Russell from 'Rules of Engagement'
When you hit a certain age there seems to be two distinct categories you're forced into: "single" or "in a relationship." And while there are subcategories -- divorced, single with kids, etc. -- spotting the singles gets increasingly easier the older they get. Take Russell, played by David Spade of Rules of Engagement, airing Mondays on CBS. He's single and loving it -- if the open shirt collars are to be taken as an indication.
Russell suffers from an affliction that is widespread among aging bachelors -- the "I'm the cool college guy trapped in the body of a 40-year-old" disorder. Frankly, we find it endearing, but that's only because we only have to put up with Russell for 30 minutes each week. But if you were to spend three nights a week with him in your apartment or a local club, you'd get tired of the busy shirts and chest hair. (Hey, three strands still qualifies.) Graphic T-shirts paired with vintage Puma track jackets tend to give onlookers pause if you have the very real possibility of prostate problems. And yet our hero soldiers on with designer button-down shirts with graphics, their collars pulled out and over the lapels of his sport coat. It's a look that says you think fondly of the '70s.
The trick to pulling off the look is going eclectic and top-shelf, thusly avoiding the too-real possibility that the boyfriend of the 20-year-old you're hitting on also shops at Urban Outfitters. To accomplish this, try heading over to Nordstrom's Web site and browse its selection of striped and patterned shirts. You'll find exactly what works for Russell's level of comfort and commitment -- dress shirts by Robert Graham, 7 Diamonds and Black Hearts Brigade. In fact, selections like 7 Diamonds' Rio striped military shirt or Black Hearts Brigade's Crusudor shirt with argyle crest are great choices no matter your age or marital status. But they really should be worn out -- meaning both to a club and untucked.
Other great Russell choices are shirts from Ted Baker, which tend to be young, hip and outgoing. Baker's Stibber shirt with its floral design, or his Arise line with vertical stripes meet the "look at me" requirement Russell craves.
Throwing styling cues out the window, he tends to be unconcerned with placing the same graphic T-shirts he dons under track jackets under the shirts we just mentioned. And while we can't condone such activity, we'll tell you which brands to consider should you be overcome by a need for attention. Tailgate Clothing Company, Blue Marlin, Howe, Theory and Drifter all have great graphics available from Bluefly.
And finally, the thing that really gives Russell the edge over the younger competition is premium denim. Young guys always make the rookie mistake of buying their jeans from places like Abercrombie & Fitch or American Eagle. Guys who know better and have disposable income go high-end, such as Kasil or Citizens of Humanity. Trust us, he might be a little smarmy, but he knows what almost works for him.
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