I consider myself a bit wise in the arena of menswear. I love dressing guys, all styles of guys, and have had lots of experience having grown up with three brothers and attempting makeovers of boyfriends and my husband (which was a feat, let me tell you). I myself was kinda bummed to be the only girl as a little kid and did my best to fit in with the boys- rocking OshKosh B’Gosh overalls nearly everyday while playing out the adventures of He-Man at Castle Greyskull, building forts and the like. Because I wouldn’t let my mom brush my hair, I also had the exquisite opportunity to rock a mullet for many years of my life. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly the “essence of femininity” as a kid. But because of all that quality male influence, I “get” guys. I love my guy friends, have been accused of “acting and thinking like a guy” and sometimes relate to them better than women. Sometimes. :)
I spent a semester in college working for Joseph Abboud’s headquarters in NYC as a stylist and PR intern so men’s fashion is something I developed an interest in. Men have a bit easier than women in that their choices are more limited than ours, but that doesn’t mean that guys can just throw on any ol’ thing and look good. So I put together a few outfits that might help you with suggestions for your man (or you yourself if you are of the 2% of my readership that is male)- and I made sure they are “guy friendly”. Look, I can pontificate on the genius of slim fitting jeans and bright pink shirts all day, but I know that some men won’t even consider it (ahem!). So these tips are very middle of the road- not intended for the super fashion forward (Matthew, I’m talking to you) or the super hipster.
First, my top picks for men (click pics for links!):
1) Plaid shirts- done and done. Something about plaid shirts-western style, military detailed, preppy- just get me all hot and bothered. And right now they are HUGE.
2) Military Inspired Jacket- LOVE. Can’t get enough. Instantly up’s a guy’s “hot” factor by a trillion. I’ve seen it in action, it’s a FACT.
3) Good Jeans- Note I didn’t say expensive- Gap and Banana have fabulous men’s jeans, but every guy needs to make sure they have a dark wash pair that looks good with a blazer for dressier nights out and a casual pair that are loose but not super saggy. For super tall guys like my 6’4″ husband, Lucky Jeans makes extra long inseams and cost under $125.
4) COLOR- Add a pop of color this spring- purple, pink, coral, green, yellow, just don’t be shy. Polos are an easy way to do this.
5) Cool footwear- I love Chuck Taylors or some other kind of cool sneaker, great brown leather boots and a nice pair of slip on leather shoes that can go from day to night (Cole Haan makes tons that look great and have Nike Air soles.)
6) Is it just me or will baseball tee’s forever be super attractive on any guy and make their bodies look somehow better? Swoon.
7) Impeccably fitted suit- Every guy needs to have a suit that fits. Nipped in at the waist, fitted on the shoulder and a slim fit in the pants. It makes every guy look taller and thinner and Bond-like. :) Buy a suit from Banana, Gap or Brooks Brothers and take it to a tailor if you can’t afford to have a bespoke suit made.
8) A fabulous wear-everywhere blazer- another fail-proof outfit- jeans (see above)+ white dress shirt+ blazer= handsome.
9) The zip front cardigan sweater- looks awesome with casual shorts and a white tee or over a dress shirt with pants. In black or navy, ideally.
Three (well, four really) looks that’ll help get your guy through anything this spring looking classic yet on trend.
dinner dude rocks…and why can’t men seem to do this themselves……
Good picks. I like plaid shirts in the style of the second one you chose. Good jeans and shoes and colour is all so important for a guy.
And is anything better than a guy in a good suit? I was actually really happy because for one of the weddings my husband is a groomsman for instead of renting their suits the guys are actually getting them made. Can’t wait to see him in it.
Happy Friday!
I’m a devoted reader of your blog. I love it! Thank you so much for the tip about Lucky Jeans. My husband is 6’5″ and doesn’t wear jeans because he can’t find any his length.
Brown leather flip flops are another favorite of mine on guys! Nice list! Forwarding on to the men in my life.
OMG you have no idea how bad I need this…I’ve not clue how to help The BF get snazzed up…trying to buy him a new work wardrobe one piece at a time before he graduates from law school! No boxy suits in my house!
why am i so amused by the fact that in your little “summer wedding” collection, their are honkin’ rocks for her? as if to say, you’re not properly dressed unless your lady is. well said.
The “casual weekend” get-up is exactly how my hubby dresses when he’s not in his Air Force uniforms (those make me downright drool…yum!), right down to the Red Sox cap, except his is black :) So interesting!
Fun post! I love buying clothes for my husband and love that second plaid shirt on the right! Where is that one from (it’s not linking for me)? Thanks!
Is that your cute hubby in the army jacket:)
Thanks. So on point. Hardcopy going up in the closet as a go-to guide for the S.O.
Elizabeth — try a Lucky jean outlet! That’s where my 6′ 5″ fella gets his Lucky’s. At the outlet, the price tag is a little less off-putting for a guy.
Great post! I love shopping and putting outfits together; some of these look very stylish. I find Zara THE best store!
Great post.
Erin, where is the second plaid shirt from? The link doesn’t seem to be working. Thanks
Ah, I have to say after reading this that I am a proud girlfriend – my guy rocks most of your suggestions. And looks ridiculously sexy in a suit.
agreed- there is something about baseball t’s on guys that is sexy casual and boyish at the same time :)
agreed- there is something about baseball t’s on guys that is sexy casual and boyish at the same time :)
love love this post erin! do you want to help me give lawrence a makeover? i have been saying for years that he needs a great jacket..black and simple preferably to go out in and look super cute! and you are right on..pair this with great dark jeans and the white shirt..and a tie! this would make me swoon.
Who’s to say that only women read your blog! Thanks for doing something for the rest of us.
This is great. I love how you’ve simplified this down to just the essential basics! All your picks are masculine and versatile for an overall put-togther look. I’m definitely sending this link to my brother…he needs a little guidance :)