I’m not a Catholic but I like the idea of participating in Lent (which starts tomorrow). If you are, please correct me if I err in my description but my understanding is that it is a time wherein Catholics “fast” for the 40 days before Easter in simulation of Christ’s fast for 40 days and 40 nights, after which he was tempted by Satan.

Thankfully Lent does not mean giving up food and water for 40 days, but it is a chance to sacrifice something we enjoy and practice the masculine quality of self-discipline,

I got a little soft over the holidays and have yet to get back to an ideal form so I’ll be giving up sugar for Lent.

So what does this have to do with a style blog?

Well, Lent is the perfect opportunity for men who are on the fence about certain style aspects to give up their prejudices and try something new. While it may be nowhere near the kind of sacrifice most people make and especially Christ’s fast – a bad, or even not-the-best clothing fast will be good for you.

Here are some examples.

Don’t wear a T-shirt until Easter

Rather than just wearing a shirt and tie to work, wear a blazer or a full suit every day as well

Get a more grown-up hair cut and try parting it for 40 days

Refuse to wear white socks

Never leave the house without a sport coat

Never leave the house in a baseball hat

Stop eating out and use the money to take your baggy shirts to the tailor

These are just a few ideas and it’s all going to boil down to each man’s sartorial weaknesses. Whatever your excuses are for not dressing one step better, give them up for Lent. When you get razzed about it by other guys at work, just tell them the reason and ask them what they’re sacrificing. Most won’t be doing anything and they’ll be impressed by a man who still believes in the principle of sacrifice – even if it’s sacrificing to improve your own life instead of someone else’s.

The cool thing is that after Easter, you may not want to go back to your previous clothing safety nets. I’m hoping to get my serious sweet tooth under control so I’ll be able to stay in better shape throughout the year. Who knows, maybe you’ll throw away those cross trainers and reward yourself with a good pair of bucks.

Let me know in the comments what you plan on giving up.

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