THE MEN'S DEPARTMENT
Lucky guys. You don’t have to deal with skirt lengths, killer heels, or panty hose. All the more reason to get it right.
DO:
. . . Spend a few bucks on jeans that fit really well. A proper jeans fit shows off your backside. Not tight, but fitted; a baggy butt is no one’s friend. You may need two pairs; one that is looser through the leg, and possibly in a lighter wash, to wear casually with sweaters. When wearing with a blazer (and you should), jeans should be more fitted – that is, straight -- through the leg and in a darker rinse; a bit more formal and very polished– this look will take you almost anywhere. My new favorite – bya denim (www.byadenim.com)
. . .Toss two pieces of clothing for every one you bring home. This will prevent closet/drawer overload. And you’ve been meaning to say goodbye to those old college tees anyway, weren’t you?
. . .Match your socks to your pants. As Gus Isaacson of Shirts on Sheffield in Chicago says, “You want your pants to look longer, not your shoes to look taller”.
. . .Replace your baggy old sweatpants with the puffed elastic on the bottoms. You don’t have to spend a fortune; Target makes great contemporary work out gear.
. . .Get a pedicure, especially if you are headed to a warmer climate. Wait, I’m serious. It’s healthy and a great way to see how your toes and heels SHOULD look (but probably never have before). Consider it educational. It’s also really quite pleasant – there is usually a foot/calf massage involved. Is it necessary to add: no nail polish!
DON’T
. . . Pair a baggy bottom with a baggy top. It will make you look fat. Period. A tight top and bottom will make you look 1960’s Italian film noir; a good look for some, but for most guys, a real stretch. Go for balance; slim top, relaxed bottom, and vice versa. By the way, that’s slightly relaxed. Not baggy.
. . . Think that your scuffed shoes aren’t noticed. They are. Become acquainted with a real shoeshine kit, not that cheap silicone in a sponge. Ditto for bitten fingernails. “What’s he so nervous about?” people will wonder, so invest in a cuticle clipper; Tweezerman makes a great one.
. . . Think you only need to wear nice clothes for work. To paraphrase Coco Chanel, “You never know when you’ll have a date with destiny, so be sure to be dressed for it”.
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