The Gentleman's Guide to Dressing -- Because you obviously need help : RSS 0.91

tomphoolry @ 8/29/2008 1:50:17 PM

So white socks with the really sharp pointy-toe black shoes where the laces are off-set to the side are out?

ReBoot @ 8/29/2008 10:38:09 AM

« Jerry520 : How to tie a simple tie knot:

[video]

Which brings up another point of useful information:

A good knot should always have a dimple. The "dimple" is that little indentation right below the knot of your tie. A good dimple is made before you tighten the knot. You start by putting your index finger in the fabric directly under the knot while lightly squeezing the sides of the fabric as you tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end of the tie. The dimple should be centered in the middle of your knot.

Thusly:

http://www.bestlifeonline.com/cms/uploads/1/dimple_tie_preview_4.jpg

icepigs @ 8/29/2008 10:37:26 AM

Tell me....what's so wrong with wearing Jorts?

They're sooooo comfortable....and they have pockets!!

http://www.baggystyleus.com/store/images/baggy_shorts/P8310017.jpg

Wingnut @ 8/29/2008 10:36:03 AM

What do you mean, "no cowboy hats"?

I've been told on more than one occasion that mine makes me look rather sexxxay.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b95/wingnutzero/Andy.jpg

Jerry520 @ 8/29/2008 10:30:12 AM

How to tie a simple tie knot:

Jerry520 @ 8/29/2008 10:29:17 AM

How to tie the "Windsor Knot"

ReBoot @ 8/29/2008 10:25:30 AM

« pocksucket : Whatever else you'd need to have fairly dark colouration to think about putting a strong red on.

I completely agree. Not having seen her coworker and his complexion, though, the only thing I can really comment on is his inappropriate use of a black tie.

pocksucket @ 8/29/2008 9:43:41 AM

« lynxears : Anyone else find it amusing that our boys are taking dressing advice from a man in a bloody bunnysuit?

Simple, elegant, classic - the bloody bunny suit will never go out of style.

It's the male equivalent of that little black number.

lynxears @ 8/29/2008 9:37:20 AM

Anyone else find it amusing that our boys are taking dressing advice from a man in a bloody bunnysuit?

pocksucket @ 8/29/2008 9:33:45 AM

« ReBoot : Of course you're right, Pock. Skin coloration is a factor when choosing the colors and fabrics that look best on you.

I've really only addressed very general rules of men's fashion here. I've avoided saying much about coloration, because that's really about personal taste. As long as you don't clash, I'm open to anything. But the same basic rules do still apply, no matter what colors you choose.

It was really MissWinkle's red shirt wearing friend that tipped it over into needing comment, I think.

Whatever else you'd need to have fairly dark colouration to think about putting a strong red on.

I used to work with a guy who had bright red hair and the number of freckles you'd expect to go along with that. At an early age his dad had warned him that he had to be very careful when choosing sporting teams to support.

Chelsea, for example, were right out.

He ended up opting for Newcastle United who play in a safe black & white.

ReBoot @ 8/29/2008 9:26:33 AM

« tomphoolry : That rule made me think of a casual wear question. Back when I was in Junior High, it was an absolute rule that your socks match the color of your shirt. If you wore a yellow shirt, your socks better be yellow, red/red, etc. Now that was Junior High back in the 60's. Has this fashion style ever gone out of fashion (no pun intended)?

Fashion in the UK does differ slightly from American fashion, and I have to say that I've never heard of this rule.

Generally speaking, your socks should compliment your shoes and pants. Put simply, its: brown pants, brown belt, brown socks, brown shoes. Never wear white socks with dress shoes, and don't even think about yellow or red.

ReBoot @ 8/29/2008 9:19:43 AM

« pocksucket : Reboot, you've overlooked something pretty major here.

Of course you're right, Pock. Skin coloration is a factor when choosing the colors and fabrics that look best on you.

I've really only addressed very general rules of men's fashion here. I've avoided saying much about coloration, because that's really about personal taste. As long as you don't clash, I'm open to anything. But the same basic rules do still apply, no matter what colors you choose.

pocksucket @ 8/28/2008 5:55:09 PM

Reboot, you've overlooked something pretty major here.

