Fashion Advice for men

cabbage82

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice. I'm a 28 year old male and I think I need some help. I'm used to wearing t-shirts and jeans but I want to dress to impress.

Right a bit of background, I'm 5 foot 7 (small).
. My jeans size is W32 L30 (Hard to find leg 30 jeans in Dublin tbh).
I currently only wear bootcut jeans and I'm not a fan of skinny jeans.
I wear runners like converse and and onitsuka tigers.

My upper body isn't the best. I have short arms and a tiny bit of a gut so finding
shirts to fit is a nightmare so I tend to wear river island shirts with the sleeves
rolled up when heading out. Especially shirts with a check pattern.

Lastly, I have jet black(greying) short hair, brown eyes and pale skin and I tend to head out with stubble.

Does anyone have any advice on what to wear on a night out? Especially colours based
on my hair colour and pale skin? What colours should I not be wearing?

Also, I always hear that women notice mens' shoes and that this can sometimes be a deal
breaker. Can any women here suggest some shoes?

In general I'm looking for some tips for dressing a man so he looks his best on a night on the tiles.

NUTZZ

There was a thread a while ago kind of similar to yours, its worth a look;

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055453079&highlight=fashion+advice+men

baby and crumble

well, can i be the first one to ask (gently) that you defiitely stop wearing check shirts? It's very generic.

I actually think a t-shirt with a waiscoat or a velvet type blazer looks very cool on aguy on a night out. Waistcoats hide a multitude of sins, too, so the belly thing would be helped. You could always wear some beads or surfer type jewelery to take away focus from that part of your body. cardigans in a brightish colour canlook good too, just pair it with something a bit original, rather than a plain white t-shirt.

Nice shoes are a must, a decent pair of loafer type ones can be nice, they dress up with jeans quite well. Shirts look great too, so long as they are interesting without being ott. Like i said earlier in my post, check shirts are kinda... blah. But a nice dark stripe could be lovely, can look dramatic with plaer skin, too. Not in a creepy vampire way. You could always find a tailor. seamstress to take up your sleeves, it's an easy thing to do, shouldn't cost too much, and it'll smarten the outfit up no end.

Hope this helps!

cabbage82

Thanks a million.

Like the blazer idea but I can't seem to find any place in Dublin that sells them plus the arms are too long.

With regards the check shirts, I guess you are right but I always associated striped shirts with culchies(I'm one too) these days. Can you put up an image of one you like?

About the shoes, what defines a loafer? is that a shoe without laces Again I'd love to see an image of ones you like. I'm clueless about fashion. I used to always wear shoes like this http://www.schuhstore.co.uk/item_main_frameset.asp?s_ref=350453&fav_colour=3504536020&s_group=0&ref=Add_this

I dunno about the cardigans and the waist coats. Think they might be a bit extreme for me especially the bright colours.

@NUTZZ, some good advice in that thread. Sorry I missed it.

Aard

I disagree with cardigans in a bright colour; if you're "new" to fashion, it'd be easier to get a good quality black cardigan and then dress it up with a colourful teeshirt. My thing of the moment is wearing a wife-beater with a cardigan. Simple, but the low neck is eye-catching.

Blazers are a bit hit and miss. I'd leave it for the time being. Same for waistcoats.

Jeans are fine. I like Bershka's. Just don't go for anything with too many bells and whistles.

PrivateEye

Black Cardigan > Colourful Cardigan

Never seen a bloke get away with anything but a black/grey one to be honest.


Cardigan with a shirt underneath, or an open cardigan with a good t-shirt. Avoid the cardigan/plain white tshirt thing, looks bizarre.

I'm not a fan of skinny jeans

EXACT same mate, but a well fitting pair of jeans are hard to find. Reccomend Topman straight fit. Don't break the bank and look the bizi-ness.

golden gal

Hi there,
Trinny and Suzannah did a programme did a programme on this. Here is a link to it and there is a link to the "male dress code" on it. http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/Fashion/TrinnyandSusannah/Episodes/Men/default.html

NUTZZ

PrivateEye wrote: »

Avoid the cardigan/plain white tshirt thing, looks bizarre.

