I die a little inside whenever I see sexy guys wearing Tap Out shirts. I feel confused when I see guys wearing pajama pants in the daytime, not sleeping in their bed. A wave of exacerbated frustration hits me anytime I see guys wearing clothes three sizes too big or small.
It seems like fashion is a very difficult, confusing puzzle for young sexy guys. I’d like to attribute it to negligence and a general lack of concern for how one presents himself in public—but I think most guys do have a fashion peacock inside them, and are just too afraid to let it fly for fear of judgment or ridicule.
Sexy guys like you shouldn’t be hiding your good looks!
Take it from the ladies themselves, gentlemen. We asked women to give us their favorite things a guy can wear. Here are 11 fashion essentials to sex up your wardrobe. Make it work!
In a rush and need a quick unique look for your study date? You can’t go wrong with an edgy graphic tee.
1. A Good Watch
“Nice shoes are a must, but a nice watch is a plus. That’s the first thing I notice 100% of the time,” said University of Wisconsin-Madison student Kelsey Nemec. With our iPhones snuggly glued to our hand, watches are nothing more than an accessory used to emphasize just how classy of a gent you are. Seriously, a good watch is the first thing you see when you shake someone’s hand and says a lot about what kind of sexy guy you are. It’s important to note that you don’t have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a watch to have style, but in a world where looks and first impressions do matter, investing wouldn’t be the worst idea. Start your search here from these sexy casual watch options:
Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch $189.95
Titan Ultra-Slim Watch: $178.99
Stuhrling Legacy Automatic Self Wind Watch: $166
Stuhrling ‘Monaco’ Quartz Stainless Steel Watch: $135.95
Fossil Watch with Silicone Band: $145.00
Citizen Eco-Drive Watch: $189.99
Withings Activité Steel Watch: $98.98
Reef Tiger Mens Watch: $288.00
Nixon Watch: $107.47
2. The Right Jeans
“Wear the right goddamn jeans. Get out of my life with those dad jeans, I swear!” said UW-Milwaukee student Christine Chapleau. Meghan Behr, also from UW-Milwaukee, said “It’s awful when jeans are too baggy and not fitted enough.” I know that pants with a more fitting seam come off as too skinny for any guy who’s relied on baggy blue jeans his entire life— but lucky for you, the taboo has finally lifted and wearing slightly tighter pants is fashionable. Consider it if you’re trying to achieve a sleeker, more tailored look. Unsure of how tight is too tight? Ask your sales associate, they’re experts in all the different cuts and styles. Don’t be shy!
Lucky jeans: $99
7 For All Mankind: $139.30
Calvin Klein Jeans: $69.50
3. Shoes
“If a guy takes the time to truly look for a good pair of shoes, it shows that they care about expressing themselves and gives everyone a glimpse into their personality,” said Haley Derge, UW-Madison student. Footwear all depends on your personal style so I can’t tell you what to wear; however, I can tell you what not to wear: Socks with Sandals, foot-shaped running shoes and Crocs. If you can’t nail down what you like, you can never go wrong with a pair of oxfords, loafers or sneakers.
Aldo Men’s Benis Winter Boot: $95.85
CK Jeans Men’s Zal Fashion Sneaker: $79.98
Steve Madden Men’s Peers A Fashion Sneaker: $41.00
Polo Ralph Lauren Fashion Sneaker: $74.00
Guess Men’s Fashion Sneaker: $60.00
4. Summer Shorts
Remember khaki cargo shorts? I do. And while the “below the knee” hemline trend was popular for years and years, it appears that the trend tides are turning and want men to show a little leg. Do buy them in different colors—khaki is no longer the only fashionable color that gets you out of wearing jorts. Do find a brand whose shorts fit you perfectly. There’s a difference between short and too short. Don’t buy colors out of your comfort zone–if you’re not ready to present yourself to society in pink or baby blue bottoms, start out with a nice grey or navy pair.
Hurley Men’s Short: $37.69
Volcom Men’s Frickin Modern Chino Short: $45.00
Vince Men’s Relaxed Linen Shorts: $115.99
Vineyard Vines Men’s Performance Shorts: $85.00
5. The Sport Coat
Just because you’re quickly approaching your 20s (or are there already), that doesn’t mean you need to start dressing like your dad. However, with age comes invites to social events and networking opportunities and you won’t be taken seriously in a polo shirt. A sport coat is one of my personal favorite things to see on men; casual enough that he doesn’t look like he takes himself too seriously, but formal enough to show he means business.
]Haggar Houndstooth Windowpane Blazer: $76.46-99.99
U.S. Polo Assn. Cotton Corduroy Sport Coat: $69.99
Ralph Lauren Navy Blue Wool Blazer: $159.00-279.99
6. Fitted T’s
Gentlemen, I think its time you realize that there are t-shirts and t-shirts. Aside from confidence, a well-fitted t-shirt is the sexiest thing a man can wear while dressing casual. Do yourselves a favor and don’t stray away from the V-necks! No, they’re not overly feminine and yes, the fact that it shows off a small part of your collarbone makes us weak in the knees. They’re versatile, comfortable and can be worn alone or with a sport coat. Buy them with reckless abandon.
