Finding a style congruent with my personality

[Poetry]

I've ran into a bit of a snag when it comes to the style part of my game -- I've decided to reestablish my look through change, though -- I can't seem to find one or two styles that define me per my personality. Here's a bit of background information:

I'm twenty and currently working on my second bachelors degree (computer science/web design); I'm also working as the senior web designer/developer for a major university. I've always considered myself a natural leader and businessman, going so far as to join the Army ROTC before I was discharged on medical issues. So instead, I got into bodybuilding in college.

My musical tastes, like everything else, are eclectic: I like Trance, House, Rap, Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop-Rock, Smooth and Classic Jazz, Reggae, Reggaeton, Salsa -- and the list goes on. It's the same way with every genre of movies/film.

I'm an avid philosopher and a psychology minor -- with most of my writing and language stylization from mostly classic (and some modern) literature. Hence my PU name (other than proclaimed 'Poetry in Motion') lol. So as you see -- it's not a matter of wanting to have the look of a rock star or DJ, it's that I'm a "jack of all trades". I honestly have no idea where to begin to start shaping my style around my personality.

Since I don't have a digital camera, I'll have to take pics of the "wardrobe" with a shitty webcam; although in the meantime, I can offer you a bit of what I do have... The common AFC striped long sleeve button-ups, black dress shoes, a few pairs of khakis (work related) two majorly worn pair of jeans, an incalculable number of t-shirts that were thrown away, and random Gym merchandise.

This is the only real photo of myself I have online at the moment, but it gives you a slight idea of me here:
http://www.thedilly.com/public/original/69/697244/20070703-010148-picture3.jpg


A lot to read, but looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

[DateDemon]

Web design..., If I were you I wouldn't go for the bad boy rocker, or hip hop or techno or any of those looks they arent you. If anything I would get a cool jacket maybe a dark brown suede one that fits you well. It would be nice enough to wear to a business meeting for web design or out to a club even and give you a sophisticated look. (girls like to touch suede too)
Especially if you wore it with like some nice pin striped pants and a cool tshirt or even button up. Not only would it be stylish but it would be a little more sophisticated and would represent your personality better. not only that but some interesting glasses if you wear glasses or contacts.
Buy a cheap old flash drive for a few bucks that is a bright neon color. Put it on your keychain and when you sit with a girl talking take out your keys and put them on the table. You could even put a sticker on it. When she asks about it talk about your passion for web design. I could think of a ton of tips email me at info@datedemon.com if you want more.

Forgot to include a jacket link.. Get a cool cut one like http://www.execstyle.com/products/blazer/SCohen/2006/60016K.jpg or something similar. I just found that in like 10 seconds so I am sure you can find a better one.

[Poetry]

Great ideas, taken well into consideration. I was leaning toward to more sophisticated look as well, though there is a fine line between interesting sophistication and boring as hell -- which is what the better part of this challenge will be. To find accessories and other articles to break out of the business mold and into a more friendly and interesting business mode.

Good idea about the flash drive as well, can very easily turn it from web design to writing to any other aspect that would fit the situation; and yet still be an attention grabber.

Thanks for the advice DD

[predurabo]

Well I am in the exact same boat but I can give you what I have learned. In bigger cities there are people known as fashion consultants. These people will help you with your wardrobe and style. Another thing you could do if this isnt a option is just go on google images and do a search for celebrities with the same general build and looks as you have and begin with their style and customize it to what you want. It's a good foundation to begin with but dont directly copycat.

I have been studying this allot as of late because it's one of my biggest shortcommings.

[Johnny Lucky]

You`re not so much of a Jack of all trades as you think; you seem to feel identified with poetry, psychology, you work as a web designer so you must have somewhat of an aesthetic eye.

I think you could pull off the bohemian-sophisticated-hipster-chic; think of those very long modern scarves, kangol hat; cool blazer/jacket with a flashy t-shirt underneath; distressed jeans; shoes, try to match every color; and add elements that are unexpected to give it a little twist, some weird ring/bracelet.

