Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society.” I guess that sounds about right.
Last month, my personal trainer, Jason, asked me where guys like him could get “cool” clothes that weren’t too “trendy.” Being that he is what would be called a regular, heterosexual male, who cares just enough about his looks without going into “metrosexual” territory, I thought he had a valid point. What can someone recommend to guys like him who really don’t want to shop but do care enough to ask about clothes?
Baby steps all the way, I say. The average male wants classic good-looking clothing that he feels confident in “putting together” without the help of wife or partner. My critique of the way that most men dress is that their choices usually veer toward bland khaki pants and faded black polo shirts or over-sized clothing that simply doesn’t fit. These days, there are a lot of ways that guys could style themselves if they so choose.
While thinking about his question, I remembered how much I liked the Nautica presentation at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last February. They weren’t rewriting the male fashion aesthetic, but they did have a few valid ideas that every man could use. The veteran retail clothing company always does a great job showcasing their stylistically masculine trends without scaring away consumers with over-the-top looks or being too conventional and stuffy. They walk that fine line between traditional fashion and athletic apparel, and they do it quite well. With that, I will present my top 4 looks from the Nautica presentation, which incidentally is available exclusively at Milwaukee’s own Boston Store and parent company Bon Ton, whose headquarters are located right downtown.
Stripe It Up
The classic striped sweater in winter white with navy stripes is a perfect way to wake up the more somber tones of fall. In case you didn’t know white and off white can be worn year round depending on fabrication and texture. Notice the white watch and putty colored slacks. Here the seafaring look, including the anchor detail on the arm, looks hip without being too much.
Patriot Games
Does the red white and blue combo ever really go out of style? I definitely liked this Le Mans inspired warm up. I thought it looked more automotive than nautical, but either way this transitional fall-into-winter jacket is a winner in my book. The details here are just right, and capture attention in a good way.
Decked Out Dude
Deck shoes and more deck shoes are the order of the day here. Not only in the grey flannel shown here, but also in burnt red, classic blue and grey suede. These types of footwear look way more appropriate for casual wear than your trainers you wear to the gym. Please, guys, leave those at home and take another type of casual shoe for a spin like these deck shoes. Comfort can be fashionable.
Bright Makes Right
Layering with athletic apparel is always the right thing to do for any guy, as long as the pieces aren’t too bulky, like this look. Shades of grey take on a refreshing pop of color from the zippered down vest. I love the royal blue with the bright orange zipper contrasted with the more traditional pea coat and grey twill slacks.
So all you guys that say you don’t care about fashion, actually do. Maybe just not as much as someone like me. Safe bets, sartorially speaking, don’t always have to be boring and bland. The way you present yourself to others can be a huge investment in your life and career, but you do have to put a tiny bit of effort into it. Sticking with well-known and well-made brands is a good thing in this regard. Remember what Mr. Twain said, and start wielding some influence on your own personal style here in Milwaukee.
Check out the behind the scenes look that shows everything that goes into a presentation for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in our photo gallery. Photos courtesy of Nautica.
Also, check out a fashion event I’m hosting on August 28th that benefits AIDS Walk Wisconsin.
