10 Clothing Items Every Man Needs to Dump Before Turning 30
As you get older, you will inevitably outgrow some of your favorite clothes. I am not referring to physically outgrowing your wardrobe, but rather "outgrowing" trends that you are now too old, err too mature to wear anymore. There are some clothing items and fashion styles that you have to part with, especially if you are a young man approaching 30 years old. Doing away with the following 10 clothing items ensures that you dress acceptably for your age and that your peers, potential mates, employers, and business clients view you as a serious young professional.
Ironic Tee Shirts
Ironic tee shirts should be shed from your wardrobe immediately before your 30th birthday. Sure, they are funny when you are in your 20s, but potential mates will think you are a perennial Silver Lake hipster if you are wearing them to the local coffee house after your 30th, or 25th, birthday.
Statement Shades
A good pair of Ray Bans does a perfect job of protecting your eyes from harsh ultraviolet rays. Wearing shutter shades does nothing to protect your eyes and may make others question your vision or sobriety.
Branded Sport Coats
Sport coats emblazoned with the fleur-de-lis or dragons had a brief period of popularity in the middle of the 2000s, but the fashion trend was more of a fashion faux-pas. If you are in college or partying in a nightclub on South Beach then maybe it is permissible. Maybe. Otherwise, this trend sends others the message that you are auditioning for the "Jersey Shore." On the other end of the style spectrum sits blazers decorated with preppy crests. This may have been great for preppy themed fraternity parties, but once you're in the "real world" you should do away with such clothing as it may signal that you are still in prep school.
Skinny Jeans
In some circles, skinny jeans are all the rage. Wearing them is a matter of taste, but once you hit the big 3-0, you should start wearing nicely tailored jeans. Skinny jeans do not qualify as "nicely tailored" clothing.
Puka Shells
Puka shell necklaces come in and out of fashion but they do not belong around the neck of a grown man. Maybe you had a bit of a surfer boy phase in your mid-20s when you were "figuring it out," but do away with them as you approach your 30th birthday…unless you are auditioning for the role of Matthew McConaughey's little brother in the sequel to "Surfer, Dude."
Flip Flops
Men don't exactly have attractive feet. It's an indisputable fact. Flip flops are okay when you're in college, but wearing them after that tells the world that you are putting in the least amount of effort possible. Keep a pair or two around for beach excursions, but make sure you are not wearing them after your 20s have become little more than a memory.
Sneakers
Sneakers are perfectly acceptable clothing for the gym and while running marathons. You are not running marathons in blue jeans or doing squats in chinos so make sure that you keep your sneakers in the locker at your gym so you don't accidentally wear them with non-workout clothes. Seinfeld was about the only man in his 30s who could successfully don that look, and that is even debatable.
Croakies
Croakies are a great and practical accessory when you are out on the boat since they keep you from losing your sunglasses. While they have become a staple of the frat-boy uniform, they should be retired once you reach a certain age, especially if you are on solid ground…unless you are really paranoid about random earthquakes occurring…in which case you probably have more concerns than your sunglasses.
Graphic Tees
Affliction, TapOut, and Ed Hardy shirts have become ubiquitous in some circles. The thing is that once you start approaching your 30s, you should start realizing that you are paying a premium for a shirt that essentially advertises someone else's brand. Why would a grown man give his hard-earned money to wear clothes that do nothing but shill another's goods? Exactly. Unless you are a brand ambassador, let someone else do the advertising for these brands.
Leather Cuffs
When you are young and trendy and trying to show people how "hard" you are, leather cuffs seem like a solid fashion selection. The problem is that once you hit a certain age, you should not be trying to show people how "rebellious" and "hard" you are. You know what's hard? Working and paying bills. That's hard and actions speak louder than words.
10 Fashion Tips for the Well-Dressed Man
Guidelines to Help You Channel Your Inner Don Draper
Fashion is mostly subjective but there are a few firm guidelines worth following if you wish to achieve a distinguished and dapper image. Don Draper from television's "Mad Men" has these rules of thumb down to the point that it is almost a science and any man can achieve a similar level of style and sophistication by merely being aware of the subtleties that create a well-dress gentleman. These ten fashion guidelines will help you achieve a put-together look while also projecting power and class; heed this advice and you will look like you walked off the pages of Esquire magazine.
Sometimes, Always, Never
Many men are often confused about which buttons they should fasten on their three-button suit coats and sport coats. I cannot tell you how many times I was asked about this when working high-end retail at one of the nation's finest haberdasheries.
