a fashion trends is GQ . However, don't blindly follow everything. Know your body, and know your personality. Here are 5 trends I've spotted from this magazine, and my comments are as follows:

1. two buttoned suits are in: yes, they are in, but they are not for everyone. For men who are petite (below 5'8"), wearing a 3 buttoned suit will make you look taller than a two buttoned suit. It's all about proportions and where the eyes rest. The two buttoned look makes the eyes rest lower on the body, thus it will appear shorter. Tall men have no problem. However, skinnny men will have problems with a two buttoned single breasted suit - it really slims down the body. Either get a classy double breasted suit, or stay with a heavier fabric.

2. slim ties: great for lean men, but not in proportion with larger men, or men with heavier, bigger frames. For those who have bigger frames, wear a wider tie, so that you won't look as if you are wearing a kid's tie.

3. cufflinks without tie: I can't believe GQ would think it's OK to do this. It isn't, as cufflinks belong with a formal suit. Unless you are wearing really, really casual, such as smiley face cufflinks, wear them with a suit and tie. Otherwise it's a mix of formal and casual - this mix is no good, no matter how hard fashion retailers try to sell you this "trendy" look.

4. jean jacket: this is in for spring. Look for a slim fitting one.

5. light weight sports jacket: have a few of these - they are great for casual outings. Material could be cotton or linen, maybe even very light weight wool. In the lightest color you can carry (depending on your personal color palette, commonly named your "season", identified by an image consultant")

My message to you is: be stylish, wear what is appropriate for the occasion, your body and your personality. Don't let fashion rule you.