(Shixiao Yu • The Student Life)
The CDC has just confirmed that a massive plague is sweeping across these campuses and no one is safe. The malady I’m referring to is of course the lack of quality looks in the department of male fashion at this very fine consortium. I consider myself a doctor in this matter and am here to offer up some lovely remedies for the men of these schools who are looking to vaccinate against this plague.
The first symptom of this horrific disease is a grievous error to a critical element of outfits written directly in the name … the fit. When it comes to clothing, unlike your water bottle cap, looser is better. Like Goldilocks, you are seeking the perfect medium. For jeans, denim and other pants, this is a straight leg, and for tops, this is a loose oversized silhouette.
Speaking of denim, the Levis 501 is a classic for a very good reason and I highly recommend that every man have one pair of light and dark wash 501s in their closet. The more vintage the feel, the better. Luckily there are men at these schools who have managed to steer clear of this illness, and to them, I am incredibly grateful and suggest that they help out their less stylish friends. It’s called public health for a reason.
While we’re prescribing pants for men, I have seen quite a few exquisite executions of Carhartt or similar carpenter-style pants. Shoutout to the Pitzer boy style, which is doing the Claremont Colleges a huge favor in the style department. A loose straight-leg pair of Dickies, corduroy pants, cargo pants, sweatpants or jeans is something that every man needs. Look for styles labeled as “relaxed,” “loose” and “straight.”
We need to disinfect against tight-fitting bottoms, and especially avoid an ankle-cinch.
Nothing kickstarts the style immune system like a good graphic tee and denim combination. A cool T-shirt or button-down is always a winner. That being said, if I may suggest that we as a society progress beyond the flannel, that would be great.
As far as outerwear is concerned, a leather jacket in an oversized style is a staple that everyone should invest in. A good relaxed denim and suede coat are also great choices. The tried and true blue-collar boy Carhartt jacket is never a bad idea and I am also a fan of a good crewneck sweatshirt or quarter zip.
All we must do to combat this plague is look towards history to inform us of the looks that transcend generations and excel in combining form and function, the most important being knits. A good crewneck sweater or maybe even a cardigan is a surefire way to stay warm and look your best.
The superb British publication SLMan suggests that the latest in men’s trends focuses on a return to the preppy aesthetic as exemplified by Jacob Elordi in “Saltburn.” They highlight button-downs, crew neck sweaters, tailored pants and good loafers.
“We need to disinfect against tight-fitting bottoms, and especially avoid an ankle-cinch.“
I would have to agree with their stance that a tailored look can definitely be an amazing choice. A loose linen shirt or nice sweater are staples in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. Some brands to watch include Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Uniqlo and Banana Republic.
Second-hand shops are a mecca for unique stylings and the added sustainability factor is always a bonus. If you are looking to treat yourself to a little something new though, some brands I recommend browsing are Abercrombie, Cotton On, Gap, Zara, H&M and Kith.
How you walk through the day matters on so many levels, from heart to musculoskeletal health; with the most literal factor of your strut being, of course, your choice of footwear.
I present to you a solution that has been clinically tested to ward off this critical virus: the cool sneaker. Any classic look is immediately brightened by a shoe with a fun pop of color. The New Balance 550, a tried and true Nike dunk, a high-top Converse Chuck 70, a Nike Blazer, Reebok’s Club C model; the list goes on.
Adidas, the powerhouse of style-forward athletic wear, has a myriad of stellar sneaker styles including the OG Samba, Gazelle and the Campus, whose name suggests it is perfect for my readerly demographic.
It would be wrong not to acknowledge that medical professionals regard the shoe game at the 5Cs as quite healthy, and I have been seeing many a man trot to class with some praise-worthy kicks. My biggest tip for all those looking to level up their sneaker collection is to avoid a shoe that looks overly athletic. There is a time and a place for a running shoe … namely running.
Men are, of course, not limited to sneakers, and there exists a plethora of footwear that is more polished than your traditional trainer. I have been seeing many men across the schools, I believe them to mostly be hailing from Mudd, who are expertly sporting Dr. Martens in a way that cultivates a perfect dark academia aesthetic. The Chelsea boot and Oxford shoe in black or brown are two of their best styles and pair tastefully with a loose-leg dark corduroy and sweater. Straight off the streets of Copenhagen, the Birkenstock Boston creates a cozy and sophisticated look, particularly when married to loose light wash jeans and a graphic crew neck.
Neutrals may very well be the magic cure. This palette is the lightest and brightest thing of this day and age as showcased by the Dior men’s fall fashion show in 2025. Now, I’m not suggesting that you abandon all color in your life and go full minimalist, but a wardrobe of basics with the occasional colorful accessory is the perfect versatile formula for a curated look.
As far as accessories are concerned, the men of these campuses are quite healthy in this department, specifically when it comes to baseball caps. An important distinction between the successful sporting of a cap is that the brim not be flat. Further, a beanie is something that should be reserved for snowy weather only and is therefore not appropriate in Southern California. Take note when I say that a belt is something every responsible adult wears to diversify their look and create interest.
This piece was born from my utter frustration with the infestation of athletic wear I see men wearing on these campuses. Fashion is fun and expressive and I fear that many men are missing out on this by refusing to steer away from CMS-branded clothing that allows them to blend in. That being said … the only place I want to see a grown man in Nike shorts is at Roberts Pavilion.
If you are not actively working out then please stop being a clone of all your friends and try out a new style!
As always, this was written with much love and respect, and I offer my services to anyone who is looking to step up their outfits and improve their health. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and download the phenomenal app Pinterest for some inspiration!
Ellen Chapman SC ’27 was born in Germany and currently calls Swarthmore, PA home… GO BIRDS!! She loves skiing, traveling, chocolate, reading, procrastinating and quad-shot almond milk lattes!