I have to disagree, I think its one of the basic's when wearing a cardigan, it looks effortlessly fashionable.

JMCD

NUTZZ wrote: »

I have to disagree, I think its one of the basic's when wearing a cardigan, it looks effortlessly fashionable.

Agreed. Anything else, I think just looks bad.

phantom_lord

am i the only one that thinks cardigans look awful?

ha-ya-said-what

I dunno where you shop that you think it hard to get jeans with a 30in leg! I buy jeans for the bf all the time he's a 30in leg & it's no problem to get them anywhere they're so easy to get more times than not the 30in leg is on sale!

often got him work jeans out of dunnes & tesco & they'd be far nicer than a pair of expensive ones. Jack & Jones always have every size & style of jeans under the sun if your stuck anyway.

Oh & btw the days of the tablecloth shirts are loooooonng gone!

Mr. Frost

phantom_lord wrote: »

am i the only one that thinks cardigans look awful?

Depends who's wearing them.

Defo DO NOT go for hot pink. Maybe salmon or something like it if you're into that kinda thing (I hate pink on guys, well I'm a guy so I guess I just wouldn't wear it! )

NUTZZ

phantom_lord wrote: »

am i the only one that thinks cardigans look awful?

As mentioned above, it really does depend who's wearing them, I think you have to be slim, because they look terrible if you're carrying any sort of a belly. Also I don't recommend wearing them if you're on the shorter side. They can look very good though on the right person!

dingbat

cabbage82 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice. I'm a 28 year old male and I think I need some help. I'm used to wearing t-shirts and jeans but I want to dress to impress.

Right a bit of background, I'm 5 foot 7 (small).
. My jeans size is W32 L30 (Hard to find leg 30 jeans in Dublin tbh).
I currently only wear bootcut jeans and I'm not a fan of skinny jeans.
I wear runners like converse and and onitsuka tigers.

My upper body isn't the best. I have short arms and a tiny bit of a gut so finding
shirts to fit is a nightmare so I tend to wear river island shirts with the sleeves
rolled up when heading out. Especially shirts with a check pattern.

Lastly, I have jet black(greying) short hair, brown eyes and pale skin and I tend to head out with stubble.

Does anyone have any advice on what to wear on a night out? Especially colours based
on my hair colour and pale skin? What colours should I not be wearing?

Also, I always hear that women notice mens' shoes and that this can sometimes be a deal
breaker. Can any women here suggest some shoes?

In general I'm looking for some tips for dressing a man so he looks his best on a night on the tiles.

Firstly, well done mate. There's that many blokes in this country that don't make an effort but girls definitely, definitely notice when a guy has gone to the trouble of getting the little things right.

Off the top of my head...

1. Shoes, shoes, shoes. It can't be denied that a really nice pair of shoes can do wonders for a first impression; note "nice" does not have to equal "flashy". The opposite is also true - you can be wearing the slickest of slick outfits but if it's paired with some ratty old shoes the whole thing will be wasted. Now that we're coming into summer (fingers crossed ) a pair of smart loafers would work well for you. Find a style you like and get them in black and brown. Don't be afraid to spend money on shoes - good ones last for ages.

2. Get to know a tailor. You sound as if you've had awful trouble finding clothes to fit off the peg so better to buy a shirt/jacket where the collar/shoulders are fine and let the tailor do the rest. A good one can work miracles. PM me if you want the contact details for a good one in Dublin. It will cost you a little more time and effort in the short run but in the long run it's well, well worth it, especially if you're putting together a few items that you need to be just right.

3. With your colouring, or at least your description of your colouring, I'd be thinking of shirts/tops in a lot of colder colours: steel grey, sky blue, pale shades of pink, yellow, that sort of thing. You'd also, potentially, be able to pull off wearing black and white, something lots of Irish blokes can't get away with unless it's a tux.

giddybootz

Hi OP

Forgive me but I didn't have time to read the full thread...rather skimmed it! But I wanted to offer a few tips. My lovely boyfriend is the same size/build as you with black hair, pale skin and blue eyes.

I don't thik a cardigan is the way to go...this tends to emphasise any belly that isn't trim.

