[Jay-Son]

As a 26 year old male with SA I have realized I neglected updating my wardrobe the past few years.This includes, jeans, flannel/plaid shirts, and shoes. I went to the mall to shop for 4 hours and left frustrated, it was very difficult to decide and I felt intimidated by these clothing store atmosphere (mainly the loud music).

I basically have been using 2 pairs of jeans for the past few years, one was stylish i guess. Now i am trying to rebuild my attire/style. I am doing this to feel more independent and attractive...but most importantly to feel mature and confident.

If it were up to me i would wear sneakers and sweats everyday but that isn't pragmatic.

Due to a lack of female friends I am ambivalent in terms of jeans and what shoes to wear with them to be honest. I am not into designer wear really.

I am not sure how to get advice on here or people who can relate. how many shoes should a guy have, and for what occasion? What style is right for various occasion (bootcut vs. relaxed vs. straight cut). I know we probably have some fashion experts on here who can help show me the way. I want a few pairs of jeans (not slim or skinny ), and a few pairs of shoes (one for everyday wear), I might be open to some chinos/khakis if I can pull it off.

Ask away or share your triumph to start to redesign yourself after many years so i can get inspiration.

Any help would be appreciated...I know more info will be needed.

-Jason

 

[cooperativeCreature]

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[marsvillain]

hi hi!
im not too good with mens clothing but I think maybe three or so pairs of shoes..guys can wear sneakers to almost anything. I mean I wear white cons to everything. but anyway as far as jeans if you can get up to seven pair you'll be set. try and find ones that fit you well and are comfortable I like straight leg or boot cut on guys but that's just me. a dark wash jean can be more versatile because you can dress them up easier than light wash. hoodies are always good too. hope that helps a little. when I have to go shopping I usually make a list so its easier to focus on what to get so I don't get all nutts and scatterbrained

 

[marsvillain]

are you looking to have a certain style like hipster, preppy or any of that nonsense cuz tha would make it easier. anyway if you look online at certain clothes and then visit the stores you saw the stuff you like in I think you'll be ok. side note don't buy clothes that are cheap just cuz they're cheap I learn that the hard way. everytime I buy cheap clothes. they don't last through two washings. its better to invest in better quality pieces than stuff that is going to look awful in two weeks.

 

[Imspartacus]

A guy should have as many shoes as he wants. I have five pairs that I wear regularly. As far as jeans go I typically wear relaxed fit, but I buy whatever looks good. There's no set rule for what shoes to wear with what jeans, just whatever looks good. When I go clothes shopping I usually buy a few t-shirts and a few button up shirts and some jeans. You could wear a button up shirt unbuttoned over a white tank top or t-shirt, I think that look would suit you. You could try some men's jewelry too, maybe a nice watch or necklace. Unless you're worried about following fashion trends there's really not a lot of rules you need to worry about, just try some stuff out and see what looks good.

 

[kast]

If you're unsure of what is stylish and you don't want to draw attention to yourself, I would stick with the most basic pieces of clothing. But I don't think you can make too many mistakes, as most clothes sold in shops today are seen as fashionable today (duh), so don't worry too much.

Jeans: straight leg. good fit (not baggy). midblue, dark blue, black, grey. no patches or weird pattern sh*t. Get at least 1 other pair of trousers that aren't jeans, and a few new shirts and t-shirts too. Shorts if the weather calls for it.
Shoes: I don't think you need more than a few... It depends what you do. I have running/hiking shoes, boots, and casual sneakers. I should probably have some dress shoes if I ever want them for a job interview or something... I used to polish my boots and hope they pass as formal wear, but now they're ratty work boots. Buy the clothing first and then try on shoes to fit your new look.

 

[Jay-Son]

Lots of great advice thanks...so lets say i want to get moccasins, do you buy boot cut jeans to wear with those? Or are bootcut mainly for actual boots and gargantuan style shoes?

I think i want to invest in driving moccassins, they look like my style.

Once I pick up some newer trousers I think i will get a pair of penny loafers, I think 4 pairs of shoes would suit me well, I already have 1 type covered.

I like the plaid and flannel shirts. I am not sure if I should go get some newer linen ones for the odd high maintenance social occasion though.

Also any advice for belts? I only have one i really use for jeans now, but any suggestions? I find most belts are hidden anyways unless you are dressing really formally with the tucked in shirt.

 

[DS29790bb]

Well, it depends. There's no right answer for this. I am a college student now and now actually put an effort into style. In high school, I wore baggy t-shirts and sweats all the time. Having a sense of style is important to gaining confidence in my opinion.

