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What is "dressing well" and how important is it?


fortyninethousand322

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fortyninethousand322

So occasionally you'll hear that women or even a woman like(s) men who "dress well". Now, I'll readily admit I'm not the biggest fashion expert. My "style" is a t-shirt (or a fleece or a hoodie if it's cold) and jeans. I assume this isn't "dressing well", but I don't really know.

 

So what exactly is meant by "dressing well"?

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I'll answer your question and even go a little deeper.

 

The term dressing well is very general, and the definition is different for everyone. In general, dressing well means nice jeans, banana republic type V neck sweaters etc.

 

However, if you are fat, out of shape, or have odd body proportions you are screwed because no matter what you wear, you will not look attractive. It is like a 118 pound female, in shape, nice long hair etc, she could shop at Kohls and still look better than a fat girl who wore Gucci.

 

In summary, if your body looks good, and you are well groomed, you make the clothes look good and not the other way around.

 

Not true at all.

 

Dressing well = picking clothes that suit your frame, fit well and are in good condition. It doesn't matter what shape you have. Just work with what you have. I have seen well dressed men of all shapes and sizes. And well coordinated accessories/shoes.

 

Easy for everyone? Jeans, well cut blazer and a button down shirt. Trying to show off your torso? Swap it for a t-shirt.

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Have found being just a little overdressed for the environment pays dividends. Dark gray wool slacks that fit well, some black loafers, a decent black belt and a few collar shirts in colors that complement your hair, eye color and skintone and match the rest to start. Jackets can start with navy and then move to some plaids/checks etc. I have one jacket that I used to hate, but draws women like flies. I hate it much less now.

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Loafers are simply shoes without laces. I find women prefer them on men generally to the lace shoes I used to wear. But you know, if you want to wear some laceup bowling shoes or clownshoes out for a night on the town in your Tercel, more power to ya.

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Dressing well to me is wearing clothes that fit your body appropriately, that are clean and aren't ripped up, terribly worn out or have holes in them. Basically, don't look like a dirty hobo...

 

Also, I personally screen tees or anything that looks really juvenile not attractive on an adult man. (I am almost 30.)

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Can't edit my post.

 

*Also, I personally find screen tees or anything that looks really juvenile not attractive on an adult man. (I am almost 30.)

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The word "loafer" will forever be associated with "penny loafer". That is simply the way it is.

 

Penny loafers are great for casual sportswear, but you are simply wrong.

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fortyninethousand322
Dressing well to me is wearing clothes that fit your body appropriately, that are clean and aren't ripped up, terribly worn out or have holes in them. Basically, don't look like a dirty hobo...

 

Also, I personally screen tees or anything that looks really juvenile not attractive on an adult man. (I am almost 30.)

 

I see.

 

The t-shirts I'm talking about are almost always plain colored (like blue, gray, white, black, etc.). Occasionally, I'll wear something like a team sports shirt (like if I'm at a ballgame or something). Nothing terribly; ripped up or anything.

 

As for shoes, I have a couple pairs of nice athletic shoes, and then some hiking boots. I don't own any loafers or anything else aside from dress shoes that I wear on interviews or on nice occasions.

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So occasionally you'll hear that women or even a woman like(s) men who "dress well". Now, I'll readily admit I'm not the biggest fashion expert. My "style" is a t-shirt (or a fleece or a hoodie if it's cold) and jeans. I assume this isn't "dressing well", but I don't really know.

 

So what exactly is meant by "dressing well"?

Well, for me, a guy who dresses well = guy who wears dress shirts or a neat jumper / sweater, with jeans and nice shoes.

 

I am not a big fan of tshirts and hoodies (they are ok when you are together at home with your bf in the evening, but when out and about, I like my guy to be more presentable).

 

More generally, even if a guy is to wear tshirt and jeans, that's fine -- but he shouldn't look "messy." Clean, ironed tshirt/jeans are a must and he should obviously take good care of his hair and facial hair..

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fortyninethousand322
Well, for me, a guy who dresses well = guy who wears dress shirts or a neat jumper / sweater, with jeans and nice shoes.

 

I am not a big fan of tshirts and hoodies (they are ok when you are together at home with your bf in the evening, but when out and about, I like my guy to be more presentable).

 

More generally, even if a guy is to wear tshirt and jeans, that's fine -- but he shouldn't look "messy." Clean, ironed tshirt/jeans are a must and he should obviously take good care of his hair and facial hair..

 

Ok. I think I should clarify, I definitely think there are situations in which dressing up a bit (or a lot) is called for. If you're going out ballroom dancing or to dinner at a nice restaurant that's obvious. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans to a sports bar to watch the big game is probably perfectly normal. Or on a trip to do grocery shopping it's perfectly fine to dress down a bit.

 

Or am I wrong?

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This time of year, I'm dressed a lot like this, and get compliments from women I'm dating and female friends about how I'm a goo dresser.

