Shirtly Advice

Let’s face it, unfortunately, a man cannot execute every aspect of his day to day life in a finely tailored suit and tie. So where do we go from there? There is undoubtedly a wide range of other fashionable options. We will consider all the clothing you would not wear to a business meeting, wedding, or some other formal event, casual apparel. The entire objective of a casual approach to dress stems on the ease of preparation. A quick shower, a few minutes getting dressed, and you’re into the world to complete your daily barrage of errands and things to do. Why should an easily prepared ensemble be any less interesting than an outfit finely tuned for a night on the town? It shouldn’t, after all you never know where a fine lady will present herself, and being dressed like a schmuck should never be a deterrent to the fairer sex. For now, let’s keep it simple and focus on some upper body basics, and make sure you check out our jean selection to pull together a a great outfit.

A nice clean, well fit shirt will get the most milage of any other article of clothing you may wear. Fortunately for all of us, shirts can be found in an infinite number of colors and styles at a reasonable price point and any location. All of these options can pose a serious problem. How does a man find a shirt which allows him to separate himself from everyone else? Lets start answering this complicated question by reviewing some of the things you should avoid. Maybe you are training to be the next Anderson Silva however, unless you are currently walking from the locker room to the cage, and/or you are getting paid to be seen in it, a man should never wear TapouT, Affliction, or any other apparel related to the UFC. Now I have nothing against the UFC, and I understand most people in that lifestyle could kick my ass, however this goes against one of the fundamental rules laid out in our philosophy.

"Never wear clothing that is easily if at all recognizable as a brand.”

This philosophy also make it easy to eliminate many other brands. Donate your Abercrombie to your Jr. High cousin, get rid of your Ed Hardy, Hurley, and even your Polo. Add to your pile of throw-aways, any seemingly witty quotes or puns you may have found at Urban Outfitters, along with all the old brand or 80’s TV show shirts you bought with them (that Luck Charm, or GI Joe Shirt). Perhaps this is a lot to ask, but consider this your rebirth as a fashionable man. Furthermore, you are now in the working world, it is no longer socially acceptable to brag about how much you can drink, how fast you can drink, or how much you like drinking. This means it is also time to bounce the Bud Light shirt you got on spring break, no matter how wicked a time it was. I will also say the next part as a tribute to my location, your Fraternity shirt was not that cool in college, and it certainly is not any cooler now that you are a professional. Give your Sunday night drinking club T to your girl friend when she spends the night. The discovery of common interest, such as a fraternity, or your love for GI Joe should come through conversation, not a billboard on your chest.

Perhaps you have a few shirts that are a touch to big, maybe you do not know how a shirt should properly fit (if not check out the 101 here), or maybe you actually did steal that shirt out of your dads closet. Either way let’s find a way to eliminate the baggy look. Check out the article on tailoring, or if they are not that important consider donating them to salvation army. Now let’s get started.

We have eliminated a few things from the closet which is awesome because it means we get to fill the space with something new. A great way to go about filling that space is to think versatility. I’m going to start by highlighting a few shirts which will get some extra miles of wear, versus getting too crazy (but do not worry, we will get there). Think simple. Simple colors, cuts, and designs. Simple shirts can say a few different things, they are clean and classy and they allow you the opportunity to focus on a different aspect of your outfit.

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Take a look at this simple long sleeve T by Oliver Spencer. Matched appropriately this shirt presents a very clean cut man and, it’s comfortable. Perfect for your weekend running around. This shirt works so well as a layer piece too. It provides you an opportunity to bring attention directly to your face. Leave it unbuttoned and throw a red or orange shirt on underneath and the color contrast will bring the eye directly to your mug shot. Just make sure you get a good shave in, no point getting a dames attention if you look like you just got out of prison.

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This shirt might walk the simplicity line just a touch, but believe me by the time spring rolls around there will be purple everywhere. Throw on a black or white shirt underneath if you need the warmth, but either way it should turn some heads for a few more months. In case you were wondering £24 is about 36$.

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If you are not familiar with the Theory brand, here is your introduction. They are very nice, fashionable line, with good quality. The simple black and gray T goes great with any pair of jeans you have in your wardrobe. Rock this during the day or maybe if you feel like dressing down your nightlife, or if you are trying to wash out a much bolder aspect of your wardrobe. You can pick this up off the Saks website or swing by there on your lunch break. The price is definitely higher than the other two options, however those are the costs of wearing designer clothing.