6 Menswear Items I Love, and Love to Hate
So my sister and I got into the discussion of men’s fashion the other day. Both of us work in the retail industry and are constantly bombarded with the latest fashions for women and men. Luckily for me, I read GQ as much as I read any women’s magazine so I get a double dose of what’s hot for men these days. However, between all the new and old trends I’ve compiled some of my favorite (and not-so favorite) looks for the opposite sex, and here they are.
1. Love: Half Zip Pullover.
(J. Crew, preppy yet trendy. Uh, beautiful!)
For years now I have deemed this probably one of the most attractive looks a man can wear. Not only does it have the clean-cut preppy style but paired with the right pair of perfectly tailored dark denim you can easily look like a GQ model. Please consider that the pullover has to be the right size, a little fitted please, and layered over a complementing (or contrasting if you dare) button-up and I can guarantee girls will be throwing their digits at you.
2.Love it not: Jerseys.
So you like sports? I would have never guessed! So thank you so much for wearing your most-admired athlete’s uniform out to the bar/dinner/movie theatre. Not. There is a time and place for this time of garb, and it’s called a sporting event. Unless you are at the Staples Center seeing Kobe sink 3’s, I don’t want to see his jersey, it’s not cute and it looks like you don’t have enough sense to pair something stylish together.
3. Love: The skinny tie.
(I legit can’t even comment on this. Jake. You are a God.)
I don’t care what your bromantic partners say, the skinny tie is sexy. Yes, sexy. It shows you know what’s up in the fashion world and you aren’t afraid to try it. It’s also so simple: take the button up and slacks you were going to wear and throw this on, granted you need some good dress shoes, and a matching belt perhaps, but really this trend is not so scary. It will catch any girl’s eye because not only do you have the guts to try it out but you probably look a little like David Beckham, yes please.
4. Love it Not: Graphic Tees.
(I’m sad to report that on the website where this t-shirt is sold, this very shirt was sold-out. Its a disgrace, really.)
If you are wearing a graphic tee as we speak it might as well read: DOUCHE. Because that is what you look like. I sincerely loathe the graphic tee, it might have been endearing in high school but if you are a freshman in college and beyond PLEASE throw them away and start sticking with basic colors. Graphic Tee shirts that say you’re a beer pong champion or has your favorite 80’s movie title splashed across the front is unattractive and makes any girl think you have not one ounce of fashion in your repertoire- which you may not, but let’s just pretend you do, so stick with the basics!
5. Love: Plaid. Plaid. Plaid.
While this trend may feel a little hipster for you, the look is going main stream for fall. Try a light cotton version with slim sleeves for the perfect fall look. Pair with a dark khaki pant or dark jean and take the look from day to night, and you won’t look like a grunge but instead a GQ God.
6. Love it not: No sock/ exposed ankle/ shortened hem pant (well kinda…)
So yes, the no sock, exposed ankle peeking out from a shortened pant leg when sitting down is trendy, a little euro and a lot sexy, however, when you misjudge the length of your pants and your standing and I can see pretty much half your calf, it’s not cute, and I find myself questioning, ‘where is the flood?’ So just make sure if you’re going to attempt this look assess your pant length and make sure they are appropriate or risk looking like Urkel.
I have to give props to one group of guy friends I see pretty frequently. These boys can dress. They clearly look like they care about what they are putting on their bodies and it makes a difference. They aren’t afraid to try a new trend or wear something a little tighter, a little skinnier leg, and little dressier than sneakers. And girls notice. I’m not saying throw away your wardrobe, I’m also a sucker for basketball shorts and a t-shirt, or maybe I’m just a sucker for boys in general, but taking that extra second to look in the mirror or read that 10-must-have list in GQ (there’s one online, check it out) goes a long way.
