How to go
Who: Rascal Flatts with Darius Rucker
When: 8 p.m. today, Feb. 6
Where: The Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn
Cost: $52.75 and $68
More info: (937) 775-4789 or www.nutter center.com
An award-winning country band doesn’t come fully clothed.
That’s where Rascal Flatts’ wardrobe stylist John Murphy comes in.
Murphy has been shaping the band’s look since 1995.
That look does not represent cutting-edge fashion, but Murphy said it does incorporate high-end digs and trends.
“You want it to be really unique and you want to get the clothes before they go on sale, before everyone has them,” the Wisconsin native said.
The trio — Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox (second cousins who grew up in Columbus) and Joe Don Rooney — will perform tonight, Feb. 6, at the Nutter Center in Fairborn. The 8 p.m. show also features Darius Rucker.
After the April ’09 release of their latest album, “Unstoppable,” the band teamed with JCPenney in a deal to promote the department store’s American Living brand. The group’s tour was dubbed the Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour, and Murphy added items from the department store’s American Living clothing line to Rascal Flatts’ look.
The performers have worn relatively inexpensive items from the line with pieces from such designer houses as Gucci.
Murphy said fashion doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and he offered some tips:
Consider alterations
Good tailoring can go a long way, Murphy said, noting that most clothing can be altered. Jackets, shirts and even jeans can be taken in.
“Clothes aren’t meant to fit everyone from off the rack,” he said.
Take baby steps
Murphy said he often hears from women who want their boyfriends or husbands to dress like the band. But men rarely feel comfortable wearing shirts with as elaborate embellishments as those worn by LeVox.
“You’re going to have a little bit of resistant there,” he said, noting that smaller more practical changes could get results everyone can appreciate. Trendy jeans are a great place to start, he said, cautioning that skinny jeans are a step too far for most men.
Shop online
Shopping in stores is the bane of many a man’s existence. Murphy offers online shopping as a substitute for going into the store. Several online shops allow free returns.
“They ship it all to your house, and you can ship it all back if you don’t want it,” he said.
Pay attention to accessories
The old adage about shoes is true, Murphy said.
“That’s usually the first thing people look at,” he said.
But shoes are not the only things that can spice up a look. Popular accessories for men extend beyond watches, he said, adding that masculine charm necklaces, cuffs and even decorative scarves are now popular.
Take care that the accessory matches the personality of the person wearing it.
“Scarves are huge right now, but not for everyone,” he said.
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