Advice for a Fashion Noob?

[dakewldude]

Hi Guys,

I should preface by saying that I know basically nothing about fashion. I hope that I'm not about to be crucified for a post like this -- it seems that it can get kind of hostile in here at times. :)

Anyway, I guess I'm looking for some basic yet specific advice on what you guys see as some "key items" upon which to build (i.e. "Everyone needs a Lacoste Polo, a pair of Diesel Zathans, and at least one set of Puma shoes, I like to buy mine from store x, and you can usually get them for about $y.")

I recognize that each person has their own style/preferences, however there have got to be a couple of "average Joe" / common pieces that look good. I don't really think that I have any kind of "style", so it's basically a clean slate -- I think the best look would be one that's comfortable, yet says that I do care what I look like.

Anyone?

[yao416]

I've read this couple times,
What are you saying to say? :S

[RonyPal]

I dont really think anyone can tell you this man...you have to just look at what you like, see if you could pull it off (hell even if you cant as long as you like it lol, adn it's not a total eyesore) and work from there! find a shop where you like a LOT of things and start to build by shopping there!

[sPiKyAZN]

Hi Guys,

I should preface by saying that I know basically nothing about fashion. I hope that I'm not about to be crucified for a post like this -- it seems that it can get kind of hostile in here at times. :)

Anyway, I guess I'm looking for some basic yet specific advice on what you guys see as some "key items" upon which to build (i.e. "Everyone needs a Lacoste Polo, a pair of Diesel Zathans, and at least one set of Puma shoes, I like to buy mine from store x, and you can usually get them for about $y.")

I recognize that each person has their own style/preferences, however there have got to be a couple of "average Joe" / common pieces that look good. I don't really think that I have any kind of "style", so it's basically a clean slate -- I think the best look would be one that's comfortable, yet says that I do care what I look like.

Anyone?

There really aren't too many "key items"...what some people consider key might be too common for others. Fashion is really about having your own style and how it suits you. Sure you could get a lacoste polo and a pair of zanthans but you probably will just look like the next guy. Is that all you want?

[Sylvestre]

it also depends on where you are in life. Students usually wear casual all day, office workers are business formal and suits.
So a staple like "jeans" may not actually be a staple for a recent law grad (skinny tie would be more appropriate).
So, what do you wear most often? Try to find stylish clothes in that genre.

look at sites like GQ.com or askmen.com to get an idea of what's out there.

[anycee]

How old are you and what is your body type?
If you are in college wear A&F shirts/polos in any color and random jeans (I would suggest going to winners and buying the best fitting pair in your size). The aberclone look is really hard to screw up, and college girls like it. Buy some airforce ones, or better yet, some lacoste shoes to complement the look.

[Talamasca]

Luckily (or unluckily you might say), there isn't a whole lot of variation in men's clothing. For the bottom half, it's either long pants/jeans or shorts of varying lengths. For the upper half, it's either button-up shirts (long-sleeve & short-sleeve), polo shirts, long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts/hoodies, and sweaters. For formal business wear, it's a suit.

For the most part, there aren't even a lot of colour choices, with the prevailing colours being on the conservative side of the colour spectrum.

[mrlooneytoon]

Ok, I'm going to assume you're a college student (probably senior level) like me because you used the word 'noob' haha :D

My school wardrobe:
- Jeans (Dark blue, greyish blue, greyish brown stonewashed straight leg jeans)
Usually from Old Navy, Gap going for $40 - $60.

- Track Pants (dark plain colours, no stripes and funny stuff).
Sports stores (Sportchek, Champs, Foot Locker, Walmart for about $30 - $40.

- Hoodies (Dark colours, blue, black, green, red).
Old Navy, Champs, American Eagle, Winners for about $25 - $50.

- Tees (Light and dark colours, patterns, solids, funky graphics and funny tees)
Anywhere it's cheap for about $5 - $30 usually Gap, Walmart, Old Navy, Urban Behaviour, AE, Hollister, Guess.

- Polos (Dark solid colours)
Same as tees.

- Shirts (for the exclusive parties haha :P. Usually solid colours, some stripes, NO DIAGONALS. Contrast colours or matching colours to your jeans.)
Usually GAP for their awesome fitted shirts for $50 - $60. Work stores like Moores, West Coast, TIP TOP.

- Shorts (Khaki, cargos, solids)
AE or Winners for about $35

- Shoes
Chucks for $40, Adidas classics $60, Puma for $90, Adidas really comfy shoes $45. (PS: Good place to buy shoes IMO is Sil Vous Play in Brampton).

The key to what you wear is the FIT. Don't buy too small or too big. I buy stuff from Walmart, Zellers, Winners because no matter what the quality is I know they look good on me if it fits well. Try it on, don't be embarrassed :D. Except maybe at Hollister. I get intimidated there!

You also owe me a cookie for typing the longest post I typed on RFD! :razz:

[dakewldude]

Some great info, thanks!

