Chloe Serimian, ’26, proudly traces her fashion obsession back to Hannah Montana. What started as childhood inspiration rooted in pop culture later evolved into a sharp eye for style and a love for fashion’s ever-changing nature. Through this column, Serimian delivers curated advice and inspiration for fashion lovers of all ages and genders.

Men’s fashion is not all formal or totally casual; they are best dressed in the grey area.

What is the male mindset when getting ready in the morning? Are they thinking over an outfit for an hour just to change it last minute? From a distance, especially at school, it looks as if guys roll out of bed and throw on whatever they see: hoodies, sweatpants, athleisure or repeat outfits. The assumption is simple: guys don’t care about fashion. Yet, after delving further into conversations with my guy counterparts, I have made an exceptional discovery—some guys do care about fashion.

Men have a habit of caring in a way that is not supposed to be obvious, but more nonchalant. For most men, the goal is not to be “fashionable.” It is to look natural, as if the outfit happened, not like it was constructed. That’s why the best everyday menswear lives in the grey area: clothes that are intentionally comfortable, but not careless.

Everyday dressing can be made interesting and engaging, not just a forced, repetitive habit. For men, it is difficult to go into stores and pick out something exuberantly fashionable. While it is fine to settle on simple pieces like a plain t-shirt and jeans, I cannot stress the importance of fit. Nothing takes a boy to a man like knowing their proportions and proper sizes and wearing a beautifully tailored outfit. Clothing is a chance to express yourself visually, so why not put in a bit more effort? Fresno Christian student Garrett Alvis treats fashion as more than a daily routine. He sees clothing as a reflection of identity, an investment in confidence, and an area where he has experienced noticeable growth.

“When you invest your time and money into something that invests back in you, like clothing… it affects your confidence and your day-to-day interactions.”

A plain T-shirt that actually fits your shoulders and arms will always look better than a graphic tee two sizes too big. Jeans that sit right at the waist and break cleanly at the shoe look intentional without trying. When clothes fit, they do half the work for you.

Then there is elevation through simplicity. Swap athletic joggers for straight-leg pants, such as trousers or jeans. In my opinion, there is no place for a guy in skinny jeans unless you are trying to display that “millennial look.” Replace the worn-out hoodie with a clean crewneck or a structured jacket. I have also seen rugby shirts on the rise, and I am not complaining, so I highly suggest leaning into that look. 

These aren’t dramatic changes, but they shift an outfit from “I rolled out of bed” to “I know what I’m doing,” without announcing effort. Remember, these simple swaps are just as comfortable as sweats if you choose quality pieces. Jacob Christensen is a Fresno Christian student who keeps it lowkey. His wardrobe isn’t screaming for attention but is the perfect mix of key and realistic pieces for the everyday teenage boy. Christensen has the perfect perspective for a guy who isn’t trying too hard, but still has a passion for looking presentable everyday.

“With a hoodie, you are just throwing something on. With a jacket, it feels like you actually tried.”

Footwear matters more than most guys want to admit. Shoes anchor the entire outfit. There is a broad pendulum swing when it comes to males’ relationships with their sneakers; Some have a carefree attitude, while others are busy adding strip lights to their floating shelves.

For all different types of outfits, I have come to appreciate guys in Vans, New Balances and especially a simple, everyday Adidas shoe. Unless you particularly like a worn-out shoe look, I believe it is important to keep your sneakers as clean and crisp as possible. If you do not have any mind space for a detailed outfit, choose to be intentional with your shoes. You can wear the same jeans and shirt every day, but rotating shoes changes the look completely.

Color is where the grey area becomes literal. Neutrals, like black, white, grey, navy, brown and olive, dominate men’s fashion for a reason. They mix easily, do not demand attention and signal restraint. Adding one muted color or texture is often enough to make an outfit feel considered without looking styled. 

I recently went shopping for my brother’s birthday and was pleasantly surprised by the array of fun, colorful shirts that still felt manly with a stylish twist. Be bold, do not be afraid to mix in an orange, cobalt blue or my best friend’s favorite look on a guy: a pink polo shirt.

When men say that they don’t care about fashion, what they really mean is they do not want it to look obvious. Guys want to avoid looking sloppy, but they don’t want to look too over-done. 

Every day dressing for men is not about reinventing yourself, but about refining your style. Find what works, stick with it and let consistency make things easier. The middle ground in men’s fashion is where real style begins.

To read more fashion columns by Chloe Serimian, check out Column: Love at first fit or Column: Simplify and thrive with a capsule wardrobe.

For more from The Feather, read Black History Month Spotlight: Jack Kelley leaves an inspirational legacy in the Central Valley or NASA reignites lunar exploration with Artemis II.