I was thinking about this while driving today to look for some brown dress shoes. People in this thread want to be more stylish, and there's so much talk in here about what to wear, and how to wear it, everything based on rules. To me, style has always been about bending (and sometimes breaking) the rules to make one's look unique. I suppose for people just starting out (and I should probably consider myself in that category) it's good to learn the basics of how to dress before trying to bend rules for a more unique look, but some people here seem too married to the rule book for my taste. I've read, or at least skimmed over, every post in this thread, and everything is about pairing things "correctly."
There was one guy that had a tie and vest on, with the top button undone. Now, granted, his looked awful, but that is a look that can absolutely be pulled off if you know how to do it right.
Take a look at this video, and tell me the model doesn't look like a total fucking baller in all three styles that they show. Of course, you can't, because he looks like a total fucking baller. And this is my overall point: if you absolutely own a look, it hardly matters what you wear, because style isn't about the clothes you wear, it's about you.
I think Travis originally posted the video below, but this guy looks ridiculous, but it's fucking awesome because he clearly owns the SHIT out of everything he wears.
Take a look at Johnny Depp below. He's wearing a white tee shirt, a hat, and some accessories, kind looking like a lazy dirt bag, but he looks really good (granted, some of that is just the picture, because it's a good shot). Or think of how cool James Dean looked his whole life. All that guy ever wore was jeans, a white tee, and sometimes a leather jacket. But he was the king of fucking cool, because it was him, he owned the look.
On the opposite of them is a guy like Frank Sinatra. Frank's style was amazing to me. It wreaks of class. Not everyone can wear a suit everywhere they go and not look out of place. Believe me, if you walk out of your house in a suit with even the slightest bit of doubt in the way you're wearing that suit, it doesn't look as good. Head slightly down with minorly rounded shoulders in a suit looks like someone who thinks the suit makes him a man, not that he's a man making a suit.
Personally, I wear high tops with some pretty crazy colors, + Show Spoiler +
and super hero t-shirts, but nobody questions it, or thinks I look juvenile because I own the look. I met my last girlfriend, who was a lovely lady, wearing fucking Afflicion t-shirts, black skate shoes, and 7FAMK jeans. Granted, this is just one of many ways I dress, and it's super casual, but it looks good on me (imo) because I'm confident in what I'm wearing. I'm not hiding behind my clothes; I'm not using them as some kind of barrier to shield people from my lack of self confidence.
The above is something I have picked up on from a lot of people here, "I pretty much always dress like shit..." Without ever having seen a picture of you guys, I have an image of you built in my head already (mostly because I was there when I was in high school too), but you're the kind of guys that wear some kind of ironic t-shirt, or maybe one with a small graphic on it, jeans that are probably too big for you, and some random shoes. You probably wish you knew how to dress because it'd probably make you a cooler person or whatever, but the truth is that what you're looking for isn't found in the awesome new clothes you're going to buy. That said--not to sound like too much of a double talker--seeing yourself looking good for the first time can be an eye opening experience to what your self worth really is. And that's the only reason to dress well, and have good hair.
In short, my point is this: learn some basics of color coordination, and outfit flow, then wear whatever the hell you want to wear.
My posts are way too long, but here's another site's look book that I've enjoyed over the years. http://kinowear.tumblr.com/ I like their blog a lot, too (http://www.kinowear.com/blog/). Jae is a pretty helpful guy. I inquired about his services and he made a personal phone call to me some years ago. At the time, he made the offer to give some style tips, even if I didn't pay for services, because he likes helping guys out that much. Still, if there was an internet source I'd go to for style tips, this is the guy I'd go to, personally.
And to conclude this ridiculously lengthy post; I'll try to get some pictures of various styles that I'll rock out with so you can be the judge of whether or not I have a clue as to what I'm talking about. :D [EDIT: HOLY WALL OF TEXT, BATMAN! Sorry guys, but thanks if you actually read all my ramblings.]
