Like it or not, your appearance defines you.

Like it or not, your appearance defines you.  

You won't exchange a word with most people you meet, but

with a glance they'll assume everything from your

social class to your career to your marital status.

Men's fashion has loosened up to include a broader

range of styles. But this opportunity for

self-expression brings with it an overwhelming number

of choices.

Nathan Hewitt, a local business stylist and fashion

show producer, shares his insight on how to define

your personal clothing style.

Who are you?

               "Rule number one is to be yourself," Hewitt says.

"There are more unique styles and subcultures than

ever before. You should be proud of who you are and

let your clothes represent your uniqueness."

               When you're comfortable and confident in your

clothes, you will look good. If you're a farm boy at

heart, find ways to tip your hat to your roots. It

could be as simple as wearing a huge belt or work

boots (preferably clean ones) when you go out. Or

think about wearing a canvas work shirt under a blazer

on a casual office day. You can strut your style

without looking like you're about to step into a rodeo

ring.

               If you would rather be touring with a band than

marking time in a cubicle, find some close fitting

screen printed t-shirts. You can wear this attire with

a pair of designer jeans for a last minute get

together. Or you can layer a t-shirt over a button up

shirt and top them off with a jacket or a cardigan

sweater.

               The deal is "cool" and "uncool" don't exist past

middle school. There's you and your style. As you

recognize who you are and live it out, you will look

good and project your true personality.

Who do you want to be?

               You are who you say you are—and that includes what

you say with your clothes. If you want to move up the

corporate ladder, dress up. Observe what your boss or

other successful professionals in your company wear.

You shouldn't show up to answer phones in a

three-piece suit. But it can't hurt to wear a buttoned

up shirt and khakis instead of jeans and a t-shirt. As

you project a confident, capable image, people will

start perceiving you that way.

               You may have other aspirations—perhaps rock star or

president or hottest guy out on Friday night. Whatever

you want to achieve, your clothes help create that

reality. Develop your style and stick to it. As you

try out different clothing combinations, you'll learn

what makes you feel comfortable.

How do you learn about men's fashion?

               If you need a major overhaul, consider hiring a

business stylist or asking a well-dressed friend for

help. Sometimes it takes an objective outsider to help

you ditch old favorites and make room for new friends

in your closet. If you think you have some style sense

but need some inspiration, magazines can help with

fresh ideas.

               "Educate yourself on men's fashion by subscribing to

magazines like Details, GQ, and Nylon (the men's

version)," Hewitt says. "Pay attention to trends,

understand classics, and let your inner American

Gigolo or Richard Gere do the rest."

               In Des Moines, you can check out stores like Fabrik,

Smash, and Sarto for items to update your wardrobe.

For an up-close-and-personal view of fashion this

November, check out the Fabrik show produced by Ambush

Production in Des Moines.

Where do you begin?

               "Start with the basics," Hewitt says. "You can't go

wrong with black belts and shoes, a couple of quality

suits in black, gray or navy, and some button ups and

ties."

               The key is mixing and matching. Once you have a solid

foundation of classic pieces that fit you well, you

can add in current accents. "Have a couple pairs of

killer jeans—it's worth the extra money to buy

boutique jeans—and grab some great screen printed

tees," Hewitt says.

               The lines between professional and casual clothes

have completely blurred, so anything and everything in

your closet is fair game. Sometimes it's simply a

matter of presentation. "If you're going out for

cocktails after a day in a cubicle, wear a V-neck

undershirt beneath your button up," Hewitt says. "Once

you get to your car, loose your tie and unbutton the

first couple of buttons on your shirt. Also, make sure

to ditch your security badge, and don't use your cell

phone belt clip."

What do you wear now?

               Gone are the days of clothes that could double as

parachutes in case of emergency landings. "Slimmer

fits are in for the fall," Hewitt says. That means

well tailored suit coats are a must. Also look for

sweaters that actually fit you and show a bit of cuff.

               Rich earth tones ground the current men's fashion

scene, so look for pieces in gray, black, and brown.

If you prefer a bit more color, consider layering a

brighter shirt beneath a neutral sport coat. In terms

of textures, leather has the upper hand this fall, and

in the accessory world, gold rules.

               Most of all be real and be confident. Men have more

fashion opportunities than ever before. Take advantage

of your fashion freedom.

Nathan Hewitt does personal business styling and runs

Ambush business styling & runway theater. Contact him at

ambushdsm@gmail.com