Photo from whowhatwear.com
So I decided to change the pace a little bit and share another passion of mine – fashion. If a picture is worth a thousand words than I would say a man’s outfit is probably worthy of more. The older we become, the more our tastes tend to develop and mature. I can recall the days when my motto was “if it’s clean and comfortable, I’ll wear it.” Unfortunately, those days are past me but that is not necessarily a completely bad thing. And guys, it’s no longer shameful to be a man who enjoys shopping. Wearing the right suit and tie to the office will make you feel like a million bucks. Gentleman, (and ladies with boyfriends, husbands, or brothers) here are my tips to help a man look like Bruce Wayne without breaking the bank.
The number one key thing to be mindful of when shopping is fit.
Naturally, the more tailored the outfit, the better it will look on you. This is true for all body types, races, and styles. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your own body. Be realistic. Also, never buy a shirt in which sizes are Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large. First off, it will give you a box shaped figure. Secondly, what does Large really even mean? What height does it correspond to? Is it not really any longer, but actually just wider? Every man needs to know his actual size… this is measured by the circumference of your neck and the length from your shoulders to your wrist. A measurement will read something like: 16.5 x 35.
All right, without further ado, here are the 7 simple things I feel every man needs to look his best.
- A suit that’s not black: I know society says you should have a black suit in your closet and you definitely need at least one, but don’t forget to also have a non-black suit. Now this doesn’t mean a maroon, mustard yellow, or powder blue suit is a good idea. Personally, I like either a navy blue pin stripe or charcoal gray. I guarantee that anywhere you go, those colors will make a statement. Plus, it is more fun to play around with ties when you’re not wearing black. And if you’ve never bought a suit before, go to a department store or men’s shop. Get measured by a pro.
2. White, pressed, French cuff shirt: Nothing says you mean business more than a crisp white French cuff dress shirt. It fits every occasion and looks great – always! One tip is to get your shirt monogrammed (have your initials printed on the shirt). If you want to truly look like Bruce Wayne, this accomplishes that. The most popular place for a monogram is on the cuff above your watch. Stores generally charge only $6-$8 dollars; a small price to pay for that boost in style.
3. Pair of brown dress shoes: To echo my previous statement, black is safe and boring and color is in. Want to raise the fashion bar for yourself? Lose your black dress shoes and get a sleek pair of brown or tan shoes. Whether you have a charcoal or navy suit, brown shoes make a great addition to your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to wear them with your black suit either. But make sure it’s the right brown, not a dark, muddy one. Something more like a cognac is perfect
4. The right accessories: So now you have an awesome pair of brown shoes and you are going to need a great belt to match. There are so many ways to dress up your suit to your tastes: belts, handkerchiefs/pocket squares, watches, etc. Have fun and be creative and tasteful with your accessories. I really recommend a pair of solid gold cufflinks to go with your suit and monogrammed dress shirt. A great pair of cufflinks peeking out from your jacket says business.
5. Dark washed jeans: So these are tips on what to wear during the work week, but now what about the weekend? Obviously, you want to be comfortable and feel relaxed – as you should after a long week in the office. The challenge is to incorporate style with comfort. Dark washed jeans give you that flexibility to hang out with your buddies in the afternoon, hit a bar later that evening, and meet your girlfriend for a nice dinner.
6. The perfect sweater: Remember, be yourself but also expand your horizons. If you are like me and favor V-neck sweaters, try adding a button down shirt instead of that crew neck tee. Once you hit your mid-20’s, it’s time to steer clear from loud colors (i.e. bright blue, red, or green) that scream frat boy. Try pushing up the sleeves of the sweater for a simple twist, and if you are wearing a button down underneath, don’t feel that you have to tuck it in all the time. Recently, I have also become a big fan of cardigans. No, they are not for old men and stop thinking of Mr. Rogers. You can actually add a hip edge to your cardigan by wearing a sharp tie underneath. But remember to keep that last button unbuttoned or else you will risk looking like Fred on his way to the Neighborhood.
7. A great coat: I want to close my eyes when I see a man with an ill-fitted coat. Your jacket has the potentially to ruin a great outfit. Considering that we are in the midst of winter, you should have a fantastic winter coat. In my opinion, no person looks great in a pea coat. It’s too short and too wide for everyone. Plus, does it even keep you warm enough? Instead, try an overcoat also known as a ¾ length coat. The jacket should fall and hit at or around your knees. They usually come in black, gray, or camel. I’ll leave that to your preference, just be sure that it is well tailored. My insider’s secret is to choose a coat that is slim fit and go up a size. For example, I usually wear 42 regular… but if I wear this size in slim then it becomes too tight on the chest. I have figured out that if I go with 44 regular in slim, it fits like a glove. This holds true when shopping for suits too. Again, when in doubt, go to a men’s store and ask for help. A great salesperson can be a Godsend.
By: D&G By: Banana Republic
Hopefully I have been able to shed some light on how to wear some of my favorite clothing. Always keep this in mind regarding your clothes; be bold but not loud, and always try to make a statement. And if this isn’t your thing, check back in a couple days. The next blog will be all sports. Promise.
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