Jennifer Chan
Fashion Columnist
Due to popular demand, this week’s column will focus on men’s fashion for all of those style savvy-guys on campus.
According to most girls, guys have it easy. Without the pressures of hair, makeup, mini-skirts and high heels, men have little to worry about in the looks department. In fact, with significantly fewer clothing options — basically just shirts and pants — many guys might even blame their characteristic rugged sloppiness on their gender.
But, take a look around and it’s hard to dismiss the multitude of fashion television shows like “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and “What Not To Wear” intruding into our daily lives, clearly proclaiming that today’s culture practically demands that a modern male pay attention to his wardrobe and start dressing the part.
Before you insist that you are too masculine to shop for the latest trends or simply don’t have the time or know how to do anything other than throwing on jeans and t-shirts, allow me to highlight a few simple rules to tap into that any guy can follow:
• Select a style. Whether you prefer sporty track jackets and Pumas or classic button-down oxford shirts and flat-front khaki pants, define your style based on what makes you comfortable and what works with your lifestyle.
• Stick with what works. Over time, you may amass certain articles of clothing that are tried and true and make you feel like a million bucks. Every designer and label designs their clothing to fit a certain way, so take notice if your Hugo Boss slacks never require any alterations or if you seem to wear your Gap tees more than anything else in your closet. Discover what works and stick with it.
• Invest in a few key pieces. Every guy should own at least one pair of nice jeans (try Diesel, Abercrombie & Fitch, Seven for Mankind, or Paper Denim & Cloth), black or dark grey slacks and a clean-cut pair of khakis.
Tapered button down shirts are essential and can be paired with jeans for a casual look worn to class or under a refined wool crewneck sweater in the winter. A proper fitting button-down shirt is key — you may even need to take it in to get it tailored — but you’ll be glad you did in the end. No closet should be without the classic white shirt, but consider other options such as chambray, pinstripes or fine-woven fabrics for variety.
Finally, top things off with my personal favorite in men’s fashion this fall: the “casual blazer.” Choose a blazer that is relaxed in shape yet elegant in design (think deep colors, pinstripes or even earth tones) and throw it on with jeans for a classy, effortless look.
• Learn to Accessorize. Think only girls can accessorize their outfits? Think again! One thing to keep in mind is that although guys may have only a limited number of accessories (belts, wallets, watches, sunglasses, etc.) to pick from, they do have a multitude of options in those categories.
So while men’s fashion was severely overlooked years ago, it is evident that it is making a big statement now. I hope this style cheat sheet provides pointers for those fellas who desire to look polished and pulled-together. Look out, ladies!
10-28-04
