This one’s for the guys.

This semester, SPM has a large number of female staff writers; SPM only has two men to about 15 women on staff. It’s no wonder then, that the first two issues of SPM included fashion stories geared towards the ladies. But men don’t need to be told to stay away from Ugg boots and sweat pants that say PINK across the butt.

This week should prove different.

Depending on where the party is going down, or which club is hot at the moment, different styles go with different areas. What is acceptable on Mill Avenue may not be at a Scottsdale establishment.

“I went to a [Scottsdale] club with some of my male friends and one of them couldn’t get in because he wasn’t wearing nice shoes,” psychology senior Jen Rosenberg says. “You definitely need to dress nicer over there.”

Gavin Jacobs, a 2005 ASU graduate and owner of Insight Menswear located in the MU, has his own take on what to wear out. “It’s all based on where you go,” he says. “But if it’s Scottsdale, I recommend a nice button down, with designer jeans and a nice pair of shoes.”

The word “nice” seems to be tossed around quite often in discussions of fashion and clothing. Nice may be something purely in the eye of the beholder, but for those who have no clue, Jacobs does offer some tips on which brands to look for. “Ben Sherman is good, along with DKNY,” he says. “Lacoste is pretty popular as well.”

Finding something that is nice may be easier for some than others. The color. The fabric. The fit. All of these issues arise when shopping for nice clothes. What goes best with what? Which fabric is better than which? These issue shouldn’t stop anyone from looking good. “You want it to look good, but comfort is also very important,” Jacobs says. “A wool blazer is great for a night out, even if it’s just worn over a t-shirt with some jeans.”

Scottsdale may be a popular place to party, but it isn’t the only place.

For those that want to stay closer to campus (or who just want to avoid Scottsdale all together), Mill Avenue is a hot destination.

“Going out to Mill is a little different,” Jacobs says. “It’s way more casual. You can really go in a lot of different directions [with clothing].”

If the destination is a dive bar, or something similar, like a sports bar, the options really open up. “Dives are great for just wearing a t-shirt with some cargo shorts and sandals,” Jacobs says. “A button-down may be too much.”

Sometimes, though, classing it up isn’t for everyone. Pre-film production freshman Clayton Porter really just likes to keep it casual and relaxed. “When I do go out, I really like to keep it simple,” he says. “I wear a lot of shorts, plaid or cargo, with a t-shirt or polo.”

Things to avoid:
Having a plan in place for the evening ahead is a sound idea. Knowing where to go, how much it’s going to cost and a general idea of what to wear are good questions to ask. Fashion and looking good aren’t all about shirts, pants, or shoes. It often times can come down to something as simple as a belt.

“That’s one of the biggest mistakes guys make,” Jacobs says. “Make sure to match the belt with the shoes. Brown to brown, black to black, etc.”

Early childhood education senior Christie Cekay believes it’s more about the overall aura. “Don’t try so hard. Or at least don’t make it look like you’re trying so hard,” she says. “Try to look relaxed.”
Rosenberg believes in a simpler notion. “Just don’t look disheveled.”

Another major issue for some men is clashing colors and patterns. “Try to avoid too many colors and patterns,” Jacobs says. “Don’t wear plaid shorts with a checkered shirt. It’s too busy. Aim for solid colors.”

A few quick tips:
- Invest in an iron. “No wrinkles,” Jacobs says.
- When it comes to accessories, it seems simpler is better. “A nice watch is always good,” Rosenberg says.
- Make sure it fits well. “Our Ben Sherman shirts are fitted, so they should look good,” Jacobs says. “We also order our jackets to fit. We can get the perfect fit for you.”
- And always remember this: “It’s not the clothes that make the man, but the man that makes the man,” Cekay says. Fashion is one thing. Looking good is another. But those things should never cloud the reality of who the person really is. “Have fun with it,” Porter says. “It’s nice to look good, but try and find stuff that really fits who you are.”
Hopefully this guide to men’s fashion will help our male readership the next time they are deciding what to wear. Or at least help them fake it.

— mel.flores@asu.edu