Willravel

Well, women are always welcome here (you're knowledge usually trumps ours, so having you guys pop in is bound to be über benificial). I'd never thought of getting more than one of any one thing. Now that I think about it, I really wish I had. I've lost some jeans that I'd kill to have a back up of. eXcellent advise!!!

rofgilead

The only thing that this thread really needs that it is lacking is some pictures! What are good shirt styles, good pants styles (in picture format).

I'm going to do some shopping tommorrow, I think. I really need some new shirts and maybe some nice socks. I'm looking for casual dress shirts for work.

Nirvana

hey i haven't poste din a while. if your a thing guy, i suggest go for slim fit clothes. things that are very well fitted will make u look better.

Check out diesel, earnest sewn, and paperdenim&cloth jeans. pd&c will song go down a lot in price so you might actually want to a wait a bit. these jeans come in some great fits and they are very flattering. my favorite is bootcut. i like a smaller flare at the bottom.

oh ye one of the most important things is that you do not buy baggy clothes. a few baggy pieces to lounge around in or whatever is fine, but overall it looks sloppy. clothes that are nicely fitted dont mean that you will be uncomfortable. in fact they feel better because there isnt all of this extra fabric flapping aorund. check out places like club monaco and even gap (sometimes you can find some great stuff there for real cheap, just dont buy anything with the gap logo on it)

Val_1

The baggy clothes trend, in style or not, has always driven me nuts. And Nirvana is right, it gives a sloveny appearence. I always wear slim, tighter fitting clothes and I do get compliments from people.

Although, it's sometimes hard for me to find nice fitting clothes. I have a 30" inch waist (29" actually fits a bit better, depending on the pants) and the last time I looked for jeans there wasn't a single pair of jeans in the entire store smaller than a 32" waist. Very frusterating.

__________________

I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.

-Frank Sinatra

Charlatan

Val... try a kids store. You might be surprised.

(man I haven't had a 29" waist since I was in High School).

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

madp

A few golden rules of fashion from a clothes horse (mostly having to do with "dressy" styles):

1. Pleated pants should be avoided at all costs, as are trousers with pegged legs (tapered from wide in the thigh region to narrow at the break). Flat front, straight legged pants are a timeless, classic, and elegant look.

2. Baggy and boxy button down shirts aren't flattering on ANYONE (this is the way most US designers make their dress shirts). Make sure your dress shirts (or any shirt with buttons) taper down at the waist so that when you tuck them in, there isn't that strange bulge of extra fabric hanging around your belly like a phantom spare tire.

3. Never buy any article of clothing that has a "Dockers" tag attached to it anywhere

4. Never EVER wear a tie with a short-sleeved shirt or cotton pants. If the situation is formal enough as to require a tie, it is formal enough to require wool slacks and a long sleeved shirt as well.

5. Unless you really know what you are doing, stick to basic black dress socks, shoes (without tassels), and belts (avoid brass-colored buckles; stick with silver/pewter).

6. Unless you are going for the "mod" look (i.e., the uber-thin ties), a quality tie should make a reasonbly big knot in a half-Windsor with a dimple in the part of the tie hangs from the knot. The tie should be long enough that the tip comes to the center or bottom of your belt buckle when tied. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's impossible to get a decent tie for under $50 unless you get lucky and find one on sale somewhere. The median price range for a decent tie is about $70, so take care of them. Silk ties start to fall apart if you don't take care of them.

7. The best places to get current fashions at semi-reasonable prices in my experience are Nordstroms, Banana Republic, and Kenneth Cole (although each of these stores has its own unique fashion-disaster traps that you have to learn to avoid). Also, don't pay full price. Wait for the stuff to go on sale, and then stock up.

8. If you are going to stuff a sock down your trousers for the day, avoid knee-high tube socks. Noone will believe you. If you choose to use a cucumber, don't wrap it in aluminum foil if you have to go through airport security (as the bass player from Spinal Tap so aptly demonstrated).

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why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

VirFighter

No love for pleats for their functionality?

Amen to this. However another way to avoid the "phantom spare tire" is to properly tuck your shirt in and also keep it tucked in.

Why the hate for Dockers? Is this just from a formal/dressy point of view? I love them just a nice casual or business casual look. They are damn comfy too!

