Critique my style (pictures)

[a!!!!1]

I just finished college, I'm 22, and I'd like to get a critique of how
I dress and see if you guys have any ideas about how to improve my
"style" or any items you think I should pick up (or any things you
don't like about what I already wear).

Business
Suit, high quality dress shirt (no button down collars), tie, dress
shoes, USUALLY pocket square (I forgo the square sometimes if I'll be
moving around a lot and don't want to have to keep readjusting it).
Notes: I run my own business so I don't have a dress code per say, I
just choose to wear a suit so I look professional, plus due to the
nature of the business I look a lot more credible if I look like I
have more money. I'm thinking about picking up a bespoke suit and a
nicer pair of shoes and then retiring the ones I have.




Casual (lunch with friends, parties, etc)
Khakis (or colored chinos depending on the event), sport shirt,
loafers (no socks - I have pairs in cognac, dark brown, black, and tan/white spectator style).
Or - Jeans, sport shirt, boat shoes (for going to more casual
bars/clubs, although I'm not a huge fan of jeans).
Notes: I'm thinking about picking up a casual suit, maybe something in
a tan/khaki color, and maybe some different shoes although I'm not
really sure what (maybe espadrilles?) I also prefer to wear sport
coats as opposed to just khakis/shirt without the sport coat, but I
don't have many and it feels overdressed sometimes.





Very Casual (going to the grocery store, etc)
Khaki shorts, either a sport shirt / polo / t-shirt, and sneakers /
boat shoes / flip flops.
Notes: None really. Maybe get some new casual shoes.





Dates
Khakis/chinos, sport shirt, loafers or boat shoes, and sometimes a
sport coat or blazer. Sometimes shorts and a blazer if it's too hot.
Notes: Sometimes it's too hot to wear a sport coat, or sometimes I'll go out with girls who don't dress that well (unfortunately a lot of college girls still wear jeans and polos to go out) and I feel ridiculously overdressed, so it'd be nice if there were a way to dress down slightly without ruining my personal style. Also can you even wear a blazer
(with metal buttons) to casual events / lunches and such or do most
people reserve them for "real stuff"? I'm also thinking about picking
up a couple more casual sport coats, maybe one in light pink and one
in a light tan or something.






Let me know what you think, if there are any things you think I can
improve, any items you think I should purchase or any items I already
have that you think I should throw away.

[deanayer]

tricky to tell but let me kick it off by saying that in the first few pics where you have long pants on you have too much break. The pants all could be hemmed up an inch. Having the pants pool too much around your ankles doesn't look good and I personally think it tends to make people look shorter.

For BUSINESS you wrote:
"I'm thinking about picking up a bespoke suit and a nicer pair of shoes and then retiring the ones I have."


You need 3-4 pairs of decent shoes you can rotate and mix/match for different occasions, not one great pair you end up burning out. Don't retire suits - rotate them. Don't get a bespoke suit it wont last if you are 22, wait till your 30. Your shape is going to change and you will never get the wear out of a bespoke if you buy one now. You can get 3-4 great suits for the same money and look just as good. PLease don't buy any square toe'd shoes !

for CASUAL:

The scalloped tails on the shirt you are wearing untucked are telling you to tuck them in. Shirts that are cut straight across are what you wear untucked - untucked isn't a style its a mistake, you just finished college, leave that move back at college ;-)

VERY CASUAL:

It doesnt really matter as long as your clean, very casual is the same as "I am barely even trying to cloth myself today" dont worry how you do it. Lose the flip flops in public however - another thing to leave behind at college.

DATES:

You're 22 so you can still pull this off and blame it on youthful exuberance but generally a blazer and shorts combined is reserved for Bermuda ;-) I think it looks ok on you but in a few years you may want to not combine the two.

Advice: take a look at jcrew or similar for some seriously casual blazers, unlined, cotton, linen or khaki - ones that have no structure and can be almost jammed in a duffel bag (dont!) these are great for bringing it up a notch without it looking like your trying - yeah its a jacket but its so casual it only sets you apart as sharp instead of overdressed. Get a pair of navy khaki pants to go with what you own already. They aren't dress pants but they are sharper than jeans and you have the clothes already to mix and match with.

