Watch Your Wrists

Being a guy, and trying to dress with a decent amount of individuality can be quite difficult, even for the most fashion affluent men. Not only are there far less options in clothing styles and shoes styles, but the styles that are available to us usually get an “M” tacked onto the front such as “Mandals” (sandals) or a “Murse” (messenger bag/man purse) implying that unless a male is wearing them, they were totally intended for the opposite sex to begin with. Well this just is not the case. Men have been wearing sandals since ancient times and even went to battle with their toes exposed. Moreover, men are just as likely to have a bunch of tedious objects to carry around and nothing makes better sense than a functional messenger bag or backpack. These days, even the post-college crowd is still toting their belongs around in backpacks, and rightfully so. Everyone deserves to keep their hands open and free, especially in an fashionable way.

So with all this confusion, now clearly explained, about what should be expected of guys to pull off, I don’t expect every male on the UofA campus to run down to the nearest haberdashery to load up on accessories. But I do think that all of us guys should be more cognizant of the wonderful outfit-finishing effect they can possess. In any case, here are a few rules to keep you on the straight and narrow while shopping. First, look for thicker straps. Whether it is on sandals, or a bag you want to tote around, a thicker strap gives off a much more of a masculine vibe. If the strap is going to be going across your chest, as is the case with most messenger bags or sling backpacks, try to find ones with straps no thinner than one and half inches. Anything less than that can lend a certain handbag feel…not my idea of stylish. Second, accessories should be bold. Bracelets, necklaces, and rings are typically bolder when designed for men, and this helps create a distinction between your jewelry and the jewelry your grandmother is shopping for. Lastly, whether it’s a belt, shoes, or hat, stick with rich or neutral colors. Steel, military green, black, chocolate, and khaki (plus many others) exemplify masculinity and their very name, so what better way to lend a masculine touch when you’re rocking a fedora with your swim trunks. Now use these tools, skip the mundane uniform of a tee shirt and flip-flops, and start coaching on the trendy guy in all you to come out and play.