Help me change up my style.
September 7, 2010 7:36 AM Subscribe
Stylish MeFites, help a man change up his style.
When I was 20, I was, in order to keep a job at a punk fashion boutique, compelled to to stop dressing like a schlub. Since then, I figured out my personal style: minimalist slim blacks/greys with neon and design accents. I veer away from formal (none of those vests which were so hot a few years ago) and twee (cardigans and sweaters are anathema) and more toward urban (cut-and-sew hoodies, hi-tops) and retired-punk (tall boots and faded bootleg/home-made band tees.) I don't dig on vintage for a variety of reasons, not a few of them stemming from completely fashion-unrelated neuroses about old clothing.
And now I'm bored. I dress well, regularly receiving compliments on my style and clothes, and I like looking good and in the mode. I have no problem veering into the somewhat ridiculous, but I do work in an office so I have to be able to tone it down on demand. I really, spectacularly picky about the clothes I wear, so that doesn't help. Most importantly, I just want to go into things less teenager-y. I pass near a high school often, I keep seeing students wearing things very similar to my wardrobe and it's making me go "hmm," but I'm not sure how to break out. On the other hand, I see guys my age in polo shirts and Dockers and cling to my throwback Nikes and Imaginary Foundation tees for dear life.
Things I have worn as of recent: 1 2 3 4
Help me mix up my style, MeFites. Suggest some articles of clothing, lookbooks, something. I don't haute couture-money, but I can buy nice things, especially if I know they'll last. I do not like the deep-end-of-the-90s or the prep-school styles that are coming up right now, if it is any help.
I live in NYC, so if you have particular shops and boutiques you like, suggest away.
When I was 20, I was, in order to keep a job at a punk fashion boutique, compelled to to stop dressing like a schlub. Since then, I figured out my personal style: minimalist slim blacks/greys with neon and design accents. I veer away from formal (none of those vests which were so hot a few years ago) and twee (cardigans and sweaters are anathema) and more toward urban (cut-and-sew hoodies, hi-tops) and retired-punk (tall boots and faded bootleg/home-made band tees.) I don't dig on vintage for a variety of reasons, not a few of them stemming from completely fashion-unrelated neuroses about old clothing.
And now I'm bored. I dress well, regularly receiving compliments on my style and clothes, and I like looking good and in the mode. I have no problem veering into the somewhat ridiculous, but I do work in an office so I have to be able to tone it down on demand. I really, spectacularly picky about the clothes I wear, so that doesn't help. Most importantly, I just want to go into things less teenager-y. I pass near a high school often, I keep seeing students wearing things very similar to my wardrobe and it's making me go "hmm," but I'm not sure how to break out. On the other hand, I see guys my age in polo shirts and Dockers and cling to my throwback Nikes and Imaginary Foundation tees for dear life.
Things I have worn as of recent: 1 2 3 4
Help me mix up my style, MeFites. Suggest some articles of clothing, lookbooks, something. I don't haute couture-money, but I can buy nice things, especially if I know they'll last. I do not like the deep-end-of-the-90s or the prep-school styles that are coming up right now, if it is any help.
I live in NYC, so if you have particular shops and boutiques you like, suggest away.
maybe this is "deep-end-of-the-90s" but -
blazer, dress shirt, skinny tie, wingtips?
Like The Jam
or Like this
You could also do the whole hot alt-country thing. Nice thin western snap-down shirts - but I think that has maybe gotten a little out of control... or has never left since the 50's in some cities (like here in Knoxville)
You may be interested in Phix Clothing but it might be a little cliche with a lot of things.
And... I mean, I can't help it, but I love a guy in most Urban Outfitters clothing.
H&M is hit or miss. I bought a lot of stuff from there when I lived in Boston - but most of it fell apart... but it's affordable.
posted by KogeLiz at 8:07 AM on September 7, 2010
blazer, dress shirt, skinny tie, wingtips?
