Hardline matching across accessories including footwear, belts, suspenders, rings, watches, etc, particularly as it pertains to the intersection between accessorizing gold and silver with brown and black. There is far more interplay and exchange available than is often credited.
Meh…disagree on nos. 1 and 5. To me, wearing a tie without the top button fastened always gives off the vibe of being a lush. Just take the tie off. And sneakers never look good with a suit. On anyone. Agree on the others. Just my opinion, everyone’s mileage varies.
Normally i've seen the tie with the top button unfasten when the shirt collar is too small for the neck of the person, so they can not fasten the button cause the size is not correct. with the pret a porter shirt is very common. Also in the south of europe is common to wear this way because the pressure of the collars maintains the tie at place. Best regards!
I must say that wearing a tie without buttoning the top button nearly always gives the impression of carelessness, rather than sprezzatura. As for no. 5, sneakers should never be worn outside of the gym, most especially not with a suit. Even if it’s a white leather sneaker. However, it was an excellent choice to add background music to your videos!
I would never wear trainers with a suit. As for no brown in town i agree it is outdated. I really like Burgundy oxfords, they will go with anything. Cheers Ron
I have always thought trainers / sneakers were a sad attempt at making running shoes "fancy". 🤷♂️ Myself i prefer boots over shoes. Of course polishable, the appropriate style & soles. More of an environment issue (unpredictable weather / terrain) and i broken my foot enough times that shoes just dont seem to sit right.
@@va6gkthaskey311 I love dress boots. I have a number of them some with brogeing. They polish up nice and look good and are very comfortable. I have Allen Edmonds and Florsheim.
Rule 4: yes, a black suit is not a necessity, but don't confuse that with a black tuxedo. A navy tuxedo breaks the uniformity and formality of a black tie event looking odd among others wearing the traditional black tux. If the event is a bit looser and playful (where velvet jackets are acceptable) then you're safe. But get a black tux before a navy tux.
Matching your complexion with the suit shirt tie, pocket square and socks is an area we can all add value with. Can you look into a video on the colour wheel with matching primary and secondary colours through the outfit. Great work.
Sorry, another intervention as I am moving further into the video. The dark blue tux was pioneered by the Duke of Windsor, if I remember correctly, who noticed that it looks darker than black in the evening, like a crow's feather, and is thus a more elegant choice. It is one which also differentiates one from the serving staff when the occasion is formal enough for the staff to be dressed up. On the sneakers point... I would probably avoid this with a full suit. One really needs to be both young and, particularly so, physically very fit to pull it off. (I am now not in the age category to do so successfully.) A close alternative which is more age-friendly (again, for the warmer, sunnier time of year), would be pairing these same clean, white sneakers with white pants and a blazer (grey, blue, light blue, olive green). This would still achieve a clean, smart-casual look, and is much more accessible to someone who is older and/ or is shaped less fortunately than Michelangelo's David.
I disagree with 4, black suits are great and versitale, not to mention patterned ones, like pinstripe. The only thing I think is wrong is most people wear a shiny (also often polyester), smooth, evening-type suit. Those often look cheap, and even the better ones look distracting in direct sunlight. A matte fabric, like linen, cotton canvas, twill or wool flannel look great and manage to stand out among others while still being elegant and simple.
Wear what you like but no, you are lying to yourself, black is the least versatile suit there is, its very stern, harsh, and unforgiving, thus the most formal of all.
Rather than the undone top button with a tie, I will wear a dress shirt and dark gray wool jacket without a tie, and with the top button undone, if I want a "dress casual" look. In some circumstances, one can even wear jeans with this ensemble. Dress casual shoes are the thing here as well.
With brown shoes I match the darkness of the pants. Light brown shoes is fine with light beige pants but a grey/navy/dark brown pants deserve more of a medium to dark brown.
I’ve noticed you don the classic button-down oxford (often this light blue) in many of your videos. This is by far my favorite fabric and style of shirt for informal but elegant menswear due to its versatility, comfort and durability. You wear them well, giving me ideas and new inspiration on how to make this solid standard look fantastic!
The best advice I ever received from my tailor was never get a black suit, but rather a dark charcoal one. A black suit is only for wait-staff or funerals. My charcoal suit has served me very well.
Absolutely. Gray and navy shades / patterns are the only suits a well-dressed man wears. Black suits are for Lloyd Christmas and general managers at your local new car dealership.
Sorry, but the comment that a black suit is only for wait staff is stupid. Just as stupid as those people who say I do not want to wear a suit, it is for "greedy bankers". If you do not want to wear a black suit it should be for other reasons, not this snobbish one.
I'm reminded of the scene in which the Dowager Duchess Violet mistakes Lord Grantham for a waiter when he wears a a mismatched black ensemble for dinner.
Personally I always wear brown in town. I have 1 pair of black Oxford dress shoes and 1 pair of black wingtip boots that I rarely wear. The rest of my shoes/boots are brown/oxblood. In my opinion, oxblood dress shoes just look elegant with a nice charcoal or navy suit.
Sneakers with a suit is a delicate form of art. Much can and will go wrong. In my opinion it works best with a cotton suit. And then there's the question of the right length and width of the trouser leg. Good luck!
New subscriber. Great video and information. I'm glad to have learned that you don't necessarily have to wear a black suit to a funeral that a dark navy blue or charcoal will work just fine.
An exception to Rule 4: I work for a government regulatory agency and routinely meet members of the public, so a closet full of identical black suits is pretty much a job requirement. On the whole, though, these guidelines are pretty solid. I don't think I could personally bring off the sneakers-and-suit combo, as it seems too hipsterish for me, but that doesn't mean someone who _can_ make it look good shouldn't do it.
@@danelisslow3269 No one's complained about us doing so... Jokes aside, while it would be really, really cool to have department-issue neuralizers, that would probably be a little counterproductive for our outfit. My group's mandate is consumer protection - specifically, we regulate state-registered investment advisors, financial planners, hedge fund managers, and so on - but one of our big challenges is to let the public know that we exist in the first place, and that help is available if they think their finance guy is pulling a fast one on them.
