As a stylist, I work on Indianapolis Men’s Styling, and I enjoy working with men because many of them know they want help and are open to advice. This attitude is great!
Right off the bat, men tend to approach style differently, although that has evolved some. Used to be, for instance, in the workplace, most men would look alike: suit, tie, dress shirt, dress shoes. Casual wear was often made up of gym clothes and sneakers. They didn’t own very much in between, such as stylish casual clothing.
Actually, for some people, this attitude persists. They have nicer dress-up clothing and then not-so-stylish casual wear for the gym, mowing the lawn, and hanging out with friends. Thank goodness this attitude has been turned on its head. People now often view elevated casual clothing as all they ever need: joggers, T-shirts, yoga pants, shorts, and sneakers. But I don’t agree with this viewpoint either.
For men, if I can convince them to have a “variety” of looks, I feel very successful!
These are my observations about men and their style, taken from former clients and just men I see on the street.
Observations and Tips for Indianapolis Men’s Styling
Men, please make an effort when you are on a date. I recently was in San Francisco and ferried to a popular island that has many private luxury homes. On the 15-minute ride back, I observed a couple on a date. The lady was dressed really well and appropriately. It was a very warm day, so she wore her hair up and had on a green cotton sundress, wedge heels, and casual jewelry. Of course, she also wore sunglasses, and I think she had a straw hat. She was picture perfect! Bravo for this fashionista. (I’d say she was in her late 40s or early 50s.)
Her date, however, was a guy who had not put any thought at all into his outfit. Beyond that, this man’s appearance just appeared to be neglectful. His hair was longer (which is fine), but I could tell he hadn’t had a haircut in some time. And he was sunburned. Beyond that, his outfit was a casual, not worn-out grey T-shirt with athletic shorts that had seen better days. When I looked at the two of them, I thought they didn’t go together at all.
How to correct this: Shorts and a T-shirt, or better yet, a cotton, button-down shirt in a fun print, and clean sneakers would have fit the bill. It would not have been an expensive fix, but it was a much-needed one. Some type of hat would have been great to avoid the sun, even if it was a nice baseball hat.
Men don’t have many in-between clothes; that is the happy medium of apparel that is not business but not working out in the yard ath-leisure. I am not against all casual clothing because stores such as Athleta have many casual options in comfortable materials. But they should fit you, not be worn out, and be appropriate for the date or event. Here is an excellent example of comfortable pants and a grey sweater with white sneakers and a baseball cap. Don’t wear the baseball cap for a little more formality, like on a first date.
Boost Your Indianapolis Men’s Styling with Professional Guidance
Men, need some help to build a wardrobe so you look polished and ready for every occasion? Reach out to me for an Indianapolis Men’s Styling appointment or email beth@bethdivinestyle.com.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC, Certified Image Consultant