Friday Fashionista

Scott has requested that I write a weekly fashion column for Scott's Take - something for the gay or metrosexual male who is no longer a twenty something. I take fashion very seriously. I am not sure I would classify myself as a slave of fashion. But when it comes to clothes, accessories and my appearance, my motto tends to be, "If you don't look good, you don't look good!"

When Scott asked me to write this column, I thought very seriously about the contribution and the possible ramifications of my advice, not to mention the practical information I would be providing to his readers. And then after about 2 seconds I said, "Yes, I'd love to do it!"

As I made my way about the city this week, I felt a little like Carrie Bradshaw searching for her next muse. There were quite a few "Fashion Dont's" I encountered throughout the past week. I also saw some really good examples of good taste that were very well executed. It got me to thinking... instead of isolating a few bad points and lecturing on the latest trend, why not provide several good pointers on the basics. Consider this my fashion primer for the adult male who needs a few pointers on some simple rules.

1. Wear clothing that fits YOUR body. If you are not sure what fits, go to a men's store (Men's Warehouse, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, etc.) and they will give you measurements. There are far too many men hiding behind baggy clothes and far too many wearing overly tight clothes. I cannot tell you how annoyed I get when friends tell me how they chose comfort over style when they buy their clothes. I don't want to hear it! You CAN be comfortable and stylish at the same time without looking like you are trying to be 20 again. Do your body some justice and wear things that fit you properly. You will be surprised how good it feels!

2. Just because you have a favorite color does not mean it looks best on you or that you should wrap yourself in it everyday. Let's face it, some colors do not look good on certain people. And we tend to get stuck because "Pink is my favorite color!" What are your skin tones? What color is your hair? Your eyes? My man used to have a love affair with the color brown. And if he was not wearing brown, it was some variation of the color. NOW that we have expanded his color palate, he occasionally accents with a neutral color, but he looks great in warmer colors like red and muted yellow and pinks. Go to a men's shop or boutique (not Universal Gear because those bitches don't care what they send you out in) and get to know the staff. Ask for their advice. That's part of their job!

3. Buy good basics - We all like trendy new things, but let's be honest... if you don't have the basics, you look like you just arrived from South Beach or worse, Newark. These honestly depend on your lifestyle, because a construction worker does not need a three piece suit. However, every man should have at least one nice black suit (for weddings and the occasional funeral). But more than that, I am talking about nice jeans with a cut that flatters your bod. Nice trousers (flat front PLEASE because pleats on men look ridiculous). Nice cotton shirts in an array of colors - simple black or white or blue. Decide which looks best on you, but these are things you can dress up or down. And don't forget a nice blazer and a belt that is only 1 or two sizes larger than your waist. Before I end on this one, another good resource is TLC's What Not To Wear. Stacy and Clinton know what they are talking about.

4. Shoes - I have to say, women are not the only people on this world with a right to shoes. Men need more than one or two pair. Why? Because your shoes need a break. They get smelly and worn out faster if you wear nothing but the same pair day after day. And at the end of the day, they need time to recuperate. If you do not already have them, get yourself a set or two of shoe trees. They help your shoes maintain their shape and they extract the moisture from your shoes created by your feet. As for buying, we all seem to be fascinated with DSW and any other place we can run in and right back out simply by helping ourselves. Try the shoe department at (you guessed it) Nordstrom. First, they will size you to make certain you are wearing the proper shoe size. Second, when you pick out a shoe, they bring a few similar to that style - they are good salesmen and they understand their clientele. Buy two pair while you are at it! A good pair of shoes will set you back about $200.00. No, you don't NEED Ferragamos, but you need to treat your feet better since you are on them all day long!

5. NO MORE WIRE HANGERS! EVER! Joan Crawford was not off the mark here men. Treat your clothes better and they will last a lot longer. Go to the Container Store and buy some proper wooden hangers. They have an incredible closet organization section! Throw the old wire and plastic hangers away or better yet, return them to your dry cleaner every time you make a visit. You will thank me.

6. If you are not wearing it, get rid of it! So many guys keep things for YEARS that should be donated or thrown away. Here's a trick I learned on TLC's show Clean Sweep. Take all of your clothes in the closet and turn the hanger backwards (hang from the back side of the rod instead of placing on the rod from the front side). When you wear something, place the hanger back on from the front side. After a season ends, if you have not worn a garment at all that is meant for that season, donate it or launch it.

7. Check yourself before your wreck yourself! Look in the mirror! And make certain you have a full-length mirror. If not, go to Bed Bath and Beyond and buy one! You need to see the whole package from hair to shoes before you walk out the door.

8. Dress age appropriate. Getting older is a fact of life, and while we don't want to wear Habband forever fit pants, we also don't want to look like teenage boys. The occasional fun item is good, but use it as an accent. Don't be shopping in the "young men's" department guys. It does not mean we are old. It means we can afford nicer things! There are plenty of nice things out there if you go to the right store. Be a grown up and buy grown up clothes. AND ask the associates for help! Again, it's why they are there!

These basics are a good start. Now that I have laid out some ground rules, some final words of advice. Have fun with what you wear. Dress appropriately when you head out, no matter where you are going. And if you need some help, call a friend you trust. It's not rocket science folks, but you should make an effort. Go ahead and start dressing better! You WILL feel better.