Men's Style Corner

[The_Blur]

These are the conclusions I drew from shopping with my wife.

All it really takes is a decent shirt to look nice for most people. If that doesn't do it, you need some time in the gym. A decent shirt doesn't mean to go to Wal-Mart and grab something with a collar. You might think you're getting a deal, but you look like trash. If that's not important to you, then you probably found yourself in the wrong thread.

If you want to assemble the whole package, here's what you should hit:

• a few nice polos and button-up shirts (name brands with logos on the chest)
• a nice-looking watch, preferably stainless steel
• properly fitting jeans and khakis (not saggy, not tight)
• black and brown belts (always wear one)
• casual shoes that you wouldn't wear in a gym
• conservative sunglasses that fit your face

Most of these things are for looking nice, but the brands only really matter on the shirts. Everything else is fit and what you like. My philosophy with shirts—if they aren't proud enough to put their logo on it, then you shouldn't be proud enough to wear it. They cost more, and I wasn't always a believer until my wife took me to some of these stores to try them out. The fit is worth the money. Go find an outlet store and try for yourself. Colors don't matter much. Just grab Polos and other name brands on clearance. Some brands have weird cuts, like Lacoste. If it just doesn't look right to you, find a different brand.

The watch can get expensive, but this one is all about appearance. A nice-looking watch isn't necessarily a nice watch. If you don't mind the time-keeping being imperfect, you can look into Invicta, Infantry, and other cheap brands for good style. We're not all buying Rolex. I've got college loans and a fast car with a modding habit. I'd rather have a decent looking watch than the world's most refined timepiece and no Camaro. If you can swing several thousand on a watch collection, go wild.

Sunglasses are another oddball for people. Bright colors and craziness are not for the refined man. I usually wear aviators or Oakleys—military guys need to check out their Standard Issue site for the best deals. Conservative glasses doesn't mean camo with NRA stickers. It means black, beige, or otherwise not flashy. They shouldn't look out of place. If you're wearing combat-spec lenses made for the battlefield in a suit, you'll look weird. Have someone help you pick out some decent ones. Brand isn't all that important, but it wouldn't kill you to spend a few bucks on some decent shades. You'll probably take better care of a set of Oakleys than some Ray Ban knock-offs you found at the gas station.

Now that I look back at this post, I'm shocked I had that much to say about fashion. I need to drink a beer and eat some red meat to feel like a man again.

[2012-1822]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

These are the conclusions I drew from shopping with my wife....

I need to drink a beer and eat some red meat to feel like a man again.

First, beer is good. I hear you. All input is appreciated. But casual attire will come next. I admit, what I've got isn't worth much in the way of socializing in Atlanta.

But I do have to start with suits at least for the interview process. See what kind of company I land and alter my shopping from there.

Shirts, I'll need dress shirts. I do need a big and tall store, and there are two fine ones in Birmingham, about an hour away. I've bought from them before. I'll have to check prices though. If I get anywhere close to $100 a shirt then I'll just have my tailor do them. It's funny that I've found tailors aren't necessarily that expensive next to some of the name brands.

I handled the watch scenario a couple of years ago.

Originally Posted by USMCSSGT-RET

So are you moving to Atlanta? I noticed you mentioned Atlanta, but see you're currently in Alabama. I only ask because I'm considering Atlanta as well, particularly in finance, either personal or corporate.

Graduating from the University of Alabama in December '14, double major in finance and economics(at the ripe young age of 37). I also am Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Trained from Ga Tech's executive education. I need to do a project to turn that into a certification and I'd like to do that Black Belt training in January so that I could walk into the process saying that all I need is a Black Belt project. So I'm looking for employment in Atlanta for several reasons. Top of which are I have family there, my brother, his wife and kids, and there are six MBA programs in the Atlanta area. I've got my eye on one of them in particular, I just have to see if I can get their eye on me.

So yeah, I need to caucus with the ACE5 crew at FBody Gathering on Memorial Day weekend when I'm over there, get to know some people. We'll see. If you don't have plans that weekend, you should come. I'm certain there will be other SC people there, my buddy is riding over from Greenville.

Originally Posted by The_Blur

Sunglasses are another oddball for people. Conservative glasses doesn't mean camo with NRA stickers.

Damn it, how'd you guess what I wear?
Seriously, I've been to clubs in Alabama where the rednecks do have their nice camo shirts that they iron and wear out at night, and that's how they dress up. I'm talking Real Tree with creases down the sleeves looking sharp. Wrangler jeans, new pointy toed boots, and a rat tail hanging out the back of their cowboy hat.

[atma]

i found this thread earlier in the year and was pretty psyched. i'm generally a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, but I love a nice suit. I'm a HUGE fan of ties, and in my opinion don't get to wear them often enough. bringing this thread back to life...