The LOOK of a MAN ABOUT TOWN

"dude i got to get a suit for a wedding by the 21st...I'm keeping it after, advice wise, GIMME ALL YOU GOT"
-Tweeted at ManAboutTownTV 8/12/10



As men, there will be a time in our life when we need to wear a suit. Some of us make the choice to wear one, some us make the choice to rock one. Hopefully you make the latter.

Like I had mentioned in my earlier post, as a guest at a wedding, you need to keep your attire somewhat understated, since the event focuses on the happy couple. Yet weddings are formal and your attire should measure up. Just because your look should lean towards simple, you still can rock the look.

What does rocking a suit exactly mean? Your suit is impeccable, there might be 100 other guys at the event wearing the same color and style of suit, but your tailoring, tie knot, shirt collar and shoes are so dead on, that you stand out from the rest.

You don't need to be in the three thousand and above range for suiting to look like a million. Find a suit with good bones; meaning that off the rack, the jacket fits your shoulders, drapes down your backside, sleeves stop at the joint of where your thumb connects to your palm, the rest a tailor can alter. Note: the most common mistake guys are making in getting their suits fitted is that the shoulders of the jacket don't square off with your shoulders. Make sure that your shoulder bone does not protrude out from the wool.

On how to handle your tailor-they can be a bit assertive, especially with younger clients. Make sure you let them know exactly your look:

• The coat usually needs to be taken in from the back side seams and sometimes the front seams, make sure you have a waist to your jacket so it provides you some silhouette. The material should not stretch across your stomach (ie: Ryan Seacrest) but perfectly button allowing no more than a hand in between you and the suit.


• Most guys who fit you want you to have all this material over your shoes, this is too common for any man about town, no more than a quarter break in the trousers, too much pant bunching and you look like an accountant.


• Know that it's okay to show shirt cuff, especially if you wear cuff links. The sleeve of the jacket needs to stop at your wrist.


• Sometimes sleeves and trouser legs need to be tapered to be fit to your body, not tight however closer.

When in doubt of your look, check out the major high end suit makers, the look books online can inspire your style.





Tom Ford, pictured right, can run over $4,000.00

http://www.tomford.com/

...However Reiss has a great looking suit that goes for $820.00

http://http://www.reissonline.com/us/shop/mens/tailoring/


Ralph Lauren's Black Label is always a fail-safe collection of suiting, yet the $1595.00 price tag can be a bit steep, but an investment none the less.
www.polo.com



























A Brooks Brothers suit was my first suit and they have come a long way over the past few years. The suit pictured is offered on sale for $598.00 and looks to be the best deal.
www.brooksbrothers.com





Your shirt is a very important thing. For a more formal occasion I make the choice to wear white. I like a bigger collar since I have a larger cranium. The trend of the tiny collar is not always the best choice for all blokes. Polo Ralph Lauren's Regent shirt( http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4281904&cp=1760783.1760916&ab=view91-135&view=45&pg=3&parentPage=familyshirt) has a great collar and it is offered in a custom fit which is tapered and also comfortable. The shirt runs $125.00 but can be found on sale. Do not skimp on the shirt. If you have a bonus to burn, pick up one from Charvet. It will last forever.

I love solid silk ties, so did Cary Grant. They are timeless however if you are feeling a bit more bold, black and white polka dots or stripes are always going to get a compliment. You can pick up a really decent tie from Penguin.

Shoes, they need to be the most expensive you can afford. Cole Haan's are on sale for $125.00. Ferragamo will last 2 lifetimes but run $450.00. If you are balling this paycheck go for Prada. They are the most comfortable shoes I own. For an evening wedding, black lace-ups are a no brainer.

The accessories:

• Pocket squares: Every men's magazine says a pocket square will give you instant panache. Only wear one if you WANT to wear one; so many dudes go out the door with ridiculous looking folded squares of fabric dripping our of their chest pockets. Fold the fabric into a square and angle it into your pocket, only if you're into that sort of thing.
• Cuff links: Yes, they can be whatever you want as long as there are no naked chick holograms on them...save those for the night out on the town.
• Tie bars: These look good on solid or knit ties.
• Socks: Grey, yes. Black, yes. Red, maybe. Green, perhaps. Yellow, no. Purple, I'd like to see it.
• Watch: Vintage watches can be cost effective and very elegant. Look at Longines, Omega, and Hamilton for less costly models. Try and keep to the 1940's to the 1960's.
• Incidentals: Keep a white cotton handkerchief with you. Pass it on to teary eyed females, you don't need it back. A pen to sign guestbooks and bar tabs for the late night rendez vous. Collar stays should be present in your collar. Mints.

"Style is not what you put on, it's how you put it on".

When it comes to dressing for your big event take time to put your clothes on. Make sure your cuffs aren't rumpled and your collar is sitting high and your tie know is nice and tight around your neck. Have a clean cocktail and be relaxed, by the time you get to your destination, your vibe will be as cool and put together as your look.

I wish you the very best in selecting clothes that should last you a long time, if you take my notes on what to look for, the pieces will reside in style for years to come.

More questions? manabouttowntv@gmail.com

Happy Hunting.