Crazy for Camo

Summer lovin’ / had me a blast. Summer lovin’ / happened so fast.

Excuse my romantic reverie, but I’m in love. It started out as a minor flirtation - a brunch here, a coffee date there. But now, it’s serious, and I want to tell the world.

I’m in love with camo shorts, and it feels so right.



Camouflage shorts are the perfect summer weekend wear for guys (and girls, by the by). They’re easy, breezy and brimming with style. And you can wear them so many different ways! I’ve seen guys pair theirs with a white v-neck t-shirt and sneakers for a casual look, or dress them up with a button-down - untucked of course - for a more polished effect. The Sartorialist even featured a man wearing the military-inspired shorts with a navy blazer. While I wouldn’t recommend going that far, the fashion-forward fella clearly had a strong sense of style, and wasn’t afraid to mix it up.

In my own closet sits a pair of well-loved camo cargo shorts. They started life as a pair of pants purchased from abercrombie kids back in high school, but were re-purposed when I realized wearing baggy fly girl pants when you’re only 5’6” and all your height is in your torso is not a good look. Lesson learned.

What I love most about a camo shorts-anchored outfit is the casual put-togetherness of it all. And yes, that is a thing. Incorporating camouflage into your weekend wear says, I want to be comfortable, but I care about how I look more than just throwing on a pair of beat-up basketball shorts.

If you haven’t tried these fashionable fatigues, I highly recommend you enlist, err, invest in a pair. Look for a subtle pattern with an olive green or khaki-colored base - anything more colorful, like blue or orange - makes you look like a ROTC recruit gone AWOL. Try an army navy surplus store for a pair that’s sure to look authentic and fit just right. Barring the real thing, this pair from Old Navy looks casual and comfortable, and rings in at only $15.

Summer dreams / ripped at the seams / bu-ut oh, tho-o-ose summer nights...

xx,

megan
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Bed Bugs and Bird Logos

Last week, Hollister was forced to shut down its flaship store in New York City’s Soho shopping district for “maintenance,” so that crews could rid the four-story retail outlet of an epic bedbug manifestation.

Yes, you read that right. A massive, 40,000 square-foot behemoth of a store in the middle of NYC’s busiest neighborhoods had bedbugs.

If that’s not enough of a reason to totally ban the SoCal-inspired brand from your closet, I don’t know what is.

Taking a cue from the recommended protocol for bedbug extermination, I suggest you go home tonight and burn any Hollister-emblazoned clothing you own. Even if you didn’t buy it from the Soho store. Even if you didn’t buy it in New York.

Harsh? Maybe, but here’s my beef with the brand: they can’t seem to make a piece of clothing without pasting their name or logo all over the item. In my opinion, advertising belongs in commercials, in magazines and surreptitiously placed in the background of high-profile summer blockbuster movie scenes. Not on clothing. If you want people to know where you bought your clothes, show them the receipt.

And it’s not just Hollister that’s earned my ire for their heavy-handed logo usage. Nearly all of the “mall store” brands are guilty of this, including Hollister, Aeropostale, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters and, yes, even my beloved Abercrombie & Fitch.

We all know I not-so-secretly love me some A&F after a distinguished tenure there through high school and college, but I don’t run around in hoodies and graphic tees that announce my shopping habits before I do.

“But Megan,” you might be thinking, “I only wear the polos with the little bird/pigeon/moose in the corner. Who even recognizes where that comes from?” We do. Your girlfriends, your wives, your female co-workers, we grew up in the mall. We know where your clothes came from. And we purged our wardrobes of the garish, brand-emblazoned clothing that marked our adolescence when we graduated college (or at least, we should have. I did.) You should man up and do the same.

I have nothing against these stores in a general sense (well, except for Aeropostale, that place is just terrible). They offer generally well-made foundation pieces like jeans, basic tees and durable outerwear at affordable prices. I can get behind that. But I can’t get behind the walking ad idea.

So, get the bed bugs and bird logos out of your wardrobe today.

xx,
megan
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What a girl wants…

It's my birthday! Almost. Well, next Wednesday, but that's less than a week away!

...Ok, yes, I'm jumping the gun a bit on the celebration, I know. I'm turning the big 2-7, and, while I don't necessarily embrace getting older, I do embrace presents. Lots and lots of presents. And flowers. And skywriting. Oh, and fireworks. Actually, since my birthday is only a couple days after Independence Day, I always think of it as the country celebrating my birth, just a little early.

While compiling my wish list this year, I realized that part of having style is knowing how to give a good gift. Knowing someone well enough to know what they want, or, barring that, knowing what to get when you don't know them that well at all - that takes some class. So I thought I would give a few pointers here. With one of these great gifts in hand (wrapped up nicely with a big bow on top, of course), you'll be the coolest boyfriend, husband, son, brown noser, whatever - around. Here are a few things to show that special lady - or hey, not that special. who am I to judge - in your life that you care:



An awesome purse
Chicks love bags. They love huge bags that hold their life in them. They also love tiny purses that barely fit their ID and an extra twenty for cab fare (the petite size makes them feel dainty). These two from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Topshop fit both bills.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote, $558 Topshop bag, $60



Candles

Yes, it's generic, but it's also the kind of thing women don't buy for themselves. So go all out and get the fancy kind that won't leave a ring of smoke on her ceiling. Try Diptique, a favorite of Jennifer Lopez. And feel free to sop up the bonus points on this one: mention she and J.Lo are now flame-burning friends; she'll be impressed (even if she won't admit it).

Gardenia Scent, $60



Jacket

Clothes can be hard because maybe you don't know her size, and maybe you don't want to ask. But generally, jackets come in small, medium, large, so you're pretty safe in eyeballing this one. Check out one of this season's military-inspired jackets for a look that's fashionably utilitarian. In an olive shade like this one from Ann Taylor Loft, her new coat will go with everything and easily take her from summer to fall.

Ann Taylor Loft, $48



Jewelry

I'm talking an interesting piece of jewelry. One time, a guy gave me a necklace he bought at a crafts fair that had a butterfly wing in a jar at the end of the chain. Weird? Yes, Awesomely memorable? Definitely. (He said it was "strange, but lovely, just like its wearer," which might just be the best compliment I've ever received). Another plus to jewelry, every time she puts it on, she'll think of you. That's always a good thing.

Anthropologie, $38



Cupcakes

Yes, sending her flowers at work is always appreciated, but if you really want to get on her good side (and the good sides of her co-workers), send something edible! These cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop will win over the most jaded, sugar- deprived hearts.

