For those of you that are or ever were of the hip hop variety, you remember wearing white and red sneakers, with red shorts, a red and white shirt, and a red and white hat?  Well I have news for you, that died long ago.  These days it is less about matching, and more about “going,” and choosing an outfit that though you may have secretly planned for months, actually looks as if you grabbed it running out the door, but somehow it goes perfectly.  As an adult, repeating the exact same color over and over is seen as immature, contrived, and for lack of a better word: corny.  If your sneakers are colorful, don’t you dare buy a t-shirt with all of the exact same colors in it.  Instead, try something more muted and let the sneakers be the star of the show.  Instead of being so obvious when you’re dressing up or wearing a suit, why not try mixing and matching patterns for a look that says “Ha, you weren’t expecting that now were you?” And watch the compliments you get.  You can check out THIS article my wife wrote on mixing and matching shirt and tie patterns for help.

When it comes to accessorizing, I’m pretty much of the “don’t” mindset.  I’m not saying don’t do anything, but I find that a nice watch is about all a man really needs to express himself.  Once you start adding in bracelets, necklaces, bags, etc., it starts to look over-thought and again, anti-CMG. (Oh, and you know how I feel about earrings.)  Accessories are good in moderation, but I don’t accessorize so I can’t even really tell you what is acceptable and what isn’t.  All I know is that you shouldn’t look like this guy below.

When it comes to hair, I say short and to the point is the best way to go.  Again, spending hours in the mirror is a luxury that we as men don’t have to deal with, so why do it?  Even if you wear a perfectly coiffed style, make sure there’s an element of “I can do this in 60 seconds” to it so that you don’t look like you need a hair and make-up team on salary.  I mean after all , as much as it may feel like it, life is not a reality show.

So don’t get stressed out thinking that I just dropped some bad news on you, because in fact it is just the opposite.  Let’s recap: don’t match your clothes, don’t wear accessories, cut your hair short.  Now how hard is that people?  Of course I only expect you all to be influenced by my advice and not adhere to it completely.  The point is that we should all welcome the gift we’ve been given by society, and that is to not be expected to plan our hair, make-up, clothing, nail polish, toenail polish, eyebrows, and undergarments like our female counterparts.  Let them be the ones causing themselves the stress, and let’s embrace our shaved domes, V-neck white tees, cut off shorts, cool sneakers, and a watch look.  Just make sure that if you’re married you always wear your ring.