First, kinda pick a style that "suits" you. That's the first step. Go to like a mall or something and kinda walk around and look what people are wearing (I know that's kinda creepy but still). Or watch TV shows as well. Find a style that looks well on you.

Shopping for me takes a while, but it's because I care and try to look good. Go into the dressing room. Try stuff on. And when you look into the mirror and think it fits you and your personality, buy it! You can tell if it looks fine based on what other people wear.

Just make sure the jeans "fit" and are not baggy. As for shoes, I'm not an expert.....I always just wear these white shoes that go with everything, and I also have a nicer pair for special occasions and one for exercise. They are just cliche shoes I guess.

I know this is very general. The issue with style is that it is highly subjective. But seeing what other people are wearing helps a lot so you at least you know what looks good. For me, my style is always the same......some sort of jeans (I have stylish blue jeans, slimmer khaki and concrete jeans too) and a regular t-shirt. I'm just a college student so I can wear t-shirts every day, but I'm actually complimented on how I make my style work.

Good luck!

 

[Jay-Son]

Thanks for your opinion bud.

I went shopping again, very stressful trying on an ample amount of jeans. I think best I can do is straight legged and boot cut, slim is just too tigh, I feel my legs are being strangled when i wear them but I like when the cuff of the jeans cover the shoes a bit (just my opinion).

I got a nice new jacket, and a few pairs of jeans, not sure if i will keep them, i am gonna test them out with a few outfits. Another pain is I need to get them both shortened on the cuffs as the waist size is correct but the length is a few inches too long.


I may post pics of the jeans and jacket to get opinions, I shall see.

 

[kast]

Lots of great advice thanks...so lets say i want to get moccasins, do you buy boot cut jeans to wear with those? Or are bootcut mainly for actual boots and gargantuan style shoes?

Like these? Straight leg. I don't think boot cut jeans are in style any more, or any pants with too much bagginess on the legs. Even when I wear boots I still wear straight leg jeans - I think the closer fit looks better around shoes/boots.

Also any advice for belts? I only have one i really use for jeans now, but any suggestions? I find most belts are hidden anyways unless you are dressing really formally with the tucked in shirt.

Basic leather plain brown, plain black, and/or the same colour as your shoes. I don't know if anyone actually notices but I was told to match my belt to my shoes. :stu And yeah, most of the time it's hidden.

 

[Jay-Son]

yea those navy moccasins aren't bad, more like dock shoes.

I am liking these more though http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-shoes-benson-bit-driving-moccasins?ID=578702

 

[Gavroche]

Well I will tell you this, I am of the mind that what you wear ought to reflect who you are, who you want to be, or tell something about you. Don't wear things to please others for superficial reasons (not saying you want to) because you will eventually feel uncomfortable and relegate such clothing to disuse. Keep it simple, find out who you are and dress that way. If you wear graphic tees, don't wear graphic tees of things you aren't passionate about or have little interest in, people seem so fake when doing this wearing band tees of bands they know only one song of or none at all.

I'd recommend wearing straight leg, relaxed fit jeans or boot cut if you wear boots, perhaps get one waist size too big so you can utilize the pockets more and use a belt as well if you choose. And with belts come an array of decorative belt buckles you can choose to use.

Regarding shoes, as for me I try to keep it simple, I have several pairs (some I intend to give away) but I only use one pair of all purpose sneakers, one pair of black boots, and one pair of brown semi-dress shoes. But if you really are inclined to have several pairs I suggest you get ones of differing color to compliment whatever else you wear. Perhaps black and white sneakers or a color in between or some dressier shoes as well if that's what floats your boat.

As far as shirts go, don't get too many of the same style or same color, surely you don't want to be known as Monsieur Flannel, or The Plaid Ranger.

Remember to value complimentary colors and use them in outfits, none of this brown pants black shirt nonsense.

but above all else, remember, be yourself, find a style that exemplifies who you are and roll with it.

For example, I'm very simple so I dress simple, jeans t shirt jacket. I'm a reserved person so I tend to wear non bright colors as to not draw attention to myself (no hot pink or neon green for me lol) so I wear greys, navys, dark greens, black, etc.

find your self, find your style.

 

[Jay-Son]

Alright think i found the first piece to my wardrobe, this faux leather jacket..opinions?

 

[Arterius]

I've been on a clothing binge these last few years. My primary advice would be to do all of your shopping online. The benefit is that you will be able to browse the entire catalog, see every size available, and get clothes that will likely be completely new and never worn by anyone.