People, before you follow any of the otherwise excellent advice given here work out what your skin tone and general colouring is.

This is your starting point and you should understand this before you even begin to thing about style or form.

If you've not got this pegged then you're wasting your time even looking at page one of this thread.

tomphoolry @ 8/28/2008 5:34:12 PM

« ReBoot : In the name of all things good and holy, No. Wear a black belt with your black shoes. Brown with brown. Periwinkle with... you get the picture.

That rule made me think of a casual wear question. Back when I was in Junior High, it was an absolute rule that your socks match the color of your shirt. If you wore a yellow shirt, your socks better be yellow, red/red, etc. Now that was Junior High back in the 60's. Has this fashion style ever gone out of fashion (no pun intended)?

ReBoot @ 8/28/2008 4:43:28 PM

« SkandarGraun : So what about brown belt with black shoes? Can I wear them?

In the name of all things good and holy, No. Wear a black belt with your black shoes. Brown with brown. Periwinkle with... you get the picture.

SkandarGraun @ 8/28/2008 3:16:10 PM

So what about brown belt with black shoes? Can I wear them?

blurmore @ 8/28/2008 1:24:09 PM

« misswinkle : Ok, I have another one, Reboot.

I read your somment about black suits and I have to fully agree with you. The look is way too harsh and I always think funeral director.

But this kid was the hallway of my job the other day. He is just about to become a full time representative here. I had a slight disagreement with the girl I work with because I commented on the shirt he was wearing.

It was red. Maybe slightly on the darker side-with a black tie. And black slacks.

I think the look is awful. She thought the shirt was nice and the look not that bad.

I have to disagree with her here. She has a rather refined taste and I found myself surprised by her support for this red shirt in question.

Am I wrong here?

Buy stock in Craftsman...because that man is a tool.

ReBoot @ 8/28/2008 1:23:05 PM

« tomphoolry : Where do we stand on the colored shirt with a tweed suit for those non-formal, business casual situations?

Go for it. Tweed is informal. Pick shirt and tie colors that will compliment the tones in the weave.

ReBoot @ 8/28/2008 1:13:06 PM

« misswinkle : Am I wrong here?

Nope. It sounds as if your coworker is getting his fashion sense from a JC Penny's catalog.

I'll be the first to admit that dark crimson and black go great together (just check out my profile). But you should only wear a black tie if you are a) attending a formal-dress event, b) a waiter at said event, or c) part of the mafia. Not for a normal day at the office.

tomphoolry @ 8/28/2008 12:26:08 PM

« doggylives:Something like this?

See above.

Well, that looks kinda dorky with the mustard yellow, but some shade of brown (like heather) that would compliment the tweed. And he's not wearing the jacket.

doggylives @ 8/28/2008 11:42:44 AM

« tomphoolry : Where do we stand on the colored shirt with a tweed suit for those non-formal, business casual situations?

Something like this?

http://www.beaver-uk.co.uk/acatalog/countyfourpocket.jpg

tomphoolry @ 8/28/2008 11:32:41 AM

Where do we stand on the colored shirt with a tweed suit for those non-formal, business casual situations?

misswinkle @ 8/28/2008 11:19:03 AM

Ok, I have another one, Reboot.

I read your somment about black suits and I have to fully agree with you. The look is way too harsh and I always think funeral director.

But this kid was the hallway of my job the other day. He is just about to become a full time representative here. I had a slight disagreement with the girl I work with because I commented on the shirt he was wearing.

It was red. Maybe slightly on the darker side-with a black tie. And black slacks.

I think the look is awful. She thought the shirt was nice and the look not that bad.

I have to disagree with her here. She has a rather refined taste and I found myself surprised by her support for this red shirt in question.

Am I wrong here?

ReBoot @ 8/28/2008 9:20:04 AM

« misswinkle : Socks with shorts?

Good question, Miss Winkle.

Boomer is right. The less the better (although going completely without socks is just icky). Pull your socks up all the way to your knees, and you run the risk of people mistaking you for Little Lord Fauntleroy.

When I wear shorts (which is probably once a year) and shoes, I wear ankle socks.

Boomshank @ 8/27/2008 2:45:18 PM

« misswinkle : Ok, I have a question, Reboot.

How high should a man's socks go up while they are wearing shorts?

