Fashion might be one of the most debated topics, but there are a few styles that universally look good.
Although shorts and a T-shirt might be my go-to outfit, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about fashion and what looks good. Even if you don’t take it from me, take it from my sister, Taylor Back, a fashion merchandising major at Central Michigan University pursuing her master’s degree.
White Button-Down Shirt
As basic as this look is, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic white button-down. Think Tom Cruise in “Risky Business,” or Uma Thurman in “Pulp Fiction.” There’s just something so universally cool and classy about a white dress shirt.
I have one hanging in my closet, and it’s one of my favorites. I reserve it for special occasions only, mostly because I can’t keep white clean. Regardless, a white dress shirt looks good on just about anybody, so long as it’s not Jerry Seinfeld’s pirate shirt.
Leather Jacket
There are few things sleeker than a leather jacket. It quite possibly might be the coolest piece of clothing ever invented. The leather jacket defined the 1950s as a sign of rebellion and the epitome of style.
Icons like Steve McQueen and “The Fonz” are the best examples of how iconic this look is. “You can pair it with a lot of things to elevate a look. There’s so many on the market that it’s easy to find one with a design that caters to your personal taste,” agreed Taylor.
White Sneakers
This might be the most basic addition to the list. From gym bros wearing white Nike Blazers to anyone you see on your college campus rocking a pair of white Nike Air Force Ones, the white sneaker is a look for everybody. I guarantee 60% of students at Azusa Pacific have a pair of white sneakers in their closet right now. Most of the shoes I own are white sneakers.
Taylor summed it up quickly, stating the shoes are “easy to pair with any outfit, clean and simple. They are fashionable and anyone can easily rock a white sneaker.”
Flannel Shirts
This might be more of a fall look, but it felt disrespectful to leave it off of the list. For guys, a flannel over a hoodie or a white t-shirt with your favorite pair of jeans is a classic look that elevates someone with even the most basic sense of style. For girls, a flannel can give stylish cowgirl or chic fashionista that you’ll notice in your local coffee shop.
The flannel shirt is the backbone of style for guys like me without any. It’s easy, goes with anything and makes people think you are much better dressed than you actually are. It’s a play I’ve been using for years and people haven’t caught on yet.
Athleisure Wear
If you know me, there’s no surprise here that athleisure made this list. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, the popular athletic brand Gymshark describes it as, “Casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable for both exercise and everyday wear.”
Nearly the entirety of my closet consists of athleisure gear. Athletic clothing has evolved in both comfort and style. Now, guys like me can wear shorts and a T-shirt from brands like Nike, Adidas or Gymshark without looking like a sixth-grade boy on the first day of school. Girls also have never-ending options of gym sets that can be worn while working out or simply to and from class.
Simple colors and lightweight fabrics make athleisure a comfortable alternative to traditionally stylish clothes without compromising the look.
Fashion isn’t easy, especially for guys like me. The fear of alerting the fashion police and looking like a fool is definitely real. However, with simple style tips like this, anyone can look good this summer.