I’m going to disagree with you by agreeing with you. Where you said if anyone can make suits and sneakers look good they should do it. In my opinion, no one can make it look good. So no one should. It’s less hideous on the young, but that’s not an excuse! Ah, well. I’m old and grumpy. Not THAT old. But I make up for it by being extra grumpy… [shuffles off stage left, muttering about “kids these days….”]
Good video for sure! I totally agree with Number 1 and 3. #2 „No brown in town“ is certainly outdated and should not be applied to shoes but to suits. In most cases, a brown suit simply looks boring. But brown shoes with blue suits can be very elegant. I kindly disagree with #4, but maybe that's because I like the Film noir genre. There is no man on Earth that wouldn't look better wearing a black suit. It helps to not fully dress up with a black tie. A clean white shirt with the upper button undone does the job. Not too formal, but still a statement. You probably need only one of black suit in your closet, but one for sure. As much as I like some stylish blue suits, black can hardly be beaten after 6 pm. Your thoughts on #5 are interesting, because I despise any combination of suits and sneakers. But I get your point on wearing perfectly white sneakers to a casual suit on a casual occasion. Good one!
I just found your channel and I love it! It's so interesting, and you present it brilliantly! I'm by no means a stylish sort. But as I grow older, I find that I have a passion for the highest quality items I can afford. I want to invest in items that will last and will provide me with the most satisfaction and enjoyment as possible. From heritage boots and the best quality merino wool socks, to great looking, high quality flat caps, to very high quality, but reasonable EDC type items (I qualify this category with 'reasonable', because there really is no ceiling for these items). Thank you for your content I'm really enjoying you insights.
Shoe colour may also depend on geography. In very warm countries, where light-coloured suits would be more frequently seen, black shoes can be a mistake, unless the occasion is particularly formal and, usually, an evening affair. (Having said that, never go for light brown either, nor for odd colours). Light-coloured suits which should be preferable in the summer (light to medium grey, moderate beige, olive, if you can pull it off, and medium-blues) fit exceptionally well with dark brown or even wine brown shoes. On a summer day in a southern country I would generally only pair black shoes with a light grey suit, and usually for a more than casual occasion, like a business meeting; I would also wear a three-piece suit on this occasion. A particularly good point, and rare for people of your generation, is the tie-pocket handkerchief rule. The latter is one of the few occasions where a man can show a playful side to his attire, and is one of the very few ways for a man to make a statement of character and mood. (The other ones are socks, watch, and jewellery.) The two items should not match, ever. They can be relevant to each other, but could also be only remotely linked. The pocket handkerchief is probably the only item in a man's wardrobe, which can (and should) be liberated from most conventions.
How do you feel about dress shorts and a sports coat? I wear that kind of outfit two to three times a week in social and even business settings. (I do have the freedom to be bolder than most) I love finding a great combo of the two but do admit to a weakness for wearing loud shirts with it rather than a solid colour. However, I love the challenge and the look.
I agree with points 2, 3 and 4 but not 1 or 5. An unbuttoned collar just can't look elegant or classy, imo, and sneakers never look ok with a suit. Each to their own, of course!
I've noticed a lot of stylish men mixing patterned fabrics. A checked shirt or jacket with a graphical tie and another pattern on the pocket square. That used to be taboo. How would you approach this trend?
My son, broke ALOT of rules in school ...he REFUSED to have a 'backpack'.....he REFUSED to wear school clothes....he dressed in A SUIT, took a BRIEFCASE.. along with his book about Einstein..."mom, if I'm going to be a business man, I'm going to dress like one....he was in FOURTH GRADE!💙
I totally agree that tie,pocket squares and waistcoats should never match perfectly, that shows you went to Walmart and purchased the first thing you saw instead of using fore thought, similar colors can work but only with different patterns or no patterns
Safari jacket, I believe he mentioned in another video, that it is available at Hockerty's online store. But you may probably find similar on Amazon or ebay... Or Poshmark.
When there are epaulets or straps on the shoulder, this is a mark of military (or by extension safari) heritage. While field jackets are hunting apparel, and they have plain shoulders.
I would not risk undoing the top button when wearing a necktie. The way to go is make sure it is not too tight restricting blood flow to the brain. I used take off the button a resew it so the collar is not too tight at all. Just move the button over. a bit.
Hmmm…top button undone, I’m inclined to say “lose the tie.” But, st the end of the day, or after hours impromptu gatherings, I think the loosened tie and top button undone looks fine. A scheduled meeting…suggest against unless all parties are already familiar and of a similar mind. Brown shoes: they are my favorite. But, I only wear very dark brown leather shoes (not light brown or tan). Any denim or tan, green or brown trousers…brown footwear. Charcoal or blue trousers…black shoes. Which leads me to black suit. I’ve not owned one as an adult, except for my tuxedo. Dark green (and I mean very dark) is my best color. Charcoal gray is my second choice. I once had a brown suit that may have been the only acceptable shade of brown for a suit. I had bright red hair as a young man. It’s thinned to nothing on top and dark on the fringe. Influences my color selection a bit. Anyway, I don’t wear black, except for my tux. And for the pocket square matching the tie, I’ve seen some attractive matching sets. The blue and white polka dots in the video was not a pairing I’d suggest. I think solids match better. But better still is a lively pocket square picking up colors from the tie. I like paisley patterns. Not bold but subtle low contrast patterns. And for the low key look, a white or pale pastel is a good choice. Runners with a suit? I’d say never. Anyone who wears sneakers with a suit may as well wear a track suit instead. Does it look youthful? Yes. But 12 year olds shouldn’t be setting fashion trends. I’ll leave it that lest I sound more like a grumpy old man than normal. Good list. Thank you for the effort you put into bringing classical style to a younger generation.
Could u give some tips on how to wear classic in a really, really, really hot weather on a daily case? (I'm from Brazil and there are days that a simple shirt or pants at all seem impossible to use from how hot it is)
Rule #5: some 15 years ago, one of my best friends daughter was getting married in an outdoor evening setting. The groom and groomsmen wore formal black tuxedo type suits but. . . with black Converse canvas sneakers. I guess that the sneakers were mementos that had practicality beyond the wedding itself.
