Kylar Hayes - BEST DRESSED

Kylar Hayes was a standout basketball player at Harlem High School and Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. These days, he still plays pick-up basketball and remains close to childhood friend and NBA champ, Fred VanVleet.

Hayes may not have reached the NBA, but when it comes to style and fashion, he’s an all-star. It started in college where he admired a professor who wore suits and bow ties. That’s when Hayes decided to beef up his own wardrobe.

“I’ve always taken pride in the way I present myself. And I’m big on first impressions,” said Hayes, who’s done his share of modeling. Looking good comes in handy for Hayes, who works as an employment specialist for Goodwill. His job is to connect clients with longterm employment, and he encourages his clients to dress for success.

“It’s important to dress for the occasion,” he said. “Whether it’s healthcare or trucking, you want to present yourself in the best possible manner.”

But Hayes admits that, since the pandemic, he’s become more relaxed when dressing for work. Instead of wearing suits, he’s more likely to wear a polo shirt and slacks or jeans and a jacket.

“People ask me if I spend a lot of money on my clothes. I tell them I find the best deals possible,” he said. “It’s about shopping smarter, not harder.”

Hayes says his closet is packed with suits, slacks and his favorite – turtlenecks. And most of what he owns is color coordinated, including his socks.

“The brighter and crazier, the better,” he said. “It’s always a party with my socks.”