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Hello again TL Blogs!
I've never claimed to have any real sense of fashion. But honestly, I also never thought I was that bad at dressing myself.
That is, until I went to New York for the Intel Extreme Masters a couple months ago. I have a few old highschool friends who have done well for themselves, and live and work in New York, either on Wall Street, or lawyering, or doing something else trendy and high-paying.
So, naturally, I got together with them while I was there. I wore a normal Mr. Bitter outfit. Jeans. Sneakers. Hoody.
The first thing I heard was "what hobo did you beat up to steal that outfit?"
T.T
After that night, I talked to my good friend and colleague RotterdaM about it, expecting him to reassure me, but all he said is "well, you do kinda dress like a bum".
wtf...
Okay, so I admit it. I don't get this fashion thing. It was never a big deal to me, but as fate as deemed it necessary to grant me a job where looking nice is a big part of being successful, I guess its time to grow up and build a real wardrobe.
So that's exactly what I'm setting out to do. My Christmas present to myself is going to be the beginnings of that endeavor. But I have no idea where to start.
This is what I'm working with:
T-shirts, most of which were given to me by teams, event coordinators, and sponsors.
Jeans, all of which I bought when I was in highschool. (class of '03) I've got this really cool pair of jeans with holes, and stuff, and I thought they were really fashionable, but Germans just laugh at me when I wear them. T.T
Shoes: I own a pair of New Balance running shoes, which I wear every day, and some house slippers.
Hoodies/Sweaters: I've got a few of these too, but even I can tell they're not all that fashionable. On the up side, they're nice and warm.
Formal Wear: I do own a nice, tailored suit that my buddy had made for me. It's a dark grey. Almost black. Jacket and slacks. That's it.
And from here, I'm utterly clueless as to where to begin.
Rotti says I need new jeans, but I'm not all that sure where I should be shopping, or what styles are cool.
I definitely want to buy some new shoes and boots, but again, I don't really know where to begin and what to prioritize.
And everything else just feels foreign to me. I'm lost in all of this.
Yes, my girlfriend will help me in all of this, but as someone who has told me I look great for the last 5 years, I'm not sure I trust her judgement too much. 
So I ask you, TeamLiquid, to help me out.
This is my Christmas present to myself, and I'm ready to spend a couple thousand bucks over 2-3 months getting this whole thing going. Maybe I can provide pics and video along the way.
ADVICE! GO!
 
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Well, I would most certainly start with well fitted. I'm not talking skinnies (or am I?) but fitted is key. Notice all sharp looking people seem to just fit in their clothes and look too suave for life. Yeah. Post pics when your done!
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Consider a rolex. Or a frolex. Something comfy and good looking on your left wrist. Nice watches compliment a suit very well.
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Depends what look you're going for. How do you want to present yourself?
^^
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So you go into the store...
then look for things you like...
and then you buy it.
Seriously, how can that be difficult? XD ... If you're looking for shops you should state the city and maybe someone will be able to jump in, or can give you onlineshops... But it's not that difficult.
People look best in clothes they like and feel comfortable with. If you're looking for clothing for interviews etc you should just check out proper stores or even contact a tailor!
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On December 20 2011 22:59 Juliette wrote:
Depends what look you're going for. How do you want to present yourself?
^^
Professional. Mature. Smart.
I don't want to dress like a highschool kid, or a frat boy.
On December 20 2011 23:00 KeksX wrote:
So you go into the store...
then look for things you like...
and then you buy it.
Seriously, how can that be difficult? XD ... If you're looking for shops you should state the city and maybe someone will be able to jump in, or can give you onlineshops... But it's not that difficult.
People look best in clothes they like and feel comfortable with. If you're looking for clothing for interviews etc you should just check out proper stores or even contact a tailor!
The clothes I like got me labeled as a hobo 
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On December 20 2011 23:01 MrBitter wrote:Show nested quote +On December 20 2011 23:00 KeksX wrote:
So you go into the store...
then look for things you like...
and then you buy it.
