Style - How to dress - Help!

[JasonR]

So I've recently come to the conclusion that I need to up my game in the style department. I typically dress in jeans and a t-shirt (or even cargo shirts, gasp) to work and anywhere. I wear sandals quite a bit because they're quite comfortable.

I do have some slip on Vans I love, chucks, and a nice pair of casual boots. But I know i need to up my game...I just don't know how to go about defining my style. Do you have any recommendations or ideas where to start? I'm not too keen on being real trendy (ie Buckle), but would like to think that I dress well for whatever occasion and for work.

And if you don't know what collar stays are...maybe this post doesn't apply to you. LOL

[Paul the Headblader]

fail.
wear a bald head and you can dress anyhow yoiu want.
you can even go naked

[D.A.L.U.I.]

From where you are, jeans, etc., and the desire to "up" the game, don't think label so much as something adaptable.  You're probably not going to have many instances where the grey or dark blue suit is required, but think about some grey slacks and a dark blue blazer with shirts w collar stays or button downs in broad cloth, white, light blue, etc. and some rep ties, with either loafers or lace up oxfords, probably black.  Frankly sort of 'preppy."  People make "fun" of it, but you'll get a lot of use out of it over the years if you don't gain a gut!   That's the high end look at this time for you, although a good light wool or summer poplin suit, gray for fall and winter and tan for summer in a sub-tropical climate.  The slacks can be paired with nice dressy sports shirts for a medium approach.

Then it's a clean fresh shave, put on the new duds, and on to business.

[mahaw90]

Jeans, nice polo , nice pair of sneakers

[TheSlyBear]

I try to dress "one notch up" from my peers. Being as I'm a software developer, the bar isn't actually very high.  

While most of my co-wrokers are in jeans and t-shirts, I'm in dress slacks or chinos, and a collared shirt. Even in the really hot weather, I'll wear shorts, but always with a nice shirt.

When I'm lounging around the house is a different story...

[Frontier Guy]

Regardless of jeans or slacks, I think a collared button-down shirt makes a serious "above all others" kind of statement.

[Mikekoz13]

Dress in what you are comfortable wearing that isn't "sloppy". My feeling is that if you are comfortable, you will shine. If you're wearing some type of clothing that you're not comfortable in it will be obvious.
I believe a man's clothes should reflect his interests and/or life style.

[TheSlyBear]

Well said, Mike.

[sfty.dude]

I have got to agree with Mike 110%.  You can wear the most expensive trendiest clothes out there right now, but it wouldn't matter a bit if you are not comfortable in it.

Also, Saints post is spot on.

I recently came up with the same problem that you are.  I was bored one day waiting for my wife and strolled into Men's Wearhouse and saw that they have a lot of nice casual clothes, not just suits and slacks.  I ended up buying me a brand new suit with a pair of shiny white chuck taylors that I wear with a button up shirt half way unbuttoned to bring a more casual look to it.  Also got several pointers from the assistant manager that worked there as well.

You can also hit up askmen.com for some pointers as well as GQ or Esquire.  They always have some awesome style advice and tips.

[JasonR]

I have got to agree with Mike 110%.  You can wear the most expensive trendiest clothes out there right now, but it wouldn't matter a bit if you are not comfortable in it.

Also, Saints post is spot on.

I recently came up with the same problem that you are.  I was bored one day waiting for my wife and strolled into Men's Wearhouse and saw that they have a lot of nice casual clothes, not just suits and slacks.  I ended up buying me a brand new suit with a pair of shiny white chuck taylors that I wear with a button up shirt half way unbuttoned to bring a more casual look to it.  Also got several pointers from the assistant manager that worked there as well.

You can also hit up askmen.com for some pointers as well as GQ or Esquire.  They always have some awesome style advice and tips.

You know that's funny...my buddy recommended to me that I would look good in a dress shirt/pants with chucks with my shaved head. One reason I started this thread...another to get a better sense of style for myself.

[sfty.dude]

I have got to agree with Mike 110%.  You can wear the most expensive trendiest clothes out there right now, but it wouldn't matter a bit if you are not comfortable in it.

Also, Saints post is spot on.

I recently came up with the same problem that you are.  I was bored one day waiting for my wife and strolled into Men's Wearhouse and saw that they have a lot of nice casual clothes, not just suits and slacks.  I ended up buying me a brand new suit with a pair of shiny white chuck taylors that I wear with a button up shirt half way unbuttoned to bring a more casual look to it.  Also got several pointers from the assistant manager that worked there as well.

You can also hit up askmen.com for some pointers as well as GQ or Esquire.  They always have some awesome style advice and tips.

You know that's funny...my buddy recommended to me that I would look good in a dress shirt/pants with chucks with my shaved head. One reason I started this thread...another to get a better sense of style for myself.

Yeah dude, but you can't get just the regular chucks (i mean..you CAN) but the ones that are at Men's Wearhouse have that shine to them like the dress shoes do.  Very nice, and definite way to help you stand out.  But really, we can give you pointers, but it's just trial and error.  Go to the mall or a store and just start trying things on that you think MIGHT look good on you.  Even if you aren't sure, you may surprise yourself.