Crumbs, $24 for 12

- Til next week, when I'm older and (hopefully) wiser....

xx,
megan
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Style v. Fashion

This week, Men's Fashion Week was held in Milan, with top designers from all over showing their collections. It's from these shows that editors make their fashion projections for Spring 2011. The two major trends that showed up in everyone's reports? The "dandy" look, and sportswear.

Yes, seriously. Isn't a dandy by definition the opposite of being sporty? It's hard to imagine these two distinctly different looks co-existing in one outfit without succumbing to the dreaded bi-polar dressing I've warned about before.

The more I delve into men's fashion here, the more I'm convinced that the majority of the time, men's fashion is not something to be followed by actual men. The changes from season to season are nominal compared to the whiplash speed of changing trends in women's fashion. Call me old-fashioned, but that's exactly how it should be, I think.

Consider this: in addition to that confusing fashion edict, multiple designers sent their models down the runway in jeggings. Their male models, if that wasn't clear. Don't know what jeggings are? That's probably because if you're reading this, you're a guy, and you shouldn't know what jeggings are. Like Heidi and Spencer Pratt, or the L.A. Clippers, we'd probably all be a lot better off if jeggings had never existed at all. For the uninitiated, jeggings are an unholy combination of skinny jeans and leggings. They're jeans with an elastic waistband, made not from denim but a sort of stretchy cotton poly blend. They belong at the gym more than they do on the street, and even then, they should only be found on cute girls doing Zumba, not on guys doing squats in the weight room.

Merriam-Webster defines fashion as "the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time." Style, they count as "a distinctive manner of expression."

My reading of that is that fashion comes from style. Per the definition, fashion is the prevailing distinctive manner of expression at any given time. You can't be fashionable without having style, so why not start there?

And please do not take this rant the wrong way - do not pull your old peg-leg white-wash jeans out of storage, throw a Starter jacket triumphantly over your head, and proclaim, Fashion is dead, long live ill-fitting pants and hooded winter coats! That's not my point. I absolutely think men should pay attention to style - the wash of your jeans, the fit of your suit, the color of your shirt as it complements your skin tone. But men's fashion - that's somewhat of another story. There will be slight adjustments as the seasons and years wear on. Just last week, I suggested you fellas forego the Hawaiin print board shorts this summer and maybe try a shorter length. Like I said, small adjustments. But trust me that just because Marc Jacobs sends models sporting speedos down the runway does not mean I'm getting up on my style soapbox proclaiming 2010 the Summer of Speedos! I would't do that to you.

I don't claim to speak for all ladies when I say this, but I do not want my man showing up to a date in a bow tie saying, "Do you love it? It's the latest thing for spring!" If he is the sort to wear a bow tie, then hey, by all means, he should go ahead and rock it. Same goes with skinny jeans vs. camo pants, polos vs. t-shirts, sneakers vs. ...I don't know, Cuban heels. What you feel best in is probably going to be what looks best on you. Staying on trend is as easy as staying in style. And style is personal, not something that can be dictated from Italy. Just try to keep it to the right decade. And for the love of God, please, no Starter jackets.

xo,

Megan
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Worth the Price???

I've gotten a few questions from people asking what wardrobe items are actually worth spending money on, and where they can cut style corners. I don't have all the answers, but here's a rundown of the stuff I think you should at least consider shelling out for, and what you can leave on the shelf.

Shoes: Worth the $$$

Shoes are something you should be able to wear for a long time, so are worth the - sometimes hefty - price tag. Finishing off an outfit with a well-oiled, broken-in shoe brings your whole look together. And, like a fine cheese, the good ones get better with age. (What, you thought I was going to say wine? C'mon, I'm from Wisconsin) The boat shoes that by now I hope you own? If you show them a little leather conditioner love from time to time, they'll last you through your first grandchild. Same goes for a really nice pair of sneakers. I'm not saying you have to keep them fresh to death - a scuff here or there is okay. But when you bust out a pair of Air Max '95's from 1995 in 2010? That's when you know you're stylin'.

Leather accessories: Worth the $$$

What I just said about my beloved boat shoes? It applies to all leather goods. If you're going to go leather, you might as well go all the way. My brother-in-law bought a sick leather jacket in Italy five years ago, and it looks as money as the day he bought it, every time he puts it on (Note: it helps that he bought a really timeless style of jacket - think classic guys - no bells or whistles, trendy collars or cuffs, unnecessary zippers or buttons!). While my bro-in-law doesn't have occasion to wear a leather jacket every day, there are items that can and should be worn every day. And if you shell out for the good stuff - leather: no "synthetic material" and dear god NO pleather - you'll be looking good for years to come. That goes for belts, wallets (unless you're still carrying one of those old Jansport velcro kinds around, in which case, that's a whole 'nother column) and any kind of satchel/messenger bag you might own.

Suits: DEFINITELY worth the $$$

I'm planning a column entirely devoted to suits soon, as the topic has come up a quite a lot recently. What cut? How many buttons? Which material? The list of questions goes on. The first thing I can tell you, though, is that it absolutely pays to go bespoke. A custom-tailored suit is hands-down the best purchase you can make on the road to becoming a grown-up. Maybe you suit up every day for work; maybe you only need to dress up when a distant relative gets married (or, heaven forbid, drops dead). Either way, do you really want to show up in an off-the-rack from Men's Wearhouse? Let me answer that with a resounding "N-O." I mean, if you're reading this column, you're already a smooth dude, or at least a smooth dude-in-training, so you're about ten steps ahead of most of the guys I see walking down the street in ill-fitting outfits. Think of it this way; you work hard on yourself - you work out (I hope), you eat right (sometimes) and you keep a couple books on your nightstand when Sports Center is talking about tennis. Why encase all that hard work in a cheap frame? You deserve better - you deserve a nice suit.

Hair Products: Not worth the $$

Please do not pay for fancy hair gunk. There are plenty of drugstore alternatives to the pomade the pretty hair stylist at your salon pushes on you. I promise you can get the same stuff for less at Walgreen's. So many guys I know use Crew products, and they sell that stuff at Cost Cutters! So you don't need to buy the fanciest thing your stylist (if you have one) recommends, because there's probably something that works just as well at the grocery store. And so you don't think I'm all talk, I want you to know that I use Tresseme products (Professional - Affordable - Tresseme!) and whatever shampoo is on sale at Duane Reade when I run out.

A note: if you want to buy the fancy stuff and expect a girl to see it, she may be 1.) impressed you're so fastidious about your appearance, or 2.) appalled you're so fastidious about your appearance. See how that works? Girls are tricky like that. It's a risk that may or may not pay off, just putting it out there.

