Farewell

Sad day. This will be my last post on TCU Men's Fall Fashion. Luckily, over the past 9 weeks I think we have covered majority of the emerging fashion trends at TCU. I tried to cover the “basics”, staples to male attire that won’t change anytime soon. Though fashion does evolve. We covered your wardrobe head to toe: shoes, clothes, outerwear, and accessories. But just incase you need a re-cap, I am going to list out the TCU Men's Fashion rules as a quick "go to".

1. When in doubt, wear a pastel polo.
2. Never attend a TCU football game without your boots on.
3. Cold Weather = Northface jacket
4. Go to shoes... Sperry's
5. Koozies and Croakies- Party in style
6. Going out? Wear a button down
7. No shorts with boots
8. With loafers, anything goes
9. Ray Ban Wayfarers are a must
10. Be a man- wear hunting and fishing gear to show it
11. When you graduate, just remember you are dressing for work not class
12. Halloween – Humor

Hopefully, over these past couple months you have been able to take some of my advice and apply it to your daily wardrobe. Just remember, the most important aspect of fashion is making it your own. I have to let you in on a secret...breaking the rules is actually okay. It's called being a trendsetter. You don't have to look like everyone else. People might actually notice you more if you are an individual.

However I will leave you with one last fashion tip for this week in particular. Two words: PINK OUT! As many of you know and you all should know… TCU is ranked #4 as of today in the BCS standings. We have a big game coming up this Saturday, November 14th, against Utah who is ranked #16. AND… ESPN College Game Day is going to be hosted right here in Fort Worth, Texas. So be prepared to be on TV Saturday and cheer on the frogs. This weeks game supports breast cancer awareness. So wear your boots and your pink and purple and cheer on the Frogs!!! Face painting and making signs is a must. We have to show our Horned Frog Spirit. And on a fashion note, check out the new uniforms sponsored by Nike.



So this is goodbye ☹ I must say I thoroughly enjoyed observing all the trends around campus. Keep it classy TCU!

Halloween Weekend at TCU

Halloween at TCU, enough said. This is one of the most eventful weekends of the year and as I sit here I am just reflecting and taking in all that I saw. You may think this isn’t exactly men’s fashion advice, but it is. This is a fashion review- take it in for next year whether you will still be attending TCU or not.
The parties usually commence Thursday night, this year it was a blowout at Fat Daddy’s where the rapper Lil’ Flip performed. Friday night parties continued and Saturday happened to be the homecoming football game! Frogs demolished UNLV 41-0 as they were cheered on by fans in the stands, some even in costume. Saturday night was the pinnacle of the festivities and partiers even got an extra hour because of daylight savings! Twas a great weekend for frogs.

Costumes. There were some epic 2009 costumes that must be mentioned. The Facebook (yes you could write on his wall with Sharpie), Balloon Boy, and Swine Flu.





Halloween is the one weekend of the year where nearly everyone goes out, you have an excuse to dress up and have fun and not care what anyone thinks. However sometimes I wonder about you men? There was far too many of you dressed up as women. I don’t know if here is some inner desire to try out what its like to wear makeup and have boobs or you just think it’s funny. Then there are the scary costumes where we must wonder if you are demented. And there is those of you who like to cover your identity completely with a mask so no one can tell who you are. Are you going to do something bad and try to get away with it or do you just like to confuse your friends? There are so many options on Halloween and everyone is guaranteed to be entertained.
The key to Halloween weekend is to stand out in the crowd. The best way to do so is to come up with an original idea. Humor is your best bet. You know it’s a good costume when random people stop you on the street and ask to take their picture with you. Whether you are a ghoul or a ghost or a cow or a Reno 911 cop or a boy or a girl… make it good and you’ll be sure to make friends.

Wear Your Boots Right

As the weather continually gets cooler I see more and more guys wearing their cowboy boots around campus. This is okay in certain circumstances but sometimes its just not
#1 Rule as was stated in the memo on boots at the football game, you may not under any circumstances wear cowboy boots with your shorts.

You may however wear them with jeans or khakis. Lots of guys wear them around campus with their khakis and a button down or polo, which is a fine look. You will see a lot of this around the Neeley Business School buildings.

If you want to see REAL boots and jeans though, you should head over to The Ranch Management Building on Stadium. That is where the cowboys are at. They are not posing or wearing them for style, they are wearing boots for their intended purpose of functionality, but it has created its own style in a sense. Wranglers and dirty boots are the definition of a cowboy and we embrace that in Fort Worth, or should I say Cowtown? We’ve got lots of true cowboys in the community outside of TCU and they know how to do it right.

