Men: follow these styling guidelines for perfect hair at every age (*Key Takeaway: Don’t be afraid of a little pomade!):

Here’s a little help from beauty & hair guru Yves Durif.

1. Lose the gel. “Pastes and Shines are in,” says Yves.‚  “You want to be able to run your hands through your hair – or somebody else’s – without the drama of being stuck in hair product.”

2.‚  Go bald gracefully.‚  Yves says, “Men who lose their hair should cut it as short as possible.‚  Hiding it is unflattering and indicates a lack of confidence.”

3.‚  Don’t forget the details. Yves insists, “Sideburns are a man’s most important accessory.‚  Whether the hair is super short or very long, sideburns are a must.‚  They add structure and tone to the face.”

4. You DO need product. “Simple finishing products make a big difference. They add texture and style to a good haircut.”

5.‚  Make the most of Gray. “Structure Pearl Finish ($25) is ideal for creating the very popular ‘silver look’ women die for.‚  Its prismatic formula adds gorgeous dimension to the hair color without looking too shiny.”

Yves Durif began his career at the famed Jaques Dessange Salon in Paris, and has been cutting and styling the hair of celebrities, CEO and influencers all over the world.‚  Featured in numerous magazines and television programs, Yves is at the center of the style world in his new flagship salon at New York City’s Carlyle Hotel.

Oh yes my friends, I can smell it, the scent of spring in the air! And for men, that means getting outdoors and showing off a new look that is fitting for a recession. Free football game in the park anyone?

Spring fashion must haves for men will have you feeling loose and free to just chill and hang with the guys, (or an easy going girl in your life) while you look for free concerts in the park, re-visit a childhood basketball court or even a throw cozy spring picnic in the park with pals.

What I think is the cream of the crop in men’s fashion this season is the more relaxed fitting jeans, shorts and pants. If you are more casual and cried over last season’s calf hugging pantsuits, not to worry. The designers this season know you are looking to chill out while leaving the more up-tight look for a special occasion.

One of my favorites for this season is a collection by Michael Bastian. There’s something about a sporty guy with a little muscle and a tan to top it off that seems sexier than ever.

Men can easily sport the wider leg pants or shorts with a little leg room to move around in. Even the hemline is a more easy fit, but not too baggy, which could have easily made this look appear “bummy.” Plus, it’s nice to see a man show a little “leg” for once, we women are tired of doing all the work! WINK WINK!

Another really cool trend with many designers this spring, including Michael Bastian, is the ability to dress up shorts or those torn up jeans with a sport coat. Have you ever seen pictures of 4-year-old boys from the 70′s wearing the short suit outfits with the socks pulled up high? Ok, well we don’t need to see your two striped knee socks now, but the look is oh so cool for a night out at your local hangout.

Designers like William Rast really hit the nail on the head with this cool, yet sophisticated look. But if you don’t have the cash you can easily make your own with an old pair of jeans you can cut down, and pair it with a suit coat you have stashed in your closet. Come on, metro sexual was a great look but for you men who are more rugged you can now be metro-hipstural! Who said you only had to wear a suit coat for weddings or funerals?

And as usual, the cool v-neck tees with retro prints are great for any style you decide to sport. One of the key components to this season’s style is wearability. If you can’t run, relax or be rugged in it, it doesn’t belong on you men this spring. Even if you are not into nature there is something very appealing about stomping through a pond if you so choose to. What man doesn’t want to enlighten his old boyish ways?

There are lots of ways to broaden your wardrobe this season, even if you mock some of the designers runway looks with your own personal touch. But most stores carry items that are similar in style, like American Eagle Outfitters who has the up to date spring must haves like t-shirts, cargo shorts and low loose jeans. Now let’s head outside and play a little flag football.

Oh, and you can take the suit coat off for that.

In the post-Bogart age, the fedora is a double-or-nothing wager that will land you in the losers’ circle far more often than it will pay out. But for guys who can back up the bet, the returns can be handsome. You’ve seen Brad and Johnny carry it off. Perhaps you’ve watched Mad Men’s Don Draper toss his felt aside after walking into a room like he owns it and thought to yourself, I could make that work. Maybe you went so far as to buy one. But beware the hat trap. Before you venture out”"to a place where a chapeau isn’t required by a costume theme or as a prop to distract paparazzi”"consider how that fabric atop your head will define you.

