What clothing/style advice would you give to a kid just starting college?

[Mr. Sartorial]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about putting together an article on this and I'm curious what others on here would think. I'm specifically posting here in MC because most of you tend to be older in this forum. What advice would you give to a kid entering his first year of college?

Some thoughts that come to my mind are don't just dress in jeans and a hoodie every day. Discover the benefits of chinos, collared shirts and V-neck sweaters early. Even if you're in business, don't wear a suit to class every day, you'll just look like a tool. Stuff like that. What would your advice be?

 

[Archivist]

Don't flunk out.
Major in something useful, but work on getting a solid education while you are at it.
Get laid a lot.

Keep a navy blazer and some tan or olive gaberdine trousers around for when you need them.

 

[SpooPoker]

Dress to get laid as frequently as possible. Id suggest breakaway pants.

 

[CYstyle]

Depends on what school you go to as well. The Ivy leagues are a way different atmosphere than an average college in California.

I think first 2 years just wear whatever, you don't want to stand out in a bad way, make friends have fun etc. Save money as well. Toward the last 2 years, especially when you start internships and interviewing and looking for jobs start picking up professional clothing. a 2 year span lets you experiment and make sure you get educated, as well as find your own style. Plus you can shop during sales and what not and gives you ample time for tailoring etc.

The biggest mistake I think people do is a) have no money, and b) end up with no time. Then they come here and create a thread asking, HELP! I have an interview in a couple days, and I need a suit nothing I own fits, but I have a budget of $300. I mean really? A college educated kid should know interview attire consists of a suit shirt tie etc.

 

[JapanAlex01]

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

Dress to get laid as frequently as possible. Id suggest breakaway pants.
LOL! I would suggest, (bearing in mind I'm drunk, atm!) dressing well enough so people notice—I.E., dress better than ****** t-shirts + jeans! Wear **** that will make girls go, '****! He's dresses well and is hot!'. I.E., you know, chinos, shirts, ties, bow ties (great conversation starter!), different shoes (not ****** trainers or hybrid shoes). I.E. BE DIFFERENT! Actually, **** this, all that matters is that you are more mature then every guy there. That is what works! ;p

 

[pgd3]

Hoodies look trashy, but then again all the ladies will be in PJ's.

I'd say chino's a V-Necks give the wrong impression as well.

People look much better in a class room setting to me if they wear an informal button down tucked into jeans than they do in a V-Neck and slacks.

First year of college I'd say, no matter what clothes you wear, take a shower, keep your hair cut, if you grow a beard keep it groomed/edged. Be early to class and sit up front. Pay attention.

Major in something real, minor in something fun, and get some sort of job right off the jump with a company that does something you're interested in. Even if its a volunteer position.

Drink good beer, cut the number in half.

 

[VelvetGreen]

There are two considerations at college.

1. Dressing to get laid.

This is so important, because if you do it right and you're a cool guy, you're in a sea of poon.

It is a subtle art. It involves staying attractive in a ruffled, imperfect kind of way (because women don't hate, but are critically and insufferably intimidated by guys who look better than they do) while not looking like a slob. However, when the event/weather/your mood calls for it, make sure you look damn good if you're wearing something semi or maxi-formal. E.g. if it's chino and shirt/Vneck/tie time, try to look dashing/effortlessly slick rather than your grandfather. When it's black tie, do it classically and flawlessly, or wear a velvet jacket with the normal get-up. Chicks really like thinking that they've noticed a 'little something' about how sharp you look. By the way, the kind of girl who doesn't notice this kind of stuff is not the kind of girl you want to spend much time with outside of the bedroom.

Get a stylish pair of jeans, a cool belt, some nice sneakers/shoes/whatever. Button down, faded shirts. But don't get obsessed, because that's weird. Hit the gym. HIT THE GYM. It will do more for your posture and confidence than a thousand Versace suits. Wear plaid shirts. Get a nice haircut and some classic shades.

Be different but don't be eccentric. Never talk about your clothes. Never be the guy who wears the bow tie to talk about it. Be the guy who wears the bow tie because it's what you feel like.

You should wear the suit for a reason. Dont be the weirdo who wears one all the time, with a pair of black gloves and a hat. Not a good look.

Oh, and SHOES. Women look at these and start judging you, because that's how their brains work. Indulge them with little things they like to notice.

Stay clean. Stay away from pornography.

Others can add more.

2. Dressing for social lubrication/influence.

People judge you on how you look/carry yourself. Embrace it. If you're dressed well, people will be intrigued. Play to this in a clever way. Know when it's tracksuit time, know when it's tweed time. Look at what socially eminent types are wearing and play off that. Buy clothes that fit you. Shop in vintage stores to get that worn in look straight away - there's nothing worse than the box-fresh arriviste.

Lastly, what's between your ears and the kind of person you are is more important than what you wear. Good clothing helps you cross the drawbridge, but your silver tongue will help you take the castle. Obsessing about clothing (anything) is unhealthy...

