“You can throw an unlined cotton suit in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. When it comes out, give it a hot press and you’re ready to go. But only with unlined cotton – linen will get totally ruined.” –Nish De Gruiter, Vice President, SuitSupply {shared from Details magazine, May 2015}
“An unlined wool suit with a fresco weave (which is really open, so when you hold it up to the light, you can see through it) is your best bet. The other nice thing about fresco is that the yarns are twisted really tightly, so it’s super-resilient, doesn’t wrinkle, and travels nicely.” –Antonio Ciongoli, Creative Director, Eidos Napoli {shared from Details magazine, May 2015}
A waistcoat or vest. It’s just essential for fall/winter if you want to impress the ladies, channel a bit of English style, or get more out of your dark colored suits. Tweed is meaty enough to work in cold weather A vest is more dapper than a professorial sweater vest or Mr. Rogers cardigan You can still wear it with your suits…duh! Go bargain, mid-tier, or high-end {original photo from GQ removed}
Men’s suiting can be a mystery and it shouldn’t be (we’ve all seen the guy above and thought “nice suit but that’s not for him“)…it’s the one area where there isn’t much grey – either do it right and look right, or you’re wrong. When you’re buying a suit: Prioritize – you want several suits but navy blue is the standard. After that comes charcoal grey. Resist the temptation to get black (it’s for undertakers, busboys and hitmen). Spend wisely
Keys for “The Minimalist”: • The Great White Way — It’s impossible to go wrong with a white dress shirt—as long as it’s crisp and fits perfectly • Do Yourself a Solid — Leave the silk tie at home. Go for solid, cotton, cool • Play It Straight — Pocket square: No peaks, no poufs. Keep it square and white • Go Dark — You can’t really argue with black lace-ups. Ever. You do own a pair, don’t you?
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
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