Like The Jam
or Like this
You could also do the whole hot alt-country thing. Nice thin western snap-down shirts - but I think that has maybe gotten a little out of control... or has never left since the 50's in some cities (like here in Knoxville)
You may be interested in Phix Clothing but it might be a little cliche with a lot of things.
And... I mean, I can't help it, but I love a guy in most Urban Outfitters clothing.
H&M is hit or miss. I bought a lot of stuff from there when I lived in Boston - but most of it fell apart... but it's affordable.
posted by KogeLiz at 8:07 AM on September 7, 2010
Also, you look awesome
posted by KogeLiz at 8:07 AM on September 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by KogeLiz at 8:07 AM on September 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Two things I forgot to mention: I am totally open to suggestions for new frames as I desperately need some. Also, I have a really hard time with hats and jewelry. I constantly play with them, so I've never worn any.
--
Greg - I wore a dashiki for a 6th grade presentation on Africa. Either my mom's coworker let her borrow the buyer's-remorse one, or they're really poke-y inside.
TLATS - Mixing in/up a suit has been at the top of consideration. I'm slowly coming to the realization that slim-fit dress shirts go with nearly everything except shorts and slim-fit dress pants go with nearly everything except t-shirts.
KogeLiz - That Phix stuff looks really swell! My utter lack of tough-guy-ness means I can't really pull off Western stuff without it turning into a Midnight Cowboy Jr. sort of deal, unfortunately.
Thanks for the suggestions -- and esteem! -- so far, everyone.
posted by griphus at 8:29 AM on September 7, 2010
--
Greg - I wore a dashiki for a 6th grade presentation on Africa. Either my mom's coworker let her borrow the buyer's-remorse one, or they're really poke-y inside.
TLATS - Mixing in/up a suit has been at the top of consideration. I'm slowly coming to the realization that slim-fit dress shirts go with nearly everything except shorts and slim-fit dress pants go with nearly everything except t-shirts.
KogeLiz - That Phix stuff looks really swell! My utter lack of tough-guy-ness means I can't really pull off Western stuff without it turning into a Midnight Cowboy Jr. sort of deal, unfortunately.
Thanks for the suggestions -- and esteem! -- so far, everyone.
posted by griphus at 8:29 AM on September 7, 2010
I'm definitely going to suggest suits like two lights. As you've noted, slim-fit dress shirts go with nearly everything, and given your current look, it wouldn't even be that huge of a departure for you to try, say, a suit-and-t-shirt look.
posted by Tomorrowful at 8:37 AM on September 7, 2010
posted by Tomorrowful at 8:37 AM on September 7, 2010
If you want to try my style (not represented in my profile photo!), here's what you could do. Get a few fairly conventional sport jackets or blazers -- one medium to dark grey, one biege, and maybe one brown -- and mix and match with any type of shirt (T-shirt, button-down, etc.). Wear dark jeans (or grey jeans, which you seem to own already) and unobtrusive, classic (black or brown) shoes. Most of this outfit is pretty sedate and conventional, so the creativity can mostly come in with your choice of shirt. However, even if the whole thing is solid, plain, and traditional (e.g. charcoal blazer, white button-down shirt, dark jeans, black shoes; or biege blazer, light-blue shirt, blue jeans, brown shoes), it can still be attention-getting just by the fact that you'll be a little dressier than the standard American guy (assuming you're not at work).
The jackets should be pretty well-fitting -- not constricting but not so big that you evoke David Byrne from his Talking Heads days. You don't have to spend too much money on them, even in NYC. I have a Gap corduroy blazer similar to this except dark grey that's served me well for years -- incredibly versatile. It isn't even dry clean only. Urban Outfitters had a pretty cool line of "recycled" sport jackets a few years ago, though I don't know if they still have this kind of thing.
