Q:How do you suggest a teenager getting into menswear, except... not as manly?

Anonymous

This question is near and dear to my heart because even though I’m very comfortable in my masculinity, I’m not overly “manly” (except my mustache). And was a pretty disaffected, counter-culture teen.

First things first, #menswear loves to play the “globetrotting playboy”.  This is not what most bloggers are.  Don’t worry about impressing models and getting on the Sartorialist in Milan.

You’re a teenager?  Start by getting stuff that fits a bit better.  Slim down your jeans (don’t get them so skinny they look painted on).  Get some casual decent quality leather shoes. It could be longwings, suede bucks, desert boots, boat shoes, whatever speaks to you.  Get some shirts with buttons, there’s lots of cheap options for slim fitting casual shirts.  Maybe find a well fitting casual leather jacket (these will make you super-badass in high school) or a sport coat  (these can make you look slightly nerdy [tweed] or overly adult [brass buttoned blazer], use your best discretion).

Also, don’t worry about suits and ties and all that right now (unless it speaks to you).  You’re a teenager, not a hedge fund manager, you don’t have to worry about casual suiting or unlined grenadine ties, embrace that.

Mostly I’d encourage you to figure out what speaks to you.  

Getting into #menswear can be a barrage of elderly Italian men and wealthy looking young playboys, ignore this if it’s not you.  Focus on other bloggers who do their own thing, check out WIWT pics and really think about why you like or don’t like certain elements.

Colors? Patterns?  Are you eccentric or conservative?  Bold and brash or subdued? Center of attention or a wallflower?

Getting into #menswear, for me, was figuring out what I wanted my style to be and aggressively pursuing it, you can do that at any age.

Good luck and godspeed.

6 Notes/ Hide

  1. evolvingstyle said: It’s not specifically about #menswear, but every teen needs to read the advice for teens from Dan Savage: thestranger.com/seattle…
  2. afistfulofstyle posted this