New, Seeking advice

Hi guys,

I'm new here, so I may as well start with an introduction. I live in Central NJ, now a sophomore in college. Pre-med major, but I do consider myself rather well rounded. I like fishing and shooting, pretty much anything outdoor. I also enjoy good conversation. I love trying new things, especially foods and travels. Meeting new people is a favorite as well. Most of the reading and learning I do is simply because I'm a curious person by nature and it makes holding conversations that much easier.

So I just finished my first year of college at the Pennsylvania State University, and I guess since the majority of you must have been through college, you all know the many changes that go on. Of course some main changes are attitudes, composure, and style. Which is why I'm here. During my high school years, I pretty much bought what everyone else was wearing or whatever my mom bought. It was the cool thing to do I guess, and I didn't really have much money (I tutored a bit) to buy anything nice. Although I did develop a good taste for cologne just because I enjoy the smell of it. However, I realized that things that looked good on others just didnt work for me. I went through the whole jeans and polos with popped collars, the baggy ghetto look... it was rough

Finally I got to college and I guess I started experimenting with my wardrobe. A lot of things I wear now are the result of themes from events my fraternity has held (CEOs, etc) and even chapter meetings (shorts and buttondowns... hadnt though that would work for me until I had to endure a long meeting in the heat, and I got some approval). I also expanded my blazer collection, and have been able to pull them off decently at times, sometimes lacking some. So, lately I've been wearing a lot of buttondowns and shorts (untucked, i know, but tucked just doesnt look right) during the summer. I'd like to stay fresh and clean looking, yet casual. However, that will become harder to do as it gets colder.

Also hair. for some reason I just cant figure out something modern and dont want to be another spiked hair type of person. A lot of things are hard for me due to my dark skin and rather lanky build, as there really arent like models are anything for me to compare how clothes or styles would work with me. Such as jeans with buttondowns which i wish I could do. Footwear for the summer is just brown flipflops, debating whether or not I could pull off a pair of sperrys or some better footwear for the summer. Also, should I keep the glasses or go with contacts?

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum... Not exactly looking for what streetwear was described as, but not suits either. Any help is appreciated. Once again, I'm new, and of course not the most knowledgeable on the subject, so no flames please.
pics for reference, I suppose

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4079615_n.jpg

Semi Formal:
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._6790624_n.jpg

What I've been pulling lately:
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._6210837_n.jpg

Ignore the background. I just happen to like this shirt...
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4505119_n.jpg

at prom... just for reference with a tux i guess
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._8184262_n.jpg

Blazers I got all kinds. I would prefer to be able to wear them casually with jeans, a pair of black leather loafers and a clean T shirt if possible, buttondowns are fine too.

Thanks a lot

Anyone?
Wow this forum is really active... bumped back 4 pages in less than a day...

Since you're here, you owe it to yourself to read up. You will find a wealth of information here, replete with visual examples of what people are wearing. Use this as inspiration.

The best (and quickest) advice I can give you at this point is wear stuff that fits, and don't be afraid to tuck your shirt in-- it doesn't look as weird as you think.

Also, be yourself. If you prefer darker colors, go with darker colors. Layering a dark cardigan over a lighter shirt can be quite flattering. Sperry top-siders are okay shoes. Maybe look into loafers for sporty occasions.

Re: glasses. Contacts are an easy way to develop eye infections of all kinds. While contacts will probably be a nice change for you, I advise you to wear them socially, and don't forget about your glasses. They look fine on you.

Hair - Sweep it to the side, or something.

I think there are two main things that you need to improve on that will make your appearance look much better. The first being fit. It seems that in a lot of these photos you are swimming in your clothes. You mentioned that you are very thin, which is ok, but I suggest going to a decent men's store and getting proper neck, sleeve, and chest measurements taken for shirts and suits. Even if you buy shirts that fit in the neck and sleeve they will still most likely be baggy, but you can have a tailor slim them down to your frame. Also, there are some options for shirts that comes already fairly slim such as Brooks Brothers extra slim fit, J. Crew, and Charles Tyrwhitt slim fit and so on. Check the pinned slim fit shirt thread.

The second important thing you are missing is color. In your first picture you have a dark dress shirt on with a colored tie. Never wear a dark dress shirt. It looks immature and well, college like. I would start with basics like plain white, light blue, some blues with subtle stripes and more more casual wear maybe some ginghams, or even checks or more loud stripes if you like. But generally, your tie should be darker than your shirt and not the other way around.

For trousers cotton chinos are a good option for more casual wear, but make sure they are not too baggy, I would check into Brooks Brother Milano chino, or J. Crew Bowery pant. For dressier events you want to be wearing wool trousers, make sure your colors are darker in the grays and navy to begin with before experiementing with lighter colors and odd jackets. Again, check J. Crew they have some slimmer options out there.

Jackets/suits stick with basics first and then build from there. Make sure you know your size and know that you need a tailor no matter how good something seemingly fits off the rack. You want a jacket's shoulders to fit your natural shoulders with minimal amount of shoulders drooping or sticking out past your shoulder. Generally a tailor can take in the side seams to make the waist fit your frame better, but if the shoulders don't fit it is mostly a lost cause, or a huge risk and a lot of money to try and cut them down. Also the bottom of the jacket should cover your ass completely and the jacket's sleeves should not swallow your hands. Try regular lengths and short and so on until you get as close as possible I recommend Brooks Brothers for first suits and sport coats. They have sales now and again where you can get some great deals.

Ties, never tie that huge full windsor that you have. College kids love to do it thinking it looks awesome, but it doesn't. Just use a four in hand.

