Men's Dress Shoes

The do's and don'ts

I pride myself in being able to analyze a person based on the way they dress. First, I look at what exactly a person is wearing. Are they dressed up or are they casual? Are they dressed for the situation at hand? Are they trendy or classic? Then I break down their outfit by colors, fabrics, patterns, and accessories. The biggest 'tell all' about a person, however, is their choice of shoes. In a professional situation it is important to never make a bad first impression, and your shoes can make or break you. A man can wear a really nice suit, but if I can see that his shoes are scuffed or old and clunky, then there is a problem.

Being a man, you don't need to have a shoe selection equal to that of Carrie Bradshaw. All you need are a couple of quality, select pairs that are well maintained. If you think that you might need some help- not to worry, this guide is for you. All you need to do is take the first step and you'll be well on your way to an impressive, professional look.

DON'T be a square

If there is one style of shoe I hate more than any others it's the square toed shoe. This style of shoe makes you look cheap. If you own a pair, then pick them up and throw them away. The shape of your shoes need to be as modern and streamlined as the rest of your closet. Choose shoes with a slim contour (not overly skinny) and a rounded (not sharp) toe. These shoes will give you a stylish, tasteful and masculine look.

DO look for a good fit and comfort

Pay attention to the width of your shoes. If you are someone with wide or narrow feet then you already know the value of this. However, men with just slightly wide or narrow feet generally don't pay attention because their shoes always do an OK job. If you're spending good money on shoes then make sure you can walk around in them for long periods of time- you don't want that really nice pair of oxfords to sit in the back of your closet forever.

DO take care of your shoes

Always weatherproof and shine your shoes, you don't want them to be ruined in less than a year. Make sure to rotate through your shoes so that they have time to dry out from perspiration. Using wood shoe trees is always a great idea!

DON'T wear white socks

Once you get passed the age of 16 you should never own a pair of whit socks. Having a wide variety of socks to choose from allows for flexibility in your look, and when you sit down you wont be self conscious when your pant leg rides up showing your ankle. Don't be the person who didn't match his socks with his outfit- it's tacky and distasteful.

DO have a pair of black lace-ups

The most important dress shoe for every man to have is a pair of black lace-ups. They can be dressed up or dressed down. If they are simple and not super ornate you can wear them with anything from jeans to a suit, and anywhere from your office to the club. 

DON'T lace your shoes like the store

Shoes shouldn't be laced straight across- it's hard to loosen and tighten, and it's only meant for display. Take out the laces and start over by inserting the laces over (not under) the bottom eyelets.

There are so many things you can do to class up a look, shoes are just one of the many. When in doubt, a simple and classic look is the safest way to go. Honestly, anything that will turn you into Zac Efron, Ryan Gosling or Channing Tatum, do that!

#Shoes #Fashion #Class

Tis The Season

To NEVER wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater Suit!

I have a hard enough time mustering up the courage to dig out my ugly Christmas sweater every year to attend the occasional themed party. When I saw that Shinesty is offering a new line of ugly Christmas sweater suits my only reaction was eww, that's tacky. You couldn't pay me enough to wear something like that out in public.

Ugly sweaters are just that, ugly. I love a themed party just as much as the next person, but I don't understand why anyone ever thought an ugly contest sounded fun. I find it insulting if I ever win an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Call me Scrooge or Grinch, I don't care. There is nothing anyone could ever do to get me to wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater Suit. Not classy.

#UglySweaterSuit #Christmas #TackyChristmasTrend

Man Crush Monday

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd is a Sigma Nu from the University of Kansas. He is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker, and was cast in my favorite TV show of all time, Friends. He's my MCM for this week!

#MCM #PaulRudd #SigmaNu

Fraternity Statistics

Being in a fraternity will bring success

From my experience, being in a fraternity has brought me more insight and opportunities than most any other extracurricular activity. I have been asked to sit on important committees at the university, been hired for jobs and networked with people internationally. Whenever I have an interview I always know how to answer the questions I'm asked because of the experiences I've gained in a fraternity. Some of the most successful people in the country are members of the Greek system, and a lot of their success can be credited to the experiences they had through Greek leadership, networking and politics. The statistics of fraternity alums in the U.S. is very impressive.

#GoGreek #Success #FraternityMan

Man Crush Monday

Matthew McConoughey

Matthew McConoughey was a Delta Tau Delta at the University of Texas at Austin. He's a notable actor and one of the sexiest men alive.

