CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The dad shoe has long occupied a comfortable position within sneaker culture, celebrated for its practicality, understated styling and unapologetic focus on comfort. Now HEYDUDE is putting its own stamp on the category with the launch of the Stride S, its first performance-first sneaker silhouette, designed by none other than Steven Smith, Crocs, Inc. Head of Creative Innovation and the footwear designer widely regarded as the ‘godfather of dad shoes’.

With more than three decades of experience shaping some of the footwear industry’s most recognisable silhouettes, Smith knows a thing or two about creating an enduring sneaker. For HEYDUDE, his brief was to reinterpret the classic dad trainer, bringing together the cultural appeal of the category with the everyday versatility and comfort that have become synonymous with the brand.

The result is a silhouette that balances heritage-inspired design with contemporary comfort technology, offering something familiar yet distinctly forward-looking.

“The Stride S is my homage to all Dads out there. It is the embodiment of easy on and easy comfort in a trainer. What all Dads want – tasteful comfort for everyday and any event. That embraces HEYDUDE as an idea,” explains Smith.

As you would expect from a brand built around comfort, the technology beneath the surface is just as important as the aesthetics. The streamlined mesh upper features welded overlays, complemented by elastic laces, an easy-on system and a practical heel pull loop. Underfoot, HEYDUDE’s Comfort System™ brings together three key components designed to deliver support, cushioning and everyday performance.

A HEYCOMF EXP foam insole provides an anatomical fit and arch support, while the EVERCOMF high-rebound foam midsole delivers cushioning and energy return. Completing the construction is a HEYGRIP+ rubber outsole, engineered to provide traction and durability across everyday environments.

However, the Stride S represents more than simply another addition to the sneaker market. As HEYDUDE’s inaugural performance-first silhouette, it signals a significant evolution for the brand, extending its offering beyond the established Wally and Wendy franchises and opening the door to new product categories and consumer occasions.

Crucially, the move doesn’t abandon the principles that have helped establish HEYDUDE’s identity. Accessibility, authenticity and comfort-first innovation remain at the heart of the proposition, with the Stride S translating these values into a more performance-oriented sneaker.

The silhouette made its European debut at Sneakerness Milan on 24 and 25 October, where Steven Smith joined Surfa and Fabrizio De Lucia for a discussion exploring sneaker culture and the future of footwear design.

For HEYDUDE, the Stride S is an opportunity to step into a new chapter of footwear design. And for anyone who appreciates the combination of considered design, everyday practicality and all-day comfort, the classic dad shoe has just received a rather interesting upgrade.

We talk a lot about looking the part, dressing for success and climbing the career ladder, but what happens when the pressure to keep everything together becomes too much? A new report from LiveCareer UK has revealed a rather uncomfortable truth about the modern British workplace: eight in ten men are hiding stress, burnout or mental health struggles because they feel the need to appear strong, capable and professional. Apparently, even in 2026, admitting that you’re not quite firing on all cylinders remains a difficult thing for many men to do.

Released ahead of Movember, the Men’s Workplace Wellbeing Report surveyed 700 employed men across the UK and uncovered the extent to which traditional expectations around masculinity continue to influence men’s working lives. An astonishing 84% admitted to concealing mental health difficulties at work, with 22% saying they do so constantly and a further 62% occasionally. Perhaps even more tellingly, 89% believe men are still expected to ‘tough it out’ rather than admit when they’re struggling.

And this isn’t simply about keeping a brave face during a particularly challenging Monday morning. The findings point towards a much wider issue, with the pressure to appear strong having potentially serious consequences for men’s health, relationships and careers. Eight in ten respondents (80%) said they had worked while sick or exhausted because they didn’t want to appear weak, while the same proportion associated losing their job with personal failure rather than simply a financial setback.

For many men, professional success and personal identity remain closely intertwined. Some 76% admitted that how much they earn affects how successful they feel as a man, while 68% experience at least some pressure to earn enough to support themselves or those who depend on them. More than half (54%) described this pressure as significant or intense.

It is little wonder, then, that some are prepared to put up with working conditions that would otherwise have them heading for the exit. Almost four in ten (39%) have tolerated unreasonable workloads because of financial responsibilities, 32% have accepted inadequate pay, 31% have endured poor treatment from a manager and 30% have remained in a toxic workplace culture.

The sacrifices aren’t confined to office hours either. More than half (52%) said they had sacrificed sleep because of work or the pressure to earn more, while 43% had given up valuable time with family and friends. The irony is that the very things many men are working so hard to provide for can end up being the things they have least time to enjoy.

Perhaps one of the most concerning findings is the lack of meaningful conversations around wellbeing in the workplace. Nearly half (48%) said their line manager had checked in specifically about their stress or mental wellbeing only once or not at all during the previous 12 months. More than one-third (38%) said they had received no such conversation whatsoever.

