Mo Money, Mo Problems

You may have noticed the increasing number of dirty upper lips around the office lately, or that some lawyers at your firm are looking sketchier than usual. These are all sure signs that it’s that time of year again, the month formerly known as November — Movember! Over the next month, lawyers in offices all around the world are growing (in some cases desperately attempting to grow) moustaches in the name of prostate cancer awareness and research. Raising money for charity is all well and good but don’t say I didn’t warn you: Mos lead to Mo problems (style problems, that is). Some reasons for the style backlash against moustaches include the fact that the moustache detracts from the full lips and clean white teeth that are modern symbols of beauty. Being the good Mo Sista that I am and inspired by my turn to judge this week’s Mo League standings at my office, I thought I would provide some mo-grooming tips as well as some wardrobe advice in this aesthetically precarious month of Movember.

Movember triggers many style questions, the most pressing among them:

• What style of Mo is right for your face shape? Men’s Health has some tips:
  • Round face: keep neat and trimmed, avoid boxy
  • Square face: chevron type, manly and fuller shapes suit best, ends should be in line with ends of the mouth
  • Long face: long sides past the lips on either side of the chin work well with a long face

• What on earth do you wear with a Mo?
  • You need to be your most stylish self this month. As a recap, for this season it means – chunky knits, leather bombers, Red Wing boots, tortoise shell specs, well constructed blazers etc. etc.
  • I also recommend wearing sneakers, to get you the benefit of the doubt. Cool sneakers says calm, laid back and most importantly, non-threatening.
  • Confidence is the key accessory, you need to own it. Cowering about or showing signs of embarrassment will again add to the sketchy factor.

• How do you groom your Mo?
  • Wash your face normally, occasionally condition and shampoo, trim above the lips and if necessary comb for straightening.

• • Is there any help for a ginger Mo?
    • • No, I’m afraid not.

Terry Chan is a Canadian lawyer practicing finance law in London. She writes every Friday on style and fashion, perfectly aware that the next big thing is not looking like a lawyer.