Seriously, how can that be difficult? XD ... If you're looking for shops you should state the city and maybe someone will be able to jump in, or can give you onlineshops... But it's not that difficult.
People look best in clothes they like and feel comfortable with. If you're looking for clothing for interviews etc you should just check out proper stores or even contact a tailor! The clothes I like got me labeled as a hobo
WHAT LOL !
Okay, if that is the case maybe you REALLY need help. Where do you plan to shop all this? Onlineshops? Specific city? It's easier to talk about buying clothes if we know what is reachable for you and what not. A weekend in madrid will be different than an evening shop in a random city in germany.
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On December 20 2011 23:03 KeksX wrote:Show nested quote +On December 20 2011 23:01 MrBitter wrote:On December 20 2011 23:00 KeksX wrote:
So you go into the store...
then look for things you like...
and then you buy it.
Seriously, how can that be difficult? XD ... If you're looking for shops you should state the city and maybe someone will be able to jump in, or can give you onlineshops... But it's not that difficult.
People look best in clothes they like and feel comfortable with. If you're looking for clothing for interviews etc you should just check out proper stores or even contact a tailor! The clothes I like got me labeled as a hobo WHAT LOL ! Okay, if that is the case maybe you REALLY need help. Where do you plan to shop all this? Onlineshops? Specific city? It's easier to talk about buying clothes if we know what is reachable for you and what not. A weekend in madrid will be different than an evening shop in a random city in germany.
Yea, I definitely don't want to go shopping in Madrid...
Just something with the times that I can find here in Cologne, or maybe in Dusseldorf if I really have to posh it up.
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A nice button-down shirt (like a suit shirt), keep the top two buttons undone. Collar should be a little high, but not popped. Jeans or slacks go well with it. You look serious but fashionable. A mix between hobo and businessman. No tie. Nice shoes if slacks, sneakers if jeans. Shirt tucked in.
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Do what I do, walk into a men's clothing store, a good one (you need some new clothes most likely). Let some chick working there play dress-up with you. You can't miss.
Straight men aren't supposed to know what outfits look good, don't worry about it too much.
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On December 20 2011 23:01 MrBitter wrote:Show nested quote +On December 20 2011 22:59 Juliette wrote:
Depends what look you're going for. How do you want to present yourself?
^^ Professional. Mature. Smart. I don't want to dress like a highschool kid, or a frat boy.
First you need basics then. Some slacks, khakis, etc. Button up shirts in bright colors for work, darker ones for more formal things, going out, etc. Ties. I'm sure you have a blazer, I see it in casts! A coat, if you're in a cold place. Dark jeans.
I'd continue by looking at pictures of smart, professional people and see how they dress. For example:
Ryan Gosling
(I picked him because a lot of my friends think he's hot OO)
He seems to be wearing a dress shirt often enough, so go with that! Pick colors you like but that compliment. Get dress shoes for everyday use.
Basically wear parts of a suit everyday lol, make it look casual.
I don't know about department stores in EU, but if you head to US and go to nordstrom, macy's, etc you can literally just go up to the men's section and ask one of the guys to help you redesign your wardrobe. Tell him what you want.
Price wise it can get expensive but you said you wanted to spend a few thousand over the next few months so.... 
Department store prices tend to be 50-100$ for each shirt/tie/pants, more for coats and jackets. But you can go to mark down stores (in US, nordstrom rack, for example) and get nearly the same quality there. Of course, this is if you want high quality :O.
You can also just go to individual stores at the mall and look for things that you like.
Men's fashion magazines help.
(man i sound like a snob)
edit:
After this consider finding 1 guy that you can go to that will do your hair. long term investment - your hair guy will make you look good so you have to build up a working relationship. I mean this is less money involved (though hair cuts from good stylists can be expensive - 20-30$), but its very good to have
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Grab someone with at least a bit of sense of fashion and head to an Esprit shop, one of those should be in either Cologne or Duesseldorf.
Or for something more classy/classic: Ask for a 'Herrenausstatter', the people there should be able to help, but it will be more expensive.
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Basic well fitting non-bleached/ripped jeans.