Whatever is best for Love Almighty is always the best thing to wear. We want to prudently provoke others to their best love and good works in all things. We like to give proper Honors and Respects to everyone and everything !!
I do not wear brown formal shoes.... I also sometimes wear my black Reebok with a casual dress suit... of course I own my business and we have casual dress rule except if we have business guests in the building then I and top executives are asked to dress formally. ps I am a very muscular person and all my formal suits are custom and I do not like very tight clothes. thanks for your thoughts on dress and etiquette I went to graduate school in England so I forget sometimes about rules in the "old country"...
Day to day at work. Tie, top button undone and a waistcoat. Nothing but compliments. I’m 55 and old enough to know what suits me. For more high end social engagements, top button done up. Same result.
In the TV show Arrow Oliver Queen never buttoned the top button when wearing a tie and I always thought it was a cool "signature move" for a character with an otherwise basic style (and appropriate that a guy who's constantly fighting and doing parkour would want a little extra breathing room).
When you go to a black tie affaire you should wear a black tuxedo. When I attend a black tie affaire I untie my tie late in the evening and leave hanging around my neck. It gives the 50s Rat Pack look. This only works if you a real tie. NO SNEAKERS WITH SUITS.
Here is a rule to NEVER break - don't wear a leisure suit or safari jacket with epaulettes! As for undoing the top button, I think that is okay if you are working late, or have taken off your jacket and rolled up your sleeves, or it is just damn hot.
@@Fab3rg3 Some people like to dress smart. That's the style i personally like. everyone has different tastes. i like to be slightly overdressed. becuase its inpoartnt to look presentebel, in a world most pepole wear sweatpants and hoodies 24/7
What about when to wear a shirt with a spread collar vrs a button down collar. I never wear a suit with the more sporty button down shirt and tie. A button down should be worn with a sweater or a sports jacket, not with a suit.
Wearing a tie with the top button undone always gives the impression that the shirt is too tight and you have gained weight. And secondly, it evokes the impression, that you're not used to wearing a tie at all and have only made the effort for that particular occasion. And why should I wear sports shoes ("Sneakers") while wearing a suit, i. e. when I'm not doing any sports at all?
Gent Z, what is your opinion on the no level angles across the body "rule". With the exception of a belt, the idea was that tie bars or watch chains should cross the body with some angle, not level flat. I think swords were the original example of this guideline.
Sorry mate but I'm not keen on the jacket. The back part of the tie should always be either tucked into the loop or inside the shirt. Never undo the top botton when wearing a tie unless you're done for the day. After six decades of working on my personal style I've worked out to stick with the classic look (think Cary Grant). It never goes out of fashion unlike 99% of what guys today get around in yet think they're "cool". They'll look back at photos of themselves in 20 years time and be horrified. You're on the right path but just don't be too proud to accept advice from those of us who have been around a bit longer and seen a whole lot more.
Although I've never liked the look of sneakers with a suit, I will often wear a pair of minimal sneakers with a sportcoat, Oxford button-down, and denim if I'm being more casual. Nice video!
I can agree with about 99 percent of what you are saying about "breaking the rule" However where I must disagree is on the matter of owning a black suit and it's definitely not for funerals only, you clearly missed the mark on that one, a black suit first give versatility to your established wardrobe for example if you want to be suited and booted, but do not want to wear a necktie on a night on the town, a black suit contrasted with a white dress wins hands down every time on a evening dinner date at a concert a black suit is a no fuss no mush choice it's simple!
If my jacket resembles American military uniforms of old, I'll wear the tie tucked into the shirt or no tie at all. And my bar tools and bottles will look like bar tools and bottles rather than neatly placed stage props.
Respectfully disagree with #s 1 & 5. Button the button or remove the tie, and sneakers are an absolute "no" with a suit at all times. I'm aware these are both stylistic choices, but I really hate seeing both. #3 is 👌🏻👌🏻
The rules I never break, if i'm wearing brown shoes, I wear a brown belt and brown watch strap (unless its a stainless steel bracelet) same with black, blue items and I would never wear trainers with a suit, but I never wear trainers unless working out. Just one of the rules I gave myself due to wearing trainers pretty much every day for 30 years, now i'm giving shoes and boots a run. But I don't judge others if they wish to do so, as there are some very nice trainers out there that I do admire from a far (sorry American audience - Sneakers) Like Adidas Stan smith (Both Black and White), Puma Alexander McQueen Street Climb High Tops (Brown) and Grenson Sneaker 1 (Black, Brown and White) I think if I was 15 years younger, they would test that decision. Also, No Brown in town. I agree, that rule is massively out dated. But someone once said: 'You must master the rules, to break them'.
I very much appreciate your channel. A comment: Would a gentleman lead his video with "F**K THIS?" I think it's rather a cheap way to attract viewers. A gentleman is never cheap, I think. Perhaps "WHAT???" or some other title. Perhaps a simple: "Yes, 5 Rules to Break."
I agree with your rule breakers but in my personal experience, the undone button shirt usually looks the worst among the rule breakers. However as I only wear bow ties now (going on 20 years), when I undo my bow tie and top button, I get frequent comments about how "James bond-ish" I look (in a good, cool way)
Agree with all suggestions. Not crazy about no. 1; and sneakers with a suit? I get the exceptions but there are other shoes that can be worn with a suit to add to one's flair. Sneakers make a guy look like PeeWee Herman.
I can see 2, 3 and 4 which I have always ignored anyway, but not 1 and 5. An unbuttoned top button makes you look like you did not finish getting dressed. Mixing a formal garment (suit) with a casual footwear (sneaker) is a mismatch and just looks odd.
So instead of breaking a rule, you’ve made a rule that your tie and pocket square shouldn’t match. Therefore, to break the rule your tie and pocket square should match. Hmmm…
The 'never brown in town' rule only ever made sense if you were some lower tier British nobleman wearing brown brogues while out chasing defenseless animals on horseback in the afternoon and were too clueless to change out of your muddy outfit into something more formal for the evening. If you are anyone else, just wear shoes that go with the rest of your outfit. An in-between choice between black and brown would be some sort of chili or cordovan color whole-cut oxford. As to a black suit, you definitely should have one if you drive a third-hand luxury car for hire as a side gig and pick people up at the airport using a sign with their names misspelled and written in crayon. Be sure the suit doesn't fit properly.
