What to Wear to Class (The Guide for Malaysian Men)

I thought it would only be fair if I prepared one for the ladies, and one for the men. After all, we, the ladies need to have some eye candies during class.

I find that not only dressing up allows us to concentrate better, it boosts confidence as well. Who knows which chick you're picking up? So this is a simple guide for the guys. Again, I am totally up for constructive criticism. I am not a pro at guys' clothings and accessories, but I do know what women want (I hope!). So if I made a mistake, please correct me, thank you!

Dressing up guys isn't that difficult. First reason, guys do not have many choices when it comes to clothings. They either stick to well, trousers or well, trousers, or pants alone! They do not have halter neck, v-necks, bare backs, and so on. So it narrows us down to specific pieces. Secondly, a piece of clothing for men, is usually very versatile. One piece creates many looks. Later we will see why.

People think dressing up is gay but I need to beg to differ. I highly do not agree. Dressing up shows that you put more effort into living your life, and it shows more organization. So if you think being all rugged, sloppy and effortless is very cool, it is so not. I, personally, always love my man to make a lil' effort in putting together what to wear and what not to (loads of my advice as well).

Let's kick off with the first look:

The denim jeans usually is the 'already have' item in a guy's (what more a college guy) wardrobe. Now remember I said men's clothes are very versatile, the jeans live up to that principle. It goes with t-shirt and another men's must have item, the Polo tee.

When picking t-shirts do not be afraid to try different colours. Always the black tee may be good enough for you, but who knows you might look good in blue or red! It is always good to have a few variations in choices. Never ever pick a tee with vulgar statements or profanities. When you're young, it may look really cool, but after all, we all want our men to grow up to be gentlemen, don't we? A decent, nothing too loud and not too big print/motto/logo will do good enough. Try to not also have too many basic tees. Basic tees in white, pink, black, yellow, blue, brown, green, purple and in every other possible colour you can think of is not cool! (Nice statement tees can be gotten from FOS-totally budget, other much more higher end brands like Topman, Pull & Bear, Padini, Zara and if you're willing to pour the ka-ching out, GAP is a good choice) (Do not ever buy tees from Sg Wang, as they shrink after wash! Haha.)

As for Polo tees, it is very important the collars aren't too big or too small. Fit is of utmost importance. Do not be afraid to invest in a good one. I find Polo tees in Zara (around RM99.00), Pull & Bear (I forgot the price but definitely less than RM100) and Padini are affordable and make not bad investments. If you are loaded, go on with GAP and Polo Ralph Lauren.

The second look is definitely a more laid back look. I have a friend who fancies wearing shorts in class. But he only restricts himself pairing with tees only. Shorts can be very very versatile and stylish. It gives you the young, laid back, beach look. Perfect for sunny countries like Malaysia.

The trouble with human is, they tend to be really sloppy to the extreme when they're in shorts. Shorts can look organized as well!

Long sleeves tees look nice and formalized a pair of shorts. Usually I will preferably choose a plain coloured one but remember, er, plain coloured ones emphasizes a lot on your nipples (guys do not wear bra, hello). So stripes are really really good. Do not listen to bullshit like 'vertical stripes make you look fatter' because really, your confidence is more important. Grey stripes, maroon and navy blue stripes are nice and would be in my choices. But usually I'd pass off the black/white stripes thing, it is too 'jailbird' to begin with!

And then there are days where you love to throw on a pair of slippers, flip flops will do the beach thing for you! Do not wear oversized leather slippers, they're made for the elderly! Instead get one which is cute and loud, nothing boring. It adds on an 'oomph' to the outfit. Remember to check if the floppers are slippery on wet grounds.

Another neccesity to a college/university guy's wardrobe would be your sports shoes. Instead of going sporty all the way with those bulky, Reebok shoes, a Converse is a very good additional point! Not bulky, however still gives the sporty look. (Well more of skater boy!) Leave the running shoes at home, boys.

As for cold lectures (men do feel cold you know!), always always, ALWAYS invest in a damn bloody good thick jacket. Seriously, I have not come across guys who do not look good in jackets. Get a piece in a colour which matches most of your clothes (or if you're like me, having 8 jackets, you can pick any colour!).

