The Danger Zone
(Why we're not too crazy about men in prints)
We admit that there aren't too many options in men's fashion. Even so, that doesn't mean that the few options available don't pose fashion dangers. One in particular is the printed shirt. No, not the tee, but the button down.
When men stray from stripes and solids, things get a lil sticky! And we understand why, no one has ever bothered to tell you how to dress and what to avoid. Obviously, if you haven't been warned then you're bound to step on a couple of mines. So, let's get you prepaired.
Incase you haven't noticed, most men's stores usually only carry vertical stripes or solids. Why you ask? They do this because a solid is completely harmless and the stripes add variety and enhance height. Remember, vertical adds height, horizontal adds width.
So why aren't we so keen on other abstract prints? It's because people who shouldn't often do! The rotound man won't got for a solid or vertical stripe to minimize his rounded stomach. Instead, he opts for the wild pattern which seems to grow in size over his stomach, making it look bigger.
The very small man won't go for a solid to destract attention from his smaller frame. He'll pick a larger than life print that looks like just one paisley covers his entire chest. And above all else, the print can be hard to pair with bottoms if you're not already fashionably savvy!
Unlike its understated cousins (solid and vertical stripe) the bold print usually can't be brought to the office. Thus, it's immediately relegated to after hours settings. Puts me in mind of the obnoxious and badly dressed guy at the bar who refuses to leave the pretty ladies alone in hopes that one of them will have a lapse in good judgement and go home with him.
If you insist on that hideous print, help yourself out so you don't look like you're trying too hard. Pair loud prints with understated pants. A strong dark denim might work, or simple black pants - no sheen. Avoid jewelry because automatically you'll gain "Super Pimp Wannabe" status. Add a jacket with minimal to no detailing, like leather or suede. So, even though we're not advocates of the print, it can be done. But, if spending more than five minutes on your appearance annoys you, leave the print to the pros!
|