A look that really works for my OH is a cool tee with a solid coloured shirt open over it. Topman do a very good range...like this... http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=17551&storeId=12555&categoryId=85976&parent_category_rn=39015&productId=1068681&langId=-1 He ties in the colour of the shirt with some detail in the tee. He often accessorises by picking a small detail colour from the print in the tee for his belt or laces in his runners (he wears plain black skater runners mostly as they are comfy and don't really look like runners. Cons would also work with this look.

As for jeans...he swears by Pepe Carnaby and Pepe Jinho. The Carnaby jean is boot cut and although expensive (€97 -€115) they wear really well and seem to look better with age. he is a w32 l30 too and Carnaby and Jinho come it that size. My mates OH is a w30 l30 and he also swears by Carnaby.

I agree with the earlier post about the colours that would suit you being black, the full range of greys, blues and other muted tones (kaki green would look great on you). Also white with a bit of colour through it.

cabbage82

giddybootz wrote: »

Hi OP

Forgive me but I didn't have time to read the full thread...rather skimmed it! But I wanted to offer a few tips. My lovely boyfriend is the same size/build as you with black hair, pale skin and blue eyes.

I don't thik a cardigan is the way to go...this tends to emphasise any belly that isn't trim.

A look that really works for my OH is a cool tee with a solid coloured shirt open over it. Topman do a very good range...like this... http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=17551&storeId=12555&categoryId=85976&parent_category_rn=39015&productId=1068681&langId=-1 He ties in the colour of the shirt with some detail in the tee. He often accessorises by picking a small detail colour from the print in the tee for his belt or laces in his runners (he wears plain black skater runners mostly as they are comfy and don't really look like runners. Cons would also work with this look.

As for jeans...he swears by Pepe Carnaby and Pepe Jinho. The Carnaby jean is boot cut and although expensive (€97 -€115) they wear really well and seem to look better with age. he is a w32 l30 too and Carnaby and Jinho come it that size. My mates OH is a w30 l30 and he also swears by Carnaby.

I agree with the earlier post about the colours that would suit you being black, the full range of greys, blues and other muted tones (kaki green would look great on you). Also white with a bit of colour through it.

Thanks so much for the advice. Pepe Carnaby are the only jeans I wear too. Mad! Can't seem to find anywhere to buy them online though and the only place I know in Dublin that sell them are the Pepe shop on Wicklow street which are a bit expensive but worth it IMO. I'm going to give the shirt/tee combination a go. Cheers.

thanks to all the other great replies too. Much appreciated.

With regards to the Trinny/Susanna link, I downloaded the PDF and the tips it gave where:

1) avoid contrasting colours - what does that mean? I don't think I'm the only man out there that doesn't have a clue about colours.
2) wear all one colour - does it mean shirt and pants the same colour?
3) wear flat topped shoes - what are flat topped shoes?
4) wear layered tops - shirt and t-shirt as above sounds good.
5) don't wear white runners with jeans - I do that
6) shoe colour/ trouser match - not sure what this means

With regards the availability of 30L jean sizes, a lot of shops like Berska, Burton and Zara etc only sell sizes like S, R, L where S is 32L and R is 34L etc. Maybe I'm wrong

This thread could prove great for all men out there. So all the women here should post do's and don'ts to help the male species struggling like myself

OldGoat

cabbage82 wrote: »

1) avoid contrasting colours - what does that mean? I don't think I'm the only man out there that doesn't have a clue about colours.
2) wear all one colour - does it mean shirt and pants the same colour?

All your colour questions (and more) answered here... http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Clothes%20Articles/ColorSIMPLE.htm

This should point you in the right direction. It's a useful first stop site to gather a little information about almost anything and you can then chase down any topic in more detail on other sites.
Colour matching can be as simple or as complicated as you care to make it. Just follow the basic rules on contrast and hues and you'll be set.

This thread could prove great for all men out there. So all the women here should post do's and don'ts to help the male species struggling like myself

Cos only women are interested in clothes, fashion and appearance right? :-)

Aard

Just an afterthought - if you can't find the right trouser length, and don't want to go to a tailor, then please roll up the cuffs. Letting the bottom of the trouser leg trail on the ground looks really grubby.


