16 Ways To Dress Like A Grown Man

A friend of mine in California has a blog called Mod Gurl, as well as a Facebook page by the same name, where she posts a lot of pictures and links to clothing and quotes for modesty conscious women. She frequently posts similar things on her personal Facebook page, though today she posted something for her gentlemen viewers as well.

The article she found is entitled "16 Ways To Dress Like A Grown Man" and for the most part I think they're spot on. As mentioned in previous posts, my tastes in menswear lean toward a more clean cut and refined wardrobe/appearance, so my approving of these suggestions should come as no surprise. :) 

I decided not to copy everything over from the post because it's pretty long, so it you want more specifics or to see examples, be sure to check out the article (title linked below). My personal notes are highlighted.


16 Ways To Dress Like A Grown Man

1. Now that your mom isn’t buying your clothes anymore, start following the Style Pyramid. If a piece of clothing doesn’t adhere to the Style Pyramid — fit, fabric, and style — don’t buy it.
Step 1: Make sure your suit fits.Most men buy suits that are two sizes too large. Fix that by learning your measurements.  
Step 2: Check the fabric. It’s quality over quantity, so buy clothes that are 100% fabrics (cotton, wool, etc.). They look nicer and are more sturdy.
Step 3: Is it stylish? Your goal is to improve your wardrobe with comfortable, nice-looking clothes. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.
If the only link you check out is the Style Pyramid, you will still have learning something good and important to help you look like you belong in the adult world. Good, well-fitting clothing helps build confidence and show the people around you (friends, family, coworkers, employers) that you are to be taken seriously.


2. High school is over; get a real pair of shoes. Potential mates are neither impressed nor turned on by men in sandals, so suit up.


3. If you’re not going to run, don’t wear running shoes. Invest in quality. Every man should own a black lace-up shoe (they match everything) and a few slim, pointed ones. 
Personal preference on the slim, pointy shoe...I'm not really a fan. I think they can look like you borrowed your father's shoes and they don't quite fit, since if you don't have narrow feet, you tend to size up for it to fit. Women have the same problem...I hate the pointy shoes that look like they belong to a fairytale witch.


4. Throw out your white socks, and cover up. Buy some colorful wool, cotton, and cashmere socks — ‘cause each kind has its own purpose — and make sure they cover your shins.
A bit off topic, but in the picture example, they show rolled up pants to show off the socks...which made me think of another of my menswear pet peeves...rolled pants/jeans (especially jeans!). If they're cuffed, fine...not my favorite, but the designer made them that way and they're hemmed accordingly. But cuffing them youself...bleh. It's bulky and they're rarely rolled to the right length (generally too short), which looks like you put them through the dryer when you shouldn't have or you were stuck wearing your shorter roommate's pants for some reason. No me gusta.


5. Holey and unnaturally faded jeans are deal breakers. And throw your baggy or frayed jeans away, while you’re at it. When it comes to jeans, simple is better.
Katie's Golden Rule for jeans (again, personal preference): Men do not belong in skinny jeans. I think they make (most) men look feminine. And I like my men manly, thank you.


6. Know how and when to wear shorts.
How: Find a balance between exposing your knees and covering your thighs.
When: Based on temperature, location, and the event.
Never: Wear cargo shorts (you’re not going on a safari).


7. Stop buying “small, medium, and large” dress shirts. Buy slim-fitted, treat yourself to an Oxford shirt, and tuck it in.
The slim fit shirts are a person-to-person call. If you're a bigger guy or too broad shoulders (no such thing!), they can just look tight and like you bought a size too small. At the very least, a fitted shirt, as opposed to a baggy one, is the way to go.


8. Know how to roll your sleeves. Details matter, gentlemen. (this image was worth including)

 

9. For ties, matching colors and patterns is key. Your goal is to match a tie with your dress shirt or suit, not the other way around, so buy ties that fit with your whole wardrobe. Check out this guide for a heads-up on essential colors, patterns, and fabrics.


10. Prom is over, but you still need a tux. Stay classy with a black jacket and white dress shirt (slim-fitted, as always), and make sure you wear a bow tie. 
I've said it before and I'll say it again...men always look good in a tux. I have never seen a man look unattractive in a tux. I suppose it's possible...but I have never seen it happen myself. Clearly you can't wear them every day, but for anything formal, they are a sure win.


11. You’re welcome.

12. Pocket squares are meant to complement, not match. So sticking with all-white or going with some color is totally acceptable. Bonus: Pocket squares direct everyone’s eyes to your chest, not your stomach.


13. Cuff links can make or break an outfit. They should be simple and clean looking. Buy two or three different pairs, and you’ll be a true 21st-century esquire.
I think cuff links look classy, and since few men wear them, they're something to help you stand out in a good way.


14. Get a haircut like the guys from Mad Men. Say good-bye to your Justin Bieber locks, fellas. Short hair is in, so keep things tidy with a Mad Men-inspired hairdo.


15. Use the sun to your advantage. Finding the right pair of sunglasses can be tricky, but they’re the perfect way to complement an outfit.


16. Also, real men do their own laundry. So make sure you know these do’s and don’ts.
Ok...I have to admit I was unfamiliar with some of these symbols, so it's good for women to check this chart out too!

 

Follow these tips, and you’ll be the next 007. Without the license to kill, probably.

 

Now, go forth and be manly! :)


~ Katie