by Wyatt Smith
I'm a pretty moderate guy when it comes to my style. Although those around me may disagree at times (I'm a straight male from Iowa who loves fashion, and as you may guess that's not very typical around here). But my idea of a solid outfit would be a pair of slim jeans, clean sneakers, a street t-shirt, and some type of quality topcoat or bomber. While I respect brands such as Rick Owens and Haider Ackermann, who's runway shows are much more thought-provoking and fashion forward, I don't necessarily have the swagger (or money) to wear their outfits.
That said, I think my outfit featured above is, for lack of a better word, risky. A pair of Raf Simons tailored shorts that look like capris to the average bystander, paired with a purple overcoat and speckled dress shirt isn't your very typical outfit. But at the same time, when I wore that outfit around campus, I received more compliments and questions than I have from anything else I've worn. And they weren't solely from the students in my fashion classes either, but rather from people who just "loved the purple" of the jacket, or "dig the long shorts." I remember standing in my dorm room wondering if I should wear this outfit out (yes, I'm aware that I'm a loser who thinks too much about I wear). But strolling around campus in a lush purple coat and feeling the breeze on my bare shins was a refreshing feeling that I'll no doubt seek again.
My advice on taking style risks is this: if it's something that you truly think looks good and represents you, then why not wear it? Sometimes putting yourself out there and doing so in a confident way can be exhilarating. Growing up I was surrounded by guys who had zero interest in what they were wearing, unless it was a cool snapback or some decent sneakers. And to each their own, but breaking away from that norm and devoting some effort and risk into my wardrobe has been a decision I'll never regret.
Check out the pictures below and read my breakdown of the outfit.
That said, I think my outfit featured above is, for lack of a better word, risky. A pair of Raf Simons tailored shorts that look like capris to the average bystander, paired with a purple overcoat and speckled dress shirt isn't your very typical outfit. But at the same time, when I wore that outfit around campus, I received more compliments and questions than I have from anything else I've worn. And they weren't solely from the students in my fashion classes either, but rather from people who just "loved the purple" of the jacket, or "dig the long shorts." I remember standing in my dorm room wondering if I should wear this outfit out (yes, I'm aware that I'm a loser who thinks too much about I wear). But strolling around campus in a lush purple coat and feeling the breeze on my bare shins was a refreshing feeling that I'll no doubt seek again.
My advice on taking style risks is this: if it's something that you truly think looks good and represents you, then why not wear it? Sometimes putting yourself out there and doing so in a confident way can be exhilarating. Growing up I was surrounded by guys who had zero interest in what they were wearing, unless it was a cool snapback or some decent sneakers. And to each their own, but breaking away from that norm and devoting some effort and risk into my wardrobe has been a decision I'll never regret.
Check out the pictures below and read my breakdown of the outfit.
These shorts are made by the god himself, Raf Simons. One of my favorite designers, Simons usually produces clothing that's triple my budget. That's not to say that he's robbing customers of their money, as Simons' clothing is top quality and the shape and material is something you won't find anywhere else. I found these on Grailed for a reasonable price of $65. If you're looking for a pair of tailored shorts, long or short, I'd recommend hitting up grailed for used designer cuts, such as Raf and Rick Owens. If you're thinking of going the more cost-effective route, ASOS and Topman usually provide these cuts for a cheaper price.
The shirt I wore in this outfit is from Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply. The Denim & Supply brand line extension from Ralph Lauren offers more contemporary styles and cuts, such as graphic tees, ripped denim, and flavored button-ups. This shirt goes well with the rest of my ensemble and the sleeves perfectly roll up over the end of my jacket. For more shirts like this Ralph Lauren is always a reliable place to check, along with the French essentials brand A.P.C. For cheaper dress shirts, Uniqlo offers a great selection, including collaborations with Lemaire and Pharell.
Last but not least: the purple coat. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a jacket or overcoat, as the material is pretty thin and wouldn't keep me too warm in the winter but the length and cut feels like an overcoat. Regardless, it's a great piece to wear in the fall and spring times. To be completely honest, I found this coat thrifting with some friends. It may even be a women's coat for all I know. When I thrift I try to buy things that are 1 of 1, so unique and groovy (like this coat) that I won't run into anyone else wearing the same thing. Brands such as Haider Ackermann, whom I previously mentioned, and Acne Studios provide coats and jackets of a modern cut in pleasant colors such as this at top-notch quality. For a slightly cheaper option, London-based Oliver Spencer offers coats almost identical to this in multiple colors and sizes. (I may buy one of these on sale after I post this article)