Men’s Clothing in the 21st Century
The male peacock is the most splendid creature in all of nature. The male bird of paradise outshines his mates a hundred times. Indian royalty adorns its men more than its women. The men in New Guinea are dressed in feathered finery for ceremonial occasions while the bare-breasted women stay at home.
For most of the twentieth century, men’s attire was modest and understated, and men who wore jewelry were considered effeminate. In the 21st century, that has changed, and once again men can display themselves to women in a provocative, even erotic fashion. It is acceptable for men to enhance their appearances through fashion choices, body adornment such as piercings and tattoos, even cosmetic procedures.
Least radical of these is fashion. In an era when a suit and tie is no longer de rigueur, men can express their personalities through their choice of clothing. It is not unacceptable for a Fortune 500 company executive to appear at a product launch wearing jeans. Think Steve Jobs. It is perfectly acceptable for men to wear extravagant amounts of jewelry. Think bling, Baggy pants, crumpled chinos, tank tops and tattoos are all part of 21st century men’s fashion. Celebrities have become fashion designers. Think David Beckam or Ryan Gosling.
The Scots may wear tartan skirts, and Muslims may wear floor length tunics, but by and large, men in the western world still wear some variation of shirt and pants. This is not to say that they can’t dress with style and flair in clothes from contemporary designers like Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, old pros like Dior Homme, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent, or standard outfitters like L L Bean, Burberry or The Gap.
Besides the essential shirt and pants, accessories can pep up an outfit. Sure, one can overdo it from time to time, but accessories compliment not overtake your ensemble, a natty hat, a snazzy watch, and patterned (possibly outrageous) socks. Ties also can make a statement, serious or something else. Sweaters can add color (and warmth) to any outfit.
For casual wear there is the ubiquitous tee shirt. Sure you can support your favorite team, but designer tees offer colors you just will not find off the rack, as well as trendy graphics. Of course, you can expect to pay upwards of $30 dollars for even a plain shirt with a name attached. The same goes for baseball caps, jackets, hoodies and polo shirts.
No outfit for men or women is complete without shoes. While Nike, Reebok and Adidas may take care of outdoor needs, when it comes to formal footwear, the Italians reign supreme. Salvatore Ferragamo from Florence reigns most supreme. Besides shoes, this doyen of Italian fashion accessories offers briefcases and men’s handbags, wallets, belts, ties, eyewear, watches and fragrances.
At the more formal end of the fashion scale, occasionally even the most ordinary of men are lured into a wedding or a gala that requires clothing not normally found in the clothes closet. If you are lucky you can get away with a dark suit, crisp white shirt and classic tie. If not you may have to look at a tuxedo. Known as a dinner jacket in Britain and a “smoking” in much of Europe, the tux is worn to proms, charity balls and some more formal weddings. The most visible part of the outfit is the jacket, which is traditionally black with silk facings. Sometimes (see James Bond) the jacket is white. The trousers are black with a silk or satin braid covering the outer seams. A white dress shirt, often pleated, and a black silk bow tie complete the picture of elegance. Shirt studs are optional, but cufflinks are essential.
Whatever the occasion, men can be as stylish as the women they are escorting.