Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Beginning Self Improvement

Our constant goal should be that of self improvement. No longer are you going to be a person with low self esteem. Sure, you may still find yourself depressed or in a rut but the tools to get out of this muck are available to us all.

The best way I have found to improve your own self image is to improve the way others view you. If you are the shy and quiet guy that just kind of stands around and really doesn't have much to say, than that's what you will be. If you are the rowdy boastful lush that gets on everyone's nerves at parties, than that is what you will be. If you dress like a cowboy people are going to think you are country (you may be) or if you dress all in black they may think you are goth, stoner, or something like that. The point is you need to be aware of how people perceive you. Perception is reality.

I am a big guy, 6'6" and every bit of 300lbs and I can be intimidating, especially to women. I have to keep this in mind when I buy clothes because it is easy for me to come off as a tough guy. I'm not saying to dress mamby pamby but just keep this in mind. I'm just saying I am already intimidating no matter what I wear and there is no need to emphasize it. Anyone that tells you that looks are not important either doesn't care or doesn't need to care. So down to business. I will probably spend a lot of time here talking about personal image and style.

Today, we're focusing on fashion tips for fat guys because we can alter our wardrobes in order to compliment our body types and feel more confident in our skin. All you have to do is know yourself. Probably the biggest problem we face is finding kick-ass clothes that fit right. Sure, as we have all probably been told, the best thing to do is lose the "excess" weight and as good as that may sound it does nothing to help you right now.

INQOINF's guide to style (In the beginning)
-- becoming aware of ourselves.

1. Don't pigeon hole yourself. By this I mean that your style should cross genres so that any and all women will be interested. Cowgirls like cowboys, emo/punk chicks like emo/punk guys, etc but if you just maintain an edgy style that is kick ass but not too much into one direction or the other then your options are endless. Go for the cowgirl, the punk girl, or sorority chick.

2. Don't dress like every schmuck out at the bar. Do not go out wearing the polo shirt and khaki or blue jeans pants. All this does is make you blend into the crowd but this doesn't mean you should wear a pimp suit either. The trick is not looking like every Joe out there.

3. Don't wear your DAMN cell phone on your belt. This is one of the tackiest things you can do.

4. Wear clothes that fit nice. Sure we gotta hide our bellies and tits but I see many of us fat guys wearing shirts that our bellies hang out of or shirts that are so ridiculously big it might as well be a moo moo. Avoid bulky clothes because they just make you look bigger.

5. Get an idea of how you want people to start perceiving you and when you go shopping buy clothes that fit this image. For now just go through your closet and put together a few outfits that fit this image and fit nicely -- not too big not too small.

6. Do a little research on style and how to make fat people look thinner.
- V-neck shirts - give the appearance of a slimmer neckline.
- Dark solid colors - Dark solid colors have a slimming effect.
- Vertical stripes - make you look taller and thinner.
- Belt - WEAR A DAMN BELT GUYS...
- etc. - There is a lot more tricks available that help us to look slimmer.

7. Only wear a hat if it actually goes with your outfit. You don't need to be representing your favorite team when out for the night. If you are balding then consider going for the clean shaved look. If you have lots of nice hair then skip the barber shop and visit a stylist who can really help you decide what to do with that mop. Do not be afraid to use something besides hair spray or spit.

8. Keep a pair of clean shoes around. You would be surprised how many women notice a mans shoes before she notices his face. Considering our bellies are between our shoes and our face we need to make a good first impression. I keep a pair of tennis shoes, semi-dress shoes, boots, and casual shoes ready to party at all times. For now just keep the appearance of your shoes in mind.

9. Find clothes that look good not tucked in. I realize that some jobs force you to tuck in your shirts but you do not have to carry this practice out with you. Tucked in shirts do not make you look sophisticated or sharp they make you look fat. You will be surprised how often you can get away with not tucking in when you buy clothes that don't look like they need to be. Back when I went to church I had the reputation of being the best dressed guy there and I never wore a tie nor did I tuck in.

10. Be aware! Just plain old pay attention to what you are wearing and ask yourself if it is "kick-ass!!!" If you can't honestly say that it is "Kick-Ass!!!" then consider wearing something else.

*** Don't go out and buy a whole new wardrobe tomorrow after pondering these 10 suggestions. DO look in your closet and put together outfits that are close to the image you want to radiate out to others. Also don't try to drastically change how you dress. If you are a cowboy now don't begin dressing punk, etc. Start with subtle changes and as you find that perfect article of clothing here and there begin to build a new wardrobe. This will help you make a slower transition into the new stylish you.

The following pictures will serve to give you a clearer idea of what to look out for.
You will notice in the picture where I am wearing a sweater and khakis I look fatter because sweaters are bulky. I also look kind of boring and if it weren't for my size I would blend into the crowd. The other picture is much better. The other picture looks much better because the shirt isn't too big nor too small it fits just right, as do the pants. Simple! So you can see how much difference a simple non-drastic wardrobe change can benefit you.

Remember this is just the beginning and I am by no means done giving you tips on fat guy style and fashion. Please send me some pictures of you in your kick ass outfit and if I agree I might post them on the blog!

INQOINF

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