Level Up Gents

Stretch pima cotton boxer brief $19.50

If I were a man, and I do think about this a lot because my life would be so much easier, I think I’d be a boxer brief kinda guy.  And Banana Republic’s stretch pima cotton boxer briefs would be my favorite!  They come in seven different colors (3 which are online exclusive only) and go for $19.50.  This seems a bit hefty for a pair of underwear compared to the pack of Hanes you buy from Target, but I promise you’ll love them.  They are super soft with great elasticity and will last you longer than the average pair.  Read customer reviews, they rave.  Buy a pair and tell me if I’m wrong.

To truly express you sense of style you must embrace layering. The smarter you layer the smarter you’ll look.  Not only does it provide a multitude of ensemble combinations- it gives you numerous opportunities to experiment and show off your personal style. It will also always keeps you prepared for any weather occasion.

For the most part, you want the layers to be visible. This creates a more visually interesting look. Vary the length of each layer, so that each layer can be seen. The easiest, least risky way to add color to your wardrobe is through layering.  You don’t have to gamble nearly as much on that purple sweater when it’s an ensemble player in your look instead of the star.  We love it when a bit of color peeks out from under a jacket lapel – or sweater – or even from between your pant leg and shoe with an arresting pair of socks.

Base layer: t-shirt or undershirt, thin/slim layer first

Primary Top: Polo or button down

Secondary Layer: Hoodie, cardigan, pull over, sweater, vest

Outerwear: Blazer, jacket, or coat

Accessories: Scarf, hat, gloves, pocket square

If you’re straight and it’s a girl- most of your answers would be “Yes please!”  Wear textures.  It’s the best way to get a woman to touch you without having to solicit for it.  My hand is like a magnet on a man when he wears textures.  A unconscious movement.  Textures gives depth and interest to an outfit.  Textured weaves, corduroy, embroidery, super soft fabrics, embellishment details, etc.  Try it out.

Leave the jewelry to the ladies.  This also includes things like earrings, hemp braided necklaces and puka shells.  The only person who can really get away with it is Johnny Depp, Ozzy Osbourne, a rapper, or a professional athlete (although still questionable).  A more subtle way to accessorize with some bling is with watches, cuff links, or tasteful rings.

I didn’t even need to post a picture that shows the dudes head, and whomever he is, he looks like a douche.  Don’t be one.  Don’t wear Ed Hardy. Ever.

I’m a firm believer in investing in a great pair or two of premium denim.  It sounds absurd to spend $150 on a pair of jeans but it’s a prime staple of our wardrobe.  You wear them just about every day.  If you get a great pair that fit you well you’ll know why you paid so much for them.

At least one pair of your jeans should be a dark indigo denim or a pair of raw denim.  You can dress them up or down and can pass in a more formal situation.  You want to protect that dark wash by washing them as least as possible.  And if you do wash them in cold water and turn them inside-out and avoid drying them.

Another alternative is throwing them in the freezer.  Freezer fresh!!  Fold them up and stick them in a plastic bag and squeeze out the air, and throw them in the freezer.  Some say overnight is enough other say a week.  Try them out and preserve your blues.

Most men’s wardrobe consists of black, grays, blues, and white.  So adventurous!  But I’m sure you’ve witnessed a colleague or friend wear a pink or bright colored shirt and get compliments from the ladies all day.  Question is how did he pull that off?   Whether you’re dark-skinned, medium-toned or pale-skinned, you can find appropriate colors for your complexion and get the ladies complimenting YOU all day.

Colors you look your best in:

• pink
• white
• khaki
• baby blue
• gray

Colors you should avoid:

You should stay away from tropical colors and really dark shades. While black and navy blue are hard to avoid altogether because they basically make up the corporate uniform, try to keep them to a minimum and wear only when necessary.

Medium-toned men can have anything from blonde locks to jet-black manes, and their eye color can vary from baby blue to onyx black. If you’re lucky enough to fall in this category, it means that you can wear just about any color and still look sharp. Since light and dark colors both contrast nicely with your skin tone, you can go either way. For bonus points, try matching your shirt with your eye color.

Colors you look your best in:

• beige
• burgundy
• royal blue
• navy
• black
• pink (stripes)

Colors you should avoid:

• pistachio
• mauve
• dark brown
• red
• olive

The only colors that you should really avoid are those that might blend in too closely with your skin tone. For example, if you have an olive complexion, avoid wearing olive-colored or brown clothing.

If you could only look so fly as JT.  D on D is not an acceptable look- even if you are from Canada.  Never leave the house like this.  Denim jacket on a guys is cool but with corduroy, khakis, or maybe even colored denim.  Let’s not go there.