FashBlog.com

By Brandi M. Seals

It is a stereotype that men have no fashion sense. I know a lot of guys who do not so I can definitely see how the rumor got started. For all those men out there that need a little guidance when it comes to what to wear, I have a few suggestions for you.

Regardless of your style or line of work, there are a few key pieces that everyone needs in a wardrobe. They may not get a lot of wear during your everyday life, but they are pieces that you will want to wear when you are on a date or have somewhere nice to go.

Button-up Shirt
Button up shirts are great if you are going somewhere nice. Wear one with a suit, or just with a pair of slacks. Either way, you will look dressier then you would in just about any other kind of top. You do not need to wear a tie with a button up. You do not even have to tuck it in.

Button up shirts are great because you can dress them up or you can dress them down. Where one with a coordinating tee shirt underneath and only button some of the buttons. Leave the shirt untucked and you have a perfect outfit to wear out to dinner or out to a club.

If you are going someplace that requires a bit more class, where the button up shirt buttoned up with a pair of slacks. You decide if you want to add in the tie.

Slacks
Even if you work in construction or another job that requires you to get a little dirty, you should own at least one pair of slacks. If you own no other slacks, get at least one pair in black. That way they are pretty versatile.

Wear slacks with the buttoned up shirts, with a sweater, or anything else that you want to spiff up a bit. Avoid pleated slacks as they give off the impression that you are carrying a little extra puff in the groin region (and I do not mean this in a good way). A good pair of flat front slacks that do not taper is what you want.

Khakis
Khakis are casual and yet a little dressy at the same time. If you are looking to be a little more dressed up for a casual dinner, grab your khakis. Pair them with polo shirts, tees or even a casual button up shirt. Just make sure the two go together.

One thing to keep in mind is that the more pockets your pants have (as in cargo pants) the less dressy they are.

Jeans
Get dark wash jeans. They are easier to dress up then their lighter counterparts. I think all guys already own a few pair of jeans so there is no real need to highlight what they look good with.

When purchasing new jeans avoid tapered legs, pleats, and loose style jeans. You should not be swimming in your pants. Girls want to see your butt. Grant them that pleasure by getting a pair that actually fits. If you need help determining what fits, take a friend along with you or ask the sales clerk for help.

Nice Coat
A great outfit will be hampered if the only coat you wear is old, faded, falling apart, or dirty. Evaluate the coat you have. Is it time to get a new one? If so try to pick out something nice in your price range that you can wear everyday and yet one that would still look good when you are dressed up. Black leather is generally an easy out if you are having trouble finding something that fits that description.

If the coat you already have is still in great condition, keep it that way. Remember to clean it from time to time. All too often people go without ever washing their coats. On a side note for all the guys from living out in the country, a Carhartt is not a nice jacket. It may keep you warm when you are out hunting but it is not something to wear out on a date. If you do not know what a Carhartt is, consider yourself lucky.