The top button can sometimes be closed but only if the lapel features a distinct crease and even then it is generally shied away from; coats with softly folded lapels do not ever lend themselves to fastening the top button.
All three-button coats are made to allow for buttoning the middle button so this is always safe. Under no circumstances should the bottom button of a three-button coat be fastened. The panels of suit coats and sport coats are not cut with the intention of having the bottom button fastened and doing so throws off the proper fit of the coat, making it fall awkwardly and pull. Just remember from top to bottom: Sometimes, always, never.
You may be asking how this applies to four-button coats. It doesn't and unless you are Michael Irvin you should stay away from four-button coats because they are generally considered costume pieces.
Proportion Is Everything
It is important to pay attention to pattern proportion when pairing patterns together in order to avoid creating a dizzying image. When coordinating ties, shirts, and coats, make sure that the proportion of each piece's pattern does not match or you could risk giving an office colleague a seizure.
For instance, if your shirt is a fine check then ensure that you pair it with a tie with a significantly broader pattern or else your clothing ensemble will take on the aesthetic of those old "Magic Eye" posters from grade school. In terms of lapels, ties, and collars, do the opposite; make sure the shapes are in proportion. If you're wearing a coat with a narrow lapel, make sure that your tie and collar also err on the narrower end of the spectrum, conversely broad lapels call for wider ties and thicker collars.
To Cuff or Not to Cuff, That is the Question
Flat front pants can be cuffed or finished with a plain hem, but the plain hem is generally the preferred option. The plain hem lets the pant leg fall naturally and keeps with the streamlined aesthetic of a flat front pant. Pleated pants should always be cuffed at the bottom. The extra weight of the cuff creates the proper drape for pleated pants and the extra thickness around the hem creates a visual balance with the pleats.
Suits and Separates Should Stay Separate
Suit coats should only be worn with the pants they were originally paired with from the factory. This allows the coat and pants to wear evenly and prevents garish pairings. The patterns of suits are not meant to be matched with other dress pants or sport coats so avoid this common mistake by keeping your suit coats and trousers together and only pairing sport coats with separate dress slacks.
Button-down Collars
While many men wear button-down collars with a coat and tie this look is for casual occasions only and should never be worn in the office and certainly not during power meetings. The look can be donned with chinos or Nantucket reds for a traditional preppy look but avoid pairing button-down collars with true dress slacks or suits.
The button-down collar does not have the crisp appearance of a true dress shirt collar and tends to roll when paired with a tie and sport coat. Nothing exudes power and sophistication like a firm collar falling crisply under a sport coat with a nicely knotted tie occupying the space between the collar spread.
The Brown Shoe Myth
Some believe that brown shoes are not dressy and should only be worn with earth tones and never with grey or black dress clothing. This is merely a myth and it is not a fashion faux-pas to don brown or caramel colored dress shoes with a grey pair of dress slacks or a black pinstripe suit. In fact, this is look is very European and considered very chic by the fashion-conscious Italians and GQ magazine.
Matt Lauer is known for frequently sporting this distinct fashion-forward look. Now don't get crazy and start wearing brown shoes with black-tie formal wear or anything and always remember to match your belt to your shoes.
Leather-Soled Dress Shoes
Many men shy away from leather-soled dress shoes fearing discomfort and the cost. A well-made leather-soled dress shoe that is properly fitted to your foot should not be uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, many men have been driven away from proper dress shoes because of a previous bad experience with ill-fitting shoes or shoes constructed around a poorly built last. In terms of cost, a leather-soled shoe should be viewed as an long-term wardrobe investment, helping justify the higher upfront cost.
Rubber-soled shoes are disposable and usually thrown away after a year of wear; once the sole is done then the shoe is junk. Shoes with leather bottoms can be re-soled as needed, meaning that with proper care and upkeep you can own those shoes for much longer - sometimes even decades - offsetting that higher initial cost of entry since you are not having to buy an entire new pair of shoes every time the sole wears out.
Women and people in power also tend to notice subtle details like the construction of shoes and leather-soled shoes convey a sense of sophistication and an appreciation for quality.
Clothing Maneuverability
Another fashion myth that must be dispelled regards maneuverability. There is a widely held notion that European-cut slim-fitting suits somehow decrease maneuverability. This could not be further from the truth.
Obviously, wearing clothing that is too tight will inhibit your ability to move around in comfort, but properly fit clothes that feature a slim cut actually allow the body to move more easily than do baggy or loose-fitting clothes due to the form fitting nature of the slim-cut. You will also look like a well put together gentleman in your finely tailored dress clothing.
