Dress within your means – MC Tino

Martin Kasirye, popularly known as MC Tino, juggles many hats; he is a breakfast show host at K FM, he is a musician, tries his hand in comedy and events. In all these appearances he makes an effort to look good. Collins Mwai caught up with him for insights to the fashion tips he lives by. Excerpts: What do you consider when choosing attire to wear for an MC gig? It depends on the occasion, if I am emceeing at a wedding, I will be formally dressed in a suit. If I am performing at a concert, I am mostly in jeans and a t-shirt for comfort and because I want to be flexible. How would you describe your fashion sense when you are not on stage? I am a very easy person; most times I am in jeans. Most weekdays, when I am at work or running errands, I prefer long sleeved shirts and jeans. On weekends I will replace the shirts with a t-shirt. What style or clothing items do you think men should avoid forever? Men should avoid overly tight clothes whether formal or casual wear. Not only do they look unmanly, they are also uncomfortable to move around in. Have you seen guys in very tight suits? They can barely lift up their hands. Men’s clothes are supposed to be free; it is not good for manhood when clothes are too tight. People who do this are mostly trying to copy trends they see on TV. Where would you recommend men to shop for clothes? I shop in different places depending on how much I have and what I am looking for. On one day you may find me buying pants at a shop like Mr. Price; on another day you could find me buying second hand t-shirts from my boys who supply them. Speaking of second hand clothes, what is your take on them? Few people can claim they have never worn second hand clothes. It is in second hand clothes that you find the most unique outfits at the most reasonable prices. I would go for them any day. How would you describe your hair style? I am an entertainer but I still have corporate errands to run, my hairstyle borders corporate and hip. But I like my beard most, I have had it for ages, it is my signature look. What hair style do you think grown working men should avoid? Grown men who want to be taken seriously should avoid stuff like relaxing their hair or tinting it. Some of these things should be left to girls and women. For whatever hair style you choose, make sure it makes you look good, do not choose a hairstyle because it is popular. Do you think facials, manicure and pedicures are necessary for men? Ladies like guys who are manly -men who have bold features - not men who are soft or try too hard to impress. As long as you are clean, there is no need to try too hard with manicures, pedicures and facials. What’s your take on fashion accessory? It is okay to have minimal accessories, when they are too many, it looks tacky and few people will take you serious. Why would anyone want to have lots of heavy chains around his neck? Fashion advice you live by? Choose what makes you look good and not what is popular, be yourself but most of all, dress within your means. There is absolutely no need to spend your entire salary on clothes trying to impress people.