Dreaming in Ink: Calling All Men

Ok Gentlemen. Maybe you’re the type of guy that likes putting thought into your clothes. Then again, perhaps you’re the type that would rather pull whatever shirt is clean off of the floor, regardless of what it looks like, throw it over one of the two pairs of pants that you own, and just maybe add a hat, or the tennis shoes that you’re confident match everything in your wardrobe. I don’t say this to be harsh or insensitive. I say it because I realize that this is a HUGE percentage of the male population. For many, it’s just how the brain ticks. Understandable. You don’t care what looks good, or you despise “fashion;” you may want to dress up but don’t know how to go about doing it, or maybe you think it makes you less manly if you put a nice outfit on. I’m here to tell you, that regardless of where you stand, you can try looking put-together and pull it off, as long as you have the right mentality. For starters, we like it, I promise. I’m DEFINITELY not saying you have to go overboard and look like you just came from the runway. Chances are slim we would believe you anyway. ;) Though some may favor that, it’s not exactly my taste. But you can look manly, rugged, sharp, whatever term you’re aiming for, and look good while doing it.

I know that a vast majority of guys, and even some girls, will write this off as soon as they read it… but I’m only moved to address this, because I see too many couples in which one person is always attempting to dress up, look good and impress their significant other, while the other is either too self-conscious, too careless, or too set in their ways to bother trying to do the same. I fear that I’m teetering on the brink of opening Pandora’s box with this topic, so I’ll keep it brief and focused. All I’m saying is don’t be afraid to try. And if you’re on the opposite end of this spectrum, don’t be afraid to give positive reinforcement and encouragement. It never hurts to give a compliment. A lot of times, we finally work up the courage to try new ideas and new outfits, only to receive that one weird glance and we’re immediately second-guessing our decision.

So, I’ve put together a few tips that I hope will help. (And by no means do I have it all figured out or have the answers, but these ideas have seemed to be tried and true).

- *First, wear it like you mean it. Sounds corny, but if you wear something and hold the attitude like you know exactly what you’re doing, and mean it, people generally won’t question that. When in doubt, fake the confidence.

- *Don’t be afraid to look or ask for help. If you don’t want to ask someone that works in the store, or don’t want to put that much time or thought into it, try just copying an outfit out of a magazine, or taking the whole ensemble straight from the mannequin. That way, you can rest in the comfort of knowing someone else (who probably has a pretty good clue of what they’re doing) already picked it out for you. 9 times out of 10, you can’t go wrong.

- *I can’t stress this next one enough…wear clothes that FIT YOU. Whether you’re trying to hide what you have, or show off the “big results” from your recent gym membership, (contrary to popular belief) we don’t appreciate when your clothes are way too big or way too tight. Try working with your actual size, not what you like to think it is. Fitting does not mean suction-cupped to your body, nor does it mean falling off of your waist. (I’d also like to add that the under armour you wore to the gym need not be worn in public). That being said, remember to dress your age.

- *Most important: Be you. There is no “right” style. There is a typical scale by which we judge things to go well together or fit, but if you don’t want to tread past that, then don’t. On the flip side, however, do venture out and seek new things!! You may not think you’ll like Sperry’s or Chucks until you actually try them and realize they look great on you.

- *Finally, if you have a significant other, make sure you’re seeking their opinion. After all, they are the ones you ultimately want to impress. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good in general, but if, for example, you’re wearing a pair of shorts that J.Crew says is a must-have, and your girlfriend despises them, you might want to rethink and try again. It doesn’t mean you failed, it just means it wasn’t necessarily her preference.

Here are a few examples of styles that I’m personally a sucker for, and I know that I don’t stand alone. [I do tend to lean towards a rugged/preppy look, however, and that obviously won’t suit everyone].