We haven’t said much about fashion advice lately, but since fashion changes so quickly, it’s important to talk about some of the newest in men’s styles. For general points, check out our article on male fashion advice.

A quick look at even the regular stores will tell you that fashions for men are going in a bolder direction. You’ll notice more stripes and neon and pastel type colors. It appears to be something right out of the 1980s for those of us who lived during that decade.

I truly believe that you need to keep current on your fashion. So, don’t let the new styles scare you off. You don’t want to look like you’re stuck in 2001 or even worse 1991 (although with 1981 you could possibly get by with the new styles). But, keep in mind a few things when you encounter these new styles.

Age Matters

While the bolder and more colorful styles can be successfully worn by guys of any age, just avoid the boldest and most fashion forward if you’re outside of your twenties. You don’t want to look like you’re forty going on fourteen. No one likes or respects that.

Keep It Masculine

A lot of the styles push the fashion envelope a little bit. If you embrace them (which you should to some degree), then you want to make sure to look straight if you’re straight. If you are more feminine in your looks, but straight, then don’t embrace the more fashion forward side of the trends. You don’t want women you want to date thinking you’re gay.

Be Environment Appropriate

If I wore one of my brighter print T-shirts to a professional environment, I wouldn’t garner a whole lot of respect. So, when you wear the new styles (or any style for that matter), make sure to be appropriate. What works at the club may not fly at work.

So, the fashion styles are getting bolder. Whether or not you fully embrace it is up to you. But, if you decide to wear the newer fashions for men, then keep our tips in mind.

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Way too many guys, especially older ones, simply throw on an outfit they bought ten years ago and walk out the door. Maybe if they have a caring girlfriend, mom, or sister, they may occasionally get unsolicited male fashion advice. But, the guy who cares about fashion is still incredibly rare.

While a straight man may not think twice about how he dresses, others around him probably do: coworkers, potential employers, and girls he may (not) date.

While a guy should never obsess over his clothing, he still needs to care a little since how he dresses is one indicator of his overall value (or lack of it). Those plain jeans and striped shirts from 1995 won’t cut it (in fact, they look terrible in 2013).

Male fashion advice doesn’t have to be that difficult, though. It doesn’t even require a loving female. Below we offer eight quick tips to dress your best. These were done in consultation with a fashion expert. Keep in mind that fashion can change, so we will update these tips regularly as times change.

Be Fashionable, but Not Fashion Forward

This is a broad piece of advice. You want to keep your wardrobe current and fashionable. You can party like it’s 1999, but if you dress like it, you won’t impress anyone.

Look at men’s magazines (we like Esquire), television shows, and famous actors for current trends. Right now, bolder fashion trends are in style (like neon colors). However, if you’re straight, then you don’t want to be too bold (fashion forward). Go for the less flashy side of the newer styles.

Dress For Your Body

Wear clothing that makes your body look good and doesn’t bring out your flaws. If you’re overweight, skip the tight jeans. If you’re short, wear vertical stripes, not horizontal. If you’re super skinny, then wear baggy clothes. No one has a perfect figure. However, you don’t want your clothing to telegraph your shortcomings to the world.

Don’t Be A Clone

If everyone in a place looks just like you, then you won’t stick out. Be trendy, but add your own sense of flair and style to it. For example, if you have to wear button down shirts at work, then don’t wear the blue or white just like everyone else. Push the envelope a little, but not too much.

V-Necks Are Great

V-neck shirts are very fashionable and attractive. However, anyone giving male fashion advice has to add this: to pull off a v-neck you need to have a decent body because v-necks (literally) point towards your abs. So, skip them unless you’re in good shape.

And, if you’re not in good shape, then get there. It will improve your overall appearance in any clothes. Also, shave your chest. Hairy chests through V-necks won’t turn on anyone. If you’re more feminine looking, but straight, you may want to avoid v-necks.

Wear Dark Jeans

Dark blue jeans (not black, but dark blue) make a guy look awesome and are very fashionable. Light blue jeans look very dated (1992 anyone?). However, it’s difficult to keep dark jeans looking dark after wearing them for awhile. You can keep them darker by not drying them in an electric dryer. Hang them up and let them air dry instead. It’s a pain, but it’ll keep them looking great.

Avoid Pleats

If you buy dress pants (and you should dress up occasionally), then avoid the pleated pants that many stores sell (I’m not sure why). They make you look fatter in the hip areas and disproportionate. Get the straight leg pants, especially if you are fit. Go for black or charcoal pants if possible.

Get A Black Blazer

Wearing a blazer can complement most outfits. For a more formal look, wear the blazer with a button down shirt and tie. For an informal occasion, wear it over a v-neck or single colored shirt. A blazer instantly adds a sense of class and dignity to an outfit.

Shoes Matter

Care about your shoes? Probably not. But, once again, others do look at shoes as an indicator of your value. Women are especially attuned to a guy’s shoes. Get a nice, black pair of shoes and keep them looking nice and polished. Also, a short guy should get a shoe with a bit of a heel. Taller men should avoid this. Remember, play to your physical strengths.

Note: The Modest Man is a great site for fashion advice geared towards shorter guys, including a free Short Man Style Guide eBook for download.

So, while this isn’t the final word in fashion, these eight quick tips to dress your best should help you look better and impress others. See, male fashion advice doesn’t have to be painful.