Lastly is shoes. Sneakers are fine for casual wear, but ultimately you should have at least two pairs of dress shoes. To begin with black captoe oxfords, and a dark brown shoe that may have some brogueing. Black and dark brown shoes pretty much go with anything. I hate to say it, but this is one area where you do not want to go cheap. Cheap shoes ruin a good outfit, but good shoes make you look a million times better. Check around the shoe Appreciation threads for brands and styles. Alden and Allen Edmonds are generally the gateway shoes. Be sure they have leather soles! Also, always put cedar shoe trees in them after you wear them and never wear the same shoes two days in a row. They need time to rest and the moisture to dry out. Learn about conditioning and polishing with quality products. If you do this your shoes will last you for years and years. Although sneakers are ok, many people prefer something else for more casual wear that is a little more elegant such as suede bucks, or chukkas. Always a good casual look.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, fellow. Lurk around the site!

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

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the jacket's sleeves should not swallow your hands.

Probably worth mentioning, in case the OP isn't aware, that the sleeves can of course easily be shortened providing they don't have functioning cuffs.

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Click to expand...

Lastly is shoes. Sneakers are fine for casual wear, but ultimately you should have at least two pairs of dress shoes. To begin with black captoe oxfords, and a dark brown shoe that may have some brogueing. Black and dark brown shoes pretty much go with anything. I hate to say it, but this is one area where you do not want to go cheap. Cheap shoes ruin a good outfit, but good shoes make you look a million times better. Check around the shoe Appreciation threads for brands and styles. Alden and Allen Edmonds are generally the gateway shoes. Be sure they have leather soles! Also, always put cedar shoe trees in them after you wear them and never wear the same shoes two days in a row. They need time to rest and the moisture to dry out. Learn about conditioning and polishing with quality products. If you do this your shoes will last you for years and years. Although sneakers are ok, many people prefer something else for more casual wear that is a little more elegant such as suede bucks, or chukkas. Always a good casual look.
OP, this is where you separate yourself from the rest...and on the cheaper side of things, learn to iron those damn clothes.

Originally Posted by Thanks SF (a new me)

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OP, this is where you separate yourself from the rest...and on the cheaper side of things, learn to iron those damn clothes.

+1

I am also a college student from Central NJ who happens to be rather skinny--I stick to brands that offer slimmer cuts so I don't have to go swimming every time I get dressed. You can probably find a good tailor near you at home and at school who will be able to take in some of your clothes so they are a little slimmer.

Also, it might be a good idea to check to see if you are wearing the right size for your body--check the size charts on a clothing site to see where you fall. For instance, I am a 38 chest and prior to college was wearing a size large, however size charts typically put a 38 at the small-end of a medium.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=107280

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?p=737365

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=701

PB hit the nail on the head...perfect advice for a beginner.

Thanks guys, really appreciate it. Yeah, fitting has always been a problem, especially since my general move from T-shirts to buttondown oxfords and such. And as you have all mentioned, my frame isnt exactly standard so nothing really fits perfectly off the rack. Those are all medium shirts, but smalls have the arms just a little too short. i have thought about visiting a tailor but I always really thought that was something rich older people do just for suits. I'll go get some good measurements and tips from one ASAP, though. couldnt hurt. And as far as ironing goes, yeah that's another remnant of the daily T-shirt wearing... never even used one before. Thought about it, some of my clothes do get a little wrinkled, but i figured they'd still be fine for casual wear and perhaps a little too stiff and proper looking to wear around. I'll probably learn how to iron just because I should at some point anyway... But thanks for the pointers, I have plenty of research and experimenting to do from there. Definetely a lot of shoe shopping to do. I actually like the look of the chukkas a lot, I'll have to try it. Lots of my friends shop at brooks brothers a lot too (I guess it's just a huge trend in the college Greek community these days?). appreciated


Edit: and just an afterthought on the dark shirts: I'd absolutely love to add some color to my wardrobe, I've been meaning to get some lighter colors for a while. Actually just got a lighter green one, and a purple one. But is it just me, or do light colored shirts just make dark skinned people seem that much darker? white shirts almost make me look black (like my skin is literally jet black). or perhaps I'm just not used to it. I do have a couple of different light shades of blue though

Update:
took a trip to the tailor, got my neck and arm measurements. 14.5 neck, 34/35. Apparently there are no shirts that actually come in that size, but there are close. Tailoring is expensive... had to spend 36 getting the sleeves narrowed and sides trimmed. but Thanks for the input, lots to learn here

Originally Posted by PSULion

Click to expand...

Update:
took a trip to the tailor, got my neck and arm measurements. 14.5 neck, 34/35. Apparently there are no shirts that actually come in that size, but there are close. Tailoring is expensive... had to spend 36 getting the sleeves narrowed and sides trimmed. but Thanks for the input, lots to learn here

They're out there if you look for them. I own a few 14.5s.

Originally Posted by PSULion

Click to expand...

Update:
took a trip to the tailor, got my neck and arm measurements. 14.5 neck, 34/35. Apparently there are no shirts that actually come in that size, but there are close. Tailoring is expensive... had to spend 36 getting the sleeves narrowed and sides trimmed. but Thanks for the input, lots to learn here

I have slightly shorter arms than the average for my shoulder. I ended up just going the MTM route (made to measure) route, instead of wasting time taking each shirt to the tailor as I get them.

You want some advice? Be yourself, but don't take yourself too seriously. You're 19 and you go to Penn State. The Pennsylvania State University? Come on, kid.

^ Don't really know what that's supposed to mean. Wanting to dress better has nothing to do with taking yourself too seriously. I went to Penn State and I dressed like crap during my years there, so I applaud him for trying to improve his style.