Can your iPhone help you dress better? You bet…

For decades we British men gladly allowed the rest of the world to believe we were all tailored dandies, nonchalantly carrying the flame of sartorial sensibility lit by Lord Byron, Beau Brummell and Oscar Wilde.

We knew it was all a load of codswallop, but if that’s what the world wanted to believe then why not let them?

Regrettably, the birth of the package holiday finally shattered the illusion. Stepping off planes and ferries looking like a pale-pated invading army, our continental hosts recoiled in horror at our gobby football shirts and found the sight of our socks and sandals hysterical. We were a mess.

Thankfully there has been something of a revolution in British fashion over the course of the last ten years and in general we’ve smartened up our act. What’s more, for those who aren’t quite so sure about what they should be wearing, there’s also a very widespread support network in place.

In addition to websites and blogs there are also a whole host of smart phone apps to help ensure British chaps don’t leave the house looking anything but their best.

Quidblog checks out five of the best…

BeSpeak
(Free)

Allowing users to create a personal profile based on hair colour, skin tone, eye colour, face shape, body shape and size, the BeSpeak app aims to simplify the process of choosing a suitable outfit for work. Created by Alan Fusser, the costume designer for Hollywood movie Wall Street, the interface even suggests complementary colour and pattern swatches once users have inputted their preferences. In effect the app functions as a personal stylist, except you don’t have to tip!

Stylebook Men
(£2.49)

If you’re the type of person who wants to make every purchase count, then the Stylebook app for men will definitely appeal. An expert wardrobe organisation and closet management tool, it allows users to upload and edit pictures of all their clothes before mixing and matching items to assemble outfits and ‘looks’ on their iPhone screen. Perfect for planning ahead and for holiday packing, its 90 features also include a style expert section, style stats, access to a mobile shopping catalogue and the ability to share ideas with friends.

Cool Guy
(Free)

Working in a very similar manner to Stylebook, the Cool Guy app again requires users to take and upload pictures of their clothes before creating outfits. The idea is that the opportunity to mix and match at the touch of a button should ensure you experiment with your wardrobe and rely less on wearing the same ‘look’ every day. A wish bag and notes section are useful additions while the fashion mall setting allows users to easily scan StyleShop.co.uk for new purchases.

Valet
(Free)

Need to get rid of a pesky stain, don’t know how to fold your pocket square, want to pull off a shoe shine sheen? Then the Valet app is for you. Packed full of interesting ‘how to’ guides, as well as the latest fashion news in both article and video format, it’s a veritable treasure trove of information for the fashion conscious gent.

chicfeed
(Free) 

Collating the latest photographs from esteemed fashion blogs including The Sartorialist, Face Hunter, Jak and Jill Blog, Cherry Blossom Girl, LookBook and Altamira, the chicfeed app is great for browsing for outfit inspiration. Granted, not every picture will be entirely relevant to male users, but given it’s super quick to flick through hundreds of pictures there’s sure to be something for everyone. One drawback is the lack of information about what ‘models’ are wearing, but for getting a feel for what’s en vogue around the world it can’t be beaten.

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