I realize that this is a pretty tough question, as it's all pretty subjective. I guess a better question may be "What do you consider to be your 'key items'?".

For those who asked, I'm 23 years old and I work in a software shop so it's pretty much always jeans. Medium-ish build if that means anything.

[Fabulaz]

For all year round items, I'd say a couple of plain tees, some good jeans, and chucks.

For fall/winter, a good light vneck knit, and a heavier one for when it's colder. A good light belted trench (even better if it has a lining that can be removed), a big warm jacket for the winter, a thicker neutral blazer (tweed and such), and a good hoodie.

For spring/summer, MORE plain tees. A pair of good shorts (plain or khaki/cargo, please leave the board shorts for boarding), a light blazer in khaki, white, or blue, and a pair of vans slip ons. That trench would also fits in here.

I've read this couple times,
What are you saying to say? :S

Seems like everyone else understood him fine. Re-take ENG4U1:confused:

[Vashin]

Well since you're 23, you probably don't want to dress like a highschooler. I find the basis for a good wardrobe for men lies in the basics. Sure a lot of people talk about this brand or that brand with shirts ranging from $200+ but that's not really needed. Just buy basic tees, vnecks, sweaters, buttondowns, henleys and when you have a nice wardrobe going feel free to splash some money on the more designer type stuff to add some spice (I guess you can call it that) to your daily rotation.

For stuff on the cheap, I like H&M and American Apparel. The quality is definitely not the best, but it's not like they'll fall apart of one wear. I'd say the most important part of dressing well is a good fit. So try stuff on and make sure it fits you well!

Also I'm an advocate of a good pair of jeans. It can be quite expensive, but definitely worth it. I'm actually talking about Dry denim (if you're into that) mainly haha but yea that's about all I think.

[Havo]

Just get yourself some nice khakis or jeans. Don't necessarily hafta be too fitted. Can get some boot cuts and you should be stylin. Hard to say where to buy it unless you have a budget.

[Talamasca]

I realize that this is a pretty tough question, as it's all pretty subjective. I guess a better question may be "What do you consider to be your 'key items'?".

My workplace is business casual so it's khakis (brown or black) or cargo pants pretty much everyday. In this weather, it's either a short-sleeve button shirt or a polo shirt (T-shirt with a collar). On the weekends, it's jeans or shorts (khaki or cargo) with a T-shirt. I'm a fan of the graphic tees from places like Bluenotes with elaborate designs on them.

For warm weather, I really like linen, either pure or blended with cotton for some extra weight (and lower cost). It has a really nice organic texture to it and it's very lightweight. You'll find lots of stores selling linen shirts, pants, and shorts.

[mrlooneytoon]

My workplace is business casual so it's khakis (brown or black) or cargo pants pretty much everyday. In this weather, it's either a short-sleeve button shirt or a polo shirt (T-shirt with a collar). On the weekends, it's jeans or shorts (khaki or cargo) with a T-shirt. I'm a fan of the graphic tees from places like Bluenotes with elaborate designs on them.

For warm weather, I really like linen, either pure or blended with cotton for some extra weight (and lower cost). It has a really nice organic texture to it and it's very lightweight. You'll find lots of stores selling linen shirts, pants, and shorts.

Business casual now includes cargo pants?! When did this change cuz I want in! :)

[Talamasca]

Business casual now includes cargo pants?! When did this change cuz I want in! :)

Depends on the workplace. :)

[mrlooneytoon]

Depends on the workplace. :)

Aww so close. :( Sounds like a fun place to work.

[deep]

A few posts back you received the best advice possible - concentrate on fit! Then quality of materials, then style. My brother in law pays a fortune for clothes and will always look like a donkey because he looks at brand and style first, and then says "well, close enough" when he tries things on.

A $20 black knit mock turtleneck from Winners/Mark's Work Wearhouse/etc. will look GREAT on jeans or khakis if it fits right. The same item, $165 from Rosen's, will look like crap if it's not the right size. I would say this is a safe "basic" for you. Can go over jeans, can handle a sports coat over it, can even work with the right cargo shorts and hiking boots if you're the outdoorsy type on a fall day.

Make. Sure. Stuff. Fits. If you're overweight, it can slim. If you're skinny, it can make you look more buff. If you're in great shape, it can turn you into a god.

[dakewldude]

Right, it's been said more than once in here so I realize the importance of it.

So does that mean the best strategy is basically to "try on" everything and just be very picky in terms of fit?

[Fabulaz]

So does that mean the best strategy is basically to "try on" everything and just be very picky in terms of fit?

Not "basically" try on. Just try it on, and yes be picky. Very picky. You don't want to end up not wanting to wear something later on because you didn't pick the right fit when you bought it.

[Kohanz]

http://www.fashion4nerds.com/

[bokep]

Key item #1:
Your own sense of fashion.

How and why the hell do you expect people to tell you what to wear? Look at magazines, look at other people, go to stores, try what looks good on you, buy. People on the internet can't tell you what to wear.