Therefore, if you are a poser, which 96% of men on campus wearing boots probably are, you should at least show respect to the true style. Make yourself look rugged you know. That is why boots are so pertinent at football games. It is a manly activity.
Also, don’t be afraid to get a little dirt or dust on your boots it just makes them look more authentic and gives you character. After all, you are most likely wearing these with khakis and pastel shirt of sorts which you probably wouldn’t find a cowboy caught dead in. Real cowboys wear their boots year round, not just when the weather is permitting.

We love TCU and we respect it and its trends and fashions but we also need to respect the larger community. One of the largest boot companies worldwide, Justin Boots, is headquartered just down the road. So we have some major heritage to respect and live up to. Go have a barbecue sandwich at the Railhead some afternoon, guys in there can show you how to wear your boots.

So in honor of Fort Worth and the rodeo and the stockyards and to all the cowboys in here, wear your boots right. Hell, you might even try on some Wranglers and like them too.

Keep it Cool

It is finally late enough in fall that we are beginning to have cold or rather cool days. The closer it gets to November the colder it will become. Before we know it the holidays will be approaching and everyone will be shivering around campus in their coats and scarves.

However, we are in Texas so we have to leave room for error it could be eighty degrees some days in November but nonetheless we need to prepare your wardrobe. Since we are in Texas and you can’t really rely on the weather I wouldn’t recommend going out and spending a lot of money but bulky winter clothes that you might or might not get to use. So unless you plan to go skiing or are from a colder climate and you need these items anyways let’s keep it basic.

There is really only one main item you need for a Texas winter and that is a Northface jacket. Like the polo this is just such a versatile piece! And guess what you can even wear them together. A Northface jacket is ideal because it is warm, it is comfortable, it is fashionable and it is original. They come in all different patterns and fabrics. Though again, to ensure you stay fashionable I would keep it basic. If you get a neutral color like black or navy blue it will go with anything. Your polos should be where you have a “splash” of color in your wardrobe; you do not want to clash with that.

North Face jackets are great because they can be worn with any attire we have previously mentioned. They are great for a chilly evening at a football game, or a cold outdoor house party in someone’s backyard, a bonfire at the ranch, walking to class on a cold morning. There are endless possibilities. This is also one trend that is popular outside of the TCU community. If you do go skiing and go north to a colder destination for the holidays with your North Face jacket you are sure to fit in anywhere you go. Chances are, they will be wearing them too!

North Face is also “cool” because it is considered real sporting gear sold at sporting gear stores so people will probably think you are pretty hardcore if you wear it. Goes back to the sexy edginess factor.

So go buy a North Face, everybody’s doing it!

P.S. Check out this video... TCU guys aren't the only ones who can do it in style. Take some tips from these East Coast Pros. They know how to dress and how to partaayy!

Hunting and Fishing Attire

Sporting attire is another trend we see around campus. TCU men are so rough and rugged they have to portray this side of them in their everyday lives. Even on campus men like to wear their hunting and fishing attire. Maybe they want others to know that this is what they do on the weekends or maybe this isn’t what they do on the weekends but they just want others to think that they are cool. Or possibly they think this is how they find people with similar interests, it strikes up a whole conversation.

Fishing first. If you want to be considered a real man on the TCU campus you need to sport your fishing attire and it has to be brand name. Your shirt should have all kinds of flaps and pockets and zippers to accommodate all of your tools needed. You won’t necessarily be carrying around a pole and bait but dressing like this will help you catch your desired bait around campus. Ladies dig this style so much they have picked up on it too. Be careful though, if she stays over your favorite fishing shirt might go missing.

Hunting attire is a necessity as well. Camouflage on campus has the opposite effect from its intended purpose. Rather than making you blend in, it actually sets you apart. Well maybe I shouldn’t say sets you apart but it lets others know that you have style and you know what’s going on. Also, camo makes it an automatic assumption that you actually hunt which can induce a fear factor in people because you can use a gun. Intimidation is always a good thing.

What to Wear Post- Graduation

This week we are going to take some tips from our TCU Alumni. Along with preparing yourself mentally and academically for graduation you must also prepare your wardrobe. Although khaki shorts and Sperry’s are the greatest, you cannot always wear them into the office.

When you get out of college you no longer want to have that “I am in college” look anymore or maybe you do want to, but you shouldn’t. It works now but it is not going to work forever. When you graduate, even if you live a similar lifestyle, you are going to have to step it up a bit.

Polos are still and always will be acceptable. You can wear them in the office with slacks, on the golf course with clients and still pretty much everywhere except in a formal setting.