T-Shirts: SOMETIMES worth the price

I've never seen a guy look better than when he's sporting a plain white Hanes t-shirt and some well-loved Levi's. You don't need to buy fancy tees to pull off a great look. That being said, there are some t-shirt brands I love that, while they cost more, also, well, look like they cost more than a Hanes undershirt. Among others: LRG, 10deep, Artful Dodger, Penguin... One or two of these in your wardrobe will go a long way to make you feeling a little more dressed up, even in a t-shirt and jeans.

Have other style-related questions?

xx,
megan
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Summer Style - Swim Trunks

I don't know what the weather was like in youuur neck of the woods* this weekend, but in New York it was H-O-T. I headed to the pool and, after a short-lived attempt at reading, I would up people watching for most of the afternoon. After all, where better - and when better - to check out you fellas on display than poolside in 85-degree weather? I saw some swim trunks (and yes, I call them swim trunks like an old man from the 1920s) that were really fun and fresh. So I thought I'd do a little virtual window shopping just for you.

Swimwear is a great opportunity for guys to show a little more of their style personality. Yes, you can totally go with a solid-colored, super basic pair (and I've included just such a pick below), but why not have some fun under that hot sun? Interesting patterns and bright colors are always a "Do." What's not hot: below-the-knee board shorts and - I'm sorry to say - Hawaiian prints.

See my picks below:



Volley swim shorts are making a comeback, and I think you should get onboard this swim trunk train. You may be used to a knee-skimming style, but don't be afraid to go shorter than you're used to. This pair from Land's End is my fave for an affordable, well-fitting pair. I like them in the red, but you can pick from ten eye-catching colors online.



When I lived in France, I would pass the Vilebrequin shop every day on my way to the market (so provincial, I know), and they always had two pairs displayed in the window - one dad-sized, one son-sized. So am I letting my nostalgia - and possibly, my ovaries - trump my fashion sense by recommending this $200 pair of multi-color trunks? Maybe. But bold prints are in this season, too. I swear.



Another affordable option, this Old Navy pair is on sale for just $12! I like the cool-colored stripes and nod to this season's color block trend.



This patriotic pair is perfect for Fourth of July. A little tighter, and with their "8 inseam, a little shorter like the Land's End pair, but you can pull these off! Maybe just do a couple extra lunges and calf raises before you leave the house.



Not content to hang out in your beach chair? Get in the (sand) volleyball game with this utilitarian-yet-attractive pair from Nike. While their elastic waistband, "velocity technology" (whatever that means), and totally reasonable $38 price tag make them an ideal summer selection, my favorite part about this pair is its color. I've said it before, I'll say it again - I love me some orange.

Of course, these are just some of the thousands of options out there. Get what you like! And if the thought of shopping doesn't thrill you, bring your lady love along - I'm sure she'd be happy to tell you what your butt looks best in, and if you're lucky, maybe she'll try on some swimwear too...

xo,

megan

*That was my Al Roker impression - pretty good, right??
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Soccer – In Style

Image: http://hypebeast.com/2010/06/2010-fifa-world-cup-trophy-case-louis-vuitton/

Who else is pumped for the World Cup? While I am on the record as having little-to-no interest in the sport, every four years I magically turn into a soccer fan just in time for the tourney. Of course, I don't actually understand different positions or game rules, and I favor teams based on jersey design rather than athletic capabilities...but still! To me, the World Cup is like a cooler, more streamlined version of the Olympics, where countries battle for soccer supremacy, and the players are - generally speaking - rather attractive.

Of course, I also appreciate the footballers for their distinctly European fashion sense. Anyone who's seen a paparazzi pic of David Beckham arriving at the airport or picking up his dry cleaning knows that the sport employs some dapper dudes.

This year, however, the players won't be the only thing on display. Usually any hubbub around hardware involves upgraded technology for the game ball or players' uniforms. This time, it’s the winners' trophy that got an upgrade – in the form of a custom trophy case from high-end fashion brand Louis Vuitton.

According to Hypebeast:

Like all Louis Vuitton special orders, the FIFA World Cup Trophy case was made at the company’s original workshop in Asnières, which opened in 1859. The case opens at the front and at the top to allow the Trophy to be removed easily when, at the final on 11th July in Johannesburg, watched by many millions of people across the globe, it will be presented.

FIFA ordered the case from Louis Vuitton back in March, and like any good French luxury fashion house, the retailer made the soccer organization wait a solid four months before letting them get their hands on it (gotta maintain an air of exclusivity!). Louis Vuitton unveiled the case this Tuesday, with phone-throwing supermodel Naomi Campbell playing the role of Vanna White (or maybe a Price is Right model?).

The case looks a lot like LV's other leather accessories - mahogany leather, covered in the iconic tan LV logo. Oddly, there's no reference to the actual event itself anywhere on the carrying case - no World Cup logo, no subtle soccer balls worked into the design. Nothin'. Huh. And don't even think about putting your filthy grass-stained hands on this thing - this case literally gets the white glove treatment. I wonder what the fellas think about this. To me, it seems a little ridiculous to house a soccer trophy in a case that reminds you more of a Kardashian sister's hand bag than Ronaldinho's shin guards.

But who knows? This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship between style and sports. Maybe other trophies will soon get their own designer case. For American-as-apple-pie baseball’s Commisioner’s Trophy, all-American designer Tommy Hilfiger could craft a jaunty weekend bag - I'm thinking in seersucker or madras. The Vince Lombardi Trophy - by Tom Ford? An empty Molson Ice case for the Stanley Cup? Oh, the possibilities...

xo,

Megan
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Dressing for the Dress Code

Last week a friend texted me looking for advice on what to wear to a wedding where the stated dress code was "Cocktail Attire." After a lengthy back-and-forth (in 250 characters or less), I realized the topic probably deserved its own post. After all, wedding season is upon us, and those big fat cream-colored envelopes showing up in our mailboxes can bear some pretty confounding wardrobe instructions.

Below, you'll find a translation for even the most head-scratching dress codes you'll encounter this summer:

COCKTAIL ATTIRE

For the ladies, cocktail attire is pretty straightforward - short sparkly dress. Done. For guys, though, cocktail attire can be tough because it can change throughout the year.

This should be a no-brainer, but for spring and summer, you want to keep your colors light, so you can stay cool. Tan and light gray are good options. You can also get away with more color - try a tie in a tropical color, or maybe even a brightly-patterned handkerchief poking out of your coat pocket.

* A note: While linen is a totally acceptable summer fabric for a suit, wear it at your own risk. It wrinkles - fast. Also, stay away from cotton suits - you wouldn't think it, but wool actually breathes much better. Just get one with a lighter lining and it'll take you through the seaons.

