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Clothing Ideas for College Male

Aquamarine

Veteran

My son in college has informed me that he feels underdressed on campus. In high school, he was content to wear Levi jeans, sweatshirts, and the occasional buttondown shirt. I am unsure what he means by "underdressed" but I sense it has to do with the style and brand of clothes worn by his wealthier friends who went to prep school...we are public school folk all the way...LOL. Since I was struggling with Christmas gift ideas for him anyway, I am happy to buy trendier, nicer clothes...he just never showed an interest before! Guess he is a late-bloomer. So I would love suggestions as to what is in style for this age group, and store suggestions too.

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from TraceyLiz65

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

One trend I see in that age group is pants that aren't jeans. Not necessarily the skin-tight skinny jeans anymore, but a slimmer cut than in recent decades, either a colored twill styled like jeans, or cargo pants with pockets, or khakis/chinos. Also, dressier shoes - boots or oxfords usually in some shade of brown as opposed to black dress shoes or sneakers. Sweaters/cardigans seem to be making a comeback, too, worn over button-front shirts mostly.

KikiG

Veteran

What Laura said. Only, my guys won't have anything to do with cargo, they are a bit preppier than that.

Basics for this age: button up shirts, khaki pants, shoes that are not sneakers, like oxfords or dirty bucks. What Laura said about jeans. If he is brave, a navy or tweed blazer. A knit tie is a way to work into wearing a tie voluntarily. V neck sweaters are also low risk. We do a lot of thrift store shopping which is an easy, low investment way to find out if they will really wear something like a blazer when you have doubts. Thrifting for guys is great: men either wear it out or never wear it, and a lot of "guy gifts" of clothing seem to end up in thrift stores. We have also gotten awesome deals on expensive brands of shoes at thrift stores. Our latest coup was Cole Haan oxfords with a lug sole for about $8, and they are wonderfully comfortable.

For dress shirts, Jos. A Banks Travelers shirts come in a trim fit and are super easy to just touch up iron, and without a tie the patterned ones function as casual button ups as well. However, at this age, lots of times they will not tuck a button up shirt as a fashion statement, and they needed a shorter shirt tail like from AE or Hollister or Abercrombie than a "long to stay tucked in" shirttail.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I think this is a great site:

http://restartyourstyle.com/57.....k-account/

Kristin SF

Veteran

My husband just recently refreshed his work/weekend capsule during NAS, so I can confirm Laura's suggestion for slimmer cut twill cotton pants. He bought a few versions of these AG ones - they are super soft, and very modern looking, without being skinny. Lots of colors to pick from.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ag.....ts/3104115

Also, some dark straight leg jeans:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/7-.....ke/3221275

He also bought some nice basic slim style sweaters at J.Crew, and lots of new button down shirts from J.Crew Factory. The Factory store often does 40-50% off sales, so that is when he stocks up. The Slim style seems more modern.

Throw in a pair or two of black shoes - 1 leather, 1 trendy sports sneaker - and a nice jacket. He should be good to go.

For a college-age person, I would probably buy basics, like jeans, shirts, and sweaters. Easily found at Nordstrom and J.Crew. But you should also check Urban Outfitters for the "cool" factor.

Good luck! How nice that your son is "blossoming"!

JAileen

Veteran

Why don't you ask him what he likes or needs?

My son is out of college now, but he does not like preppy style at all. The only clothes I can successfully pick for him are pajamas!

carter

Veteran

Oooh. I'll ask my college senior daughter. College in Malibu...all prep school kids. It is very hard to strike a balance between fitting in and keeping up with the Joneses. She struggled with this at the beginning as well. Will come back with her suggestions.

MsMary

Veteran

It's been a few years, but when my son was in college I had great luck with jackets ("toppers" rather than outerwear) from Urban Outfitters.

ETA: Gah! Look at this one! http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....ralCat=M_O

Carla

Veteran

My boys are into nice wool outer wear (pea coats), and a natty scarf. Also coloured trousers in jean like material or corduroy-mustard, garnet, forest green, but also navy and grey. Eldest even has a pair of black waxed jeans that he really fancies.

They like the softness and warmth of Henley style shirts. Eldest, who runs cold, wears sweaters. Youngest, who runs warm has a couple of t-shirt weight hoodies he likes.

They both like clothes, and enjoy shopping...especially if I'm buying!

Emily

Veteran

Raw denim is pretty cool with a certain crowd:
http://www.gapcanada.ca/browse.....ogle.ca%2F

And maybe some nice, soft merino sweaters to swap for the sweatshirts?

MRL

Veteran

My Son (HS Senior) likes to dress well and tends to wear preppy style clothes. Some of his favorites are classic polos, khaki's, pea coat, well cut jeans (not skinny jeans), crew neck sweaters. He likes J Crew and Vinyard Vines. They can be expensive, but check out the sales and outlets. He also likes sperry boat shoes which are very popular now.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions! Lots to think on.

Laura....I too have noticed the trend towards skinnier pants. As for shoes, we recently shopped for some casual loafers to replace sneakers for walking around or going out. That was big!