I remember years ago when tube socks (ugh) were in and everyone seemed to be pulled up too high.

I tend to like guys in ankle socks where you can barely see much of any sock at all.

What do you think is the correct height? The middle, near the calf,...or halfway between the middle of the calf and the ankle?

I know this sounds confusing but this is very relevant to a conversation I had with another unnamed Plimate.

IMO socks should *never* be worn with shorts UNLESS you're dressed athletic. At which point they should be as low as possible without them looking forced.

I'm shuddering at the thought of the middle aged man in my supermarket who was wearing dress shorts with dress shoes and socks pulled up as high as they could go. It was as if someone had stolen the lower half of his trousers and he'd failed to notice.

misswinkle @ 8/27/2008 2:40:54 PM

Ok, I have a question, Reboot.

How high should a man's socks go up while they are wearing shorts?

I remember years ago when tube socks (ugh) were in and everyone seemed to be pulled up too high.

I tend to like guys in ankle socks where you can barely see much of any sock at all.

What do you think is the correct height? The middle, near the calf,...or halfway between the middle of the calf and the ankle?

I know this sounds confusing but this is very relevant to a conversation I had with another unnamed Plimate.

Smarty1052 @ 8/27/2008 2:39:47 PM

So i can't wear my bling chain wit my cut off pink tshirt and my big green work boots with black jeans and a red tie wit a black dress shirt?? and white socks. and handcuffs hanging off my wrist.. (I actually showed up to a baseball game dressed like this my senior year, changed in the dugout then came out and pitched a no-hitter[cept this one fat kid i beaned] I was bad-ass)

Boomshank @ 8/27/2008 2:31:58 PM

Ok, I'll throw this one out there:

Shirt and trousers.
Of course it's tucked in, but how much? I've been seeing more and more people tucking the shirt in so far that you can clearly see the belt/top-of-the-pants without *any* shirt overhang.

I've always been a slight overhang without sloppy kind of guy but I've seen the smooth look a lot recently.

*edit* this is really starting to sound like a Seinfeld episode

misswinkle @ 8/27/2008 2:17:50 PM

I think someone should add men in black sneakers. I think if you work in Radio Shack it is okay. Otherwise, you really look like a dork, and not the good kind.

Sorry if I offend, it's just a peeve of mine.

Boomshank @ 8/27/2008 2:15:12 PM

« craziesean : Black is a hue not a color my friend, but i heard gray is the new black.

Actually craziesean, black has no hue. Neither does grey or white.

Hue is the colour.
Saturation is how much colour is in there.
Brightness is how close to black/white it is.

And - great list ReBoot!

blurmore @ 8/27/2008 1:18:50 PM

« ReBoot : Here's the problem, Blur -- black suits should really only be worn at weddings and funerals (or anywhere else that you would wear a black tie). In a professional office setting? No. It's too formal for every day wear (which explains why black leisure blazers are an abomination). Incidentally, navy pinstripe is also considered very formal, and should be treated accordingly.

A dark charcoal suit is the closest you should get to black in a professional setting (unless, of course, you like looking like a mortician). Your wardrobe should include a medium to dark charcoal suit, a light charcoal suit, and a navy suit for every day professional wear.

Yeah I was only talking about weddings...you salary people who work 5 days a week...disregard, I have NO clue about how to operate in your environment.

ReBoot @ 8/27/2008 1:15:57 PM

« blurmore : What Blur said.

Here's the problem, Blur -- black suits should really only be worn at weddings and funerals (or anywhere else that you would wear a black tie). In a professional office setting? No. It's too formal for every day wear (which explains why black leisure blazers are an abomination). Incidentally, navy pinstripe is also considered very formal, and should be treated accordingly.

A dark charcoal suit is the closest you should get to black in a professional setting (unless, of course, you like looking like a mortician). Your wardrobe should include a medium to dark charcoal suit, a light charcoal suit, and a navy suit for every day professional wear.

blurmore @ 8/27/2008 12:59:38 PM

Let me first say that Reboot's list of do's and don't are pretty much on, even if they do make him sound snooty and maybe a little fem.

