Style, or something like it, Pt. II

Okay, let's do this. Not wanting to think in all negatives, here are my men's style DOs for people
who couldn't give a toss about DOs and DON'Ts lists.

- Mature skater style. Popularised by the second wave of skateboarders, now in their 30s, this style comprises relaxed yet not baggy jeans, old school Vans or similar footwear, and a slim fit Tee, possibly black. You could add some flourishes such as a chain (yes, I know, the chain mania hit fever pitch a long time ago, but certain elemental style items will subsist throughout trends) or fisherman's beenie, but that is basically it. Remember, excessively baggy shirts, overly flamboyant patterns and modern skate shoes are for kids and people who don't know any better.

- Any form-fitting suit that looks good. But you don't want to go overboard with the clean look, or you'll end up looking like any old twat that works in the financial district. The colourful shirt vs. suit jacket thing has been done to death by wankers who were dressed by shop assistants, so you'd perhaps be better off keeping it simple. Black, brown, grey; pin-stripes or no pin-stripes. Absolutely no pink, green, white, etc. suits - these belong in the domain of the self-deluding tosser. Suit jacket with jeans is okay in my books; when using a suit or just a jacket, you generally want to offset it a bit by incorporating an edgier component such as a nice pair of sneakers (but no chains). Take care, however, when choosing those sneakers, or you'll end up looking tacky.

- Clean-cut hardcore style. This is a variation on the same basic themes as the mature skater look, but integrates more tattoos, slightly more hip-hugging jeans (with possibly upturned legs), band or other black T-shirt, and close-cropped/slicked-back hair. It's neat and nasty - just as the music itself - and I like it, though I probably wouldn't be mistaken for one.

- Some elements of hip hop style. Somewhat - but not abundantly - oversized T-shirts with cool prints. Since you don't want to go for the generic, tacky brands (Pelle Pelle, Rocawear), you'll probably have to order them online, unless you have a really dedicated local retailer. With these shirts, the colour palette is pretty much there for the taking - you can go adventurous with colour and still appear stylish. The biggest hip hop statement, however, is made with the shoes. From AF1s to classic Adidas, you can't go wrong with a nice pair of footwear steeped in urban history. Also, big, fuck-you robot shades are to be favoured.