I love GQ magazine. There are some really good writers and they generally have well-written and researched features. They also have a style column, written by punk rock icon (he made the film “Downtown 81″) Glenn O’Brien. O’Brien provides fairly no nonsense sartorial advice on things like how to wear a bowtie and whether or not fat guys should wear suspenders (they should!). In this month’s issue — featuring Sexiest Man Alive Channing Tatum on the cover — a reader writes:
Sometimes when I see certain style or look in your magazine, I try to imitate it. However, even when I have all the elements of the look, I feel less put together than the guys on the pages. What am I missing?
And Glenn’s earth-shattering answer reveals the truth about the images that appear in men’s (and women’s!) magazines:
A stylist? Usually the dudes on view here have been put together by a crew of professionals whose job is to showcase the latest and greatest merchandise in the marketplace as they see it. I’m not saying hire a stylist, but you’ve got to find your inner dandy and roll out some highly personal style. Study ”Idlewide,” “Crazy Stupid Love” and “The Big Lebowski.” Every day put on music like “The ‘In’ Crowd” by Dobie Gray or “Sharp Dressed Man” by Zz Top or “Looking Good” by Z-Ro, look in the mirror, and say your affirmations: “I do have my shit together,” or “I am a golden god.” Like that. Banish fear. Knock ‘em dead.
And just like that, Glenn O’Brien pulled back the black curtain, revealing the stylist wizard behind the whole “editorial perfection” thing. I love this question because it at once reveals that Guys! They’re Just As Insecure About Their Shit As Us! and also, because Glenn recommends the one thing you really need to pull off a good look: confidence.