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Guys, welcome to your dressing manual. Girls—be sure to show it to your guy. Thomas Edwards, better known as The Professional Wingman, is what you might call an expert on improving personal appeal. The New York-based lifestyle and romantic strategist is often described as "the real life Hitch" (remember that Will Smith gem?) and has been featured everywhere from the Wall Street Journal to Maxim. Having helped over 400 clients boost their confidence already, he's here to tackle some of Boston's biggest fashion faux pas with ease. Since he splits his time between NYC and Boston, Thomas has a few ideas to speak to the average Bay State dude. Ready to take notes?
OFFENSE #1: SPORTS GEAR AS CASUAL WEAR
1. Matetee shirt from Ted Baker, $140; 2. Plectrum crew neck tee from Ben Sherman, $80; 3. Browbit shirt from Ted Baker, $165
Wearing sports gear when you're not at a game. Though we live in the biggest sports city in the nation, it doesn't make it okay to constantly wear your Sox hoodie and cap wherever you go. It displays laziness and lack of attention to your style. Simply replacing the hoodie with a button-down and ditching the cap will immediately enhance your overall look. Women generally like seeing your face.
Solution: Save the jerseys for the game. Swap for a an easy shirt.
OFFENSE #2: WEARING OVERSIZED CLOTHING
1. Bisson shirt from Blank Label, $80; 2. Pieter shirt from Blank Label, $135; 3. Oxleys oxford pants from Bonobos, $98
Although I'm all for being comfortable in your clothes, you also don't want to look like you're wearing a bed sheet as a shirt. More fitted clothing will actually make you look slimmer and more refined. The best thing you can do is go to a tailor and get your measurements for the closest, custom fit. In Boston, the guys at Blank Label on Newbury will be able to size you up and help you find clothes that fit perfectly.
Solution: Get affordable custom-made to get rid of that bulk.
OFFENSE #3: WEARING SNEAKERS WITH EVERYTHING
1. Clarks Sportswear Tanner from Concepts, $120; 2. Stussy x Timberland Moc Toe from Bodega, $140; 3. Florsheim Valco from The Tannery, $110
Boston proper is made for walking. No matter how dressed up you are, wearing sneakers will ruin your entire look, making you appear like a teenager going to his first internship. When it comes to sneakers, the rule is very simple—only wear them if you're doing something active, like playing ultimate frisbee in the Common or working out. Of course, there are exceptions—fashion-forward sneakers from Bodega or Concepts can be a good look. But for every other case, if you're wearing anything "dressy," you should always wear shoes.
Solution: Invest in versatile dress shoes and if you have to wear kicks, make them extra cool ones.
· Logos and Uggs: Just Don't Do It [Racked Boston]
· The Professional Wingman [Official Site]