...and a Compliment: You mix colors well in general and relative to your skin tone (Cant see your hair so I cant say more about it).

[Jovan]

... "navy khaki pants"?

[WouldaShoulda]

Is that a watch??

It looks huge, you may want to tone that down a bit.



Flip flops are for the beach.

The boat shoes are better. Tie them.

The pants are a little long overall but generally quite pleasent!!

[PatentLawyerNYC]

I can't think of a word to describe an odd jacket paired with shorts other than "insane." Take that with a grain of salt, though. I've got about a decade of bottle age on you, and my tannins have softened considerably.

[Top Guns]

As for your business attire, that picture is so out of focus we can barely see your clothes. However, yes--the pants are too long.

Tie your shoes if you have laces.

Flip-flops are okay for exceptionally casual around-the-house wear, but avoid them when going anywhere in public.

Please don't add a blazer to shorts. This does not look like a well put-together ensemble, but more like an afterthought of trying dress up something that is already dressed down. Much like putting lipstick on a pig.

Tuck in your dress shirts. Your polos and tees can be worn untucked and will generally look good--youthful even. However with dress shirst it looks unkempt and sloppy.

You have a good build and the clothing you wear can flatter that. Therefore, wear the clothing that does so and wear it well. It will make you look at the top of your game, and that will increase your confidence in your appearance which will make you look even that much better!

I must say I am VERY impressed that you choose to dress nicely for business when it is not necessary. I believe you are right on the money with presenting a strong appearance (we'll put it that way) can make a very big difference in how you are perceived. If you were to dress as posted in the other photos, you would probably come off as a young fellow with not much going. Whether this is true or not is immaterial when it comes to others' snap judgments.

[Gromson]

I also think the watch is too large. If you're looking for a more refined look, a more refined watch would be a requirement.

[a!!!!1]

Thanks for all the replies. Is it true that having a shorter break will make me look taller? I'm pretty short (5'7") so I definitely want to avoid doing anything that makes me look even shorter.

I'll save the flip flops for home/beach wear like most people said and switch them out for boat shoes. Are there any other shoes that look nice in a very casual setting?

It seems almost unanimous that a blazer or sport coat with shorts is too sloppy, is this a sort of fashion no-no or more just personal opinion, like wearing logo'd vs. logo-less shirts? I like doing it because for one I live in Houston and wearing pants and long sleeves all day is HOT, but also because you barely see anyone doing it and I like how it stands out while still remaining a step above most people - although I have been wearing shorts less and less since I graduated.

I admit a more refined watch may blend in better with my overall appearance but I like this watch a lot and I'd like to stick with it. Maybe in the future I'll pick up another piece but that's a question for another day.

[CuffDaddy]

For a 22 year old, you're doing great. You've gotten lots of good constructive criticism in the thread, but the main message (IMHO) ought to be that you are well ahead of the curve for someone straight out of college.

[Jovan]

Shorter break indeed has the effect of lengthening the legs. I would even go for no break at all.

[a!!!!1]

What do you all think about rolling up sleeves? For example if you're wearing a sport shirt, shorts, and boat shoes. I don't like rolling them up with pants because I think it looks sloppy (even though I often want to because it's so hot), but with shorts I do it a lot when it's hot ... is this something some of you frown upon?

[Apatheticviews]

This is just a personal peeve of mine, but shirts are "cut" to be tucked or untucked. If they are "cut" longer in the back, than in the front, tuck them in. If they are even all the way around, they you "may" have an option.

The dress shirts you untucked, are specifically designed NOT to be worn that way. The same can be said for the pink polo you have pictured.

No, that said... There are similar shirts available with the proper cut which would probably work well. Again, just a personal pet peeve.

The other thing that comes to mind, for me at least is wearing long shirts with short pants. Especially adding a jacket to said ensemble.

[ykurtz]

For a first date, I'd probably keep the spectators in the shoebox. An exception to this might be if you're going out with someone patently bohemian, artsy, etc., versus a more conventional gal. I think there are more opportunities for a poor first impression than there are for a good first impression re: those shoes.

[J.Marko]

You might want to consider buttoning your cuffs - is that a "look"? To me it just looks like you forgot to button them, in a bad way. Rolling them up half way is always an option for casual. Good color choices!