 

[Artking3]

.............................................

 

[hint of brain]

Im not expert, but I can tell you what NOT to wear.

1. fuckin boat shoes
2. fuckin plaid button-ups
3. fuckin polo that you think is high-end but is not

That's just me though

 

[nickelcobalt]

Having a well tailored suit comes in handy for any sort of debate/presentation/speech, even if your peers don't get it. Most professors will notice either consciously or subconsciously and it will usually effect your grade. Even if a suit isn't required, wearing something you're comfortable in and know you look smart and professional in is a good confidence booster and people will notice that. The same goes for grooming.

You don't have to dress the same as everyone else to fit in or get laid or achieve most of whatever social goals you may have in mind. I stuck out like a sore thumb for a while for not wearing t-shirts and jeans everyday, I wore a tie to my job on campus, but after a while people got used to it and stopped bugging me about being overdressed. I wasn't terribly fit or outgoing in college, but I still had a fulfilling social life. Standing out for being well-dressed isn't something to be ashamed of and once I realized that and became more comfortable with myself, others did as well. Know what being well-dressed means though.

Dress like the man you are working to become, but don't rush into wearing ties and tailored suits everyday; there'll be plenty of time for that when you're older. Dress as your ideal self would dress on the weekends. If you do wear a sportcoat, keep it extremely casual. The trad/prep movement did a great job at that, don't go the H&M blazer wearing metrosexual route.

 

[musicguy]

If you're looking for poon, see what the guys who get the kind of girls you're looking to get are wearing. Then dress slightly better than them.

 

[alexanduh]

i dont understand why you want older opinions on how young people should dress. imo i think it would end up bias to the preppy sort of style.

nonetheless dress to get laid as much as possible is a good guideline.

 

[Fuuma]

Get two pairs of raw jeans (black/blue)+14 white tees+a nice leather jacket+2-3 sweaters+2 pairs of nice white sneakers. Spend the rest of the money elsewhere. Only good advice you'll need.

If you plan to work in an area where suiting is needed just wait until the end, go to Uniqlo and get like a navy suit, a grey suit 5 dress shirts. Watch sf and get two pairs of good shoes (one black one brown) and a few ties.

 

[gwolf]

in college my only good clothes were for clubbing. even for presentations i wore jeans and stripey am jack shirts. in actual class, board shorts, hoodies, tees, sneakers.. it's only recently i decided to wear more proper clothes. college is probably a good time to be more adventurous though.

fuuma gave some great tips. hell even i can do well with that kind of capsule wardrobe.

 

[Kiwi Man]

Originally Posted by VelvetGreen

There are two considerations at college.

1. Dressing to get laid.

This is so important, because if you do it right and you're a cool guy, you're in a sea of poon.

It is a subtle art. It involves staying attractive in a ruffled, imperfect kind of way (because women don't hate, but are critically and insufferably intimidated by guys who look better than they do) while not looking like a slob. However, when the event/weather/your mood calls for it, make sure you look damn good if you're wearing something semi or maxi-formal. E.g. if it's chino and shirt/Vneck/tie time, try to look dashing/effortlessly slick rather than your grandfather. When it's black tie, do it classically and flawlessly, or wear a velvet jacket with the normal get-up. Chicks really like thinking that they've noticed a 'little something' about how sharp you look. By the way, the kind of girl who doesn't notice this kind of stuff is not the kind of girl you want to spend much time with outside of the bedroom.

Get a stylish pair of jeans, a cool belt, some nice sneakers/shoes/whatever. Button down, faded shirts. But don't get obsessed, because that's weird. Hit the gym. HIT THE GYM. It will do more for your posture and confidence than a thousand Versace suits. Wear plaid shirts. Get a nice haircut and some classic shades.

Be different but don't be eccentric. Never talk about your clothes. Never be the guy who wears the bow tie to talk about it. Be the guy who wears the bow tie because it's what you feel like.

You should wear the suit for a reason. Dont be the weirdo who wears one all the time, with a pair of black gloves and a hat. Not a good look.

Oh, and SHOES. Women look at these and start judging you, because that's how their brains work. Indulge them with little things they like to notice.

Stay clean. Stay away from pornography.

Others can add more.

2. Dressing for social lubrication/influence.

People judge you on how you look/carry yourself. Embrace it. If you're dressed well, people will be intrigued. Play to this in a clever way. Know when it's tracksuit time, know when it's tweed time. Look at what socially eminent types are wearing and play off that. Buy clothes that fit you. Shop in vintage stores to get that worn in look straight away - there's nothing worse than the box-fresh arriviste.

Lastly, what's between your ears and the kind of person you are is more important than what you wear. Good clothing helps you cross the drawbridge, but your silver tongue will help you take the castle. Obsessing about clothing (anything) is unhealthy...

I like this advise. A LOT!