__________________
"The South is gonna boogie again"
- Disco Stu

madp

I'm a clothes snob. Pleats aren't flattering on anybody's body, and the only reason the top designers ever use pleats in dress clothes is because the US market demands them. To someone who knows design and fashion, pleated pants say "this guy doesn't know what he's doing."

If you value function over style, wear pleats to your heart's content! But if we are talking about "style," burn them immediately, and don't carry so much crap in your pockets!


Again, I am a clothes snob, and I subscribe to addage, "the clothes make the man." I believe that how a man dresses projects an image of who he is. When it comes to dressy clothes, Dockers look cheap and unsophisticated. In more casual environments, I admit that I've seen a Dockers piece or two (flat front, straight legged casual pants) that were passable. However, for the most part their clothes look cheap and provencial. If you live in a metropolitan city (or travel to one with any degree of regularity), leave the Dockers in the closet!

If the image your clothes project isn't as much a concern as comfort and cost, and if the circles you run aren't typically fashion-sophisticated, then I suppose it doesn't really matter as long as you wear cuts and colors that are generally flattering to your appearance.

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why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

Nirvana

guys, what are some of your favorite casual looks. for casual i mean anything from going to school to hanging out in the city. also i dont mean throwing on a random top and whatever random pants you see. what im talking about is casual, and at the same time it looks like you knew what you were doing when you put the outfit together.

what i am currently into is a nice pair of jeans (tighter at the thighs and bootcut at the bottom) with a fitted t and a a nice tight form fitting hoodie. ill put on a pair of some old school kicks and a nice watch and a pair of sunglasses to top the outfit off.

Willravel

All of my t-shirts go with all of my jeans, so it really is just throwing on whatever when I go to school or out to just hang out.
Sounds like good stuff.

Charlatan

I will have to add another note to this... flat front all the way.

Pleats may have served a function several years ago (fashion wise) but they are honestly not flattering to anyone.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

Nirvana

thing about pleats is that they dont frame the body. pleats look like parachute pants. the only reason i would see for pleats is if someone had a large butt because it does create the pear shape. slim fit pants make you look leaner and longer (much more stylish)

VirFighter

My point on pleats was not a fashion point, but like I said, functionality. I agree 100% they are not the most flattering thing and I personally view them as a more formal thing personally. Most of my nice suit pants are pleated but none of my casual slacks/shorts are.

The functionality is they give extra room for movement, things in the pocket, etc. I find it most noticeable while sitting down.

In the end though it all depends on your body type and look.

__________________
"The South is gonna boogie again"
- Disco Stu

Sultana

Here's a ladies' vote for no pleated pants--for women or men, by the way. No one benefits from a bulging balloon just below the waistline.
Heh.
Seriously, don't carry so much stuff in your pockets that this is a concern.

I love shopping for men. One casual look that I enjoy seeing on guys is the retro-style bowling shirts. Admittedly, I really like retro fashions. These are dressy-er than those damn polo shirts and T-shirts, but are still comfortable. Here's a site I've been drooling over for a while:
DaddyO's

Check it out. Can't go wrong there! Yes, you will spend more than $20 for a shirt, but if you are interested in presenting a better than "Lowest Common Denominator" image, you need to be willing to invest in at least a few key pieces.

Oh, and of coure, take care of those key pieces. Invest in dry cleaning and pressing if you don't hand-wash. They'll last a lot longer, and look a lot better.

__________________
"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath.
At night, the ice weasels come." -

Matt Groening

My goal? To fulfill my potential.

Charlatan

I've owned a few vintage bowling shirts in my day... in fact I still own them... the problem is, I wore them so much that they wore out or were ripped.

That's a great site Sultana... I may have to buy some new ones.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

metalgeek

Yes, but the question us quite tall skinny guys have is,
Where exactly does one find a dress shirt that's not baggy?
I'm 6'5" and around 160lbs, so everything for my height is baggy. (since I seem to be expected to weigh around 220)

__________________
The truth is, wherever you choose to be, it's the wrong place.
Chuck Palahniuk , Diary

Nirvana

you can look at more expensive European brands since they cater to the tall and thin look. however, those shirts are very expensive. Dior homme comes to mind.