[Hanzo]

I'm from San Diego so flip flops, in my eyes, don't get put away in college. I'd say that location dictates that. I'm not too familiar with Houston, so I don't know, but I wouldn't necessarily ban them from public attire as an absolute.

Other than that, I think everybody else here offers some good advice. The one thing I would add though is that while dressing well is desirable at any age, it also depends on who you're dressing for. When it comes to the cut of the shirt determining whether it should be tucked in or not, what is correct is not what is fashionable. Some might call it a college look, but if you're dressing for a casual day out with college aged friends, they'll be more at ease if you fit in, which this can accomplish. The same thing CAN apply in business. Being impeccibly dressed doesn't mean anything if you end up alienating a client because you made them feel underdressed.

Valuable business lesson: play the game.

[Beardmidget]

Re. rolled cuffs:

I know some who say that one should only roll if you have/ or are likely to have work to do.
For my part, I have to roll on weekdays (hospital sleeves), but am frequently to be found doing it at other times. It seems to give a very different feel to the same outfit with short sleeves- almost more laid back (whereas a short sleeve is a very deliberate decision).

Re. Tucked/ Untucked:

I agree on dress shirts, but on polos/knits- these are items which are exceedingly difficult to pull off tucked- It can be very 'fashion-forward', but I suspect most just look like Larry David.

[Claybuster]

Tuck shirts
Tie Shoes
No Blazer/Sport Coat with shorts
Smaller Watch

Yep...I agree with the other gentlemen
I love the spectators.
You are already waaaaaay ahead of most people your age. Good show!

Danny

[Jovan]

You might want to consider buttoning your cuffs - is that a "look"? To me it just looks like you forgot to button them, in a bad way. Rolling them up half way is always an option for casual. Good color choices!

I agree.

Re. rolled cuffs:

I know some who say that one should only roll if you have/ or are likely to have work to do.
For my part, I have to roll on weekdays (hospital sleeves), but am frequently to be found doing it at other times. It seems to give a very different feel to the same outfit with short sleeves- almost more laid back (whereas a short sleeve is a very deliberate decision).

Re. Tucked/ Untucked:

I agree on dress shirts, but on polos/knits- these are items which are exceedingly difficult to pull off tucked- It can be very 'fashion-forward', but I suspect most just look like Larry David.

There's nothing stodgy nor fashion forward about a tucked in polo. They were meant for it to begin with.

[a!!!!1]

For a first date, I'd probably keep the spectators in the shoebox. An exception to this might be if you're going out with someone patently bohemian, artsy, etc., versus a more conventional gal. I think there are more opportunities for a poor first impression than there are for a good first impression re: those shoes.

Yeah that's been an issue for me, not really with the spectators per say but with dressing well in general. A lot of the girls I date do dress well and attend the same functions I do, but I like to date many different types of girls and often I'll get ones who like wearing jeans/polos or shorts/t-shirt to go out and if I show up in a blazer and loafers something just feels "off" (I'm very comfortable in the way I dress, I just find it a little goofy almost to see how much we contrast). Whether you like to admit it or not, too much contrast between the two of you can be off-putting and girls often give up on guys they feel are TOO unattainable. So sometimes I purposely dress down and perhaps wear khaki shorts, a t-shirt, and some drivers if I know the girl will be in something similar. Does anyone else experience this?

[Top Guns]

Re: break in pants; a small break or no break at all will lengthen you legs and make you look taller. Also, ensure you don't wear pants with cuffs. Finally, make sure to wear your dress pants at your natural waist instead of low on the hips. Lower pants lengthen the torso and shorten the legs. Therefore, be very careful about the type and fit of any jeans you may wear.

Also, when wearing ANY shirt untucked, it has the same effect of lengthening your torso and shortening your legs. If you want to look taller and well proportioned, tuck in your shirts.

Re: rolling sleeves; Feel free if you are wearing a shirt with no jacket. It is (IMHO) much better looking than wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt. However, NEVER wear a short sleeved dress shirt with any suit jacket, blazer, or sportcoat. You can get along with a polo under such jackets, but avoid the short sleeved dress shirt at all costs. Again, just my opinion.