#MCM #MatthewMcConoughey #DeltaTauDelta

Man Crush Monday

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon from the University of Vermont. He's an awesome country singer and songwriters, and has been signed to Capital Records Nashville since 2003. He's my MCM because I'm in love with this song!

How to Wear a Suit

The perfect suit for the modern man

There is nothing more perfect than a man in a suit. Every man should have his own suit after the age of 16, there is always opportunity to wear it and make an awesome impression. I have seen many men become fresh and sexy when they put on a suit. They become confident and poised, ready to take on the world. Conversely, if you don't know how to pick out the proper colors, fit or patterns then you can make quite a fool out of yourself. Here is the best advice I've found for picking out the perfect suit. Good luck, stay classy!

#SuitsAreSexy #ModernMan

"Coming Out" in a Fraternity

At the University of Pittsburgh

Zach Patton

There was an incredible story published in 2013 about a man named Zach Patton. His story is incredible and is like the stories of many across the United States. I was really excited to read his story because he reminded me a lot of myself. Zach was vice president of his Fraternity, and after he came out he was elected Inter-Fraternity Council President. When decided to rush my Fraternity I was openly gay, and it was very hard for me to look past any stereotypes I had been taught about Greek life. After discovering an incredible support system within my organization I have grown in ways I could have never foreseen. I currently lead my brothers as the president of our chapter, and I have never been more confident in the strong arms which surround me.

Natalie Daher was the reporter who tackled this story, and it was awarded the 2014 ACP Diversity Story of the Year. Receiving one of these awards is like receiving an Oscar for a college journalist.

You can find the article about Zach Patton and his experiences at the University of Pittsburgh at the Pitt News website. 

You can find the article about Natalie's experience writing the article online, at College Media Matters. Check them both out out!

Zach's photo was retrieved from pittnews.com

Man Crush Monday

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher is a gorgeous actor, producer, tech investor and former model. He started his career as a model, and modeled for companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch Clothing and Calvin Klein. He started his acting career in 1998 by playing the handsome, airhead Kelso on the Fox series That 70's Show. Ashton Kutcher was a Delta Chi at the University of Iowa where he studied romance and biochemical engineering.

pictures retrieved from: celebutaunt.net, gopixpic.com & m.digitalspy.co.uk

How to Wear A Scarf

They aren't just for girls

I wear scarves all the time! I've been told by guys that the reason they don't wear scarves is because they think they look to feminine- that's a false assumption. Scarves have been a staple to the classy man's wardrobe for years! The only thing that makes a scarf too feminine is when it's covered in sequins or beads, it has animal or floral print, comes with a scarf pin (men don't EVER have scarf pins), or it's thick enough to be a blanket or too light to provide any warmth at all. Men, to be safe, just stick to a plain or simple patterned scarf with a rectangular cut and limited fringe. Scarves are a great way to class up any outfit and stay warm in the winter. It's a great way to add a splash of color to a bland outfit too! 

Real Men Real Style has a great style guide on how to tie a scarf- my favorites are 1, 5, 6 and 10. 

Man Crush Mondy

Steven Spielberg

This giant among men is one of Hollywood's most famous movie directors and film makers. He is a notable Theta Chi from California State University Long Beach.

photo retrieved from: buzfeed.com

Can I Rush a Fraternity if I’m Gay?

Rush can be a very scary thing. The men in fraternities can be intimidating. When I started college, I saw that many of the leaders on my campus were members of fraternities and sororities. They were confident, smart and well connected individuals. I didn’t know what to think or expect from them- before college I was under the impression that the main focus of Greek students was to get drunk and have sex all the time. I learned quickly this wasn’t the case. Through rush I learned about the values that Greeks have, the loyalty that each organization’s members, and the value they place on diversity.

There’s a movement across the united states to accept and support diversity within the Greek community, and there are many schools that don’t care what your race, religion, sexual orientation or background is. The strongest organizations are the ones that recruit based on quality- not quantity.

Being different than the other brothers in my fraternity isn't a problem because we are united through common goals, principles and standards. There will always be closed minded people in the world, and that’s not something that will change; however, I have found the strongest support system I have ever had through joining a fraternity. I have brothers all over the world. Every brother I have ever met has always treated me the same as they would any other brother, my being gay doesn’t change anything.

