By SHANEIA CALDWELL

Contributing Reporter

As winter parkas and boots get tucked away to the back of the closet, many begin the hunt for the perfect spring wardrobe.

Renewing one’s wardrobe is usually a more difficult task for men, as women’s fashion trends are typically those that grace fashion magazines. 

However, men are beginning to prove that fashion isn’t just a woman’s thing. 

A trio of Oakland University males with dissimilar styles speak out about fashion, trends, style and their spring wardrobe.

Clayton Cortez Smith, junior, Communication major 

Personal style: “My style is business professional, urban, hip-hop and sometimes casual.

“I love business professional attire, because it gives me confidence. It all depends on the mood I’m in.”

Favorite stores: Macy’s, Suit Wearhouse, 4Men, AJ Wright

Trends: “I build off of a trend by putting my own twist to it. You can call me a trendsetter.”  

Stay fashion savvy: “Attend fashion shows, read magazines, research celebrities and independent designers give me a spin on where to shop.” 

Fashion faux-pas: “I don’t like men’s purses [messenger bags].” 

Fashion disaster: “I remember going to a club and somebody stepping on my new white Air Force Ones, but I couldn’t do anything about it.” 

Spring attire: “I’ll be wearing browns, whites, khakis, polos and wife- beaters.”

Spring fashion prediction:

“Different types of sneakers, such as colorful Air Force Ones with fabric. The rock ‘n roll look, bright pinks, greens and tight shirts are all popular. This look isn’t for me.”

Owen Sexton, senior, journalism major

Personal style: “My personal take on fashion has always followed basic rules. I keep it clean, classic and simple — no labels or brands on the outside. I look for colors and styles that remain timeless and unaffected by trends.” 

Favorite stores: Club Monaco, Ralph Lauren and Nordstrom.

Trends: “I think trends are like buying a car. It’s financially the worst investment you can make. I’ve always tried to avoid them, because they never last. I want someone to look at my style and see that it is sophisticated, not because a brand or logo tells them it is.”

Stay fashion savvy: “Shopping, online catalogs, read GQ and I have friends that enjoy talking about fashion and are conscious of it.”

Wardrobe must-have: “A pair of Chucks and maybe a black or gray wool blazer.” 

Fashion faux-pas: “I wish ripped up jeans would go away. They were cool six years ago when Abercrombie did what they always do, took distressed denim, which is a cool thing, and made it obnoxious times-10. Also, the short-sleeve button down should die.”

Spring attire: “A Macintosh trench, different shades of Grey and white Chuck Taylors.”

Brett Radke, sophomore, theatre major

Personal style: “It’s really cool and very unique. I tend to go for vintage and retro stuff. I love fun patterns and mixing weird stuff together. I don’t buy outfits but individual pieces and put it together.”

Favorite stores: H&M, Express, Gap, American Eagle, Urban Outfitters and sometimes thrift stores. 

Trends: “It depends if the trend looks good. I tend to go for a timeless classic look over trendy.”

Stay fashion savvy: “Staying updated is a lot easier for women, but I look at mannequins in stores, movies, magazines and watch ‘What Not to Wear’ on the Style Channel.” 

Wardrobe must-have: “My shirt that is see-through with lots of colors and can be layered.”

Fashion favorite: “These shoes I’m wearing are my favorite because they are colorful and crazy.”

Spring attire: “I’ll be going for a fresh, plaid look for spring.”

Spring fashion prediction: “It seems like plaid is still going to be popular along with typical spring stuff like bright colors and pastels.”

Spring fashion prediction: “3/4 trenches … and khakis …”