A shirt not made of felt or mixed synthetics. Iron it. Yes, iron it. Jacket over short sleeves, vest over long sleeves.
Don't wear shoes with over logos, don't wear work out shoes to any event where you want to look good.
An eye catching watch is always a plus, but don't go overboard, don't let the watch outclass everything else you're wearing.
More cleanly shaven, yes, we notice your shadows of sideburns xD.
This is me assuming you want to look casually suave. You know, rather than Day[9] Forbes 30 under 30 SEXY.
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If you find anything really swanky around here, you definitely need to share it. I'm similarly stuck on combinations of nerdy t-shirts and jeans and would love to know where I can buy something in the area that's nice looking but not preppy and crazy expensive.
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We both need new jeans.
Strait leg, dark dark blue jeans with those 'fancy' wash out patches on the thighs are considered 'fasionable'.
No holes and a nice black leather belt.
T-shirts and hoodies can be okay, hoodies from American apparel are nice and non-bum like. I'm a fan of solid colours.
T-shirts should fit you properly tho and you should buy ones you like. zip up hoodies are often less bum like.
A lot of the bum like appearance can be from baggy shirts and sweaters.
For going out to dinner the same jeans and a 'button-down' shirt are appropriate.
I say 'button-down' cause its a collard cuffed almost dress shirt but not quite, just a little more casual then a 'dress' shirt.
You can tuck it in or not depending on how well your belt fits/looks and how well dressed you want to look.
I think the most important thing is that everything has to fit nice: Jeans off the ground but over the shoe, t-shirt over the belt but not covering the whole pocket, a little tight around your manly chest, sleeves of appropriate length, etc, etc.
tl;dr: new nice looking jeans and good fitting shirts.
EDIT: get yourself a sweet pair of shoes too. especially if your interested in attracting women. running shoes are fine but brand names are important.
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Cardigans, dress shirts, ties, pull-overs.
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On December 20 2011 23:03 KeksX wrote:Show nested quote +On December 20 2011 23:01 MrBitter wrote:On December 20 2011 23:00 KeksX wrote:
So you go into the store...
then look for things you like...
and then you buy it.
Seriously, how can that be difficult? XD ... If you're looking for shops you should state the city and maybe someone will be able to jump in, or can give you onlineshops... But it's not that difficult.
People look best in clothes they like and feel comfortable with. If you're looking for clothing for interviews etc you should just check out proper stores or even contact a tailor! The clothes I like got me labeled as a hobo WHAT LOL ! Okay, if that is the case maybe you REALLY need help. Where do you plan to shop all this? Onlineshops? Specific city? It's easier to talk about buying clothes if we know what is reachable for you and what not. A weekend in madrid will be different than an evening shop in a random city in germany.
This was stated in OP.
On December 20 2011 23:06 Chargelot wrote:
A nice button-down shirt (like a suit shirt), keep the top two buttons undone. Collar should be a little high, but not popped. Jeans or slacks go well with it. You look serious but fashionable. A mix between hobo and businessman. No tie. Nice shoes if slacks, sneakers if jeans. Shirt tucked in.
This works very well. A lot of my relaxed, wise male teachers dress exactly as such. Sometimes with a cardigan over but that makes me lol, but still works very well when applied correctly. Maybe you shouldn't be taking advice from someone in a an oversized knitted hoodie :D Gosh this thing is itchy.
You will find yourself at a gravve crossroad; which pants to buy. Never buy anything pre-ripped as it is effectively useless for work. You're gonna need a few pairs of casual but stylish black pants, while keeping in mind you also need non-black stylish pants. By stylish I mean somewhere between not-wedding-material and Best-man-material. As such, you can wear them anywhere and you will have the most versatile pants on the block. IMO, good pair of pants are hard to come buy dese days bro.
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I second the "fitted" or "slim fit" look suggestion for anything you buy. It's what gives men a modern look nowadays.
