Author: Patrick Butcher

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Business Casualties

Despite my CollegeFashionista-ness, I’m the worst at dressing for an occasion. I over think everything, and when I finally get the courage to walk in a room, I realize that wearing a mesh crop top wasn’t the best choice I could have made. I mean, what is business casual anyway, right? I am always too dressed down or too dressed up. This Fashionisto finds the perfect balance between the two and seems to solve this problem of mine. He creates a cool that is prim yet casual.

By buttoning his silk, white shirt to the top button, he creates a look that is put-together and will have people on the street taking notice. Looking uptight isn’t always a bad thing. Additionally, by pairing this with cuffed blue shorts and tropical hat, his outfit automatically becomes a juxtaposition of ideas. It’s casual, but it’s business. It’s like a mullet: business in the front and party in the back. I know it’s not funny, just go with it.

Check out this hat from Urban Outfitters and you can have a fun hat that can carry you from a casual day or to a more “uptight” one like this Fashionisto was having.

What a great solution to it all, right? If you can’t figure out whether you want to dress up or dress down, just meet in the middle. It’s indecisiveness to the max and you know you love it.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Falling In The Frat Trap

Looking like you came straight of Martha’s Vineyard is not always the best thing. Don’t get me wrong, Vineyard Vines is great, but when you have a pink button-up on top of your lime green whale embroidered shorts, we might have a little problem. I’m all about looking preppy. I grew up in the south, but that does not mean I look like Ralph Lauren and Paula Deen bathed me in sweet tea everyday. It’s all about finding the subtleties. Having hints of prep rather than looking like the spawn of an overly-frat party is key in rocking the preppy look these days.

This guy balances the prep look perfectly. His patriotic hat and striped D-ring belt are classic and are the epitome of prep. The reason why it works is because the pale yellow shirt and faded green pants are simple and subtle. Any brighter colors and you’d give the Kentucky Derby and Lily Pullitzer a run for their money — and not in a good way.

Don’t act like you don’t know where to find clothes like this. Check out the classics like Vineyard Vines and Ralph Lauren. If done right, this Vineyard Vines belt will add the perfect touch of prep and these shorts from Ralph Lauren are bright and fun. Just be sure to pair it with a shirt that will balance the bright color out.

I hope I didn’t scare you away from preppy clothes. Just be sure not to fall into, what I like to call, the “frat-trap.” Try to find ways to incorporate your own individual style in such a concrete trend, like prep. Drink your sweet tea and eat your Chick-Fil-A. Just leave your visor at home.
 

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Finals Wear

At this point in the year, we could all use a good hug and loose fitted shirt. It’s finals. Everyone is stressed, and by now it seems the only person consoling our problems is the woman named Carol who takes orders from Starbucks. Well, if the times call for you to be uptight, that doesn’t mean your clothes have to be as well. Unbutton your polo, take a breather and put on something that is a little looser fitting and comfortable.

This relaxed guy shows us exactly how it’s done. The key piece to note is his gray, loose and hooded shirt. It’s relaxed and makes his outfit seem almost effortless. His burnt orange, drop crotch pants are not far from the same theme. Topped off with a black hat, this look screams effortlessly put together.

If you’re looking for a this relaxed look, check out this airy shirt from Alexander Wang. Don’t think this outfit cannot go from day to night. This Ralph Lauren linen button-up allows you to do just that.

Cracked out on coffee as you may be, there is still a look that is easy and extremely comfortable to get you through the week. So as your procrastination improves your Tumblr, hopefully your campus wear will improve as well. It is time to face it. This week is almost over; so don’t cry and step away from your sweatpants. Trust me, it is not worth it.
 

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Rain Check

When it’s raining outside, the last thing I want to do is try at life. I never have an umbrella, I always end up wearing a white shirt, my hair could be sold as a Furby and I just look like I want to cry (call me maybe?). I’m not a wimp — such a lie — I just don’t know how to handle the weather sometimes. Well folks, when it comes to not putting effort in, it’s all about finding that article of clothing that can pretty much cover up anything without looking like you’re wearing a poncho.

