Be Not Afraid: 10 Style Choices That Need Not Be Scary

Being men, less is often more. Bells and whistles are not always necessary when constructing an outfit, and can sometimes do you more harm than good. However, that's not to say that men should be afraid to take a little risk here and there. After all, with great risk comes great reward!

I recently wrote an article for men's fashion/lifestyle magazine, SHARP, titled, "Be Not Afraid: 10 Style Choices That Need Not Be Scary". The piece includes everything from bow-ties to boots! You can view the article here, or below!

Fashion is all about exploring boundaries. Like society, it is constantly evolving, shifting shapes and forms to satisfy the ever-changing needs of the current day. Sharp encourages all our readers to try new things and expand the scope of their sartorial preferences. We realize, with adventure comes the prospect of failure, and that can be scary. Thus we’ve compiled a list of looks that no modern man should be afraid to try, and of course,  simple advice on pulling them off.

THE HAT

By this, we are not condoning baseball caps or beanies. We’re talking about the must-have classic that your modern day dandy uses to cap off their look (pun intended). Aside from aesthetic purposes, hats effectively conceal unruly cowlicks on the odd bad hair day. For the reticent there is great selection of styles to choose from, from trilbys to fedoras to newsboy caps. We’re digging this classic fedora from Iceberg’s spring 2010 collection. (Iceberg)

BRACE YOURSELF

 What used to be a device made purely for practical reasons, suspenders (or “braces” if you’re a gentleman) add a dimension to your look, so long as you avoid copying Larry King. Ranging over a continuum, suspenders are available anywhere from the punkishly thin, to wide and bold.. They look best with a crisp shirt (button-up or t) and a good pair of fitted trousers. If you’re feeling adventurous (and you’re under 40) you can consider wearing them with jeans. (Dolce & Gabbana)

THE BOW TIE

 Clothes make the man, but accessories make the statement. The bow tie is no exception. A staple amongst the black-tie crowd, this small but assertive piece is a great accessory to elevate your outfit from the everyday man to sartorial master. Coming in a variety of shapes, colors, and patterns, its versatility allows you to dress up and down with ease. Try wearing it undone for a cool, casual look. (Michael Bastian)

BOLD COLOURS

 There are many ways men can use a bold colour palette to make his presence known, without looking like a highlighter. If you want a more subtle look, select an accent piece and build around it, this time using similar shades to diffuse the color out, like the Salvatore Ferragamo outfit from his Fall 2011 collection.

DENIM ON DENIM

 It is conventional wisdom that denim on denim is regarded as a major fashion faux pas. However, done in the right way, this combination can be iconic. For the most part, denim double dippers should seek pieces that are of different shades and washes, but still complementary to each other. Contrary to popular belief, both denim pieces can also be of similar wash and color. However, the key to this tricky combo is to combine light denim articles to give off a cool, urban look. (D&G)

SHORT(ER) SHORTS

 The fear is understandable. We’re not accustomed to showing our legs. But when we say short shorts, we’re referring to the type of shorts that are cut above the knee, and are relatively slim. Depending on the cut, these “short” shorts can make a man look taller, and leaner. Typically, we recommend anywhere from 2 to 5” above the knee, depending on your size, build, and the function you’re wearing them to. (D&G)

PAISLEY

 A pattern typically observed in bright and eccentric colors, paisley has often been relegated to poorly thought-out homage’s to the “Summer of LovE.” But, as with all things in the fashion world, paisley is evolving into a design that is wearable by all. Since the pattern is so loud on its own, the key is to pair it with a neutral colour to balance its exaggerated effect. This piece from the Philip Lim 3.1 2011 spring collection is an example of paisley done right. Subtlety is key, and in this case, the monochromatic effect showcases a bohemian vibe that is both stylish and relaxed. (Philip Lim 3.1)

BOLD PATTERNS

 Similar to bold colours, unless you are going for a more eccentric and busy look, stick with one statement piece and build around it. This plaid coat from the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011 collection is a good example. The black pants and shoes complement the coat’s color scheme and help anchor it down. (Burberry Prorsum)

BOOTS

 Boots can scare men off by their associative power. The last time you considered wearing them was likely in college, when you raged against the machine. Still, the right boot can make even the preppiest look decidedly more bad-ass. Now coming in a range of colors and styles, combat boots are a great way of bringing a little edge and attitude to your outfit. (Simon Spurr)

THE MAN-BAG

 This handy accessory comes in a variety of flavors to satisfy even the most rugged of men. For everyday usage, we recommend a sturdy bag, typically of the leather or canvas variety, consisting of earthy tones. We prefer shorter over longer handles, as well. If you go for leather, don’t be afraid to scuff and knock it around! (Steve Mono)

*Note: Article was featured on web-site, not magazine.