There are so many men out there that just cannot seem to get comfortable in a clothing store. Well, if you are one of these guys who simply don’t know where to begin, I can help lead you to the right place.
Here are eight staple articles of clothing that every guy should have in his closet:
1. Polos
2. Button-downs
3. White v-necks
4. Casual tees without graphic design
5. Sweaters
6. Dark jeans
7. Khaki pants
8. Khaki shorts
This is a very basic list, and it is one that all men should be able to check off according to personal taste and style. Only you can define where you will buy your clothes and exactly how you will put a unique twist on wearing them. Don’t be afraid to show some character.
Believe it or not, pink is okay if worn with confidence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a self-assured man who is willing to put pastels to the test. Button-downs and Polos can be found at a variety of stores, including J. Crew, Banana
Republic, Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters. Ask a sales associate to assist you in finding the appropriate color and style that will suit your needs. They are usually happy to help.
Whether you are a “lax bro” who wants to rep his sporty style or any other athlete that is proud of his jersey, you will come to see that many girls adore your athleticism. “Wife-beaters” and tees with the sleeves cut off, on the other hand, are not “sporty,” and should be worn only during your “GTL” (gym, tanning, laundry) session. Sweat stains are never acceptable, and you will have plenty of time at the gym and the beach to show off those muscles.
This is where those white v-necks come in handy. They can be worn as an undershirt or even as a casual look to pair with your favorite denim, though sweat stains are still in no way permissible.
This is a great way to look clean and cut if you have put in some extra hours at the gym. Having a few tees that are free of graphic designs is great when pairing with a jacket or going for a more classic look.
Have no fear; I am not asking you to wear the orange sweater that your grandma bought as a Christmas present. Though sweater vests can look great, they too are not suitable for every man. However, a classic shawl collar or v-neck is an essential piece of clothing for the holiday season. Zip-ups and half-button sweaters are also a great choice for those who find sweaters to be uncomfortably warm. For the brighter days, a cardigan can be a great look when paired with a clean tee.
There are a few rules when shopping for clothing, and the most important is that you avoid “jorts” at all cost. Yes, this is a term used to describe jean shorts. Unless you have cut an old pair of jeans to do mechanical work under the shelter of your car, these “jorts” need to be disposed of. Some basics to stick with when choosing shorts are khaki, navy blue and even preppy colors such as red or green.
When it comes to shopping for denim, acid-washed jeans are pretty much out of the picture. I suggest you focus on medium-to-dark washes that can be slimming, in addition to creating the look of longer legs. Khaki pants or even brown corduroys are less casual and can be paired with a variety of tops. Now that you have a little help, head on over to International Plaza and ask a stylist to assist you in achieving the look that you need.
Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.