That outfit wouldn't work in theory, the casuality of the safary jacket with the formality of the tie, but then it looks really cool! 😎 Colour pallet also cool.
His outfit does work for three reasons. First of all the type of tie is a knit tie and there is no tie clasp, pin or bar. Third, his shirt is a button down collar, which is a casual type. (True, they are worn with suits but it is still a notch down in formality.) There are a lot of differences in ties. I suggest you read up on them, because it's interesting to know.
Yes it does work.Francois Truffault that icon of cool in the 1960s and 1970s often wore a safari jacket with a tie.his final appearance in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Speiberg shows him wearing a safari jacket as I remember well.I could be mistaken.@@peaceonearth8693
US Here: I find it hilarious that brown shoes be worn only in "the country." Honey- how quaint that one assumes anyone spends time in "the country"(-side?) dressed up with shoes that matter. And, who assumes anyone spends time in said, "Country(side)." We wear tennis shoes/sneakers everywhere, and being away from a city/town is all the more reason to not wear "real" shoes.
Rule Number 3 -- Absolutely. It was never a rule, it was a ridiculous marketing push. When I see Matching ties and pocket squares, I know this is someone who does not understand style.
Yeah, rule 2 is completely outdated. I use my brown boots from mid spring to mid fall. Basically once the snow lands, the brown boots disappear. (Partially because they have a slick sole).
What I understand, and you apparently don’t, is that Bryan Ferry looks good in whatever he wears; and for me (and you) it doesn’t matter what I (or you) wear (or how or when I - you- wear it), I (you) will always look like flip.
It's that sort of attitude that has led to a world of slobs, and sociopa thic wearing of jeans in hotels!! A civilised society would have breaking dress rules a criminal offence!!
On the show suits, the suave protagonist Harvey Specter always wears black shoes with his dark suits. Louis Litt, the petty bully wears brown shoes with his dark suits. Pro tip: You want to look like Harvey, not Louis. Don't wear brown shoes with a navy suit. At best it looks off, at worst it makes you look like a yokel.
@@christianvennemann9008 I do neither, in fact I don't own sneakersanymore. I either go for a walk, dressed as I always dress, or do some exercise at home with bare feet.
Minimalist sneakers (my Oliver Cabells) look fantastic with a golf polo and shorts. My gosh, you guys come off so pretentious saying you would never wear a sneaker. I agree with a suit, but they are great with shorts.
A few years ago I would agree with you 100%. But I was at a formal event and I brought my teenage son with. He didn't want to wear a suit, I explained the nature of it etc etc. In the end he wore a navy suit, white shirt and all white leather sneakers and looked great. Many family members talk about how great he looked even better than me. And I wore mine with tie and black shoes. Lol. He was able to comfortably wear it, and he never took off the jacket. And plus I would say if you're flying and wearing a suit, wearing it with a simple white shirt and sneakers is easy and stylish
Book a 1-1 style consultation with me - www.gent-z.com/oneonone
Hardline matching across accessories including footwear, belts, suspenders, rings, watches, etc, particularly as it pertains to the intersection between accessorizing gold and silver with brown and black. There is far more interplay and exchange available than is often credited.
Meh…disagree on nos. 1 and 5. To me, wearing a tie without the top button fastened always gives off the vibe of being a lush. Just take the tie off. And sneakers never look good with a suit. On anyone. Agree on the others. Just my opinion, everyone’s mileage varies.
Same
Sameeee
Normally i've seen the tie with the top button unfasten when the shirt collar is too small for the neck of the person, so they can not fasten the button cause the size is not correct. with the pret a porter shirt is very common.
Also in the south of europe is common to wear this way because the pressure of the collars maintains the tie at place.
Best regards!
I would undo the top button late afternoon in the office. My boss started calling me Sinatra, so I think you're spot on.
Ah, but you're not Bryan Ferry! 😏
Thank you and I appreciate the just-right volume and choice of music in the background. Well done, Sir.
I must say that wearing a tie without buttoning the top button nearly always gives the impression of carelessness, rather than sprezzatura. As for no. 5, sneakers should never be worn outside of the gym, most especially not with a suit. Even if it’s a white leather sneaker.
However, it was an excellent choice to add background music to your videos!
I would never wear trainers with a suit. As for no brown in town i agree it is outdated. I really like Burgundy oxfords, they will go with anything. Cheers Ron
I have always thought trainers / sneakers were a sad attempt at making running shoes "fancy". 🤷♂️
Myself i prefer boots over shoes. Of course polishable, the appropriate style & soles.
More of an environment issue (unpredictable weather / terrain) and i broken my foot enough times that shoes just dont seem to sit right.
@@va6gkthaskey311 I love dress boots. I have a number of them some with brogeing. They polish up nice and look good and are very comfortable. I have Allen Edmonds and Florsheim.
I like the way in your videos that you are.aleays cash conscious with alternatives for a budget and multi use. Good!
Rule 4: yes, a black suit is not a necessity, but don't confuse that with a black tuxedo.
A navy tuxedo breaks the uniformity and formality of a black tie event looking odd among others wearing the traditional black tux. If the event is a bit looser and playful (where velvet jackets are acceptable) then you're safe. But get a black tux before a navy tux.
Amazing video! Thank you for going over each of these rules!
Matching your complexion with the suit shirt tie, pocket square and socks is an area we can all add value with. Can you look into a video on the colour wheel with matching primary and secondary colours through the outfit. Great work.
This guys channel is sky rocketing in views, bet we’re witnessing the start of the next big thing on youtube
Sorry, another intervention as I am moving further into the video. The dark blue tux was pioneered by the Duke of Windsor, if I remember correctly, who noticed that it looks darker than black in the evening, like a crow's feather, and is thus a more elegant choice. It is one which also differentiates one from the serving staff when the occasion is formal enough for the staff to be dressed up.
