Posts filed under 'Men'
Q: What pieces would you say are the "Top 10" essential clothing items for a teenage boy? Most lists I’ve seen for men include items that I wouldn’t need, such as multiple suits and, say, a trenchcoat (that would be too dressy for school).
A: Here are 10 items of clothing essential for a stylish high school teen, followed by a few suggestions that you can wear to help differentiate you from the 500 other kids in your class. I am reluctant to make a “Top 10†because what you wear depends on where you live. I’m on the East coast now, but I grew up in California, and my wardrobe essentials changed accordingly. In California, I could wear warmer clothes a lot more often, so I had more shirts and fewer jackets. You get what I mean.
But first, a note on fit. GQ once said, “bagginess is for little kids.†They’re right; the most common mistake I see teens people make is how they fit their clothes. Keep in mind fit as you buy new clothes. A major part of being well dressed is wearing clothes that fit you.
The Graphic T-Shirt
Is there anything more defining of teen fashion than the graphic tee? Think about it – when adults want to look younger, what do they do? They wear a graphic tee underneath their blazer! Young Hollywood often wears interesting graphic Ts – open up a People magazine and check it out.
Nuts Tee | $15 at Threadless
Button-Down Shirts
Great for a date, dance or just anything you want to dress up a bit, sport shirts also are an important fashion rite of passage from dressing like a teenager to dressing like a man in his early 20s. Roll up the sleeves to casualize these sport shirts. Higher end sports shirts can act as dress shirts when you wear a blazer or even a more casual casual suit. Don’t try wearing it with a tie though – most sport shirts have collars that are too narrow to look good with a tie (or even support it). A final tip? Try flannel. When done well (re: NOT grungy), it is refreshingly stylish.
Diesel Strude Military Woven | $150 at Urban Outfitters
Hoodies
Have some fun here. You can wear a plain hoodie, or you can choose one with color or interesting graphics. I personally love hoodies that aren’t particularly thick, but then again I’m from sunny Northern California.
Stock Pinstripe Sweater Hoodie | 59.99 at Urban Outfitters
Track Jackets
I love the retro coolness of a track jacket. Get a track jacket in cotton instead of that really athletic looking shiny nylon fabric.
Converse by John Varvatos Track Jacket | $195 at Urban Outfitters
Jackets
Jackets are another fashion “rite of passage.†Everyone wears jackets, but while kids wear fleece and nylon jackets, adults will wear jackets in wool and other dressier fabrics. Find a balance here. You will eventually want a dressier jacket, but for now, you can stick to sportier or casual ones. Jackets are an investment, and feel free to splurge on a great one.
Diesel Stitched Jacket | $250 at Neiman Marcus
Belts
Belts should not be used out of necessity–that is, your pants should fit you at the waist already. Belts are another area where you can have some fun by adding some color. Save your leather belts for wool pants; they are too formal and will look awkward when combined with, say, a graphic tee.
Stripe Web Belt | $68 at Brooks Brothers
Jeans
Get jeans with a great fade for everyday casual use and wear them to school. Get dark denim with no fade for dressier occasions like dates and dances. Blue is great, but also try grey (or faded black). Don’t waste your money on anything but straight leg jeans. A word on pocket design craziness: stick to something simple and classy. This is one area you DON’T want a lot of crazy colors. The best (affordable) jeans I have seen, hands down, is the classic 7 For All Mankind New York Rinse. The picture doesn’t do it justice, seriously. Simple, dark and cool.
Standard Jean in New York Rinse | $163 at 7 For All Mankind
Cords
A great casual alternative to jeans, cords are at their most versatile when they have a medium wale. What’s a wale, you ask? A wale is a measure of the width of the “stripe†on corduroy fabric. The lower the wale number, the thicker the width.
BDG Bootcut Cord Pant | $49 at Urban Outfitters
Shorts
If there’s one thing to remember about shorts, it’s that they should be above the knee. This is so important that it bears repeating. A proper fitting pair of shorts should be above the knee. Please do your part in ending America’s love affair with oversized shorts by buying shorts that fit – i.e., those that hang above the knee. When spring comes around, try getting some simple light khaki and brown shorts from Banana Republic. Forget the cargo pockets.
