Day1 : We are all vain!

Posted on by Michael Okunloro

The world is full of stereotypes. While some of these practices are relatively recent,

some of these beliefs are as old as time. Stereotypes are often non-factual and they

affect  every aspect of  our lives including: gender, race and ethnicity, sex and sexuality,

social class, age, nationality, religion and more. 

Stereotypes differ across cultures. There are, however, some that wear a  fairly universal

outlook. One of such stereotypes is the misleading idea that men aren’t supposed to pay

detailed attention to how they look. We had somehow quietly concluded that it was a

woman’s thing to be fashionable — a man should be too busy to pay attention to such

frivolity. 

                     

As a men’s fashion designer and enthusiast, I am of the opinion that every man must

have a sense of style. This helps to shape our identity — who people think we are, what

we do or where we come from. Rightly or otherwise, a man who wears suit and tie on

weekdays could be easily identified as a corporate worker. In the same vein, a man who

is always on sneakers, jeans and a polo could be identified as an entertainer. What

comes to mind when you see some guy in Agbada? Africa right? Yes, you are correct.

How we choose to dress tells an unspoken story.

                       

In all of this, I realized there exist a deceptive  notion that men being fashionable is vain.

This couldn’t have been more farther from the truth.  Personally, I believe it is high time

we stopped pretending that paying attention to your look makes you less of a man.

There are no awards for having no sense of style. How you appear at events, the office

or publicly shows how much value you place in yourself. Therefore, being nonchalant

about how you dress could determine how people identify with you as a man. 

Appearances are the first thing people see, and this unconsciously builds  an impression

of you on them. Yes, before people discover your amazing personality, you have already

been prejudge based on your looks. The point here isn’t that your personality plays

second fiddle to your looks. All I am saying is that looking great compliments your

personality. 

                     

The “na money man dey find” and “ man no suppose dey fine” mindset should be thrashed. While the importance of money cannot be underestimated, we must understand this: manner maketh man. The manner we choose to present ourselves matter a lot. This is why world leaders, top industry players and celebrities invest  a lot of time, resource, thoughts and effort in looking good. 

I know what you are thinking; you are probably thinking none of these apply to you
because you are “unknown.” Maybe you are just a “regular guy” who is trying to find his
feet. You probably might be working a nine-to-five job, and you can’t afford to invest in
clothes often. You are the reason I’m dedicating the next twenty-one days to revealing
the essentials about men’s fashion, and how you can begin your journey to “stepping on
toes.” I am doing this because I know every man is special. No matter how small it may
seem, we all have people looking at us, and it is imperative that we give them a show.

Contrary to popular opinion, for me, fashion is not about the depth of your wardrobe — it
is more about what you can make of what you have, creating your own  unique style,
and being confident in it.  Most importantly, it is doing what works for you. 
Being fashionable is less about the number of clothes you have, and more about how
creative you can be. One of my guiding principles is never to repeat a  look in the same
outfit. So, I try to think of different ways to style an outfit over and over again. That way, I
don’t have to spend a lot on what I wear while looking my best at the same time. 


It is not vain too look good; it is our responsibility to look the best. Looking good has both

health and social benefits which includes: the boost of your self-esteem, increased

confidence, you become more likeable and approachable and more. 

Well, if after reading this some still insist it’s vain to look good as men, tell them looking

good is a good kind of vain. 

Please help spread the word, you can find me 

@Xclusivemic_ on all socials (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube.)

10 thoughts on “Day1 : We are all vain!”

  3. Amazing article Xclusive. This is sure an eye opener to young men. Your wardrobe doesn't need to be deep to be fashionable. Can't wait to read the remaining 20 articles coming up.

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