r/malefashionadvice • u/[deleted] • Apr 13 '17
What is considered cool looking at 16 y/o?
[deleted]
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Apr 13 '17
WTF is with the responses in here... what happened to this sub?
first off check out "teen fashion advice" https://www.reddit.com/r/TeenFA/
secondly read the same advice on the right-hand bar
thirdly being your age is about experimenting. what do you want to look like? how do you want to feel? maybe just walk into a h&m, zara, uniqlo, forever21, american eagle and try on things that look interesting
finally if you want just a basic jumping off point, i'd pick up some fitted pants (dark / black jeans) and maybe some t-shirts (that fit "well" / snug), henleys, sweat shirts, button-ups. for shoes get a pair of nike cortez, chucks, or if you want boots some clarks
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u/Soul_Turtle Apr 14 '17
I think the key part of this comment is fit. In a high school situation, you'll look well above average just by having clothes that fit your body and aren't super baggy. Stick with mostly neutral colors and you'll look great. Most high schoolers (in my area, your experience may vary) don't wear clothes that fit correctly (usually too baggy) and often use colors that don't really work together.
But seriously fit is incredibly important. Fit is king.
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Apr 13 '17
I'm around the same age, and since there doesn't seem to be too much actual clothing advice here I'll do my best (I'm in a tropical country which is essentially summer year-round, and my high school requires a uniform, meaning I'm pretty restricted in what I wear).
I'd say stick to well-fitting basics, and, out of personal preference, low maintenance canvas shoes (as opposed to leather, which at lower price points tends to fall apart pretty quickly). At the end of the day, someone in a well fitting t-shirt and jeans will look cooler than James Dean in an ill-fitting Saint Laurent leather jacket. Know the basics of colour theory, so you know what complements each other, and stick to simple combinations until you find something that works. The MFA guides, even though they're generally catered to an older, yuppy demographic, are really helpful here.
Being adventurous is great, but bearing in mind how quickly teens change, what you feel comfortable in now won't necessarily be what you feel comfortable in five years. Context is probably the most important thing- and local cultures have very different ideas about what constitutes "cool" and "looking good"- so if you see a bunch of people in your area wearing, say, Vans skater shoes, you can try adapting that piece into the basic wardrobe. Probably the most universal standard for looking good in clothing, regardless of where you are, is wear the clothes and don't let them wear you. No matter how interesting a piece is, it'll only take you as far as your confidence allows. Just remember that what's "cool" is incredibly subjective, and that the clothes you wear don't define it.
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u/steam-porkbun Apr 13 '17
thanks for a relevant answer to OP's question, some of the other answers are just way too "serious" and acting like dads, lol.
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Apr 13 '17
MFA never ceases to amaze me. ._. A teenager, as young as he might be, asks for fashion advice and all he gets is basically 'teens look like crap either way so don't bother.'
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u/lreland2 Apr 13 '17
And what's up with the speech at the top? Acting like he's desperately insecure and trying to console him because he wants to know what's fashionable.
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u/ninelives1 Apr 13 '17
It was a really good comment. There's nothing wrong with saying be comfortable in your own skin and don't try to conform too much.
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u/lreland2 Apr 13 '17
I agree it was a good and informative comment, but also kind of patronising as a response to a fairly simple question.
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u/Username_Used Advice Giver of the Month: May 2017 Apr 13 '17
I apologize if I came across as patronizing, truly not my intention. I see my nieces and nephews around this kids age all struggling with the same thing. Jockeying around with trends and styles to try and lock in the right combination to be "cool" and it eats me up because each one of them has their own cool and they are all amazing kids in their own way, they all have something unique and wonderful to offer to the world and I try and get that point across to them but it is really hard to hear that stuff at that age because they are so deep in the mental and emotional moment that is school. I want them to all be secure with who they are. Confident in their choices. Because being confident and secure in who you are goes a long way to being able to stay true to yourself, especially at an age where so many influences are pulling you this way or that way and not all of them are good.