Click on Jude Law to see a Details slide show

“You have to feel like you own that piece,” says Kevin Harter, men’s fashion director at Bloomingdale’s. But confidence can take you only so far; a false tip, a clumsy doff, or an incorrect fit can render your cap dunced. If you’re in your twenties, there’s a chance you can get away with the casual fedora, as long as you keep what’s south of your chin simple. Avoid necklaces, graphic T-shirts, and vests, which, when paired with a hat, may cause a chemical reaction that results in Pete Wentz. If you’re in your late thirties or early forties, a classic gray fedora can be a smart and practical partner for a suit, provided you stay away from ridiculous embellishments. Shape, size, and positioning make all the difference: A fedora shouldn’t be perched high on your crown or squashed down on your brow. It should frame your eyes but not hide your face. “Stick with smaller brims,” says Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen, “or you run the risk of looking like Oscar Wilde.” And while a gentle tilt is acceptable, cocking at an extreme angle is strictly for Dick Tracy.

Still think you have what it takes? Go for it. If not, try flipping the hat over and asking for change.

Written by Courtney Colavita. Article used with permission.

The creative director at Marni on male vanity, the importance of modern suits, and the perils of ugly shoes. 

1. A man has to discover his own taste and then base his sartorial decisions on that-you shouldn’t buy something because you saw it on TV. You need to feel at ease in your clothes or you risk being a bit ridiculous.

2. I like a guy in a suit that’s cut a little smaller-slightly shorter, with smaller lapels. Inside, the jacket should have beautiful finishing that only the guy wearing it notices.

3. Italian men are very vain, even if they won’t admit it. They care about their style.

4. Not everyone looks good in a tuxedo. It’s important to look at proportions and find one that fits you well.

5. Shoes define the kind of man you are. They should never be too trendy or showy but lean toward the classic. There are a lot of ugly shoes out there, and they can ruin even the most sophisticated attire.

6. A little bit of chivalry always makes a woman happy. You shouldn’t exaggerate, but I do like it when a man holds the door open for me. I think, Okay, this guy has manners and knows how to comport himself.

7. When it comes to wearing color, you need to be a bit careful-a bit more traditional. A man should look sophisticated and refined, and color can sometimes get in the way. You have to be moderate.

8. Men can carry bags as long as they are masculine, like a tote or an attach© case. Look for a sturdy canvas or handsome leather one, maybe with a raw finish. A bag should be functional and practical.

9. Clothes don’t necessarily render a man sexy-his attitude and his nature do. For me, someone who is not classically handsome but has a lot of charm is more attractive than a really good-looking guy with no personality.

10. My husband’s style is classic, but he’ll occasionally wear a Marni sweater or sneakers with a suit or try a jacket that’s slightly shorter, and it works for him. My son is more daring. The most important thing is to be yourself.

Check out these top stories from Details:
FOLLOW THE RULES: LUCAS OSSENDRIJVER
Lanvin’s inventive men’s designer on the merits of sneakers, the tackiness of logos, and why you should invest in a mismatched suit.
FOLLOW THE RULES: V‰RONIQUE NICHANIAN
The menswear designer at Herm¨s on the myth of French style, avoiding trends, and why you can never have too much cashmere.
FOLLOW THE RULES: PAUL SMITH
The sharp British designer on poorly dressed Londoners, Daniel Day-Lewis, and when you should lose the bow tie.

Our friends at Details Magazine present a few simple fashion rules from men’s designer Lucas Ossendrijver.

1. You shouldn’t adapt to what people expect you to wear-you should make your clothes your own. For me what’s interesting is to wear the jackets and pants of suits separately.

2. I think it’s distasteful when people buy clothes with logos or brag about what they spend on their clothes. Luxury should be something intimate.

3. Jewelry is very difficult for men, but they can go a little more extreme with shoes and bags. Wear trainers with a suit and the look completely changes.

4. I think clothes are more elegant when they’re nonchalant. You can wear something quite sophisticated but not look too overtly luxurious.

5. Friday-wear is very typically American. You have this office uniform, and then suddenly it’s the weekend and it’s the opposite. I think it’s better to mix the two and make officewear a little less formal and Friday-wear a little less casual.

6. When I was younger I used to wear a lot of T-shirts, but now I wear more and more button-down shirts. I think it’s actually very cool to just have a lot of really great shirts in a very good fabric.

7. It’s important that clothes be light when you’re layering. It’s very nice if you wear three jackets instead of one-but not three suit jackets. I mean a shirt and a shirt jacket and another jacket made out of very light fabric. There’s a richness to that look.

8. A lot of men are very insecure when it comes to dressing. They ask themselves every morning, “What am I going to wear? Is it the right thing? Does it match?” Once they find something they stick to it, and I think that’s a shame. I think men should make a bit more of an effort. They should see clothing not as something necessary but as something fun.

9. here’s something modern about dressing up-wearing a shirt and a tie-but in a lighter way. We made ties that were just strips of fabric–sometimes in the same fabric as the shirt. It’s a new way to wear a tie.

10. I don’t really like wallets. I prefer that you carry your money in your pocket or put everything in a bag and carry it there. Just keep it simple.