I recently conducted a style evaluation from a young gentlemen who claimed he wanted to move his style from junior executive to “C suite”. We talked for a while and he did a good job convincing me he was ready to take the plunge…until we got to the last two questions in our evaluation process. I asked him what ehe typically carries when going to meetings and he replied, “A backpack…but a leather one.” I asked him what message he
This one isn’t hard and it’s a lesson that GQ kindly shared with us. Tailoring is essentially and the smallest details can ruin a perfectly dapper look.
Full Canvas. This is typically used for bespoke and MTM (made to measure) This construction calls a lot to make Typically done by hand by tailors with years of experience Read more here.
Fully Fused. Most common type of suit for off-the-rack purchases Uses glue and makes for a stiff-looking jacket Counter the effects by opting for a heavier weighted wool Read more here.
According to Patrick Grant, owner of Norton & Sons and E. Tautz (Saville Row mainstays), your suit jacket should “…. come down to the first knuckle on your thumb.” As if that weren’t enough for today, here are three more great styling tips for suit purchases: When your jacket is buttoned, you should be able to fit a fist between your chest and the fabric Your jacket should reveal about half an inch of shirt cuff Choose fabric according to
Question: I need a “summer suit” and already have a khaki one. Is that enough? Do I need something else? What else could possibly be out there for me to try…and to quiet my girlfriend? Answer: Khaki is great choice for summer especially in a Super 100 material. The other two truly summer options are a white suit {a la Colonel Sanders} and seersucker {a la a deep South tradition}. The white suit can make you look like a bit
The right suit highlights your physical upsides and downplays your shortcomings….does yours? If you don’t get Esquire, here’s an easy cut-out they did a while back that kinda hit the nail on the (proverbial) head ~ we tweaked it a bit but the bones remain. You are… You want… You should avoid… Long & Lean (e.g., Barack Obama) horizontal lines to create breath/broadness; three-button jackets that match the scale of your torso vertical lines (they emphasize your height); tight suits and
Question: Should I wear wool in the summer? Any tips on the right colors? Answer: Yes; and yes. The right suit colors are light grey, khaki or stone. Interesting that gentlemen from areas with desert-like conditions will tell you that wool is the most comfortable fabric because it regulates body temperature. In it’s thinnest form (super 100’s), wool breathes easily and stretches thanks to the fiber’s natural elasticity. Bonus: creases fall out when hung up ~ that won’t happen with
Today is your lucky day! Mr. Porter is having a huge sale and this fabulous, slim-to-fit navy blue, single-button pinstripe wool suit by Richard James (regularly $1,150) is only $355! A great first suit that will take you up the ranks from entry level…
If you’re going more formal, stick with darker sneakers Keep the sneakers simple and clean…even though patent leather looks hot! The pants should hit around the third eyelet Make the socks your signature! ANSWER: Yes you can wear sneakers with your suit if you’re okay mixing a few trends including David Letterman-esque, rock star, and repressed millionaire….
Now is a great time to think of buying a suit just make sure you’ve got the right information to make the most of your money: Shoulders: the suit’s shoulders should hug yours and the pads should not protrude beyond your own shoulders Chest: you should be able to button the jacket without it straining but there should be no more than a fist’s worth of space between the button and your chest Length: when your arms are hanging straight down, you should
I’m sure we mentioned this at some point, but the double-breasted suit is back. It’s nothing innovative and it shouldn’t be scary; just keep it in a muted color or neutral palette and everything will work out. WAIT! This isn’t the trend for the heftier gent or the man with a little too much on his backside though….tread lightly! D&G Gucci
Seersucker is a southern gentlemen staple, but let’s bring it north. This is very rakish but choose to tone it down with socks, sans suspenders, and sueded brogues or structured boat shoes. Again, “What do I wear for my friend’s Hampton wedding?” – – we love this! Note: Suit, $548 by Tommy Hilfiger. Shirt, $40 by Lands’ End Canvas. Bow tie, $30 by Gilbert & Lewis. Suspenders, $22 by Topman. Sunglasses, $255 by Moscot. Shoes, $89 by G.H. Bass &
This combo is classically edgy: the neutral suit pairs nicely with the powder blue shirt; and the light yellow stripes in the pocket square work as a great compliment to the earthy color of the suit but also pick up the lighter shirt as well!