BLACK TIE
I might get in trouble for saying this, but if you have a really (really) nice black suit, you can get away with wearing it with a crisp white shirt and a black tie. If you haaaave to rent a tux, do it, but no bow ties!! And remember that your pants should always be darker than your shirt, so no white tuxes with black shirts. Seriously. Also? Tails are for butlers and bunnies, not the back of your suit.

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
Same advice as above, but more technically correct this time. Wear a tux if you have one lying around the house (because, really, who doesn't?), but otherwise a well-tailored black suit with black tie is fine.

CREATIVE BLACK TIE
The most obnoxious of all dress code dictates. Basically, creative black tie means the groom is going to show up wearing something ridiculous - a cummerbund with penguins on it, cowboy boots with spurs - and expects you to get in on the "fun." Just follow the black tie dictates, and maybe re-evaluate the kind of people you're friends with.

WHITE TIE
What are you, a Rockefeller? How many white tie weddings do you attend? And can I go with you to the next one? (I bet the party favors would be badass)
White tie is black tie on crack. Men wear full dress - that is, white tie, white shirt, white suit. And I imagine all the invitees have to participate in some type of Fred & Ginger choreographed dance number during the reception. Good luck with that.

SEMI-FORMAL
Usually reserved for a wedding after 5pm. A suit is fine, in a darker color if you have it.

INFORMAL
Don't be deceived! You cannot show up to a wedding dressed in jorts, no matter how much you may want to. Informal is - oddly - pretty much the same thing as formal because you're still expected to show up in a suit. You can always take your jacket off if you feel overdressed (it's better to feel overdressed than underdressed).

CASUAL
Jorts are still not okay (though, really, jorts are never okay), but finally, you can break free from the shackles of your suit. But don't go too sloppy. Khakis, a button-down or polo, and maybe a blazer, and you should be good to go.

One more thing:
If you're still confused about what to wear, I say, ask! You'll get brownie points for wanting to make sure the bride gets her way on her big day, and you'll look good for all the pretty bridesmaids in attendance. Everybody wins!

xx, Megan

Helpful Resources:
http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Cocktail_Attire_for_Men
http://fashion.about.com/cs/glossary/a/partydefinition.htm
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TV’s Leading Men of Style

May is upon us, and that means two things: shopping for spring clothes in wildly unpredictable weather, and watching our favorite TV shows go into hiatus for the summer. As I bid adieu to the characters I've laughed and cried with this year, I thought I'd take some time out to give shout-outs to my fave fashionable TV men of the season. Each has his own style sense, which may or may not be your aesthetic, but they're the guys on the small screen who had me taking a second look:

Wil Schuester - Glee


Ok, ok, we all know I'm a sucker for a preppy look, and Mr. Schuester, the spanish teacher-turned-glee club musical director embodies the grown and sexy prepster I love. The man embraces cardigans, vests, sneakers with khakis - he's like a Gap ad come to life. And I love it.

Don Draper - Mad Men


We can put an asterisk by Draper's name, since Mad Men doesn't actually come back til June, but c'mon. How do you make a list of the best-dressed men on TV and not include Don Draper?! Say what you want about the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce founding partner - he's a cheat, a cad, a terrible boss - but the guy wears the hell out of a suit. Looking at Draper, words like "dashing," "virile" and "dapper" come to mind. Don't you want to be thought of as dashing, virile and dapper? Throw on a well-made suit, grab a martini, and you're more than halfway there.

Chuck Bass - Gossip Girl


Another leading man who knows the value of a bespoke suit. At the tender age of eighteen, Chuck Bass has seen his share of highs (inheriting his father's business empire) and lows (losing it to his long-lost mother after pimping his girlfriend out to his uncle...long story, and the reason you roll your eyes at your girlfriend every time she turns on GG). No matter what he's up to, though, he looks put-together doing it. I mean, look at the guy. He's wearing a velvet smoking jacket. If that's not badass, I don't know what is.

Tom Haverford - Parks & Recreation


Another suit-wearer! Do we see a trend here? Aziz Ansari is one of the funniest people on TV right now, and his character on Parks & Recreation gives Amy Poehler a run for the (funny) money (ha! ...sorry, I can't help myself). Tom takes pride in his look and often brags about his latest purchase (remember when he wanted to go shopping for Prada pocket square with Leslie's boyfriend?) He's the quintessential southern boy, dressing in business-casual blazers and khakis for work, and polos and plaid shorts on the weekend. Tom is the best-dressed city employee in the Pawnee Town Hall, maybe in all of Pawnee. Hell, possibly in all of Indiana. And while that's not saying much, it's saying...well, something.

xx, megan
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Fashion Dealbreakers

This weekend, I met my new niece, an 8-lb, 12 oz eight wonder of the world. The first addition to the next generation of my family, I was understandably excited to get acquainted. My parents, my sister and brother-in-law and I fawned over every nose crinkle, cry and arm stretch. This newborn baby girl could do no wrong in our eyes. She would burp, and we would sigh in adoration.

It got me to thinking, how often do we have love blinders on? Searching through my internal rolodex of friendship and relationships, I realized I've overlooked plenty of style missteps. In some cases, my love for the individual has actually moved the chains on my style consciousness.

Bad tattoos

My first date with my college boyfriend was at the local tattoo parlour. An athlete from Germany, he wanted to get a basketball with his hometown etched inside it on his ankle. I’m proudly anti-tattoo, so you can imagine how ga-ga I was over this guy that it didn’t bother me. Even when he arbitrarily picked a font for the city name, I didn’t question his not-very-well-thought-out body art.

Jersey Dancing

After college, I dated a co-worker (my first mistake) from New Jersey (my second mistake). While I managed to prep him up a good deal while we were together thanks to frequent J.Crew shopping excursions, he remained a Jersey boy at heart. I’ll never forget the night he managed to drag me to a dance club (is that what they call them?), where he proceeded to bust out...the fist pump. While we dated for nearly a year after that, I still think of that night as the beginning of the end.

Inappropriate Sportswear

My best friend in the whole wide world, who I love to death and would walk across the ocean for, wears an Eagles jersey to work every single Casual Friday during football season. To her office. Her place of business. If I didn't love her so much, I'd mock her endlessly for letting her athletic pride trump her fashion sense. Well, she'd tell you I still do, but trust me, I'm holding back.

Camo Pants

My most recent boyfriend, an artist, staked his claim on his street cred. His daily uniform consisted of camoflauge cargo pants and a paint-splattered t-shirt. And I. Loved. It. I may have even been a little jealous that he hadn't even tipped the scales of business casual since the last wedding he attended. No casual Fridays for him - his whole life was a casual Friday.

