Hey everyone, I'm a college student and I would describe my sense of fashion as either non-existent or nondescript. I don't dress terribly according to most people, but then again I suppose people on this forum wouldn't touch typical college apparel (abercrombie, a.e, etc) with a ten foot pole.
I'm 18, and I feel that at this age I should invest in a new wardrobe and develop my own sense of style. I was wondering if you guys could perhaps point me in the right direction and suggest some things that could help me establish the foundation of any man's wardrobe. For example, this could be a helpful suggestion, "every man needs black dress shoes, some excellent brands include blah blah blah" or "You need at least so and so pairs of jeans, these brands are high quality and an excellent value." Although I'm willing to invest a decent amount of money into this wardrobe, please keep in mind I am in college and would very much prefer cheaper (if possible) alternatives to very expensive brands.
If this isn't the right forum for such an inquiry I'd appreciate if you guys could redirect me to an appropriate one.
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I find that when your trying to nail down the basics of a wardrobe its essential to start with the basics of clothing; underwear, undershirts, socks. Great place to start! Then once your set move on its essential to have one great pair of jeans (levis 501's will never go out of style), a pair of chinos is a must, a pair of decent shoes (dependent on the occasion), and dress shirts (subject to your taste). But i feel like these things are the building blocks
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appreciate the advice, but could you name some decent brands for the items you suggested?
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Follow the Steetwear forum's advice with denim and casual wear, follow the Men's Clothing forum's advice when it comes to dress shoes, suits, etc. And every man does need a pair of black dress shoes, and you will be told repeatedly that Allen Edmonds Park Avenues are the de facto entry-level black dress shoe, because it is.
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Good advice. The forum is a great place for advice although being a fellow college student one needs to learn to be the most frugal with his money. Just be wary of trends shoot not for something that is hott right now but moreso something that is timeless
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I joined these forums knowing little about men's clothing, and I'm in the process of overhauling my wardrobe myself. Brands depend on your price range and the fit you're looking for. This is a bare bones list that I've worked out for myself:
- Boxer briefsOver-the-calf socks, shades slightly darker than trousersWhite V-neck undershirts1 pair of jeans1 pair of khaki chinos1 pair of brown cords2 pairs of gray trousers1 pair of tan trousers (not chinos)3 OCBD (1 blue)1 white dress shirt with French cuffs (+ accompanying cuff links)2 white dress shirts with barrell cuffs3 colored/patterned dress shirts with barrell cuffs (1 blue)Ties - solid grenadine, striped, and patterns3 V-neck sweaters2 cardigans1 navy blazer1 tweed sportcoat1 single-breasted solid navy suit1 single-breasted solid charcoal/gray suit1 peacoat1 pair of leather gloves1 winter cap1 scarf1 black belt1 dark brown or burgandy belt, depending on shoes1 pair of black captoe oxfords2 pair of dark brown brown or burgandy lace-ups or monk straps1 tailor (not a seamstress)
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^^^ This is fine for somebody who works in a office 5 days a week and already knows their own tastes, but a college student is going to get to wear half of that stuff only a few times a year. Unless he's building a wardrobe for a job, and he knows exactly what kind of dress code his job will have, most of that stuff can wait.
I'm not crazy about lists, either, unless you absolutely need all of these things for a new job or something, because you end up buying all sorts of things now because you think you need them right away when you could have spent time finding pieces you're really happy with and often at a discount. Take your time, think of one thing you would wear immediately and a lot (i.e. navy v-neck sweater, brown Chelseas, etc.), and find one of those that you love. Someone who admittedly doesn't have their own sense of style yet shouldn't be blowing $1K on clothes when they don't really know what they want t look like in the first place. Just keep looking around and find looks that you like. Since you're in college, I'd recommend hitting up the WAYWT thread in the Streetwear forum, as the looks are going to be much closer to what you would wear day in and day out to class and out at night.
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I recommend that you go slowly. College is not a great time to blow a lot of money on clothes. Why not focus on a few things at first, e.g., a nice pair of jeans, a few button-up shirts, a sweater or two? Wearing leather shoes also upgrades your look. Unless you're already wealthy, check out the JCrew sales for good stuff at decent prices. The BR outlets are also great for chinos and better than average basic short and long sleeve tees.
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I'd agree with this. You're 18. You only need one suit (probably gray or navy pinstripe), couple dress shirts and ties and a pair of black captoe for formal events or job interviews. Also, you're young. Have fun. Wear AF and AE if you like but don't go overboard and make sure they fit, ie., no oversized baggy jeans and hoodies like other typical college guys. The most important thing is fit. You're better off with cheap clothes that fit than expensive ones that don't.
And get laid. :slayer:
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Whoops, my bad. I swear I thought I read the OP. :embar:
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Climate and body type are major unknown factors. That said, the list already provided contains many of the necessities: black dress shoes (lace-up), flat-front pants that aren't jeans (tan probably is the best color), jeans (dark-wash, please), v-neck sweaters (get some crewnecks, too), button-front shirts, a white dress shirts and probably a few in other colors and patterns for night life. Unless it's a warm climate, a peacoat (or other semi-casual jacket) is needed.
Some additions, which you might already have, are tee shirts and, assuming you're reasonably fit (or skinny), polos. Original Penguin makes polos that ought to work for most college students. Athletic and probably non-athletic sneakers are needed, as are casual shoes/boots, such as monkstraps or loafers.
A sportcoat (velvet, for instance) might be good for going out, while a navy blazer and a charcoal suit will be needed sooner or later. Those that fit the incoming college student might not fit him for very long. Ties will be needed, too.
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For a college budget and a place to start exploring personal style I'd recommend moving from AF/AE to Jcrew/BR. You're still pretty young and may find BR a little to dressy/uptight. Jcrew maybe a better option for a more "upscale preppy" option at a reasonable price.
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Jeans- APC New Standard or Rescues. You can wear these every day.
Shoes- Clarks Desert boot in tan suede or brown beeswax leather. Again, every day.
American Apparel- find access to a wholesale account for polo shirts, t's, henleys.
Jcrew-sale sweaters and a couple button downs.
One gently used Engineered Garments lightweight jacket.
Ray Ban Aviators
You could do that for about $700. Spread it out over 7 months.
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You could try out the H&M stuff. It is better fitting that stuff like AE and AF... and it imitates a lot of the more expensive brands.
For a college student, a nice pair of jeans will be a staple. Make sure to get these and don't skimp on quality. A great pair of jeans is worn very, very often so in the ratio of wear/cost, expensive jeans turn out to be really cheap.