Style Rule #72
Grow up! Seriously, you can keep you baseball caps because they’re classic or have sentimental value, but this summer try a fedora or cotton Monaco hat. It’s so Gatsby….or Jay Z!
2011/07/01
Grow up! Seriously, you can keep you baseball caps because they’re classic or have sentimental value, but this summer try a fedora or cotton Monaco hat. It’s so Gatsby….or Jay Z!
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
Men are creatures of habit (actually, I think we all are…), but integrating color into the pool of navy blue, grey, and dark colored sutis can be difficult. Here’s our advice to get it right: Spruce up your socks Try a colorful floral print/plaid tie A brightly colored pocket square is easy! Opt for a microcheck or light plaid shirt to give you a hint of extra pizazz You want more just for your wardrobe or look, click here!
What do you get a dad that has just about everything? Focus on the little things that round out what he already has. Our recommendations include a stylish pocket square or a leather business card holder (that will only get better with time):
The jury is “in” on this….no sweeping the ground on dress slacks or gathering on your shoes. Opt for a maximum one inch break that should sweep the top of your shoes and cover the top of your sole (if you were looking at it from behind). Done! If you need a professional to come in and help you get it right, click here!
Whatever you do, don’t be a slave to fashion rules. Rather be mindful of the spirit of the rule and then do your own thing. Here are a few tips to remember: Be authentic — there’s nothing worse than trying to create an image that doesn’t exist and that you cannot maintain Woman notice your shoes and your watch — plan accordingly! Stick with the classics — just add something new to it so you don’t look like an old
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.
Hard and fast rule: If the wedding is 8 pm or after, wear a tuxedo even if the invitation doesn’t suggest so. If the wedding is at 7 pm-ish, use your best judgment. Lastly, if the invitation indicates ‘Black Tie Optional’ always wear a tuxedo. In this situation, you cannot overdress. For afternoon weddings and early evening summer weddings consider leaving the tuxedo behind. .
Start with the essentials– solid whites, blues and pinks might not be super dapper. but they form the foundation of your dress wardrobe. After that, your dress shirts should express your individual style. Dress Shirt 201 says an assortment of checks, windowpanes and stripes are the next level. At a minimum, 10 to 12 great dress shirts can get through two weeks without visiting the dry cleaner. A more robust wardrobe will generally have 20 to 25 shirts, ensuring a shirt for every occasion! .
It is far more common to see a center vent than side vents, however stick with what you prefer. If you have an ample backside, we’d suggest side vents; that way you can get a jacket that fits your body not your butt.
Men — it’s the middle of summer, 90+ degrees, you’re sweating like you’re running a marathon, you’re trying to keep your cool while sitting across from a beautiful lady….you realize you may not be quite as cool ‘down under’ as you orignally thought! The answer is Dry Goods Athletic Spray Powder. It’s a point-and-shoot talc powder that cools all of your hot areas cool.
I had the chance to go to Final Four in Houston, TX a few weeks ago and had a blast! While there, I met a very dapper gent who, through subsequent meetings, has taught me the style value of men’s floral ties. Indeed he sports them regularly and often, and to my surprise, makes them look great. We did our research and here’s what we discovered: Floral ties are a fabulous alternative to the microcheck The print/color usage make these
A man should never wear shorts in the city. Flip-flops and shorts in the city are never appropriate. Shorts should only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach. – A style dictate from Tom Ford … but do you agree?!
Prepare for the perfect shave: Shave in or after the shower: steam opens pores Hydrate your beard: softer hair means the blade is not working hard Use a protective layer: it improves how the blade interacts with your skin Thanks Steve of Century City, LA (10 years as a Barber, 1 year as a Master Barber)!
What’s the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette? Well, here’s the deal: The different names indicate the concentration of aromatic compounds (meaning the scented particles suspended in oil) within the solvent (ethanol, water, or most likely a combination of these). Eau de parfum (EDP) typically contains somewhere between 10-20% (depending on the perfume house) aromatic compounds and contains more ethanol than water solvent. Eau de toilette (EDT) contains less aromatic compounds than EDP
One of the few remaining faily-run Italian fashion houses, Ermenegildo Zegna makes well-constructed, dapper pieces that mean a clean silhouette packaged in classic, non-trendy styles. The release of Ermenegildo Zegna: An Enduring Passion for Fabrics, Innovation, Quality, and Style walks through 100 years of history: from an extensive examination of the fabric and techniques to the custom-tailoring of its most exclusive garments, you’ll see photographs of the company’s advertising campaigns, celebrity admirers, and endorsers. Combining beautiful imagery with a historical recap of Zegna’s journey from watchmaker to one
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
You can go anywhere, but Blue Bee is the place to shop for lesser known and under-the-radar designers and classics. Imagine that Halle Berry, Heidi Klum and the likes frequent the store for themselves and their peeps….is that good enough?
Ever see a friend (or perhaps yourself) in the mirror and you have massive shirt puffage?! Well, depending on the type of pants you’re wearing, a slim cut shirt is your answer. You should be able to raise your arm without you shirt rising up from your pants.
Big fat wallets are not stylish….and not an indication of how much dinero you have! Learn from the ladies and switch up your wallets, card cases, and money clips depending on what you wear and where you’re going. – A tip shared compliments of one of our faithful readers, Tristian T.
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
If you have general questions, feel free to use the form below to send us a quick message.