When I met up with Oliver, Jayce, Gabe and Micah last May for an editorial shoot (which you can see here), I was amazed by their styles – they all looked different, but they all looked fantastic. In addition, they were all such characters that it became quite possibly the funnest shoot I’ve ever had, boys will be boys and all. Naturally, I had to plug their multiple talents for the CTC blog, so I shot them all an e-mail asking for their style tips for the fellas. The results? Equally fantastic. Ladies and gents, enjoy.

Oliver with Ford LA

My style isn’t bold or ground-breaking, but I do follow some essentials to stay classy and feel good about what I’m wearing. My five guidelines are (1) Be confident. You’re not going to look sexy if you don’t first feel sexy.  (2) Wear clothes that fit. I know basketball shorts and T-shirts 5 sizes too big are the most prominent items in men’s fashion today, but stay away from baggy clothing. Women aren’t the only ones with curves, you know? (3) Avoid Logos. Your clothing should only advertise your impeccable sense of style. (4) Shoes can make or break a man’s outfit. If all you see in your closet are sneakers and sandals, it’s time to invest in some classy shoes. (5)  Dress your age. We’ve all seen the 50-something-year-olds attempting to stay hip and dress like their kids, and it’s pretty disturbing. So the same applies to us kids.

Jayce with Ford LA

I swing wildly from wearing the same pair of socks for a week straight, to flying off the chain with a suit and tie at a BBQ. I’m a bit of a bastard when it comes to current menswear in general; if I had my way we’d all dress like Philip Marlow in “The Big Sleep.”

We often forget the active role we could play in ensuring our clothing is as comfortable and flattering as possible. We are talking about, yes, going down the street and having your clothes tailored. Think of all those amazing flannels and tuxedo pants that you passed on because they were gigantic on you. Boom, you have an ace up your sleeve. Or gross, you have a Jayce up your sleeve.

Don’t sweat admitting defeat early and often. You’ll know if a shirt was a bad choice within a wear or two. Follow your gut; and if you have a gut, go work out.

Gabe with JE SF

The best thing you can do for yourself is get your body/health game on point. If you are well built than even the most whack clothes are going to look good on you. Aside from that, I believe that you can never go wrong with a pair of dark blue slim fit Levis (100% OG) and a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. Both are timeless pieces. I know “they” all say this but they say it for a reason. I’m also a firm believer in neutrals and contrast. Pick up staples in grays, blacks, blues, dark green and make sure they all fit well. As far as contrast I like to do light-dark-light-dark combo. For example, I like to wear light blue lace-ups with black jeans, a dark gray tank top, a cut-off gray sweatshirt, a medium blue denim jacket and a black sock hat. It all goes together but doesn’t match exactly. When you walk into a bar wearing this, people aren’t sure if you just held up a convenience store, but they don’t care since you clearly looked good doing it and can’t be a bad guy at heart. For a few last words: Rock clavicle, women love it. Layers are awesome. Heavy on the denim. Pick items that you can potentially wear forever and won’t ever go out of style. And last of all, break every rule I just said and don’t be worried about impressing others, because most importantly if you like the way you look, then you’ll like the way you feel.

Micah with Ford LA

For starters, I must say keep things simple. Many people think that being flashy means something. You can look just as good– if not better– and get a whole lot more for your money. On another note, be versatile and try things on that you wouldn’t normally; who knows, it might look great! Honestly, as a man you can’t wear anything you want: be reasonable, know your size, what suits your body type and wear it with confidence. If people judge, let them. It shouldn’t bother you.  In the long run, just be yourself and have a purpose in life. Everything else will fall into place.

For more Oliver, check out his recording label Our House Records, and for more Jayce, check out his band DownDownDown. All photos by William D. Walsh.