Remember the time when you showed up to an event being overdressed or underdressed? How about those situations when you felt you’re the odd one out, fashion-wise? Did you ever go down memory lane and candidly reminisce about the (now) cringe-worthy outfits you actually wore (most probably when you were still transitioning to the dapper guy you are today i.e., teenage years), when you didn’t know any better? Hear, hear! You’re not alone.
Fashion booboos are part of life. It happens to both women and men. Pretty sure, you’ve been stared at, been the subject of hushed commentaries (e.g. “What exactly is he wearing?”, “Wow, that dude needs help”, or “Seems the guy doesn’t have any friends to tell him he needs to get rid of that shirt”), and been called out by the fashion police at least once in your life—whether that’s your mom, friends, girlfriend, co-worker, boss, or even a random stranger. But none of those should’ve bothered you as much. In fact, people’s opinions don’t matter most of the time. It’s what you think and feel that do.
Making peace with your fashion mishaps and understanding what your priorities are when it comes to dressing up take time but when you finally do, you will be better at compromising between the so-called fashion “rules” and what you want for yourself. Moreover, you will be more prepared when your typical fashion dilemma comes which is most certainly about outfit ideas for different social situations that you encounter frequently. From newbies to experts, from women to men, everyone encounters this problem throughout their life. Why? Because no two social setting is the same.
What to wear to bowling night? What to wear to a job interview to impress your potential, future boss? What to wear to a speaking engagement when the girl you like is in the audience? What to wear to a formal dinner party? And so on. While it’s easier to not give a care and wear whatever you like, the next best thing is to always keep basic clothes in your closet that you can pull out any time for any occasion.
Whether you’re just starting out your basics collection or replenishing your stocks, you’re sure to get the bang for your buck from Acne Studios. Known for its modern and art-inspired designs, the Swedish luxury brand is the go-to source for fashion-forward minimalist clothes by men and women alike worldwide. And now, this is where you’re going to buy your next shirt and t-shirt staples from. Here are 11 options for you.
ACNE STUDIOS NAVID
Price: US$190.00
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Your wardrobe is never complete without your good ol’ white t-shirt. So, while you probably already have more than one sitting in your closet, now is the time to step it up a notch and explore trendier ones like this white t-shirt from Acne Studios. Yes, it’s white, nothing special, right? But the stretchable round neck collar with full Acne Studios branding? That’s dope. This piece is that white t-shirt you will automatically grab and wear on those days you just don’t feel like putting on a stylish outfit, and still look stylish.
ACNE STUDIOS GREEN & WHITE STRIPED ISHERWOOD SHIRT
Price: US$240.00
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What if you want to go out but you don’t want to be too formal or too casual? Fashion isn’t black and white, there’s always something in between. This long sleeve, striped in green and white shirt will be your savior. The button-down spread collar and button closure at front make you look polished; the patch pocket at chest gives you a place to put loose change or that piece of paper with the number of the girl you just met; the adjustable two-button barrel cuffs offer flexibility for your wrists or arms should you choose to roll them up; and the locker loop at back yoke makes it easy to hang. These details all scream craftsmanship and perfection.
ACNE STUDIOS ISHERWOOD OPTIC WHITE
Price: US$220.00
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Basic clothes exist because you need to have versatile pieces that can get you through the day. If you haven’t already, you must get a well-fitted white shirt that you flawlessly wear in practically any activity you have for the day. Tuck it in and throw on a nice blazer, and you’re going to look sharp for work. Untuck it and roll up the sleeves, and you’re ready for a night out with your buddies. Layer it on top a knitted sweater, and you’ve got a preppy look for your next chill date with the girlfriend. This one from Acne Studios features a slim-fit cut, button-down spread collar, button closure at front, adjustable buttoned cuffs, and patch pocket at chest.
ACNE STUDIOS WHITE & RED SPILLED COCKTAIL SEATTLE SHIRT
Price: US$340.00
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Want to go beyond plain colored and striped shirts? Then this long sleeve, colorblocked in white and red, twill shirt will give you a style score of 100/100. Inspiring bold moves and taking risks, this shirt has spread collar and box pleat at back giving it that relaxed vibe. It has button closure at front and two-button barrel cuffs. But the detail that made this piece exclusive? Patch pockets and multicolor appliqués at chest. This goes well for when you want people to think you put a thought into what you’re wearing but actually you’re just being lazy. Yeah, it’s okay to have those days.