... Of course, I've had my own share of style missteps. In fourth grade, I intentionally failed an eye exam so I could get glasses. Awful, youngest-child syndrome much? So I picked out the raddest, mid-nineties-ist glasses you will ever see and waltzed out the optometrist's office thinking I looked flyyyyy. Imagine Full House meets the really old Saved by the Bell when it was still set in Indiana, and you can start to imagine this look. Tragic.

I'd love to know - do you overlook bad style for love? Does your girlfriend wear a pair of pajama pants decorated with unicorns on them to bed? Does your wife have the hips of Hillary Clinton when she puts on a pantsuit? I’d be interested to know if it bothers you or endears her to you. Also, any fashion dealbreakers? For me, I have to draw the line at a ponytail and jeans skinnier than mine. Email me at , and I'll break it down in a future post.

xx, megan
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Swagger

Full disclosure: I can't stand name dropping. I think it's snobby and obnoxious, and actually diminishes your coolness cred, rather than building it up. That said, I'm about to drop a couple names on you like bombs. I apologize in advance.

I just joined Soho House (Obnoxious Name Drop #1), a members' club here in New York and have been busy getting my money's worth at their rooftop bar as the weather's been improving. Friday night, I met my boss there (because that's the kind of cool girl I am - I hang out with my boss on a Friday night) for some fresh air and overpriced drinks. He and a friend were seated at a long table, one of many lined up near the pool. Finding no available chairs, I turned to the next table over and asked if I could steal the unused seat between two groups. I looked to my right at a couple engaged in dessert, and then to my left, to a larger group of gentlemen, enjoying after-dinner drinks. Finding no dissent, I took the chair and sat down at my table.

"You know you just took Jay-Z's (Obnoxious Name Drop #2) chair, right?" my boss asked.

"Oh sh*t," I eloquently replied. I swiveled around in my chair and sure enough, the man on the left was none other than Hova himself, sitting low in his chair. From the (hopefully) nonchalant glances I stole throughout the evening, I noted he was outfitted in Nike sneaks, not-too-baggy jeans, a white tee and a butterscotch-colored leather jacket. I've been racking my brain to try and remember if he was wearing sunglasses (at night) but I can't say for sure. I want to say he was, though.

Okay Megan, you must be thinking. We get it. You think you're pretty awesome for stealing Mr. Beyonce's seat. I don't, I swear, but it gives me the opportunity to shine a light on one of the most integral aspects of style, as exemplified by the Jigga Man himself. Jay-Z is one of the coolest people on the planet, and when I think of him (which is surpringly often - I kind of love him), I think of one word: swagger.

Swagger is where style ends and you're left to pick up your own slack. Swagger is in the way you carry yourself, how you walk into a room, how you look at a girl. I can talk to you all day and night about which shoes to wear with what shirt, and why bespoke is better than off-the-rack, but until you're confident in you and all you have to offer, until you've got swagger, my work here is all for naught.

When I need an extra dose of swagger (yes, girls should have swagger too), I put on my extra-skinny jeans with a pair of heels and throw on music that makes me want to walk down the street like I'm starring in a music video. My hips sway, my arms swing and I smile at every single person on the damn block - from the construction worker in the street to the little old lady in front of the laundromat.

For you, you might find your swagger after a particularly tough workout in which you can't help but admire your buffed-up guns in the mirror. Maybe it's putting on one of Jon's made-to-measure suits and noticing your girlfriend's eyebrows raise in appreciation. It could even bubble up after rapping every verse of your favorite Jay-Z song ("99 Problems" is a karaoke favorite of mine).

Whatever you need to do to feel confident, do it. The clothes will be icing on your swagger cake.

Oh, and that leather jacket I mentioned Jay was wearing? He had it draped around his shoulders like Sophia on The Golden Girls. And he. was. rocking it.

xx, Megan
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Hurrah for Hoodies

Oh April, why so fickle? I thought you were 'in like a lion, out like a lamb,' but it's almost May and you're still roaring. It's been rainy, cold and generally miserable here in NYC since the weekend, and, well, I'm pretty much over it. Because I already put my winter clothes into storage (what can I say? I'm an optimist!), I've had to resort to layering up on my summer-weight sweaters just to stay warm.

A friend found himself in a similar conundrum on Sunday, texting me while out shopping for hoodies to supplement his summer wardrobe. We know I'm all for casual wear done right, so after doing some googling for him, I thought I'd share the results of my online window shopping with you.

I'm kind of in love with this hoodie - it's knit and BOSS (which, is it just me, or should that word be totally brought back into the cultural conversation as a compliment? "You're looking boss today, right on!") and it has orange in it. Have I mentioned my love for the color orange here? I l-o-o-o-o-o-v-e orange. Depending on the formality of your office, you could definitely get away with this for day and then transition right to drinks out on the town with a lady friend.



In addition to stellar holiday advertising, Gap can also be counted on for perpetually solid active wear. This hoodie would look good in any color, paired with jeans and maybe a polo underneath it to pull it out of "Yes honey, I'll be sure to clean the leaves out of the gutter today" territory.



This one from Brooklyn Industries is a little unconventional, and I like it that way:



The classic. Everyone should own this sweatshirt in gray. Yes, American Apparel is overpriced, and yes, everything about that store is kind of obnoxious. But whatever, this hoodie is totally boss (see what I did there??)



A note on how to wear it: if you're layering your hoodie under a jacket, wear them the same way. That is, if you zip the hoodie up, button up your jacket too. If you're unzipped, keep the jacket open too.

xx, Megan
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You Know the Style Girlfriend!!??

It's official: fame has gone to my head. I'm actually surprised it took this long.

A month or so ago, I mentioned to a friend that - according to Facebook - her husband and I shared a mutual acquaintance in Jon, the owner of Evolution of Style. This week, she related a story to me that pretty much made my year. Apparently, she finally got around to asking him how he knew Jon (they went to high school together), and told him that I write a column for Jon's website.

"Wait, wait, you know Style Girlfriend?" he asked.

Yeah, I pretty much died.

Along with my new-found fame, though, comes great responsibility. My friend went on to tell me how much her husband enjoys my posts (Hi Paul, thanks for reading!), but he 'fessed up in embarrassment that he's constantly violating my "rules."

Oh no! I thought. I need to straighten this out.

I never want anyone to feel bad about their own style after reading my musings on men's fashion. So without further ado, my Style Girlfriend Manifesto:

My intention with this column is simply to tell all you fellas out there what girls (or at least, this girl) like to see on a guy. When I push you out of your fashion comfort zone, it's with good intentions, because I want you to look as awesome as I bet you are. And when I gently suggest it's time to retire a staple of your closet (cough, frat shirts, cough), it's only because I care.

