Primer gives ten ways for men to take their casual college style to casual grown up style. If I can’t wear Abercrombie hoodies anymore, then men need to make an effort, too!
- Socks - No more gross white knee-highs. Get some nice, patterned socks that you can wear with dress shoes. Same goes for women. You can’t wear Hanes under your flats. Look for nude-colored tights or no-shows.
- Cardigans - Graduating college means it’s not acceptable to role out of bed and throw on a hoodie for work. Cardigans have the same warmth effect but look so, so much more polished.
- Leather boots - IF you can afford them. If not, just get some nice boots you can wear with jeans (instead of those old Nike tennis shoes). From women, I think flats work the same way. Chic, but comfortable.
- Watches - Get one. Not okay to check your iPhone for time during a meeting.
- Baseball hats - Try not to wear them unless you’re at a baseball game. Definitely do not wear to indoor dates or indoor functions.
- Corduroy - Get a nice pair to sub in for jeans sometimes. I’ve always had trouble finding a pair of Cords that look good and feel good on me, but I’m resuming the search when it gets to be fall.
- Too-big polos - Tall Tees are not a good look on anyone, and trying to say your huge polo shit is dressed-up… now that’s just a lie. Get clothes that fit you — you’ll automatically look better.
- Belts - One nice belt. That’s all I’m asking. No, it can’t be reversible. No, it can’t be canvas.
- Gingham - I’m not a huge plaid fan, but Gingham is a similar, more flattering pattern. As Primer points out, it can also transition from casual to professional pretty quickly.
- Blazers - The zip hoodie for grown-ups. Throw one over a plain t-shirt and jeans and you’ll look older.