Take for example this stylin’ fellow. His coat is unique, stylish and can be worn with pretty much anything. Your coat should be the most versatile article of clothing in your closet, and getting your hands on a coat that is something other than The North Face might be a good option for you. His red topped, grey jacket does this exactly.

If you have the ability to “make it rain” then take a look at this Burberry coat. It’s pricy, but, hey, some might think it’s worth it. For something that won’t leave a dent in your savings, try this red Farrah raincoat. It’s simple, different and will set you apart from the rest.

Looking stylish in the rain isn’t something that has to be dreaded. A fifth grade AIM Buddy Profile once told me, “If you think sunshine is happiness, then you haven’t danced in the rain.” And after I read it, I said “that’s dumb,” but it’s still better than looking like a mess. 

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Hot and Bothered

“It’s getting hot in here. So take off all your clothes.” Why thank you, Nelly, that was very insightful. Though going to class in the nude does sound ideal, it’s about time we find some alternatives. D.C., my friends, is getting hot. It has now the time where we dread the suit and wait for the pit stains. While Nelly might have jumped to a few conclusions, I will allow you to take off, at most, half of your clothes. Surviving the heat doesn’t have to be a daily fight. Get your hands on a tank top or two and you’ll be set for those hot days that seem to last forever.

If this guy isn’t set for the heat, then call me ugly. His spring outfit is perfect for those hot days walking to classes. His striped tank top is simple, stylin’ and ready for the heat waves. Just as I’ve talked about with jeans and chinos, notice how his shorts are cuffed. It gives a boyish charm to the balance off the look.

In order to beat the heat, check out this tank top from Alexander Wang. As an owner of one, let me tell you, it will be the most comfortable thing you will ever purchase — well, besides chicken nuggets, those are pretty comforting.

No one likes to be hot and bothered. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need huge guns to rock this, and if I’m wrong, well, just look at my muscles and you’ll feel a little better about yourself.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Cats and Cardigans

You know those Christmas cardigans with cats on them? Yeah, well this guy is not wearing one. Though I’m positive he was about to change into it, we’ll save that talk for my next post about alternatives to birth control. Cats aside, I know it is getting warmer in D.C., and a change in wardrobe is must. But that does not mean you have to exile half of your clothes to storage. When it comes to cardigans, though it’s another layer in the midst of the heat, it provides a hint of sophistication. It adds a similar touch that a blazer would provide and makes everything, essentially, classier.

This Fashionisto is the perfect example of what I’m talking about. His deep blue cardigan acts as a sophisticatedly casual alternative. He could dress this outfit up for an event more formal, or he could trade his button down for a T-shirt and create something more casual. It is the perfect transition piece. Also, his bronzed leather lace-ups are also a perfect addition to this transitional look. The color is perfect for summer, and the cuff of his dark denim makes it hard to not to do a double take.

If you’re on the search, cardigans can essentially be found in any clothing store. American Apparel is the place to start when it comes to basics. If you want something more original, check out this one by Opening Ceremony.

Guys, if you haven't noticed all ready, my goal with CollegeFashionista is to make sure you don’t become a cat lady. There, I said it. So just take my word for it, and if you haven’t already, invest in a classic cardigan. It will show you a new way to look at your wardrobe and will hopefully place you another step away from looking like your grandmother’s best friend.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: No Effort Needed

You know those people who always seem to throw things together and look good doing it? Don’t you want to hurt them? Well be envious no more because you are about to be the new person to…hurt. It’s all about finding stylish and comfortable key pieces that you can grab on your way out the door. Whether that is a sweatshirt, beanie or, yes, sweatpants, your morning preparation is soon to be a lot easier and a lot more fashionable.

This morning guy does it perfectly. The key piece that I want to note is his black, striped sweatshirt. No matter how little time he would have to get ready, his hooded sweatshirt is a great fallback because it is different from all the grey fleeces floating around campus. Also, his frayed, Kelly green shorts provide the perfect pop of color needed to stylishly stand out. As a final note, who doesn’t love Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? His “Save Ferris” T-shirt from Urban Outfitters is humorous and provides a perfect subtle commentary.

