Issue # 12 - Style isn't always comfortable.

A common statistic among men in their mid twenties-early thirties is that Summer isn't long enough, or that it ends too quickly. They say it's because they enjoy the hot weather and seeing women in skimpy little outfits. While this may be true, I can't help but feel that there is a third reason they aren't admitting: Autumn means they will have to retire their precious summer wardrobe for 3 months, and thus may actually be forced to spend more than 30 seconds choosing their outfit for the day. Ladies and Gentlemen, i believe this is more the reason than the other 2.


Friday night, as I was sipping on a Gin and Tonic at the bar with my lady, I was quite disappointed to see 7...yes SEVEN men in their mid 20s walk in to the bar; All in a line, all wearing either a horrible polo shirt or an Aeropostale T shirt, Cargo shorts, and either flip flops or running shoes with socks, and the always vomit-enducing backwards hat. I actually cringe when I think about it. It was almost as if they were some form of team, all sporting their uniform. This is sadly what many a man's idea of looking good has fallen to. When i have asked several "dudes" (this is the term I am forced to use, since it just fits) why they choose to wear this on a constant basis, the most popular answer is simple: Comfort. These guys would much rather look like slobs in order to maintain comfort. I can't wrap my head around it.


Gentlemen, i am going to let you in on a little secret that women have known since the dawn of time. Are you ready?... LOOKING GOOD IS NOT ALWAYS COMFORTABLE. Yes, it may come as a shock to some of you, but looking clean, polished, stylish and sophisticated may indeed require you to step out of your comfort zone. When you're caught completely off guard by a stunning woman wearing heels and a clingy dress with her hair done to perfection and looking flawless, do you think she's comfortable? I can guarantee you that she is not. I guarantee you men, that she can't wait to kick her shoes off, slip out of that dress, and into a pair of jogging pants and a baggy t shirt. But she temporarily sacrifices her comfort for the sake of looking good. And in an odd sort of oxymoron, looking good will ultimately make you feel good; Thus forgetting that you're uncomfortable. Follow me?


Finding your own style and feeling good about yourself ultimately means pushing your own boundaries of comfort until you find something that works for you. You never know if a new style or a new item will work for you until you try it...and if YOU like it, then WORK it! Even if it's out of your normal range of style, the more you wear it, the more people will associate it as part of you. Before you know it, people will ask you about it, or notice you for it. If you constantly resort to clothing you're comfortable in you won't ever be regarded as having a style...you will just be. If that's ok with you, then more power to you...but you should probably stop reading this blog, because it will be of no help to you. This blog is about bettering yourself as a man and a person, and about bettering yourself on the inside as well. And trust me, when you know you look good, it gives you a confidence like nothing else.


So step out of that comfort zone. Tuck your shirt in...wear a tie...do something you never do, or something you have always wanted to do. Ultimately it's about HOW you work the look you're going for. If you wear it with confidence, the rest will follow.


Hope this helps. Next issue: My top 5 Fragrances of Summer 2010

Until next time,
S.G.