Birchbox Man

So you’re a Levi’s and Converse kind of guy. That doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up for special occasions (ie: New Year’s Eve). Here, four ways to give your style a dapper upgrade.

1. A bowtie. Skip anything with crests or cartoony animals on it. Go for something with an unexpected twist, like this Ernest Alexander number — it’ll make you look more downtown academic than uptown prep.

2. Updated tie. This skinny tweed tie by Brooklyn-based duo The Hill-Side keeps you looking stylish without feeling like you’re working too hard.

3. Vintage tie bar. Ideally, you’ve got your grandpa’s 1950s-era tie clip. In reality, you can get a passable version from J.Crew’s Liquor Store or Louisiana cool kid designer Billy Reid.

4. Pocket square. Fold it up. Tuck it in your blazer pocket. Admire your good work. (Need some help with your folding? Check out our step-by-step guide — with pictures!)

New Year’s Eve means many things, among them: hangovers, silly outfits, and nonexistent taxis. In honor of the impending shitshow holiday, we’re sharing our best tips for coming off more James Bond than Carrot Top. 

Don’t wear funny glasses. Or party hats for that matter. Just don’t do it. If someone hands you a noisemaker, take it but don’t feel the need to use it.

No pink drinks. The party hostess has probably gone all out and concocted some fancy punch or fruity ‘signature’ drink. Bypass it in favor of the tried-and-trues: champagne, Manhattans, Martinis, or your preferred spirit in a rocks glass.

Leave the sneaks at home. No need to don a tux (though if you do, read this guide first), but you should at least step it up a notch. Trade your t-shirt for a crisp button down (extra points for a skinny cool tie) and for god’s sake, comb your hair.

On the subject of midnight kisses. Say you find yourself a nice lady (or gent) and are angling in for a midnight kiss. Good for you! Just keep it classy — no one wants to start 2012 with a sloppy session.

This is one day that stubble won’t do: get cleaned up with a good shaving cream. We like Jack Black’s version.

Some guys use whatever soap is in the shower. Others carefully consider the field and select the best option. Eric, our resident grooming god, falls in the latter camp. Once a week, he’ll be sharing his product findings and lifestyle tips.

photo: details.com

I know that dressing and grooming for New Year’s Eve can be stressful and daunting. I always find myself scrambling at the last minute to come up with some totally new outfit or hair look that I can rock for the most festive night of the year. To avoid this kind of crisis, my advice is to pick just one thing you that can change or add to your ensemble (yes, I am talking flair) and focus on that. For example, you could spruce up your favorite blazer with the Bonobos pocket square that you received in your Birchbox Man box. Or you could try slicking back your hair using a gel (my favorite is from Davines).

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