Clothes DO Make the Man

When I set out to write a post about men's fashion, I thought, "This will be easy. I know exactly what I like guys to wear."

Wrong! It's so hard to define what looks good on a man because, for me, it all comes down to his attitude. I finally get what guys are always saying about a woman's confidence and the way she carries herself...that's what's sexy. Same goes for the guys.

One thing I do know—there's one go-to outfit that most men pull on day after day, week after week, that just irritates the crap out of me.

Take one pair of pleat-front khaki shorts:

And add one polo shirt:

Now you have the most cliché, boring look worn by guys the world over. Well, not really. This is a quintessentially American look. And it needs some spice. At the very least, get rid of your pleat-front ANYTHING!! The look is dated. Please, please try flat-front shorts and pants. And if you go for the polo, choose a solid color..stripes or other patterns make you look too...golfy.

Now, for shoes. I'm very picky about guys' shoes. I'm not going to even address dress shoes (though I will say, try square-toe slip-ons rather than ones that tie). But here's some picks for sneakers...the key? Stay away from the average Nikes, New Balance sneakers and try some "fashion" sneakers.

And for summer? Flip-flops. Simple, pure, surfer's flip-flops, like these Reefs. Birkenstocks are OK too.Finally, here's some inspiration for you...these looks aren't necessarily for summer, but just look at the way these guys layer clothes, how they use accessories...and my No. 1 rule for guys—wear dark jeans!!!!!!! No more stonewash or light-wash. Dark, dark denim on a man is HOT!

Love J.T.'s casual style—a simple soccer jacket and nice jeans.

This is great! A leather jacket instead of a blazer. And ya gotta love a man who can rock a hat like him.

My friends don't get it, but there's just something about Jay-Z's swagger that gets me! I love the layers here—a button-up shirt, sweater, jacket and scarf. Do you see how the plaids are different but they work together?

Oh, those Gossip guys. Their style on the show may be a little out there, but Chase Crawford looks tres hot in this sweater-jacket thing. And the scarf? It's the little things that count. Who wouldn't want to snuggle up to him?

OK, Dane Cook needs darker jeans. But no one rocks a T-shirt like him! And what makes it look this good? The belt. He just knows how to wear a belt. Want the girls to pay extra special attention to your...um...below the belt area? Pick out a cool buckle. Trust me.

I've always thought Ne-Yo was one of the hottest dressed men out there...and I still do. Not to mention I'm a sucker for a man in a newsboy cap. Is it the hip-hop style? Or the "Cheerio, I'm from London" style? Either way, I love it. And I love the casual way he wears this sweater vest over a button-up shirt that's untucked. Stellar.

And, finally, try brown, fellas. I think guys often go with what they know—blue, black, plain ol' T-shirts. Try a brown color palette, and please, for next fall try this button-up shirt + cardigan/sweater vest look. It's a simple way to look a tad more dressed up without going to the blazer. And the hat? If you dare, I promise the ladies will love it!

The 3 Things I'd Buy This Summer

Ladies, I don't know about you, but the money's running a little low these days. But, still, my desire to indulge in fashion can never be stamped down! So I've decided to seek out three things this summer to update my wardrobe with little jazzy touches.

First, florals. They're just so sweet and light and airy. Down here in 'Bama, Lord knows I need light-weight fabrics to keep me cool. Check out Kate Moss below...she's wearing a dainty dress, but she looks hot!! I'd pair this dress (or any of the tops from Forever 21 below) with leather sandals that have metal details to add a little edge.

Second, let's talk about sandals. See how great Blake Lively looks in these? I'm still a fan of the strappy sandals out now...call them gladiators, call them sandals, as long as they don't strap all the way up your legs, I'm in. The trick this summer, I think, is to look for funky textures or added metal touches. I love these pictured here.

And, finally, don't you just love these headbands??!! I'll admit it, I'm having a bit of a love affair with Leighton Meester's headware on Gossip Girl. Her pink adornment here is a bit risky (do you dare?). But check out the jeweled or feather examples below...so fun!!