Sneakers
Here’s a style tip: don’t get your everyday sneakers at Foot Locker. You’ll end up looking like Jerry Seinfeld (read: awkward). Get low tops instead of those all-purpose K-Swiss sneakers. Jack Purcells are always a safe bet too.
Converse Jack Purcell Sneakers | $49.95 at Nordstrom
Have a great tip about wardrobe foundations for a young man?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
November 7th, 2007
We asked: Are Puffy Coats In or Out?
You said: Out. Only 32% voted The Puffy Coat In, with the remaining 68% voting it Out or On the Way Out.
Omiru’s take: While The Puffy Coat is a cold-weather staple, it’s not necessarily the most figure flattering look. Structured wool or cashmere coats provide a more sophisticated look for tackling the cold–but the nylon puffer jacket is a more playful, sporty alternative.
Style tip? The key to wearing the Puffy Jacket is wearing one that’s puffy–but not Too puffy. If the jacket makes you look like the Michelin man, put it back on the rack.
Next question: With all of the menswear-as-womenswear inspired outfits, Pleated Trousers came back into the fashion mix. But what
do you think about Pleated Trousers? Tell us, are Pleated Trousers In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Add Down Belted Puffer Jacket | $442 at Shopbop.
November 5th, 2007
We asked: Are Hats In or Out?
You said: Overwhelmingly in, with 81% of the vote.
Omiru’s take: Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe advises wearing "high impact" accessories to glam up outfits, whether you’re going out for a cup of coffee or for a night on the town. So skip the skimpy jewelry–and go for eye-catching, daring accessories like Hats and Gloves. Ladylike–and perfect for covering up during the chilly fall months.
Style tip? Hats are a great way to express your style personality. So–we dare you to be daring.
Next question: While wool coats are customary for the winter months, nylon puffer coats are making a statement in stores this fall. But what
do you think about these puffy coats? Tell us, is The Puffy Coat In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: All Black Cloche Hat by Boring Sidney | $95 at Etsy.
October 29th, 2007
During yet another showing of MTV Cribs (reruns on MTV?….can’t be) some rapper whose name I’ve already forgotten bragged that his watch cost more than a house. And while he admired his half-million dollar custom Rolex, the diamonds flickering brightly enough in the light to blind someone, I remained thoroughly unimpressed.
Watches, it seems, have become yet another chance for men to pretentiously show off their wealth. Every now and then, we follow trends and fads that we believe to be stylish (read this month’s GQ for a great list of such fashion crimes), but they aren’t. The "bling-bling" watch is one such tragedy.
A gentleman’s watch should be subtle and classy, not pretentious and grotesque. It can have diamonds and jewels, but only in tasteful quantities. And if it is expensive, it should be not because the 4 karat, D-colors on the face of the watch manage to spell your name, but rather because of the craftsmanship and its timelessness.
What watch to buy? We present to you five watches worth investing in. These watches all have leather bands, the more formal band material of choice, and they look great any time you want to appear sophisticated and refined. Treat them as investments.
Our $ Find
Kenneth Cole "Truth Be Told" | $115 at Kenneth Cole
Classy and understated, you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to be able to wear this beauty. This humble piece looks great with anything, except for maybe tie-dye.
Our $$ Find
Oris Classic Date Watch | $576
The beauty of this timeless piece from the classic Swiss manufacturer is its simplicity. There’s no room for gimmicks here - it doesn’t glow in the dark, it will break if you run a car over it, and you can’t wear it while you go scuba diving. But what you can do is wear this handsome classic with pride. The piece’s red rotor, a symbol of Oris mechanicals, keeps it interesting.
Our $$$ Find
Tag Heuer Monaco Watch | $3,295
Black and beautiful, this classic piece was worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. Its square case and black face make it stand out in all the right ways, and it looks especially stylish when paired with a dark suit or tuxedo.