Second...I have a job where I get to see MANY, MANY fashion faux pas. For those who don't know...I'm a wedding photographer. I used to work for a very high end studio in Washington DC. My first job with this company my boss disabused me of my notions of what a professional wore to a wedding. Black tie for them (a vendor, person at work) did NOT mean a tuxedo. A couple of pointers on Tuxedos as a guest or vendor, do NOT expect to wear a tux you own unless it is a very simple style, and impeccably tailored. If you break this rule...you will look like a tool. Whether you are a guest, a DJ, a photographer or a videographer, your K&G Menswear 200 dollar tux is going to stick out like a 4 count shrimp at a kosher luncheon. For "black tie" events as a photographer AND a guest I wear a well tailored BLACK suit, a crisp (french cuff, no butterfly collar) WHITE shirt, cufflinks, and a PLAIN black satin tie, and shoes that I ONLY wear to "Black Tie" weddings (if you think you are fancy enough...you can wear a pocket square but I wouldn't recommend it your first time out). Next time you go to a wedding that has a DJ in a tux, look at him, look at him CLOSELY...he wears it like a uniform, formal wear should NEVER be worn like a uniform...unless you are a waiter. For non "black tie" events with the company in DC I could wear a black or gray suit with whatever color tie I wanted, but ALWAYS a white shirt, and NEVER slacks and a blazer. This is good advice if you are a guest too, blazer...no suit yes...white shirt yes....other shirt...well let me delve into that further. Unless you are wearing a bowtie and cummerbund say NO to the tux shirt with any kind of ruffles. Oxford style button down collar shirts have NO place at a wedding EVER...EVER...EVER... Ralf Lauren should be tortured with a single needle for popularizing this hideous and useless style (which also gave birth to the denim shirt...don't even get me started on denim shirts). Shirts that have no collar are not formal...they are missing a collar, unless you are Jean Claude Van Damme....don't wear them. If your top button requires jewelery to keep it closed, you should send it BACK to Elton John. Color...Don't wear a black suit with ANYTHING but a white or off white shirt. This bears reinforcement....A BLACK SHIRT does NOT...NOT...NEVER...NO...EVER...NOT go with a black or even dark suit....You are NOT in the cast of Guys and Dolls, you are NOT Regis Philbin. Leave the fedora at home...or run it over with your Lincoln, cause unless you have a violin case...again you are NOT in the cast of Guys and Dolls. Shoes....don't wear athletic shoes or even casual shoes to a wedding unless it is outside, and no sandals unless it is on the beach or a luau theme. Oh...and PLEASE remember this...

It is ok to take your jacket off to dance, dancing with it on is ok if you are over 40, but drunkeness does NOT make your shirt come untucked, and it should NOT be untucked unless you are planning of entertaining with a striptease. If your dance moves require your shirt to be untucked or worse unbottoned it is a SURE sign you should NOT be doing these moves at a wedding. If you are NOT in good enough shape to do the worm...untucking your shirt WILL NOT HELP.

Women...wear whatever the hell you want...the skimpier the better. BUT NO PANTS!!! I DON'T CARE HOW OLD YOU ARE, HOW HOT YOUR ASS LOOKS IN THOSE "ALADIN" PANTS, OR IF YOU HAVEN'T SHAVED FOR MONTHS WEAR A SKIRT OR A DRESS FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS NATURAL.

I no longer work for the company in DC, so now I wear (for non black tie weddings) a black shirt (and I get rid of them when they aren't black and wash them in woolite for darks) or sometimes a white shirt with gray or black slacks and dress shoes (with a rubber sole, but don't look like they have a rubber sole, Nun Bush/Deer Stags/Birkenstock Footprints if you work on your feet...seriously try them), no tie.

ReBoot @ 8/27/2008 12:44:43 PM

« RowanGrey : ... a teacher of mine who regularly wore colored dress shirts with a tie, jeans, and sandals with no socks.

Was it a "leisure" tie?

RowanGrey @ 8/27/2008 12:41:10 PM

I just wanted to drop in and lend my support to 95% of what 'Boot listed. However, I will have to admit that I once had a blazing hot crush on a teacher of mine who regularly wore colored dress shirts with a tie, jeans, and sandals with no socks. Maybe he was just so super hot that the could pull it off?
Dunno.
Anyway, well said!

