Helping the XY chromosome

First question: what's the most important thing when dressing/styling men?


THE answer: It's all about the fit.


I grew up watching my mom arrange a visual and color-coordinated display of garments for my dad EVERY single morning... and she's still doing it to this day. It might seem like mechanical routine, but the more I think about it it's the evidence of styling at its best. 


With this in mind I have been thinking on how to give men some useful and simple advice on the matter of deciding what to wear and how.


That moment in the morning when you're standing confused, staring into your closets can be definitely puzzling for most of you guys. 


Ok, honest moment ahead: I know that those of you who go around saying they don't care about what to wear...are lying, yes, lying. Even the least interested man invests a couple of minutes picking clothes and shoes (whether they fit or match) and that is a small form of caring. So, for all of you, here it goes:


For me fashion is all about self expression. I will not give you an unbreakable set of rules. Some men are more fashion oriented than others, just like women. The one thing I believe to be unbreakable and mandatory for all is FIT.


It doesn't really matter if you are more of a sporty kind of guy, preppy, rock star or classic as long as you know what fits you well and suits your frame. 


Some examples:

Sweaters do not need to be too tight and you can all wear them. Remember you will use them over another piece of clothing, so it's best for them to be a bit roomy and have them sitting above your hips. If they're too short they will look borrowed, and if they're too long they will make you look shorter. Make sure the shoulders fit good, the seam should not fall over your shoulders.


Whether you're tall, average or have a Tom Cruise kind of frame (usually smaller than most ladies) your pants (jeans too!) should always be perfectly hemmed. 


The idea is for the boot to gracefully fall under your ankles, not your heels! Pants that are too long will shorten your legs and create hideous bags at the end of them, making the pants look like a pair your taller cousin used to wear... (watch and learn from Mr. Cruise)

Basics will never fail you. When in a rut I will recommend to stick to the basics: great khakis/pants, dependable jeans, crisp white/black shirt, soft cotton t shirt, collarless sweater...


You can give all these a twist by adding  a quirky cool pair of shoes (boots, loafers, tennis shoes).


Let's repeat and watch Jamie Foxx: It's all about the FIT!

So you sporty men out there make sure your sweatshirts and jeans are the right size and length. 


Mr. Classics, keep in mind shirts and suits are meant to fall gracefully and not look like they're borrowed or made of lycra! (I've seen some of you do this and it breaks my heart every single time). 


And the ones in between, Mr. Casuals, go ahead and enjoy experimenting with shirts, jeans, t shirts, khakis, pants, cool shoes and jackets, but never forget to look twice at the mirror with objective eyes.


And ALL of this goes to the XX chromosomes reading... use this with the men around you when possible.