Hello Nikki!

I’m 15 and I love the Asian styles and this site but I live in Australia and they don’t have much when it comes to Asian fashion down here. I’m a big kid – my shoulders and chest are big, I’m tall and my hair is curly and huge! I’m also a bit bigger around the waist than most people (due to my parents’ genetics) plus my butt is also big and high (genetics!). My wardrobe consists of a few colored tees, a pair of skinny jeans and straight leg jeans, and a pair of tan pants that go just past the knee. I’m fashionably challenged so I need help!

Daniel

Hi Nikki!

I’m a 19 year old Caucasian male from the U.S. who has been interested in Asian culture for a while now. How can I recreate the Asian style without looking strange? I’m tall and thin with light skin. My wardrobe now consists of jeans and varying colors of shirts of different styles. Can you help me create a new look? I’m pretty much open to any ideas you throw at me. Thanks! ^_^

Anonymous FXR

I love it when guys ask for help! To Mr. Anonymous (Don’t be shy!) and dear Daniel, I understand your dilemma about Asian fashion. Fashion is not always a one-size/style-fits-all concept (although sometimes the sales rack tells you that!) but remember: when there’s a will, there’s always a way.

One thing I always tell my readers (and fans) is that they should embrace their flaws and highlight their assets. Have you figured out yours? Don’t tell me you don’t have any, darlings, because even I have my own foibles! Dear Daniel, you said you’re big and quite blessed in the rear department. Well, I say that’s an asset. Anonymous, you’re tall, lean and with fair skin. Strange how you two are probably polar opposites in terms of looks but you both want the same thing. And I say you’ve come to the right person!

A few things to remember before you try on any trend:

• Good fit and length are essential. Enough of the baggy, bottomless jeans and T-shirts that go down to your knees. When it comes to Asian fashion, a precise fit and length are important.
• Colors are welcome. It doesn’t hurt to add your usual color palette. If you’ve stuck to black, white and gray for too long, it’s definitely time to add some reds, yellows and even neons! There’s no better way to stand out than to add color.
• Shoes show who you are. If you only wear sneakers, you’re the type who goes for comfort over style. A guy who likes boots wants adventure. See what I mean?
• Accessorize! I’ll never tire of repeating this one. Sometimes, all it takes to spruce up a boring outfit are the right accessories – a silver chain necklace, a leather cuff, a skinny tie, or a fedora.
• Look and smell the part. Good grooming habits go hand in hand with good fashion sense. What’s the use of a well-chosen outfit when you look and smell like you just came out of hibernation?

For your essential Asian style elements, here’s the breakdown:

Jeans – You probably already have these in your closet, but the question is: are they the right fit? Most Asian men are a little flat around the bum area so, Daniel, you definitely have an advantage here. Go for dark-rinse denims since you have more at the waist. Same advice goes for Anonymous. Also note the length of the pockets; if they go lower than your butt cheeks, ditch them! Skinny styles not your cup of joe? It’s plu-perfectly fine. Just remember that length and fit should be just right – not too little, not too much. Don’t be afraid to try different styles until you find the perfect one that fits.

How to Work It: For skinny jeans, let the cuffs bunch at the bottom and team them with neon high-tops or metallic sneakers. Dark, straight-leg jeans work with a pair of leather loafers or oxfords and a leather belt in the same tone. Finish with a shirt in a lighter shade but from the same color family and top with a nice khaki linen blazer.

Trousers – Trousers give you a more debonair vibe, making you stand out from all the other guys who wear jeans every single day. Don’t think of them as just for formal occasions. Flat-front styles are universally flattering for every body type. Those Korean male superstars clean up nicely on the red carpet, pulling off a great pair of trousers with a jacket, shirt and vest. Make sure they fit well around the waist and hip area, and hit the right length especially when you’re wearing shoes. There’s nothing more annoying than a guy who looks like he’s playing dress-up with his dad’s pants.

How to Work It: Roll up the cuffs of your favorite pair of khaki chinos, add a graphic tee plus a vest or cardigan on top. Finish with bright sneakers or gladiator sandals.

Blazers and Jackets – Save hoodies for the convenience store errand. Instead, upgrade to a proper jacket and/or blazer. There’s nothing that comes close to the architecture and tailoring of a well-cut jacket. This summer, go for linen and cotton fabrics to stay cool but also keep it simple with single-button versions that have narrow lapels if you have broad shoulders and vice versa.

How to Work It: Surprise yourself with a pastel school-style blazer (like light pink or blue) on top of a plain white tee or graphic tee plus khaki chinos and white sneakers. Consider investing in a well-cut leather jacket as well. There’s nothing more masculine than a guy who carries such a jacket with aplomb.

Graphic Tees and Button-Front Shirts – Don’t throw away those band T-shirts just yet. You can still wear your graphic tees with dressy pieces. The key is moderation. I would advise you to weed out any “screaming” kind of T-shirts – you wouldn’t want to give off the wrong impression. On the other hand, button-front shirts are always good to have. You can never have too many of these on a bad hair day since it’s a great quick fix.

How to Work It: Work these pieces with a jacket (leather or faux leather) or a smart-cut blazer that hits your hip exactly. Pair with skinny or straight leg jeans. If you’re wearing a graphic tee, go for denims with a little detail like distressing or whiskering. Finish with leather mocs.

Cardigans and Vests – Cardigans are your best bet when it’s too hot for a jacket or you’re going for a more dressed-down effect. Vests work with both cardigans and jackets and lend a preppy vibe (think boy/man-next-door appeal) to whatever you wear.

How to Work It: Check out a plaid or striped shirt, roll up the sleeves, hang a skinny tie and team with the cardigan or vest. Pop a fedora or beret to look like an errant school boy.

Proper footwear – By “proper”, I mean something else besides sneakers. Sure, I know Converse is cool but a guy should have at least one pair of smart leather dress shoes and perhaps sandals in his closet. And no, flip-flops do not count! Save them for your beach bag and don loafers and oxfords that instantly add points to your style. After all, we women always expect guys to dress casually (too casually sometimes!) so a well-dressed guy from head to toe can earn you a second or third look.

How to Work It: If jeans can work with leather loafers, why not try sandals with cropped pants or trousers? Pair with a tank top or V-neck sleeveless tee, a linen blazer or cardigan, roll up the pant legs above your ankles and you’re ready for a beach rave.

Essential Add-Ons – The right accessories can unify your look. Think fedoras to provide the quintessentially snazzy element, a paisley or plaid scarf for a schoolboy vibe, or geek glasses to look adorably nerdy.

Let me know how it works out! I want pictures, sweeties!

Nikki