You make some good points, but you cant always dress however you would like to. In many workplaces you need to adhere to a set of rules. On my own time, I dress differently from how I dress at work. I own pink jeans, blue suede wingtips, teal chinos, etc... because on my own time, I like to wear a piece of clothing with bright colours all the time. However, when I go to work, both of my jobs have different dress codes. For one I need a classic look in a suit, and for the other slacks and a shirt. This is where being a special snowflake isnt a good idea, and learning the basics and rules of conservative business dress is useful.
I think your best point is about how dressing well doesnt make you look good, it just gives you an opportunity to gain confidence in yourself. I went through a rough patch for a while, and was really down on myself. One of the many steps I took to getting myself on the right path again, was to take an interest in the way I look, and the way I dress. Dressing with a sense of purpose, whatever your style, is a great way to boost your confidence and productivity.
On December 14 2012 16:58 Focuspants wrote: You make some good points, but you cant always dress however you would like to. In many workplaces you need to adhere to a set of rules. On my own time, I dress differently from how I dress at work. I own pink jeans, blue suede wingtips, teal chinos, etc... because on my own time, I like to wear a piece of clothing with bright colours all the time. However, when I go to work, both of my jobs have different dress codes. For one I need a classic look in a suit, and for the other slacks and a shirt. This is where being a special snowflake isnt a good idea, and learning the basics and rules of conservative business dress is useful.
I think your best point is about how dressing well doesnt make you look good, it just gives you an opportunity to gain confidence in yourself. I went through a rough patch for a while, and was really down on myself. One of the many steps I took to getting myself on the right path again, was to take an interest in the way I look, and the way I dress. Dressing with a sense of purpose, whatever your style, is a great way to boost your confidence and productivity.
Agreed with the top portion. I didn't really intend that to be all encompassing for every facet of one's life. There are situations where it's just not acceptable to dress a certain way. We have a pretty loose dress code where I work, so I don't really have to deal with that, but I know that many (if not most) offices have a business casual dress code.
But more to my point, I want to see what people's casual style is. I don't think I could ever rock out some pink jeans, but I think it's fucking awesome when someone can really pull the look off. Like this guy.
I know this is a "fashion" thread, but I'd really like to see some more individuality out of the people that are posting here. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the suggestions that have been made (I think JWD and Boes look pretty awesome in the pictures they've posted), but to see everyone trying to mimic their look... I don't think that's a good idea. Style should be personal. JWD likes what he does, and he looks good doing it, and he probably has the personality to pull that look off (from what I've read of his posts here, he does, he's that type of guy). But his clothes say something about him, which won't apply to a lot of people posting here.
When I was younger, I didn't care about how I looked, because I didn't understand how things worked then. I didn't think to ask "what does my image say about who I am?" A fat kid with a mop top, baggy jeans, over sized t-shirts with dumb pictures on them, and some ugly shoes projects a meaning. It says that they don't care about themselves. That may not be true, but you're screaming it to the world by dressing that way. On the other hand, a somewhat fit person, with a clean hair cut, and well fitting clothes says something else. The outside is a representation of what's happening inside, and I missed that for a long, long time.
Looking back, I wish someone would have smacked me upside the head and told me everything I was doing wrong. I think I would have enjoyed life more back then. Maybe enjoying things more back then would have led to better decisions in other areas of my life. But I don't dwell on it, because I am where I am, and I can't change that. But, in saying these things, making them public, I hope I can help some lonely kid change a little bit about himself so that he'll have a better time than I did. High school is a rough place to be an individual, because everything (at least where I'm from) is so trendy and clique-y that it really gets squashed out, but you can still be an individual while conforming just enough to be more accepted. You don't change the core of your being for other people, but you conform to their rules because it lets them know that you understand how the game is played. Once you're in the game, that's when the individuality can come out.
[EDIT: I have to stop rambling so much. The word count in my posts is too damn high!]