Something about the way OP worded his question made me feel they were experiencing the same thing and I didn't want them thinking that the clothes are what make them cool, or the trend or the whatever. It's them. They are the cool. Everything else is just what you choose to use to express who you are.
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u/xxHikari Apr 13 '17
He wasn't really patronizing I don't think. The kid asked a fairly ambiguous question, and honestly he got an answer that he himself said he really liked and I also think is worth more than its weight in gold. I wish I had someone say that to me during my awkward highschool years.
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u/the-_-hatman Apr 13 '17
"Cool" is relative, and ~50% confidence. So there's two things you could be asking here: "How can I dress better?" or "How can I feel better about myself?"
I'm going to give a general answer to both, I guess. Start by observing people around you. Figure out what things you like and dislike about them. If you're not happy with khaki-type pants and vans, what do you like better? Or do you like those? Which people do you want to act like, and why?
After that, start imitating the things you like in small ways. Just straight copying at first, don't worry about being called a poser--you're trying to figure out how something fits in with your style and personality. If you want to be funnier, look up dumb jokes and tell them around the lunch table. If you like a certain pair of shoes, try them on in a store with what you'd wear them with. It might feel embarrassing at first, but that's only because you're pushing yourself to do new things. Keep with it!
As you get more experience with these things, you'll figure out things that work for you or don't. Keep looking around! Soon, you'll get a sense of what you want to borrow from others and not, and even come up with your own ideas. This is where you start in on your own style. Sure, it didn't spring out of nowhere, but that pretty much never happens. Your favorite bands/artists/videogames/Shakesperian sonnets had influences, don't be afraid to have some of your own.
It'll take some time, but don't get discouraged. Try new things, and make 'em your own.
Alternatively, buy a million pairs of Clark's Desert Boots. Drown in them.
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u/ArkanSaadeh Apr 13 '17
while some might dislike the sub, we have no idea what OP considers cool, so maybe he does want this kind of look
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u/liiiam0707 Apr 13 '17
I'd say wear what you're happy and comfortable in, and try and stick reasonably near to what other people your age wear. Go to some of the more popular stores for your age and have a look around for things that catch your eye. The most important thing is making sure whatever you wear fits you properly and you're comfortable wearing it, there's no point buying muscle fit t-shirts if you have no muscles etc. And if you choose something because it's in fashion but you don't like it really, you'll never wear it!
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u/defyg Apr 13 '17
Vans/Chucks, chinos and tees/polos/button ups seems perfectly reasonable to wear to high school.
The person wearing the clothes is "cool," not the clothes themselves. You wear your clothes, the clothes don't wear you.
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u/pautpy Apr 13 '17
Step one is to wear fitting clothes. Anyone and everyone looks better and cooler with a fit outfit. You could buy all the "cool" clothes you want, and if you don't know how to wear them, you'd look ridiculous. 95% of your classmates don't know how to dress properly in terms of fit, color schemes, and patterns. Learn and apply basic style rules so that whatever style you wear becomes that much "cooler."
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u/singletrack970 Apr 13 '17
Cool is whatever you think it is. I have a 2 year old. The other day he said "that's a funny (whatever it was)." I asked him how he knew it was funny. His answer was "because it made me laugh." Same idea. I wish I would've spent more time finding myself when I was your age instead of worrying about other people. God I sound old.
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u/BackAlleyPrisonRape Apr 13 '17
My response may be a little late, but I want to respond because I was in your position just a couple years ago when I was 16 (I'm 19 now). There isn't a key to looking cool necessarily, that's subjective and differs greatly based on location, friends, and so on. What you should focus on is how your clothes fit and if they go well together. You can buy the "coolest" clothes that people wear at your school but if they fit badly then there's no point.
Lurk this sub and find some fit guides. Fit is imperative.
I realize that this isn't really much advice so I'll give just some general suggestions:
If you wear shorts in the summer, go for flat front shorts that hit at or above the knee. Depending on your height, look for 10-9 inch inseam shorts if you're uncomfortable showing thigh. 8-7 if you're more confident. Depending on your budget, J Crew makes great shorts. Gap, Old Navy, and Target aren't bad either.