If you're looking for dress/professional work shirts that look good for work or play and are still fashionable, try Nordstrom (or, better yet, Nordstrom Rack, their outlet stores). Their customer service is considered the best and their return policy can't be beat. If you want to try on ANYTHING, even wrapped up, pinned up stuff, just bring it to the dressing rooms and the people will help you with a smile. Since the customer service is so good and patient, you can really give yourself time to find out what kind of style fits your body type without feeling pressured to gtfo or buy anything.
If you're looking for dress/professional work shirts that look good for work or play and are still fashionable, try Nordstrom (or, better yet, Nordstrom Rack, their outlet stores). Their customer service is considered the best and their return policy can't be beat. If you want to try on ANYTHING, even wrapped up, pinned up stuff, just bring it to the dressing rooms and the people will help you with a smile. Since the customer service is so good and patient, you can really give yourself time to find out what kind of style fits your body type without feeling pressured to gtfo or buy anything.
Check out Levi's 511 line of pants and jeans for a slim yet not super skinny style. Their 511 khakis can be dressed up or down easily and look modern. You can also find them on sale quite often, otherwise you're paying around $60 for a pair, which isn't terrible but isn't really a great price, either. Try them on in a store, find out your preferred size and you can try to find a sale online. The outlet stores also carry these jeans often but I can never find the pants.
My 2 cents. I'm not a fashion expert either but in the past year I've gone through a similar transformation that you are contemplating now. Good luck man, I have a lot of respect for your work!
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On December 20 2011 23:05 MrBitter wrote:Show nested quote +On December 20 2011 23:03 KeksX wrote:On December 20 2011 23:01 MrBitter wrote:On December 20 2011 23:00 KeksX wrote:
So you go into the store...
then look for things you like...
and then you buy it.
Seriously, how can that be difficult? XD ... If you're looking for shops you should state the city and maybe someone will be able to jump in, or can give you onlineshops... But it's not that difficult.
People look best in clothes they like and feel comfortable with. If you're looking for clothing for interviews etc you should just check out proper stores or even contact a tailor! The clothes I like got me labeled as a hobo WHAT LOL ! Okay, if that is the case maybe you REALLY need help. Where do you plan to shop all this? Onlineshops? Specific city? It's easier to talk about buying clothes if we know what is reachable for you and what not. A weekend in madrid will be different than an evening shop in a random city in germany. Yea, I definitely don't want to go shopping in Madrid... Just something with the times that I can find here in Cologne, or maybe in Dusseldorf if I really have to posh it up.
As it is always hard to just write about clothing and I could go on forever about what you might and might not like, I'll just give you some hints about shopping clothes in Germany. You should really check these shops out yourself and maybe get a partner(Rotterdam?) with you to tell you if you look like a Hobo or not.
I hope that will help you at least a bit!
So as you might already know there are shops like KIK where you have really cheap clothes that don't look decent at all and are mostly for kids/teenagers. Then you have something like C&A where you sometimes CAN get more "mature" stuff but it's still mostly for kids/teenagers/women. Guys have a hard time there finding clothes that don't look like your mom bought it for you.
You WILL find good stuff there, it's just harder to find and will take a lot of time as their main focus are women/teenagers... These shops include C&A, Esprit, H&M and all these others big retail chains.
What you want is a so called "Herrenausstatter". These shops specifically have clothing for men(sometimes women, too. But men are their focus). Not only suits but often times "accessoires" and everyday clothing as well. You should give google maps a try and just look for generic things like "herrenausstatter köln" and just find shops that you'd want to give a visit. Often times tailors run these shops as well so you can even get personalized suits if you want that.
(Yea Herrenausstatter are also the ones that make grooms clothing but just in some rare cases they only have these things)
This one for example:
http://www.qype.com/place/24642-Ansons-Herrenhaus-KG-Koeln (Just did a generic google search xD)
As for cologne specific... One good thing is to just randomly ask people that are familiar with the city. I am not sadly because I was only there once and didn't have the time to look out for good shops that I don't already know.
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this is also one company that makes nice shirts in Germany: http://www.eterna.de/shop/herren/neu/
They do have one factory outlet I know of, but it's almost at the border to the Czech Republic, so probably a bit far for you.
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EPT
