Professionally and Fashionably: A Man's Guide to Looking Good on the Floors

To all the Med Studs out there, the fall season is upon us. First and second years are in the thick of their preceptorships and wild clinic nights, while third and fourth years are taking UH and the Hack by storm. Its time for all the men out there to prop open those dreaded closet doors and evaluate if they possess the apparel to impress their attendings or pick up the occasional nursing student. So based on current fashion trends and some of my general observations, I have compiled a list of basic fashion tips for men to help them dress to impress this season. By no means am I an expert in fashon, so, of course, please feel free to ignore any or all of these tips.

1) Mind the Collared Shirt: Since you are all going to be wearing one, you might as well read this tip before completely dismissing this article. It seems that most males are usually good about having shirts in an entire spectrum of colors. However, experimentation with pinstriped or checked shirts is definitely worth it, since not only is it completely in for this fall season, but they also give an air of "mature professionalism." On a separate note, wearing a white coat does not give you the right to wear a short-sleeve shirt underneath. That trend pretty much began and ended with Dwight from "The Office."

2) White, Ankle Socks: Are You Kidding Me?: Yes, your socks matter. Hypothetical situation: you are sitting down to interview a patient. You introduce yourself and when you cross your legs, your pant leg goes up and exposes an ankle length white sock with a nice hairy leg. Yep, you may not think so, but that is all that patient will be focusing on for the rest of your convo. So go out and buy some black, brown, and grey leg-length socks, maybe even a dash of argyle if you are feeling adventurous, and proudly expose your lower legs.

3) Anti-Shoelace Movement: So through my various convos with women of the medical world, I have found that they are usually willing to deal with pain and discomfort of a sexy, sultry pair of heels or flats. So why can't men do the same? So go out and get rid of those clunky, "oh my god, they don't look like much, but they are so comfortable" shoelaced bricks or clogs, and snare yourself a pair of smooth "Italian-like" leather loafers. (Personally, I will suggest a Kenneth Cole and Banana Republic brand) Not only do these shoes really impress, but they develop a remarkable comfort level after a short period of time.

4) The Tie: This is where as all guys, even you beer drinking, fantasy football talking, ortho surg bone crushing, "I get my swell on at the gym lifting weights" men, can have a bit of fun planning your outfits. Here's where you can work the forbidden colors, pink and purple, into your professional attire. The subtlety of a tie with these colors can really brighten up a rather blase outfit.

5) Stylin' in Scrubs: Your surgery/ob-gyn rotation does not give you a right to neglect your fashion abilities. Rather, it gives you a chance to really show off your keen eye for style. The key to strutting your stuff in the OR is plain and simple and follows a formula that I like to call "the Shoodie Hypothesis." This extensively researched factoid is naturally based on two pieces of apparel: the shoe and the hoodie. Shoes, more importantly dress sneakers, are key as you can really impress with a great pair of Pumas or the always classic Converses. And please don't pull that "I need to wear clogs because they are so comfortable and I have to stand so much!!!" Unless you a surgical resident who hasn't slept for days, and is working on their fourth emergency surgery, it is stylistically unacceptable to wear clogs! The hoodie, more specifically a zip-up sweatshirt or a fleece is also crucial to an awesome OR getup because in addition to providing the casual, professional look, it can protect against the polar ice cap like temperatures on the floors.

6) Make an Entrance: Don't get me wrong, the white coat is spiffy, but unless you are rotating or preceptoring it up in UH or elsewhere, it just covers up a potential spectacular ensemble outside of the hospital. So until you have to throw on the white coat , try to accentuate your outfit with a navy pinstriped or seersucker blazer for the warmer autumn days, or a corduroy or suede blazer for cooler days. It may be cumbersome at first, but...

7) It's All In The Layering: Sweaters, Sweater Vests, Vests. Cardigans. As these pieces of clothing become timeless pieces of fashion pop culture, it is only appropriate that you add these essentials to their wardrobe. A true man has many layers to him, and that sentiment should always be echoed in his clothing.

So, Med Studs, I hope this helps. Go out there and conquer your medical years with impeccable fashion and style. And remember, there is only commandment to follow in the fashion world: "Underdressing is the only sin."