I can’t imagine my life without being involved in Greek life, and I will always suggest going Greek to anyone I meet. Can you rush a fraternity if you’re gay? Why the hell not!

Rush Week Bid Dinner, Fall 2012

Man Crush Monday

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is a babe! He went to the University of Missouri and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity there. He’s an award winning actor, a classy gentleman and a notable philanthropist.

Homophobia in Greek Life

Fraternities and Sororities at UWO joined the organization 'Get Real' to speak out against homophobia, and to teach others about the importance of embracing everyone.

What The Colors I'm Wearing Are Saying About Me

Being one of the few gay men in my fraternity, I am constantly asked questions like “what should I wear?” or “does this look good?” More often than not I find that the hardest decision for people is what colors they should wear. Colors have a powerful effect on the way we act and the way the world sees us. They give off an energy that affects our emotions, confidence levels and our desires. There are many who have a few colors that dominate their closet and sense of style- these say something about you.

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RED is powerful and strong. It may suggest you could be impulsive and ambitious. It’s also the color of desire; some studies show that it makes others feel more attracted to you, and makes you, yourself, feel more attractive. You should wear red when you want to up your game on a date, or you’re going out for a night on the town- don’t wear it to an important work meeting.

gq.com

The color of purity and positivity is WHITE. This color runs the risk of washing you out and also can hurt your level of attractiveness in the minds of others. White is also the color of innocence and virginity- wear it when you’re going for an air of innocence.

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YELLOW is a happy color! It can boost your happiness and help the moods of those around you. This color tells the people around you that you’re fun, interesting, active and lively. Wear any day you need a pick-me-up.

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PURPLE has two sides to it- a lighter shade will tell people you are sensitive and compassionate, and a deeper purple will show you are intuitive and have strong feelings. Wearing the color purple can help with confidence levels, and helps creativity and critical thinking. Wear this when you need to get the BIG idea at work or in school.

menshealth.co.uk

PINK is plain and simple. If you’re a man, others respect you more having the balls to wear this color. If you’re a woman, wear this to meet your boyfriend’s parents. That is all.

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Success is generally associated with the color BLUE. It’s the color of both the sky and water which represent loyalty and authority- this is great for you! It helps you work creatively, and shows others you are trustworthy. Navy is a color that shows friendliness and power. Wear this color to ACE the job interview of your dreams!

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GREEN gives off a peaceful and cautious energy. If you wear it correctly it can increase your positive feelings, but if it’s worn wrong then you might look sickly. Because the color green is regularly associated with nature, it is a refreshing and soothing color. Wear it if you are feeling stressed and need to calm down.

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ORANGE is both bold and optimistic. Shades of orange motivate and energize, and increases spontaneity. Wearing this color suggests to others that you are competent and independent, and sometimes impatient (due to the increased spontaneity). Wear this color whenever you're in a team leader position or are working with children.

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Many like to wear BLACK because it's slimming and it "goes with everything", but it's also the color of mourning. When wearing black, a person can come across as strong-willed and disciplined but they might also seem too independent and inflexible. Wear this color when you're standing up for something or someone, or need to put your foot down.

My Fraternity Family

I grew up in a home where right was right and wrong was wrong, and there was no gray area. As I got older I started to realize that the lines between right and wrong are a lot more blurry than I was led to believe. The cookie cutter mold my parents wanted me to fit into was something I could never do. Needless to say, my relationship with my immediate family is almost non existent. Who would have thought I would find the family I needed in a fraternity?

Before college I could have told you a million things I wanted to do with my life- none of which were joining a fraternity. As far as I was concerned, fraternities were groups of guys who only cared about sleeping with women, getting so drunk they blacked out, and hazing pledges. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I don’t know why I joined and I have no idea what possessed me to stick it out, but I couldn't be more grateful for the organization I joined. When people look at me they automatically think “How the hell is he in a fraternity?” I fit none of the stereotypes.

My brothers taught me that it’s not on the outside that makes a man, but it is what’s on the inside that makes you classy, wise, and strong. A man is not determined by his accomplishments in the gym or bedroom, but by the strength of his heart and the way he serves others.

My organization taught me what being a man really is, and after two years of membership I have grown in ways I couldn't possibly have imagined. I have grown to love the organization I joined and now I serve my chapter in the role of president.

Going Greek is the most beneficial thing I've done with my life. It gave me a home and a support system that I can’t imagine my life without.

#fraternity #family #gay #support