Male fashion is _simple_ for fall, so embrace it!
Unlike the gazillion trends that females are programmed to follow, males can combine a few layered pieces, a decent jacket and cool socks to look yummy. We know girls will have the fluffiest scarves, deathly fur vests and “rebel-against-mom” combat boots, but males are another story. The key to male fashion: clean lines and clean underwear.
My biggest pet peeve involving male outerwear — I don’t spot enough males flaunting it. It’s a fresh start here in college and the beginning of your adult life, so why are you still wearing your Ladue Lacrosse Football Debate Drama Squad Team hoodie? Throw that ratty thing in the dumpster. The colors do not coordinate with your current being. A jacket or coat can look more professional and mature on those recently MizzouRec-sculpted shoulders.
Jackets that are in-style: aviation jackets, plaid Patagonia zip-ups (for you adventure lovers), varsity bombers, leather jackets, pea coats and jean jackets. Seriously take your pick, but don’t let me see you on campus in a black, pilling North Face zip-up or your high school’s spirit wear unless you’re hungover — very, very, very hungover.
Next, pants. Who loves shorts in the fall? No one should, but we still get those religious cargo shorts wearers and basketball playing playas in ankle-low Air Jordan exercise wear.
Jeans. Jeans. Jeans. Every male should invest in a fitting pair of boot-cut jeans. Skinny are in style but are not for every man’s body, I mean booty, so please try on before buying. Dark wash preferred.
Other trouser styles include a basic work pant, slim slacks and jeans, and if you are daring enough, corduroys. Colors that are primarily neutral — camel, black, true navy and cypress green — are a big hit. And an investment in neutral slacks can last a lifetime, because we all know that boys can eat cheeseburgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner without substantially increasing the size of their assets. Oh female pains.
WARNING: steer clear from slacks in an oatmeal color. Unless you are going to a middle school dance or attending a ChrEaster church service, those slacks look either too young or too old. Yes it’s okay for the 47-year-old CEO of JC Penney to wear oatmeal khaki pants, but not you, you hip college student.
Finally, accessories are included: A nice watch, friendship bracelets, thick-rimmed glasses and oversized beanies. Hobo gloves and scarves aren’t just for the chickies. Any male can wear some solid trousers and a button-up, but the flat-billed urban HUF hat, bow tie or cologne can help us see a little bit of you through your simple style. What I don’t recommend for males when it comes to accessories: earrings, ski-masks or fanny packs (FYI to the hipsters … they aren’t cool).
Bottom line: a wardrobe transition to fall is easy for you boys — just make sure to leave your ratty jeans and high school hoodies at mom and dad’s this coming season. We’re not asking you to suit up every day, but a few of these additions can go a long way.