Next Level V Neck: $21.00
Under Armour Tactical HeatGear Compression V-Neck: $24.99
Or get a fitted tee with a unique design to show off your hipster side.
7. Athletic Wear
If you’re reading this, I can only assume you’re concerned about your appearance, which means you probably hit the gym from time to time. Obviously, you can’t lift weights in a sport coat and chinos. Athletic wear on men is insanely sexy if you do it right. Trade the dirty wife beater for a fitted t-shirt or tank top and make sure your outfit isn’t one solid color (looking at you head-to toe yellow neon guy). The gym is a great place to meet girls and no one is going to give you their phone number if you look like a walking highlighter. And for the love of god, do not skip deodorant.
Under Armour Men’s Rival Fleece Hoodie: $44.99
The North Face Men’s Gordon Lyons Hoodie: $69.97
Alo Yoga Men’s Core Raglan Crew Neck Tee: $46.30
8. A Suit and Tie
“My boyfriend is all about his personal style, and the best thing he wears is a tie. When he wears one, he’s generally dressed to the nines in a suit, and his tie normally sets him apart. And he just started power clashing… too good,” said Lauren Peterson, UW-Madison student. I don’t think there’s anything more innately seductive than a man in a suit and tie. It most certainly has something to do with the fact that it’s the traditional symbol of male masculinity. In terms of fit and style, make sure it’s well tailored and don’t go overboard on accessorizing with pocket squares and cuff links. Clean cut and classic is the way to go.
Nautica Two-Piece Classic Fit Suit:$64.98-199.99
Tommy Hilfiger Two-Button Trim-Fit Suit: $149.99
Ralph Lauren Slim Gray Suit:$251.99
For special occasions, you’ll definitely want to suit up in a sexy guy tux:
Calvin Klein Slim Fit Tuxedo: $299.99
9. Great Hair
It’s the year of impeccably kept beards, man buns and man-scaping. It’s no longer weird to carry around a beard comb or rub beard oil in your facial tresses every morning, nor is it odd when women stare at you in wonder and fascination in public when you tie your hair into a bun. The metrosexual days are over; I see nothing emasculating in caring about how your hair looks. Pro tip: Don’t overuse gel. It’s there to coax your hair into place, not glue it into a shiny, permanently quaffed do.
10. Cologne
“Wearing cologne is a major plus,” said Bethany Statis, UW-Whitewater student. Is there anything more delicious than men’s cologne? If worn correctly, a pleasant smelling man with a stylish wardrobe is practically unstoppable. My only word of advice is to avoid pulling an Abercrombie & Fitch by dousing yourself with half the bottle. If you can smell you, I can smell you from 20 feet away. I can’t have a conversation with you if I need an oxygen mask.
Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani: $68.82
11. Swim Wear
Err on the side of longer is better. Board shorts are sexy whether you’re shredding the waves or relaxing at the pool. Have fun with your color choice, but you can never go wrong with a classic ‘merica design.
Quiksilver Everyday Kaimana Boardshort: $45
Quiksilver Everyday Stripe Vee Boardshort: $35.98
Quiksilver Men’s Everyday Brigg Vee 20-Inch Boardshort: $29.50
12. Sunglasses
Walking around with squinty eyes just isn’t cute. Protect your eyes from nasty UV rays while still being trendy with a pair of sunglasses that fit your face shape and overall style. Never been into sunglasses? That’s okay, Allie Barke, owner of Allie’s Fashion Alley, recommends going into a store like Nordstrom where you can try on a ton of different styles to find your perfect pair. “I think classic Ray Ban Wayfarers are flattering on nearly every guy. Most guys do not look good in aviators, but I see so many wearing them,” Barke said. Plus, think about all the ladies you can stare out without them noticing.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses: $150.00
13. Sexy Men’s Winter Jacket
Baby it’s cold out there. And we love our sexy guy in a sexy fitted cozy jacket. You can’t go wrong with winter greys but a punch of color can’t hurt either. Causal is great too but don’t reach for that ratty jacket you’ve had since college, or worse yet your college hoodie. Please, get yourself an adult sized jacket so you can keep us warm too.
Men’s The North Face Nuptse Jacket: $332.80
Point Zero Mens Weatherproof Bonded Coat: $74.99
14. Confidence
The bottom line is that your style is supposed to reflect who you are as a man. If you try to rock an outfit that doesn’t make you feel like you can climb to the top of Mount Everest, win a boxing match against a grizzly bear and ride off into the sunset on your yacht filled with bikini-clad women in a pool of chocolate syrup, you shouldn’t be wearing it.
