Do Guys Really not Have Anything to Wear?
For the guys, when you think of a fit, what exactly comes to mind? A couple of your go-to’s might be floating around in your head right now, but I’ll give you some scenarios. It’s a Friday night out with the boys—what are you wearing? Is it a vintage black tee and jeans paired with some Jordans? Or maybe you’ve finally had the chance to take your girl out on a date to a really nice restaurant. Is it a black turtleneck and gray pants with a gold chain? Or maybe it’s hot outside, but you’re feeling yourself, so you decide to throw on a white tee and gray Nike sweat shorts—right? None of these outfits are bad, nor is there anything wrong with them, but does it not get tiring?
Now look, it’s completely understandable if this is what your closet currently looks like. Men’s fashion hasn’t really been the most revolutionary thing in recent years. But even with this, don’t let the mannequins of Pacsun and H&M limit your personal style. An outfit doesn’t just end at what’s presented to you on a mannequin; that’s where it starts.
Image Courtesy: Instagram, Hypebeast, Hypebeast
This year’s fashion weeks have been full of looks and moments that were unforgettable. When it came to men’s fashion, the same could definitely be said. At New York Fashion Week, designer Peter Do gave menswear a softer look. Traditional ideas of what men’s fashion has been known to be were challenged in this collection. Several looks consisted of deep V necklines and free-flowing silk button-downs. Leather-on-leather looks were done interestingly, with trousers showing side leg and trench coats showing off toned chests. Although the collection was a mainly neutral color pallet, ranging from black to white, the use of silk and leather worked in tandem to create these looks. A similar thing could be said about Simone Rocha’s pieces in London Fashion Week. The collection relied heavily on dramatized silhouettes such as embroidered mesh drop waist dresses and, once more, side leg bottoms. Ruffles and bows were found in excess ranging from creams and pinks to greens and blacks. And if this change in what we usually have known men’s wear to provide us with isn’t your style, streetwear brands like Off White have been delivering too. Embroidery and screen-printed clothing were common themes throughout the show. Abs were stitched onto the jacket of suits, long draping coats were seen in a variety of styles, and paneled mesh made an appearance.
These collections are most definitely not the most suitable for everyday wear. Let’s be honest, you’re not wearing a Peter Do piece to grab some groceries—or maybe you are (and if you are, good for you). But the endless looks from these collections give some of your favorite male celebrities style inspiration. NBA players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kelly Oubre Jr. have a very clear interest in fashion and an expressive sense of style. Shai himself has even modeled for Thom Browne and has been invited to shows like Givenchy, Tom Ford, and Louis Vuitton. The same can be said about so many rappers. Rappers like A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Pharell, Tyler the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, and Young Thug have shown time and time again what fashion can look like for men. Some of them might not be as revolutionary in what they're doing as their peers, but their efforts in exploring their own personal style are what count. This self-expression is what most people are looking at to begin with. And if they like it enough, they’ll try to replicate and claim it as their own because it speaks to them.
But over time, this might not feel like enough, and the department stores just might not cut it anymore. So if you don’t know where to go, some good alternatives are thrifting at general thrift stores or even at curated vintage boutiques in your area. If you don’t have the time to go in person, websites like Depop, eBay, Poshmark, Vinted, and Thredup are great for finding unique pieces. But if you’re willing to spend a little more, TheRealReal and Vestiaire Collective are going to be your best friends.
At the end of the day, have fun with it. Bleach a shirt, cut it up, or add whatever you want to it. Keep it simple and functional, or walk around in ridiculously tall platform heels in a head-to-toe archival fit. Your fashion should be yours and no one else’s.
Strike Out,
Alyssa Quarrie
Boca Raton
Alyssa Quarrie is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she’s not losing herself in another book, she’s working out with friends, looking for flights, and thrifting her wallet away. You can reach her at alyssaquarrie@gmail.com