Irishdrunk @ 8/27/2008 12:20:19 PM

« xiatethebish : PFFT!

[image]douche

Ass. I think the scarface poster in the background sums up everything you need to know about that f**k.

xiatethebish @ 8/27/2008 1:44:35 AM

« Irishdrunk :

Ammo for your arsenal.

PFFT!

steelshooter @ 8/26/2008 11:58:11 PM

« T1000 : Hey, I wear cowboy boots all the time.

They look good, are waterproof, warm, and easy to put on.

I haven't had a good pair of boots in a while.

A number of years ago, my wife won a "CMT Awards Package" contest on the radio. Among the prizes in the package was a custom made pair of boots. FINALLY, a pair of boots that fit without having to be stretched out. (I have wide feet. I hang over the sides of EEE and FF width shoes.)

After wearing them practically every day for several years, I took them to a boot repair guy in Carson City to have the heel on one fixed. He offered to resole them (for about 3 times the price of the heel.) I told him they were custom made and molded to my feet. "DO NOT resole them. Just fix the heel." I had him write it on the ticket.

Two weeks went by. Not done. Three weeks. Not done. After a month, he finally finished them.

When I picked them up, THEY HAD NEW SOLES! Not just new, but STANDARD WIDTH (E) soles. Now they are suddenly several sizes too small. When I complained he said he "forgot" I said on fix the heels, and he "lost" the original ticket. (Funny how he still had my phone # to call me to pick them up.)

To add insult to injury, he presented me with a bill that included the full price of resoling that was even higher than what he quoted me when I brought them back in. While he was "sorry", he said since he did the work, I owed him the money.

After I pointed out that it was actually written on the work order (MY COPY) in his own handwriting, we agreed that I would leave with my boots for free, and he would be allowed to continue breathing.

Haven't had a pair of boot that felt right since. (Although I recently bought a pair of hush-puppies that are close on the fit. Too bad they are dress shoes.)

makri @ 8/26/2008 11:56:43 PM

Male Fashion FAQ from SomethingAwful's Watch&Weight.

Echoes thoughts about popped collars and crazy pattern shirts, among others.

Irishdrunk @ 8/26/2008 11:30:10 PM

« ReBoot : In the name of all that is good and holy

DON'T POP YOUR FRIGGIN' COLLAR.

Seriously. You have no idea how stupid and douche-y you look when you do that. Snap out of it.

Thank you, carry on.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f13/heathersmichelle/popped.jpg

Ammo for your arsenal.

xiatethebish @ 8/26/2008 7:25:02 PM

« T1000 :
They look good, are waterproof, warm, and easy to put on.

And look sexy.
;]

T1000 @ 8/26/2008 7:13:56 PM

Hey, I wear cowboy boots all the time.

They look good, are waterproof, warm, and easy to put on.

ReBoot @ 8/26/2008 5:27:51 PM

In the name of all that is good and holy

DON'T POP YOUR FRIGGIN' COLLAR.

Seriously. You have no idea how stupid and douche-y you look when you do that. Snap out of it.

Thank you, carry on.

craziesean @ 5/16/2008 9:25:45 PM

« mutil8or : And what do these tell you ? >:)

motivator8330896gk4.jpg

Mutil-- every pic you've put up I dont know if i wanna drink a beer with you, or hide somewhere so you wont kick my ass just for fun, by the way kilts are always in fashion *flinches
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

« gammerus : Nuthin wrong with this

Lost-sawyer.jpg

Put this on a fat guy or even a average guy and he'll look like a doofus, or a D-bag! Hot guys set unrealistic goals for normal dudes. Not to mention I'd never spend $500 or up on jeans and a button up. I'm not cheap, I'm just a d**kies and bowling shirt kinda badass!

gammerus @ 5/16/2008 9:14:43 PM

« mutil8or : image

Nice

craziesean @ 5/16/2008 9:10:55 PM

« suckersklub : Black is the only color.

Black is a hue not a color my friend, but i heard gray is the new black.

mutil8or @ 5/16/2008 7:33:43 PM

« craziesean :

the only thing I'd add is that its the shoes that make the man. I can look at a guys shoes and tell so much about them. The shoes guys, I've honestly not hired a guy cause of his shoes.