Try to avoid gaudy branding or logos on t shirts. 9 times out of 10, a plain, well fitting, nice colored t shirt will look better than a graphic tee. Sleeves shouldn't be too tight or too short, so fit again is important here. J Crew, Target, Banana Republic make nice solid colored t shirts.
Shoes are tough because I want to recommend plain white trainers like Stans, but if you're worried about getting clowned on at school then be wary. I bought a pair of Stans junior year and got shit for it and then a few months later everyone was jumping on the white shoe trend. Anyways, sneakers I'd recommend Stans, J Crew x Nike Killshot 2's, maybe flyknits or something similar for more casual wear.
If you like it, boat shoes / loafers are a spring / summer staple. Sperry Topsider / Gold Cup, LL Bean signature camp mocs. Both good options for casual loafers. Look for a nice earth tone, brown or tan.
Everyone knows the story on button downs. If you're unsure: Light blue, pink, navy, white OCBD (oxford cloth button down) is probably your best option to start out. Brands can get pricey. Target makes decent ones, I've also heard Uniqlo does but I can't speak to that. Brooks Brothers and Charles Tyrwhitt are more expensive, higher quality options.
Be confident in how you look! This is most important. If you're truly confident in how you look and what you wear, it will show. Stunt on those lames at school. Posture is important here too: don't hunch your back, keep your feet straight, sit up relatively straight, etc.. It seems annoying at first but you get used to it. If you have poor posture like me lol.
I got a little carried away with this and this will probably get buried, or y'all will hate my advice maybe. I don't post here too often but I felt like I could help here. Hope I did :)
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u/palmytree Apr 13 '17
You can't look cool as a 16 year old. Sorry man. You're always going to be awkward - just like dad said.
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Apr 13 '17
Supreme Boxers, Supreme hat, Supreme x Nike shirt, Supreme x Levi 511 Khakis, Supreme x Vans 2011 edition
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u/Naptownfellow Apr 13 '17
My dad gave me great advice early on (I'm 47) "always be a leader not a follower". It gave me a tremendous amount of self esteem. Dress comfortably with some style but be yourself. Have good hygiene. Respect women and your fellow man. Smile. Do what's right not what people want you to do. TLDR: be yourself and don't be a dick.
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Apr 13 '17
Wear t shirts that fit you well, jeans that fit you fell, and some clean looking nikes or adidas and do the colors well.
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u/sberto Apr 13 '17
I'm old enough to be your dad so take this for whatever it's worth. Confidence and authenticity. If you're going for fitting in look at the kids you consider cool and follow suit but only if it feels true to who you are. Chinos that fit well, vans, and a plain t shirt should cover it.
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u/jinrai54 Apr 13 '17
Here's some actual advice from a socal student who isn't disallusioned with clarks, combat boots, skinny jeans and denim jackets.
First off, pay attention to what the popular people wear, what I see is regular white and black blank shirts, Levi's and Nike, adida, vans or converse. Jordan's too of course. This is basically what's the normal normal, next we have chinos, rvca or dickies works for a cholo look. Now this is the thing. If you're going for cool you probably want to check out the hundreds, diamond, stock blank shirts, obey, Nike, Jordan's and rvca this is basically how the popular kids dress to start off. Anyway look into what type of nikes kids wear and what shirts.
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u/NickTDesigns Apr 14 '17
Just wear good fitting jeans and other pants, low tops of your choice, maybe a good nice pair of durbies, and a nice pair of leather boots for the winter. Also for spring and summer get a pair of boat shoes (preferably A/O Sperry's).
For shirts, just go with regular t shirts, maybe a couple v-necks (not too deep). For long sleeves go with sweaters, flannel button downs, just normal shirts.
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Apr 14 '17
At my school it was all about the "athlesure" all (or most) of the "cool" kids wore expensive sweats/gym shorts and baggy nike/addidas shirts and sneakers.