Our $$$$ Finds
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Moonphase | Price N/A
This is hands down one of the best looking watches around. The gold case makes it stand out, but not outlandishly or ostentatiously so - it’s not shiny gold that calls attention to itself. Like all Rolexes, this watch is dependable and prestigious. Some may call it a status symbol; I prefer to think of it a sign of a gentleman. After all, it is refined and sophisticated, as all gentlemen are.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5127 | $19,500
They say that Patek Philippes are the Rolls-Royces of watches, but perhaps it is more accurate to say that Rolls-Royces are the Patek Philippes of luxury cars. Pateks are incredibly hard to find - in their approximately 150 year history, they have produced fewer timepieces, (600,000) than Rolex produces annually. It is one of the most expensive wrist watch brands in the world - 80 of the 100 most expensive watches ever sold are Pateks, including a $13 million list-topper.
What’s all the fuss? The firm’s ten values are the perfect summary of why this watch commands a nearly $20,000 price tag: Independence, Tradition, Innovation, Quality Workmanship, Rarity, Value, Aesthetics, Service, Emotion and Heritage. And if this doesn’t convince you…just put one on. You know something special is on your wrist; you can feel it.
Style tip: I know, I know - those fancy European watch names are impossible to pronounce properly. Here’s some help.
October 24th, 2007
We asked: Is The Color Orange In or Out?
You said: In, with 66% of the vote.
Omiru’s take: Red is so often in the limelight, but its cousin Orange doesn’t get the same love. Orange is a great way to spice up a fall wardrobe–for both men and women. If you’re daring, try an overcoat or a dress in Orange. But if you’re just looking to experiment, start small with a scarf, pair of gloves, or even a handbag.
Style tip? Orange really pops when juxtaposed against the greys of the season, but it also pairs excellently with shades of blue.
Next question: Gloves, both long and short, are all over the runways…and the fashion glossies. But
what do you think? Tell us, are Gloves In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ambition Long Sleeve Trench Coat | $78 at Nordstrom.
October 15th, 2007
We asked: Are Chunky Knits In or Out?
You said: In, hands down, with 77% of the vote.
Omiru’s take: Last year was all about thin, drapey knits–great for early Fall, but not so wonderful for Winter. But with this season’s emphasis on textured, chunky knits, we can stay warm all Winter.
Style tip? Chunky knits are a great way to add texture to a daytime outfit–but they also add bulk. If you’re curvy, you’d be better off wearing finer knits as sweaters–but you can jump on the chunky knit bandwagon with a chunky knit scarf or cap.
Next question: The color Orange shone all over the Spring 2008 runways of Fashion Week. But
what do you think? Tell us, is Orange In,
or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Helena Cardigan Sweater | $128 at Anthropologie.
October 8th, 2007
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
Key Takeaways: While Marc Jacobs’ namesake collection was all about theatrics, his Marc by Marc Jacobs collection provided much more wearable looks. Of note was the often-subtle asymmetry seen in the collection–perhaps one shirt panel done in a different fabric, or having a rounded corner hem on one jacket side and a square corner hem on the other. Key trends included: the high waistline, colorblocking, dots, bows, short shorts, emphasis on the waistline, and nautical influences (e.g. sailor pants, horizontal stripes, navy blue).
Color Palette: Neutrals plus navy, red, brown, and olive yellow.
Silhouettes: For women, the most important trends were: emphasis on the (high) waistline, boxy dresses and jackets, the cropped jacket, skirts that fall at mid-thigh,and skinny pants. Key detailing included oversized pockets and the v-strap neckline. For men, skinny pants, short shorts, and tiny collars on collared shirts.
Accessories Report: For women, belts at the waist, wide-brimmed hats, tall newsboy-style caps, shoulder strap handbags, the clutch…and luggage. The Marc by Marc Jacobs woman is a jet-setter. For men, too-short ties, medium width ties, sport sneakers, and aviator sunglasses (hung in the pocket, not worn).
What’s Wearable: Silhouettes, minus the short shorts and skinny pants, were generally wearable–though the subtle asymmetry of the garments is harder to pull off. Our favorite wearable look for women was a silk tie-neck polka-dotted blouse paired with a high-waisted navy skirt fashioned to emulate sailor pants. On the men, we loved the 70s inspired safari coat.
What’s Not Wearable: If you’re uncomfortable with the untraditional, skip this collection.
Previous Marc Jacobs Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
September 12th, 2007
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
Key Takeaways: A breezy, feminine collection from the master of architectural clothing. Narciso Rodriguez went beyond his signature sensous seaming to add volume with pleats and folds. Bright colors–purples, blues, and reds also dotted the runway, adding variety to the usual blacks, greys, and whites. The big surprise? Prints!
