Advice: Tired Of Dressing Like A Boy

Paddy Beirne · Jun 8, 2012

Greetings style forum.

I'm writing today as an outsider looking for guidance from those in the know on creating a new look.

I'm 24 and graduated university last year, meaning I started uni at 19. During that period, due to lack of funds and lack of care I just kept my style the same. As a result I am now a 24 year old who dresses like a 19 year old from 4 years ago.

I'm now making a bit of money from my career, I don't feel at all like a kid. I feel like a man but my wardrobe wont make the transition my mind and body has.

At this point I can tell what you'r thinking, "So buy some new cloths, simple!" but let me continue.

1. I'm Ginger, not only ginger I have long ginger hair. It's cool as ****, gets me girls and is quite a big part of who I am. I'ts staying. My new look MUST work around this. Not only this but the pail skin that it comes with.

2. I'm built, I have big shoulders and arms with a small waist. I have a very athletic figure meaning the androgynous clothes in todays high street seem to come off 'gay' on me.

3. I want to keep elements of my 'Grungey' past. Grunge music and style are a big part of who I am, and although I feel just about done with baggy ripped jeans and dirty hoodies, I'd like elements of that attitude incorporated in my style.

4. I'm looking for casual, everyday style. I fill out a suit well and working in the media industry i rarely have to dress formally. When I do, i feel I have it covered.

Thanks In advance for any help or points in the right direction. I would also welcome stories of YOUR style-transition from boy to man.

KObalto · Jun 8, 2012

Sounds like you should poke around the Streetwear and Denim forum. You will have better luck reading through the various threads (particularly WAYWT) than asking us to "style you up."

F. Corbera · Jun 8, 2012

I think that a Braveheart look addresses your requirements as it does already for several members such as edmorel and RJman.

unbelragazzo · Jun 8, 2012

Paddy Beirne said:
Greetings style forum.

1. I'm Ginger, not only ginger I have long ginger hair. It's cool as ****, gets me girls and is quite a big part of who I am. I'ts staying. My new look MUST work around this. Not only this but the pail skin that it comes with.

I think I've seen you before...is this you?

F. Corbera · Jun 8, 2012

^ Everytime I see that photograph, I admit, I am saddened.

unbelragazzo · Jun 8, 2012

Now for my attempt at a helpful post:

http://www.styleforum.net/a/how-do-i-look-cool

F. Corbera · Jun 8, 2012

unbelragazzo said:
Now for my attempt at a helpful post:

You should consider posting the way that I do: elliptically helpful.

Gauss17 · Jun 8, 2012

Paddy Beirne said:
Greetings style forum.

I'm writing today as an outsider looking for guidance from those in the know on creating a new look.

I'm 24 and graduated university last year, meaning I started uni at 19. During that period, due to lack of funds and lack of care I just kept my style the same. As a result I am now a 24 year old who dresses like a 19 year old from 4 years ago.

I'm now making a bit of money from my career, I don't feel at all like a kid. I feel like a man but my wardrobe wont make the transition my mind and body has.

At this point I can tell what you'r thinking, "So buy some new cloths, simple!" but let me continue.

1. I'm Ginger, not only ginger I have long ginger hair. It's cool as ****, gets me girls and is quite a big part of who I am. I'ts staying. My new look MUST work around this. Not only this but the pail skin that it comes with.

2. I'm built, I have big shoulders and arms with a small waist. I have a very athletic figure meaning the androgynous clothes in todays high street seem to come off 'gay' on me.

3. I want to keep elements of my 'Grungey' past. Grunge music and style are a big part of who I am, and although I feel just about done with baggy ripped jeans and dirty hoodies, I'd like elements of that attitude incorporated in my style.

4. I'm looking for casual, everyday style. I fill out a suit well and working in the media industry i rarely have to dress formally. When I do, i feel I have it covered.

Thanks In advance for any help or points in the right direction. I would also welcome stories of YOUR style-transition from boy to man.