On the sneakers point... I would probably avoid this with a full suit. One really needs to be both young and, particularly so, physically very fit to pull it off. (I am now not in the age category to do so successfully.) A close alternative which is more age-friendly (again, for the warmer, sunnier time of year), would be pairing these same clean, white sneakers with white pants and a blazer (grey, blue, light blue, olive green). This would still achieve a clean, smart-casual look, and is much more accessible to someone who is older and/ or is shaped less fortunately than Michelangelo's David.
I disagree with 4, black suits are great and versitale, not to mention patterned ones, like pinstripe. The only thing I think is wrong is most people wear a shiny (also often polyester), smooth, evening-type suit. Those often look cheap, and even the better ones look distracting in direct sunlight. A matte fabric, like linen, cotton canvas, twill or wool flannel look great and manage to stand out among others while still being elegant and simple.
Wear what you like but no, you are lying to yourself, black is the least versatile suit there is, its very stern, harsh, and unforgiving, thus the most formal of all.
Rather than the undone top button with a tie, I will wear a dress shirt and dark gray wool jacket without a tie, and with the top button undone, if I want a "dress casual" look. In some circumstances, one can even wear jeans with this ensemble. Dress casual shoes are the thing here as well.
With brown shoes I match the darkness of the pants. Light brown shoes is fine with light beige pants but a grey/navy/dark brown pants deserve more of a medium to dark brown.
I’ve noticed you don the classic button-down oxford (often this light blue) in many of your videos. This is by far my favorite fabric and style of shirt for informal but elegant menswear due to its versatility, comfort and durability. You wear them well, giving me ideas and new inspiration on how to make this solid standard look fantastic!
Thank you, sir. Oxford shirts are indeed my favorite shirts for the same reason as you
Thank you so much for sharing with us guy you are such a joy to listen to guy
The best advice I ever received from my tailor was never get a black suit, but rather a dark charcoal one. A black suit is only for wait-staff or funerals. My charcoal suit has served me very well.
Wise choice, sir
Absolutely. Gray and navy shades / patterns are the only suits a well-dressed man wears. Black suits are for Lloyd Christmas and general managers at your local new car dealership.
Most of us only need one suit anyway, and charcoal is the most versatile.
Sorry, but the comment that a black suit is only for wait staff is stupid. Just as stupid as those people who say I do not want to wear a suit, it is for "greedy bankers". If you do not want to wear a black suit it should be for other reasons, not this snobbish one.
I'm reminded of the scene in which the Dowager Duchess Violet mistakes Lord Grantham for a waiter when he wears a a mismatched black ensemble for dinner.
Personally I always wear brown in town. I have 1 pair of black Oxford dress shoes and 1 pair of black wingtip boots that I rarely wear. The rest of my shoes/boots are brown/oxblood. In my opinion, oxblood dress shoes just look elegant with a nice charcoal or navy suit.
Sneakers with a suit is a delicate form of art. Much can and will go wrong. In my opinion it works best with a cotton suit. And then there's the question of the right length and width of the trouser leg. Good luck!
IF you ARE going to wear sneakers with suit what about socks ? Are they acceptable ?
Hi, please help, can I wear my gold cufflinks without a tie?
With a sharp square, a cool pair of sunglasses and a nice cigar.
You nailed this one. Keep up the good work.
New subscriber. Great video and information. I'm glad to have learned that you don't necessarily have to wear a black suit to a funeral that a dark navy blue or charcoal will work just fine.
Welcome to the channel, thank you for subscribing and for your comment
great look today, presenter. no competing patterns, colors or textures. perfection!
An exception to Rule 4: I work for a government regulatory agency and routinely meet members of the public, so a closet full of identical black suits is pretty much a job requirement.
On the whole, though, these guidelines are pretty solid. I don't think I could personally bring off the sneakers-and-suit combo, as it seems too hipsterish for me, but that doesn't mean someone who _can_ make it look good shouldn't do it.
Do you accessorize with black sunglasses and a silver memory-eraser device to complete the men in black aesthetic?
@@danelisslow3269 No one's complained about us doing so...
Jokes aside, while it would be really, really cool to have department-issue neuralizers, that would probably be a little counterproductive for our outfit. My group's mandate is consumer protection - specifically, we regulate state-registered investment advisors, financial planners, hedge fund managers, and so on - but one of our big challenges is to let the public know that we exist in the first place, and that help is available if they think their finance guy is pulling a fast one on them.
I’m going to disagree with you by agreeing with you. Where you said if anyone can make suits and sneakers look good they should do it. In my opinion, no one can make it look good. So no one should. It’s less hideous on the young, but that’s not an excuse! Ah, well. I’m old and grumpy. Not THAT old. But I make up for it by being extra grumpy… [shuffles off stage left, muttering about “kids these days….”]
Very helpful, thanks.
Good video for sure! I totally agree with Number 1 and 3. #2 „No brown in town“ is certainly outdated and should not be applied to shoes but to suits. In most cases, a brown suit simply looks boring. But brown shoes with blue suits can be very elegant. I kindly disagree with #4, but maybe that's because I like the Film noir genre. There is no man on Earth that wouldn't look better wearing a black suit. It helps to not fully dress up with a black tie. A clean white shirt with the upper button undone does the job. Not too formal, but still a statement. You probably need only one of black suit in your closet, but one for sure. As much as I like some stylish blue suits, black can hardly be beaten after 6 pm. Your thoughts on #5 are interesting, because I despise any combination of suits and sneakers. But I get your point on wearing perfectly white sneakers to a casual suit on a casual occasion. Good one!
I just found your channel and I love it! It's so interesting, and you present it brilliantly! I'm by no means a stylish sort. But as I grow older, I find that I have a passion for the highest quality items I can afford. I want to invest in items that will last and will provide me with the most satisfaction and enjoyment as possible. From heritage boots and the best quality merino wool socks, to great looking, high quality flat caps, to very high quality, but reasonable EDC type items (I qualify this category with 'reasonable', because there really is no ceiling for these items). Thank you for your content I'm really enjoying you insights.
Excellent. Thank you.
If the suit you bought was advertised with a model wearing sneakers, then your suit is trash.
Very well said, sir
I see TV news anchors / personalities wearing tennis shoes with skinny-fitting suits as a "Fashion Statement." I instantly recognize them as Clowns.
@88KeysIdaho the statement is "I have no style, or sense"
Assuming the kitchen extends to your left, the refrigerator handle is on the wrong side. Is it too late to exchange the item?
❤ Roxy Music ❤
Bryan Ferry😍
Shoe colour may also depend on geography.
In very warm countries, where light-coloured suits would be more frequently seen, black shoes can be a mistake, unless the occasion is particularly formal and, usually, an evening affair. (Having said that, never go for light brown either, nor for odd colours). Light-coloured suits which should be preferable in the summer (light to medium grey, moderate beige, olive, if you can pull it off, and medium-blues) fit exceptionally well with dark brown or even wine brown shoes. On a summer day in a southern country I would generally only pair black shoes with a light grey suit, and usually for a more than casual occasion, like a business meeting; I would also wear a three-piece suit on this occasion.
A particularly good point, and rare for people of your generation, is the tie-pocket handkerchief rule. The latter is one of the few occasions where a man can show a playful side to his attire, and is one of the very few ways for a man to make a statement of character and mood. (The other ones are socks, watch, and jewellery.) The two items should not match, ever. They can be relevant to each other, but could also be only remotely linked. The pocket handkerchief is probably the only item in a man's wardrobe, which can (and should) be liberated from most conventions.
How do you feel about dress shorts and a sports coat? I wear that kind of outfit two to three times a week in social and even business settings. (I do have the freedom to be bolder than most) I love finding a great combo of the two but do admit to a weakness for wearing loud shirts with it rather than a solid colour. However, I love the challenge and the look.
I agree with points 2, 3 and 4 but not 1 or 5.
An unbuttoned collar just can't look elegant or classy, imo, and sneakers never look ok with a suit.
Each to their own, of course!
Thank you for your comment!
I agree with all rules mentionend in the video.
I've noticed a lot of stylish men mixing patterned fabrics. A checked shirt or jacket with a graphical tie and another pattern on the pocket square. That used to be taboo. How would you approach this trend?
I’m sorry, but that red/gold tie with the Miller pocket square is absolutely amazing!
It's a cool pocket square, isn't it! I only wish it was a little biggerr
That’s what she said
Nice safari jacket.
Hello. Thanks for these insights. I like the jacket that you wear. Can you say more about it? Thanks and Greetings. Satoshi
You are spot on everything about fashion can you please make a video about wearing ascots of course not for me because I already know how thank you
My son, broke ALOT of rules in school ...he REFUSED to have a 'backpack'.....he REFUSED to wear school clothes....he dressed in A SUIT, took a BRIEFCASE..
along with his book about Einstein..."mom, if I'm going to be a business man, I'm going to dress like one....he was in FOURTH GRADE!💙
Bryan Ferry along with Gianni Agnelli were examples of sprezaturra -fashionable men on the fly.....
They are two of my favorite style icons
And let us not forget the great Robert Palmer.
I totally agree that tie,pocket squares and waistcoats should never match perfectly, that shows you went to Walmart and purchased the first thing you saw instead of using fore thought, similar colors can work but only with different patterns or no patterns
Brown boots? I ask yer!
Hey, thanks man. What's that kind of jacket you're wearing called?
Looks like a cargo jacket
Looks like it’s either a safari jacket or field jacket
Safari jacket, I believe he mentioned in another video, that it is available at Hockerty's online store. But you may probably find similar on Amazon or ebay... Or Poshmark.
It’s a safari jacket - the link is in the description
When there are epaulets or straps on the shoulder, this is a mark of military (or by extension safari) heritage. While field jackets are hunting apparel, and they have plain shoulders.
I like to see button down collars with French cuffs. You cannot buy this shirt but I have a friend who wear them and they look terrific.
@JENNIFERGOTTI That is one shirt I would love to add to my closet. I have a few pair of cufflinks; one with a matching tie bar.
I would not risk undoing the top button when wearing a necktie. The way to go is make sure it is not too tight restricting blood flow to the brain. I used take off the button a resew it so the collar is not too tight at all. Just move the button over. a bit.
Hmmm…top button undone, I’m inclined to say “lose the tie.” But, st the end of the day, or after hours impromptu gatherings, I think the loosened tie and top button undone looks fine. A scheduled meeting…suggest against unless all parties are already familiar and of a similar mind. Brown shoes: they are my favorite. But, I only wear very dark brown leather shoes (not light brown or tan). Any denim or tan, green or brown trousers…brown footwear. Charcoal or blue trousers…black shoes. Which leads me to black suit. I’ve not owned one as an adult, except for my tuxedo. Dark green (and I mean very dark) is my best color. Charcoal gray is my second choice. I once had a brown suit that may have been the only acceptable shade of brown for a suit. I had bright red hair as a young man. It’s thinned to nothing on top and dark on the fringe. Influences my color selection a bit. Anyway, I don’t wear black, except for my tux. And for the pocket square matching the tie, I’ve seen some attractive matching sets. The blue and white polka dots in the video was not a pairing I’d suggest. I think solids match better. But better still is a lively pocket square picking up colors from the tie. I like paisley patterns. Not bold but subtle low contrast patterns. And for the low key look, a white or pale pastel is a good choice. Runners with a suit? I’d say never. Anyone who wears sneakers with a suit may as well wear a track suit instead. Does it look youthful? Yes. But 12 year olds shouldn’t be setting fashion trends. I’ll leave it that lest I sound more like a grumpy old man than normal. Good list. Thank you for the effort you put into bringing classical style to a younger generation.
Could u give some tips on how to wear classic in a really, really, really hot weather on a daily case? (I'm from Brazil and there are days that a simple shirt or pants at all seem impossible to use from how hot it is)
I have a whole video on this very subject, take a look on my page
Rule #5: some 15 years ago, one of my best friends daughter was getting married in an outdoor evening setting. The groom and groomsmen wore formal black tuxedo type suits but. . . with black Converse canvas sneakers. I guess that the sneakers were mementos that had practicality beyond the wedding itself.
How about the dirty, white high-top Chucks? I’ve always thought that they look good and wear them almost every day with my casual suits.
