Image via Complex Original
We've all seen him or her, strutting down the street falsely believing they're they king or queen of the coop, and immediately labeled them, "Fashion Victim." These folks are the living embodiments of why we emphasize style over fashion, and why being stylish is more of a process than just the ability to buy the trends that show up on the runway and in magazine pages. Trend-hopping is expensive, exhausting, and won't get you any respect from your peers. If you don't want your butt style to be the butt-end of everyone's jokes, study up on How to Not Dress Like a Fashion Victim.
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Don't try to rock every "trendy" piece you own simultaneously.
We're not fans of bowties in general, but if you find yourself rocking approximately nine conversation pieces, no one's going to want to talk to you. Keep the statement and trend pieces to a minimum, or you'll end up being the try-hard clown of the circus that is men's style.
Unless you're a celebrity on the red carpet, don't try to copy an outfit from the runway or lookbook.
Except for celebs and certified fashion killa on the red carpet, no one should rock something straight off the runway. The shit in runways and lookbooks is meant to be part of a theatrical spectacle, not a direct how-to on what to wear. Still doubting that you can pull off a runway look? Pause and think, "Am I as dope as A$AP Rocky?" The answer is no. No you're not.
Develop your personal sense of style.
Having a personal sense of style is a slow-moving process that will for sure involve a lot of trial and error. But the further you venture down this, let's be honest, awesome journey, the more original and fresh you'll be.
Don't dress primarily to get the attention of others.
Looking great should be first and foremost about making yourself happy. If you're getting dressed in the morning and start wondering what Tommy Ton and Scott Schuman's lenses will be drawn to, it's time to check yourself into a fashion victim shelter.
Pay attention to most important part of any wardrobe, which is nailing the basics and essentials.
These are the building blocks to a stylish wardrobe and presence. If you skip over building a solid foundation, then your shit will be all flash and no substance. Despite what you may think, it's pretty easy to see if your whole look is about preening and not about style.
Repetition is okay if it's an outfit or look that works.
There's no need to be flexing with new shit every single day. If you're happy with a particular garment or the way a look comes together, then don't be afraid to rock it regularly.
Simplicity is your best friend.
When in doubt, keep it simple. You can do wonders with just black, white, grey, and navy. Well-constructed garments will never, ever go out of style, and will catch the eye and respect of people who know and care about quality.
Your focus should be on the style, not on the price tag.
Conspicious consumption simply isn't cool, and will instantly alert people to your fucked up sensibilities of what's important. An expensive price tag is not equated with good style, although, to be honest, this $22,000 gold shirt is pretty sick.
Take inspiration from art, design, and other aspects of life besides the fashion world.
Fashion victims are wrapped up in the fashion world. While this is perfectly okay, only being concerned with a narrow aspect of life will result in a shallow intellect and personality. Open your world up to art, design, literature and other interesting facets of creativity. We promise that they'll help you out in all realms, including your steez.
