A self-professed casual dresser, you would hardly ever see personal trainer Sofian Tahar in a shirt.

The 28-year-old's work attire consists of sporty pieces such as track pants and T-shirts.

On his days off, he favours jeans with a T-shirt or polo tee.

'I don't wear shirts unless there's an occasion for it,' he says.

Which is why he jumped at the chance to try something new when offered a makeover session with Crocodile International, a home-grown menswear and accessories fashion line.

'I want to change my wardrobe and try out dressier outfits I can wear to after-work drinks and parties or to meetings,' he says.

What caught his eye was N.Tyler, Crocodile's new brand of shirts, neckties and bowties launched last month.

The name was chosen as Crocodile wanted a brand name that 'sounds international and is easy to remember', says the brand's head of communications, Terence Ang.

The new range, he says, offers classic shirts with minimal embellishments and details.

'N.Tyler is basic yet modern whereas Crocodile is more fashion forward,' he adds.

This new line is also cheaper - prices for its shirts range from $69 to $89 while those for Crocodile cost from $89 to $129.

Sofian's verdict: 'The new range from N.Tyler is good as the shirts are affordable, come in a variety of styles and have a good cut and fit. I believe it will attract younger customers.'

N.Tyler is available at seven counters islandwide including Takashimaya Department Store, Robinsons The Centrepoint, BHG Bugis, OG People's Park and Isetan Parkway Parade

AFTER: Throw a vest over a shirt and pants ensemble to jazz up your outfit. To dress down, roll up your sleeves or substitute the shirt with a T-shirt.

HE SAYS: This dandy look is quite different from what I'm used to wearing. The shirt and vest fit me well and show off my build. I feel comfortable in them.

Slim-fit shirt from N.Tyler, $79.90; wool pants from Crocodile, $89.90; wool vest from Crocodile, jacquard silk bowtie from N.Tyler, $39.90; leather belt from Crocodile, $99.90

AFTER: Business attire does not have to be boring. Pick a shirt in a bright colour such as purple but keep it work-appropriate by toning down the colour with a striped pattern in sober hues. Stripes reduce the visual impact of a bold colour so you won't look too garish. Vertical stripes also have a slimming effect.

HE SAYS: At first I was quite dazzled by the purple shirt and was wondering how to match it. After trying it on, I realised the stripes tone down the colour and the shirt matches many other colours including brown, black and grey.

Slim-fit shirt from N.Tyler, $79.90; wool pants from Crocodile, $89.90; jacquard silk tie from N.Tyler, $49.90; leather belt from Crocodile, $99.90

AFTER: An easy way to look dressed up without compromising on comfort is to team jeans with a shirt. Keep your look interesting with accessories such as suspenders or a bowtie.

HE SAYS: I feel comfortable in this outfit as I'm used to wearing jeans. Wearing a shirt with jeans makes me look more dressed up compared to my usual T-shirt or polo tee.

Slim-fit shirt from N.Tyler, $79.90; denim jeans from Crocodile, $99.90; jacquard silk bowtie from N.Tyler, $39.90; suspender from stylist

Photographer: EDWIN TAN, Lumina
Stylist: THERESA FONG
Hair: KENNETH ONG (9147-8321)
Make-up: GINGER LYNETTE LEONG (9475-5719) using Shu Uemura

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Jan 2, 2009.