FASH-ON WITH XXL JJDP – FRESH FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Shot by Brian Klein

Shot on Location – Chonnam National University

It’s March, and Spring is here!

Well, according to the calendar it is. So are you ready? More importantly, is your wardrobe ready? No use in waiting, as it’s time to start percolating and making moves to update your closet. March can mean going back to work, or a new semester for teachers and students alike with new locations, new co-workers, team members and classmates. In my book it simply means a great chance to rework your wardrobe and create a great fresh first impression.

You don’t need to spend all of your pennies, but if you have some money to spare, it is a great time to take advantage of pre-spring sale season. Or, if you are running low on funds, just reuse some of the styles from last season, like I have done in this month’s edition.

Firstly, evaluate what you already have in your closet and work to incorporate these items into your spring look as much as possible. A huge trend last year was horizontal stripes and it is set to be even more popular this year, so start by repurposing your horizontal stripy tees. The bad thing about horizontal stripes is that wearing them as-is might make you look wider, but there are ways to create a sllimmer look for yourself by color blocking.

Also, if the stripes are worn with the correct items, they can broaden your shoulders, as well as create a narrower waistline, so try wearing these stripes under a dark blazer or a cardigan, which will distract the eye and refocus the attention to parts of your body that you wish to highlight. In addition, if you are going for a sleeker look, I would suggest going for a thinner stripe in classic colors to give you a clean-cut look, which is always fresh and light. You don’t want to go out looking segmented in  stripes that are too thick and will add unwanted visual pounds (or kilograms) to your look.

After the stripes, get yourself a dark blazer in black or navy, which you can use for almost any spring outfit. Get one that is fitted and in a light-weight fabric, which will carry you through spring into early summer. It will also come in handy once the weather starts to cool down again after August. I’ve chosen a thin corduroy which has slim vertical stripes that are almost unseen to the eye but help elongate your torso. The corduroy can also take your look from day to night, doubling as a suede look and working brilliantly for a night out. Never underestimate the power of a blazer to turn a regular casual look into one that is a little bit more refined and formal.

Next, I am as always a stickler for skinny jeans that suit most body types. There are various cuts to take into consideration, such as the tapered leg or legging types which are also now in stock and hugely popular. Although these types work best for a skinnier frame, there is no reason for you not to try them out and see how they feel. Don’t feel like, “Oh, skinny jeans are not for me,” just try them out at your local store and find out which works for your body type. I can assure you that a slimmer silhouette favors everyone and creates a much better impression than bulkier “mom jeans” or flat fronts. Another plus is that if you are a fan of Chino jeans, these now come in all colors and shades to breathe new life into your wardrobe. They are available in both men’s and ladies’ for under 30,000 won.

Complete the look with some leather brogues with updated rubber soles, a staple for any wardrobe, and then add a handy backpack for all those notepads, textbooks and other items of necessity. The bag shown is in tweed and leather for a classical twist. Always remember to wipe leather using  soft cloths and apply shoe polish to keep the leather maintained. Finally, round off your look with some reflective sunglasses for those harsh rays, which will soon be out!

Sohere’s to a brilliant new work year!

Stipe T’s – 8 Seconds, H&M and Uniqlo

Skinny jeans – Uniqlo

Shoes – Camper

Back Pack – Gmarket.com

Sunglasses – Rayban