The only retailer I recommend buying from is J.Crew. I have been through many, including Armani Exchange, Express, Abercrombie, etc. They sell crap in comparison and try too hard to be trendy. On the other hand, J.Crew's stuff is classic and holds up well after washes. My usual attire is a slim dress shirt (sometimes with a chambray tie) with a cardigan or blazer on top and some 484 slim jeans and leather MacAlister boots. It's all about striking a balance between informal and formal items in your attire. For example, if I wear a tie (formal item), I counter the dressiness of that with worn or weathered-looking jeans. Otherwise, you will give the impression that you are overdressed (well, the truth is that you will always looked overdressed, since most everyone in public is dressed like **** these days) or trying too hard.

One of the latest fashion trends I see is people wearing one item of clothing that is much brighter than the rest, say, neon sneakers. That is the stupidest looking thing I have ever seen; please do not try it.

 

[Arterius]

One example of the J.Crew look. I regret not buying this mechanic's jacket.

 

[Melodies0fLife]

I'm not a guy but I can offer some shopping suggestions... lol...
1. I recommend you get ideas online but I think it's best to actually go to the store so that you can try the outfit out and see how it looks right on the spot. Always have an outfit combo with you when you go to the fitting rooms so you know what looks good with what (ie. does these jeans look good with both dress shirt and a t-shirt? And what color shirt and what length of the shirt goes best with it? Does the shoes match well with these type of jeans or dress pants? Or does it look too small or too big with these type of pants? Does this belt distract the eyes from the rest of the outfit? etc..)
2. When you wear something, comfort is good but to be stylish, it should also be well fitted to your body type and your body should look symmetrical in the mirror. Some trendy outfits/jeans+shirt combo may be popular but it can also make people look shorter than they actually are which is a :no :no.
3. Dark colors/tones are good. Black really is classy and never goes out of style. :yes
4. Get a second opinion. If you are in one of those department stores with sales associates on the floor asking if you need help with anything, feel free to get their opinion/advice. Some stores (like the one I work at) has fashion specialists that actually helps people right on the spot--like literally go around, pick out outfits for you, recommend what goes together, etc. Try to find a sales associate that actually knows what they are doing. Lol...

Posting pictures here is also good. I love to see people's outfits and clothing style.

 

[Jay-Son]

I'm not a guy but I can offer some shopping suggestions... lol...
1. I recommend you get ideas online but I think it's best to actually go to the store so that you can try the outfit out and see how it looks right on the spot. Always have an outfit combo with you when you go to the fitting rooms so you know what looks good with what (ie. does these jeans look good with both dress shirt and a t-shirt? And what color shirt and what length of the shirt goes best with it? Does the shoes match well with these type of jeans or dress pants? Or does it look too small or too big with these type of pants? Does this belt distract the eyes from the rest of the outfit? etc..)
2. When you wear something, comfort is good but to be stylish, it should also be well fitted to your body type and your body should look symmetrical in the mirror. Some trendy outfits/jeans+shirt combo may be popular but it can also make people look shorter than they actually are which is a :no :no.
3. Dark colors/tones are good. Black really is classy and never goes out of style. :yes
4. Get a second opinion. If you are in one of those department stores with sales associates on the floor asking if you need help with anything, feel free to get their opinion/advice. Some stores (like the one I work at) has fashion specialists that actually helps people right on the spot--like literally go around, pick out outfits for you, recommend what goes together, etc. Try to find a sales associate that actually knows what they are doing. Lol...

Posting pictures here is also good. I love to see people's outfits and clothing style.

Really?

I find only high scale stores have associates that help, and I figure if I don't want to throw down $500 for an outfit they don't care to help,lol. Maybe jsut a negative assumption though.

My second worry in asking opinions from an associate is that they probably feel pressure to compliment the customer to make the sale. So if i ask if a certian clothing items looks good, I have a hard time trusting them if they say "yes it looks fine" cause they are employed by the store. It is a bias.

Only once i got great advice on a sweater, i think i was fortunate that day as the salesperson seem to be really into offering up opinions. I have never really gotten the "no that doesn't look good" response from an associate before, but to be fair I have never straight up asked them. I feel guilty putting them on the spot.

But how does everyone else feel about getting advice from a retail employee? Is it tough to trust them?

 

[cureyfreri]

I mean I wear white cons to everything. but anyway as far as jeans if you can get up to seven pair you'll be set.

 

[Jay-Son]

I found a decent pair of jeans today, tried on maybe 8 pairs, very exhausting...still waiting on the leather jacket in my size, gonna drive to another location this week.