 

 

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/EddieBauer/EB12IC_0044297_755C1?&wid=3000&op_sharpen=1

 

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/EddieBauer/EB12IC_0044240_630C1?&wid=3000&op_sharpen=1

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Under The Radar
I see.

 

The t-shirts I'm talking about are almost always plain colored (like blue, gray, white, black, etc.). Occasionally, I'll wear something like a team sports shirt (like if I'm at a ballgame or something). Nothing terribly; ripped up or anything.

 

As for shoes, I have a couple pairs of nice athletic shoes, and then some hiking boots. I don't own any loafers or anything else aside from dress shoes that I wear on interviews or on nice occasions.

 

 

Yeah, I would definitely recommend another pair (or two) beyond the sneakers and "dress shoes". A lot of guys will have a pair of sneakers and dress shoes for a suit (such as wingtips or cap toes), but have nothing semi-casual like leather boots or loafers. IMO, shoes can very quickly make or break a wardrobe.

 

For instance, the same pair of jeans matched with a t-shirt and some adidas will have a drastically different "presentation" if swapped out for slip on boots and an oxford. It all depends on what the occasion is and the impression you want to make. In general, as stated by another poster, it is always better to be overdressed than under.

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Ok. I think I should clarify, I definitely think there are situations in which dressing up a bit (or a lot) is called for. If you're going out ballroom dancing or to dinner at a nice restaurant that's obvious. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans to a sports bar to watch the big game is probably perfectly normal. Or on a trip to do grocery shopping it's perfectly fine to dress down a bit.

 

Or am I wrong?

Sure -- that is fine, but to me, a dress shirt is not just ballroom event material.. My ex used to wear it all the time, and I liked that. Even at bars, or in the afternoon when we went grocery shopping.

 

But sure, tshirt and jeans is fine, as long as it's not messy/dirty, etc. It's not a huge turn-on for me, though.

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Ok. I think I should clarify, I definitely think there are situations in which dressing up a bit (or a lot) is called for. If you're going out ballroom dancing or to dinner at a nice restaurant that's obvious. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans to a sports bar to watch the big game is probably perfectly normal. Or on a trip to do grocery shopping it's perfectly fine to dress down a bit.

 

Or am I wrong?

 

Sorry man, I'm going to go with wrong. when ever I leave the house to go out i make sure I'm dressed decent. For me it doesn't even take that much for you distinguish yourself from other guys.

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Can't edit my post.

 

*Also, I personally find screen tees or anything that looks really juvenile not attractive on an adult man. (I am almost 30.)

 

I disagree. I don't mind a clever t-shirt (well-fitting). Paired with well-fitting jeans, maybe some boat shoes, or boots or even sleeker sneakers. It can totally work on a casual day.

 

But I secretly love jeans + button down + vest. And a hat! :D

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I must add, it also depends on a guy's looks/face/body type. Some guys look really good in t-shirts, others are a total turn-off in t-shirts but a turn-on in dress shirts.

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I see.

 

The t-shirts I'm talking about are almost always plain colored (like blue, gray, white, black, etc.). Occasionally, I'll wear something like a team sports shirt (like if I'm at a ballgame or something). Nothing terribly; ripped up or anything.

 

As for shoes, I have a couple pairs of nice athletic shoes, and then some hiking boots. I don't own any loafers or anything else aside from dress shoes that I wear on interviews or on nice occasions.

 

Well you definitely need another shoe.

 

driving loafers are a good one:

http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Large/15/_6832695.jpg

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A vest and a hat? That's a new one on me. You like the Fiddler on the Roof look? or you talking more Larry the Cable Guy? Better not be a leather vest and a tuque, I'll reach right through the internets and give you a schmak I will! ;)

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fortyninethousand322
Sorry man, I'm going to go with wrong. when ever I leave the house to go out i make sure I'm dressed decent. For me it doesn't even take that much for you distinguish yourself from other guys.

 

Interesting. I mean I've always liked t-shirts. They feel nice and I like how I look in them. It's never dawned on me to wear more "sophisticated" attire for mundane tasks.

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fortyninethousand322
49, the average woman will have between 20-157,456 pairs of shoes in her closet. They notice them.

 

The last girl I "dated" (who I'm still kind of in love with unfortunately) owned two pairs of shoes, both beat up sketchers. And one of those were her sister's that she stole. :lmao:...

 

I know, just one data point and we're talking about averages but still.

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Interesting. I mean I've always liked t-shirts. They feel nice and I like how I look in them. It's never dawned on me to wear more "sophisticated" attire for mundane tasks.

Also I hate plaid dress shirts. I hate them with a passion. Other women might like them, but I like one-colour (or at best striped) shirts.. preferably dark coloured (black my favourite). Black dress shirts with jeans are such a turn-on. Ooooo. :love:

 

Also, no short-sleeve shirts (a fashion disaster, IMO) or shirts with pockets..

Edited by NoMoreJerks
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