8 more staples to take men from slob to sexy
Written by Madeline Ide
1. Black Skinny Jeans
The black skinny jean is the long haired, smoldering guitarist of your favorite band. The black skinny jean is the badass, leather-wearing motorcyclist with impeccable facial hair. The black skinny jean is the attractive newcomer sitting in VIP with an expensive bottle of champagne. If you still fail to see the value of black skinny jeans after my promotive poetry, let’s break the term down. First off, black skinny jeans radiate coolness—plain and simple. Second, black naturally slims you down, hiding the shadows created by your body’s lumps and bumps. The tight fit black will make your thighs and calves appear more toned, slim and svelte. “Black skinny jeans on guys can elevate their entire appearance. There’s just something so quintessentially hot and badass about them,” said University of Arizona freshman Natalie Bromer. Don’t hide your deadlifting behind under flat straight leg jeans. Women appreciate a man with a nice butt, like Channing Tatum (swoon).
2. Henleys
As you mature, so should your style. This means saying goodbye to those sweat stained, tattered T-shirts from high school. Say hello to Henleys. Henleys are versatile, stylish and winsomely masculine. They stand as the level up from boring t-shirts. “Henleys have a mature and stylistic edge over plain t-shirts. They make men look effortlessly put together,” said Florida State University sophomore Sarah Murphy. The simple choice to sport a dark grey Henley over a stretched-out T-Shirt lets women know your style’s matured since ninth grade as well as your range of emotions. Rock short sleeved or long-sleeved Henley’s to look slick year-round. Wear them buttoned up or buttoned down. Wear them figure-hugging or loose and comfortable. Up your matching game with neutral toned Henleys in gray, navy and maroon.
3. Men’s Sweaters or Cardigans
Dear men, please don’t shy away from soft or fuzzy clothes. We love to cuddle with you and your post-workout, dry fit muscle tank simply won’t cut it. During movie nights, your fleece cardigan makes us feel safe and cozy from the screeching zombies on screen. “There is something so appealing about a thick, muscular man wearing a soft, fuzzy sweater. I think it’s because sweaters tend to emanate sensitivity and I love me a sensitive man,” said University of Miami freshman Adrian Martin. And while asking if we want “your jacket” is endearing and old fashioned, surprise us with offering the wool sweater your grandma knit for you last Christmas.
4. Briefs
Boxers or briefs? Briefs all the way, we beg of you. The attractiveness of briefs goes beyond the most obvious reason. Blame Calvin Klein and Justin Bieber for the boxer briefs revolution. This article of clothing showcases musculature better than boxers as the fabric grips thighs and hips more snuggly. “Briefs are the sexiest things on a guy, especially black Calvin’s. I think briefs as sort of like the lingerie for men,” said FSU senior April MacDonald.
5. Tuxedo
A man in a tux is irresistible. Just think James Bond. Tuxedos radiate class, elegance and success. Every aspect of a properly fitted tux complements the male form. Tuxedo jackets hug and broaden shoulders while tapering the waist. The typically darker colors of tuxedoes such as black, grey and blue make you appear taller and slimmer. Ever wondered why the nerdy boys in your senior class appeared exceptionally more attractive on prom night? “Tuxedoes work some kind of magic. They make men I’ve never considered attractive before to be so attractive,” said UA freshman Alana Newman. Invest in a tux because it’s impossible to not look good in one.
6. Sweatpants
If you think “sweatpants,” the word casual may pop into your mind. Throw “sexy” in there, too. Sweatpants’ sex appeal comes from the garment’s contrasting effect. They allow men to sport loose, baggy fabric yet somehow also look incredibly hot. Despite violating the rules of a “good-fit”, we’ll never tire of watching our bedhead, sweatpants-clad man cooking us breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning. “My aesthetic is a man wearing dangerously low on his hips sweatpants while showing off their V-line and elastic of their underwear. So hot,” said Rollins College freshman Jason Westerland.
7. A white t-Shirt
T-shirts are as simple as sexy can get. A nicely fitted t-shirt exudes casual, laidback vibes. Spice up your T-shirt game by rolling up your sleeves to show off your biceps and forearms. Also make sure to experiment with T-shirt necklines such as crew necks, V-necks, scoop necks etc. to find the most flattering fit on you. “A simple T-shirt with jeans on a guy is always hot. It’s really more about the fit than the fashion,” said FSU junior Morgan Edwards.
8. Reading Glasses
Intelligence is attractive, plain and simple. Because glasses are associated with intelligence, a man in glasses becomes attractive by default. Admittedly, it doesn’t make any sense why one’s inability to reflect light properly would make them certifiably more intelligent. Maybe it’s because glasses suggest one reads and studies more, contributing to their intelligence. Whatever the reason, we don’t question it. All we know is the way Clark Kent and Harry Potter makes us feel.
*Updated December 13, 2016 with even more sexy options of the latest trends for guys this winter including new watches, shoes and shorts.
**Updated on May 22, 2018 to include 8 more items by Madeline Ide
