There are some items that should have a place on a hanger in every man's closet. Other pieces should be thrown away, given to Goodwill, or burned. State News Style has devised a rating system to aid with spring semester closet cleaning.
Golden hanger:
1. A striped button-down shirt is a wonderful piece because you can do so much with it. It can be worn under a sweater, by itself, with jeans or a pair of pants. Mark Miller, a turfgrass management sophomore, models a perfect look for a typical night on the town for most college students.
2. A blue and a white button-down shirt can be used for all the above purposes, and is a classic to wear under a blazer with a tie for an interview, or alone with a tie for a semi-formal occasion. A crisp button-down can also be given a younger but classy look without a tie under a blazer. Button-down shirts should fit through the shoulders. They shouldn't bag, but they shouldn't be too snug either. Also, it's a good idea to iron the shirt before you wear it.
3. A nice pair of jeans are a staple in a man's wardrobe. Torn jeans are in now, but that does not give leeway to wear jeans that are ripped on the bottoms, and have huge holes in the knees. Make sure that they are the right size. Often, men just go buy clothes that they assume are their size without trying it on. The fitting room can be your friend.
4. A zip-up sweater in a neutral color is always a winner, or pick a color that will bring out your best hues. People with darker tones tend to look better in brighter colors. For fair skin fellows, stay clear of corals and colors that will make your skin look pale. Keep it solid with minimal distraction. Sometimes an argyle design is OK, but be cautious. An argyle sweater should only have the design on the front and should be complemented with a solid blazer.
5. A matching hat and solid-colored scarf in a neutral color — you want winter pieces that will go with everything. For instance, it's hard to match a bright green scarf every day. See Miller's casual look for an example.
6. A polo shirt is classic and can be used for multiple occasions.
7. One nice tie for special occasions. It doesn't need to be Herm?s, but it's worth dishing out some money for one classy tie. It should be either solid or striped. Miller models a complementing tie and jacket combination for a nice dressy look.
8. A big comfortable hooded sweatshirt is perfect for studying and lounging.
9. Own two dress belts, one in brown and one in black.
10. Have a few good styling tools handy — Kiehls and Brave Soldier are some of the top lines, but guys, take care of yourself. Unibrows, grizzly man beards and hat hair just won't do.
Throw it away:
1. Quickly trash bold pattered shirts that look like someone spewed swirls or anime all over them, especially if they are shiny. Wearing them open is a double gag threat. Hawaiian shirts fall into this category, too.
2. Clothing that doesn't fit should be thrown away. Swimming attire should be kept to the pool and clothing that is too tight is not flattering.
3. Flannel shirts are for scarecrows.
4. Choir boys are not style icons. Khaki pants with pleats need to go.
5. Tie-dyed shirts are 46 years past their prime.
Burn it:
1. Tapered pants were never attractive, even when they were in style. This was heinous when it was paired with a letter sweater back in the '50s and it's still ugly.
