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When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. So what better way to psyche yourselves up for the upcoming storm of final deadlines and exams, than dressing the part (no, not the part of the zoned-out-student)?
HOOKED lays down the glamorous styles to get your tough guy and girl act together.
Man, You Wanna Be Tough?
Who can forget Brad Pitt and Edward Norton's performances in Fight Club?
The unbeatable combination of testosterone, scruffed up clothes, week-old stubble, and all that overwhelming manliness that brought looking Rough N Tough to a whole new level.
In this age of skinny jeans and cardigans hitting the style file, and with androgyny highly celebrated - is there still space for the rugged manly look, and most importantly, is it even attainable?
First, to demystify looking rugged and manly: it is not about being unhygienic or sloppy (that means no Eusoff hall tee and berms with flip-flops). There is a degree of styling involved, and specific steps that can go a long way towards attaining this look.
Here are some examples of the rugged/manly look, fresh off the Spring 2008 collections:
Formal
Adam Kimmel Collection
The use of structured jackets paired with a more slouchy bottom is more appropriate for semi-formal functions, whilst maintaining a degree of ruggedness, and similarly for a fitted vest or linen blazer paired with dark denim to adapt to Singapore's warmer weather conditions.
Most importantly is the use of covered shoes, preferably boots that lend to the overall bulk.
Casual: Dsquared Collection
 
This is an easier look to incorporate into everyday wear for school. Invest in a macho leather jacket or not, it not only adds bulk to the frame, but lends sophistication to the look.
Covered shoes are helpful: boots would have the most dramatic effect, but for a subtler look, go for covered espadrilles or slightly scruffed sneakers.
Tucking in a work shirt, polo tee, or t-shirt will help to emphasize a toned stomach, or give the illusion of a tighter chest, all adding to the rugged/manly factor.
No Frills
This is the best and hardest option, in my opinion. Without all the macho accessories, a plain tee-shirt and jeans combination focuses the attention on YOU, the wearer, and the ruggedness you exude.
 Hairstyle is crucial here: hair should be cropped short, or left long for the best effect. If styling is needed, it should be minimal, and merely to emphasize the slightly scrunched, out-of-bed hair.
Grown out stubble can give the illusion of age and maturity (but only if it looks clean and maintained, no scraggly beards please), so this definitely gets ruggedness brownie points.
What about Smaller Guys?
Although being tall and well-built might make it easier to attain this look, smaller built guys are able to achieve it too, by dressing to accentuate the bulk and height.
Hiking or walking boots are flattering on shorter guys (think Ryan from the OC!) as they are longer on the calf and make the body look more proportionate.
Layering of jackets (preferably leather) helps to add to the bulk of the silhouette, so those last-season figure-hugging cardigans are definitely out.
Carrying a backpack slightly higher instead of slinging it too-cool-for-school low, gives the impression of a bulkier top too. Wearing a plaid shirt also widens the top, giving it more width and bulk.
It is important not to wear over-sized shirts, but to find shirts with a good fit. Tucking in shirts, as mentioned above, will also give the illusion of a trimmer stomach, looking less sloppy, and more rugged.
Having said all that, style is very much personal. Being inspired by a look and adapting it to fit one's personality will go miles in looking good, rugged, or manly. After all, we all know that style comes mainly from within, and only a little from those spunky cowboy boots.
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