Charlatan

Nirvana: If you are comfortable with the look then it is OK. You can't really go wrong with black and white.

metalgeek: You might want to consider finding a good seamstress. Large-sized shirts tend to assume fat rather than tall and slim. Sounds like you just need some adjustments.

Have you ever shopped at a "big and tall" store? They might have shirts that will be made to fit your frame.

Also, if you have the money, you could have some bespoke shirts made. This would be good for more formal shirts. I had some made when I was in Taipei a few years ago (I think I paid $100 for four shirts - i can't imagine you would get them that cheap in Canada).

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

maleficent

Mens dress shirts come in different cuts, There's a full cut and an athletic cut would be slimmer than the full cut... I know that Brooks Brothers makes a slim fit in their dress shirts...

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aKula

What are pleats? Pants with a crease down the front of the legs?

__________________
"I am the wrath of God. The earth I pass will see me and tremble." -Klaus Kinski as Don Lope de Aguirre

3Z3VH

I question the hatred for pleats as well. Sure, flat fronts have a more professional look to them, but with my frame (6'5" with no muscle or fat to speak of) a flat front makes me look even bonier than I already am. Also, it makes it so if I have so much as my car keys in my pocket, I look like I am carrying a spare baseball on my hip.

It is great to make blanket statements such as "Pleats are ugly" but you aren't considering that there are MANY different body styles, and what works for one, doesn't work at all for another.

Perhaps for your next trick you will tell a fat man that horizontal stripes are in-fashion.

VirFighter

Metalgeek,

While talking to my Dad the other day, he informed me that Men's Warehouse is doing custom tailored clothes now and they are not that pricey. You may want to consider this if there is one close to you as opposed to buying higher end designer stuff. It wouldn't hurt to ask either way.

__________________
"The South is gonna boogie again"
- Disco Stu

maleficent

Pleats..



The real problem with them, especially on women, if you have any tummy or beer gut at all, it makes it more pronounced... but if the pants are well fitting... then they don't look bad on everyone.

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Jason762

So I'm supposed to meet a girl and I want to dress to impress (somewhat). I have absolutly NO fashion sense.

I mostly wear Kakhi cargo pants with a T-shirt (usually something martial arts/MMA/UFC related), and skater shoes.

I'm 6' 2" and 235. Muscular, but needs to cut weight (and currently am). Blonde hair, blue eyed, fair skinned.

We're just going out drinking in a few Irish pubs (a first for me since I just recently turned 21).

What's something stylish I can wear?

EDIT:

Budget might be helpful... well I JUST started working, and I don't have much money in the bank, so cheaper is better.

Let me know if you need any extra info.

3Z3VH

For Irish Pubs you don't exactly have to go in there with a 3-piece

I am no fashion expert, but if she normally sees you in the attire you mentioned, I would have to say just going with some clean lined pants, such as the flat-front slacks mentioned earlier in this thread, and a tighter (not skin tight, but not a loose t-shirt) solid-colour shirt should give her the "I can be suave too" look, without out-dressing her (which is a very important point to consider). If you find a short-sleeved shirt with a very slight v-neck it will accentuate your shoulders more, lending more style than a simple ring-neck, and give a more masculine look.

maleficent

you don't need stylish... be neat, be non wrinkled, smell good (freshly showered and shaved if you do that), neat hair, not too much cologne- just enough for her to want to get closer to you... and polished shoes...

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Jason762

Actually we've never really met before. Ha ha.

Hmmm, I WAS thinknig about cologne. I was gonna apply it the way MrSelfDestruct says to put it on.

"1: Two sprays on your chest from about 6-8 inches away. If it beads, spray from farther away; if it gets on your nipples move the bottle a bit closer. This forms the base of your scent.

2: A light (1/3) spray on each wrist over the pulse point. Press your arms together (don't rub, it breaks down the oils) and hold for a few seconds. This allows the scent to project slightly, allowing those aroudn you to get a tiny whiff of what you're wearing without being overpowering. Alternately, spray on one wrist and press. If you wash your hands with hot water later in the day and your wrists get a bit wet, the top notes of the fragrance are revitalized.