So why aren’t men speaking up? Fear of judgement or stigma was identified by 36% of respondents, while 31% preferred to deal with problems independently. A further 30% worried that admitting to mental health difficulties could damage their career prospects, while concerns around privacy, confidentiality and a lack of trust in managers also featured prominently.

The consequences for employers are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Two-thirds (66%) of men surveyed had considered leaving or actually left a job because of its negative impact on their mental health. While 42% had thought about leaving but ultimately stayed, almost one in four (24%) had walked away altogether. That’s a significant retention challenge for businesses, as well as a reminder that workplace culture has a very real impact on people’s lives.

Interestingly, when asked what employers could do to improve their mental wellbeing, men prioritised practical changes over simply talking about the issue. More flexible working arrangements topped the list at 41%, followed by more manageable workloads (35%). Affordable and confidential mental health services were identified by 22%, while clearer boundaries around after-hours work came in at 21%. Manager training and additional paid mental health leave also featured.

Dr Jasmine Escalera, career expert at LiveCareer UK, believes employers need to do more to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. She explains: “There’s a critical need for workplaces to create an environment where men feel comfortable speaking openly about mental health.” She also highlights how outdated perceptions can encourage men to suffer silently, arguing that a stronger sense of belonging and support can prevent mental health struggles from going unchecked.

The findings are particularly relevant as Movember returns this November, putting men’s mental and physical health firmly in the spotlight. While the annual campaign has helped bring conversations around men’s wellbeing, suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer into the mainstream, this research suggests there is still plenty of work to do when it comes to the everyday pressures men face.

Ultimately, being strong shouldn’t mean suffering in silence, and professional success shouldn’t come at the expense of personal wellbeing. Whether it’s a more supportive manager, a manageable workload or simply having the confidence to say that things aren’t quite right, perhaps it’s time we reconsidered what strength really looks like.

Because being a man isn’t about having to carry everything on your shoulders. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit that you need a hand.

For more information, read the full LiveCareer UK Men’s Workplace Wellbeing Report here: https://www.livecareer.co.uk/career-advice/mens-mental-health-at-work

Research methodology: The report is based on a nationally representative survey of 700 currently employed British men, conducted by LiveCareer UK using Pollfish on 15 September 2026.

The celebrity mini-mullet has become a red-carpet favourite, and now there is another variation to add to your grooming mood board: the crullet. Combining the cropped texture of a contemporary crop with the longer-back silhouette of a mullet, this hybrid offers a modern way to wear the look, as showcased by Fresha ambassador Andrea Magri.

Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi and Glen Powell have all worn versions of the soft mullet, giving the short-front, longer-back haircut a place on the red carpet. GQ highlighted all three actors’ interpretations at the 2026 Golden Globes, providing plenty of inspiration for men looking to update their hairstyle.

For anyone saving those looks ahead of their next barber appointment, the crullet offers another option. The cut pairs a cropped front with retained length at the back, while tapered sides help define the profile and texture gives the top and fringe added character.

Hairstylist and Fresha ambassador Andrea Magri recently included the crullet in his four-look presentation at HAIRFEST 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece. His showcase also featured a mod cut, disconnected round layers and a geometric curly cut, highlighting the variety of contemporary approaches to men’s hairstyling.

The celebrity references provide a useful starting point, but choosing your own version comes down to three details: how short to take the fringe, how closely to taper the sides and how much length to leave at the nape.

What Is a Crullet?

The name brings together the two haircuts behind the shape: a crop and a mullet. The cropped section gives the front its character, while the longer back creates the recognisable mullet profile. The balance between those sections is the detail to discuss with your barber.

Paul Mescal’s mini-mullet is a useful reference for the proportions. In a recent LDNFASHION interview, stylist Charlie Illi described his look as having a cropped top, shorter sides and a slightly longer nape. The crullet offers another way to explore that combination of lengths, with texture and tapering helping determine the overall finish.

What to Ask Your Barber For

Take photographs showing the front, side and back of the haircut you like. If you’re using a celebrity reference, choose the particular look you want to recreate so your barber can understand the shape and proportions.

Explain which features appeal to you, then agree on the details before cutting. Consider where the fringe should sit when styled and whether you prefer a softer edge or a more defined line. Discuss how closely the sides should be tapered and how much contrast you want against the longer back. Finally, decide how much length to retain at the nape and whether any part of your hair needs growing out first.

Your natural hair texture also matters. Ask your barber how the reference would translate to your hair’s density, movement and natural curl, and which adjustments might help achieve the desired result.

Plan for Your Everyday Styling Routine

A haircut might look effortless on the red carpet, but recreating that finish at home requires the right approach. Discuss how much time you want to spend styling your hair each morning, whether your chosen look needs blow-drying, which products will help recreate it and how the shape will look when left to dry naturally.

