I am a 17 year old guy looking for some new clothes, and I would really appreciate any help/suggestions I could get.
Q. Hi, I am a 17-year-old guy looking for some new clothes, and I would really appreciate any help/suggestions I could get. I am average height and weight, and, as far as personality goes, I am relatively reserved. Could you please help me with some suggestions and such on what to buy? (nothing too expensive)
- Mason, Ohio.
A. You are incredibly smart to understand that your style and look is an expression of who you are and because you are reserved it's even more important to have other outlets of communicating who you are and what you want people to know about you. As you keep growing in life your style will also evolve. My first answer to your question is an exercise that you can use at any stage of life to ensure your style is always the best representation of you. Continue reading for some practical and inexpensive clothing essentials to start developing your new look.
Answered by Stylist, Kenny Hazelwood
Signature Style Phrase
I have a simple but powerful exercise to help you get clear on what message you want to convey using your clothes.
- Make a list of your best personality traits and or how you want others to see and think of you. Really think about each word and write why that trait resonates with you.
- Narrow the list down to only three descriptive words that resonate and feel really good and true. These three words are now your Signature Style Phrase.
- From this point, you only buy clothes, socks, accessories that align with at least 2 of your 3 words of your style phrase.
- Get excited about these words and memorize them. Write them on your closet wall, someplace that is always visible when you are getting dressed. You will start to build a wardrobe that feels good and makes you excited to get dressed everyday!
Essential Fashion Basics
You do not need to spend much money on building a new wardrobe if you focus on buying the right pieces. Start with accumulating great fitting fashion "basics" that can easily be layered together to create an everyday casual but, cool look. I've listed the most essential basics to start with, along with some additional resources to inspire you, teach you how to style each piece and what to wear to any event.
Denim: Invest in skinny or slim denim pants in a medium and dark wash so you can use them year round. Dark for fall winter and medium or light for the summer and spring. Look for jeans at Cotton On, Target, Old Navy, H&M, or even Goodwill have great prices for pants. Skinny Denim $35 at H&M
Tees: Be bold and playful choose a cool graphic or logo tee (Target has the best all under $20) or pick some basic clean cotton tops. Stick to neutral colors, white, tan, gray, even a deep green, and a couple in your favorite pop colors. You can also grab tops with prints, I suggest a thin stripe just for texture. Graphic Tee $15 at Target
Jean Jacket: Now its time for your layering pieces, I know it's warm out but a denim jacket for a guy is universal because it goes with everything- casual or dressy. And it's versatile enough for any time of the year. You can also wear it anyway, on or off the shoulder, tied around the waist, or even hanging off your arms. Jean Jacket $50 at H&M
Shoes: For your shoes, a white or tan sneaker will go with most looks. CALL IT SPRING has great deals for shoes both casual and dress. Even ROSS or KOHLs have great shoes for a low price point. Tan Sneakers, $50 at Call It Spring
Follow: PAUSE Magazine aims to inspire young men to push the boundaries of everyday fashion. On their Instagram account, PAUSE provides fashion inspiration for everyday men by giving them options they can afford or rework from clothes that they possibly already own. Instagram.com/Pause Online
Subscribe: Follow style with a subscription to GQ Men's Magazine. The publication focuses on fashion, style, and culture for men, though articles on food, movies, fitness, sex, music, travel, sports, technology, and books are also featured. GQ 1 Year Subscription $10