While I certainly agree that you will likely find more help in the SW&D section, I find it difficult to offer you any concrete suggestions as you are quite set on the long hair and "grungey" (as you state it) look. This is (in my opinion) in of itself a style that you wish to keep. While I find the aforementioned contradictory to the conventional thought of "dressing like a man", it is your style and I am just a person on the internet. Perhaps just look around SW&D and pick and choose individual pieces you would like to incorporate into your style. For example, maybe upgrade from a hoodie to a lambskin leather jacket. Remember, Fit is key on any item you purchase.

Lastly, I am not sure what these "androgynous" clothing items you speak of are, but as a general rule, anything androgynous (as per the specific definition) is not a great idea for most people.

bellyhungry · Jun 8, 2012

Alexis Lala?

Zarium · Jun 8, 2012

What sort of elements from your "grungy" past would you like to keep/incorporate? Sounds like although you do want to make that transition in clothing (which is a good thing), you're not very open to change; what with wanting (or needing) to keep that "cool as **** long ginger hair".

dmourati · Jun 9, 2012

Paddy Beirne · Jun 9, 2012

thanks for all the replies,

Really, didn't expect so much help tbh and i think i burst a ball laughing at the tin man pic. the 'how to look cool' post looks very helpful

Yes, A[FONT=verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif]lexi Lalas! prime example! imagine what a much better looking version of that guy would have to wear to look stylish. I'm swear I'm a ******* viking...[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif]It's not so much that I want to 'keep' the grungy style, more incorporate subtle elements of it into my new, neater and more MODERN style. the hair stays as a bright red beacon of individuality. its my trademark if you will. grunge music is also quite a big part of who I am and simply cutting my hair and wearing a tie seems like giving up on myself. [/FONT]

Paddy Beirne · Jun 9, 2012

thanks for all the replies,

Really, didn't expect so much help tbh and i think i burst a ball laughing at the tin man pic. the 'how to look cool' post looks very helpful

Yes, A[FONT=verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif]lexi Lalas! prime example! imagine what a much better looking version of that guy would have to wear to look stylish. I'm swear I'm a ******* viking...[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif]It's not so much that I want to 'keep' the grungy style, more incorporate subtle elements of it into my new, neater and more MODERN style. the hair stays as a bright red beacon of individuality. its my trademark if you will. grunge music is also quite a big part of who I am and simply cutting my hair and wearing a tie seems like giving up on myself. [/FONT]

[FONT=verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif]so more of a compromise of styles. [/FONT]

JonasAberg · Jun 11, 2012

The thing is, grunge really has no place in traditional men's clothing. Seems to me what you're looking for is a more fashion forward, kind of "sophisticated rock star" kind of look; not really traditional, dressed up but not really baggy jeans and t-shirt either.

If it were me, I'd probably start with a couple of blazers/sports jackets in grey and navy blue. that's your "grown up" base. Make sure everything you wear fits! If you have an athletic build you will probably want to get the jackets taken in a bit in the sides.

The great thing here is that you can now tweak the outfit to be more or less formal according to your needs. You could even start from wearing a blazer, white shirt and tie and gradually dress it down by removing the tie, changing shirts (color, patterns, fabric etc), shoes and pants to see just what you are comfortable with.

Even when you are fully decked out in a complete suit I can see you keeping that "grunge heritage" by wearing something like a neatly folded, plaid flannel pocket square. Certainly not traditional but it's just a tiny little detail so you might get away with it.

Just a few ideas to think about.

imanewbie · Jun 11, 2012

wear what makes you comfortable it seems your not willing to change certain aspects of yourself. Put a suit on, winter hat, etc..and roll with it if your comfortable. Set your own rules and watch others follow you.

Advice: Tired Of Dressing Like A Boy

New Member

Distinguished Member

Timed Out

Jewfro

Timed Out

Jewfro

Timed Out

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Member

New Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

Senior Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: