Personally I’m a fan of the increase in casual clothing. Nowadays it’s much easier to dress smart. A sports jacket and trousers gets noticed as dressed up by most people, when decades prior it would have been seen as casual possibly under dressed. Keep up the great work Ash. Your channel is one of my favorites for men’s fashion.
I have to say I agree with this, I have a reputation for being well dressed even though my go to outfit is chinos, an OCBD, and a sweater. It's incredibly casual but still far more put together then most other people's outfits.
Ash, I couldn’t agree more. I think you’re only as stylish as your least-stylish moment. If you wear a suit to work, and tracksuit pants and t-shirt at home, to the shops, etc., are you really stylish? Anyone can get dressed up for work. I’ve recently stepped up my game in all areas - I wear a three-piece suit out to dinner, taking the family to the cinema, museum, botanic gardens, etc; at home, what I used to call my “good clothes” are now my casual wear - like today watching this video: chinos, button-down shirt and cardigan. Taking my 7yo to school this morning it was cold, so I threw on my pea-coat, scarf and flatcap, surrounded by a sea of trackies, hoodies, sneakers and baseball caps. And I feel great! Those gentlemen from the 1920-1950s (and earlier; not to mention my fellow chaps on this channel) really knew what they were doing. Now I agree - there are degrees of style, and you dress for the occasion, but in general....Never leave the house without a proper hat/flatcap/beret, and the appropriate outfit to match. I have un-subscribed to the other men’s style channels that I used to follow, Ash is our leader!
Two things that stood out to me. # 1, get tailoring done. If you find something you like that is a close fit, have it tailored to suit your body. That is a game changer for pants and jackets. # 2, if you find something you like that fits well at a good price, buy every color. That makes wardrobe assembly so much easier because you already know that item works for you but now you have multiple color options when assembling an outfit.
I have three levels of casualwear. First, a sport coat or blazer with a tie or ascot for bars, game nights, and especially relaxed days. Second, a cardigan and tie (fall/spring), zip-up jacket and tie (winter), or button down collar shirt with an ascot (summer), perfect for things like casual house parties, neighborhood get-togethers, walks, and very relaxed gatherings. Finally, a polo shirt (Brooks Brothers) and slacks or dress shorts (no jeans) for athletic stuff, poolside attire, days at home, and any other extremely casual thing. A few rules of casualwear for me (I wouldn't dare expect these rules of others): - Jeans are for manual labor or getting dirty. The only time to wear them in public is to mow the lawn, or paint the fence. - Shorts are inappropriate for visiting someone's house. Don't put your bare legs on their furniture. The older you get, and the less in-shape you are, the less shorts are acceptable. - Trainers are an athletic shoe, period. Wearable for running, tennis, and other athletic endeavors. - French cuff shirts are acceptable casual shirts. They add some panache to otherwise accessory-less outfits. Ascots are acceptable with any collared shirt outfit below the formality of a suit, including polos (see Edward VIII). - Fedoras are best avoided for casual hat-wearing. Instead, opt for flat caps, Panamas, pork pies, or maybe even a beret (men did it in the '30s!).
@@owenlloyd4382 Honestly, I think a crisp, white, French cuff (or especially single cuff) shirt with a pair of more colorful cufflinks without any sort of jacket or tie looks fantastic. Pair it with navy slacks and a pair of loafers or informal dress shoes, and you have an excellent more casual outfit. Maybe that's just my tastes, though. I'm sure some traditionalists wouldn't like it.
Buy cheap, pay twice, or maybe thrice - it’s a false economy. I own maybe 10 different styles of Barbour jacket, they can suit all occasions. Loake brogue boots and shoes are my go to every time - resole every couple of years and they will last a lifetime. M&S for jeans, shirts and pullovers - are casual to smart. Great content Ash 👌
I have a Michael Kors off white linen sport jacket and a Holland & Holland Black linen sport jacket. I too wear a lot of Barbour. Have waxed and quilted jacket plus a few waist coats flat caps and Oxford shirts. Cheers Ron
Just to state - there is a huge difference between classic sportswear or 'casual classics' and sportswear in general. There's nothing wrong with a pair of adidas superstars coupled with some Lois cords and a dark, fred perry polo shirt. This can be nicely coupled with a Harrington or even a sports jacket. So, I think it's important to be able to distinguish between these very different 'sports' wear.
For me, casual means a colourful tie and some sort of knitwear. At home, though, I rarely wear pants. People find it really funny when they learn about my home attire if they had only known my "outdoors" getup.
Another class video Ash. My go to for casual is definitely functional. I am frequently found in cargo shorts and a field jacket as I'm often tinkering. If out with family, a pair of jeans sweatshirt and a waxed cotton jacket. To mix it up, sand jeans/ chinos and a Polo shirt, desert/ leather boots. When off duty on "Green time" there is a required standard Chino, collared shirt and shoes. I am surrounded by "the youth" in Athleisure wear at work every day. Dear gods it's awful.
Recently I've had a conversation with a colleague of mine who was arguing that he started wearing track suits to go to the after his kid was born. 'I have never wore anything like that outside of the house', he said, 'but I was once in a hurry and got out like that and, you know what? Nobody cares, and it's very comfortable!' That is true, nobody cares about what you have on. It's your choice. But that doesn't mean that you won't be judged. Not in a critical way, or by your fashion sense. But the image that you project is still going to tell people that you, basically, don't give a c**p about anything but your comfort. And maybe that's it. Comfort has become more important than respect.
”comfort has become more important than respect”. That really caught my attention, and I believe this to be true on several levels in todays society. Great comment.
I would say things are more stratified. Well-dressed sitting next to dirty grey sweats and flipflops on the plane. But it goes to more than just clothing. It extends to general appearance and comportment.
Shirts that have a straight hem are meant to stay untucked. Shirts that have a curved hem should be tucked. Some curved hem shirts are too short to be tucked however, so those stay untucked.
Great video! I’ve been investing in a lot of Cotten and linen Henley shirts, great for here in Florida, plus chinos and chukkas and I feel very nicely put together but not overdone. Always like to add a brown or grey fedora just make it a little more Heritage Menswear in style.
In California, casual has taken an entirely different meaning. It's hard to avoid athleisure, as I exercise 6 times a week but I've made a conscious effort to scale it back. I have had people here think I'm dressed up or well-dressed when I'm wearing a T-shirt and a nice pair of jeans/chinos, some some white sneakers or boots. This is the state of things; however, I've been shocked at how much people can pick up on quality. I've had people comment on my shirts and pants and ask where they are from or assume they must be great quality/expensive. I don't wear branded fashion brands and at most there will be a little mark indicating the make. Fit is the most important. A well-fitted garment will look better than an infinitely superior quality garment that doesn't fit well. I advocate for both quality and fit however. My go to look is a Henley, chinos, and a nice pair of boots. This is what I'm most comfortable in. When it gets colder, I'll throw on a nice jacket (leather or Harrington) or even a Cardigan. I have a few sweaters as well and will pull out a turtleneck in the once in a blue moon where it gets cold enough to wear one. I am now building up some nice sports jackets to go up a level. I think you really nailed the idea that it is much easier to dress well in formal wear. In some ways, that is a matter of wealth. There are horridly dressed wealthy people, don't get me wrong but if someone can afford to pay for a high-end fashion suit such as a Brioni, Tom Ford, Armani (the high-end ones), etc.. the store can dress them and have it tailored but then when they have to really dress themselves it all falls apart. Most importantly, ease your way in and get comfortable with dressing better. If someone is reading this, you will get both positive and negative feedback when you start to dress better. Over time though, your style will be defined by you. There is an expectation now that I will be "well-dressed."
I see these movie stars in magazine pics caught going to the local market in anything, torn clothes, that I wouldn't dream of being seen out in public in and yet, like yourself, I'm on a considerably tighter budget!
Some great observations about the state of modern 'style' and the trend towards 'athleisure'. I would certainly echo your thoughts on starting off small and moving up in the style world. Begin with nice footwear and let your look grow from the ground up.
Good video. It’s getting harder to be stylish. Example, trying to get some linen trousers for forthcoming trip. M&S choice was either super tight (styled that way) or had a drawstring waist - which only belongs on pyjamas I’m afraid. I am forced to look online!
Starting from the bottom: tan brogues, long, red woolen socks, fawn Calvary twill trousers, cashmere roll neck jumper, gun check patterned jacket, wayfarer sunglasses all topped off with a 14 inch black basque beret.
@@TheChapsGuide I say, here’s an idea. How about a rouges gallery of your subscriber chaps? We send a photograph ourselves in formal, casual and sports attire, and you, being a fair and considered gentleman pass jjudgement?
@@b-dogswings8019 I love the idea and I'm going to do it. I've just posted a request for images via my community pages. Thanks for the capital idea. Ash
1. Adopt chinos in place of jeans. 2. Wear shirts with collars and not t-shirts. 3). Invest in quality leather shoes/boots instead of outlandishly prices sneakers. 4). Own at least one jacket and make that a blazer if you can!
Bottom of todays casualwear seen in town (in town!) are torn jeans, leggings, flip flops, tank tops. Sad to say nowadays if you wear gentleman's casualwear you are already in businesswear. In two weeks the tweeds and jumpers are going for their summer sleep to be replaced with airy bright colorful items. Time to be dandy again.
Hi. You mention that your eyes are the first place that a person looks at when you meet. I was taught that your shoes are the second place a person glances at, and that you can tell a lot about a man by the shoes he wears.
All sound advice, Ash. What type of casual jacket would you recommend for spring / autumn wear for a 60 year old? It doesn't need to be waterproof and it would be worn with a polo shirt and chinos. Do you think Harrington jackets are a good choice and what alternatives are there? Thank You
Buy quality Buy made in UK, even its a little more £ and avoid fashion brands Jeans buy selvedge, with a little work, they will fit better and last longer
Your intro…. I think that you’d should change out the tie color on the intro scene. The blue seems a little dull to me. Change this colour out frequently. The tie is not the hero here. But it could become more memorable.
Bob, I liked your idea and have taken it onboard. I have created 7 new intro cards with differing tie colours which will run at the beginning and end of each video. This will not come into effect for a few weeks, as I usually run a few weeks ahead on the videos - but this subtle little change will be a secret between you and me. Thanks for your contribution. Watch out for a fuschia tie in a few weeks - it's for you sir!
Personally I’m a fan of the increase in casual clothing. Nowadays it’s much easier to dress smart. A sports jacket and trousers gets noticed as dressed up by most people, when decades prior it would have been seen as casual possibly under dressed. Keep up the great work Ash. Your channel is one of my favorites for men’s fashion.
I have to say I agree with this, I have a reputation for being well dressed even though my go to outfit is chinos, an OCBD, and a sweater. It's incredibly casual but still far more put together then most other people's outfits.
"Excuse my horse" - -middle-class saying of the day 😂
More like English chap saying of the year
I don't think he's English or middle class. He's just a Welsh bloke who's carved a good path in life.
Ash, I couldn’t agree more. I think you’re only as stylish as your least-stylish moment. If you wear a suit to work, and tracksuit pants and t-shirt at home, to the shops, etc., are you really stylish? Anyone can get dressed up for work. I’ve recently stepped up my game in all areas - I wear a three-piece suit out to dinner, taking the family to the cinema, museum, botanic gardens, etc; at home, what I used to call my “good clothes” are now my casual wear - like today watching this video: chinos, button-down shirt and cardigan. Taking my 7yo to school this morning it was cold, so I threw on my pea-coat, scarf and flatcap, surrounded by a sea of trackies, hoodies, sneakers and baseball caps. And I feel great! Those gentlemen from the 1920-1950s (and earlier; not to mention my fellow chaps on this channel) really knew what they were doing. Now I agree - there are degrees of style, and you dress for the occasion, but in general....Never leave the house without a proper hat/flatcap/beret, and the appropriate outfit to match.
I have un-subscribed to the other men’s style channels that I used to follow, Ash is our leader!
Two things that stood out to me. # 1, get tailoring done. If you find something you like that is a close fit, have it tailored to suit your body. That is a game changer for pants and jackets. # 2, if you find something you like that fits well at a good price, buy every color. That makes wardrobe assembly so much easier because you already know that item works for you but now you have multiple color options when assembling an outfit.
4:26 "excuse my horse" slight flex 😂
The last time I was in M&S all I could see in menswear was racks of sweatshirts and joggers. Thought I had walked into Mothercare. Bought socks.
Loved your co-host Ash 👍
Her name is Cloudy.
I have three levels of casualwear. First, a sport coat or blazer with a tie or ascot for bars, game nights, and especially relaxed days. Second, a cardigan and tie (fall/spring), zip-up jacket and tie (winter), or button down collar shirt with an ascot (summer), perfect for things like casual house parties, neighborhood get-togethers, walks, and very relaxed gatherings. Finally, a polo shirt (Brooks Brothers) and slacks or dress shorts (no jeans) for athletic stuff, poolside attire, days at home, and any other extremely casual thing.
A few rules of casualwear for me (I wouldn't dare expect these rules of others):
- Jeans are for manual labor or getting dirty. The only time to wear them in public is to mow the lawn, or paint the fence.
- Shorts are inappropriate for visiting someone's house. Don't put your bare legs on their furniture. The older you get, and the less in-shape you are, the less shorts are acceptable.
- Trainers are an athletic shoe, period. Wearable for running, tennis, and other athletic endeavors.
- French cuff shirts are acceptable casual shirts. They add some panache to otherwise accessory-less outfits. Ascots are acceptable with any collared shirt outfit below the formality of a suit, including polos (see Edward VIII).
- Fedoras are best avoided for casual hat-wearing. Instead, opt for flat caps, Panamas, pork pies, or maybe even a beret (men did it in the '30s!).
Don't forget the wonderful straw boater.
Some very sound advice there sir. Tip top!
@@owenlloyd4382 Honestly, I think a crisp, white, French cuff (or especially single cuff) shirt with a pair of more colorful cufflinks without any sort of jacket or tie looks fantastic. Pair it with navy slacks and a pair of loafers or informal dress shoes, and you have an excellent more casual outfit. Maybe that's just my tastes, though. I'm sure some traditionalists wouldn't like it.
What's an Ascot?
Buy cheap, pay twice, or maybe thrice - it’s a false economy.
I own maybe 10 different styles of Barbour jacket, they can suit all occasions.
Loake brogue boots and shoes are my go to every time - resole every couple of years and they will last a lifetime.
M&S for jeans, shirts and pullovers - are casual to smart.
Great content Ash 👌
Andrew, the vast majority of people either cannot afford those items, Shall we euthanise them for you?
Brogue dress boots and suede chukkas for the casual win. Thanks Ash!
thats how ive done it for years
Excellent!!
Great video! Since I am retired, I am casual most of the time, but I always try to look put together.
Thank you.
Excellent advice!
I have a Michael Kors off white linen sport jacket and a Holland & Holland Black linen sport jacket. I too wear a lot of Barbour. Have waxed and quilted jacket plus a few waist coats flat caps and Oxford shirts. Cheers Ron
I've got a fila shell suit from 1995...................
Good one dude! Love your videos.
Thanks for the great video, sir.
Just to state - there is a huge difference between classic sportswear or 'casual classics' and sportswear in general. There's nothing wrong with a pair of adidas superstars coupled with some Lois cords and a dark, fred perry polo shirt. This can be nicely coupled with a Harrington or even a sports jacket. So, I think it's important to be able to distinguish between these very different 'sports' wear.
