5 Things Women Look For In A Guy’s Style: The Recession Edition
It's Not All About The Money
By Michelle Miller - Below (in no particular order) you’ll find a handful of useful tips on how to go hard for the Ladies…aesthetically…without going broke financially. Clothing is one of the first things that women notice on men, that is no lie. So before grabbing anything up off the floor of your apartment, home or dorm floor, listen up. With these pointers, you’ll know exactly what clothing to buy and still have money left over to wine/dine the girls you’ve charmed with your dapper duds.
5. Girls Dig Guys Who Look Put-Together
The baggy, urban style of dress is out of fashion, fellas. What’s in is a more tapered, “put together” look…denim is slimmer and collared shirts are simpler with nicer fabrics and softer colors… and investment looking pieces complete these looks. A smart coat will help you be suave and looking sharp. Paired with a nice button up in white with dark slim fitting raw denim, and a sweet pair of kicks will easily up guy’s look by 10 points.
4. Get Your Grown-Man On
No woman wants her guy to dress like a stuffy old man, but certain grandpa styles are sexy… One surefire way to look like the mature gentleman that you are is to don a pair of dark-wash denim. Check out brands like Five Four which delivers sleek, clean denim. Pair the dark-wash denim up with a collared shirt, cardigan and a slim tie and you will look like the leading lad in a sweet romantic comedy…. chicks dig those. “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood” after all.
3. Dressing Well Is Risky Business
Women generally appreciate a man who’s willing to take a risk with his wardrobe (Note: ‘risk’ does not equate to ‘disaster’, guys…don’t get too crazy!). Edgy, graphics-laden brands like Dom Rebel are perfect for adding a splash of color and bling to any ensemble… a guy seen out an about in a great graphic tee simply comes off cooler than the guy next to him who’s dressed in something blase. Better yet, this can whisper to a girl… I’m cool, but I’m not trying nor should I have to. Confidence on a man is better than any cologne.
2. Spend Time, Not Money
Not having the means or desire to blow a stack on an outfit won’t automatically relegate you to homely status. Instead, spend a bit of time investigating… there are plenty of high-end brands that scream ‘style’ but won’t cost you a fortune. Check out brands like Alekmy, G-Star Raw (who recently dropped their prices) and before you know it no one will ever know you’re ballin’ on a budget. Great European looks for less. There are so many deals going on in fashion right now you should take advantage. The recession is your fashion advantage.
1. Retail, Reuse, Recycle
Us girls have been doing it for ages, and it’s time to let the fellas in on the secret: it’s neither necessary nor feasible to try and come up with a new outfit for every occasion. Having a few key pieces in your closet will give you a great foundation on which to build an ensemble. For instance, Diesel’s Viker Denim are an amazingly versatile pair of jeans; dress it down with a tee and sneaks or up with a button-down and blazer…both ways will have you looking great. Good key pieces can be mixed and matched to create different looks. Don’t be afraid, being the best looking guy in a room takes a little though, but far less than you think.
Michelle Miller (aka Misha) is the co-author of the M&M Blog along with Marina, the head buyer for online clothing retailer eModa. Mish has no qualms telling you the way she thinks you should hear her. Something we like in a woman. You can visit their blog which focuses on the latest fashion gossip, trends and celebrity news. (Michelle Miller can be reached at michelle @ emoda.com)




Great tips thanks. My ears pricked up tho at the suggestion that G Star is a “budget” brand. Hmmm not in my city (Sydney), in fact it’s still very primo. Maybe Ben Sherman, Industrie and Levis (yes, you can get cool Levis these days believe it or not) would be more suitable for Oz readers.
I’d have to agree that G-Star is not budget in NYC either, except if you can find sale stuff at the end of the season. Also, I don’t think you need to make a case for Levis being cool my friend. They are classic and always will be.
I pretty much got rid of all my jeans and went to levi’s 514’s and 511’s. Perfect cut, right price, all around best deal.
hello all!! it's Michelle. I am telling you that g star is lowering their prices for their fall 2009 collections. You will find much better pricing on the items now that the euro is down. I spent a whole day at their headquaters talking withtheir head wholesale reps and eModa.com will be carring the newly more affordible g star in september!!!
what do you think is the best up and coming budget brand? besides the ones mentioned?
Doubtful that they will ever break into the mainstream (and it sounds like they may choose not to), but the Onvis denim that Jon profiled a few weeks back look really promising.
American Apparel? Insight?
AP is alright…I think a bit overpriced really. If you’re looking for some quality blank T’s hit up TJ max for some CK or Nautica undershirts.
hello all!! it's Michelle. I am telling you that g star is lowering their prices for their fall 2009 collections. You will find much better pricing on the items now that the euro is down. I spent a whole day at their headquaters talking withtheir head wholesale reps and eModa.com will be carring the newly more affordible g star in september!!!