A Word on Men's Fashion

Rules To Remember:

1. FIT IS KEY. 

Little matters on the style front if you are wearing a garment that is too large or too small for your frame. Specifically, I am speaking about jeans and shirts. Boys come in all shapes and sizes, this means not all of you look good in skinny jeans, NOR do all of you look good in loose jeans. I cannot stress enough how vital it is for you to find a style of denim that looks great on you. I would suggest start by trying on a pair of boot cut jeans and working your way smaller or larger from there. If you don't trust yourself bring a girlfriend or a girl who is a friend along. I'm positive they will be more than happy to tell you what style fits you best. 

No matter what type of shirt you decide to wear you must be mindful of how it fits on you. If buttons are gaping, it is too small. If you cannot even see a remote outline of your body then it is too big. Don't focus too much on what the size is, chances are your sizes will vary across the board. You could be a small in one store and a large at the next. Sizes don't matter. It is all about how it fits you. One final note on fit, I don't care how jacked you are, if your t-shirt looks like it might rip if you wave your arms around it is TOO SMALL. We get it, you have muscles, but you need to leave something to the imagination.

2. SHOES MATTER.

Shoes pull an outfit together. You could be perfectly styled form head to toe, but if you are wearing a bad pair of shoes the whole effort was for nothing. Shoes are personal. They have to fit your style and compliment your outfit. Just let it be known, us females look at your shoes, and they matter.

3. DON'T FEAR ACCESSORIES.

Don't stray away from the extras. Scarves, hats, necklaces, bracelets, glasses, sunglasses, ect... are all great ways to personalize your outfits. Try not to pile them all on at once. Focus on a few, (three or fewer) at a time.   Men's accessories are completely acceptable, and totally encouraged. 

4. LAYERING ADDS INTEREST.

Layering pieces adds texture and dimension to any outfit. A very easy way to layer is by piling on 3 items. Examples being:  Dress Shirt-Vest-Blazer. Or Dress Shirt- Button Up Sweater- Jacket. My personal favorite on a guy is  V-neck Tee- Zip up Hoodie- Jacket. Be aware of how many pieces you are layering, the key is to remember that you are not trying to add bulk!

5. CONFIDENCE IS KEY.

Take some pride in the fact that you may stick out. The fact that you are wearing an outfit that not every guy would dare walk into the bar in sets you apart from the rest of the crowd, and that shows confidence. Above all else confidence is one of the sexiest characteristics to have. Own it. 

Pieces to Obtain:

1. PERFECT PAIR OF JEANS:

As discussed above, this will be different for every guy. The only way you are going to find the best jeans for your body is by trying all different cuts and brands on, I know that is asking a lot for the guys out there who hate to shop, but believe me, it is worth it. Once you find your brand and cut you will know exactly where to go every time you need a new pair of jeans. Jeans are a staple in every wardrobe, you NEED to find the style that fits you best.

2. SNEAKERS:

Every guy needs a pair of shoes to wear while hanging out, it could be to go to a bar, out to a casual dinner, whatever you do. A pair of converse are obviously the easiest choice, but if you want, go out on a limb and try a pair of loud high tops, or a simple masculine pair of plimsolls. 

3. CLASSIC PLAID DRESS SHIRT:

Plaid is a lingering trend in men's & women's fashion, if you haven't already I suggest you pick up a few plaid shirts. You can wear them this spring/summer with a pair of neutral colored shorts, and then next fall/winter, layered under hoodies, blazers, or any sort of jacket really. They look good on every guy and are an easy way to look like you are on trend, with out trying too hard. Pacsun has an array of wallet friendly options.

4. STATEMENT JACKET:

This could be a Member's Only wind breaker, a gorgeous faux leather bomber, a great military inspired jacket, or anything in between. Men should have a go to jacket, so you can avoid wearing that Northface everywhere (they are warm, I get it, I own one, but try something new..)

5. PLAIN TEE'S:

Depending on your taste these can be crew neck or v-neck. Obviously buy a few in white and a few in black, but then pick up a few colors that compliment your skin tone. Plain tees are a staple that will last you a while, and provide a great blank canvas to throw a few accessories over. 

6. ZIP-UP HOODIE:

I assume most of you have zip up hoodies already, but if not look into picking one up. American Apparel and Alternative Apparel have great options at decent price points. 

One last word: The least masculine thing a man can put on his body is a rhinestone. There is nothing cool about a bedazzled shirt on a guy. Nothing. Period. End of discussion. Leave the sparkles to the ladies.

Check out the male staple pieces I found in the slideshow!!

(Thanks to Lookbook.nu for most of the photographs)