Q: Typically, in 4 season climates, summer staples like seersucker, linen, spectator shoes, etc. are worn ONLY between Memorial Day and Labor day. What is the rule for warmer geographies that experience only one or two seasons? From Anthony A: Thank you for asking such an excellent question, Anthony! Really, we’re dealing with a two season issue here because most people regardless of where they live dress for two seasons—fall/winter and spring/summer—and then combine pieces for the unpredictable weather in
Not often…unless you don’t want them for very long. Unless it’s visibily stained or has an odor, try spot cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Woolite. Proper storage and upkeep when not in use will also play a large part in determining the frequency of drycleaning. If you wear it more than once a week, give it break on alternating weeks Make sure to air it out after each use Avoid leaving plastic drycleaning bags on as it speeds up
If you sport a suit to work most days, but need to dress-it-down for a new job or interview here’s our recommendation: Opt for chinos/khakis instead of dress pants Nix the suit jacket; a sportcoat is more casual Spice it up but keep it cool with colorful socks No dress shoes – try loafers or the like Print/plaid tie rather than conservative blue is a winner! You want help getting it right, click here!
Just the opinion of one stylist but…..why didn’t the new NBA dress code nix the 5-button suit?! If you want to avoid the men’s suit dress phenomena, click here!
If you’re not a suitmaker’s dream (a Drop Six which means your chest is six inches larger than your waist), then know your shape. Are you a Square, Inverted V, Slim or Athletic? Here’s a quickie lesson: Square ~ break up the square with a 2-button suit and double vents • keep the shoulders balanced Inverted V ~ a 2-button suit with a deeper gore elongates the frame • pinstripes and chalk stripes are good • balance slimmer waistline with strong shoulders
Big question with a long answer — so, we’ll break it up into segments! The ideal construction would have layered panels of fabric gently and skillfully attached to the outer cloth by hand. Note that less expensive suits use glue (and feel stiff/hard). Brooks Brothers is a great option for a well-contructed suit that isn’t overly pricey.
First the four foundationalss of every man’s wardrobe: Solid Charcoal, Solid Navy, Charcoal Pinstripe, Navy Pinstripe. These four classics will cover almost any situation and provide a good mix of tradition and style. From there, expand based on personal preferences and focus on your personal style (i.e., modern colored pinstripe or a sleek sharkskin). For a more subtle look, go for a traditional plaid or classic charcoal herringbone. And plan to add a light linen or cotton suit for the summer months.
This chocolate men’s summer suit featured in GQ is spot-on! Dark brown is too hot, camel is an everyday treat, but this milk chocolate coloring is unexpected but totally appropriate! [Items pictured: Suit, $400, by Perry Ellis Portfolio {generous cut}; Shirt, $40, by H&M; Tie, $20, by Topman {one of my favorite men’s shops}; Shoes, $168, and socks by J.Crew; Pocket square by J.Press] Perry Ellis Portfolio Suit
Can there ever be a summer without at least rocking your summer ‘whites‘ once? To avoid looking like you’re part of An Officer & A Gentleman or Colonel Sanders, go a little off in your white! [Items pictured: Suit, $100, by H&M {just get one!}. Shirt, $50, by ck Calvin Klein {sizing is fairly generous}; Tie, $40, by Lands’ End Canvas {great site for spruced up classics}] H&M Off-White Suit
This summer’s suiting for men needs to be hot but keep you looking cool. A linen suit is a staple, so this suit is perfect….wear it well and fear not the slight crinkling! [Suit, $386, by J.Crew {expect a leaner but manageable cut}; Shirt, $36, by Sean John {wearable by most} Tie, $40, by Express; Shoes, $79, by G.H. Bass & Co; Socks by Smart Turnout] J Crew Linen Suit
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