posted
06/16/11
Someone once asked me what my dream job would be. I responded with, “I wish I could just make people look better.” When people wanted the truth about how they looked, they asked me. Then I would give them suggestions on how and what to fix. I have been doing this as a professional stylist and image consultant ever since I could remember, and I love what I do.
So please don’t take what I am about to say personally: a lot of guys could seriously benefit from some style advice that will dramatically improve their luck with the opposite sex. I have had many clients whose ex dressed them so ugly that no other women would do a double take on them. With that in mind, here are the five biggest mistakes I see guys making and how to correct them. Read up, make a few changes, then watch the women flock your way.
1. Bad Shirts
Some men have a hard time spending money on clothing verses activities. But faded clothes age you. Toss your faded black shirts and discolored whites. Kill the sports attire and the free promo gear you get from work. Don’t wear TapOut, Affliction, tattooed clothing, neon colors or tanktops. Instead, invest in some sharp polos, button-downs and plaids. Check out J Hilburn for options. T-shirt-wise, if you’re under 25, shirts with funny or ironic phrases are OK. Otherwise, opt for cool graphic Ts. They show you actually think about what you put on, as opposed to looking like you went shopping in the Lost and Found.
2. Tucked-in Shirts
It’s OK, untuck your t-shirt. Of course, in a business setting your collared shirt needs to be tucked in, but when you are relaxing, leave your shirts untucked. For the most part older men tuck in their T-shirts, and the point is to look young and hot so the ladies notice you. When you do have to tuck in a shirt, or have belt loops, a belt is key. You need a work belt and a casual belt. A great casual belt company is Leather Island—they have vintage-y spin to making modern-looking belts. Here’s an example.
3. Ill-fitting Pants
If your pant pockets poke out, your pants are too tight. This happens on flat front pants in which pockets aren’t cut right. If you are taller than 6’2”, most likely you are a Large Tall. Did you even know a tall size existed? The average store does not carry this size, and the ones that do have pretty ugly stuff. Check out J. Crew for longer pant inseams. If you must wear pleated pants, try a reverse pleat. It’s a smaller pleat that’s a happy medium. It sometimes takes time and money to look good. Yes, if you are physically fit the $30 Levis will look great on you. Otherwise, spend the $150 on the designer denim that makes your butt appealing to the opposite sex.
4. Cruddy Shoes
Shining your dress shoes makes you look more professional and put together while extending their life. With sneakers, in general, your shoes should look new. If the white on your shoes is brown, it’s time for them to go, along with super dirty shoelaces. Usually the arch support gives out before the shoe visually is done. If your casual tennis shoes are also your yard shoes, it’s time to get a new pair. Adidas, Asics and Vans all make stylish yet functional options for replacing them.
5. Tight Whiteys
Underwear is a personal preference, but if there’s a chance that a lady is going to see them (and you should always believe there’s a chance), know that the average women under 35 does not find briefs sexy. Boxers are OK, but make the jump to boxer briefs for the comfort of a boxer combined with the support of a brief. They might run you $20, but a comfortable/soft cotton pair by Polo Ralph Lauren or Armani or New Balance (yes, New Balance), will make all the difference. Hey, it works for David Beckham.
COMMENTS
June 21, 2011 3:01 pm
Russell de Pina
“the point is to look young and hot so women notice you” … Yeah right. If you’re over 40, you should NOT dress out of the young men’s section in the department store. There’s nothing more tragic than an older man dressing like a boy. You’re over 40, you’re established. Dress like a man. You know that advice they gave you when you were young about always being ready to network? Think about it, Ace — Gordon Gekko doesn’t run around with his shirttails out. The thing that attracts women to an older man is confidence. Dress like a man, are you really going to let 20 yr olds dictate your sense of style now?
Keep your bod in shape and dress like a f’ing man.
July 27, 2011 2:06 pm
Pina Colada
Agree with Russel de Pina.
July 27, 2011 3:53 pm
anton
why is some random person telling me a woman prefers boxer briefs over boxers?
how on earth is that anything but simple author preference?
July 27, 2011 4:25 pm
David
Lauren, you seem to be writing about how men should dress for YOU to be attracted to them. I’ll skip the rather uninteresting golf-style polos and overly-bold button downs offered by J Hilburn in favor of hitting Nordstrom for well-tailored polos by Hugo Boss and more Armani for cool yet surprisingly subdued button downs. (And I’ll never give up my Paul Smith boxers because you think boxer-briefs are more attractive.)
July 28, 2011 1:32 pm
Paddy
That was one of the most poorly written articles I’ve ever read.
July 29, 2011 8:29 am
Roger
Yeah right, like Imma take this advice. Nutz. Next thing you’ll be telling me is to stop wearing my black dress socks with my tennis shoes.
July 29, 2011 8:39 am
william
I don’t really care. I dress the way I feel best. If someone doesn’t like it tough shit.
July 29, 2011 12:15 pm
John
Wow this is a load of crap. My sex life is just fine with my faded shirts and my baggy pants…..Because people focus more on self confidence and personality then clothing. At least the people I’d want anything to do with.
July 29, 2011 5:08 pm
dave
real men dress like fools and look great
July 29, 2011 5:10 pm
dave
I’ll be dressing out of the young man’s section when I’m 80, the clothes look better and are more comfortable and don’t make you look like you just stepped out of a boardroom
July 30, 2011 10:18 pm
Eric
I didn’t think it was poorly written, and of course she’s telling you her personal preferences. She – understandably – assumes that most women are like her in their taste, at least as far as fashion goes, and she sticks to fairly basic things – things I’m sure she has discussed with her girlfriends and has discovered that most probably agree. Obviously you don’t have to take it as gospel, but you can certainly use this list as a guideline. And if you don’t plan on it (specifically you, william), then why are you reading the article?
August 1, 2011 4:22 pm
Bells
Professional stylist for who? The Situation? And that belt…geez. Graphic tees? Really?? Guys…nothing to see here…move on.
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