Transition from teen to adult with style

Juan Satzibal/Columnist

Guys, we are not teenagers anymore.

Yes, that’s right, it is time to hand down your super skinny jeans to a 12-year-old girl, give your extra-ripped jeans back to the bear who ripped them, build a time machine and leave the Hollister sex humor T-shirts back in 2005, leave sandals for the beach and stop your hair from looking like a mop.

Changing the way you dress should not be a drag—or difficult. If it is, maybe you are not ready for the change.

You probably know you need to stop wearing the same faded black hoodie five times a week. Attiring yourself properly is an improvement to your character.

Honestly, we all know having a good appearance can only make you better. Dressing like an adult really means to stop dressing like a 16-year-old.

We have passed the time when it is all right to have teenage angst, as well as to wear neon tees, super baggy pants, or beat-up shoes. It is all about dressing to look presentable, feel comfortable, and look appropriate for your age.

When building a new wardrobe, remember a few things: variety, versatility and quality. If you happen to like blazers, do not just limit yourself to them; you will end up being remembered as the “blazer guy” (talking from personal experience).

There are so many jackets in different styles, such as army jackets or varsity jackets. The same applies to bottoms: do not be limited to jeans. Instead, you can purchase chinos in khaki, blue or black. Please remember, leave the zip-off pants for hiking.

The point in achieving a wardrobe with variety is to accomplish versatility. The most versatile item ever is probably a white button-down; it matches with most color bottoms, and can be worn to a formal event or to class (styled differently, of course). Make sure that with each clothing item you have, you can at least wear it in three or more different outfits or ways.

Lastly, quality over quantity. Spend the extra $30 on a regular T-shirt; it will last longer and probably look better. Yes, designer clothing may hurt your wallet now, but in the long run, it is worth it because designer items are made from high-quality fabrics that will stay in your wardrobe for years.

Chances are you will probably end up wasting the same amount of money in rebuying the same low-quality items throughout one year. Does anyone really want to walk around with linty, colorless, wrinkly clothing?

 

Haute Topic is a weekly fashion column. Juan Satzibal is a guest columnist on men’s fashion.