Men’s fashion is much more than just a good tux and cologne, especially in these days of the “metrosexual,” in which neat and well-dressed men are infinitely more charming than the unshaved, unshowered variety. In other words, boys, grooming gets the ladies. Believe it or not, men’s fashion is wide and varied and, yes, it also changes. Perhaps not as quickly as the weather here at BU, but shifts are perceptible. The unmoved — “Yeah, I slept in this, so what?” — approach has been around for far too long and has got to go.
Here are a few tips to help you pull off the frat-boy style this fall, without going into prep overkill.
Wardrobe Essentials
Shirts:
A striped polo is a perfect staple to keep hanging around in your closet. The Gap Pique Striped Polo, for example, is trendy and light on your wallet as well. There are obviously multiple casual-wear options: wear it alone with jeans, layer it over a long-sleeved shirt or you can even stylize the informal polo with a crisp blazer.
Vintage clothing seems to transcend every season. So, this fall add a vintage concert T-shirt to your wardrobe. Play up this old-school look by complementing your shirt with a distressed leather blazer or faded denim jacket. You’ll look appropriately dressed down without appearing scruffy.
A fitted men’s western-style shirt is essential to flatter your torso. Baggy and shapeless is never a good look. Look for retro shirts like the button-down Western Shirt by Diesel. With its double front pockets and classy tan color, it’s a great transitional piece to take your bright summer style into a more subdued fall look. Wear it with some distressed dark-wash jeans fastened by a big-buckled belt, and you’ll be ready for a night out with the gals.
No matter the season, every man needs a good dress shirt. Formal wear has taken a darker, sleeker turn this fall. While color will always remain popular, opt for blacks and grays to give a sophisticated edge to your look.
Pants:
Dark-wash jeans are the ultimate way to welcome the harsher weather; they look fabulous paired against both light and dark colors, and distressed dark-washes show off more of the chaotic detailing that is very hot this fall. The DKNY Soho Fit Jean (Whisky Wash) looks like they’ve been worn for years, destroyed and stained.
A man needs variety in his closet, and there is no better time than this fall to mix some slacks into the denim mix. You can pair slacks like the I.T. Pant by INC International Concepts with some simple loafers for a “clean-cut, fashion-forward” look.
Outerwear
Hoodies — Go with a hoodie that aligns with the sleek, dark-colored theme of the season. The graphic zip hoodie from GAP adds contemporary style to comfort. Sport the sweater as is with a pair of jeans, or add a bit of flair to your getup by pairing it with a blazer.
Throw on a vintage-inspired track jacket this fall to keep up with the old-school look. The French Connection Vintage Human Fly Track Jacket is an ideal accompaniment to your casual denim and T-shirt combo.
Footwear
Because casual wear is the style of choice for most young men, a flashy pair of sneakers is a necessary addition to any closet. Try aiming for something a little more colorful and dynamic, like a pair of Alley Sneakers from Converse — they look smart and they’re a perfect match for any style or color of jean.
The perfect pair of dress shoes is hard to find. The Steve Madden Serpent Dress Shoe won’t have you searching for much longer. Slip them on with some slacks, or even your dark-wash denim, and you’ll be bringing some rough charm to an uptown style.
Accessories
Whether you’re covering up a bad hair day or your cap looks great with your favorite vintage T-shirt, a stylish cap can be a distinctive way to accessorize your otherwise drab jeans-and-a-T-shirt weekend look. Worn in and a little rough around the edges, the aviator cap from American Eagle is casual headwear at its best.