Gentlemen, if you've ever wanted to make a huge lasting impression on yourself or person "x," this article is for you. What you wear says a ton about who you are as a person - your personality, your mood, and even your culture! Writing about fashion statements is something I find so central to a person that it strikes me as a passion I want to utilize to help out any men out there who need the advice (especially from a "fashionista female"). That being said, take out your notes and pay close attention. These pointers could be the difference between appearing super confident or insecure on both ends of the social spectrum.
Maintaining Good Hygiene and Health
If you take note of nothing else, you definitely need to put maintaining good hygiene and health at the very top of your priority list. Guys, the first step in defining yourself to anyone is to love yourself. In order to love yourself, you need to make sure that you are taking care of your body. Eating right, working out as often as needed, keeping up with your goals and making active plans to achieving them, these are all things pertaining to taking care of yourself and should be mastered before you even think of putting on a suit. Remember that your mind is mindset, your heart is passion, and your body is your overall physical and emotional health. *This is all needs to be on good terms to qualify as "okay." Also, note that what is "right" for one man may not be "right" for you. "Right" is extremely subjective and needs to have a tailored fit to every man. The moment when what is truly "right" for you becomes known and acceptable to YOU is the moment when your individuality will bring an authentic edge to your personality. Gentlemen, this is the first and most crucial recipe for mastering fashion. It all starts on the inside and works its way out!
The Right Cologne
I can't emphasize how important this is. People say the first impression always makes the lasting impression, and the cologne you choose to wear is one of those screaming factors that play a part in that process. Every man needs to invest in a cologne that first, he personally really likes and second, is versatile. By versatile I mean this is a scent you can wear at any point during the day or night, that still leaves a "WOW" factor. If not versatile, you could also strategically buy two - one for day and one for night (personally I would do both), OR "If you want to be bold," as my best guy friend Ji Hwan would say, "you should buy several of them to wear for any occasion." Now the "occasion" is up for you gentlemen to decide. This could be for an interview, a formal dinner, casual events with friends, etc. It's all up to your preference. On the other hand, if you want to be financially frugal, you should just take it one step at a time and do a trial run with one at first and see how you like it. Ultimately, the true key in mastering this essential item is to put just a little to make a lot. The same applies for the saying that it's not necessarily the quantity that matters, but rather the quality. You need to pick the right cologne for you and use a minimal amount to exude a seemingly natural and irresistible scent that will not be forgotten. I guarantee you it won't.
THE Pants
Every guy needs that one pair of pants that he absolutely loves. To LOVE these pants, one must have the right fit, a color that works, and a mission for them. Whether this might be to solely wear these pants at certain events exclusively, that is up for every man to decide for himself. The essential thing to know is that you do need to have a go-to pair of pants that never fails and that you can't wait to put on. If you ever feel a doubt in your mind about wearing them, that is a sign you need to sit down and think about if it's the right the occasion to wear them or if something is legitimately wrong with the pants and you need to replace them. Reason for saying this is because regardless of the situation, you need to feel like a boss. If you don't feel like a boss then this will cause your confidence to suffer as a result (not the most desirable situation). To prevent this, note that after "x" amount of time the fit and style might wear off, so a mandatory shopping trip for another pair would be necessary. When you purchase another pair make sure that the quality speaks for itself. It's better to invest in something that will last you a long time rather than a cheap item which won't last a week. You don't want to waste your money! Shopping strategically smart is key.
Go-to Casj Top
This is another must for guys. Whether the top is long sleeved or short-sleeved, I have a strong belief that men need a shirt that defines and fits (this applies to anything you wear). However, I want to emphasize on the fact that you also need to wear a shirt that flatters your body the right way and fits comfortably. As you're choosing what to wear, be mindful of your color choices and why you chose that specific shirt. Questions such as, "Could I wear this for more than one occasion? Does this fit too tight? What's the weather going to be like? Is this too much for this event I'm about to go to? What's right for daytime or nighttime? Is my belly going to stick out too much?" (Believe me, that is an important question to ask yourself. It's not to train your mindset to be constantly self-conscious about your body, but rather to train your mind to KNOW what will best flatter your body. Moral of the story here is to be aware of your body type and rock clothes that are well suited for you. Forcing yourself into something that does not fit for your body because a TV commercial or society says you HAVE to wear it because it's the "new, hot, trendy thing out there" isn't going to work. Being confident about yourself and your body are honestly what makes an outfit's value exponentially spike up.) Be proud of yourself and shop for things that compliment you. There will be no regrets!
Your Personal Hairstyle
Macklemore, Corbin Bleu, Sam Smith, Bob Marley. What do these famous guys have in common? The answer lies with the hair! Guys, you gotta have some swag. Hair might seem like such a "not a big deal cold topic," but you gotta have some kind of a style that fits you and only you. This is equally important as maintaining good hygiene which I listed as first because it's THAT important. You need to have a style that you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and one which makes you, you. You can't copy a celebrity or some other guy just because all the ladies seem to be loving a specific style. That is exactly how you get lost in the crowd. What you need is stand out in your own unique way and be proud of who you are. The moment you do that, the amount of confidence you will ignite in a room will be too much for some people to handle! (Funny, but dead serious). A person's confidence is something very easy to see, and when you have that? You definitely got it!
Last Words ...
Gentleman, fashion is such a broad topic that needs special attention in special areas. I hope this article has given you a glimpse of what it means to not only dress like you know what you're talking about, but also behave and have good habits in maintaining your desired body. Truthfully anyone can put clothes on, but if they don't feel good in them, what's the use? People will tell by how you hold yourself and walk. On the other hand, if your confident self puts on a nice pair of pants, a shirt, nice pairs of shoes, and some kind of accessory (this is absolutely optional and depends on a multitude of variables), there is no question about how awesome you will look. You're already awesome as is, but what I'm saying is your style of fashion could take it up a notch in a way you won't understand. Just try out what I suggested and see what happens. You'll thank me later!
P.S - I will be going in detail about other hot topics you guys want to hear from us ladies, such as how you can accessorize, other lists of essential items you need in your closet, and other stand-out factors you need to know to be successful in mastering the art of fashion the right way. Stay tuned for more articles coming your way!
