Brian is literally the male version of myself, and we tend to share many of the same opinions where fashion is concerned. We have even repeated the same photos of manly style in our respective blog posts! I would like to corroborate that while yes, it is wonderful to be a man and to be able to roll out of bed, squish some gel through your hair (or not), shave (or not), and throw on the first thing you find on the floor that doesn't smell (or maybe still does smell), it is still incredibly important to be well-dressed.
If you are looking for ladies, I promise you that wearing clothes that fit, that give you confidence, and that look put together will land you with 10x the attention that you would have received had you just dragged yourself out of bed and thrown on yesterday's outfit. Literally, nothing turns my head faster than a man who knows how to dress, which brings me to the topic of jeans. Jeans were invented in 1873 by one Levi Strauss as a versatile, yet comfortable, manner of dress for cowboys and farmers and have since evolved into a staple of our everyday wardrobe. I'm sure you are all aware that denim jeans may be worn casually or can be dressed up, but it does not appear that everyone is aware of how jeans should truly be worn.
Now, jeans are available for purchase in venues that run the gamut from Sam's Club to Yves Saint Laurent, and products purchased at any of these venues have their perks and pitfalls; however, it is essential when shopping for denim to avoid some of these looks that I snapped at Jazz in the Park in Milwaukee a few weekends ago.
DO NOT STEP OUT OF YOUR HOUSE IN JEANS LIKE THESE:
The male derriere can be a truly wonderful thing. Girls want to see it, but not because your pants are hanging so low that it is sticking out over the waist band so that your boxers hang out. Save that for the bedroom. And if you feel the need to wear jeans that are acid washed, stained, or pleated in any way, please wear them so that these modifications are in the anatomically correct positions.
Here is a quick guide for finding jeans that'll make the ladies swoon.
1) Figure out what size you actually are. This may take a bit of trial and error. When you go to buy a new pair of jeans, find a style you think you may like, grab a pair in the size that you think you are and then when you try them on size up or down accordingly. If you are too lazy to go through the trouble of retrieving additional sizes yourself, you can always ask the shop associate or stylist to grab them for you. Also, remember that when trying on jeans across brands, sizes may change, so be open to trying on more than one pair in the style you've selected.
2) Determine where you'll be wearing your jeans the most. If you need something for casual Friday at the office, think about something that most closely mirrors your favourite suit pants (probably something fitted and darker wash). If you want to upgrade your style for running errands on the weekend, a relaxed fit in a lighter wash may be better for you.
3) Avoid artificial stains, washes, rips, tears, etc. When Abercrombie&Fitch and Hollister were in their heyday, these tears and stains were hugely popular; however, now that that time has passed, those styles are dated. Stick to simpler, more classic styles. These will likely end up saving you money and the time it takes to shop for new jeans as they will stay in style longer than those distressed and acid washed styles.
4) Consider the shoes that you will be wearing with your jeans. If you are planning on wearing a pair of running shoes, skinny jeans are not going to work for you, so stick to a wider-legged athletic cut. If you are planning on wearing a pair of alligator loafers, stick to a more tapered ankle.
5) I have to say it: the crotch. Now, I've said that girls love a good man booty, but just because we like to see the junk in the trunk it does not mean that we want to see everything you've got. Some bodies are just not made for a skinny jean. When trying on new denim, please remember to give yourself some room to breathe, and also consider what you'll be carrying in your pockets. Try sticking your keys, wallet, and phone in the pockets of the jeans you are trying on to see how that changes the silhouette and styling of your new duds.
6) Be a risk taker. My boyfriend is in the military and essentially lives in uniform, but on his most recent trip home, he decided that he wanted to step up his style a bit. At first, he was reluctant to try anything aside from the wide-legged, loose-fitting, light washed jeans that his mom bought for him in high school, but after the first pair of dark-wash semi-skinny fit jeans he tried on, he was hooked. I forced him out of his comfort zone, which he resisted at first, but once he started to see how well the new skinnier fitting jeans fit and made his shape stand out, it became easier to determine size, style, and he was better able to start creating actual outfits. Even after he bought the jeans, he was reluctant to wear them, but once I got him out of the house in them, he was complimented right away on how he looked and it was clear to see how confident that made him feel.
To get you started, here are some snaps of some jeans that embody all of my denim rules. They are all from Nordstrom, are all reasonably priced, and I have tried to include a variety of different washes.
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| Boot Cut |
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| Relaxed Fit |
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| Skinny Fit |
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| Slim Fit |
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| Straight Cut |
Remember, you don't have to spend a ton of money to find a great pair of jeans, but please keep in mind that just because it is in the store, does not mean that it is in style. Take the time to find something that fits, looks classic, and works with your shape. I promise you won't be disappointed with the use of your time!
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