Before leaving the barbershop, ask for a demonstration of the styling process, including how much product to use and where to apply it. This will help you achieve a consistent finish without overcomplicating your morning routine.

Finally, agree on an upkeep plan. Find out when the fringe and sides are likely to need reshaping, particularly if you want to continue growing the back. With the right balance of length, texture and maintenance, the crullet offers a versatile way to embrace the mini-mullet trend while making it your own.

Born in New Zealand and shaped by the natural beauty of Aotearoa, Rodd & Gunn has been building its reputation for premium menswear and lifestyle essentials since 1946. With a design philosophy rooted in quality, longevity and understated sophistication, the brand brings together the relaxed spirit of Kiwi living with a considered approach to contemporary style.

Established in its current form in 1987, following the opening of its first standalone store in Auckland, Rodd & Gunn has evolved from its New Zealand origins into an international lifestyle brand. Its collections are defined by timeless design, premium natural and renewable fabrics, and a commitment to working with trusted mills and manufacturers to create garments intended to be worn and enjoyed for years to come.

Beyond clothing, Rodd & Gunn has expanded its offering to reflect a broader vision of modern living. Its growing international presence spans retail, wholesale and hospitality, with its distinctive Lodge Bar & Dining concept bringing together aspirational shopping, fine dining and the warmth of New Zealand hospitality.

It is this combination of heritage, craftsmanship and lifestyle that sets Rodd & Gunn apart: a brand that looks beyond seasonal trends to champion enduring style, considered materials and an authentic connection to the culture and landscape of its New Zealand roots.

Peoples love for Halloween is growing. According to Finder’s 2025 research, UK Halloween spending was forecast to reach £779 million, with 55% of Brits planning to make a Halloween-related purchase.

With all the festivities, pumpkin carving isn’t the only one. Many people enjoy trick or treating or even hosting their own Halloween party. But with parties often lasting hours or even stretching well into the night, knowing how to start moving your guests on is essential.

Lucy Ward, Marketing Executive at Beanies Flavour Co, experts in flavoured coffee, says: “Guests can often outstay their welcome without meaning to, especially when it comes to a good party. And sometimes pulling out the after-party coffee is the only way you can think to get your guests to start grabbing their coats.”

But from witchy welcomes to witching hour, how else can you get your ghoulish guests to leave on time?

Book a venue

One way to ensure your guests leave at a reasonable time is by booking a venue. By hosting your event at a venue other than your home, you can set an end time limit to the evening. This can either be the closing time for the venue or whenever you’ve paid to stay there.

This means that, even if you want a small party that ends mid-afternoon, this can be done. You don’t need to be partying into the night to have a good time, and by finding a place which can accommodate this, you can send your guests home with a smile without them knowing your devilish plan!

This also means that anyone looking to carry on the evening can do so elsewhere without stopping the fun – leaving you to go home to your comfy bed and pyjamas without worrying.

Set a designated leaver

Another way is getting a trusted friend or family member to be the designated leaver. Especially if it is a smaller party, your guests are likely to start leaving if they notice others are leaving, too. By confiding in someone to be the designated leaver, they can make a moment out of their departure, and hopefully, your other friends and family will follow suit.

While this might work for some of your loved ones, it is not guaranteed for all of them – there will always be that one person dancing away! So, using this alongside some other tips can give you the best chance of moving your party on without keeping it going.

Set an end time ahead of the event

You could also set a dedicated end time well ahead of the event so no one is surprised when the music suddenly stops. When sending out invitations, set a specific start and end time so that your guests know what to expect. This also means that they can arrange further plans later on if they’re looking to spend all Hallows Eve having the time of their life.

While some guests might not notice the time, they cannot be surprised when you start packing away and turning the big lights on.

Start cleaning up

One way to shut down a party is by starting to clean up. Nothing says end of the night like a bin bag filled with rubbish and decorations. The key here is to clean away essential items too (like the buffet food) so that guests don’t just think you’re tidying up in the middle of the party.

Cleaning not only signals to everyone that the night is over, but it can also encourage some to help you out – meaning less work for you after throwing the whole party. And for others, it means a quick exit so they don’t feel guilty for not staying around to help. Win-win!

Start turning the music down

And if you start turning the music down or even off, your guests should start getting the hint. With neighbours to consider, you don’t want your music to be loud all night (especially if they aren’t at the party with you!), so turning this down at a reasonable time is essential anyway.

If you’re worried about the noise before the end of the party, you can give your neighbours a warning or even an invite to the party. You can also try soundproofing the walls with panels or even egg boxes, keep windows and doors closed, and keep the majority of sound in a room furthest away from your neighbours.

Getting your party guests to leave when the fun has only just started can be difficult, and for many, a Halloween party signifies a monster mashing into the middle of the night. But not every party has to last until the early hours. Instead, try cleaning up, setting an end time, or even blaming a venue for the end of the party blues.