Dark Solid Colored Dress Shirts
Just because a button-down shirt has a collar and long sleeves does not mean it's an appropriate dress shirt that can be paired with a suit or dress slacks and a sport coat. Avoid dark solid colored button-downs when donning a suit for a management meeting. Colors to avoid include burgundy, navy blue, and forest green.
Wearing these dark solid colored button-down shirts tends to evoke memories of television's Frasier, a man of taste but whose fashion is clearly from the '90s, or a character from "The Sopranos." Stick with traditional and proper dress shirt patterns or lighter solid colors for your power meetings during this decade.
Why Wear A Watch
In this day of the ubiquitous smartphone with its perfectly set clock it seems like a watch is just a superfluous accessory. While the pure utility of a watch may be in question, remember that it looks far crasser to pull out a phone to check the time than to casually glance at your wrist.
A tasteful timepiece is a completely acceptable and functional piece of jewelry for a gentleman to wear as a means of communicating a little personal style and taste. Nothing says "gentleman" like a low-profile dress watch or a classic sport watch subtly showing under your shirt cuff.
A well-chosen timepiece can actually be a great conversation starter, much more so than the current iteration of iPhone. Avoid watches with plastic bands, blinged out diamonds and those measuring over 44 mm in diameter and you will be fine.
Also, leave the Mickey Mouse watch at home unless, of course, you work for Walt Disney.
Summer dates present a unique conundrum for us men. Fall and winter dates are easier to dress for since those seasons traditionally dictate more formal fashion, making the wardrobe more clear cut. The warmth of the summer months inherently conditions us to dress more casually, but how do we dress for a summer date without looking sloppy?
Men’s Fashion: Essential Tips for a Summer Date
How to Keep Cool While Looking Hot
Summer dates present a unique conundrum for us men. Fall and winter dates are easier to dress for since those seasons traditionally dictate more formal fashion, making the wardrobe more clear cut. The warmth of the summer months inherently conditions us to dress more casually, but how do we dress for a summer date without looking sloppy?
The key here is to put together a nice sportswear ensemble, something that says you want to have fun and feel comfortable, while still looking good and presenting the best image possible for your date. How do you look good without looking like you're trying too hard? How do you get that debonair summer style without sweating? The forthcoming tips share a common thread: easy-to-wear style that shows your date that you put forth an effort while still retaining a casual cool vibe.
Shirt
Optimally, you should wear a long-sleeve button down shirt made of lightweight cotton or linen - avoid Oxford shirts during the summer months. Solid colors are safe, but you can add some personality with a fine-checked, gingham or striped shirt. Paul Smith also offers some bolder prints for the more daring, but don't turn the knob to 11.
Nat Nast or Tommy Bahama-style shirts are acceptable for older gents or those in tropical climates, but steer clear of any floral prints or large embroidery. You don't want to look like a retiree or a World Series of Poker competitor.
A golf shirt is the most casual shirt you should wear on a date, period; save the graphic and ironic tees for "brocations." "Love Kills Slowly" is not the message you want to project to your date. If you do go the casual golf shirt route, the logo should never be larger than your thumbnail - you're selling yourself, not a clothing brand.
Pants
Stick with solids here. Pinstripes are too formal and can make it look like you just left the office, while bold prints are too casual and draw too much attention for a date situation.
Ensure that your pants are made of a lightweight, breathable fabric so you don't sweat down there. Summer weight chinos from the J. Crew line are a trustworthy choice, while linen is a bit more distinguished, yet even more comfortable option.
Lightweight jeans can be worn, as well, but make sure that they are nicely hemmed and are a different pair than those in which you do your yard work. Any shade will do so long as the jeans don't have holes, but really light-colored or dark, raw denim tend to be the most suitable for dates since they stand out from so-called mom jeans.
Leave your little sister's jeans in her closet so that you leave something to your date's imagination. Conversely, you should avoid baggy denim or pants with a drastic drape. The key here is to wear a pair of well-tailored pants that let her see your silhouette without putting it all out on the table.
Shorts should only be worn during recreational activities. Pleats. Just no. Not under any circumstance. Ever.
Coat or Not?
A coat is optional, but donning a dapper jacket serves a two-fold purpose. First, a sport coat shows that you put forth effort and wanted to look your very best for the date. Second, should it get chilly later in the evening you can offer your date your coat, a classic act of chivalry.
Wear an unlined, unstructured sport coat for that summery gentleman look that will also allow maximum breath-ability. Seersucker adds a splash of Southern charm, but don't pair it with a patterned shirt or you will make your date dizzy.
