Just in case any of you gentlemen pick up the paper every other week just to see tips on men's fashion, don't be alarmed. I'm this week's female liaison to men's fashion.
A well-dressed man is killer. I myself love seeing a man dressed in a well-fit suit and tie. My esteemed colleague Siavash Raigani has already provided a detailed to-do list for wowing in a suit, and as I have never worn a suit I am not as qualified to give further instructions, but I'd like to talk about a more day-to-day male attire. One doesn't have to go the James Bond route to be noticed and admired for your sartorial choices. And besides, wearing a suit to class everyday is a little formal (although, I'm the last person who would stop you from doing that).
The keys to dressing well for men are the same as they are for women: Choose clothing well-fitted to your body as well as flattering to your shape, a nice pair of shoes (I am forever banning nerdy Dad-like running sneakers from anywhere that isn't the gym or the track) and good color and pattern combinations.
While these are the same basic jumping off points, it seems that men don't think about the rules as often as women. It's been often noted that women spend a lot more time thinking about the way they look. So I call to the men of Hopkins to pick up the ball. I would say there definitely are a good number of well-dressed guys at Hopkins, but so many more have the potential.
Don't freak out, guys, I'm not asking you to buy a whole new wardrobe. The first thing that is a necessity is a good pair of boot cut jeans. Chances are, you already have this. If you don't, you have a long way to go. These can be bought at The Gap, Urban Outfitters, J. Crew, Abercrombie, and basically any popular retail store that carries men's clothing.
As it is spring, any boy looks good in Bermuda shorts (as opposed to girls, who as I mentioned in my last column, should avoid Bermuda shorts at all cost). The biggest mistake men make with shorts is to buy those awful cargo shorts with about four huge pockets haphazardly stuck onto the sides. They are bulky and sloppy and if you have a pair, throw them out. Or better, burn them.
As for shirts, a good cashmere sweater and a well-ironed button down shirt will take you far. Graphic tees are fun, but bigger isn't better. It reminds me of fifth grade when boys wore their fathers' sports jerseys that hung down to their knees. You're old enough now to read and understand sizes, so pay attention to that.
This is a basic set-up. Now your own individuality can come into play. There's nothing wrong with a subdued style - it's very Prince William, very classy. Most guys shy away from color and pattern, but color and pattern looks great on everyone. And since most guys don't wear them, you'll stick out in a good way. Yu Masui's style might be too outré for you - the British fashion writer is famous for wearing (women's) floral Balenciaga down the street - but you can take someone like Simon Doonan as style inspiration. Doonan, the creative director for Barney's, always looks dashing in his slim blazers and brightly colored button down shirts.
Another male fashion icon who sports unique, colorful pieces Ed Westwick's character Chuck Bass from the popular television series Gossip Girl. Westwick is one of the main heartthrobs of the show, and I personally think it partially has to do with the clothing his character wears. One of my personal favorites was a V-neck navy sweater with large bass along the bottom. Clothing-name puns . . . amazing.
So put a little more effort into your outfits in the morning, and it will pay off with the ladies.
