V-Style For Men

Mr. Wicken's 3rd Law of Fashion - Embrace the Classics

 

There has never been a better time to embrace classic American Sportswear. Classic American designers like Polo, JCrew, Brooks Brothers, and Levis are making high quality, stylish, and affordable basics that add an instant and easily obtainable upgrade to your wardrobe. Try a classic Polo or oxford shirt paired with a trim fitting khaki pant or dark denim jean. Throw in a JCrew cashmere sweater and a clean white sneaker or brown loafer and you are off and running. These brands and styles are called “classic” for a reason they will always remain in style.

How To Wear A Shirt With Epaulettes

  

Do you know what an epaulette is? Epaulettes are a type of ornamental shoulder piece used as insignia of rank by armed forces that originated in the French army. Now though, the word is used colloquially, to refer to a type of shoulder strap - Like the little strap with a button on the shoulder littering all sorts of men's stylish shirts from Express to Macy's.

Epaulettes are everywhere right now so I want you to be careful when buying them. First warning, don't go overboard. You only need two, three max, shirts with epaulettes on it. Second warning, careful with the trendy factor. If it seems cheap and overly decorated then skip it. Third warning, this is a military inspired shirt, but you don't want to look like you are actually in the military. Make sure there are no patches on your epauletted shirt and don't get it in khaki or olive green. 

When wearing the epaulette shirt, pair it with straight leg jeans, casual slacks, fine corduroy, chinos or shorts. Do not pair it with cargo pants, military pants or dressy slacks. Lastly, never tuck this shirt in. If you buy an epaulette shirt that hits below halfway down your crotch, get it hemmed. I repeat, never tuck this in and don't run around with it hanging down your ass. 

As for an epaulette shirt I can recommend for you, I adore this Banana Republic Slim fit shirt, pictured above. It may not look like much, but I just put it on a client and it looks fantastic. Quote, "I think this is the best shirt I have ever put on." Another one I am liking is this INC shirt. Notice the clean lines of both shirts. these should be your rule of thumb for epaulette shirts.

 

Justin Bieber's Hair

 

If your hair looks anything like this kid here, reevaluate your life. Then shave your head. 

 

Scott Wicken's 2nd Law of Fashion - Know Thy Tailor

   

Second rule to think about when adjusting your style: Know thy tailor. This is your tailor, go ahead, say hello and give him a firm handshake. Heck, even give him a hug, because he is your new best friend. The importance of finding a good tailor cannot be understated. Since you are now comfortable with the importance of fit, here is the best way to achieve it. Because hey, let’s face it, very few of us can walk into a store and buy a shirt or pair of pants and have it fit perfectly right off the rack. 

Short, ripped and portly fellas in particularly are going to need the tailor help. Example, most short guys will need to have not just their pants hemmed, but their shirt hems and sleeves as well. Men with well defined shoulders and arms and a slim waist will need to buy bigger shirts that will accommodate their arm width, but will then need to have the waist taken in on their shirts to fit their torso properly. Chubby guys of average height will need to buy bigger shirts to accommodate their waist, but will need to hem sleeve lengths and shirt hems.

As you may notice, your tailor is not just for your suits and dress clothes but for everything in your closet; jeans, casual shirts, khakis and shorts. A skilled tailor can work miracles in making everything fit perfectly for your individual body type and style. 

Go ahead, be picky, find the right one who is willing to spend some time with you and you with him and don’t be afraid to date around until you find the right one. If you don't know where to find one, go to a website like Yelp and search for a tailor near your home or office and check out the reviews. Investing in this relationship will reward you with the riches of a lifetime of well fitting clothes.

Written by Scott Wicken

Patent Leather Boat Shoes

 

You know I love boat shoes on a fella. Now I am going to add to that. I love patent leather boat shoes on a fella. This is for a fashionable guy who wants something a little different on his feet. These midnight grey docksides by Sebago is perfect footwear for chic shorts, white jeans, dark jeans, casual slacks and any stylish pant with the exception of khakis (too boaty), corduroy (patent leather and corduroy are not to be mixed) and worn in/tore up anything. Patent leather declares a certain level of dressy. These are sharp shoes that need to be put with a sharp look- even though they are casual.