But if you read my ramblings and think, this girl doesn't know what she's talking about. My girlfriend/wife/mother (I don't judge) loves how I dress. Y'know what? She might, but she also might just love you too much to tell you she hates everything you own. And while I'm sure you're a great guy, I'm not under any obligation to love you through good clothes or bad.

So if you live to flex your guns in a muscle tee at the gym, that's cool. And if you wouldn't be caught dead in a pink shirt or boat shoes, I won't force it on you. Hey, if you want to be buried in a blazer, jeans and dress shoes, more power to you. And if you want to walk out the door in head-to-toe Ed Hardy, well, *shudder* that's your right.

If you feel good in what you're wearing, then you don't need me or my column. I'm just here to tell you what I think looks good on a guy. But hey, you don't even know me. Yet.
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Thank you Sperry much

Thank you Sperry much

I've fought it long enough - here's my post on boat shoes.

If there's one thing I love more than boat shoes on my own feet, it's an artfully beat-up pair on the feet of my beau (or any boy really). Boat shoes say, "I come from old money, and I'm going to treat you badly. And you're going to love it." Wait, that's the plot from Pretty in Pink... Where was I? Oh right, a man in boat shoes is a man comfortable with himself and his surroundings. A man in boat shoes doesn't think too much about what he wears because he was born with enough style not to need to.

I know my love of the preppy look is well-documented, but trust that top-siders transcend any one style. With very few exceptions, they're the perfect accent to any spring or summer look.

If you're going to get a boat shoe (and by now, I hope it's clear that you should), do yourself a favor and shell out for the real deal. Sperry is the innovator and the original, the standard bearer of everything that is holy about boat shoes. And at prices ranging from $75 to $120 for a shoe that lasts forever, they won't break the bank. Below are some of my favorites.

The classic:



That being said, I've got a soft spot in my heart for this sporty tan pair too:



"If you want to go even bolder, try one with a splash of plaid. Yeah, that's right. Go big or go home:"



My friend has been toying with the idea of navy top-siders. I say full speed ahead:



A note on how to wear them: if you want to stay away from looking like an extra from that touch football scene in Wedding Crashers, avoid wearing your pair with khaki pants, madras or otherwise. You want your boat shoes to say, "I'm casually elegant, and may or may not have grown up competing in the ameteur regatta circuit," not, "Muffy will be joining us at two for tea."

Oh, and Sperry- if you're reading this? I'm a size 6, and not above a little blogger kickback for all the free press.

xx, megan
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Jet Lag

This past month, I’ve been in a different city every weekend – San Diego, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and most recently, Philadelphia. Trust me when I tell you that I’m not bragging about my jet setting lifestyle here; I’m whining! Each Monday, I crawl into work, fresh off a bus or a plane or a long car ride, feeling, well, less than fresh.

To keep from moving through life in a permanent state of jet lag, I rely on a few tricks for settling back into ‘normal’ …whatever that is. Because you can’t look good if you feel like sh*t.

Here, then, are my tips on looking the part of a well-rested, competent individual in the morning, whether you flew in on the Red Eye, or just had a late night:

Push through the pain.
You want to take a nap, I know. But it’s only going to mess with your sleep cycle later, and wouldn’t you rather get a full night’s rest than a restless twenty minutes tucked away under the table in the empty conference room down the hall? The bags under your eyes may look bad this morning, but with an awful night sleep tonight, you’ll be able to carry groceries in them tomorrow.

Freshen Up.
If you have time, take a shower. Yes, it seems like this should probably go without saying, but a shower – hot or cold – is great for waking you up. It’s well worth the extra five minutes.

Change clothes, and go.
You may think you’re pretty savvy for planning ahead by dressing in your work clothes on the overnight flight, or perhaps the shirt you fell asleep in after rolling in at four am passed a sniff test, but trust me, your clothes look more tired than you feel. A fresh outfit leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. If your outfit looks rumpled and wrinkled, so do you.

Coffee.
Lots and lots of coffee.

xx,
megan
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Dress like an Easter egg

Every year, I head to Philly for Easter weekend, crashing the festivities at my sister’s husband’s mom’s (got that?) house. Gotta take family where you can get ‘em, right?

To me, the holiday signals not only an excuse to devour jelly beans by the dozen, but the true beginning of the spring season. There’s no better feeling than trading out your tired winter wardrobe for your spring one, and after this weekend, I enact my annual clothing swap. Lighter fabrics, shorter hems…and some rockin’ pastel colors.

And I’m not talking just for the ladies here. I say, the more the merrier. So today, I’m calling for a boycott of winter wear. Put away the heavy coats, pack away the dark colors, and get on board – and on trend – with some light colored clothes. Take a cue from the Easter egg palate, and layer on some pastel attire to welcome in the warm weather.
You don’t have to go big – I’m not asking for a seersucker suit in lavendar (though I readily admit, I am a sucker for seersucker). Everything in moderation, I say, and that includes lighter hues in your wardrobe. A mint-colored tie here, a baby blue polo there…if it makes you think of candy, put it on. Girls like a guy that’s secure in their manhood. And what’s more manly than saying, Yeah, I wear pink. You got a problem with that?

xx,
megan

Thanks to the Sartorialist.com
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Packing Prowess

On Monday, I got back from an exhausting-but-fun trip to the West Coast. Starting in San Diego, I spent a few days on the beach before hitting up Los Angeles for some city living. From there, I road tripped it to Vegas and met up with some girlfriends for a little dancing and debauchery.

Ten days, three cities – one carry-on bag.

That’s right, I didn’t check a bag for a trip of this length – a fact that horrified my friends in Vegas lugging humongous suitcases with six pairs of shoes (“I need options!”) and full-size toiletries plucked out of their showers.
So I thought it would be handy to share my tips on packing light. Whether your next trip is a long weekend or a week-long, these tricks apply to guys’ and girls’ luggage alike.

-Rollin’ with the homies. Years ago, a friend recommended rolling my clothing and packing it that way. I’m sure there’s some science behind it (well, maybe not science, but Martha Stewart has probably endorsed the practice); I just know it saves me space. If it doesn’t wrinkle, roll it.
-Reduce, re-use, recycle. Anything that can go double-duty saves you space. Wear a t-shirt one day, then wear it to work out the next.
-Mix it up. No one will remember if you wore the same pants two – or, ahem, three or four – days in a row. Just remember to mix and match so you don’t look the exact same in all your vacation photos.
-Who will save your soles? You don’t need more than three pairs of shoes on any trip. One pair for walking around and working out, one for dressing up, and some flip flops (if you’re going somewhere warm, that is. Though, if it’s not warm where you’re going, why are you vacationing there?!)
-Neutral Nation. Pick one foundation color and stick to it with all your clothes. Black shoes, black belt and clothes to match. Or brown, or gray, or navy…but only one!
-Limit yourself. Don’t start thinking, but what if I’m invited to a black-tie dinner at the last minute? I need to bring my tux! Anything you don’t bring, you can buy, or borrow from a friend. I’ve saved myself plenty of stress – and space in my luggage – with that mantra.