Your post graduation daily attire will really be dependant on the dress code of the office where you work, assuming that you will of course work. If it is casual you can wear polos and slacks. Business casual- slacks and a button down but not necessarily a tie or coat. Formal- you are in a suit and tie. This is all pretty standard and all this you should definitely already know. The Neeley School has made you dress for presentations.

My concern is your after work attire. When you go out - you need to look good. It doesn’t matter if you are rolling in the dough at first or not you can look good and be classified as a thirty-thousand millionaire. The point is, at least you will look good.

At The Aardvark or The Moon you can get away with looking like pretty much whatever you want. But the truth is whether you know it or not, no one takes you seriously right now besides your fellow classmates. In public, people look at you, shrug their shoulders and let out a “huh while tilting their head. Don’t be bothered by this- while you are still in college take advantage of it because girls here dig it. Just start preparing for the future gradually. Wearing a button-down and a blazer out with some loafers every once in a while doesn’t hurt anyone. Try a change of venue and go downtown one night dressed nicely and see how well you are received.

Also, if by chance you make it through college without a significant other take these tips so that you can meet an older more sophisticated woman on your level. If you like ‘em young you may want to continue to dress like a tool on weekends. Just watch yourself, there tend to be some especially young ones at the ‘Vark”.

What to Wear at a TCU Football Game

Hello fellow Horned Frogs! In case you are unaware, TCU had their first home football game this last Saturday, the 19^th, versus Texas State University. The team pulled out a win, 56-21. They also beat Clemson on the road yesterday 14-10. We’re 3-0, Go Frogs!!!

If you attend TCU you know that going to the football game is a must, everybody does it! Well, everyone may not actually make it through the game or even make it to the actual game at all. But most everyone makes it to the tailgate. Good friends, good food, beer - need I explain more?

Therefore, if you are going to attend the social events of the season you want to know what to wear! This is very important.

First off, cowboy boots are a must. There is just something about watching a football game while wearing boots, it must make you manlier or something. Since you aren’t out there playing you don’t want to confuse others by wearing tennis shoes. Wearing boots is a sign to let others know you came to party. Plus people are known to get sloppy at the tailgate so the dirtier your boots get the tougher and more in style you look. (This rule also applies to the more beer you drink.) As we have addressed Sperry’s and loafers are great, but not for a football game.

The only exception to not wearing boots is if it is just too hot and you must wear shorts. If you wear shorts, you are not allowed to EVER wear boots with them, NOT OKAY.

So, boots are a given but then we have another dilemma. What do you wear with your pants of choice and your boots… a polo or a button-down?

We can narrow it down by agreeing it has to be purple or must at least have purple on it somewhere. We also all know that just a plain ole TCU t-shirt is not cool these days. So, what to do?

My advice is just to mix it up in the season, maybe start out wearing your different purple polos while the weather is hot and as it gets cooler move into the button down. Another factor to consider is a day game versus a night game. Day game, you get to go home before you go out after the game but a night game you may just want to go straight to the bar. It’s already a little cooler at night so, the button-down may be the way to go. The decision is yours.

Next home game, TCU vs. SMU, Saturday 7:00pm. You better be there in your button-downs. Stay classy - make those pansies, my bad, ponies, look even worse! Again, Go Frogs!

Men’s Guide to Fall Accessories

This week we have actually had a glimpse of fall here on campus. The rain really cooled things down. And I’m not sure if all the water around had something to do with it but as of now Sperry’s are beating loafers by a landslide. As I said “all-terain” … water and land.

With fall officially approaching I thought we should address a major aspect to a man’s wardrobe: ACCESSORIES! When one says the word “accessories” there is a tendency to relate that word to females, but it is the 21^st century and male accessories around campus are in full force. I am going to address a mere few on here but feel free to comment and tell everyone about your favorite accessory.

 

I would like to start with “Croakies”. If you don’t know what this word means that’s okay. It is a particular brand that has become so well known  that everyone just says “croakies” (like Kleenex for instance). Croakies are the straps that hold your sunglasses on your face or around your neck. They are made so you don’t loose your glasses when skiing, wakeboarding, etc. However, here on the TCU campus it is a different playing field. Guys must have their Croakies at all times because extreme sports are ever present. TCU guys are in such good shape because they are constantly doing kegstands, beerbonging and shotgunning but with Croakies their eyewear never has to suffer the consequences.

(Please note the fine attire worn above).

Moving on to eyewear it self. Sunglasses are also essential to a good horned frog’s attire. Ray Ban’s wayfarers are in high demand but you will also spot the cheap plastic frames with neon sides most likely advertising a Greek organization.