On December 14 2012 18:38 SweeTLemonS[TPR] wrote: + Show Spoiler +
On December 14 2012 16:58 Focuspants wrote: You make some good points, but you cant always dress however you would like to. In many workplaces you need to adhere to a set of rules. On my own time, I dress differently from how I dress at work. I own pink jeans, blue suede wingtips, teal chinos, etc... because on my own time, I like to wear a piece of clothing with bright colours all the time. However, when I go to work, both of my jobs have different dress codes. For one I need a classic look in a suit, and for the other slacks and a shirt. This is where being a special snowflake isnt a good idea, and learning the basics and rules of conservative business dress is useful.
I think your best point is about how dressing well doesnt make you look good, it just gives you an opportunity to gain confidence in yourself. I went through a rough patch for a while, and was really down on myself. One of the many steps I took to getting myself on the right path again, was to take an interest in the way I look, and the way I dress. Dressing with a sense of purpose, whatever your style, is a great way to boost your confidence and productivity.
Agreed with the top portion. I didn't really intend that to be all encompassing for every facet of one's life. There are situations where it's just not acceptable to dress a certain way. We have a pretty loose dress code where I work, so I don't really have to deal with that, but I know that many (if not most) offices have a business casual dress code.
But more to my point, I want to see what people's casual style is. I don't think I could ever rock out some pink jeans, but I think it's fucking awesome when someone can really pull the look off. Like this guy.
I know this is a "fashion" thread, but I'd really like to see some more individuality out of the people that are posting here. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the suggestions that have been made (I think JWD and Boes look pretty awesome in the pictures they've posted), but to see everyone trying to mimic their look... I don't think that's a good idea. Style should be personal. JWD likes what he does, and he looks good doing it, and he probably has the personality to pull that look off (from what I've read of his posts here, he does, he's that type of guy). But his clothes say something about him, which won't apply to a lot of people posting here.
When I was younger, I didn't care about how I looked, because I didn't understand how things worked then. I didn't think to ask "what does my image say about who I am?" A fat kid with a mop top, baggy jeans, over sized t-shirts with dumb pictures on them, and some ugly shoes projects a meaning. It says that they don't care about themselves. That may not be true, but you're screaming it to the world by dressing that way. On the other hand, a somewhat fit person, with a clean hair cut, and well fitting clothes says something else. The outside is a representation of what's happening inside, and I missed that for a long, long time.
Looking back, I wish someone would have smacked me upside the head and told me everything I was doing wrong. I think I would have enjoyed life more back then. Maybe enjoying things more back then would have led to better decisions in other areas of my life. But I don't dwell on it, because I am where I am, and I can't change that. But, in saying these things, making them public, I hope I can help some lonely kid change a little bit about himself so that he'll have a better time than I did. High school is a rough place to be an individual, because everything (at least where I'm from) is so trendy and clique-y that it really gets squashed out, but you can still be an individual while conforming just enough to be more accepted. You don't change the core of your being for other people, but you conform to their rules because it lets them know that you understand how the game is played. Once you're in the game, that's when the individuality can come out.
[EDIT: I have to stop rambling so much. The word count in my posts is too damn high!]
I only read the shit that's pertained to fashion but a couple things. 1. that guy's not pulling that look off at all, assuming the look is a flamboyantly metrosexual pothead. 2. people imitate their (whoever you mentioned) styles because it's the most universal common denominator they can find. It's changed since the late 1800s but overall, the pieces and general attire haven't changed. It's the safest and most prevalent way to gain aesthetic approval. Nobody's going to tell you that style is terrible because it's not. It's timeless. But nobody is going to tell you what a trendsetter you are. Nobody's going to see you and think 'wow, I didn't know I could put these articles together,' or 'hey, what an interesting silhouette.' And in that end, that demographic seeking answers to fashion-related questions are satisfied. I doubt many people actually see the art in fashion because to them, they just want to look a notch higher than the rest because they feel they're dressed inferior to other people. In reality, they're simply seeking higher platform of pedestrian acceptance. This is more of an observation/critique of the people I see seeking advice than of the menswear style itself.
