Spring is here... Be a Sharp-dressed Man!

Spring has sprung! Nature is putting its best leaf, petal, and blossom out for all of the world to admire. Spring is a time of vibrant renewal, and it is the perfect time for us to reflect on ourselves... our health, our happiness, and of course, our style. Why else would all of the fashion designers anchor their creations with spring and fall lines? These are the seasons of transformation!

I am profiling men in this post because, frankly, most of my female friends and loved ones are already pretty darn stylish. However, I know a few men who could use some help. But guys, before you decide that style is shallow, vain, or unnecessary, please read this next paragraph and let me persuade you to think otherwise:

You personal style, as defined here as the way you carry yourself, the way you treat others, and of course the way you dress is the combined message that you send out to everyone you encounter everyday. I know a lot of men that value and understand the first two, but neglect the third. I think this is sad. Why? Because not allowing your personality to shine through your sense of style is like a gifted vocalist who never sings, a brilliant thinker who never writes or speaks, or a soulful humanitarian who never gives. Getting dressed every day is an opportunity for us to stand up and tell the world who we are, and why we are wonderful. AND PLEASE, STOP THINKING THAT BEING WELL-DRESSED= APPEARING GAY. Think of the men who women have adored throughout history: Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake... they were all sharp-dressed men!

Don't become discouraged if you are economically challenged- anyone can afford to be stylish. There is a difference between "fashion" and "style." Fashion is dictated by designer trends and ridiculous price tags. Style is dictated by creativity, humor, personality, and lifestyle. Anyone can be stylish, on any budget.

Style can convey a sense of humor, a sense of adventure, political persuasions, cultural differences, and class... all without saying a word. I know, we're not supposed to "judge a book by its cover." By why not display your brilliance instead of hiding it away within the confines of the pages of said book?

Also, come on now- style is fun! I love stepping out onto a busy street and seeing all of the different ways that people are expressing themselves. I am equally intrigued by the tailored, board-room perfection of the passing by business men and women as I am by the street musicians, trend followers, and preppy school-kids. And stylish dressing gives us a way to connect: I have a collection of colorful and whimsical scarves that each have started a multitude of conversations with people who have stopped me to comment on them... knitters, school teachers, grandmothers, teenagers... everyone!

So I've persuaded you to look your best... but you don't know where to start, right? What should you get rid of (give away) and what should you keep?

Well, there are some general male-based style guidelines that can help you. I encourage you to find your own unique way, but consider the following tips before you get started. Keep in mind that style is personal and that is what makes it fun, but these are just my personal preferences for male dressing:

1. Have a few good hats on hand... not just baseball caps. This is a good way to add some personality to an outfit- have a couple hats that you could wear dressed up, dressed down, or dressed for the weather.

2. Get creative with your pants... you can wear more than basic jeans and suit pants! Also consider jeans with some personality... interesting stitching, or cuts, depending on your body type. Plaid pants can even look fun in a "nerdy chic" kind of way if it fits your personality (and chances are that if you're a friend of mine, than it does!)

3. As a rule, in my preference, plain white t-shirts (well cared for... not stained or busted up) under a fun sweater with dark, well-fitted jeans and fun sneakers (not running shoes) is a good casual choice for just about any activity.

4. Sunglasses are another way to be playful and have fun with your appearance. They should flatter your face, but don't be afraid to get a little funky here! You can get a handful of cheap pairs so that way you'll have something for any look.

5. Consider your hair- what is flattering on you and what fits your lifestyle? Men don't have to be as conservative with their hair as they used to be. Even businessmen can get away with slightly more relaxed styles... try it. : )

6. Shoes... ah yes, shoes. Truly, the most important thing you put on everyday. Our shoes take us where we need to go, endure dirty streets, dusty roads, snow, ice, salt, rain, and everything else. They are also responsible for rounding out our daily styles. Don't think that just because they're down there on the ground that people will not take notice of your shoes. In actuality, people will analyze your shoes more than anything else you wear! And sometimes, you can wear just about anything if you're also wearing a really good pair of shoes. Things to consider with shoes:

* As summer is coming up, I must stress that so-called "man sandals", in my opinion, should be BANNED. They're horrible and frankly, they scare me. These apply to both the fancier leather styles and the more rugged river-dwelling styles. Sure, sometimes you need a certain shoe for water activities and outdoor adventures, but please don't wear these to the city cafe or really, any other time unless you really need them. Flip-flops are your only alternative. Never forget this!

