I recently had lunch with the guys of BBG and my business partner Lawrence. To my shock and surprise, they informed me that not all men want to be GQ men. Oh the horror! They advised me that most men wouldn’t be caught dead carrying a GQ, Details, Men’s Vogue, etc. under their arms on the way to lunch, break time, or the potty. Well, after digesting this serious shock, I began to ponder: How can a man look fab in disguise? After some intensive research, i.e. interrogation of hubby and friends, I discovered that this was, in fact, true…..what a shocker…
So, being the happy-go-lucky stylist that I am, I decided to do the list thingy for fellas who want to look fab without looking like they are trying. Get it? I must warn you, before you get too excited, I was inspired by this picture of Kanye West (this will take meaning as you read the list):
He is putting a new spin on the traditional suit–loose tie, white sports watch, and sneakers. Now, while this look doesn’t suit EVERY man, it definitely suits his style. And I bet he carries GQ to the potty….
If you want to fab it up without looking too glam, follow this method precisely:
- Select a new fabric for your standard suit. every man SHOULD have a suit and if you are of the stock card carrying type, you have the typical black, dark blue, or gray suit. For a little spot of fabo, try tweed, seersucker, or linen. Just be wary of which season it is, i.e. a linen suit in subzero temps will make you stand out a teeny bit too much. If you don’t have a suit, stop reading this post immediately and go get a suit…
- Find a signature accessory. And no, I don’t mean any excessive jewelry (the Mr. T look is ONLY for Mr. T). Be that guy who has the great ties, cuff links, glasses, watches, etc. Once you find that signature item, be consistent with it. You will first be remembered as “the guy with the great ______,” but once you stop, you will be “the guy who used to wear the great __________.”
- Add a little flair to your work uniform, aka suit. Now, I don’t mean a “snaps for the kids” type of flair, necessarily. But if that’s you, do you…I don’t discriminate and neither should you….style is style...I simply mean by adding an unusual and interesting item to your ensemble, you will be an instant style icon…at least for that day! You can add an unusual tie color, a bold pocket square, a flower on your lapel, a broach, interesting shoes, etc….just add something that symbolizes your personality and your burgeoning voyage into fashion history. I met this chap below during NYC Fashion Week. He definitely has his own fashion flair. Not recommended for gents with a queasy fashion appetite..you have to be bold to put all of this together!
Take note of the manbag…hee hee hee!
This is just to start you off….more will soon follow…
Keep it strictly stylish!
Those were some great ideas/suggestons.. See you always coming with the knowledge,that’s why I love the site! I know personally I suscibe to GQ, but I don’t neccesarily take everything I see to heart. I try and sample different styles as they fit me. What looks great on a GQ model will look like crap on me and vice versa. I also think a key look is not sticking with a style for too long. switch it up, but keep a signature piece to tie the different styles together. If that makes any sense. At least that’s what I do. I actually try hard to look like I didn’t try hard. make it look like its done but not overdone. ya dig?