Color Palette: Neutrals mixed with purples, blues, peaches, and reds.
Silhouettes: Narciso’s traditional architectural suits (a must for every season) were accompanied by minidresses, smock dresses, loosely fitted blouses, and a cocoon-shaped bubble hemmed coat. Silhouettes were either small-over-big, with a fitted top and a voluminous bottom, or small-over-small. Narciso emphasized the waistline through a skintight fit at the waist instead of the more common use of the belt.
For men, Narciso created structured suits–and even a blazer-on-shorts combination. Of note was the extremely narrow jacket lapels for men.
Accessories Report: For women, a wide fabric belt, often constructed with self fabric. For men, narrow-to-medium width ties.
What’s Wearable: The voluminous sleeve seen on many of the blouses is kind to those with heavy upper arms. And for those blessed with stellar legs, Narciso’s miniskirts and minidresses are quite fetching.
For men, the jackets with narrow lapels work well on men of small to average build. Men with an athletic shape, however, should opt for a thicker lapel for visual balance.
What’s Not Wearable: For women, roomy, straight-up-and-down smocks make you look larger than life.
Previous Narciso Rodriguez Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Narciso Rodriguez
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Narciso Rodriguez
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Narciso Rodriguez
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Narciso Rodriguez
September 10th, 2007
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
Key Takeaways: Steven Cox and Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown are firm believers that menswear can be exciting and colorful. While their looks are fairly wearable, their flirtation with color and pattern show their sense of humor–and style. Spring 2008 merged the athletic with the preppy, with key trends including the just-above-the-knee short, 70s style pointed collars, the cotton trenchcoat, and an emphasis on formality with the three piece suit.
Color Palette: Experimenting with shine, Cox and Silver played with shiny satins–and what appears to be gold lamé. A neutral palette of creamy whites, tans, greys, and black was splashed with color: bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Loud, colorful floral prints also creeped their way into the collection.
Silhouettes: Key looks included the just-above-the-knee short, button-down shirts with 70s style exaggerated pointed collars, cotton trenchcoats, and the 3 piece suit (echoing Fall 2007’s return to formality). Preppy looks included blazers with shorts and the three-piece suits. Athletic looks included a just-stepped-off-the-court wifebeater paired with shorts and a gauzy grey hooded sweater. Trousers were more accurately described as slacks, with their loose fit, while the shorts were cut with a slimmer fit. Most jackets were oversized and sack shaped, but Duckie Brown featured a couple of slim-cut styles: a shrunken blazer and a motocross jacket.
Accessories Report: Duckie Brown’s signature accessory: colorful, striped socks. Cox and Silver also showed beanie hats, sneakers, and patent leather loafers.
What’s Wearable: The just-above-the-knee short is a winner, as are the splashes of color from the accessories.
What’s Not Wearable: Forget about the flowery pants. We’re going to pretend we didn’t just see that.
Previous Duckie Brown Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Duckie Brown
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Duckie Brown
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Duckie Brown
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Duckie Brown
September 6th, 2007
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
Key Takeaways: Distinctly nautical, with a casual beach town vibe. Textures and fabrics, rather than silhouette, were key to this collection.
Color Palette: Sunset colors–yellows and flashes of orange–accompanied a palette of muted neutrals. Shades of brown and tan were seen alongside creams, greys, and "sail" white. Patterns included horizontal stripes (a dominant theme) and plaids.
Silhouettes: Knee-length shorts, thin lightweight sweaters, turtlenecks, beachy linen pants, cuffed trousers, hoodies, and loosely fitted blazers.
Accessories Report: Deck shoes, white sneakers, and big sunglasses.
What’s Wearable: We love the casual chic of a loosely fitted cardigan and plain white tee over knee-length shorts. Style points for men who layer textures: knit sweaters and hoodies over woven button-down shirts–or under sack-shaped blazers.
What’s Not Wearable: Don’t try the plaid short shorts at home. Ditto for the see-through sweaters.
Previous Perry Ellis Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Perry Ellis
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Perry Ellis
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Perry Ellis
September 6th, 2007
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