The Art of Manscaping - Creating a Style All Your Own
Let’s just get it out of the way and state the obvious. Yes,
I am a woman…giving advice on men’s fashion.
So how does that make me qualified to give fashion advice to
men? Simple. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for seven years and I also
dress better than most men. In fact, most women dress better than most men. But
this article isn’t intended to turn the every-man into the next style icon.
This is simple advice on how to create a style or elevate your existing one.
So how does one go about creating a style?
Fashion is subjective; it's all about how you feel and what
you want your style to say about you. My style changes not only based on the
occasion, but based on my mood, as well. That doesn't mean I go from
buttoned-down conservative one day, to hardcore rocker chick the next. It has
to do with subtle changes. If I feel more laid back and simple, my style
reflects that. If I want to impress someone, or force a second look, I'll make
the effort.
Having a style starts with a few simple building blocks.
First, decide who you are. Are you the ultra-casual guy who is always sporting
flannel and smells of wood chips, or do you want to look like you just stepped
off your yacht and might be headed to a polo match? Do you like your dark,
faded tees and your tattered jeans to give off the distinct air of having been
backed over with a truck a few thousand times, or are you up for an outfit that
is a little mix-match with some nerd-chic quirk?
Do you like clean lines and things that match, or are you up
for an outfit that is a little mix-match and quirky? Do you want a style that
says you're effortlessly cool, or a little edgy, or straight-laced, or
fashionably laid back? Even if you are a mixture of a few styles, that is still
a style. Once you figure out who you are, use that insight to choose a few
pieces you really like and incorporate them into your wardrobe.
The second building block is grooming. No style will ever
come off, no matter how fashionable the outfit is, if you don't prep the
surface. You can slap a coat of the best paint on the walls, but if you don't
prime first, that good paint will never look right. Get your hair cut
professionally. Homemade haircuts are for mischievous toddlers and broke
college students. If you have had the same haircut for the last 10 years, it's
probably time to change it up. Your hair stylist (yes, I said hair stylist and
not the barber that you have been going to with your dad and grandpa since you
were eight years old...and whom has cut your hair exactly the same way since
you were that age) will be able to give you an up to date style that reflects
the look that you are going for.
Yes guys, facial hair counts too. If you don’t want to deal
with it, shave it. If you want to keep it, keep it up. Whether it’s that subtle
hint of rugged, manly scruff, or a full Manchu, keep it trimmed, sculpted, and
tamed…unless your projected style is to resemble an urban homeless man.
The final piece of the puzzle, and definitely not the least
important, open yourself up to the idea of more than two pairs of shoes. Having
a pair of shoes that you wear every day of your life until they literally fall
off your feet and another that only gets dusted off when someone dies or gets
married, does not a wardrobe make. Your newfound style should extend all the
way to your feet, as well. If you have to include your face and your hair into
this new style, then your feet definitely count.
An acceptable, but still perfectly macho, number of shoes
for any guy to own is approximately five. I should actually amend that to “at
least five.” Every grown man should own a pair of athletic shoes, black dress
shoes, brown dress shoes, non-athletic sneakers, and a pair of casual, modern
loafers or casual non-sneaker shoe.
Breathe guys. Five pairs of shoes is NOT a big deal. Most
women own at least three times that many. You can manage a measly five pairs of
shoes.
Style is subjective and it is personal. It isn't only about
the clothes you wear, but also about the whole package. Improving your wardrobe
is only one piece of the puzzle. Changing your style doesn't happen overnight,
but with simple and overall changes, it can be easily accomplished.