Grey, navy blue, dark red, dirty green, brown or black would be good. Or if you like patterns, vertical wide stripes jackets looks good. (Jackets are around RM129.90 at Pull & Bear, slightly pricier in Zara. You can get 70% off jackets in Springfield during sale, which would then only cost RM50 or so. Other places to find jackets, Body Glove (wouldn't be my pick), Billabong, Quiksilver, Padini, WH, occasionally FOS)


If you're a much more formal, organized, geeky boy but really metrosexual, this is one look for you. Formal long sleeve shirts smartens an outfit instantaneously. Remember when picking a long sleeve formal shirt, do not always opt for the plain coloured ones (try new things, hun!). Checks and stripes looks very very good and it makes the entire outfit not that formal, but still formal enough.

Again fit is important, length of sleeves has to cover a lil' bit more than your wrist. Move your arms around when you try on the shirt. I find formal long sleeve shirts in FOS very very nice and affordable. A great tip is, if you're afraid of pink, stop being afraid! Try on a top with pink dash (stripes for instance), if you do not like a loud pink.

Ah, if the girls can have argyles, so can you. Argyles seriously pimps it out. Makes you an Ivy League student that very moment, or at least makes you feel like one yo! Many have been asking where to get argyles. I got mine (ladies size from Zara). So you can get from Zara Men, Topman, Pull & Bear (plain coloured pullovers), Padini and I've come across them in GAP. Argyles are costly, but really, you just need one!

One look I feel that all guy's should have in their closet would be this:
Many feel the khaki pants are too old fashioned but really if you pick the right one, no it isn't! Firstly, when picking a khaki trousers, remember it is not your jeans. It shouldn't be baggy like jeans can be. Secondly, no they aren't cargos (cargos are ugly btw), so do not buy those with pockets! You are not a plumber or mechanic, you do not need that many pockets (unless you're really rich and have loads of money to put). Classic and style is the way to go. Invest in a pair of good one from Dockers maybe. (Note, khaki trousers do not look good when they are skinny, like skinny jeans, get the picture?)

Essential item: The white formal long sleeve shirt. Which can be totally formal when sleeves are worn down and totally, ruggedly casual with sleeves folded up. Now you see why it is important to have one?

Loafers are my pick for guys as it is really gentleman looking, very smart. I chose an orange pair
for this outfit arrangement as it adds an extra fun element into a very stable look. Some loafers expand when worn long enough, so do consult your salesperson! Lastly, loafers are total comfort!

If you have realized, almost every outfit I have included a messenger bag. In my opinion, messenger bags look the best on guys. Not too ammateur (backpacks), nothing too old-fashioned (the clutch, yuck). Guide to buying a messenger bag, I very much prefer soft material ones. Indulge in neutral colours because I do not think guys like having 20 bags to choose from like women, so pick one which matches everything. Brown, black and light brown are very very good choices. (In my comment to Kevin Too, you can get messenger bags from Padini around RM129, Pull & Bear, Topman, Esprit, Zara and for splurging, Banana Repulic around RM1000).

My last look today for the guy is a lil' funky but nonetheless, very smart and classic. If you think stripes and patterns and expecially gingham prints are not for men, this will prove you wrong.
The trouble with men is they think trying something different will make people look in awkward stares. No! Try something out of the box, because, yes, you want to be outstanding! Even if something looks awkward and isn't usually something you'd wear on the shelves, trying it is totally FOC, so why not?

In this combination, I picked a very funky pair of gingham print shorts. Very 'golf-y' looking, but looks extreme smart.

Do remember when your bottom is already patterned, try not to pattern the top as well. Settle in for something simply but yet classic. Like the white short sleeve shirt as above. Really, nobody judges what you wear, so be daring!

This would be my favourite pick of the bunch!

Guys, do seriously have fun shopping. Shopping isn't all that torturous and boring as it may seem. Shopping isn't going to the mall, pick and buy. Go to the mall, BROWSE! Maybe you will find something which looks totally hot and awesome on you, and a change (Yes, we can) has come! Variations are good (like your portfolios in investments, where diversification bears less risk!).

Shoot me any comments! Will be happy to help and will be glad to have new ideas as well. Good day!

Lastly, my choices are classic enough if you're afraid it'll look gay or 'not straight'. Classic, style and comfort are my three keys. With a pinch of metrosexuality. =)) Have fun dressing up!