dolphin08 Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 Hi all, I am a 21-year old college student in Northern California. My current "style" is jeans and a t-shirt, but I'm hoping to adopt a more refined, less childish look (i.e. a classic look). Here's a brief recap of my "fashion" history: During high school and my first two years of college, my outfits solely consisted of ThinkGeek.com t-shirts and khakis. My hair was never brushed, my facial hair always half-trimmed. I truly did not care about the way I looked, and it showed. During the end of my sophomore year of college, I realized that it was time for a change. I ended up with a wardrobe of poorly fitted jeans and completely unfitted t-shirts that were far too short and far too billowy, but at least I was done with ThinkGeek.com and I had brushed hair. I've since been trying to refine my look, and I've gradually moved from poorly fitted jeans to better jeans and from billowy t-shirts to much sexier, tighter t-shirts. I'm 6'2" and about 160 or 165 pounds. Below are some pictures (minus my face) of my typical outfit: Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6 I'd appreciate any suggestions for improving my wardrobe. Suggestions specific to my body type and my climate (generally 60 or 70 degrees throughout the year) would be much appreciated, and I'd especially love to hear from women regarding what you'd find attractive. If you have clothing items from specific retailers in mind, even better . Thanks!
Trialbyfire Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 If you want to refine your look, try Armani Exchange. Go to their website/mens/shirts/puckered stripe shirt and pair it up with either the casual linen pant or the slim pant, same site or the black jeans you're wearing in your pics. Please, please, do not wear the pants with the flip-flops shown.
Author dolphin08 Posted December 25, 2007 Author Posted December 25, 2007 Note that I've had some trouble finding shirts that are slim enough (and long enough) for my frame, so that's a bit of an issue. It seems that many stores make shirts that are just not meant for tall, thin guys. In other words, they billow around me. P.S. I apologize for the toilet paper pictures; unfortunetely, the bathroom had the best lighting .
getchoo Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 As for billowy shirts. Watch this video on pinch and pin: I've not tried it yet but should work well. As for clothes, I shop at Ross and Marshalls because I'm cheap. I usually don't spend more than $15 an item. Pants or shirts and I get a lot of complements on them. Hope that helps.
Star Gazer Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 NorCal in da house!! Woot woot! Hahaha Head to Nordstrom and have someone in one of the Men's departments (such as "The Rail") help you.
Legend Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 Psh so cal > nor cal Go to Stores like Banna Republic for guys, or Express for men, and just buy button up shirts, wear them over your T shirt and your set.
infiniteQuest Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 First of all, congratulations in taking steps towards perfecting your image. But remember, dressing well is not only about getting girls, it's also about getting yourself prepared to know how to dress for work once you get out of college. So, it is a good idea to start building up your professional wardrobe while you are still in college. That way, when you score your first job, you will not be in a panic over trying to find something decent to wear for 5 workweek days all at once (not to mention dropping so much money all at once). So, in my opinion, the look you should be shooting for is what is commonly known as "business casual". Not only will it help you with your job, but it's also very popular among females. Businessmen ARE hot! And I don't know of any female who doesn't love to be seen with a clean cut dude. Some sites to give you ideas about what's included in the business casual look: http://ca.askmen.com/fashion/trends/21_fashion_men.html http://www.mensflair.com/ http://ca.askmen.com/fashion/trends/index.html Now, this doesn't mean that you have to buy a bunch of suits and dress pants right away. I would suggest to make the change gradually: for example, try by starting to move away from t-shirts to dress shirts. They go pretty well with jeans (although not all jean cuts can be worn with a dress shirt). I love seeing a nice dress shirt on a man, it makes all the difference. Of course, then you'd have to invest some time into ironing, but that's just part of life. In the winter, you can wear a dress shirt under one of those sweaters with the sleeves cut off (not sure what the exact name is for this item). Then over time you can acquire some dress pants and nice shoes to go with them. A couple of ties for special occasions, etc. Then if you feel particularly creative you can add on some accessories. Good luck!
infiniteQuest Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 Oh yeah and something that most boys that only start wearing dress shirts often need to be told: when ironing, use STARCH!
monkey00 Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 Note that I've had some trouble finding shirts that are slim enough (and long enough) for my frame, so that's a bit of an issue. It seems that many stores make shirts that are just not meant for tall, thin guys. In other words, they billow around me. P.S. I apologize for the toilet paper pictures; unfortunetely, the bathroom had the best lighting . Try H&M, their clothing line is often fashionable and the tailoring of a lot their jackets/clothes/pants are based on a slim & tall physique.
Author dolphin08 Posted December 25, 2007 Author Posted December 25, 2007 Thanks! Any more suggestions?