ACNE STUDIOS ISHERWOOD DEEP NAVY
Price: US$220.00
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Sometimes, guys shy away from colors they haven’t worked around with. While navy is a common masculine color, it’s sometimes difficult to figure out which color or style compliments it. Getting this Acne Studios Isherwood navy shirt, you can effortlessly pair it with beige to khaki trousers for a formal look, or chinos for a less formal one, whichever the situation, like a presentation at school, calls for. With details such as button-down spread collar, button closure at front, adjustable buttoned cuffs, and patch pocket at chest, you only have to make sure it’s tailored-fit so wearing it will be a no-brainer.
ACNE STUDIOS WHITE ALKANY SHIRT
Price: US$220.00
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A modified shirt such as this short sleeve cotton poplin one from Acne Studios comes a long way because its usually lightweight and breathable design makes men blindly grabbing it out of the closet for weekend hangouts with the boys. It has spread collar and buttons along the front. When weekend comes, eagerly wear this with your chino shorts or slim-fit denims and your favorite slip-ons or loafers, cause you’re going to be looking crisp.
ACNE STUDIOS ALBANY
Price: US$280.00
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A whole level up from the basics is donning a gingham shirt because it can be tricky. You can be looking like an oldie if you don’t know what you’re doing. Yikes. The secret to keeping your youth when wearing a gingham print shirt such as this royal blue one from Acne Studios? Make sure it fits you perfectly. It can be baggy but the right kind of baggy. Check the fit on the shoulders, it shouldn’t be slouchy. The length should rest just right on your pelvis, so you look tall. And of course, package it well—and that’s with your slim pants and sneakers.
ACNE STUDIOS BLACK LOWIS SHIRT
Price: US$230.00
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Don’t you just love it when you come into a store or browse an online shop, and you find exactly what you want? Men are “stereotyped” to be straightforward (not really true all the time) which makes them really quick shoppers. This black long sleeve twill shirt will definitely position you in that stereotype but who cares though, as long as you get what you want. This one has a spread collar, button closure at front, patch pocket, buttoned cuffs, and box pleat at the back. Getting all these features from a handsome-looking and versatile shirt? Of course you will be quick to buy this.
ACNE STUDIOS NOISE TOP
Price: US$310.00
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When basic becomes too much and you need a little spin on things, you can dip your toes in wearing t-shirts with graphic design. To avoid looking over the top, get a piece with colors that are not too loud so that they don’t clash with the prints, overwhelming you in the process. Like this three fourth sleeve, colorblocked in black and white, round neck baseball shirt from Acne Studios. It’s very direct so you don’t really have to delve on how to style it. As with untuck tops, make sure it doesn’t go halfway down your thighs because that makes your legs and you look shorter. And no one wants that.
ACNE STUDIOS NAVY & WHITE LINCAL SHIRT
Price: US$300.00
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Another essential is a trusted plaid shirt. This long sleeve cotton poplin shirt from Acne Studios will be a great layering piece for the social events you will be attending come spring and summer. Featuring check pattern in tones of navy, grey, and white, keep it fresh by tucking it out, paired with a nice pair of jeans or trousers for that smart but not full-blown strict look. For layering, you will never go wrong with a long white shirt underneath or a jacket or coat over it. Here are the deets: it has spread collar with off-white twill at underside, button closure at front, patch pocket at chest, and single-button barrel cuffs.
ACNE STUDIOS NASH
Price: US$130.00
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If you’re tired of wearing your simple white or black shirt, then it’s time to expand your top, fuss-free fashion choices and include a navy-blue shirt. Works as an innerwear, another piece of clothing to layer, or solely on its own, this round neck cotton shirt from Acne Studios will be your best friend from your quick market errands to your bowling night with workmates. You just have to pick the right pants and shoes to combine it with, and you got yourself a very multipurpose piece that’s a great addition to your closet.
Fashion, specifically your own fashion sense, like life, is a continuous learning process. Throughout your life, you’re going to go through phases—from being the cute baby boy who mom and dad love so much, all the way to being the favorite grandpa/uncle of the clan’s adorable grandkids (hope that didn’t make you feel anxious about getting old!). With new experiences, discoveries, and realizations about the world and yourself, those will be reflected in the way you dress along the way.
Having that in mind, fashion booboos are actually stepping stones toward getting to know yourself better. These basics from Acne Studios will help you get started. But, in the end, it’s all about you making the choice to express your personality through whichever clothes that make you feel genuine comfort and confidence. And eventually, you will learn that, even with a set of fashion “rules” and “expectations”, there’s definitely nothing wrong in being your own, original self.
