Hello! My name is Ian, and I am hijacking Jenny's wonderful blog today to talk about fashion! Men's fashion, to be specific, because Jenny has got the women's side COVERED.
PS: Shameless plug: You can find me over at http://tellurianthings.wordpress.com/ , where I discuss movies, TV, books, music, and - yes - comic books, at length and with MUCH HYPERBOLE. And now, the post!
Alright, so if my last three or four months of GQ have taught me anything, it's that this is the season to be BOLD. Within reason of course. That's the hard part: too conservative and you're boring; too bold and you're a hipster. OOPS. So anyway, I thought I would give you guys out there a few ideas on how to stick out at the office a bit.
Number One: Socks.
For years, socks have been the boring, reliable gift you give your dad for Father's Day, Christmas, AND his birthday, the poor bastard. Or they've been weird novelty gifts with like cows or something on them. And trust me, unless you're a four year old, giving that to your dad is NOT CUTE.
But now, socks are a great way to say, "Hey, I have confidence. Notice me, but know that I don't NEED your attention (like a hipster)."
So go wild, Secret Sock Enthusiasts! Don't be afraid to get purple, orange, green, plaid, or argyle socks. And don't be afraid to show them off! Consider getting your suits tailored down, to be a little more form-fitting, a little higher on the ankle. And when you're out and about in your jeans, roll them up a bit! It looks a little, well, OUT THERE at first, but if Darren Criss is doing it, I think we can all live.
Pro Tip: For bonus points, try matching your socks to your tie, or - for even greater savoir faire - your pocket square. Ideally both.
Number Two: Ties
Ties have traditionally been the OTHER gift you got Dad, if you didn't feel like socks. Maybe even more-so. I don't know your life. And again, they always seemed to be either intensely boring, or designed as a salmon... or something.
Now, you don't want to be That Guy. You know. Tie Guy. With like the keyboard tie, and the Dilbert Tie, and the 8,000 other ties that are equally loud and obnoxious. But if your ties consistently match your socks, or your pocket squares, people will notice, and appreciate that about you.
As for matching your shirt - WHY? It's been done. I'm not saying to intentionally clash. But I don't think there's anything wrong with a striped shirt and a plaid tie, or a plaid shirt and a dotted tie. And why find a consistent color EVERY TIME. Find a good contrast, like pink shirt and sky blue tie (for example).
Number Three: Accessories
In case you haven't gotten the hint yet, I'll be blunt.
Pocket squares. Solids, stripes, patterns, frayed edges. GO CRAZY.
Your watch. If you are out of college (or even in college) and still wear a digital watch when you're NOT training for a marathon... shame on you. Really. Shame. Go get a nice watch. And by that I don't mean Omega or Rolex. Just a simple watch with hands and a non-velcro strap. Seriously, go to Target. They have watches that are identical to ones at J. Crew or Calvin Klein for literally $15. And if you're feeling frisky, find some alternative straps to switch out.
Shoes: Wing-tips are in. Suede is in. And funky colored soles are in. Like yellow. I don't get it, but GQ won't stop, so if that's your thing...
And finally, a public service announcement. The best accessory is well, I was going to say "Attractiveness," but honestly effort is a little more accessible. It's time to stop letting your mom or roommate cut your hair. It's time to find an exfoliant - or at least a moisturizer - for your face. Clear, even skin goes a surprisingly long way towards making you look put-together and grown up.
You don't need to be one of those guys with the shampoo, AND the conditioner, AND the exfoliant, AND the moisturizing cleanse, AND the moisturizing sun screen, AND this and that and that. But come on. You're getting older. The time to take care of yourself starts NOW, whether it's skin care, diet, or exercise. And you won't regret it in 20 years, when everyone else is wrinkling, sagging, and/or pudging all over the place.
SO. There you have it, at length. My top recommendations for jazzing up your style.
