Helping Suspenders Make A Comeback

My mother grew up New York City, and my whole life she told me how people's style here is on a different level. And when I prepared to move here, she didn't fail to remind me about the fashion and attitude that I could look forward to. Upon moving here it wasn't long until I learned just how true those words were, which took a bit of the surprise factor out of seeing the plethora of styles for myself, but it has still been an exciting discovery process nevertheless.

Just when I think I've seen all of the fashion combinations possible, someone comes marching down the street in a one-of-a-kind fit that I would have never thought about putting together myself. I had already stepped my fashion game up when I moved from Colorado to Florida in 2015. But I knew that in moving to New York, I would need to reinvent my look once again. As you've observed, I add certain touches to my outfits that help differentiate them from that of other guys, so in brainstorming something a bit out of the box - my mind brought me to an accessory that has been long underestimated: Suspenders. 

Style Made Simple 

I received so much positive feedback when I posted the above photo on Instagram - and given how simple it was to put together, just goes to show that you don't always need extravagant items to craft awesome outfits. At the core of the look, we have a humble light-gray Hanes tank (literally out of one of those two-packs that you can get from Macy's, Target, etc.) and a pair of  shredded-knee black jeans from Zara. At the base, my new favorite pair of gray boots by Bull Boxer, which I got from DSW. These pieces were easily accented by a simple necklace and some matching accessories. But the main attraction in this fit are the suspenders - I got this pair from H&M (surprise, surprise). 

Starting a Street Style Trend 

You might be wondering what inspired this exact ensemble - well my friend, that is an excellent thought. In Florida I always found myself just throwing on a tank with some shorts/pants and boots, and calling it a day. In general, as I've developed my body to the aesthetic that meets my goals, less has become more in terms of my outfits. But as I mentioned above, I wanted to find a way to take something that would otherwise make a statement on its own and give it that bit of extra-ness that makes it trendy. I have yet to see anyone else prance around NYC with this kind of look (though there may be someone out there somewhere), so I figured now was my chance to be one of the first. #Yasss. 

Neutral Fashion Fanatic  

This truly turned out to be the grayscale outfit of my dreams. The coordination between the clothing items and the accessories could not have been better - literally you guys, even the most fashion-challenged person can put something like this together it was so simple. I also love how well it worked with my Calvin Klein backpack - incorporating this bag added another element that allows me to refer to this look as the "Street Stylish Drifter." But let there be no confusion - I am anything but lost in this look - I am woke AF.

Keep Trying New Things 

I had one of my fellow IGers comment that not everyone can wear this, which if referring to how everything fits, possibly so. Having a toned/muscular body does help this outfit give off a certain attitude, but in terms of incorporating suspenders in a way that is unique (whether sexy, sophisticated, whatever), that is not exclusive to a body type or person. It was from the spirit of experimentation and not being afraid to try something new that this outfit was born, and I believe that is something special that we all can learn from.