I’ve traveled to a few countries and cities in my time and I think it’s safe to say that there’s something in the water here – Vancouver has, on average, a much hotter female population than other places! Could it be our gentle, humid weather that helps preserve the skin and hair? Or our active lifestyles that give so many of our women such model-esque physiques? Whatever it is, all I can say is, Men, you need to step it up.If you want to attract a choice lady in this city, you had better tell her you’re up to the job and the perfect way to do so without saying a word is through your style.

The majority of women will notice a man who stands out from the crowd. This doesn’t mean you should go around wearing loud and gaudy clothes to draw attention – the smart women go for men who are quietly confident and your style can totally work to give you that cool, confident and put-together vibe. Here are my picks, from a Vancouver female’s POV of hot trends for summer 2010 and how to wear them:

Trendy Toppers

Left to right: Goorin Bros. $35, Wrath Arcane, $70

Hats are great ways to up your style factor – just think of it as +50 XP points for you nerdy gamer dudes out there!  Not only do hats shield you from the sun’s rays, they are super easy ways to jazz up any outfit; simply pair these with a semi-formal vest, jeans, and even your regular ratty Converses will look instantly much cooler.

Patterns

Left to right: Urban Outfitters The Smooth Company striped short sleeve shirt, $75, Forever21 Oversized Gingham print cardigan, $8.99

Patterns are huge this season, from plaids and stripes to florals, and everything in-between.  While I doubt many guys would consider florals, a little stripe or plaid is doable by anyone.  If you’re worried about looking a bit horizontal in horizontal stripes, then choose a pattern with thinner stripes and make sure the stripe colours aren’t too contrasting from one another, such as this option from Urban Outfitters.  Gingham is also a funky new trend that is popping up everywhere.  More for the urbane than the farm, gingham is a fun pattern that is both youthful and versatile.  The slight oversized cut of this cardigan only increases the casual vibe.

White is the New Preppy

Left to right: Urban Outfitters Levis 501 skinny trouser, $54, Forever 21 Crinkled v-neck tee, $17.90

When the sun comes out, nobody wants to be wearing dark, heavy clothing, especially in Vancouver when everyone welcomes the sun like a person on a stranded island welcomes a hot meal.  Shuck off those heavy layers by investing in lightweight classics that you can wear over and over again.  A loose tailored fit and tapered trousers look great when cuffed.  Personally I cannot stand skinny pants and jeans on men. Please guys, how is it healthy for your “goods” to wear pants that are so tight?! For a topper, pair these casual pants with an equally laidback, intentionally crinkled, v-neck tee.  Again, fit is key here, as are the artfully done crinkles.  Overly pressed shirts only look stuffy, and you’re aiming for a fit just tight enough to show off your summer bod, but not too tight as to give you male muffin-top.  Yes, it does exist!

Boat Shoes

Left to right: Band of Outsiders Boo Chukka, $240, Clae Zissou, $90

In order to pull off the cuffed, or tapered trouser look, you’ll have to leave the track shoes and high-tops at home.  The theme this season is tailored, casual looks and you’ll need the proper shoes to finish off the vibe.  The only real solution is to get yourself a pair of cool boat shoes.  This trendy footwear is a definite step-up from purely athletic kicks, and are usually featured with white laces, a white rubber sole, and a huge variety of colours and patterns.  Similar to hats, shoes are a good way to express your individuality and you can get away with crazier shades and patterns on your feet more readily than you could perhaps in a shirt, or pant.  Experiment with patterns like hounds tooth (like those Chukkas), or ultra-hip graffiti patterns.  Indulge in your inner rainbow with shoes in a popping summer colour like turquoise, dark purple, or even a bright red; just be sure to coordinate with appropriate and fun colour combinations, such as pink/green, black/white, navy/yellow, and red/purple.

Style isn’t just something you’re born with, it’s just a feeling, an instinct that men and anyone can tap into with the proper guidance.  Never follow trends blindly, but absorb them, analyze what works for you, and make it suit your own needs.  The best look on anyone is the one that makes them feel just amazing and confident enough to take on the world, or at least the intimidating Vancouver dating scene.

Need even more advice??? If these tips aren’t enough to get you inspired, then leave me a comment! I’d be glad to help!

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Jordana Mah

Software developer by day, writer by night, Jordana works as a freelance writer for various online publications and blogs. You can usually find her glued to a keyboard either shopping online, blogging, or tweeting, but she occasionally ventures out for movies, food, shopping sales, and bubble tea.

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