How To: Lose Your Frat Boy Look

Looking For A Job This Fall? It's Time To Ditch That Frat Boy Look.

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Recent college graduate? With September around the corner, it's time to put summer partying behind you and buckle down on that all-import job search. But first we're calling all former frat boys out: It’s time to grow up. Your freshman-hazing, bar-crawling, beer-pong-playing days are over. And while you’ve managed to leap beyond those ivy-covered walls into a big boy job in the real world, your sense of personal style remains stuck somewhere between pledge paddling and a weekend binge fest. And for those of you who will be saying goodbye to your college campuses soon enough — or are still looking for a job — you need to take a hard look at yourself because your appearance will influence your ability to succeed in this next chapter of your life.

Sure, we’re aware the Greek system is worth more than an afternoon kegger — there were a few fundraisers, blood drives and weekend reading circles with blind kids thrown in there for good measure. But all of that can be accomplished in Birkenstocks and a baseball cap. Now, you’re entering the next stage of life, which requires a few changes.



Lose the cheap jewelry

Don’t wear shorts

No more freebie tees

Steer clear of reliable retail friends

Knock it off with the novelty necklaces, frat boy. Dog tags, puka shells and anything hemp needs to be filed under Pi Chi Buh-Bye. Real men know that men’s jewelry should be simple and understated. Feed your need for bling with a single statement piece like a bold watch When it comes to outfitting the lower level, frat boy fashion tends toward big, beefy cargo shorts — the kind that could store a month’s supply of Ramen on one side and a six-pack on the other. Shorts should be slimmer, unpleated and never go below the knee. The final rule of thumb: Wear them sparingly. Beaches and boats are fine. A night out with the brothers? Not so much.A free trip to Tahiti? Heaven. A free day? Awesome. Buy one get one free? Good deal. A free T-shirt, however, is another story. And frat boys certainly have their fair share of freebie tees — everything from Greek-lettered graphic ones to intramural sports shirts. They’re great for the gym, sleeping and working with heavy machinery. Otherwise, you’re at a point where you need to upgrade to a T-shirt that costs some cash. And please, don’t go buy something with a (not-so) witty slogan scrawled across the chest. Those can be thrown into the fire too.When it comes to losing your frat boy look, you need to acknowledge that you’ve come of age and are a few years past prime for Abercrombie and American Eagle. Their graphic tees and logoed polo shirts have served their purpose. Now, it’s time to exit your selection of standby stores and branch out. Fortunately, mature mega-brands do exist. J.Crew is always a safe bet, but more exclusive lines like little-known Martin + Osa (brought to you by your buddies at American Eagle) are within your clothing comfort zone and budget.

We have more fashion tips on how to lose your frat boy look after the jump...