* In the summer, all you really need (and should wear) is a nice pair of flip-flops, a beachy pair of flip-flops, and a couple pairs of stylish sneakers. And if you're wearing shorts, these are definitely the only options you should consider.

* A good pair of Kenneth Cole black ankle boots is a great investment for any stylish male. These will take you far and wide. Wear them in the winter. Wear them in the fall. Dress them up. Dress them down. Man's best friend!

* Sneakers- not to be confused with the shoes you actually exercise in. What we're thinking here are light, street-friendly funky yet flattering styles that look perfect for casual everyday wear and can even sometimes be dressed up with the right outfit and the right personality.

7. Shorts- have fun with them, don't be afraid to get a little trendy, and by god, please make sure they fit you properly. Wear a belt if you need one (you're too old to have your boxers showing), and buy new ones if your old ones are too tight or too short.
Jean shorts are not permissible for any reason whatsoever.

8. College logo clothing: don't go overboard on this. You can get away with it at a sporting event, but if you're not a college student and you're not at a game, then leave it to one piece at a time, at the most (the occasional hat or t-shirt.... and I'm being lenient on this one.)

9. Cologne... because how you smell is an extension of how you look. Personally, I am not a big fan of it. If you're going to wear it, keep it extremely light. I shouldn't smell it when you walk by- only if I am inches away from you. Keep the scent clean and simple- not musky or overly exotic. Also, try to find something less mainstream- if you wear the same cologne that my ex-boyfriend used to wear, it's not going to remind me of you, it's going to remind me of him. Try buying one at a boutique store instead of the ones advertised in major magazines.

10. Socks- don't forget about your socks! White athletic tube socks are not the answer to everything. Invest in a few pairs of socks that fall somewhere between dressy and sporty (not white ones) to wear with jeans or khakis. If you're wearing shorts, then you should forgo socks or wear ankle socks, not long ones. Don't be afraid of having fun with your socks too! Argyle socks are a classic choice!

11. Shirts- shirts are easy, and you can get away with almost anything. Choose some well-fitting, muted solid color tshirts or tshirts with graphics which aren't too loud. Fun button-down shirts from Ben Sherman or Penguin are okay, but make sure they fit you well. Solid-color long-sleeve tees are underrated... they look good on pretty much any guy and can carry off a cute casual outfit really simply. Wool sweaters in the winter are an obvious and classic choice. But whatever you do, try not to fall
back on the frat-boy favorite: the button-down collared shirt. Get creative when you head out for the night- don't fall back on the collared shirt!

Other Things to Consider:

* Dress for your age: you shouldn't be wearing anything from Tommy Bahama unless your 50+. I see too many young men dressing like their 65 year old dads. Seriously! This needs to stop! You're all too youthful and adorable to be wearing these things!

* Look to the men you admire: whether it's a musician, an actor, a politician (Hello, Barack), a businessman or even a friend or someone in your everyday life, take style tips from the men you admire. Chances are, what looks good on them will look great on you.

* Don't be afraid to ask your lady friends: a great way to get dialed in on what looks good on you is to ask the women that love you (with the exception of your mothers, because they think you'd look great in a burlap bag.) Ask your girlfriends, your friends whom are girls, your co-workers, etc. They will be happy to go shopping with you!

*Most importantly: your confidence, your charm, and your wit matter most when it comes to style. If you are lacking these, work on them first. If you don't think you're fantastic, then no one will, regardless of what you're wearing!


Now go out there and look good damn it! I can't wait to see you when you hit the streets. ; )