Ten quick and easy style tips for guys

by Silk Allen

FASHION

(Plain Press, May 2019)    When it comes to fashion and style, men always seem to get the short end of the stick. They are either ignored, expected not to care too much about their appearance or are called on to participate in ridiculous trends (like the super flash-in-the-pan male rompers from a few summers ago). But, what about the guy who just wants to look clean, stylish and comfortable? I got you! Read on to see how it could all be so simple…

Spend vs Save:

Invest in classics, save on trends. Classics last for a long time, trendy items barely last six months before they go out of style. So, invest in dress shirts, polo style shirts and anything you can wear with both jeans and dress pants for a business casual vibe and spend less on logo tees, graphic tees and hoodies.

18 and Up:

Buy the best suit you can afford, non-running shoes and a bag for your stuff that doesn’t look like you will be late for class or the gym. Take your time purchasing a suit that can be worn together or with separates, and it will last you for a while. Buy the suit in navy blue or gray, not black! There will be some outfits where the Jordan’s just won’t cut it, so be on the lookout for a nicely made casual shoe that looks great with a nice pair of pants. Ditch the book bag and replace it with a stylish man bag that can be worn across the chest or carried on your shoulder.

Details Count:

It’s the small things that count–wear a watch and set yourself apart from everybody else in the room and join the stylish elite who understand the importance of a watch. You don’t have to spend your whole paycheck on a Patek or a Rolex, but make sure that it is a classic piece that can be worn 10 to 20 years from now. Also, learn how to properly tie both a tie and your dress shoes. Oh, and buy a few pairs of dress socks, you can choose fun colors and patterns to let your personality show!

Identify Your Style Twin:

Whose style do you admire? It can be an athlete, a celebrity or even a fictional character from your favorite television show or movie. It could be a men’s style blogger or someone you follow on Instagram. It might even be your neighbor, co-worker or a random stranger you saw walking down the street or at the mall. Find someone and figure out what it is about their style that you admire and see how you can adapt it for yourself.

Level Up:

Purge your closet and get rid of ill fitting, out of date clothing, items with stains on them and anything with logos, graphics or crazy prints. Save some t-shirts for home and the gym, but they should make up less than 25% of your wardrobe, depending on your lifestyle. If you work in an office setting and really only wear your tees on the weekends, then downsize and make room for more business causal pieces. However, if you are a trainer at the gym then it would be the opposite for you. Dress and shop according to how you spend most of your time on a day to day basis.

Fit is Everything:

The next time you go shopping, try on a shirt and a pair of pants that you normally wear, but also take one size up and one size down with you. Yes, you will try on 3 sets of the same shirt and pants and your body will thank you for it. Eat before you go and bring water in case you get overwhelmed and frustrated. A trusted friend or girlfriend may also be helpful in this situation if you think salespeople are too pushy.

Upgrade Your Lounge Wear:

Your girl wrote in and told me that she’s tired of seeing the same holey boxers and undershirt! Not only that, but she’s also ready to burn those baggy shapeless shorts and track pants that you wear to take out the trash, to go to the gym, to chill out in front of Netflix, to play video games, and to sleep. You can do better. Purchase a few causal cotton tees in nice fabrics with a variety of joggers and pajama style pants and update them regularly.

Develop a Unique Style:

Don’t be afraid to shop at vintage, thrift and consignment stores to find the best pieces that very few other people will have. Incorporate one piece into your outfit and this way nobody can bite your style–even if you are wearing a pair of Jordan’s. Also, invest in a tailor, or slide it over to your grandmother for a couple of dollars to help alter an item of clothing until it fits you perfectly.

Subtle Swaps:

Start off slow, building up your wardrobe of classic essentials first, then ease into trends. Don’t drastically switch your whole style in the middle of the week. Try something simple–like wearing casual boots with your polo shirt and jeans instead of your standard tennis shoes. Swap out your ratty old zip up hoodie for a fresh jacket and keep evolving your style into something that you are proud of and comfortable with.

Confidence is Key:

It’s so cliché, but for good reason, have the confidence to rock anything otherwise you will always look out of place, uncomfortable and the opposite of stylish. So, step out in your new pants that fit you well and don’t forget to smile!

I know that’s a lot to take in but to sum it all up: invest in classics, wear a watch, buy a good bag, pay attention to fit, learn where to shop, buy new underwear, chill on the logos, find a style twin and ease into your new look. If you still feel stuck, don’t hesitate to email me at ladysilk@thehouseoffly.com with any questions that you may have.