When we went out to give men and women the opportunity to speak out about what they like and don't like about the style of the opposite sex, the most common response was that people like for others to look "you know, nice."
We gathered from most people that style is something that they know when you see it. Almost everyone said they appreciated simple looks that didn't look like the wearer was trying too hard.
Women liked fitted (but not too tight) T-shirts and jeans on guys, and men liked little black dresses and designer heels on the ladies.
He said
Brian Smith, 40, South St. Louis
Likes: A girl that has everything put together, especially that perfect bohemian look with a lightweight top and a skirt. Or something businessy and well put-together.
Doesn't like: Women wearing things that are not age-appropriate. You know the 40-year-old woman who's still shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch or Forever 21.
Every stylish woman should own: A little black dress for fall, summer, winter and spring.
She said
Regina Smith, 42, Shiloh
Likes: Guys dressed up in ties, button-down shirts, suits and leather shoes.
Doesn't like: The "little bikinis" (we figured out that she was talking about Speedo swimwear, but we weren't clear on how often this is an issue for her).
Every stylish guy should own: A good-fitting suit.
She said |
He said |
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Tara Mettler, 26, Central West End Likes: Simple classic looks and well-tailored clothing. Doesn't matter if it's jeans and T-shirt as long as it looks nice. Doesn't like: Too many accessories. No rings. She's OK with a watch but not rings or bracelets or anything too flashy, because ... maybe it looks feminine. Every guy should have: A good pair of jeans.
Mikie Rachman, 23, Central West End Likes: The preppy look. You know the guys that are wearing the golf kind of thing (we asked and she said she likes the orange shorts with Polo look, but see Jen Gilbert below). Doesn't like: The bad boy with spiky hair and a really tight shirt. Every stylish guy should own: A good pair of sunglasses, Calvin Klein is probably better.
Connie Moore, 51, and daughter Katie Moore, 19, O'Fallon, Ill. Connie likes: Pretty traditional. Conservative suits, ties and nice clean-cut blue jeans, clean-shaven with athletic build. Katie likes: A casual sports T-shirt like Nike and jeans. "The jeans can have some holes, but not too many." Connie doesn't like: Capris on guys and the purses (or man bags), "but to each his own, it's a personal choice." Katie doesn't like: The really baggy jeans and pants that hang so low that you can see their underwear. Both Connie and Katie think every stylish guy should own: A nice suit, good shoes and business casual clothes, so he's well prepared for any occasion.
Jen Gilbert, 32, visiting from Boston Likes: Simple white T-shirt and jeans. Doesn't like: Preppy casual. "I don't like a guy in orange shorts and a Polo." |
Daniel Weiss, 28, South St. Louis Likes: "I'm drawn to updated classics, something new with a tailored edge in new patterns and brighter colors. But it's the whole package that matters." Doesn't like: Ill-fit clothing and things that are outdated. Big no-no's are mom jeans and mix-matched outfits that look thrown together. Too many patterns and colors is too much. Everyone stylish woman should own: A little black dress, of course, and a pencil skirt, tailored white blouse and 3- to 4-inch peep-toe heels.
Steve Manley, Dogtown, said he was 7 years old but we think that might be in dog years. Likes: Pretty much everything in skirts and tops, says that he doesn't really notice that much. Doesn't like: Not a big fan of the wedding dress, said that might just be his personal experience.
Dane Lee, St. Louis, another guy of a certain age who gave age as "old enough." Likes: Someone who's got the shoes, the bag, the hair and makeup looking coordinated, not overdone. Doesn't like: Someone in a sloppy T-shirt with hair balled up on top of head. Doesn't like the pants under the dress thing, "that's the biggest fashion no-no in my book." Every stylish woman should own: A great pair of shoes, Gucci, Prada or something that goes with everything and a great bag.
Rhamy Zeid, 25, visiting from Boston Likes: Cute fashion sneakers and a skirt around knee-length, not too short. Doesn't like: Mini-skirts and someone in too much of that J.Crew look. "Gladiator sandals are the worst." Every stylish woman should own: Great earrings, "something unique," and a nice top. |
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