I’m no fashion icon. I’m comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt most of the year. At my age, slip on shoes seems to have become my favorites too! However, a Gentleman should be multi-faceted and ready for just about anything when it comes to his wardrobe. The man who is prepared for any event, function or meeting will be looked at as one that has his ‘stuff’ together. I will try to share some thoughts on how to be that guy. Of course, fashion is a personal thing, but I’ll just offer some high-level suggestions.
What’s in your closet?
As a kid, my Mom and Dad generally dressed me. I went to Catholic school, so I wore a tie and a blue shirt and pants from first grade until I graduated high school. With the changes to where we work or where we play, we may not have specific attire that we need to wear everyday BUT we should always look our best.
Own at least two sport coats. These are so easy to find and come in so many colors. I recommend a blue one and a black one. They basically go with any color pants and shirts so you can mix and match dozens of possible combinations. If you are able, spend a few extra bucks on a custom-fit jacket. It makes all the difference!
Keep a good mix of button down, collared dress shirts. Some with a pocket and some without. These are good for semi formal, cocktail, and casual events. Choose several different colors but make sure you at least have a white one. This should be a standard. Keeping them crisp and freshly ironed or dry cleaned is critical as well.
Golf shirts or polos. Since we are in the south, I believe these are the regional standards for most casual and business casual events. I know you have a ton of those from every company you have ever worked for or every golf tournament you have attended. Those logoed shirts are fine for play, but you need some non-advertising versions as well. These can be worn tucked or untucked. It’s up to you to make that judgement call.
A really good belt. You’ll need a black one and a brown one. Preferably leather and preferably sized correctly. Don’t buy one that gives you a foot of extra extra past the buckle and you don’t want to rely on the last hole either. You’d be surprised how comfortable you will feel with the right sized belt.
Socks. Even though I alluded to the slip on earlier, I do enjoy wearing lace up or nice slip ones with some fashionable socks. Sure, the old black, blue and brown standbys work but a splash of color with a nice pair of shoes will get all kinds of attention. The good kind. Please gents, throw the ones with the holes out as soon as possible!
Shoes. It’s my experience that most guys have a handful of shoes and a ton of sneakers. I get it, those Nike Jordans will never go out of style. That said, as we get older, gym shoes (or sneakers from where I came from) are becoming less a part of our wardrobe. There are plenty of casual, comfortable shoes that can be worn with jeans, khakis, etc. Make sure you cover the basic black and brown, but a grey or blue pair could kick things up a bit.
Lastly, have a few ties and know how to tie them. I know, you don’t see them much anymore, but they are still standard at weddings, funerals, and other important functions. Knowing how to tie a tie is key. I can’t help you here but check You Tube if you are not sure. There plenty of guys online happy to share how the rabbit climbs the tree and jumps through the hole… oh you’ll get it…
You just feel better when you look good!
At the end of the day, how you look and carry yourself as a Gentlemen tells people about you, before they even meet you. You don’t always have to be the best dressed, but I assure you they will remember you if you are well put together. Wearing clean, WRINKLE FREE, matching attire will make you stand out in a crowd, Trust me, I see what some guys show up in nowadays. Don’t be that guy. If you are open to trying some new trends, give Stitch Fix, Stately Men or one of the other online stylists a try. For not a lot of money, you can get access to a personal stylist who will understand you and the environments you are in. They will build an outfit for you for not much more than it would cost to do it yourself. It can’t hurt to jump out of your comfort zone here and there! Now get out there and make an impression!
Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop
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