Re the colour thing. Don't get too bogged down by it. When choosing what to wear, just pick out the main "focus" of your outfit (maybe a teeshirt with a funky pattern), and wear other clothes with colours from that main piece. Don't choose too many colours or it will look too busy; often just pairing black, navy or brown (note: not all at once :P) works a treat.

I guess the other side of the coin is that when you're out shopping, don't buy something just because it looks good. Instead, imagine where it will fit in with your existing wardrobe.

Another thing - be comfortable in what you wear. If you're wearing something that makes you feel self-conscious, no matter how good the clothes look you will look awkward.

Hope this helps.

speedboatchase

I sent around an email about this to a poster before so ill send what I sent to that guy to you OP, check your PMs

giddybootz

cabbage82 wrote: »

1) avoid contrasting colours - what does that mean? I don't think I'm the only man out there that doesn't have a clue about colours.
2) wear all one colour - does it mean shirt and pants the same colour?
3) wear flat topped shoes - what are flat topped shoes?
4) wear layered tops - shirt and t-shirt as above sounds good.
5) don't wear white runners with jeans - I do that
6) shoe colour/ trouser match - not sure what this means

Be careful with T&S...sometimes the tips they give are a little bland/older. I would rather see a guy with his own sense of style than a guy dressed all in one colour just so he could appera an inch or two taller!!

1) Contrasting colours when done subtly can look great....contrasting colours example grey and orange (two very different colours but work very well together) What you want to avoid are clashing colours eg red & purple (don't work well together)

2) Wearing all one colour top to bottom can slim and lenghten you....but dont get too hung up on this...better to follow tip 6.

3)forget this one (imo)

4) Layering is good at disguising any belly issues while still looking funky

5) & 6) White runners with jeans, tan shoes with dark trousers etc...this 'cuts' your leg making you look short legged. If your shoes roughy match the colour of your pants your leg will look longer. Eg: dark feet with dark legs but don't have to be the exact same colour!!

Hope that helps!!

Pepe shop on Wicklow street

I used to be assistent manager there a year or so ago!! I loved helping lads with their style. There are so many different styles for guys but alot of them seem scared to experiment and find what suits them!

cabbage82

giddybootz wrote: »

I used to be assistent manager there a year or so ago!! I loved helping lads with their style. There are so many different styles for guys but alot of them seem scared to experiment and find what suits them!

No doubt you dressed me once or twice. Always found the staff in there absolutely brilliant. Friendliest staff in Dublin IMO.

Thanks a million everyone for the advice. Some truly brilliant tips.
@OldGoat - Sorry, that wasn't what I meant to imply. Apologies!

One more question, anyone got any suggestions for a summer jacket? One that is waterproof(maybe a hood for our weather) and not heavy so I wouldn't be sweating? One without patterns on it.

OldGoat

cabbage82 wrote: »

@OldGoat - Sorry, that wasn't what I meant to imply. Apologies!

One more question, anyone got any suggestions for a summer jacket? One that is waterproof(maybe a hood for our weather) and not heavy so I wouldn't be sweating? One without patterns on it.

No appologies necessary. Hope you'll hang around and boost the numbers of male posters in here.

As for the waterproofs you could try some of the golf outlets. The jackets can be pricey but they are waterproof and there is a wide range to choose from. You will find cheaper jackets in other places but I find that the golf shops offer the biggest range of lightweight wet gear.

dingbat

OldGoat wrote: »

As for the waterproofs you could try some of the golf outlets. The jackets can be pricey but they are waterproof and there is a wide range to choose from. You will find cheaper jackets in other places but I find that the golf shops offer the biggest range of lightweight wet gear.

Yep. A good lightweight waterproof is pretty useful in this town. Also recommend looking at lightweight hiking jackets - again, they're a little more expensive but likely to be cut better (i.e. slimmer) and will last a good long while.

giddybootz

cabbage82 wrote: »

No doubt you dressed me once or twice. Always found the staff in there absolutely brilliant. Friendliest staff in Dublin IMO.