And what do these tell you ? >:)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/6071/motivator8330896gk4.jpg

edit: I sent to to some guy who left some "unwelcome"remarks on my daughters My-Space page, and yes those are my everyday wear all the time foot wear

Moe @ 5/16/2008 7:31:17 PM

« suebe : Pssst. It was Kristin

I remember watching that!

suebe @ 5/16/2008 7:09:35 PM

« coldbladed : I never did find out who the hell shot J.R.!

Pssst. It was Kristin

gammerus @ 5/16/2008 6:58:33 PM

Nuthin wrong with this

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d30/jedikman/Lost-sawyer.jpg

ReBoot @ 5/16/2008 12:15:02 PM

After much observation, it has come to my attention that Average Joe has absolutely no idea how to dress himself. I understand that some aspects of dressing well can be somewhat delicate, but that does not exempt you from at least putting some effort into the way you look. Therefore, for the benefit of the fashion-challenged, I submit the following basic guide.

The Extreme Do Not's:

DO NOT wear anything associated with the "gangsta" or "ghetto" image. This includes flat-billed hats, oversized shirts, "bling", entire outfits in one color, and baggy pants worn at the knees. Unless, of course, your sole aspiration in life is to emulate a talent-less, drug-addicted womanizer. In which case, please dress like this so that your clothing can serve as a blazing signpost and warn the rest of us away from you.
DO NOT wear a cowboy hat or boots, unless you actually live and/or work on a livestock ranch. In any other circumstance, you look horribly tacky. This also includes western-cut shirts. Think of these clothes as work clothes only.
Sweat pants are the least flattering article of clothing you could put on your body. DO NOT wear them outside of the gym. And no, tucking in a nice tee and putting on nice shoes does not make your ratty old sweat pants acceptable. Take them off and burn them.

Don't:
Don't wear wildly colored and patterned shirts and pants, unless you enjoy looking like a clown.
Don't wear a black belt with brown shoes. Contrary to popular belief, a man's belt, shoes, and pants all must be of complementary hue. Black belt, gray to black pants, black socks, black shoes. Brown belt, olive, navy, tan pants, brown socks, brown shoes. I can't stress this enough.
Don't wear a tie with jeans. Denim is appropriate only in a leisure setting. And no, I don't care how much you paid for them. If you think you should wear a tie, you should at minimum be wearing khakis. Dress slacks are even better.
Don't wear sneakers with dress clothing. This also includes crocks and sandals. I don't care what brand they are, they do not qualify as dress shoes. Do not wear them as if they were. Sneakers and the like are only acceptable footwear with jeans.
Please Don't wear socks with sandals. The sandal was meant to cover the sole of your foot only. Wearing socks with them is just ignorant. I was hoping I wouldn't have to touch on this, but of late I've noticed it happening an alarming amount. Shame on society.
Don't wear a cap with a tie. Hats and caps should be worn with jeans only, with few exceptions. Baseball caps do not qualify. Never wear a cap with dress clothing. In fact, it's technically considered impolite to wear a hat indoors or while eating, and you look better without one. So strongly consider ditching it altogether.
Don't wear work boots unless you're working. Same goes for hiking boots.
Don't buy it just because you think it will make you look like a celebrity. Remember, celebrities tend to be people with a lot more money than taste.

Do:
Do size your clothing correctly. You will look and feel your best if your clothes fit properly. If you need help, most clothing stores will take your measurements.
Do put some thought into dressing. Again, you will look and feel your best when you've put some care into your appearance.
Do dress appropriately for the occasion. If you're unsure, overdress. You can always shed the coat and tie.
Do color-coordinate your clothing. It's not that difficult. (Note, this does not include wearing all one color. Please see the first entry in the "Extreme DO NOT" list) Also, I know this may be a shock to some of you, but black isn't the only color. Try a few on, you'll be surprised.
Do iron or have your clothes pressed. You'll be amazed at the difference.
Do take care of your clothes. Hang them up or fold them carefully. Get rid of them as soon as they begin to look warn and frayed.

Bonus tip: Don't always dress for comfort. After all, when was the last time a gorgeous woman (or your boss) walked up to you and said, "My, but you look comfortable today!" Oh, that's right, IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. Dress for success first, comfort second.

*Also*: I like these ties.