How should I dress?

[M30USA]

I can't believe I'm asking this question. I have never valued fashion or believed that clothing makes the man. I still don't. But now I do see a value in how one dresses: to represent who they are. It makes it easier for people to know what your "deal" is. It possibly turns away people who aren't in sync with your "deal" and makes it easier for people who do know your "deal" to spot you. It's almost like a calling card.

 

The problem is that, as a person, I don't fit into any mold. I've had people tell me this. I've been an athlete, book nerd, outdoorsman, indoorsman, socialite, and borderline hermit. So how is a person like me supposed to dress? As of right now I dress very blandly and boring. Pretty much year round I wear running shoes, jeans or shorts, and basic t-shirts. I like to wear baseball caps, usually fishing type hats.

 

Looking for advice from fashion gurus.

[Glinda.Good]

I think the Glitter era David Bowie is a great fashion icon. Ziggy Stardust phase. Check it out.

[CarrieT]

Nice slacks (khakis or blue) with a button-down, collared shirt, and a leather belt that matches the shoes (loafers with tassels for casual, Oxfords to be a bit nicer).

[Ronni_W]

I am SO not a "fashion guru"...but I do have the sense that fishing-type hats really are best left for when one is fishing.

 

You don't sound "bland and boring"...so your current way of dressing seems to be misrepresenting what you do offer or, as you put it, your 'deal'. A lot may depend on what you are trying to represent...and to whom. Who, or what type of 'deal', are you trying to attract?

 

Personally, my closet allows me to represent different types of 'personas'...depending on how I feel or want to feel. Sometimes when I go to the library or grocery store, I want to put on/adopt a more, er, sultry look-and-feel...so I dress that way. The deal for me is to have clothes that match the different versions of me.

 

I'm not helping...am I? I'll shut-up now

[I am Bud]

Dear M30USA

 

You should dress according to the occasion that is presented in front of you. If you are staying at home then you can wear whatever you feel comfortable with. If you are going fishing or doing gardening you can wear your outdoorsman type clothing. If you are going out shopping then make sure that your clothes look neat and tidy. e.g. washed, ironed and in good condition.

 

If you are looking to impress some ladies in a club or somewhere then you should get yourself a nice trendy shirt and some nice casual shoes. (not sneakers) Why don't you go to the mall and have a chat to some of the girls who are working in those stores? I'm sure that they can advise you on how to dress if you tell them for what occassion. They will also be able to provide you with feedback on whether you look good in something or not. Otherwise if you don't trust them, then just ask your girlfriend/ female friends to come along. I'm sure that they would love to go shopping with you

 

All the best - Bud

[EasyHeart]

You might want to check out this similar thread: http://www.loveshack.org/forums/general/general-relationship-discussion/481921-fashion-thread

[pink_sugar]

Dear M30USA

 

You should dress according to the occasion that is presented in front of you. If you are staying at home then you can wear whatever you feel comfortable with. If you are going fishing or doing gardening you can wear your outdoorsman type clothing. If you are going out shopping then make sure that your clothes look neat and tidy. e.g. washed, ironed and in good condition.

 

If you are looking to impress some ladies in a club or somewhere then you should get yourself a nice trendy shirt and some nice casual shoes. (not sneakers) Why don't you go to the mall and have a chat to some of the girls who are working in those stores? I'm sure that they can advise you on how to dress if you tell them for what occassion. They will also be able to provide you with feedback on whether you look good in something or not. Otherwise if you don't trust them, then just ask your girlfriend/ female friends to come along. I'm sure that they would love to go shopping with you

 

All the best - Bud

 

This...my husband and I work at jobs that don't require a formal dress. Casual or sami-casual work well. My husband never dresses fancy and it works fine for him. t-shirts...relaxed or slim fit jeans.

[mercuryshadow]

Jeans are fine, but I feel that a darker wash is most flattering for just about everyone. Add some dressier options to your wardrobe, such as some button-up shirts, long or short sleeve, depending on the season. I think the men's section at discount stores like Marshall's or TJ Maxx are actually quite nice, compared to the women's section, which is usually a disorganized mess. Macy's has some nice options at relatively cheap prices, too.

I wouldn't say that "trendy" is best, though, because trends fade out quickly. Look for patterns and colors that have stood the test of time.

[Smilecharmer]

This is a very good question. I wish I knew really because I think most guys look good in jeans and t shirts and sneakers. As long as they are clean and modern and in good shape I think men can wear anything they want. My husband wears suits and ties and dresses very preppy and I like him best in graphic funny shirts and jeans with his sneakers. Maybe it is because I don't see him in those very much. What do the women you date say to you about your fashion?

[GorillaTheater]

You know what I recommend (besides losing the cap)? Find a female friend whose tastes you trust to go shopping with you. Explain to her that you're interested in trying out some new looks.

 

In my experience, most women would jump at the chance. And hell, offer to buy her a nice dinner. You never know.

[Thruster]

M30 -- go spend a few bucks on some designer blue jeans - -feel good and look good -- then you can wear any shirt you want -- heck a white T even goes well -- and get a pair of the Nike dress shoes (works well for everyplace)