Fashion forward men

Junior Dom Cozzi shows off his sweater and khaki's against his locker
Junior Dom Cozzi shows off his sweater and khaki’s against his locker

When working a minimum wage job, dressing well is not always an easy task, but it may be easier than you think. Many stores are affordable and fashionable and can transform you from an everyday teen to a dapper gentleman.

   “I feel better when I look presentable and I guess you could say it gives some people confidence,” junior, Dominick Cozzi said.

   H&M is a Swedish manufacturer with a store in the Geneva Commons. They offer great deals in men’s fashion, affordable outerwear as well as khaki jeans and other winter styles.

   They often offer deals on sweaters, such as buy one get one free. This is great because sweaters never go out of style.

   “I really like to wear sweaters with a pair of jeans” Cozzi said.

   As well as cheap pea coats, another 2013 fad, H&M also offers fashionable suede and leather shoes from 30 to 40 dollars.

   Another great fashionable store is Banana Republic. Although pricier than H&M, they offer more high quality products. Run by the same people from Gap and Old Navy, they follow the same preppy design with an intelligent twist, selling tweed blazers and cardigans from 60 to 80 dollars. Banana Republic also offers cashmere sweaters, an expensive but very comfortable fabric.

   Another good option is thrift stores.  Most thrift stores offer an inexpensive alternative with sharp looks. Goodwill offers shirts as low as 1 dollar that are the same style that you would buy at a big time retailer. The Salvation Army is another great thrift shop that benefits the community in Chicago. Although it is quite a trip from northern Illinois, taking the train to downtown and shopping there will cost about as much as the clothes from the Salvation Army.

   An important factor of dressing well is accessories. In 2013 many people like to rock RayBan glasses. When dressing up, a nice handkerchief will make the entire outfit look better. An inexpensive watch can look just as classy as their pricey counterparts, but cost up to hundreds of dollars less, as well as bringing a mature touch to your look. These accessories can be purchased online at such websites as Urban Outfitters and Shinola.