But it has gone downhill since I left!! :P

H&M are surprisingly good for lightweight coats and River Island has come on leaps and bounds this last year.

omb0wyn5ehpij9

phantom_lord wrote: »

am i the only one that thinks cardigans look awful?

Nope, I agree with you 100%!

OldGoat

phantom_lord wrote: »

am i the only one that thinks cardigans look awful?

Bryn wrote: »

Nope, I agree with you 100%!

Each to their own I guess, I like 'em. These are the last two I asked Mrs Goat to make up for me, both from Rowan Wools. She's useful to have around occasionally. :rolleyes:

Source http://www.laughinghens.com/knitting-pattern.asp?patternid=692

giddybootz

I am not a big fan of those cardigans that are so 'in right now'. The ones that are really lightweight. But i do love a chunky knit on a bloke....I find it very manly and attractive!!

Old Goat...the Cardigan in image 2 is fab (not to mention the hottie wearing it!!)...Mrs Goat must be a talented lady!

OldGoat

That bloke was the selling point for Mrs. Goat too. While I was working out what colour yarns I wanted she had her "Why can't you look like him?" face on.

giddybootz

Ha ha ha ya poor Old Goat!!

danh789

speedboatchase wrote: »

I sent around an email about this to a poster before so ill send what I sent to that guy to you OP, check your PMs

Could you PM that email to me aswell, cheers!

Leprachaun

www.asos.com or brown thomas. You can see models wearing all the clothes on asos and they recommend what clothes to go with them. Alternatively, ask for advice from one of the workers in BT, they'll sort you out.

Normster

NUTZZ wrote: »

I have to disagree, I think its one of the basic's when wearing a cardigan, it looks effortlessly fashionable.

effortlessly gay in my opinion.

For Op ... keep eveything you have, runners jean, shirt with sleeves rolled (I esp. like the fact you roll the sleeves) .. just add a waistcoat, twill probably make you feel more comfortable bout your belly and its instant personality. Hats are always good too, how bout a paddy cap? or a Trilby (Kinda over done now days though)
Facial hair is a style option women don't have
whatever makes you feel good about yourself and comfortable generally looks good

green and blue shades should bring out your eyes, try mixing with dark greys and brown, black possibly (light blue and brown or navy are good mixes).. possibly avoid the blue/white checked shirt for now

OldGoat

Normster wrote: »

effortlessly gay in my opinion.

Needlessly derogatory in my opinion.

Aard

Normster wrote: »

effortlessly gay in my opinion.

The poster you quoted was referring to the wearing of a white teeshirt under a cardigan as being "effortlessly" fashionable; am I to surmise that you think that that is gay? Or do you mean that wearing a cardigan is gay?

ArphaRima

My jeans size is W32 L30 (Hard to find leg 30 jeans in Dublin tbh).

Extremely hard to find. Try Diesel(italian fashion brand - not the scamming irish one) and Energie. They have amazing fitted jeans with loads of different washes/looks. All I can say is try them on before you look at the price if you have any doubts.

I think cardigans are VERY difficult to pull off. Most people I see wearing them obviously heard that cardigans are in, but put little thought into the execution.
I agree white tee-shirt 98% of the time is all you should try, black or grey cardigan(black for a night out perhaps).
Not a fan of wearing cardigans myself. Only time I've ever seen it look good is on rather skinny blokes. They have to be fitted/tight, but just make sure you can sit without the buttons popping/stretching..

The entire thrust of this discussion has been towards cardigans. I have to say the OP could prob do better just by changing his check shirts for pastel colours and perhaps a clean shave. And note that proper stubble is 3 days growth. Just being unshaven doesnt count. A nicely fitted white shirt will do wonders.
Get a formal shirt, and keep the casual footwear(but not white ones).

I found my new favourite shirt in massimo dutti. BT's new menswear dept is pretty good.. Just walk around and find something that suits your style. If its in your budget that is.

velvet type blazer looks very cool on aguy on a night out.

Agreed. Know where to buy a decent one? brown or navy seems to look good imho. I like those scruffy ones with schoolteacher elbow patches too.