If you want to wear short sleeves with jeans or shorts, then wear a polo or a henley.

Re: size of watch; when you wear your watch with a suit, does your buttoned shirt cuff cover the watch, or does the watch prevent the cuff from covering your wrist? If the watch affects the wear of your shirt, then it is too big, regardless of how much you like it.

Re: sportcoat with shorts; nobody else doing it should be your first clue. You could wear a suit jacket with no sleeves, too. I'm sure nobody is doing that either. However, the effect of doing so would be the opposite of the desired effect, I think. Nobody does it because it looks alien. When you do it, I would expect you look alien, whether you receive compliments or not. The TRUE compliment would be if you see the people who complimented you on that particular look emulating it. If you don't see that happening, then be very wary of it being actually approved.

One more tip about presenting yourself: avoid putting your hands in your pockets unless you are placing or removing objects. The confident man can easily stand without stuffing his hands in his pockets. Confidence is appealing, and people react to those subtle cues.

As far as your age, I wish I was as put-together as you when I was 22. You show great maturity in asking for assistance in these matters. I am very impressed!

[deanayer]

"Yeah that's been an issue for me, not really with the spectators per say but with dressing well in general. A lot of the girls I date do dress well and attend the same functions I do, but I like to date many different types of girls and often I'll get ones who like wearing jeans/polos or shorts/t-shirt to go out and if I show up in a blazer and loafers something just feels "off" (I'm very comfortable in the way I dress, I just find it a little goofy almost to see how much we contrast). Whether you like to admit it or not, too much contrast between the two of you can be off-putting and girls often give up on guys they feel are TOO unattainable. So sometimes I purposely dress down and perhaps wear khaki shorts, a t-shirt, and some drivers if I know the girl will be in something similar. Does anyone else experience this?"

Not any more !!

but seriously - they may be feeling the need to bring their game up to match yours. they may even appreciate the fact that you aren't the next slob to ask them out (as long as you don't go to overboard - keep the outfit appropriate for the activity and the setting and nothing else).

[a!!!!1]

What do you guys think about the fit of the clothes? I have my suits altered to fit nicely, I have my casual pants shortened a little, and that's about it. Aside from shortening the pants a little more, are there any other issues regarding the fit of anything?

Also, regarding tucking shirts to make you look taller via shortening your torso and lengthening your legs - is it a fact that doing this makes you look taller? It never really occurred to me, in fact I thought untucking a shirt would make me look taller by lengthening my torso; seeing as I'm already a short guy and my torso is shorter than most guys', sometimes I think I just look "small" when I tuck and don't cover it up with a jacket. This might also be related to the pants being too long, I'm not sure.

Re: size of watch; when you wear your watch with a suit, does your buttoned shirt cuff cover the watch, or does the watch prevent the cuff from covering your wrist?

LOL, no, the cuff fits nicely over the watch and leaves just a little of the watch peeking out, which I like. It's a Breitling Super Avenger, so if you're familiar with watches you might have an idea of how they look. It's a pretty big watch, but it's not so ridiculously huge as to prevent me from putting my shirts on.

[Sean1982]

Agree with most people, never wear that blazer with those shorts again!

[Top Guns]

Tucking in the shirt and wearing pants at your natural waist tends to make the body more balanced and will not accentuate shorter legs.

[a!!!!1]

Don't retire suits - rotate them. Don't get a bespoke suit it wont last if you are 22, wait till your 30. Your shape is going to change and you will never get the wear out of a bespoke if you buy one now. You can get 3-4 great suits for the same money and look just as good. PLease don't buy any square toe'd shoes !

I have 2 suits now and each was about $500 I think. Is this good for an OTR suit or would it be better for me to pick up 1 or 2 higher quality OTR suits, especially since I do need to project a certain image when doing business? Or do you think these are fine?

What are square toed shoes? I have a couple cheap pairs of Bostonian laceups and some slip-ons, but if you can recommend some nice black shoes that you think I should get, I'll check them out.

Also, for the casual look, if I'm wearing a button down and chinos, I'll be wearing loafers or boat shoes all the time. Are there any other good shoe choices that I could check out for casual outfits like this?