Ben Sherman: Duds for Dudes

And by duds we mean clothing. Really, really cool clothing. Ben Sherman has been with us for a while, but with Fall looming ahead and all the girls out shopping for warmer gear, it's only fair that some dude accessories get mentioned too.

A few of our favorites would have to be the Pinstripe Driving Cap in Gunmetal, the Melton Wool Porkpie Hat in Coal Marl and the Felt Trilby Hat in Black. All of these lend an air of sophistication to an outfit while still staying casual and day to day.

Each finely crafted hat is perfect for keeping your guy warm, dry and stylish, so why not stop by your local Urban Minx and pick one up?

Shop Ben Sherman for Father's Day!

Only two day left to find the perfect special something for dad and Ben Sherman can give you a hand. Check out the Pieced Flag Passcase in Black from Ben Sherman, made of genuine leather with a full length money compartment and a flag interior.
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Fashionable Fine Print

We girls don't give gents much credit when it comes to complexity but I think much more is due, especially when seeing the gorgeous little details being incorporated into menswear these days.

See below for some UrbanMinx favorites featuring fun accents and hidden facets which have recreated the button down shirt.

Designer branding can be overly audacious, drowning out essential style elements with bold lettering and logos, but G-Star shows the more artful way of managing. Every little button on this Gould Shirt is etched with the G-Star name - defined but not demanding, and ultra chic with their distressed texture.

Even more impressive is how G-Star communicates their signature military theme in the sharp angles of the collar and pockets, as well as the ever-present epaulet shoulders.

Plaid is too often plain, but Ben Sherman plays the print up in their Starling Shirt. Tucked within the collar and cuffed sleeves of the Starling is a contrasting checkerboard pattern, which is basic enough on its own but when combined with the plaid it simply pops!

This particular style is all about subtle shifts in the norm. Notice the skewed angle of the same-plaid pockets. Like the checkerboard addition it creates interest without interruption.

Who knew something as simple as shifting your shapes around could make such a difference? Bogosse shows how it's done in their Jit 02 Shirt. The Jit features rectangular buttons (how revolutionary!) set into pairs along the front button placket and cuffs. This arrangement changes the appearance entirely, creating a sense of cohesion.

The Matis from Bogosse is rich with detail without being overwhelming. The floral print is fancy but not overtly feminine, with the leather tab accents and (again-square) burnt orange buttons finding a fashionable niche.

When it comes to embellishments Monarchy is king. This particular Die Hard shirt is styled with tonal flourish embroidery set against pinstripe patterning throughout.

Another example of elegant advertising, Monarchy has stitched branding above unique pointed pockets, complimented by the brand crest at the back in equally understated black.

Ben Sherman finds their Muse

Brit music sensation MUSE was pictured wearing their Ben Sherman best on the September cover of Spin Magazine.

The alternative rock artists are known best for ominous synths, wailing guitars, and thought-provoking vocals and have just recently released their latest album, titled 'The Resistance.'

Shop these sharp threads from Ben Sherman to get that posh and polished brit rocker style at UrbanMinx.

Mod About the Music

Ben Sherman clothing has always been about the mod lifestyle movement, from assigning the
plectrum their signature logo, to reaching out to aspiring musicians.

In support of the freshest music, Ben Sherman sponsored the Live Club stage at this year's Guilfest, playing host to a line up of all-new and unsigned talent.

View the behind the scenes video in Ben Sherman's Button Down Blog
and shop Ben Sherman's new and marvelously mod styles at UrbanMinx.

We Wear the Pants

Menswear styling for women is on the rise this fall with tailored jackets and trousers in traditional colors kicked up with a bit of feminine detail.

This borrowed-from-the-boys look takes on a more refined quality and cut for a woman’s shape. Key pieces include collegiate jackets, frock coats, vests, wide pants and tuxedo styling.

A little masculinity in the mix is a must have for the fall season. Shop the menswear for women trend here at UrbanMinx!

Ben Sherman Plays at Punk

The title says it all. This summer, 'Mod God' Ben Sherman is trying out a whole new look for his upcoming line. Check out the brands latest lookbook for these updated styles, or get an exclusive peek behind the photo shoot in this fresh campaign video.

Can't wait to flood your wardrobe with these delectable digs? Shop Ben Sherman mens and Ben Sherman womens at 25% off starting this Saturday (sale items excluded) by using the code BENS25 at checkout.

Learning your lines: How to Wear Stripes

When paired with the right pieces, stripes can really enhance your figure and keep you looking up-to-date. We’ve compiled a few tips to follow so that you too can wear this flattering and fun summer trend.

• The best road to take is to wear just one striped piece matched with a solid. For example, a vertically striped blouse like Ben Sherman's Westminster Top or a layer like the Bailey 44 Bus Vest looks great with white trousers or jeans.

• Vertically striped skirts of pants like the Georgie Cocktail Trouser make you look trim and tall when worn with a solid tee.

• For dresses, avoid horizontal stripes that widen your shape - unless you have a boyish figure and need to create some curves like in this Bailey 44 Stripe Daddy Dress, which enhances and elongates the frame with both horizontal and vertical stripes.

• If you simply can’t part with that horizontal style despite the presence of curves, either choose something draped like the Ella Moss Aggy Tank, or try the 1-size-up rule to minimize clinging and curb that widening effect.

• Ultra thin stripes like the ones in this White Stripe Tank from Splendid should only be worn by ultra thin women. Curvier gals should stick to wider stripes, and in darker shades too, to minimize their shape.

On the runways this season, designers were mixing wide and thin stripes or combining stripes with other patterns for a modern look. This bold combination can be found in Miss Me’s Striped Sailor Hoodie and their matching Striped Sailor Short.

Couture Shock

Moving away from the dusky tones that were popular in the Autumn/Winter shows of 2008, fashion for spring ‘09 is set to be retro and neon bright.

This trend is all about confident girls who aren't afraid to dress boldly. Show your true colours with Ben Sherman's Westminster Shirt in an arresting shade of Pink or Inky Blue, or dress up the look with the Embellished Tulip Silk Shift Dress in Tang by Hale Bob.

If you’re always reaching for the safer neutrals in your closet, now is the time jolt to your basics with a punchy shade. It's easy to adjust the intensity to suit your mood. Combine neutral basics with flashes of neon accessories like Hobo's Reliable Belt in Mulberry or Juicy Couture's Free Style Tassel Bag in Buttercup.

Feel free to spread the style past your clothing choices. A cute flat in a bright shade like the Dolce Vita Olive Patent Flat in Orchid or a flaring shade of lipstick (I recommend the Napoleon Perdis DéVine Goddess Lipstick in Hara) will cause any outfit to flare with life.