Obligatory Sartorialist link for possible inspiration.
posted by John Cohen at 8:47 AM on September 7, 2010
The jackets should be pretty well-fitting -- not constricting but not so big that you evoke David Byrne from his Talking Heads days. You don't have to spend too much money on them, even in NYC. I have a Gap corduroy blazer similar to this except dark grey that's served me well for years -- incredibly versatile. It isn't even dry clean only. Urban Outfitters had a pretty cool line of "recycled" sport jackets a few years ago, though I don't know if they still have this kind of thing.
Obligatory Sartorialist link for possible inspiration.
posted by John Cohen at 8:47 AM on September 7, 2010
As usual I'm gonna recommend Ina Men (19 Prince St in Nolita), the couture consignment store, for deeply-discounted stylish shirts, suits, and separates.
posted by nicwolff at 9:12 AM on September 7, 2010
posted by nicwolff at 9:12 AM on September 7, 2010
Ooh, I love your style! Put This On is a great blog for grown-up stylish men's dressing.
posted by MsMolly at 9:33 AM on September 7, 2010
posted by MsMolly at 9:33 AM on September 7, 2010
You cannot go wrong with a vest.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 9:51 AM on September 7, 2010
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 9:51 AM on September 7, 2010
A good quality slim-cut leather jacket, and/or a wool peacoat, depending on how you deal with the weather around you. In terms of classic style, these seem to be two pieces of clothing that don't seem to really ever go out of style, so to speak, so long as it's not crinkly old leather and it fits.
If you have a nice fitting dress shirt with slacks/jeans, you can toss a leather jacket on top to keep it from being too formal-looking, and they kind of work with most everything. A peacoat probably isn't quite as versatile, but it's warm, lasts forever and if the wool's good, really comfy. Also, if you're a lazy dresser like me (which you do not look like so, no worries!), it makes getting ready in the morning so, so much easier to just toss a nice jacket on.
posted by zennish at 10:24 AM on September 7, 2010
If you have a nice fitting dress shirt with slacks/jeans, you can toss a leather jacket on top to keep it from being too formal-looking, and they kind of work with most everything. A peacoat probably isn't quite as versatile, but it's warm, lasts forever and if the wool's good, really comfy. Also, if you're a lazy dresser like me (which you do not look like so, no worries!), it makes getting ready in the morning so, so much easier to just toss a nice jacket on.
posted by zennish at 10:24 AM on September 7, 2010
Trying to extrapolate from your pics, a fitted, dark or medium gray sport coat (without stripes!) seems like the obvious choice. You can pair that with a nice long sleeved oxford cloth shirt in a neutral of your choice plus a dark tie, not necessarily black. Knit ties are more pronouncedly casual than woven ties. As for shirts, it's always smart to have dark, medium and light versions of your favorite neutrals, say, grey and blue. Looks good hanging in your closet, too, nice and coordinated.
For a less teenager-y look, lose the track jackets, hoodies and any tees with slogans on them. Opt for a bomber jacket, aforementioned sport coats or something military-inspired. Cool prints are OK (I'll trust your judgment) and you can mix it up with a plain v neck tee now and then. Simplicity is something that's often associated with maturity. Workout clothes, not so much.
Your footwear preference is fine for your goals, although a pair of the original desert boot might bring a touch more versatility to your wardrobe. I'd suggest tan or beeswax, but if all of your jeans are black, then a darker color is more appropriate. What are your feelings on dress shoes? In the end, it's the type of pant and shoes that define the level of formality of your outfit. How formal do you need or want to dress?
You can do a lot with just the neutral palette of whites, blacks, grays, browns and most blues. Not only do they all go together, you can easily vary patterns and textures for an interesting yet cohesive look. So say hello to chambray, corduroy, moleskin, suede et al.
However, as versatile and safe neutrals are, using more color can still bring your game up a notch. For a long time I thought I didn't like to wear colors but it turns out that my pale Nordic complexion simply works better with colder and lighter hues than the flashy primaries I was experimenting with. So, give a moment for color analysis, even if you are as skeptical as I am. Also, what really made me understand combining colors was Academichic's Fashion 101 series. They made their own color wheel and everything.