Phateless Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 (edited) Hi all, I am a 21-year old college student in Northern California. My current "style" is jeans and a t-shirt, but I'm hoping to adopt a more refined, less childish look (i.e. a classic look). Here's a brief recap of my "fashion" history: During high school and my first two years of college, my outfits solely consisted of ThinkGeek.com t-shirts and khakis. My hair was never brushed, my facial hair always half-trimmed. I truly did not care about the way I looked, and it showed. During the end of my sophomore year of college, I realized that it was time for a change. I ended up with a wardrobe of poorly fitted jeans and completely unfitted t-shirts that were far too short and far too billowy, but at least I was done with ThinkGeek.com and I had brushed hair. I've since been trying to refine my look, and I've gradually moved from poorly fitted jeans to better jeans and from billowy t-shirts to much sexier, tighter t-shirts. I'm 6'2" and about 160 or 165 pounds. Below are some pictures (minus my face) of my typical outfit: Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6 I'd appreciate any suggestions for improving my wardrobe. Suggestions specific to my body type and my climate (generally 60 or 70 degrees throughout the year) would be much appreciated, and I'd especially love to hear from women regarding what you'd find attractive. If you have clothing items from specific retailers in mind, even better . Thanks! I'm assuming you're doing this to improve your luck with women, yes? I have one suggestion that will kill two birds with one stone. Go to a few stores that have styles you like, and pick out a cute employee, and ASK HER what she thinks would look good on you. You get the female perspective on style, AND you get practice talking to a cute girl. Win-win. Personally, I'm a fan of Express. Their shirts are fitted and have nice style, prices aren't too bad if you catch the holiday sales, and the employees typically have excellent style (to help you with decisions). The most important thing is that the clothes FIT CORRECTLY! Be very nitpicky about this. If the clothes don't fit your body correctly they are not flattering to your proportions. Not too baggy and not too tight. I'm 5'11 and 160 lbs and I usually go for a medium. Large is a shade too baggy on me. Edited December 25, 2007 by Phateless
shadowplay Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 I always make the same suggestion, but H&M. It's the best combination of cheap and chic I've ever found. You look like you have a nice body, btw. I would suggest slightly tighter jeans. Yours look a little too large.
shadowplay Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 What's H&M? It's a swedish brand/store with international outlets and reasonably priced, fashionable clothing, kind of like the Ikea of clothing. Most cities have one. A lot of their lines are created by major designers. http://www.hm.com/
Phateless Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 It's a swedish brand/store with international outlets and reasonably priced, fashionable clothing, kind of like the Ikea of clothing. Most cities have one. A lot of their lines are created by major designers. http://www.hm.com/ Sweet, thanks! There's one right near my parents' house. I'll go check em out tomorrow. It will be mobbed I'm sure.
shadowplay Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 Sweet, thanks! There's one right near my parents' house. I'll go check em out tomorrow. It will be mobbed I'm sure. No problem, happy to help.
quankanne Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 I think men in fitted Levi 501's are incredibly HOT, but I realize I'm showing my age here :laugh: however, as a wife of many years, I can honestly say that a pair of well-fitting jeans, a clean white tee-shirt that's fitted and an oxford/button down shirt helps a guy clean up very, very well.
Phateless Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 Jeans, dress-shoes, and a fitted dress-shirt are all you need.
shadowplay Posted December 25, 2007 Posted December 25, 2007 (edited) I just checked out the blog InfiniteQuest suggested and the entry titled "structured casual" is GOLDEN. That is the look you should strive for. http://www.mensflair.com/ I love the matchstick levis paired with those boots and the simple white t shirt. http://www.mensflair.com/ns/media/structured-levis-matchstick.jpg Here are some other good looks http://www.mensflair.com/ns/media/cargo-good.jpg ^I only like the first outfit, not the others http://www.mensflair.com/ns/media/boots-brown-varvatos.jpg http://www.mensflair.com/ns/media/ankle-costume-national.jpg In fact a lot of the advice in the blog is pretty good. For somebody your age the clothing suggested may be a tad dandyish, but the hair/shaving/skin tips are great. Too bad only gay men usually go to these lengths. It should be mandatory reading for all straight men. Believe me when I say that any straight guy who puts care into his appearance will have a huge advantage over others because so few do. For any European guys, I just read H&M has opened a sister brand called COS that is supposed to be amazing: http://www.cosstores.com/ Edited December 25, 2007 by shadowplay
Jilly Bean Posted December 26, 2007 Posted December 26, 2007 I'm not sure I get what hot and chic would be. Do you mean trendy? Sexy trendy? I like guys who wear nice jeans, and either a very cool tee-shirt, or button down. Yeah, I know it's so very 10 minutes ago, but I still love a washed out Ed Hardy look tee on a guy, or a nice striped long sleeve button down, tails out. I know Nordstroms has some very cool menswear. But you're right - you are slim, so wearing baggy clothing will actually make you look SLIMMER. Good call to wear a tighter tee and jeans.
