Grey Suit: Suit shape should be lean ♦ Single-breasted with two buttons is classic ♦ Wear it with a light blue or purple shirt and a narrow light microcheck tie ♦ The suit color should be a light to medium grey; avoid charcoal as we move into spring ♦ Fabric is your make or break so opt for Super 120s
Men – you cannot wear a LBD (little black dress) and not expect to catch grief, but you too have a similar wardrobe essential. A medium-weight charcoal grey suit will take you from work to a wedding to a date to a brunch to an untimely funeral….just consider changing the shirt and tie in the process! Tumble dryers can be tough on your clothing so try to send most of your stuff to a dry cleaner. A tip for men:
For fall, you need to make sure you have your 3-piece suit and while there are several designers (Dolce & Gabbana, Dunhill, Ralph Lauren Purple Label), our favorite is by Simon Spurr.
Men here are the no-BS-absolute-essential-must-know pieces of info for this week!
What are the essential suits for a businessman’s wardrobe? This week we’ll provide the top 5!
Suit, $200 by Topman Bowtie, $20 by Topman Shoes, $380 by Common Projects Outfit courtesy of GQ Notes: bowtie substitute keeps it unique yet fashionable; black sneakers keep it low profile but appropriate; white shirt and patterned neckwear make it stand out!
Shirt, $220 by Band of Outsiders Hat, $24 by Topman Pants, $129 by Club Monaco Shoes, $14 by Urban Outfitters Notes: after work rooftop deck, weekend wedding, weeknight carousing…..it works!
A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned….. Khaki Coolness: all gentlemen should have a khaki-colored suit in their summer repertoire so, get one “Express Yourself”: (the song by Madonna and N.W.A.) men we need you to just open up a tab bit more…we don’t expect you to share openly and freely but, our psychic abilities can only go so far! Big Isn’t Always Better: we desperately want our rough-n-rugged men to know that a suit that fits
Prediction: between now and August 31st, you’ll need a suit….whether a summer wedding, power meeting, or a fancy, schmancy shindig! What to Do: #1– find something in your closet to put on; #2– head to your friendly tailor to have them whip up something spectacular; or #3– consult New York tailor, Alton Lane who will help you (online) pick everything from pattern, cut, number of buttons and monogramming! Note: get started now so you’re ready because Alton Lane takes about one month
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?
Your suits should not make you sweat Your suit should keep you warm Heavier suits should be worn between November and the end of March …..in the meantime, dryclean them, remove the plastic when you get them back, and store with cedar!
Suits that suit you…right: Its shoulders should hug your shoulders (not jut out past them) The sleeves stop at the hinge of your wrist (not halfway down your thumb) The pants break once (not gather in a baggy mess at your heels)
Gentlemen, let’s resolve to make the big purchase in 2-K-10….yep, we’re talking about a tuxedo preferably with peak lapels (or notch will do)! It’s neither stylish nor fiscally prudent to rent one for each black-tie affair. Note: the sooner you buy it and wear it, the more quickly your cost-per-wear starts dropping… if you purchased a custom one (higher end) for $1300 – went to two black-tie affairs a year – managed to maintain your current weight for the next eight
We were absolutely ecstatic when we saw this shoe/boot whip across our computer screen because it’s absolutely perfect! For every Holiday occasion to come, you’ve got the answer and what really makes this perfect (besides the punch detail at the quarters)– the sole is made of moulded rubber (read: able to move from house to car in the snow without ruining the shoes or losing your grip!)
Janie Bryant, the costume designer for the AMC TV show Mad Men, has collaborated with Brooks Brothers to offer this 60s-inspired tailored suit.
Mystery: I don’t have time for a ‘wardrobe assessment’ or any kind of makeover but, I know I need a little help. I have a date with a young lady and while I don’t want to look like I’m ballin’ or a name-brand-junky, I do want to let her know that I have style. Also, I think it’s important to not do “too much”…..help! And yo, it’s next week so I need to be able to scoop it quickly! Solved:
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
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