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They come runnin’ just as fast as they can… ’cause every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man
– The Reverend Willy G.
1. Make sure it fits
Paramount to everything else. If it doesn’t fit, it won’t work. A guy in an ill fitting $1000 suit won’t look as good as a guy in a well fitting pair of $30 jeans. As Beth would say: “Clothes should skim. Not cling, not billow.” Initial attraction is heavily biological. So no matter your shape, don’t do it a disservice by looking like an amorphous blob.
2. Put on a blazer
As long as it’s appropriate for the situation (don’t be the guy at the rock show in a blazer), it’ll set you apart. In a good way. Blazers, sportcoats, and suit jackets are built specifically to make a guy look better than normal. It cleans up your lines, makes your torso and shoulders look strong, and will make you look miles ahead of the untucked button up wearing masses. She’s not out with some dude. She’s out with some handsome devil.
3. Layer up
Knowing how to layer is like knowing how to cook. And knowing how to cook means you’ve got the capability to be romantic. Each takes a little effort, a little planning, and the understanding that it’s worthwhile to put a few things together in order to make the whole package more interesting. Sort of like planning a solid date.
4. Never underestimate the power of shoes
You know what they say about a guy with big feet. But if those big feet are constantly shod in cross trainers or other shoes that scream “afterthought,” it shows Mr. Bigfoot lacks an attention to detail. And no matter how big his feet, if his shoe selection is bland and forgetful, his other skills might be bland and forgetful too.
5. Posture.
Stand up straight. It does wonders. Makes you look better, thinner, and more confident. No woman has ever said: “He’s so handsome, and he slouches in the CUTEST way.”
To the women readers of Dappered (we know you’re out there) what makes you notice a guy when it comes to his style? And fellas, what do you feel gives you an advantage with women? Leave it all in the comments below.
Think you can go over layering tips on a future article?
Poor posture worked for Jordan Catalano, but then again it was the 90s.
Need to mention personal hygiene. Deodorant and a touch of fragrance like body splash or faint perfume (just 1 push is enough).
Could be a good article.
I believe I read this from you Joe, but it’s the last things you put on (the small details) that will impress her (watch/shoes/tie bar [when appropriate]).
most importantly!!!!! BREATH! no coffee/cigarette/bad breath!
This advice is good, but oddly, and unfortunately, it goes against some empirical evidence. Specifically, I’ve had two girlfriends tell me that they prefer my disheveled (imo borderline sloppy) look. It is not that they disliked when I clean up, but I’m getting the impression they just don’t care that much, except at the margins. Or more precisely, they would care, but only after the non-style fundamentals are present. I guess therein lies one of the fundamental differences between the genders.
Confidence in self and style
my so called slouch.
you said empirical and ‘at the margins.’
econ?
Amen on number 5. Standing up straight exudes an unspoken level of confidence which, whether your lady likes your “casual” or sophisticated look, will always be attractive. Just don’t go all Hasselhoff…
And always wear tighty whities. And cell phone holsters. Always.
I second this.
third
Cell phone holsters are for a man not smart enough to own a stylish fanny pack
Deal with your hair. Poofy is goofy, greasy is gross, crunchy is untouchable. The cleaner it looks and feels, the closer she can get to it.
Fourth
Fanny packs were ubiquitous in Canada during the 90s.
Just get yourself some nice triple pleat khakis, a pair of square-toe Aldo shoes and a polo shirt with sleeves extending to the elbows and your golden. Bonus points if you are driving a PT Cruiser. And if you are a salesman at Radio Shack, the ladies will drool…
Just sayin’
I’d put posture at number 1 or 2.
5th (i feel cool being a part of this)
Well, since you asked for comments from women:
Be clean. Hair, pits, and splits doesn’t do it. Daily wash all of you, including your teeth.
Go easy on the scents. If you’re standing by the counter, walk away, and then I walk to the counter and can smell your cologne, it’s too much. Anytime you come towards me after that, I will be navigating away from you. I like to breathe clean air. Plus, if you wear strong cologne, I assume that you don’t shower daily.
Wear clothes that are clean, well fitted, and age and situation appropriate. Stained, baggy, threadbare, ripped clothes make me think that you don’t care about about anything other than how to get others to support you. All of these together make me think that you don’t shower more than once a week, have smelly breath, and sleep on a mattress without sheets. Not a fair assessment based on clothes alone, I know, but there it is.
If your clothing is clean, fitted, and appropriate, then the rest is just aesthetics. What I find attractive, another woman will find boring or even ugly, so don’t worry about. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
And finally, if you are at a contradance and wear a sleeveless shirt, I understand. It’s hot. I don’t expect you to wear more clothes than I am willing to wear. But, if I can count the drops of sweat as they slide off your armpit hair, I won’t want to dance with, or even look at, you.
We always check out his watch! 😉
6th. (Wait. What? Awwwww MAN.)
Always carry a clean handkerchief. Especially to weddings.
#6 Be confident but not a douche.
I’m a girl, and the layering thing is huge with me. A guy that can layer well gets huge kudos in my book. And confidence is so important. I want a strong guy– not a guy I have to lead. I’m the girl — YOU lead me. Be the man in the relationship. But please, please, please don’t be cocky. That only works in the movies and short term relationships.
Yea!
Also for James Dean.
http://www.clay-collins.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/lean-on-things-sitting-part-1-thumb.jpg
The most important “little things” seem to be shoes, nails, and teeth. Take care of those and the immediate impression you make should be positive. Other things not mentioned in the article that can make a difference are hair and wrist jewelry. Healthy hair in a flattering cut goes a long way, as does a nice watch + some bracelets.
Heyo. As a girl, speaking at least for myself – we don’t mind sloppy, if we love you. What we do mind is a guy who doesn’t know when it’s appropriate to clean up and be classy. Classy never goes out of style.
Amen. Especially to the nails – it’ll freak a girl out if your nails are grody. No need to be overly-manicured, but they should be well-groomed enough so they aren’t really noticeable.
what pair of shous shoud i buy to impress those ladies