You can also experiment with your beard; try a more modern facial hair style, some kind of slim goatee.

[Poetry]

Agreed, however -- I say jack of all trades in the definition of a wide array of interests and skills, not necessarily I have a lot of shit going for me. However, the more I hear people talk about the sophistication look the more I'm beginning to see it. Also agree 100% with the goatee styling, without it I look 12 -- with the style in the pic I look like I'm trying too hard to be older.

Again, appreciate the advice.

[adamstealth]

Poetry,

It's something i've been thinking about too recently and oddly enough, i'm a web developer with my own business so we're in the same boat. I've bought plenty of clothes recently to see what sticks and i'm definately leaning towards the smart-caj look.

PM me if you want dude, or add me on MSN - adam@adamhempdesigns.co.uk

[bigdprince]

get rid of the stach... leave the rest of the chin... shorten sideburns by about half. Shave your head with a 3 guard or less OR grow the hair longer. That's your canvas. I think the shaved look more you with the athletic military background. Also keeps clean lines.

Do not wear an undershirt with your button downs. Add some bling.. necklace, piercing for ear, libret (hip enough to be webguy). Wear some cool bracelets, watch... clothes.. copy someone like Colin Farrell... and branch own style from there. Maybe add some sophistication with some hip sunglasses or frames that you can wear at night that aren't tinted. Again add smart web guy look. Boom.

Don't do the keychain thing... f-that. Tell them you are business man. Let them figure out your smart.. don't flaunt it.

My work here is done.

[Violet]

I'm not sure how you will feel about my opinion but I think you should definately get a barber to shape your facial hair and bring your cut down lower to accentuate your face. You have a nice lines and strong eyes.

For you, in my opinion, I think you should stick to basic wardrobe pieces. Black dress shirts, nice fitting plain colored tees, stylish fit jeans that show off your assets and focus a LOT on accessories. Signature jewelry, cool glasses [whether you need them or not], interesting shoes, and unique jackets. If you keep the main staples basic then you can focus on finding yourself in accent pieces. Since the accent pieces will probably cost the most, until you get real comfortable in your own twist, you will be able to keep your expenses down.

I think your main conflict is that you can't see how strong your features are on your own. So you are drowning out what makes you alluring with peacocking in the WRONG places. To me, you look like one of the few people where less is more.

[stolen crown]

A few things to try
1. Ditch the Neck beard keep everything south of the back of your chin clean shaven...you may also want to just shave it all off you seem to have a pretty firm jawline and it may look a lot better.

2. you have a pretty chisled face and judging by your shoulders you are a pretty average sized guy...go for some solid or vertical striped shirts...if you want to have a little more outgoing stuff check out robert graham and if that is not enough for you look at thier Zen line it has a bit more taper but seems decent.

3. STOP HUNCHING YOUR SHOULDERS! sit up roll your shoulders back it makes you look more conifdent and provides that angeled torso look that women eye for.

4. remember that a great tailor can make anything look amazing...I have three now that I use for different things...one for customization, one for tailoring shirts and the last one for pants and suits...I had a friend that did not believe that this was the case until I took him to my suit guy we went in with a $40 sportcoat from Target once it was properly fitted it looked great all be it shitty material the cut was perfect and girls were all over him all night because of it.

I cannot really provide any more informaiton because it is difficult to see your build from this photo and a lot of style has to do with how certian styles fit your body shape and build

[GfPkDk]

I don't pretend to be an expert on the subject, but based on what you've said, I think the above posters have the right idea. I envision your style as semi- sophisticated / intellectual. Coats like the one suggested would look good, as would fine sweaters (like the kind you'd get at banana republic). Perhaps only solid color button-ups are appropriate for you, and the pants would vary depending on how playful / serious your coat is. If you do buy a drink at the bar, make it a scotch neat.