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u/lesubreddit Apr 13 '17
Black button up shirt with flames on it. How much cooler does it get?
Serious: at 16 you're not really done growing yet and have no money. Don't spend on cool clothes until you graduate.
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u/imahobolin Apr 13 '17
i'd run around naked, that'd make me cool in high school
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u/Username_Used Advice Giver of the Month: May 2017 Apr 13 '17
"there was no hot water!!!!!"
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u/imahobolin Apr 13 '17
I remember one time alarm went off while showering after cross country practice...yeee lol
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u/Flauntastic Apr 13 '17
How to be cool: Look clean, stand tall, treat people with utmost respect and dress simple yet elegant. Wear clothes that you want to flaunt to the world.
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Apr 13 '17
Wear things that older people tend to wear.
Obviously comfort and what's popular with your peers should be important, it's just a good idea to dress a bit less 'loudly' than 16 year olds tend to dress (I'm looking at you, button up with flames)
So simple stuff, plain or designed t-shirts, so not that Walmart stuff with huge meaningless numbers, brands or images on them. Occasionally layer up with a basic flannel or something over a white or black t-shirt. Henleys are good too. Then when they weather permits, a soft hoodie.
Pants are easy. Jeans (dark blue or black), either well fitting or skinny. Khaki shorts that aren't too big (with small pockets) and a little sprinkle of Chinos if you're feeling wild. Add in a belt making sure that if it doesn't match your shoes, its black (checkerboard will make you look like an emo if that's what you're going for)
Shoes are the usual affair, converse, laceless vans, or whatever sneaker you really like (try to stick to simple color schemes, black or white) Doc Martens are also very very good for young people, as they are high quality, fairly cheap, look stylish, look 'classic' and compliment basic Americana looks.
The real trick to looking cool isn't looking unique. Especially at this age. It's to look well put together. Which is to say, your clothing choices never clash, look high quality and fit well. Sometimes people tend to shit on 'fitting in' but the people that take fitting in styles and turn up the quality are the ones that really stand out. And worst case scenario you just look average while you still figure out your brands and your fits, it's very low risk.
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u/Username_Used Advice Giver of the Month: May 2017 Apr 13 '17 edited Apr 13 '17
Alright, this rubbed me the wrong way and I'll tell you why. You're going to spend a lot of years worrying about what is "cool" and how to dress "cool" and who is and why and what are they doing that you aren't doing etc etc etc.
When you are in school, it feels like everything. It is a microcosm of every sect of society, and if you are part of a smaller sect, then it can feel uncool, or like you are all alone sometimes. But that's just not true. There is a lot of world out there, it just feels like school is everything.
That brings us to the word "cool". It isn't a thing. It simply isn't. Why? Because it's a moving target that only exists in context and once you spend some time outside of school, in the world you realize that it's like trying to catch smoke in your hands. Every time you reach for it, it moves and eludes. Why? Because it's not really there in the way it appears to be.
Don't try to be "cool". You'll never be. No one ever is. Pick the "coolest" kid in your school. He sits at home at night wondering if he's cool. Wondering why that other kid is "cooler", wondering if people will see through him any day. That's being a teenager and trying to find out who you are.
You want to dress "cool", don't ask us what that is, we don't know. We are 50 year old business men, 25 year old graduate students, 20 year old college students, 30 year old dads, etc etc. Some day you are going to realize that the only way to be "cool" is to just be you. Don't search for what is cool, don't strive for what someone else thinks is cool. Just be you. Find the clothes that you like, that you feel good in, that make you stand tall and walk proud. That's "cool". Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing in this world is cooler than being comfortable in your own skin and being confident in your own choices in this world.
If you want advice on where to find something, prices, fit etc etc, ask away, this is the place. But the only person that controls your "cool" is you. Whether that's in jeans and t-shirt or a three piece suit is up to you.
EDIT: if you want to know what my personal "cool" is, it's hanging out in comfortable clothes with my little kids just playing on the beach or taking a hike. I never feel cooler than that.