How to Live the Good Life Part Three: Being Presentable

The 3rd and final part of my How to Live The Good Life series brings you tips I learned from my family on how to look presentable. I will discuss clothing faux pas, but I must first mention that being presentable goes beyond aesthetics. There are certain character traits and core values that contribute to the way you enter society, hold yourself, and speak to others that can only be accomplished by first learning about the meaning of life from your elders. My grandparents will always have a special place in my heart, and I am beyond blessed to have had such genuine role models who lived undeniably humble and gracious lives.

Children of immigrants understand the immeasurable pressure of wanting to make your families proud because you see firsthand the sacrifices they made to provide for you. While it is essential to create a life you are proud of, you can never forget those who came before you who did the heavy lifting. I am pleased to say that my fondest childhood memories were made with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and endless cousins, who all inspired me to start this series in the first place. Family is the root of our lives, so all of the following tips stem from the goal of being a respectable reflection of your family. We are all human, and nobody is perfect; however, working hard and being a kind and ambitious person will always be a choice. Choose to be kind. Choose to be the best person you can be. Unlike fashion trends, being a genuine human being will always be in style.

Read on for some tips and tricks to being presentable.

1) Never wear socks and sandals.

Walking around Europe with socks and slides is a sure way to get joked about. While we see it as comfy footwear in America, the rest of the world perceives this fashion statement as tasteless and off-putting. Save the sandals for the summertime and combine your favorite socks with a sporty and sleek sneaker or pair of closed-toe shoes. Otherwise, don't be surprised when a foreigner snickers or rolls their eyes at you when you're wearing white socks and Yeezy slides. While you think the combo is fresh to death, a Balkan parent thinks, “Le le!”.

2) Only wear athletic clothes if you are working out.

While athleisure is currently all the rage, we shall never forget the timeless fashion that existed before Gym Shark and Lululemon (and will outlive every pair of polyester/nylon blended compression pants). Comfort is king in America, but looking presentable requires an ounce of sacrifice that is certainly worth it. No matter the occasion, my grandparents always wore slacks, dress shirts, elegant dresses, and cardigans. The result of dressing your best is that you enter the world feeling your best. Save your athletic wear for working out and integrate more timeless styles into your everyday wardrobe. Classic cut jeans and pants, neutral tone blouses/ dress shirts, and properly tailored clothing will always be fashionable. Flashy prints and neon can pass in the gym, but they may draw unnecessary attention when out and about.

3) Dark wash/black jeans are the most versatile clothing item to have

Bouncing off tip #2, dark and black wash jeans are the most accessible pieces for anyone looking to elevate their style. Steer away from ripped jeans (unless you want to hear comments like “Were they half off?”) and opt for run-of-the-mill straight-leg style jeans. Avoid styles that teeter on the extremes (super skinny or as wide as Jncos) because they lose their versatility and fall out of style quickly. While Gen Z and Millennials battle over low-rise and ultra-high-rise, mid-rise jeans offer the perfect happy medium. Instead of overwhelming yourself with excess, stick to staple pieces that can be worn regardless of the decade or season. Of course, this is more akin to the minimalist European mindset.

4) Name brands don’t equal style.

My main aversion to social media is the glorification of name brands and constant exposure to illusory, luxurious lifestyles. Swipe after swipe, you see expensive purses, flashy designer clothing, shiny belts, and glimmering Rolex watches. You begin to believe these pinnacle pieces are gatekeepers to style and elegance. This false analogy is to blame for my generation's discontent and obsession with commercialism. However, looking put together and presentable can be better accomplished with humble brands over flashy designer (which may make you look like you are trying too hard). Having freshly ironed clothes, which coordinate in color and flatter your body type, carries a more substantial presence than any thousand-dollar pair of heels. Make sure to get yourself a good steamer and be up to date with laundry, and you're good to go.

5) Fresh haircuts are a must!

The mullet is a controversial topic of discussion. It’s like cilantro; you either love it or can’t stand it. The mullet is the hairstyle equivalent of excessively baggy clothes. For both, you'll flip through old pictures of yourself in the future and wonder why this look had such a chokehold over you. Unruly, unstyled, and overgrown hair prevents you from embodying a presentable appearance. A fresh haircut is the icing on the cake. It signifies that you put some effort into your up-keeping. The reason your ancestors look so classy in old photographs has a lot to do with their sleek and thoughtful hairstyles. Curlers and styling gel used to be staples in everyone's morning routines. After spending so much time picking out your outfit, don't forget to complete the ensemble with fixed hair.