Whatever is best for Love Almighty is always the best thing to wear. We want to prudently provoke others to their best love and good works in all things. We like to give proper Honors and Respects to everyone and everything !!
I do not wear brown formal shoes.... I also sometimes wear my black Reebok with a casual dress suit... of course I own my business and we have casual dress rule except if we have business guests in the building then I and top executives are asked to dress formally. ps I am a very muscular person and all my formal suits are custom and I do not like very tight clothes. thanks for your thoughts on dress and etiquette I went to graduate school in England so I forget sometimes about rules in the "old country"...
Day to day at work. Tie, top button undone and a waistcoat. Nothing but compliments. I’m 55 and old enough to know what suits me. For more high end social engagements, top button done up. Same result.
Was that a field jacket your wearing in this video? If not what is it? Where did you buy it?
I see the link now.
As one of my British friends said once, a level of nobility is inversely proportional to the distance between your neck an collar.
In the TV show Arrow Oliver Queen never buttoned the top button when wearing a tie and I always thought it was a cool "signature move" for a character with an otherwise basic style (and appropriate that a guy who's constantly fighting and doing parkour would want a little extra breathing room).
When you go to a black tie affaire you should wear a black tuxedo. When I attend a black tie affaire I untie my tie late in the evening and leave hanging around my neck. It gives the 50s Rat Pack look. This only works if you a real tie.
NO SNEAKERS WITH SUITS.
A very sophisticated touch as the night draws to a close!
Good point about the untied bowtie around the neck. It's a classic"end of the evening" look
9:47 wearing a suit without socks - now that is the abyss...
@GaborSNagy-tm7kz Yes, that is gauche.
Here is a rule to NEVER break - don't wear a leisure suit or safari jacket with epaulettes! As for undoing the top button, I think that is okay if you are working late, or have taken off your jacket and rolled up your sleeves, or it is just damn hot.
@JohnKanuck I was not impressed with his jacket. Maybe a nice white pith-helmet would have helped.
@@johntiggleman4686 And you need a cheesy handlebar moustache to match! 🤨
@@JohnKanuck Sounds like a character from "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls."
I, on occasion, buy a matching tie & pocket square. I do not, however, wear them together. That just looks tacky. 👔
A “rule” I usually break is wearing no branding I really like rl just a small logo on the right side of the t shirt or sweater
Some folks out here dressing like they're corporate sponsors.
@@Fab3rg3 Some people like to dress smart. That's the style i personally like. everyone has different tastes. i like to be slightly overdressed. becuase its inpoartnt to look presentebel, in a world most pepole wear sweatpants and hoodies 24/7
What about when to wear a shirt with a spread collar vrs a button down collar. I never wear a suit with the more sporty button down shirt and tie. A button down should be worn with a sweater or a sports jacket, not with a suit.
Why haven't you said anything about wearing/not wearing socks with dress shoes or tennis shoes?
Wearing a tie with the top button undone always gives the impression that the shirt is too tight and you have gained weight. And secondly, it evokes the impression, that you're not used to wearing a tie at all and have only made the effort for that particular occasion.
And why should I wear sports shoes ("Sneakers") while wearing a suit, i. e. when I'm not doing any sports at all?
Gent Z, what is your opinion on the no level angles across the body "rule". With the exception of a belt, the idea was that tie bars or watch chains should cross the body with some angle, not level flat. I think swords were the original example of this guideline.
Whatever shoe color you wear. Polish them! A hight shine on a brown show trumps a scruffy black shoe any day.
Sorry mate but I'm not keen on the jacket. The back part of the tie should always be either tucked into the loop or inside the shirt. Never undo the top botton when wearing a tie unless you're done for the day. After six decades of working on my personal style I've worked out to stick with the classic look (think Cary Grant). It never goes out of fashion unlike 99% of what guys today get around in yet think they're "cool". They'll look back at photos of themselves in 20 years time and be horrified. You're on the right path but just don't be too proud to accept advice from those of us who have been around a bit longer and seen a whole lot more.
Although I've never liked the look of sneakers with a suit, I will often wear a pair of minimal sneakers with a sportcoat, Oxford button-down, and denim if I'm being more casual. Nice video!
I can agree with about 99 percent of what you are saying about "breaking the rule" However where I must disagree is on the matter of owning a black suit and it's definitely not for funerals only, you clearly missed the mark on that one, a black suit first give versatility to your established wardrobe for example if you want to be suited and booted, but do not want to wear a necktie on a night on the town, a black suit contrasted with a white dress wins hands down every time on a evening dinner date at a concert a black suit is a no fuss no mush choice it's simple!
Regarding the black suit and that it contrasts too much with your skin tone. Are you aware that not everyone is as fair-skinned as you are?
If my jacket resembles American military uniforms of old, I'll wear the tie tucked into the shirt or no tie at all.
And my bar tools and bottles will look like bar tools and bottles rather than neatly placed stage props.
A Black suit is very usable. You probably get one when married and provided you stay fit it can serve you for many years to come.
IF you ARE going to wear sneakers with suit ,what about socks ? Are they acceptable ?
Respectfully disagree with #s 1 & 5. Button the button or remove the tie, and sneakers are an absolute "no" with a suit at all times. I'm aware these are both stylistic choices, but I really hate seeing both.
#3 is 👌🏻👌🏻
The rules I never break, if i'm wearing brown shoes, I wear a brown belt and brown watch strap (unless its a stainless steel bracelet) same with black, blue items and I would never wear trainers with a suit, but I never wear trainers unless working out. Just one of the rules I gave myself due to wearing trainers pretty much every day for 30 years, now i'm giving shoes and boots a run. But I don't judge others if they wish to do so, as there are some very nice trainers out there that I do admire from a far (sorry American audience - Sneakers) Like Adidas Stan smith (Both Black and White), Puma Alexander McQueen Street Climb High Tops (Brown) and Grenson Sneaker 1 (Black, Brown and White) I think if I was 15 years younger, they would test that decision.
Also, No Brown in town. I agree, that rule is massively out dated.
But someone once said: 'You must master the rules, to break them'.