Phateless Posted December 26, 2007 Posted December 26, 2007 I'm not sure I get what hot and chic would be. Do you mean trendy? Sexy trendy? I like guys who wear nice jeans, and either a very cool tee-shirt, or button down. Yeah, I know it's so very 10 minutes ago, but I still love a washed out Ed Hardy look tee on a guy, or a nice striped long sleeve button down, tails out. I know Nordstroms has some very cool menswear. But you're right - you are slim, so wearing baggy clothing will actually make you look SLIMMER. Good call to wear a tighter tee and jeans. lol @ 10 mins ago... I always appreciate hearing a cute girl's input in what looks good, I take it as gospel cuz that's who I'm trying to impress. My end goal for style is always "hott on accident"
Author dolphin08 Posted December 26, 2007 Author Posted December 26, 2007 (edited) Thanks for all the great advice so far, everyone . I always make the same suggestion, but H&M. It's the best combination of cheap and chic I've ever found. You look like you have a nice body, btw. I would suggest slightly tighter jeans. Yours look a little too large.Maybe I should give H&M more of a chance: the last time I was there, I assumed the clothes wouldn't work for me so I didn't put much effort into finding any. And thanks for the compliment. I'm surprised that they look too large, though. They were the slimmest pair of "regular" boot-cut jeans I could find (i.e. unembellished jeans, for everyday wear): Levi 527's (low-rise, regular-fit, boot-cut). I'd rather not go with "skinny jeans," because IMO that takes away from the classic look that I'm trying to acheive (and starts veering towards trendiness). Any other opinions on this? I have things in my pockets, so that might contribute to the "largeness." I'm not sure I get what hot and chic would be. Do you mean trendy? Sexy trendy? I like guys who wear nice jeans, and either a very cool tee-shirt, or button down. Yeah, I know it's so very 10 minutes ago, but I still love a washed out Ed Hardy look tee on a guy, or a nice striped long sleeve button down, tails out. I know Nordstroms has some very cool menswear. But you're right - you are slim, so wearing baggy clothing will actually make you look SLIMMER. Good call to wear a tighter tee and jeans.I definetely don't want to look "trendy." I just want to look like a sexy, put-together guy. Edited December 26, 2007 by dolphin08
Jilly Bean Posted December 26, 2007 Posted December 26, 2007 Dolphin - I don't really know anything about H&M, as it is not a store I would ever shop in, but I heard a radio ad for it today, and they said it was the latest in trendy fashion. Sooo...not sure how accurate that is, but I still recommend Nordstroms for classy, cool menswear. For example, I dig a guy dressed in a shirt like this over a pair of jeans and some cool shoes/boots. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2946969/0~2376788~6002242~6007534~6007573?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007573&P=3 And notice how slim he is and pulls off the look! Or this: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2947358/0~2376788~6002242~6007534~6007573?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007573&P=2 http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2946958/0~2376788~6002242~6007534~6009133?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6009133&P=1 And Phateless, I think there was a compliment in there! Thanks...
Trialbyfire Posted December 26, 2007 Posted December 26, 2007 A thin, tall frame works like a human hanger...
muse27 Posted December 27, 2007 Posted December 27, 2007 good fashion can really make it or break it with a guy for me. i went to hs in norcal, but live in LA now and travel to NY once in a while..all of my friends happen to be in the fashion industry as well so we're always critiquing..not to be mean, but just because its the business. anyhow, need to outfit your wardrobe with good basics and a few savvy pieces. everything, especially the basics need to have good fit. yes, youre tall and thin, but dont just buy something because youre not sure where to get something better. then youre just wasting money on something that doesnt compliment you at all. get at least two dark denim jeans and maybe a regular washed jean. dark denim tends to dress you up more without trying, so its a more polished look. stay away from trendy brands like true religion since they go out of style fast, and true fashionistas think theyre passe. stick with your tshirts..just make sure again theyre a good fit. try american apparel. and if youre wearing a tshirt..try wearing two. a white tshirt underneath the colored one...it creates a layered look..and layers add interest and will also give your body some added mass (since youre thin). stay away from logos on your tshirts as theyre cliche and look like youre trying to advertise that you spent x-amount of dollars but that you have to flaunt it and think its fashionable-its not. get some good sweaters...light ones that are simple from jcrew or banana republic are nice...classic colors like black and grey look amazing over a white tshirt and dark jeans. you can either try the crew neck or vneck.. either or is ok. .good to spice it up with both in your closet. maybe if youre feeling kind of hipster but not trendy..get an argyle or striped sweater...it breaks up the monochromatic look. these sweaters also look great under long sleeve buttonup shirts..dont tuck the shirts in..let the bottom peep out underneath the sweater...again..the layers add interest and show youre polished but didnt have to think too hard to look this good. you should think about getting a light blazer too..if you can get black and brown that would be great..if you only want to get one....opt for a nice brown blazer...browns go with much more and stretch your wardrobe. also...a nice belt and great shoes really really close the deal. so many times i see a simple outfit but can tell that the guy has style because i look at his shoes. its the same and viceversa for women...i'll see a girl who is wearing a cute outfit, but her shoes suck and it just makes me shake my head. but if you see a girl just wearing nice jeans and a tshirt with some nice heels....wow...she looks amazing.
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