Don't just take a suit coat off its hanger and throw it on with your summer date outfit. Women can tell that the coat is meant to be worn as part of a suit, making it look like you hurriedly threw the ensemble together from your work wardrobe.
A solid navy blue blazer is a safe choice, just don't wear one with a crest or shield or people will think that your date picked you up at a prep school.
Shoes
Women love shoes, but they also love to judge a man by his shoes. If you are going to splurge on any part of your summer date outfit, this is the piece.
A nicely made, leather-soled pair of slip-on dress shoes is the prime choice here. Add a bit of dressy sophistication by wearing bit-loafers or driving shoes.
Traditional lace-up dress shoes are also fine, but may come across as too formal for a summer date, and also make it more difficult to take your shoes off at the end of the night.
Those who live in coastal locations can consider a fresh pair of boat shoes from Sperry but only for more informal settings. Do not wear socks with them. Ever. Thank me later.
At all costs and with no exception, avoid sneakers, flip flops, canvas and Crocs. They have a place; it just isn't here.
Accessories
Add a pocket square to your sport coat to show some fashion sensibility and dapper style. It sounds silly, but your date will take note of the extra attention you put into looking your best and women love a well-coordinated man.
Leave your man jewelry at home. A classy wrist watch is fine, but the rest should be kept to a minimum so you don't upstage your date.
Match your belt to your shoes. Solid leather is fine, but leave the studded belts in your "80s night" pile and donate that braided belt to the Goodwill. Grosgrain ribbon belts are also suitable for those who want to give their outfit a nautical/preppy feel.
Skip the tie, unless you are attending a function that specifically requires one in the dress code.
Understanding What Makes a Modern Slim-Cut Suit
The Details Add Up to Create an Entirely Different Image
The modern slim-fit suit fits entirely differently than a suit from 10 or 20 years ago. Modern suits are not cut in a restrictive manner and should never fit tightly, but they are cut in a manner that hugs your body, giving a more flattering silhouette and actually affording you more mobility than a loose-fitting suit. Pay attention to the details when suit shopping and you can see how the overall feel of the suit adds up to more than the sum of the small refinements that have been made in the past few years. A suit is not just a suit and knowing what design subtleties create that unique modern cut suit will help you make sure you are buying a suit that is contemporary and has a long lifespan in your wardrobe.
Coat Fit
The overall fit of the suit coat has taken a more form-fitting shape. The shoulders of a modern suit should be unpadded and about an inch narrower than they used to be. Shoulder pads are out and have been for a while. Note the way the modern slim cut suit hugs the shape of your shoulder and the ease of arm mobility that this allows. The front panels of the suit should feel thinner and more forgiving due to thinner canvas and lining materials. The coat should have a natural "fall" to it and should not feel crisp.
Coat Cut
A modern suit should also have a smaller footprint in addition to its trimmer silhouette. In years past, suits were boxy and the coat was expected to cover your rear-end. A modern suit should be about an inch shorter than those from a decade ago. Look for the bottom of the coat to fall halfway down your buttocks. Any shorter and you look like you are auditioning for an emo band and any longer and you risk looking dated. Sleeves are easily alterable by your clothing store's tailor, but note that coat sleeves are now worn shorter than the traditional rule of thumb used to dictate. Ideally, you want to show a half inch to an inch of cuff, and have the coat sleeve fall at or just above your wrist.
Coat Design
Note the way a modern suit falls on your shirt/tie combination relative to the way they used to work together. That contemporary suit will have narrower lapels, keeping in proportion with the slimmer ties that are in fashion. You will also notice a lower button stance, exposing more shirt and tie. Two button suits are timeless and fit with this trend, while three button suits fall in and out of fashion.
Trouser Fit
Fitting with the modern fit of the coat, the fit of trousers has also trimmed down to a more form-fitting style. Flat front pants are the norm, but pleats can either be seen as more traditional or very high-fashion depending on the overall shape. Either way, ensure that the pant leg follows the shape of your legs and never becomes to billowy.
Trouser Tailoring
The traditional rule of thumb was that suit pants should fall directly at or above the heel of your shoe, but this has changed a bit since the turn of the century. Pants should fall just below the top of the shoe back. This allows for the sophisticated no break look, or for a subtle pant break at mid-shin. The lines of flat front pants flow most smoothly with an plain hem, that is a hem without a cuff. Pleats, however, leave the choice of pant bottom finishing solely up to personal preference.
Many thanks to S.W. Hampson for this awesome text written many years ago on former Yahoo! Contributors Network!
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FOR THE WELL-DRESSED MAN, THE AFFORDABLE CUFF LINK COLLECTION, ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR A SUMMER DATE 
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