Genuine question: how do you dress more trendy if you are well-built? Tokyo is great in that u see a ton of people who dress really really well, and some looks I really want to imitate, except my leg is the size of their waists...
Opinions please. Alpha khakis, or flat front khakis? Alphas look a lot like jeans to me. I hardly see a difference between alpha khakis and some brown levi 514's (material excluded).
On December 14 2012 20:47 Cambium wrote: Genuine question: how do you dress more trendy if you are well-built? Tokyo is great in that u see a ton of people who dress really really well, and some looks I really want to imitate, except my leg is the size of their waists...
How big is well built? Someone posted this site a while back for guys with big thighs. 501's are pretty nice for bigger thighs (I'm very glad I no longer have this issue!). Maybe check out what some bigger celebrities are wearing. Maybe Tom Hardy, Daniel Craig (5'10" 180 lbs is well built to most people, especially at that body fat %), Channing Tatum, etc.
I feel like we should have passed that vote to change the name to "mens style" and not "mens fashion." we've talked about that split before but i dunno. feels more appropriate for new people coming in.
@cambium trendy is a strange word to use to be honest. you kinda have to figure out how you like to dress and then pick pieces that'll work with that. so go around, look for people who's style you like, get some pictures together. we can't help if we don't know what you like.
On December 15 2012 15:45 Juliette wrote: I feel like we should have passed that vote to change the name to "mens style" and not "mens fashion." we've talked about that split before but i dunno. feels more appropriate for new people coming in.
@cambium trendy is a strange word to use to be honest. you kinda have to figure out how you like to dress and then pick pieces that'll work with that. so go around, look for people who's style you like, get some pictures together. we can't help if we don't know what you like.
@sweetlemons post some pics!
To post pics, I have to take them first.
Here's one of me rocking a suit on Halloween (I was Archer).
Added coat + scarf (assuming I didn't copy/paste backwards) [EDIT: I didn't. It's impossible to see, but there are blue stripes that match the soles of these shoes in the scarf.) http://postimage.org/image/r3y8xb5hd/
I often wear this watch instead of the one I currently have on.
Hey guys, I know that there have been posts concerning what blogs to follow, but are there any blogs that are like clothing guides? I'm talking about things that show styles, not just clothing to buy. I've been trying to find some on Google Reader but I keep coming up with blogs that just say what to buy, and don't really go into detail about to how style. I know esquire is pretty ok at it, and they have a website called valet, but I'm talking more on the explanation of style. Any blogs for me to find?
varying quality, and some of these are definitely defunct. these are only the blogs I choose to follow via RSS instead of tumblr (the blogs on my tumblr dash are overwhelmingly just photo blogs anyway—you're not missing much). I hope you can find all of them by googling. Put This On is by far the best and most practical menswear blog I know of right now, but I also really enjoy A Suitable Wardrobe
I haven't updated my list in a long time so it's likely there are some new blogs out there worth following at this point
here's a few looks recently that i've liked. feel free to rip apart
I have really expensive taste: www.viveennoir.com sophnet.com naked and famous comme des garcons
With the exception of N&F, everything is extremely expensive and I figured I could ask if anyone knows of any companies (local or etc) that deal in similar styles.
Edit: just for some context ill put a 'outfit' together:
varying quality, and some of these are definitely defunct. these are only the blogs I choose to follow via RSS instead of tumblr (the blogs on my tumblr dash are overwhelmingly just photo blogs anyway—you're not missing much). I hope you can find all of them by googling. Put This On is by far the best and most practical menswear blog I know of right now, but I also really enjoy A Suitable Wardrobe
I haven't updated my list in a long time so it's likely there are some new blogs out there worth following at this point
here's a few looks recently that i've liked. feel free to rip apart
EPT![[image loading]](http://i.shoebuy.com/pi/weyco/weyco914_4207_jb.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/sPQLd.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/C4HeT.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/4tUWa.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wxcBh.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/MDrOh.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fVrjD.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yU23b.jpg)
