Thread: My Thoughts on Fashion & A Few Things I won't Leave The House Without

Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert in this arena but I enjoy sharing my thoughts and engaging in conversation with fellow L4Pers. I'm not trying to preach, just share my views

1. If you don't own a Blue Blazer, you have no right to buy any other jackets/suits until you do. This is the most versatile piece you can have and it will save your ass many a time over the years. And yes, gold buttons are still cool!

2. A pocket square is like underwear, it should always be worn. If you're wearing a sport coat or suit a pocket square adds a perfect touch. Mild (white cotton) or wild (paisly or patterned) people will always take notice

3. I don't care what these newfangled bloggers say, your belt should still match your shoes. Brown with Brown, Black with Black. I don't think I'll ever sway on this!

4. Wearing a shirt with a button down collar and a tie is a cardinal sin in my book. Unless you're an eccentric billionaire trying to play down your wealth (ie: Warren Buffet) don't do it!

5. Suits are meant to be worn with lace-up shoes. (Monk Straps fall under the same category) Loafers are for a more casual look, no matter what logo is plastered on them

6. A double breasted coat should never be worn open. EVER. EVER. LOL

7. I never leave the house without a couple of tissues in my pocket and a day never goes by when I don't use them

8. The bottom button of your jacket should NEVER be buttoned. If you have a 2 button coat just the top should be done, a 3 button is best just to button the middle one, but if you prefer the look the top 2 are ok

9. In reference to #8 : No matter how cool your favorite NFL player or Televangelest from Dallas looks in a 5 button suit, there isn't any reason why you or I should wear a suit with more than 3 buttons (Double Breasted Excluded)

10. Fit trumps brand name! I promise you I'd look better in a perfectly fitting DKNY suit from the Men's Wearhouse than I would in an ill-fitting Tom Ford

11. Your waist is not around your hips. I wear my jeans on my hips like most all of us do. But suit pants/slacks should be worn around your true waist.

12. If you can afford it buy your Tux. People know a rental when they see it. Since it gets limited wear your tux will last you a lifetime and is worth the investment.

13. In reference to #12, I never wear a tuxedo without a bow tie. I'm not a fan of wearing a Black Necktie with a tux.

14. It's ok for men to get manicures. Unless you've made your fortune in a field that requires manual labor chances are your clients/employer/employees/girlfriend or wife will appreciate your having manicured hands.

15. If you go bespoke, make things yours!!! If you're paying the money to have clothing custom made, it's nice to put little touches that make them unique. I for one have my lucky #31 embroidered in hidden places. While I still get my name inside of a jacket or my intials on my shirt cuff, I like to have a 31 hidden. on coats I put it under the collar in the center, on shirts on the bottom of the placket under the last button hole.

16. Cologne is meant to add a dash of scent, not render your date unconscious so you can take advantage of her LOL. Go easy with the spray and you won't offend!!!!

I agree with most of what you have said, save for the ones below that I have fixed:

Originally Posted by JERZYH2

1. If you don't own a Blue Blazer, no worries! They are only good for the country or yacht club

3. Belts are so out-dated.. get rid of them!

6. A double breasted coat should never be worn out in the open. EVER. EVER. LOL unless you are david letterman

I should note, double breasted suits are actually making their way back in to the wardrobes of many for 2011/2012.. however, the new cut is broad shoulders, slim waist. They were once a cut to hide the figure, now you will start to notice them cut to slim the figure, maybe even give it some height..

Round 2:

1. When wearing a suit or sport coat and dressed for work carrying a backpack or messanger bag just doesn't look right. A briefcase, attache, or document carrier will get the job done right.

2. The silk knots that come free with a french cuff shirt don't take the place of cufflinks. It just screams cheese. I've seen cool cufflinks for under $30. Spend the dough!

3. Once you have the basics try and branch out to some different jacket styles for the summer. Try a half lined or un lined sport coat with neapolitan shoulders (soft,not much structure) and patch pockets

4. Aside from the breast pocket, I never have my pockets on a coat "opened" meaning I leave them stitched closed. This keeps the jacket looking much sleaker.

5. I always have buttons in my suit pants for braces (suspenders) It's a nice option to have

6. Few things in this world are as confidence inspiring to me as a well shined pair of shoes. I feel like I'm ready for battle. It's worth the $5 and people will take notice

7. I'm not a fan on tone on tone shirt/tie combos. A red shirt with red tie screams mattress salesman to me. (I'm a used car salesman I can say that )

8. Next time you are at a nice restaurant take a look at your napkin. If the place is top notch, there's probably a small button hole that you've never noticed. This is to attach the napkin to your 2nd or 3rd from the top button on your shirt. It works great and keeps the pasta sauce off your shirt. Try it

9. I personally won't wear a suit that doesn't have a ticket pocket. I don't mind a sport coat without one or with patch pockets, but on a suit I love the look of a ticket pocket

10. Dress socks are intended to be worn over the calf. The hot chick in the meeting across from you doesn't want to see your hairy legs when you sit down

[/QUOTE]I should note, double breasted suits are actually making their way back in to the wardrobes of many for 2011/2012.. however, the new cut is broad shoulders, slim waist. They were once a cut to hide the figure, now you will start to notice them cut to slim the figure, maybe even give it some height..[/QUOTE]

Agreed. Double Breasted suits have made a huge comeback and are one of the style must haves for Fall.

I take notes on what Scott Disick wears. The guy may be "different" but certainly knows how to put together an outfit. Scott Disick - Products, Brands, Cars, Fashion, Style, and More - Coolspotters

But my style god is David Beckham. There are many celebrities I love, but the dude can grunge it out and clean up better than anyone. Also rocks a Rolex Deepsea which propels him to the top of my list.

Hey look we have L4P's very own Joan Rivers

/jk some good tips there Phil.

Yeah....I dress a lot like Scott Dissick lolol

As far as overall style goes, I'd probably say Nick Wooster, Men’s Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus:

I'm all over the board, but in general I like to lean towards being over-dressed. This white V-neck with jeans look is something new to me, but I'm also embracing it.

Here are some photos of me over the years: