Dressing Like You Have Something to Say...

I have been blessed to be able to meet so many different types of people. Some I enjoyed others not so much, but they all had something in common. They dressed like they had something to say. What I mean by this is, they dressed with purpose. We all put on clothes because its socially unacceptable to wear nothing. So when we put on our clothes we put on something that can say a million words. Never judge a book by its cover because you could get the wrong impression of a person. Lets talk a few examples.

In the last two weeks I have made a move back to the town that houses my high school and my parents. This place just so happens to be the home of the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. We are talking about our future business men and women, where the artist is not seen as often as the engineer and I have never seen so many pairs of jersey shorts, sweatpants and  t-shirts its commonly called "State School Style". Now this is a generalization of our future scholars of the world who are more focused on the books then the buys (Trust me, I often wish I would have spent my time at a state school) but they still have a style. Even if they like those Jeans and T-shirt (they get them in now because these will soon be replaced with neck ties and suites). Now when we leave this small place and go to the bigger city like Chicago which home to many universities such as University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University and my favorite College, Columbia College Chicago.

The city has a big influence on the style of these students you mingle with "locals" more and you have a consent desire to be considered a native f the bigger city. Columbia always had a style set depending on your major. Dance majors often dressed in the "State School" style sweatpants and shirt over a leotard. Art majors depending on the favored medium they could either be seen in black (my choice) or layered tees (for easy removal) and Jeans.

I bring these up because these are the start of our personal style. When we are younger we are told the high school is the best years of our lives.you find yourself and all this other stuff but, in my experience high school is the most awkward moments of your life and college is where you find yourself. this where you find your style. create comfort zones and make your style your book cover.
And as an adult you spent the time not just perfecting the style but defending also. Be proud of who you are and what you've become or becoming.

Alpha Male: T-shit and Jeans

Men.
I love everything about men. I love the strength that they have 90% of  time, and the body that they work so hard to maintain.Now if only they could take all of that natural charisma and apply that to their own style. Most men are simple, T-shirt and Jeans and fresh sneakers. Which is fine, just as long as:

T-Shirt

1. The T-shirt is clean (Wash it, and after you wear it ONCE, wash it again)
  -We all like to cut corners at times, but the fabric of most t-shirts, graphic tees, and Polo's are cotton and absorb EVERYTHING. That means sweat, deodorant, air, perfume, etc.

2. Fit
  -I know you worked hard for your body, the hours you have logged "pumping iron", eating right and all that great stuff that I just love to fawn over blah arms, abs, blah blah and all. BUT, wearing a shirt that molds to your skin is not needed or necessary. I can reassure you that if your a classy kind of guy, let your arms do the talking for you. leave a little to the imagination. We can tell by the way you walk, your arms and that face that you in just your boxer-briefs your like something of a Greek god. So in short, make sure you can breath, and your comfortable.

*My favorite shirt on a guy is the classic baseball T.

Jeans
3. Fit
  -In my experience with men surprisingly about 85% of men will not touch a skinny jean, will not even give them the time of day, which is fine. Hate to burst the bubble of some but not a lot of guys can seriously pull off the skinny jean. that doesn't mean that you can't have jeans that fit right on you. loose in the leg, belted at the waist , room to breath. a little baggy, to drape over the shoe. When lookking for jeans Try on ALL styles. Do not just go by trend go by feel.

4. Wash
-Now, I don't have to many issues with the color, either natural blue, or red. But every man should have a dark wash pair of jeans. because you can wear them all day long Like a woman and her little black dress, you can dress them up or dress them down. So, as long as you can have the staple feel free to go wild with your washes.

Gap's 1969 Jeans has a style and fit for every man.

Shoes

5. This is subject to taste. If you like a fresh pair for Jordan's, Chuck Taylor's or some dress shoes. Just make sure if you are going for a clean look make sure everything is well put together and actually clean. So shine those dress shoes, string up the chucks right, etc. If all else fails having a black shoe is always a go to (sneaker wise also) this means, dirt and grime will not be a problem.

My Brother, Teron in Jeans and Sneakers Paired with a blazer. Looks ready for a casual date or Lunch.

Good Brand Jeans
Gap 1969
Ed Hardy (Not over the top though)
Levi's (Always good in every way)
True Religion

Personal Style

What Is Style?
Who knows "Style"
What makes a "Style Icon"
               Style:
Style is defined as fashionable. So this leads to the question: When is something not fashionable?In most book that talk about style, they make a note of saying that style can be achieved by merely just wearing "Classic" silhouettes and "statement" pieces. Again, more questions come to mind. What is it an "Image"? and when is something a "Trend"?
Fashion, like other works of art, is a subjective medium. Some can argue that fashion has guide lines as stated by "Fashion Gurus" "Fashion Bibles" and the Fashion Designers. Whats "IN" for this season, and whats "OUT" from last season. But, living with in these guide lines are seen as to trendy. This is where Personal Style becomes the gold standard. So you decide I'm not going to try to keep up, I'm just going to do what I feel works.

Personal Style
First, being comfortable. I don't mean sweats, big T-shirts comfortable But, dressing for your body type and being happy in what you WANT to wear. Not what they THINK you should wear.

Favorites, Favorites and again Favorites: If you know you like something, it makes you look good AND feel good. Keep wearing it. Dress, Jeans, etc. Just try to make it work for all the season. If its not made for a Chicago Winter, it can be worn some way ALL year round.

A 24 hour outfit: Working with your unique style make one outfit last all day with different accessories (saves on time and the laundry bill). You also create more options for you clothing for future occasions.

Its about confidence in what you wear and being able to "Own IT" Being able to walk out of your house in something and not feel the judgement of the world on your shoulder means your doing it right. If you are trying to hide inn broad day light, and holding your head down in shame, your doing it wrong.

Dress Like (Your Name Here): Just because your best friends doesn't mean you have to dress alike. What looks good on you may not be as forgiving for your best buddy. I'm sure no one want to see you and your doppelganger.

Show who you are: Hate to say it but, people judge on first looks and appearance before they speak to you. decide what assumption you want them to make (You have the power).Mixing the old with the new is a better way to feel rather or not a trend is for you. Don't go over board in "What's In" you 1. look like your trying to hard 2. If you do it right or wrong its a bit tacky to walk around like you just came out of a magazine from head to toe.
Most of no matter what Age, Race, Gender, Different world, WHATEVER! do not "Let Yourself Go". If you gain weight and can't loose it, don't dress like smaller you (it makes you look bigger and uncomfortable.
You are who you are, that's not going to change.


Entry Playlist (Artist)
Kelly Clarkson
Jay-Z
India Arie
Drake
-Next Entry: Urban Male: Street Style meets Prep School