3: A light (1/2) and close (2" away) spray on the back of the neck below the hairline. This creates sillage. If you walk through a room, you'll leave a pleasant, lingering scent trail for a few seconds. With the right combination of cologne and situation, this can actually deliver the mob of women following you that the Axe commercials promise."

Polished shoes?! What the? How do you polish Vans suede skater shoes?

3Z3VH

Either way, a clean, and NOT overdressed look is the best way to go. Girls don't go so much for flash, as they do for a guy who looks as though they care for themself, and is approachable. The key you are going for here is to look great, without looking so great that she feels like the hobo.


You get shoes that you CAN polish

maleficent

MSD is very wise - so follow his advice...

Just remember the character of PigPen in the charlie brown cartoons, he had that cloud of dust around him -- youdon't want a cloud of cologne around you... you don't want someone to be able to smell you unless they are close to you... and you want to draw tem in closer...

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Jason762

Ah I'll just wear my kakhi cargos with my vans and a long sleeve button shirt. Sleeves will be rolled up and the shirt tucked in.

It'll be after work (when I've been up since 3 AM), so I'm probably not gonna give a f___ anyway.

Willravel

Best of luck...and just remember: the man makes the clothes, not the other way around. I've seen well dressed wankers ruin it for themselves by being the wankers that they are. Giorgio Armani or Hugo Boss can't make a jerk into Don Juan.

Sho Nuff

Now that the summer is here Im usually in some faded in jeans or cargo khakis with my rust colored timbs (untied with the tongue stretched) or blue and white jordans. Linen tops with top buttons off and a silver chain with a dogtag so there's something else to look at other than chest hair. Silver watch to match the chain. I have a few fresh t-shirts and shorts, Cap City and couple other brands.

For suits, my favorite is a black pin-stripped Phat Farm suit that I took to an expert tailor. I wear black leather low rise timberlands with it. I need a summer suit badly.

I also wear light weight addidas track pants with matching beach shoes and a wife beater for the beach or hot weather lounging or if I want to flex.

__________________
I know Nietzsche doesnt rhyme with peachy, but you sound like a pretentious prick when you correct me.

Jason762

DOH! Well of course I HAD to overdress. I wore kakhi pants and brown slip on loafter thingies with matching belt and a long sleeve button shirt with rolled up sleeves.

I frickin looked like I was going to a job interview. DOH!

Ah well. I was shy at first, but after 3 20 ounce Guinesses I loosened up and had a heck of a good time.

Thanks for the help tho!

3Z3VH

As long as a good time was had, that is half of what matters... the other half is: did she ?

madp

Hey, it worked for me!

__________________
why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

Jason762

Mmmm, I think/hope so. I was really shy at first, but after 3 20 oz Guenesses (on an empty stomach! ), I loosened up a bit. We talked, and it ended with a hug and her telling me we should play pool in my town next week.

Grasshopper Green

I *love* that site, Sultana. Thanks for posting it...I'm going to have to get hubby something from there (I better show it to him though, I love the bowling shirts but I don't know if he would wear one).

__________________
"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

cellophanedeity

This thread is quite interesting...

but if my love did most of the things recommended here, I'd probably smack him.

I was pleased with myself when I got him wearing jeans instead of cargos once in a while, and I have no intention to change his style much beyond that. If he wore designer shirts and perfect jeans and all of that, I'd worry.

I don't dress very fancily. My favourite outfit involves a graphic t, birkenstocks and comfy jeans. If he dressed all pretty, I'd worry about my clothes, and I don't care to.

So just try to remember the situation you'll be in when you're dressed fashionably. Sometimes it's better to not wear the belt, let your chin get scruffy, and wear the D&D tee. ^_^

3Z3VH

Would you be as worried as you say if he started dressing this way for work ?

I am sure everyone in this thread can agree, when you are just kicking it with the Girlfriend or going to a dirt mall or something, there is no need to wear nice clothes. This thread is more for those people and times when a guy wants to impress others on a subtle (or even not so subtle) level.

These aren't suggestions for clothes to wrestle your dog in, or for doing yard work, or even for sitting at your computer posting on forums in. These are clothes to wear when going out, when you want people to respect you.

cellophanedeity

Ah... I'm taking this all in as "everyday living" style, with what to wear to school and when with friends and women and the like. For office work and things like that, these are generally good ideas. That's true.