I very much appreciate your channel. A comment: Would a gentleman lead his video with "F**K THIS?" I think it's rather a cheap way to attract viewers. A gentleman is never cheap, I think. Perhaps "WHAT???" or some other title. Perhaps a simple: "Yes, 5 Rules to Break."
I agree with your rule breakers but in my personal experience, the undone button shirt usually looks the worst among the rule breakers. However as I only wear bow ties now (going on 20 years), when I undo my bow tie and top button, I get frequent comments about how "James bond-ish" I look (in a good, cool way)
Agree with all suggestions. Not crazy about no. 1; and sneakers with a suit? I get the exceptions but there are other shoes that can be worn with a suit to add to one's flair. Sneakers make a guy look like PeeWee Herman.
Black suit jazz club?
Brown in town has gotten carried away. Very dark brown is fine, but all this the oxfords with dark suits has become tiresome
I can see 2, 3 and 4 which I have always ignored anyway, but not 1 and 5. An unbuttoned top button makes you look like you did not finish getting dressed. Mixing a formal garment (suit) with a casual footwear (sneaker) is a mismatch and just looks odd.
So instead of breaking a rule, you’ve made a rule that your tie and pocket square shouldn’t match. Therefore, to break the rule your tie and pocket square should match. Hmmm…
The 'never brown in town' rule only ever made sense if you were some lower tier British nobleman wearing brown brogues while out chasing defenseless animals on horseback in the afternoon and were too clueless to change out of your muddy outfit into something more formal for the evening. If you are anyone else, just wear shoes that go with the rest of your outfit. An in-between choice between black and brown would be some sort of chili or cordovan color whole-cut oxford. As to a black suit, you definitely should have one if you drive a third-hand luxury car for hire as a side gig and pick people up at the airport using a sign with their names misspelled and written in crayon. Be sure the suit doesn't fit properly.
That outfit wouldn't work in theory, the casuality of the safary jacket with the formality of the tie, but then it looks really cool! 😎 Colour pallet also cool.
Thank you, sir. Personally I’m a big fan of matching a tie with the safari jacket. It’s a good blend of formal with casual
His outfit does work for three reasons. First of all the type of tie is a knit tie and there is no tie clasp, pin or bar. Third, his shirt is a button down collar, which is a casual type. (True, they are worn with suits but it is still a notch down in formality.)
There are a lot of differences in ties. I suggest you read up on them, because it's interesting to know.
Yes it does work.Francois Truffault that icon of cool in the 1960s and 1970s often wore a safari jacket with a tie.his final appearance in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Speiberg shows him wearing a safari jacket as I remember well.I could be mistaken.@@peaceonearth8693
Indeed I totally agree. Tie shirt with Safari casual jacket is a no for me but appreciate your channel.
I dress how I want . I make my own rules. I'm different, and I like that I'm an individual not a sheep.
How so?
@mikeymik2 How so , well i select clothing items from thrift stores and mix them with contemporary styles. I not colour shy like alot of men are.
US Here: I find it hilarious that brown shoes be worn only in "the country." Honey- how quaint that one assumes anyone spends time in "the country"(-side?) dressed up with shoes that matter. And, who assumes anyone spends time in said, "Country(side)." We wear tennis shoes/sneakers everywhere, and being away from a city/town is all the more reason to not wear "real" shoes.
Now I live in the US, I find it quaint seeing how many men in cities like London and Paris still abide by this outdated idea.
I like classic style. Faddish stuff comes and goes. Classic runs the test of time. If you’re going for affordability, stay classic.
My rule breaker is wearing red shoes, and I feel very comfortable in doing so. I would never ever put my feet into white footwear, it looks so cheap.
Rule Number 3 -- Absolutely. It was never a rule, it was a ridiculous marketing push. When I see Matching ties and pocket squares, I know this is someone who does not understand style.
Yeah, rule 2 is completely outdated. I use my brown boots from mid spring to mid fall. Basically once the snow lands, the brown boots disappear. (Partially because they have a slick sole).
What I understand, and you apparently don’t, is that Bryan Ferry looks good in whatever he wears; and for me (and you) it doesn’t matter what I (or you) wear (or how or when I - you- wear it), I (you) will always look like flip.
A gentleman always wears a belt with trousers.
@marccano5061 I see this in older men (I'm one, at 74) but I see some wearing both a belt AND suspenders. Oy.
Men’s styles seem to be for the tall and slim and youthful. So what is a short, robust gentleman to do?
I absolutely LOATHE neckties. I never wear them. When I'm dead, if the undertaker tries to put a tie on me, I'll rip it right off!
It's that sort of attitude that has led to a world of slobs, and sociopa thic wearing of jeans in hotels!! A civilised society would have breaking dress rules a criminal offence!!
Rules of aesthetics are made by and for people who are ignorant of the subject.
On the show suits, the suave protagonist Harvey Specter always wears black shoes with his dark suits. Louis Litt, the petty bully wears brown shoes with his dark suits.
Pro tip: You want to look like Harvey, not Louis. Don't wear brown shoes with a navy suit. At best it looks off, at worst it makes you look like a yokel.
Gentlemen never use the f word no matter what the company.
Sneakers ruin suits. Not only I would never wear sneakers with suits, I would just never wear sneakers period.
Unless you're at the gym or out running
@@christianvennemann9008 I do neither, in fact I don't own sneakersanymore. I either go for a walk, dressed as I always dress, or do some exercise at home with bare feet.
Thats borderline autistic
Minimalist sneakers (my Oliver Cabells) look fantastic with a golf polo and shorts. My gosh, you guys come off so pretentious saying you would never wear a sneaker. I agree with a suit, but they are great with shorts.
A few years ago I would agree with you 100%. But I was at a formal event and I brought my teenage son with. He didn't want to wear a suit, I explained the nature of it etc etc. In the end he wore a navy suit, white shirt and all white leather sneakers and looked great. Many family members talk about how great he looked even better than me. And I wore mine with tie and black shoes. Lol.
He was able to comfortably wear it, and he never took off the jacket. And plus I would say if you're flying and wearing a suit, wearing it with a simple white shirt and sneakers is easy and stylish