KIkiG....What an interesting thought about thrift shopping for men! I am sure you are right. I agree the slimmer button downs with shorter shirt tails seem trendier, and he would likely prefer them untucked. Thanks for the store suggestions.

Caro...that's an interesting site...very helpful in planning a wardrobe.

KristinSF...There is a J. Crew Factory store nearby. I will have to check them out, as well as Urban Outfitters. Never thought to look there for him. Isn't it funny how guys clothing is getting slimmer while women's clothing is getting looser??

JAileen...I don't think he knows what he wants. I think he just senses that he is not as stylin' as some of his more sophisticated friends Who knows, I may have a slew of returns after the holidays!

Carter...I will await your daughter's thoughts! Sounds like they are navigating the same crowd.

MaryK...oooh, that jacket might be just the ticket!

Runcarla...I had wondered about a peacoat myself...his outerwear for the last few years has pretty much consisted of black or navy Northface fleece.

Emily....raw denim is so interesting. Perhaps that would elevate his jeans to trendier. I will check it out. And yes, I agree some sweaters are in order, as long as he doesn't wash them with his towels

MRL...thanks for your suggestions. Funny you mention Vineyard Vines. I had just heard about them recently and will check them out.

Anonymous

Hi, OK so DH is far from a college kid but left to his own devices still thinks he is walking the quad (granted it would be 1990). He really likes the slim fit pants from dockers. They fit his lanky frame and do not bag out. He likes the dark washed colors and they look nothing like khakis.

We never agree on casual jackets because he always wants to wear fleece - the fleece vest just to get a reaction from me. I have had good success getting him into 'crossover' jackets from gear brands that are designed for casual wear. Patagonia, North a Face, Prana, Mountain Hardware, etc.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

My male friends swear by Frank & Oak - I think it's a subscription service for men's clothes. They send a size and what kind of clothes they like, and they just ship you stuff to try; if you don't like it they can send it back.

Neel

Veteran

Whatever you buy....make sure you add two pairs of killer colorful shoes! I vote red high tops. And may be a cobalt blue. I love the way these kids rock them! And of course some sweet non OTT bling then see outfits go from drab to fab. My 5 yr old (?!!!!!) adores Ross Lynch's style! And I too think he's got great style. So may be have a look :). Or is Ross lynch too young an icon for your son? Hmm ... Cool shoes never hurt though

krishnidoux

Veteran

This thread has been so instructive! And here I thought I was alone with a teen who insists on more classic clothes! The one thing my son asks me for is high end, super comfy leather footwear (he doesn't have cheap tastes....). He wears each pair to death. He's also big on jackets and cardigan, but they have to be very specifically what he likes in terms of fit, not for how it looks, but rather how it feels. Roomy enough for movement, but not too much that it bunches up inside coat sleeves, etc.

Land's End has not been suggested: it has lots of good quality preppy / dressier things. If you are in Canada, I suggest Roots (for a gift).

carter

Veteran

Here's the report from my daughter's study group last night. There are 3 main styles for guys at her school: preppy, surfer, and "super euro". Assuming surfer is not the style your son is going for, here's what they had to say:

Preppy--darker wash slim fitting levis (or other non-designer jeans) or lighter colored flat front khakis/chinos, RL Polo knit shirt or button down, nikes or sperry topsiders. No designer jeans or wrinkled shirts.

Super Euro--even slimmer dark jeans, fitted plain t-shirts, leather jacket, sleek leather loafers or dark nikes.

There are lots of formals throughout the year, so he'll need a blazer, tie, button down, slacks and dark loafers.

She said the most important thing is this, "It's all about picking the style that suits him, making sure the clothes fit and wearing it well. He probably dresses fine now. but if he feels out of place, he'll look out of place."

This is helpful to me as well, since my son is 17 and headed to college in the not-too-distant future. Good luck.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Thanks everyone for more suggestions. Carter, thanks to your daughter for her specific recommendations. I would say he leans Preppy, once he sheds the athletic gear (he is an athlete). I agree that he needs to pick the style that resonates with him, and own it. It's an interesting process, watching him discover his likes and dislikes.

Freckles

Veteran

If your son runs warm and you live in a cold climate he might like one of this type tank under his buttondown shirt. My son really loves that combo. He is also an athlete so I think part of it is looking more grown up while still feeling like an athlete. I think it's the male equivalent of how we wear jewellery...

Geography also plays a big part as Carter's definitions are totally different where I live.

http://www.sportchek.ca/produc.....96.3791007

Kristin SF

Veteran

Aquamarine! Received the mail in my inbox this morning - J.Crew Factory is at 50% off today, plus another 10% off with code 12DAYS.

If you are headed in-store, PM me for an additional coupon.

Good until tomorrow night.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

This is a tender age and his input is imperative, he needs to define for you what he has in mind. I tread very lightly with my children of this age and they greatly appreciate it. If he could you send you some links of specifics you can get a feel for what he means. All colleges are different and have a unique culture.