 

Two more accessories you won’t find far from your man’s side are his bottle opener keychain and his koozie (also most likely representing his Greek organization of choice). These are the party essential accessories. In the case that the beer is not a can or twist off, Corona per say, you would never want to be without a bottle opener- major party foul. The koozie is a very practical addition because who wants freezing hands while you are trying to party? And if at the party every koozie wasn’t the same it could be a good way to know which Keystone was yours. So be original, BYOK( Bring Your Own Koozie)!

 

Last but definitely not least we need to address headwear: hats and visors. Again, a Ralph Lauren brand hat or visor is always a go, can’t go wrong there. Also, your fraternity hat is a good choice too. But I think this fall visors are really where it is at. Think about it, how cool are visors? They are no longer just for tennis players and golfers, you can wear them as everyday attire. My personal preference is the backward visor flipped up - kind of hinting that you have a rebellious side but you aren’t really fooling us while still wearing your polo, khacki shorts and Sperry’s. But I mean a hint of edginess is sexy, right ladies? 

Sperrys versus Loafers

I feel that there is a great divide between our men on the TCU campus. Do they wear Sperrys? Or are loafers the fashionable new thing? Both types of shoes have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's help them decide...

Starting with Sperry's:
Sperrys are what I like to call a true "all-terrain" shoe. You can go strait from class to your sailboat, which obviously makes this the practical choice in Fort Worth, Texas. Sperrys have a distinct look and they come in many different varieties: Canvas, Leather, Rubber, Lace-up, Slip-on, and High-top. ( However, if you want to blend in... I recommend sticking to the basic leather low-top). These shoes are also unisex so you can share them with your girlfriend which is cool... assuming you wear the same size and all. A downside is that not enough people know about Sperrys or wear them around campus so people may wonder what they are. Also, if you own Sperrys it's an automatic assumption that you also own a sailboat. So if by chance you do not have at least a dinghy you may want to only wear these shoes around people who really know you in order not to confuse others. In short, if you do wear boatshoes- Sperrys are the only way to go.


Now on to Loafers:



Loafers have been around but just in the past few years have they become popular to wear with jeans. I have seen guys here at TCU, or should I say trendsetters, that even wear them with shorts. The best way I can describe this look is to call it the "metro golfer". Metro because we know that you aren't really going golfing in your slip on loafers but you still maintain that sexy polished look. However, where the Sperry is practical in everyday attire the loafer is not. But the loafer definitely wins if you are going to dress up. Unlike Sperrys this trend is not limited to one specific brand- there are lots of nice loafers around and the general loafer is versatile so you can go from shorts to jeans to a suit and never change your shoes!


Now that I have given you my opinion, I would like to know yours. Both of these shoes are such good options which makes it a hard call. That's where you come in! Help the guys here at TCU to stay trendy by voting in the poll on the right to let everyone know which shoe the consensus prefers.

Marco...POLO!

Texas Christian University has really updated its image in the past few years. With multiple  new buildings on campus, more students and more diversity, a change is on its way.

As a blog project for my web design class I thought I would show a different side of TCU…Men’s Fashion. For the next 10 weeks I am going to observe my fellow male classmates and keep you up to date of what’s on the cutting edge of TCU fashion. We may not be walking down the streets of New York or Milan for that matter but when you traverse the crosswalk on University Drive you are sure to see emerging fashion trends, right here at TCU.

 

Introducing…. TCU’s Guide to Men's Fall Fashion. Now ladies, I know what you are thinking from looking at the picture above- surely guys at TCU could not really be this stylish- that image must be enhanced. But its true, a fashion wave has hit TCU and at the crest of the trend is the polo. You may not be used to this style at first because of its obscurity but you will learn to love it. The polo is the finishing piece to every outfit. Offering a unique look to really make one stand out of the crowd. The polo is an accent piece to any ensemble and it offers endless possibilities. Not only can you wear it with jeans or khakis but also pants or shorts! It’s so versatile and each time you change it up in your wardrobe it is like a brand new look. Dandelion yellow, lilac purple, periwinkle blue and baby pink- we are seeing all of these materialize.

Men, if you consider yourself bold and you want to really be a trendsetter you can attempt to match a polo with a pattern. However, this can be a risky move. I would recommend either plaid shorts or Ralph Lauren shorts with the signature logo embroidered and tiled on the fabric (as seen in picture).

Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to try something new get in on this trend. You are guaranteed to be welcomed in a polo anywhere you go: class, church, Fuzzy’s, parties, meeting your girlfriends parents- it is truly perfect for everything! Get one and make it your own.

I think I have made my point,  if you buy one item this fall make sure it is a PASTEL POLO!