Bon voyage!

xx, megan
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Festive Fashion

Festive Fashion

I love holidays. From Thanksgiving to Christmas to my birthday to everyone else’s birthday, I’ll take any excuse to celebrate with friends and family. And St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. They say everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, right? All the more reason to celebrate!
And every city has its St. Patty’s traditions. Chicago dyes its river green, Boston has no fewer than three parades to ring in the holiday, even Savannah, GA is known for its green grits and surprisingly raucous festivities. Here in the Big Apple, New Yorkers fete the day by drinking their faces off two weeks before the actual date in the unlikely party town of Hoboken, NJ.

I know, I know – New Jersey. Trust me, this is a once-a-year sojourn for me. Like driving the snakes out of Ireland, me and St. Patrick do what we gotta do. So, like a good New Yorker, I fight my gag reflex every year to cross the river into Jersey and live it up with other adventurous friends. I’m hoping your own city’s festivities haven’t happened yet, so this commentary is still relevant. Herewith, my tips for celebrating in, well, style:

Silly slogan shirts are acceptable once a year, and this is it. So dig that “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirt out of the back of your closet and wear it with pride.
Conversely, silly hats are never acceptable. A fuzzy fluorescent topper shaped like a shamrock may attract attention, but it’s not the kind you want.
If you’re Irish, by all means, wear a kilt. Women love a guy who’s proud of his family. But if you wear it, be ready to back it up with some Irish blood and a detailed description of your lineage. Otherwise, you’re just a dude in a skirt.
Beads. This is not Mardi Gras. Leave the necklaces to the chicks flashing their goods on Bourbon Street.
The most important style tip: Don’t get ridiculously wasted. Contrary to what you think when in said-intoxicated state, you are at your LEAST ATTRACTIVE when you’re fall-down drunk. In your mind, you’re working your swagger; in reality, you’re probably just wobbling. If you can’t handle your liquor, you don’t deserve to be an honorary Irishman for the day. Go home, and next year, eat something more substantial than that green bagel you scarfed down with your day’s first green beer.

Have a great St. Patrick’s Day everybody! I’m heading to the left coast tomorrow, so I’m excited to share my East v. West impressions with you next week. Expect a topic along the lines of “Board shorts – no, you can’t wear them everywhere. Seriously.”

xx,
Megan
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Gym Wear

They say the clothes make the man – but that’s not really true, is it? I say the man makes the clothes. And to make sure those clothes fit, you gotta be in shape. So that’s what I want to talk about the day – gym wear!

And yes, I know what you’re thinking – I already have to think about what I’m wearing to watch sports, I have to watch what I wear to the gym now too?

Well, yes and no.

Yes, there are some broad guidelines I would recommend for all you fellas gettin’ your fitness on. No, you don’t have to dress for the gym, but if you’re bothering to show up at all (and a big slow clap for those of you who are), it can’t hurt to look good while you’re there. Amirite? Of course I am.

Let’s start at the top and work our way down, shall we?

Shirts

I’m far from the greenest girl on the block, but I do believe in recycling t-shirts. That tee you got for the 5k you ran a few years back? Wear it ‘til it falls apart. I’ve said it here before, but with clothes, oftentimes, the more worn-in (read: loved) your clothes look, the better.

Exception: Frat t-shirts. You teamed up with Pi Phi your sophomore year for a car wash? Nobody cares. Get rid of it.

I can’t work out in anything but a beater, so this may sound hypocritical, but I prefer a guy with a little upper-arm modesty at the gym. If you want to cut the sleeves off your tees, or if you prefer UnderArmour tanks, that’s your prerogative. But if I mistake you for a new cast member on Jersey Shore’s second season, well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. And if the meathead, ‘look at my big muscles’ look is what you’re going for, well, this column’s probably not for you anyway.

Shorts

Shorts are all about happy mediums – not too short or too long, not too tight or too baggy. I live in my brother’s old basketball shorts from his middle school days, and I can’t think of anything more comfortable or effortlessly stylish (for guys or girls) than a nice mesh short at the gym. Soccer shorts run the risk of showing off a little too much leg and running shorts belong at the finish line of a marathon. No matter what you’re doing, you can’t go wrong doing it in basketball shorts.

Socks

You didn’t think I’d forget socks, did you? C’mon, I’m all about the details. This one’s easy – go for ankle socks (that don’t peek out of your shoes) or tall tube socks. Anything in between, and you risk a cankle. Yes, guys get them too.

Shoes

I am not a shoe nazi, and I don’t think most gym shoes fall along a hip/unhip continuum, so you’re pretty much off the hook here. Just watch how you wear them – there’s no need for laces that require humongous bunny ear loops, nor should you try to act all cool and wear them with loose, tongue sticking out. You won’t look so cool when you sprain your ankle when your shoe flies off on the treadmill.

That’s it! And once again, I want to big up (I’ve always wanted to big up someone, did I do it right?) my male readers who will put this advice to good use at the gym.

You like us to look good, well, it works both ways. Yeah, yeah, girls love saying they’re just looking for a “nice guy with a sense of humor,” but if he’s telling jokes with a (relatively) flat stomach and good-sized guns, well, all the better.

xx, megan
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The bolo tie…

Sitting on the subway the other night, I caught the eye of a cute, mop-haired fellow. He nodded approvingly at the Jonathan Safran Foer novel in my hands. I gave an admiring once-over to the artfully-beaten up leather messenger bag at his feet.
Then, the passenger standing in front of him shifted, and I got a better look at my object of admiration. What I saw has wracked me nightmares ever since our encounter. Mop Hair was wearing…A BOLO TIE.

That’s right. I’d fallen prey to the misleading wiles of The Hipster, a common specimen in my ‘hood. Boyishly handsome, but more interested in looking different than looking good.

This kid did not need a ridiculously out-of-date tie to get me to notice him. His sparkling eyes did that. As did his excellent taste in literature. His neckwear, however, brought to mind my grandpa, who wore his own bolo tie with a pin commemorating the submarine he manned in WWII. When I think of my grandpa wearing a bolo tie, it puts a smile on my face. When I think of someone my age in the same getup, it puts an upturned nose and a grimace on my face. Let me ask you: do you want the ladies to look at you with an upturned nose and a grimace? I didn’t think so.