For something comfortable when you’re on the run, check out Alexander Wang’s sweatpants. Yes, they are, in fact, socially acceptable and you can dress them up as much as you can dress them down. Also, check out this sweatshirt from Olasul. It is fun, preppy and perfect for a summer beach vacation.

No matter how sloppy you might feel, it is all about finding key pieces to complement your sloppiness. When a lot of people think stylish, they think about the effort that goes in to it. It doesn’t have to be that hard. You just have to find the right pieces to make it easy.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Layered, Put-Together and Ready

I once Googled “D.C. style” and I found a lot of pictures of bowties and super hero comics — I’m still kind of confused about the latter. Though we all know you love your Superman boxers, they won’t exactly land you a date outside of a Comic Con convention. What we need to focus on here is not exactly bowties, but the put-together feel of it all. Looking refined and ready is key when living in D.C., and there is no reason why this cannot transcend into your casual wear. The key lies in the layering.

Just as onions, good bean dip and Shrek are all fundamentally layered, so should a well put-together outfit be. Take lesson from this fellow’s refined and layered style. The warm Christmas-like tones of his plaid shirt are intensified and complemented by his warm brown V-neck sweater. He dresses down the look by pairing it all with jeans, and can easily make a quick switch to khakis if any more formal event were to come his way. to tie everything together, his basic black, waxed cotton jacket finishes off the look with refinement and put-together prep.

You can find the tools for this look virtually anywhere. I would recommend sticking with the basics of J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. If you are looking for something edgier, check out this sweater from Rag & Bone.

Looking put-together is never a bad thing. Washington is a place that requires some chops, and it’s important that it is reflected in your outfit. Put your Superman boxers aside and wake up. You live in the most powerful city in the world: you might as well dress like it.
 

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Tanner Family Denim

Guess what readers, denim outfits are finally starting to be seen outside of Full House reruns. Claps all around. I know you’ve seen this look around campus and some may perceive it as “hipster social commentary.” Well it’s time to open your eyes and see that it’s becoming a seasonal staple. Now before you consider buying this joutfit (jean + outfit), you must consult what you already have in terms of denim. We all own some type of denim pant, and in order for this look to work, you have to be sure you buy a denim jacket that will complement your pants rather than make you look like your pre-school teacher who debatably had a mullet.

The key is this: it’s not about matching. You have to make sure that you find a denim jacket that is a different wash from your denim pants. This dapper Fashionisto does exactly that and makes this outfit work perfectly. He wore a lighter wash jacket, darker denim pants, a basic white T-shirt and creates an outfit that is harmonious and fashionable. Too much of the same blue and this look would have been overkill.

Hint: Naked and Famous denim is a line worth noting. Their collection is full of raw denim made from Japan. To imitate today's trendsetter opt for the Natural Indigo Jacket with a pair of Deep Indigo Selvedge Denim. Put a cuff at the bottom and your look will be complete. 

 

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Wummer Clothes

Well, kids, it’s that time of year again. It’s wummer — that awkward period between winter and summer. “Isn’t that spring?” No, that’s offensive, wummer is a lot more official. It’s pretty much a second fall with a lot less leaves and a lot more pollen. Unconvinced as you may be of the validity of this season, I hope I can convince you of one thing, to bring back fall outfits. People are always telling me that they, “love fall clothes.” So stop recycling bad habits and ex-girlfriends and start recycling something that will actually make you, and your ex-girlfriend, a little happier.

This guy understands what I’m talking about. He conquers this look overall because of the classic autumn colors flowing throughout his outfit. Here’s the breakdown of why this look works: his dark blue, gray and olive plaid shirt serves as the base and pallette for the rest of the outfit. Since blue is the main color of the shirt, it was smart for him to incorporate the other crutch colors into the rest of the outfit. His olive chinos and gray T-shirt are are examples of this balance. Any more blue and this outfit would have been overkill.

Like I said, just look in your closet for the autumn outfits you’ve set aside for awhile. If you are in more need of inspiration, check out J.Crew, GANT or even a local thrift store. You are bound to find something. Trust me, you need to get on this ASAP. Before you know it there will be a Grease 3 with a song called “Wummer Lovin’”. It’s inevitable, and your new outfit should be, too.