I can't say much about stores except that I think Uniqlo caters very well to the urban basics shopper and I quite like their shirts. Very good value for money all around. Most of the menswear stuff is very nondescript and can therefore be worked into a variety of aesthetics.
posted by Orchestra at 1:17 PM on September 7, 2010
For a less teenager-y look, lose the track jackets, hoodies and any tees with slogans on them. Opt for a bomber jacket, aforementioned sport coats or something military-inspired. Cool prints are OK (I'll trust your judgment) and you can mix it up with a plain v neck tee now and then. Simplicity is something that's often associated with maturity. Workout clothes, not so much.
Your footwear preference is fine for your goals, although a pair of the original desert boot might bring a touch more versatility to your wardrobe. I'd suggest tan or beeswax, but if all of your jeans are black, then a darker color is more appropriate. What are your feelings on dress shoes? In the end, it's the type of pant and shoes that define the level of formality of your outfit. How formal do you need or want to dress?
You can do a lot with just the neutral palette of whites, blacks, grays, browns and most blues. Not only do they all go together, you can easily vary patterns and textures for an interesting yet cohesive look. So say hello to chambray, corduroy, moleskin, suede et al.
However, as versatile and safe neutrals are, using more color can still bring your game up a notch. For a long time I thought I didn't like to wear colors but it turns out that my pale Nordic complexion simply works better with colder and lighter hues than the flashy primaries I was experimenting with. So, give a moment for color analysis, even if you are as skeptical as I am. Also, what really made me understand combining colors was Academichic's Fashion 101 series. They made their own color wheel and everything.
I can't say much about stores except that I think Uniqlo caters very well to the urban basics shopper and I quite like their shirts. Very good value for money all around. Most of the menswear stuff is very nondescript and can therefore be worked into a variety of aesthetics.
posted by Orchestra at 1:17 PM on September 7, 2010
Mixing in/up a suit has been at the top of consideration. I'm slowly coming to the realization that slim-fit dress shirts go with nearly everything except shorts and slim-fit dress pants go with nearly everything except t-shirts.
You've hit the nail on the head. You could swap in a slim-fit dress shirt (preferably white, or blue/white) into every photo you provided, and it would look awesome.
Suits are also awesome. Get a good fit.
I'd imagine you've already seen it, but The Sartorialist is awesome for picking up inspiration.
posted by djgh at 2:58 PM on September 7, 2010
You've hit the nail on the head. You could swap in a slim-fit dress shirt (preferably white, or blue/white) into every photo you provided, and it would look awesome.
Suits are also awesome. Get a good fit.
I'd imagine you've already seen it, but The Sartorialist is awesome for picking up inspiration.
posted by djgh at 2:58 PM on September 7, 2010
Also, love the hair, love the glasses, hate the facial hair. Sorry :(
I'm not the most stylin' guy, nor do I have any particular clothing recommendations, so I wasn't planning on posting in this thread. But I just have to second this. You say you want to look less teenagery? Creative facial hair (I'm looking mostly at photos #1 and #4, along with your profile avatar) is highly teenagery.
I say this as someone who, at the age of 16, sported full-length mutton chops. Please don't repeat my tragic blunder!
posted by decagon at 8:24 PM on September 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm not the most stylin' guy, nor do I have any particular clothing recommendations, so I wasn't planning on posting in this thread. But I just have to second this. You say you want to look less teenagery? Creative facial hair (I'm looking mostly at photos #1 and #4, along with your profile avatar) is highly teenagery.
I say this as someone who, at the age of 16, sported full-length mutton chops. Please don't repeat my tragic blunder!
posted by decagon at 8:24 PM on September 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Also, love the hair, love the glasses, hate the facial hair. Sorry :(
posted by two lights above the sea at 7:45 AM on September 7, 2010