Men in Black Don't Always Wear Black

And you thought men in black were not real. The truth is, it's just that they don't wear black all the time. We should just call them the Men In; which is another way to say Geek In (IN; short for incognito.) That sounds more geek-incognito-cool. In fact, a guy like my brother, who's considered one of those 'Men In' can be found wearing all sorts of colors, even green. Funny hun? A geek in green. The thing about this geek, my brother, most people look at him and see model before they see geek. If you watch him long enough, you will see him whip out one of the most up to date geek gadgets. If you listen long enough, he'll start talking about how that blinking, vibrating, gadget he's speaking into is cool, but he wants to have it upgraded it to the newest-latest-greatest gadget.

If you want to become one of those 'Men In,' or want to be able to point them out in a crowd, here's a 10 step guideline:

1) Let's start with the shoes, yes the shoes, it's gotta be the shoes...(I know you're thinking geeks and gadgets, but I'll get to that.) You can't wear shoes that can be found on any other man. Find a pair of DKNY or Polo sport type shoes; anything out of the ordinary. That's right, trade in the penny loafers for a fashion 'power' sporty shoe. Keep in mind sporty does not mean the typical running, walking or basketball shoe. You can get away with a boxing shoe but not a soccer shoe with cleats.

2) Now, pick a pair of jeans that are either plain- you know, 'fall into the Gap' plain or worn like Abercrombie & Finch style. The best choice, though are a pair that's hard to find, created by a major designer like Armani Exchange.

3) In your pocket you should have a gadget of some sort, a super-duper cell phone, a simple MP3 player or that new video game with the LCD flat screen; for better advice on this read one of those computer magazines, like CPU [Computer Power User], frequently.

4) You can throw on any shirt that's not too big or too fitted; if you wear a large, wear a large not XL or Medium. The goal is to not be afraid of your clothing size. Also don't be afraid of colors like green- Kermit green, purple or even salmon (not pink make it a masculine 'salmon' color.)

5) Don't forget accessories. Yes, accessories, you know belts and jewelry; or something as simple as a pair of shades. At the same time, they can't be any pair of shades. Try what honorary 'Men In,' my brother wears; a pair of shades that have that 80's flair with the light brown large lenses.

6) Another thing, stay toned- work out. I know this may be asking much of people who would travel with a desk top as a carry on if their lap top was not readily available. Remember you have to wear a shirt that fits, the last thing you need is a pot belly poking out to remind everyone that you are a geek... it's all about being incognito.

7) In your home, we should find either a cat or a small dog you have to carry on your daily walk unless it is an unusual big dog like a Great Dane. As long as it's gentle.

Now it is up to you on the last few steps;

8) Play the part; practice makes perfect. Go places in your disguise and be prepared to pull out a gadget, talk about one or work with one.

9) Talk the part, read as much as possible about the latest and greatest in gadget world. Only discuss what you know with other 'Men In.'

10) Live the part and vow to be incognito.