For me, casual means a colourful tie and some sort of knitwear. At home, though, I rarely wear pants. People find it really funny when they learn about my home attire if they had only known my "outdoors" getup.
Another class video Ash.
My go to for casual is definitely functional.
I am frequently found in cargo shorts and a field jacket as I'm often tinkering.
If out with family, a pair of jeans sweatshirt and a waxed cotton jacket.
To mix it up, sand jeans/ chinos and a Polo shirt, desert/ leather boots.
When off duty on "Green time" there is a required standard Chino, collared shirt and shoes.
I am surrounded by "the youth" in Athleisure wear at work every day. Dear gods it's awful.
Keep the faith!! Hold the line!!
@@TheChapsGuide having a Chaps Guide watch-a-thon over a lazy breakfast, after a spot of exercise.
Recently I've had a conversation with a colleague of mine who was arguing that he started wearing track suits to go to the after his kid was born.
'I have never wore anything like that outside of the house', he said, 'but I was once in a hurry and got out like that and, you know what? Nobody cares, and it's very comfortable!'
That is true, nobody cares about what you have on. It's your choice. But that doesn't mean that you won't be judged. Not in a critical way, or by your fashion sense. But the image that you project is still going to tell people that you, basically, don't give a c**p about anything but your comfort.
And maybe that's it. Comfort has become more important than respect.
Its a slippery slope. One day you are wearing a suit and looking sharp, a few months of lockdown later and you find yourself wearing pajamas all day.
”comfort has become more important than respect”. That really caught my attention, and I believe this to be true on several levels in todays society. Great comment.
I would say things are more stratified. Well-dressed sitting next to dirty grey sweats and flipflops on the plane. But it goes to more than just clothing. It extends to general appearance and comportment.
I look for high end Italian garments on sale. I've been lucky. Great video!
Good speech Sir!
Good video. How about some tips on when to tuck your shirt and when not to and what types of shirts should be tucked or not.
Shirts that have a straight hem are meant to stay untucked. Shirts that have a curved hem should be tucked. Some curved hem shirts are too short to be tucked however, so those stay untucked.
Great video! I’ve been investing in a lot of Cotten and linen Henley shirts, great for here in Florida, plus chinos and chukkas and I feel very nicely put together but not overdone. Always like to add a brown or grey fedora just make it a little more Heritage Menswear in style.
In California, casual has taken an entirely different meaning. It's hard to avoid athleisure, as I exercise 6 times a week but I've made a conscious effort to scale it back. I have had people here think I'm dressed up or well-dressed when I'm wearing a T-shirt and a nice pair of jeans/chinos, some some white sneakers or boots. This is the state of things; however, I've been shocked at how much people can pick up on quality. I've had people comment on my shirts and pants and ask where they are from or assume they must be great quality/expensive. I don't wear branded fashion brands and at most there will be a little mark indicating the make. Fit is the most important. A well-fitted garment will look better than an infinitely superior quality garment that doesn't fit well. I advocate for both quality and fit however.
My go to look is a Henley, chinos, and a nice pair of boots. This is what I'm most comfortable in. When it gets colder, I'll throw on a nice jacket (leather or Harrington) or even a Cardigan. I have a few sweaters as well and will pull out a turtleneck in the once in a blue moon where it gets cold enough to wear one. I am now building up some nice sports jackets to go up a level.
I think you really nailed the idea that it is much easier to dress well in formal wear. In some ways, that is a matter of wealth. There are horridly dressed wealthy people, don't get me wrong but if someone can afford to pay for a high-end fashion suit such as a Brioni, Tom Ford, Armani (the high-end ones), etc.. the store can dress them and have it tailored but then when they have to really dress themselves it all falls apart.
Most importantly, ease your way in and get comfortable with dressing better. If someone is reading this, you will get both positive and negative feedback when you start to dress better. Over time though, your style will be defined by you. There is an expectation now that I will be "well-dressed."
