1) Get to know yourself. Time to put the personal in personal style. Nicer brands don’t always make for a high quality look. It’s one thing to drop money on an expensive suit, but it also needs to be flattering while fitting your vibe. Think of the clothes in your closet as its own brand. Major labels experiment all the time, but still stay true to a certain aesthetic, as should you.
2) Raid your family’s closets. DO NOT pick the vintage tweed. Try mixing a hand-me-down from your dad, grandpa or brother with newer items to show off where you come from. Chances are, the girl you’re on a date with has gone on a bunch of other dates with dudes in brand new $135 J. Crew ensembles. The older, more personal items can draw attention and serve as conversation starters that familiarize her with your background as opposed to your bank account.
3) Neutrals are important. Unless you’re a Versace collector, neutrals are some of the best investments you can make in clothing. If you’re ever thinking of dropping more money than you normally would on a garment, make sure it’s something you’re going to live in. That usually involves it being simple, neutral, comfy and easy to mix with things you already own.
4) Leather will only get you through the workweek. Nothing is worse than seeing a business bro out and about in khaki shorts, a polo, leather belt and white tennis shoes. Don’t rock the Catholic schoolboy look, and make sure your belts and shoes for the weekend are lax, stylish and something you wouldn’t wear in the workplace. Your chinos can be more colorful, your boat shoes more broken in, and your demeanor more chill.
5) Don’t buy graphic tees unless they’re directly related to your personal interests. Graphic tees with one line jokes on them died somewhere in the early 2000’s. They’re generally a waste of money, unless they’re taken from a favorite movie or band. The best parallel I can give is a girl I know who wore a shirt with the “Rollin’ with the Homies” scene of Clueless printed on it. You can tell exactly far back her Paul Rudd crush goes and how deep her knowledge of the 90’s is. Think along the lines of #1 for your t-shirt choices in the future.
6) Unless you think your ice game can pull off Gucci Mane levels of diamonds, you should probably drop the bling. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. GIRL’s best friend. There are plenty of expensive accessory brands you can use to show off that offer quality, tech features and craftsmanship over a bunch of diamonds stuffed inside. Speaking of karats, you’re just giving your girl higher expectations for any jewelry gift you get her there after.
7) You can actually trade clothes with other guys. WHAT?! I thought trading clothes was something only girls did out of desperation ten minutes before finishing a pre-game because that guy is really hot and these heels don’t match and blah blah blah.
Really though, if you have an important date or occasion coming up, raid you friend’s closet. This is a budget friendly alternative that keeps you from being too repetitive if you have a limited wardrobe. Pinterest and DIY blogs have made it very chic for chicks to be resourceful, so why not show off your savvy?
About Jason Wilson
Jason Wilson is a creative innovator trying to learn everything he can about this hectic vortex called life. He currently perform freelance social media, PR and web promotion strategies. Follow Jason on Twitter: @JasontheJumbo
About Jason Wilson