The trend du jour will differ depending on your locale: maybe where you live, Ed Hardy’s still (inexplicably) in style. Perhaps all your friends sport uber-baggy jeans to show off their (probably fake) Gucci belts. In my city, it’s hipsters in wacky hats, Cuban Heels and ridiculous neckwear.
So here’s my advice to all the guys who think they need extra help standing out to the ladies: Stop trying so hard!

My disclaimer, if said “flair” is totally your thing – i.e., if that Ed Hardy shirt belonged to your best friend who died in a tragic hair gel accident, or if your favorite plaid cap comes from your family clan’s tartan pattern, fine. FINE. Wear it, and wear it with pride, but if you see a girl wrinkle her nose at you and turn away when you try to give her a wink, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
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Bi-polar dressing

Today I want to talk about a style blunder I see guys make all too often, but luckily is easy to fix: bi-polar dressing.

Now, I'm not talking about mixing stripes with paisley, or sporting a black belt with brown shoes. Those are small fries to this big potato of a problem. I'm talking about the all-too-familiar faux pas of an outfit having one “look” from the waist-up, and a whole ‘nother from the waist down.
At a friend’s apartment last weekend, I performed an impromptu style consultation targeting this easily correctable offense. My friend, who I'll call Walter (because that's his real name and I kind of love it) was all dressed up for a night on the town, but his outfit just…wasn’t working. On top, Walter was wearing a track jacket, henceforth known as a tracket, with a gray t-shirt underneath. Below that, he had on jeans (with visible-stitch front pockets, an offense meriting a post of its own)...and dress shoes.
Black dress shoes with a tracket. Just the thought sends shivers down my cashmere-covered spine.
Why guys? Why do you confuse us with your mixed message dressing? Walter's top half said, I just came from a leisure afternoon activity and decided to pop over to the neighborhood bar to meet some friends for a pint, while his bottom half shouted, So! Do you come to this techno-thumping nightclub often?
Walter – who, on top of being named Walter had the unlucky fate to be born a ginger – is a really nice guy, so I couldn't let him walk out the door in this condition.

I dragged him to his closet and pulled out two easy options to re-work his wardrobe: (1) change out of the dress shoes and into a pair of spotless New Balances, or (2) keep the shoes and trade the tracket for a dress shirt. I argued for the former, as the button-down/jeans/black shoes combo always strikes me as a little generic. The tracket wasn't bowling me over either – the tropical pattern across the chest had me humming the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” as I dug into his closet – but at least it had personality.
I left for another party (what can I say? I’m a social girl) before Walter decided if he wanted to dress up or dress down, but I felt good just knowing I spread the word about the importance of single-minded dressing. As a wise man once said, “Suit up.” And if that suit is a track suit, so be it. As long as what’s happening above the belt matches what’s going on below, we’re all good.

xx,

Megan
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Sporting Style

Showing your team spirt doesn’t mean looking like a mascot who wandered into the stands. With the Saints’ Super Bowl victory fresh in my mind, and March Madness right around the corner, it’s no surprise I’m in a sporty mood this week. As such, I’d like to take this opportunity to address the clothing choices of male sports fans.

If you’re like most guys I know (apologies for my gross generalization, by the way), you love sports. And one of the things you may love about sports is that you don’t have to think about what you wear – when you play them or when you watch them. In recent years, though, “sporting fashion” has become another opportunity to show off your stuff, and trust me, sports-loving ladies are noticing.


Image viainsidecatholic.com

Paparazzi snap pics of Jay-Z and Leonardo DiCaprio sitting courtside at Lakers games. David Beckham gets photographed walking to practice in sweats and a flannel tied around his waist, and a trend is born. Ryan Seacrest reported from the “red carpet” at this year’s Super Bowl, for God’s sake! Even if your presence in the stands doesn’t result in a full-page spread in Us Weekly, you should still care about how you look when cheering on your team.

First, the Don’ts:
-Jerseys are acceptable at sporting events (or sporting event-related functions) ONLY. The players don’t wear their jerseys off-duty; neither should you.
-Please don’t paint your faces. Girls don’t want to kiss guys wearing more makeup than them.
-Wind pants have not been cool since the seventh grade. Take note.
-Non-hooded sweatshirts are kind of whiskey tango. Just sayin’.
-Sports apparel should be well-loved. If I can see the creases from where the shirt was previously folded on the table at Foot Locker, I will immediately question your fanliness (like manliness, get it?! Well I thought it was funny…).

Now a couple Do’s, because I don’t want you to think I’m all rules and no fun:
-I love a man in a baseball cap repping his favorite team. The more beat-up, the better.
-If you don’t own any apparel touting the team you’re rooting for (say, alumni weekend at your girlfriend’s alma mater), wear something in their colors. It’s thoughtful, and you won’t stand out if you show up on the Jumbotron
-The best thing you can do to look good in sports fashion? Play sports! You like us ladies to look good, well it doesn’t come easy. Work out, and we’ll want to watch you work it out.

Go State!

xx,

Megan
If you have a style question, just email me at
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Introducing Megan K Collins…your Style Girlfriend

Jon asked me to provide a female point of view on men’s style, and as I love to say what I think – even when I probably shouldn’t – well, here I am.

A little about me and my style:
Born and raised in the Midwest, I now live in New York City and work in advertising. Both my job and adopted hometown lend themselves to having fun with fashion. And when I need inspiration, the city provides me with an endless supply of always-interesting people watching.

Probably the most impactful era in my own evolution of style, however, would have to be my high school and college tenure working at Abercrombie & Fitch. That’s right. I wore tennis skirts and flip-flops in the middle of December, and I’m proud of it. Thankfully, I’ve weaned myself off A&F, but the preppy part of me is still strong. A friend the other day described my style as Reese Witherspoon meets Diane Kruger, and I think that’s about right. I’m open to new trends but not a slave to them. For example, I say yes to leggings, but an emphatic NO to high-waisted jeans.

Now a little about my “type” so you know my guy style biases:

I like short hair. I like boat shoes, though I’ve never actually dated anyone who wore them. I like when a guy puts effort into his look, even when I might not agree with the results. I don’t like when guys wear their jeans skinnier than I do, and I don’t want him to be prettier than me either.
In short, I like a guy to look like a guy, albeit one that didn’t pick a shirt up off the floor this morning, take a whiff and pull it on with a shrug, but also one that didn’t spend a half hour in front of the mirror perfecting his ‘casually’ rolled-up sleeves.

The fancy stuff I’ll leave to Jon – he can tell you how long a cuff should be, where the break in a nice pair of pants should hit and settle the age-old question: bow tie v. ascot when you’re trying to look pretentious. I’m here to give you my take on how you look, and what I’d like to see you in that you’re not wearing already.

xx,
Megan
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