At the request of a few male readers of this blog, I thought I would specifically dedicate a post to the sex that tends to be forgotten or mentioned as an afterthought when it comes to fashion. And while you may think that perhaps you’re “too straight” or too uncaring about your looks to read this, think again. Because, while girls may first notice your face, your hair, or your build, eventually we do check out what you’re wearing.
While based on my preferences you’d all ideally attempt to channel Chuck Bass from the CW’s Gossip Girl while getting dressed in the morning…
…I know that most of you won't. So, in an effort to spark a few tweaks or just a little more daring, I thought I’d write this list of Dos and Don’ts for the guy who doesn’t want to just look good, but who wants to look better.
- DO: Feel “ok” sticking to your wardrobe of a button-down or polo with jeans, even though it may not be the most fashionable (tell me, is this a taboo word in the male vernacular?) thing on the block.
- DON'T: Feel so comfortable in it that you wear it every day. The girls in your life will eventually get sick of that gray polo you have and your rotation of three pairs of jeans. Branch out.
- DO: Try to enjoy shopping…even if it’s only for funnily patterned boxers.
- DON’T: Enjoy those boxers so much that you let them hang out for the entire world to see. Pants…should cover your butt.
- DO: Pull off an “I don’t really try to look this good” image by dressing like Jude Law in The Holiday.
- DON’T: Dress like Fabio.
- DO: Wear Sperry’s, Loafers, Vans, and nice boots.
- DON’T: Wear ugly sneakers out and about. Save them for the gym.
- DO: Be brave enough to look at the Banana Republic and Bottega Veneta Spring Ready-to-Wear collections (I know that might sound like fashion gibberish, so just look at these pictures).
Bottega Veneta Banana Republic
- DON’T: Think you're too good for fashion advice.
- DO: Have fun with outerwear. Peacoats are always my top choice because of their level of classiness (try tucking a scarf in dark or muted colors into one), but other fun jackets will work too.
Sometimes looking like an astronaut is cool?
Jacket by Paul Smith
- DON'T: Feel constrained by fashion advice. Feel free to forge your own path. I'm not telling you that it's ok to wear mandals, but I am telling you it's ok to change it up. Wear sweaters, sweater vests, cool jackets, corduroys (not too tight please!), etc. Keep your own look and stick to it. Sometimes a simple well-cut white t-shirt and a pair of dark-wash jeans are the best combination.
So whether you want to look like James Bond and wear an insanely well-cut tuxedo, wear a varsity sweater and feel like a laid-back prepster, or wear the obnoxious mash-up of plaid Madras pants from Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers (as long as you wear a plain shirt on top), choose your own style and go with it. And just remember...always keep it classy.
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