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By Root 529 0

things are inspiring. I’m not saying you’re going to put on a whole head-to-toe motorcycle getup, because you’ll look like some jackass NASCAR mascot. But something you see might inspire you to take your style to the next level, to put it in a new light and really have fun. That, and not the Hokey Pokey, is what it’s all about. It also helps to have a fashion role model who already has it altogether. You know, like me! Start looking around. The world is filled with great sources of fashion inspiration . One great resource is your local Blockbuster. No, not the uniform, silly. Movies are full of men whose style is worth emulating—Cary Grant, James Dean, Steve McQueen, Pierce Brosnan. Rent the original Thomas Crown Affair and see what Steve McQueen could do with a blue blazer. Rent Ocean’s Eleven and see how a tuxedo should be worn. Rent On the Waterfront or Rebel Without a Cause (or Grease !) and see why a classic motorcycle jacket is always the right answer. Rent The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, just for giggles!

A Word of Caution About Fashion Shows

Fashion shows are put on by designers as the height of fantasy and high concept. Just like art shows, they’re meant to showcase signature pieces that make a statement and show a designer’s point of view for that particular season. They’re meant to generate buzz and excitement, not to show you clothes you would actually go to the mall in Peoria to buy.

Here’s a comparison I know you’ll understand: Fashion shows are like auto shows. You don’t go to the auto show expecting that the next week you’re going to buy the $300,000 prototype Bentley Azure you saw. You go there to see what’s out there, to have fun, to be entertained, and most importantly to be inspired. You may not drive off with the Bentley, but you might go and buy the new Toyota Celica, which has some of those elements and features to which you reacted.

So when you see that $3500 cashmere-and-goat-suede jacket in a fashion show or high-end fashion magazine—you know, the one that can only be cleaned with Alaskan Malamute dog urine—it’s not that you’re supposed to buy that exact jacket. But six months later, in H&M, you might find a more palatable, watered-down version of it in faux shearling for $150. The touch, the color, the feel of it might be similarly styled. That, my straight friends, is what we call being inspired. It’s not about fashion. It’s about personal style and about looking good.

Or just go to the record store. Look at Lenny Kravitz or Tim McGraw and see how they pull together a look that works for them. Think about what they’re wearing, why it looks cool, and what about it might inspire you. Once again, I’m not talking about copying an outfit down to the exact number of wrinkles in the socks; I’m talking about using that outfit to spark something, to stir something deep within you. A fashion chubby, if you will.

Some Magazines You Should Check Out . . .

GQ • Details • Esquire • Rolling Stone • Men’s Journal • Cargo • L’Uomo Vogue

News flash: Buying fashion magazines doesn’t make you gay. Wallpapering your bedroom with the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog makes you gay. If you were looking to invest in a new car, you’d go out and buy Motor Trend to get some ideas, wouldn’t you? If you’re going to invest in a suit or a new fall wardrobe, you should do the same thing: Buy yourself a copy of GQ, Esquire, or Cargo. Pay attention to details. Tear out pages with looks that you like. If you’re not confident enough to go out and get them on your own, build a relationship with a salesperson you trust at a store with a good reputation. Bring the salesperson the tear sheets and say, “Do you have something like this?” or “Where can I find this?” and he or she will be happy to help you. That person will want your repeat business and won’t steer you in the wrong direction.

Shopping: Hunting and Fishing for Fashion

The road to fabulosity can be a long and arduous—but ultimately satisfying—journey. It might, however, involve some shopping. And a lot of straight men—egads!