Patricia Handschiegel, she of The New Power Girls set among other things, recently wrote “Field Guide for CEOs” on her blog, detailing the importance of how to dress. Sean, our venerable captain of this ship, asked that I write a piggyback entry to Patricia’s post on fashion for men — from a girl’s perspective.
Men, here’s a tip in case you don’t already know: it’s important how you dress. That doesn’t mean that you need to throw out those t-shirts and jeans — just know when to wear it. Girls like to see you get dressed when it counts. The aw-shucks combo of the “clever” t-shirt and jeans will only work in certain instances. Don’t try to make the outfit fit from casual Friday at work to a dinner date to drinks at that new lounge. Unless you have the charm to pull off that shirt in potentially embarrassing situations? Save it for another time.
I’ve made jokes about striped shirts in the past and have gotten shit over it. It’s not that they’re horrible, per se, it’s just that the clubs are overwhelmed with striped men everywhere. Do the stripes differently (or at least in an interesting way) or go another route.
I agree with Patricia’s advice on exfoliating but I’ll take it a step further and say, just pay attention to grooming. Now, don’t go all crazy with the tweezers like Nip/Tuck’s John Hensley.. just make sure there are two brows. As for the feet? Yeah, they’re covered by shoes, but don’t ignore them. Clean ‘em up a little — it’ll make you feel better, trust me.
Now, now: these aren’t strict rules but just some tips. Nobody thinks less of you guys if you’re sporting a unibrow, wearing striped shirts like there’s no tomorrow. Class it up a bit, though, and everyone will notice — which is what you want when you’re doing those elevator pitches, isn’t it?
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Then again, maybe I shouldn’t be qualified to give out fashion advice seeing as how I had to google the term “upscale casual” the other day.
