To think that this side of 20 years ago, the choices in a typical males closet would not extend much past a couple of dark suits a few crisp white dress-shirts, a pair of brown, black and “shiny” shoes (you know, weddings, funerals…) and a good pair of “weekend sweats”.
Far from this being the aspired male “every season collection”, it was rather that men didn’t think themselves worthy or even able of wearing a cashmere scarf.
Thank God, the times have changed and globally fashion-forward men of all backgrounds and persuasions have spent an eye-watering $450 Billion on the latest threads, with the market in The America’s accounting for around $156 Billion of that market.
As societal roles and gender-based expectations have changed, so has the outward appearance of today’s man about town and nowhere on earth, is this more obvious – than in the city that never sleeps, New York.
So, fellas, the short version is this: it really is time to throw out those crocs (which you should NEVER have had in the first place), and tell the world exactly who you are…before you’ve said a word.
THE TOP 5 MALE FASHION FAUX PAS
So before we get to the sugar, here’s the medicine. If you’re guilty of any of these sins, the short message is this: cease and desist. Remember, it takes all of 7 seconds to make a first impression and in NYC that loosely translates to instantly.
#1 – Sweaty Arm Pits. The summertime gift that keeps on giving. All those endless hours changing subways, running upstairs and dashing from meeting to meeting take their toll and if you fall into the category of the manliest of men, gentlemen there is just no excuse. Check out this list here. From roll-ons to deodorants, vaporizers to wipes in an emergency, you’ve been told.
#2 – Too much of…everything. Now she may have meant it for women but Coco Chanel’s much-revered advice rings true for men too. She famously said “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off” Unless you’re a tech billionaire by age 25, absolutely no one is going to take you seriously wearing enough leather straps on your wrist to upholster a bar stool.
#3 – Wearing sunglasses inside or at night. (Unless you’re Puff Daddy). Enough said.
#4 – How do we say this…if your prospective partner can see the contents through the packaging, it’s too tight. We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt in this area but the man who knows doesn’t need anyone else too at first glance.
#5 – The bottom button blunder. Never and we do mean never button the bottom button on your suit jacket. If your jacket has three buttons, you do the top two – although really, you could just do the middle one. If it has two buttons, only the top.
#6 – Ok, so this technically falls out of the “top 5” category but for some unfathomable reason, this curiosity of the modern-day male just doesn’t want to die out and so it gets an honourable mention here:
Wearing socks with Sandals. Just.Don’t.Do.It.
THE PRESSURE IS ON
If you think it’s only women who feel body and image related pressure – think again. More men are presenting with body image related anxiety and stress than ever before and we have those endless billboards featuring those perfect washboard abs (thank you very much Zac Efron) to thank for it, and as our female counterparts, we have also started to bend to the pressure of the body-beautiful.
But looking and feeling great as the modern, urban man of his time doesn’t have to take all your airline miles – save those for Hawaii with our credit-saving must-have combinations that every man can afford.
Just before we get into your shopping list, to find those great deals that won’t hurt your wallet – shop local gentlemen. Take some time to discover local stores in your neighbourhoods and boroughs and devote a bit of energy to browsing them. Sure, it’s going to be hit and miss but there’s never been a better time to make a difference to your local community.
THE “EVERYMAN” ESSENTIALS – TEN OF THE BEST.
#1 – The classic white button-down shirt. You have to try REALLY hard to mess this up. Along with looking great in a sharp suit, you can dress up a pair of well-fitting jeans with a sports jacket and boots and be ready to hit the swankiest of uptown bars.
#2 – The crew neck sweater. It may seem clichè but a couple of crew neck sweaters in easy tones like navy blue or light grey can instantly add a touch of sophistication without being overly stuffy. Wear form-fitting chinos (if you have the form) or regular cut chinos along with good leather shoes or ankle-high boots and you’re cutting a fresh image.
#3 – Brown suede Chelsea boots. You can wear them with great trousers, with jeans, even with Bermuda shorts if you couple them with an awesome Tee and layer it out with a scarf and big framed sunglasses.
#4 – The Trench. Here, you may have to spend some to get some, but it will be worth every cent. Get it in beige and you can wear it with anything.
#5 – A pale blue shirt. Along with its crisp white counterpart, the pale blue shirt is a really good company with colourful ties and scarves and coupled with a well-fitting pair of chinos can be dressed up or down with…
#6 – a pair of tan “Derbys” or white minimalist sneakers. Add these to jeans or chinos.
#7 – Fitted and printed Tees. The humble V-neck has evolved to include bold printed tees and functional t-shirts all of which can be used to show off your personality. If you’re the active sort, you can combine performance fishing shirts that look great when you’re doing what you love and still look cool and sporty when you’re not.
#8 – Slim fitting jeans. This does not have to mean “skinny jeans”. These are only good for your teens and maybe into your 20s if you’re in a legitimate band…or you’re Jared Leto.
#9 – The wristwatch. Along with that one pair of shoes and a great jacket, perhaps one of the areas that you should save and plan for. Every man needs that one awesome wristwatch that elevates his profile instantly. Check these for inspiration on a budget.
#10 – Always make it your own. Ok, so this isn’t an actual item but it’s worth mentioning here. Sure it’s great to push your boundaries and venture out of the “comfortable”, but the one thing that will always be in style for every man no matter your age, social class or background – is confidence.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more menswear inspiration.
(Some of these links may contain affiliate links, so that means if you click and buy something, I get a cut. It helps keep the site going! Full Disclosure)