I see these movie stars in magazine pics caught going to the local market in anything, torn clothes, that I wouldn't dream of being seen out in public in and yet, like yourself, I'm on a considerably tighter budget!
Some great observations about the state of modern 'style' and the trend towards 'athleisure'. I would certainly echo your thoughts on starting off small and moving up in the style world. Begin with nice footwear and let your look grow from the ground up.
Great video as always. I have 3 navy blazers now but don’t wear them casually so maybe time to experiment with them
Good video. It’s getting harder to be stylish. Example, trying to get some linen trousers for forthcoming trip. M&S choice was either super tight (styled that way) or had a drawstring waist - which only belongs on pyjamas I’m afraid. I am forced to look online!
M & S are becoming less relevant for the intentionally well dressed chap.
I wear suit every day or sport coat
Things are so casual now I get asked what event slash where am I going if I wear a button down.
i get the same question from people who don't know me very well, and when I tell them everything in my closet looks like this i get some strange looks
great advice
I love how casually say "Excuse my horse" as if it was just a pet cat.
Starting from the bottom: tan brogues, long, red woolen socks, fawn Calvary twill trousers, cashmere roll neck jumper, gun check patterned jacket, wayfarer sunglasses all topped off with a 14 inch black basque beret.
Superb selection sir.
@@TheChapsGuide
I say, here’s an idea. How about a rouges gallery of your subscriber chaps? We send a photograph ourselves in formal, casual and sports attire, and you, being a fair and considered gentleman pass jjudgement?
@@b-dogswings8019 I love the idea and I'm going to do it. I've just posted a request for images via my community pages. Thanks for the capital idea. Ash
Love the channel. If someone was starting from nothing, and was trying to move away from the average American wardrobe, where would you begin?
1. Adopt chinos in place of jeans. 2. Wear shirts with collars and not t-shirts. 3). Invest in quality leather shoes/boots instead of outlandishly prices sneakers. 4). Own at least one jacket and make that a blazer if you can!
Exactly👌🏼
Hi Ash, another entertaining show. Where did you get the smart sunglasses ?
Entourage of 7, Beacon model
Bottom of todays casualwear seen in town (in town!) are torn jeans, leggings, flip flops, tank tops. Sad to say nowadays if you wear gentleman's casualwear you are already in businesswear. In two weeks the tweeds and jumpers are going for their summer sleep to be replaced with airy bright colorful items. Time to be dandy again.
Here’s to the spring season.
Hi. You mention that your eyes are the first place that a person looks at when you meet. I was taught that your shoes are the second place a person glances at, and that you can tell a lot about a man by the shoes he wears.
The horse 🤣
All sound advice, Ash. What type of casual jacket would you recommend for spring / autumn wear for a 60 year old? It doesn't need to be waterproof and it would be worn with a polo shirt and chinos. Do you think Harrington jackets are a good choice and what alternatives are there?
Thank You
I am a big fan of the classic Harrington jacket and have a few in different colours, although a khaki or a navy is the best, versatile colour.
Belts ..?
Buy quality Buy made in UK, even its a little more £ and avoid fashion brands Jeans buy selvedge, with a little work, they will fit better and last longer
Your intro…. I think that you’d should change out the tie color on the intro scene. The blue seems a little dull to me. Change this colour out frequently. The tie is not the hero here. But it could become more memorable.
Bob, I liked your idea and have taken it onboard. I have created 7 new intro cards with differing tie colours which will run at the beginning and end of each video. This will not come into effect for a few weeks, as I usually run a few weeks ahead on the videos - but this subtle little change will be a secret between you and me. Thanks for your contribution. Watch out for a fuschia tie in a few weeks - it's for you sir!
Well I don’t know how you knew. Fuchsia is one of my favorite house plants.
Always take your sunglasses off when looking someone in the eye ... to do otherwise is intentionally disrespectful ... or very bad form !
first!