Via LollieShopping:
Compliment my husband on his attire and he’ll point to me and instruct you, “Tell her. She dresses me.” And, it’s true. Shopping and putting together an outfit are not my hubby’s forte. Luckily, he has his very own Lollie Shopping to make him look good.
For the rest of you men out there, I wrote this blog post to show you the three essential pieces you need in your wardrobe to pull your look together. Whether you’re wearing jeans and your favorite graphic t-shirt or a pair of flat front trousers and a button down shirt, these three wardrobe essentials are your go-to pieces to complete your look.
A Standout Watch
You need at least one standout watch in your wardrobe. Think big, bold and masculine. It doesn’t have to be a $2,000 Tag Heuer watch. But, you do want to select a watch that has as much aesthetic attraction as a Tag Heuer. Select a band, face and color scheme that works for your own personal style – fashionable, sleek or rugged . Fit is essential. A watch that slides around on your wrist because it’s too big looks awkward and funny. Here are some examples of some stylish standout watches.
Left to right: Kenneth Cole Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch from Overstock.com; Michael Kors Round Sport Watch from Saks Fifth Avenue; Diesel Watch from Macy’s.
Modern Jacket
The right jacket can really pull together your entire outfit and establish a look that is uniquely your own. Your chosen jacket must be fresh and modern, sporting today’s popular trends.
Quality construction and fit are both important. Your jacket should flatter your body, making your chest and shoulders look wide and your waistline appear smaller, much like the shape of a V. The key to creating such a look is to have your jacket tailored for your body. Find a well-constructed jacket and a talented tailor. A well-fitted jacket can take pounds off your physique.
Because you want something very modern, know that your jacket may be outdated by next year, so don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a jacket. Shop around and look for a good bargain on a quality piece. Aim to have two to three jackets in your wardrobe.
Embroidered jacket by Monarchy and available at Bluefly.com.
Great Shoes
When I was in college, my roommate confided in me that when checking out a guy, the first thing she does is look at his shoes. Since then, so many other women have told me the same. So guys, pay attention to your shoes. Keep them in good shape and keep at least one really stylish pair in your wardrobe.
As is the case with watches, you don’t have to spend an insane amount of money on your shoes. In fact, a girlfriend of mine recently met the actor Chris Noth (Mr. Big from “Sex and the City”) and when her uncouth dinner mate asked him what brand of shoes he was wearing, he said Aldo, which also happens to be my hubby’s brand of choice and a very affordable, everyday-man brand. So, if it’s good enough for Mr. Big and my husband, then it’s good enough for you.
If you want something more rugged and can spend a little more, my favorite men’s shoe brand is Mark Nason. Nurture your inner rock star.
Here’s a great shoe tip: your socks should match your shoes or your pants, whichever you prefer. But whatever you do…NEVER WEAR WHITE SPORTS SOCKS WITH YOUR DRESS SHOES OR BOOTS.
Left to right: Aldo Jephte Men’s Dress Loafers; Mark Nason Betts.
More Tips
- Don’t forget to wear a belt.
- Your belt and shoes do not have to match.
- It’s okay to wear black and brown together. If you’re wearing a black jacket, it’s okay to wear brown shoes. If you’re wearing a brown leather watch band, it’s okay to wear black shoes. All those rules are old fashioned.
- Bulky wallets are gross. Get rid of anything you don’t need in your wallet. On an evening out, consider using a money clip.
- Cover your nipples. Some shirts require an undershirt – either a t-shirt or wife beater. Please wear one.
- Shine your shoes.
- Take care of your clothes. Your jacket will require dry cleaning. Your nice shirts can be washed in the washer, but it’s probably best to let them hang dry.
- Iron your clothes. Wrinkles look sloppy.
- Get a woman’s opinion. If you’re in the midst of shopping or washing your clothes and you’re unsure about something, just ask a woman – your wife, girlfriend, mother, aunt or the sales lady at the store. She’ll know the answer.
