Holiday essentials for the style conscious man

Fornay's Tips: These 10 style and grooming tips will help you to look your best throughout the season--at work and at play!

[1] FACE FACTS

Ingrown hairs, razor bumps and tough beards can wreck a hug and a kiss. Kiehl's "Close Shavers" dual-purpose formula is a "rinseable" oil that softens the beard and is designed for sensitive skin types. www.kiehls.com. If you prefer a gel formula, then try Aveeno Therapeutic shave, which includes natural colloidal oatmeal that protects against nicks and cuts. 877-298-2525.

[2] REDUCE SKIN DISCOLORATION

Razor bumps often leave dark spots and uneven skin tones. Menscience Pigmentation Repair Formula is designed for African-American male skin types. 800-608-6367 or www.mensscience.com.

[3] BAD BREATH ELIMINATORS

Eliminate embarrassing breath odor (halitosis), which is usually caused by food trapped between teeth, according to the creators of Therabreath, located in drug stores, www.therabreath.com. Keep your breath minty fresh with one of my favorites, Hershey's Breathsavers.

[4] HAIR THERAPY

Isoplus, dark styling gel for texturized hair, holds, conditions, moisturizes and enhances sheen, www.isoplus.com.

WHAT TO WEAR

Code words: Classic style, yet modern; not stuffy, but understated with comfort and ease.

[5] THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Be dapper by wearing an outfit that's traditional and comfortable. A great option is Sean John's wool multicolor jacket with traditional gray slacks and a cotton, colored, window-pane, open-collar shirt. Accessorize the outfit with a silk gray pocket square and silver buckle, black leather belt. www.seanjohn.com.

[6] FORMAL WEAR FOR CHARITY

You will probably attend several events for charity during the holiday season. Isn't it about time you invest in your very own formal wear? Ralph Lauren has a line of formal wear that will set you apart from those in the crowd who rent. The RL classic, three-piece worsted wool and cashmere selection is the essence of timeless formal wear. The single-button, peaked lapel complements his wing-pique formal shirt with grosgrain black bow tie and Sullivan oxford shoes. www.ralphlauren.com.

[7] CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST, THE KIDS & DINNER WITH THE FAMILY

Play Santa in style. Surprise everyone in your red, plaid, flannel lounge pants and solid red Henley T-shirt from the Gap. www.gap.com. Later, as music from the Nat King Cole Christmas album and the aroma from the oven fill the room, make an impression at the family dinner when you enter the dining room wearing a Russell Simmons Argyle Culture sweater, a crisp white poplin dress shirt and flat-front wool trousers. Simmons Argyle Culture at Macy's. www.argyleculture.com.

[8] KWANZAA CELEBRATION

If you want to showcase your African heritage, the possibilities can range from a kente cloth bow tie to a full Agbada (traditional Nigerian apparel typical of Yoruba royalty). For a simple touch of Africa, consider an authentic kente cloth scarf. www.africastyles.com.

[9] NEW YEAR'S PARTY AND WEEKEND GETAWAY

After party-hopping in the city, it's time for some time alone--away from the kids and the rest of the family. So consider a getaway at a bed and breakfast in the country. But continue to be stylish. Nowell's dark denim and quilted motorcycle jacket and Sean John's denim suit set you apart from the fray. Denim is de rigueur while shopping at the farmer's market, during holiday gift distribution, or while relaxing in a white shirt and boots.

[10] THE SCENTED MAN

It's the season for men to try a new scent, perhaps one of the creations from superstar entertainers. Usher has introduced a clean, masculine fragrance, "Usher for Men," and "Unforgettable" is offered by Diddy. Both are part of a large collection of fragrances that prove to be an olfactory feast.

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is filled with activities--family gatherings, black-tie events, holiday parties and visits to friends to exchange gifts. How can you keep it all together when you are always on the go? We asked veteran men's style expert Alfred Fornay for advice on how gentlemen can continue to look crisp, polished and appropriate throughout the season. Every man, he says, has exciting potential within him that can be discovered and nurtured to help him become a more attractive, more interesting. more appealing person.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning