Dress your age, and impress your valentine, with three simple suggestions.
Cargo pants. Mom jeans. Wallet chains (yes, they still exist). Men, we’re experiencing a dire need for intervention. The conventions of what is acceptable bar or date attire have been warped beyond comprehension, but not beyond repair. Guys, you need to know that it is more than OK to be interested in fashion and all it entails, then take that new knowledge and make it work for you. Looking good is as simple as a few minor wardrobe alterations, as well as the ability to wear an outfit with complete confidence. If you’re at the bars, you’re likely beyond the house party stage of your life. So dress like it.
Blue jeans, white shirt
Unless you’re heading to a dive bar with the boys to shoot pool, your Levi 501’s are not going to cut it. Invest in a good set of dark wash, slim cut jeans, since they’re incredibly versatile. You don’t need a pair of APCs, nor do you need to drop that kind of cash to look good. H&M’s &Denim line offers up a variety of options that you can dress up or dress down, with cuts for every body. Pair some slim legged denim with a fitted dark blazer and a bright button-up or chambray to ensure that you’ll stand out from the crowd.
Buy it: H&M’s &Sliq jeans, $39.95. hm.com/us
Bulletproof wallets
If you’re planning to make it rain at the strip club, then outfit yourself accordingly, but most nightlife situations will never call for flashing a wad of cash. Horizontal bi-folds and tri-folds are wonderful for those with a number of membership and credit cards, but are also unnecessary for a night out. Instead, shoot for a money clip or a simple credit card holder, as they’re understated and won’t ruin the lines of your pants. Avoid patterns and look for high quality grain leather — it ages well, breaks in easily, and lasts forever. Less is more when it comes to wallets, and an average night at the bars should never require more than your ID, debit card and a few bills. Coach’s water buffalo credit card holder is a great option with space for four cards and a cash pocket.
Buy it: Coach’s Crosby Textured Leather Slim Card Case, $88. coach.com
Any place I hang my hat is home
There’s a fine line when it comes to the most distinct accessory a man can wear, and many often cross these lines far into enemy territory. You’re not Justin Timberlake or Frank Sinatra, and you may not have enough hipster cred to rock a fedora, so steer clear of anything that may be too alternative. While shirt patterns and shoe color can be loud and proud, it’s often best to err on the side of caution in regards to your dome piece.
Snapbacks and five-panels are back in a big way, and no one does them quite as well as Quintin Co. This Los Angeles-based headwear brand has a number of understated and fantastic models, often utilizing top shelf fabric and creating collectible limited runs. Quintin’s Workman and Ludwig Scout models come in a variety of muted tones that work well with jacket piping, pocket squares or outsoles.
Buy it: Quintin’s Ludwig Scout and Workman 5-panel hats, $32-$45. store.quintinco.com
