Kristen Chocek
Staff Writer
Attention men of La Verne: The women on campus have voiced their disappointment with the lack of style and fashion displayed here on campus.
Though there are a few fashionable males in the mix, the majority of you are in dire need of some help.
In order to secure future dates and hook-ups, it would be in your best interest to heed these warnings.
Don’t think of this as a personal attack, but rather as a helpful guide to help you look better for women.
First, let’s make this clear: We have never expected you to roll up to class looking like you just stepped off a Gucci runway. However, we do expect you to at least have the decency to shave, comb your hair, shower and possibly put on some decent jeans.
“ULV men should take care of themselves more,” said senior international student Deborah Grumbach. “They should be more fashionable, and try to make themselves more seducing.”
Grumbach noted that college-aged men in her native France dress much nicer compared to the men at ULV.
“In France, the men are very skinny yet dress very classy and chic,” Grumbach said. “So if the men who are athletic here dress nice, they will look even better. Imagine their muscles. It would be better to look at.”
Some men seem to be clueless when it comes to fashion, grabbing anything they find clean off their bedroom floors.
“I only wear one thing: White tees straight to the floor,” said junior movement and sports science major Willy Beaman.
Junior multimedia major Bjorn Biggles also opts for the monochromatic look.
“On an everyday, I wear sweats and a black tee,” he said. “Can’t go wrong.”
Junior speech communications major Justin Fields doesn’t necessarily consider the color, but rather cleanliness when it comes to picking out his wardrobe.
“What’s clean and doesn’t smell,” he said of his daily attire. “Oh yeah, and with clean underwear all the time.”
Though clean clothing is definitely a plus, there’s no wonder why many women at La Verne are frustrated. Nothing is attractive about a man who shows up to class in the same smelly workout clothes day-in and day-out.
The following are just some of the male fashion don’ts that are causing headaches among many ULV women:
Lack of Variety
Bart Simpson. Mickey Mouse. Cartoons are the only ones who can wear the same exact outfit day after day.
“The guys here wear the same thing over and over again like they don’t have any damn clothes,” sophomore undecided major Toya Johnson-Moore said.
Clothing should provide a glimpse into your personality.
“Your clothes should say a little bit about who you are,” sophomore business major Carol Luu said.
Athletic Apparel
Nothing is wrong with working out or participating on a sports team; being active is encouraged. However, no one wants to sit next to someone drenched in sweat during a two-hour class twice a week.
“Men on sports teams need to change out of their workout clothes when they are finished practicing,” sophomore liberal studies major Sara Johnston said.
Just a quick change and a swipe of deodorant can do the trick.
“Take off your sweats and put on some jeans for once,” sophomore biology major Stephanie Farrell said. “Fix up your style.”
T-Shirts
Cotton T-shirts are a traditional fashion staple for both men and women. However, oversized, thinning T-shirts from a concert you went to in high school may not be the best choice.
“I think too many guys here wear too many free T-shirts,” sophomore criminology major Andrea Garcia said. “They don’t take pride in what they wear.”
Instead, opt for a button-down, collared shirt with a pair of jeans to spice up your look.
Sandals
Watch out for mandals, or open-toed footwear for men. Many styles either look too feminine or just bulky on the feet.
Though flip-flops are a popular choice here on campus, make sure you take the time to keep your feet in top-shape before slipping a pair on and walking out the door.
“Do not wear flip-flops with jeans,” Farrell said. “I don’t like your crusty toes; clean them up if you’re going to wear them.”
Some women, like Johnson-Moore, simply advise men to steer clear of sandals all together.
“Flip-flops are not meant for the fellows, especially in the rain,” Johnson-Moore said. “Put on some damn shoes.
Grooming
We have been taught about grooming techniques since we were children, so being a busy college student is no excuse:
Basic upkeep is essential. Wake up 10 minutes earlier to quickly shave and fix your hair.
Don’t be shy to invest in quality skincare and hair products – think of it not as feminine, but as just proper hygiene.
However, keep in mind that a little product goes a long way. An overly groomed guy can be a major turn-off.
“Shave if you have a lot of facial hair; shave,” senior history major Roxana Toscano said. “And comb your hair too.”
Accessories
Big necklaces are all the rage this season – for women. Men, on the other hand, should opt for more low-key accessories like a sleek, modern watch. Gaudy jewelry – especially on men – can be overpowering and often times seen as ridiculous.
“I don’t like it when guys wear the bling-bling stuff,” Johnston said. “Guys should not wear necklaces to school; leave it for the women.”
ULV women are not asking men to go out of their way everyday, nor are they asking men to shell out thousands of dollars on expensive designer clothing.
But women are simply encouraging men to take pride in their appearances by adopting their own polished style.
“Dress nice at least two days of the week,” senior liberal studies major Kristine Stokes said.
Yes, it’s that easy to make women smile. So get up, run to the mall and maybe even do a load of laundry. You will be surprised at what this can do.
Kristen Chocek can be reached at kristenchocek@ aol.com.
Sidebar: What ULV women want
What’s Hot!
1. Aviator sunglasses: Rock-out this spring with an ultra cool pair of aviators.
2. Polo shirt: Try a trendy pink or green polo with the collar turned up.
3. Fitted jeans: All pants this season should be worn in a slimmer style – think rock star.
4. Suit jackets: Mix a suit jacket with a casual T-shirt and sneakers.
5. Vintage T-shirts: Go treasure hunting for retro tees at your local thrift store.
What’s Not!
1. Ridiculously baggy jeans: Women want to see some curves this season.
2. Conversation T-shirts: Sorry, but nobody cares what your T-shirts say anymore.
3. Trucker hats: Along with Ashton Kutcher, these hats are off the market.
4. Oversized white T-shirts: Just like with jeans, women want to see more skin not less.
5. Puka shell necklaces: This is over; drop it like a bad habit.
Style Tips
• Layering is always good: Try wearing a zip up hoodie underneath a blazer with a pair of Nike Air Force Ones.
• Hip-Hop meets surfer: Mix and match loose fitting jeans with a fitted button up shirt.
• Tighter is better: Experiment with a polo shirt and a pair of fitted jeans with vans.
• Cool and casual: Wear a fitted vintage T-shirt, loose fitted jeans, with a wide cowboy belt and vintage Nike high tops.
• Rock out nerd style: Try a long sleeve button up shirt under a fitted V-neck sweater along with a pair of dark denim relaxed jeans and converse.
What ULV Women Say
“(Men) expect us to put in all this effort to look good, so they should put in about half the effort,” said Samantha Farless, a sophomore public relations major.
It seems that some of the women at La Verne are noticing a serious lack of effort in the style department for men.
“It looks like (men) just rolled out of bed, they need to learn how to clean up a little bit – maybe a shirt that doesn’t smell and some jeans that fit,” Farless added.
In other countries, many men pay attention to their looks.
“In France there is a big competition between men to see who has the newest shoes, but I don’t see that here,” said senior international student Deborah Grumbach.
ULV men should take a hint and try to put more effort into their threads.
“If your around your peers or in college at least try to look your best; at least try to have some sort of fashion sense,” said Allie Fernandez, a sophomore philosophy major.
Katie Hillier can be reached at khillier@ulv.edu.
Kristen Chocek can be reached at kristenchocek@aol.com.
Kristen Chocek
Nancy Dyleuth
