Easy Fashion

By Lev Novak

I am not a fashion person. Ask around. But, I do know cheap, and as someone totally unfashionable, I am able to give very simple fashion advice to those who are totally inept. Because I am as inept as you, take my advice as your brother.

1. Ask Smarter People

When it comes to fashion, ask smarter people. Don’t use your fellow friends as guides; they don’t know what they’re doing. Instead, ask someone who cares. People love to be right, to give advice, and to be listened to; even strangers, but maybe don’t harass strangers for what cut of jeans to get.

Instead, find a fashion forward person and give them free reign to “be reasonable.” Fitted jeans? What are those? It doesn’t matter. Let go and trust in your fashion friend. Following your own advice hasn’t gotten you to where you want to be, so why not try somebody else’s instincts?

2. Staples

You can’t go wrong with simple, well-made t-shirts and sweatshirts in primary colors.

Spring for a pair of Levi’s in the proper cut. Ask your friend what cut works for you; I have no idea, but the jeans that Seth made me buy seem to work okay.

Get some button down shirts. Basic colors and patterns. A simple flannel.

Do not wear your neon-green Bulls hat sideways.

Know what simple haircut works for you and always get it.

Shave, or don’t shave, but do either one correctly. No half measures and patchy six-day scruff that you don’t know or want to maintain.

Ultimately if you have all the proper ingredients, especially ones like these, it’s hard to screw up. You don’t have to worry about what matches or clashes with what per se if everything you have is good, basic, and simple. Ask your friends for the fits, and wear it out.

3. Flair

Flair; it’s not just for Office Space anymore!

Figure out one article of clothing, one style, or, more likely, have your friend do it for you. Then, ride that piece of flair into the wind.

I had, my Freshman year of college, one trustworthy cardigan. A friend of mine made an outfit for me, probably because we were going out and he didn’t want to be completely embarrassed. Anyway, I combined my staples- my outdated, worn-out, ill-fitting clothes- knowing that, every now and then, I could dress like a human being. I didn’t know how, or why, or even for sure if I was doing it right, but I was doing something. A little bit of flair, here and there, can validate a week of sweatshirts and jeans.

4. Listen to Angela

She’s right, and she cares more, and you’ll look good and feel good and isn’t that what it’s all about?

If you’re not lucky enough to know Angela, I dunno, find a replacement friend who fits that description. If you’re clueless in fashion, outsource the job.

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