pindotsandgrenadine

Inspiration board. Zach Powers.

Nashville, TN

Ten Considerations for Looking Your Best

I am always trying to figure out ways to keep things simple when it comes to looking my best. I like it simple, because I am a procrastinator. I am not in the habit of laying out my clothes the night before, and I usually am ironing the shirt I have chosen to wear 15 minutes before I put it on for the day.

One thing that can make the process easier is having a nicely edited wardrobe. You can read about the wardrobe essentials everywhere, but if you need help, Will’s perspective can be found here: http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2007/02/wardrobe-basics.html

 Today, I want to share ten simple considerations for how to put together your everyday looks for living life stylishly. Also, it might serve as a rough guide to make some better purchases so this whole looking good thing is more consistent for you.

 Now, before I get into it. Keep in mind that this list is geared towards how I prefer to dress. It is pretty much a uniform, but it also takes in to account what I am doing that particular day, be it working at the office or meeting friends for drinks. Keep in mind that these are considerations (heavily based on my own opinions, which are more than likely flawed in some way or another), not hard and fast rules.

 I have done these in bottom to top order (for the most part).

 1.) Shoes: For me shoes need to be well made, comfortable, and shouldn’t draw too much attention with any bells and whistles.  Always consider the weather they will face that day, and make sure the colors compliment the clothing above, not steal the attention away.

 2.) Pants or Trousers. Just make sure they fit and don’t draw crazy amounts of attention. (GTH trousers get a pass if you restrain yourself elsewhere. Do not be a clown; be stylish with a sense of humor.) Also, shorts are fine when the temperature or activity allow.

 3.) Shirt- Make sure it fits. Make sure the collar (if it has one) compliments your face. Blue is a great color in solids and small patterns for the day time. White is great for night. Other colors need to be considered with your complexion and overall outfit. Seasonal shirts (polos, madras, flannel, etc.) should follow the season in colors and patterns. As I have said before, no matter if it’s a custom dress shirt or an old t-shirt, keep it simple, and you should be just fine.

 Note: Number 4 is where your personal style starts to really come into play.

 4.) Neckwear- Tie, bowtie, ascot, scarf, or open neck. Consider the occasion, and then take into account your mood. Know what works for those options. I am of the opinion that ties should be worn with jackets of some sort. A tie or bowtie without a jacket makes one look like a waiter. There are exceptions, but very few. Keep the neckwear tasteful.

 5.) Sport jackets, Outerwear, Knitwear- If what you are wearing today is a suit, then you have one choice, the suit jacket that matches your trousers!

If not, then it’s time to make a decision. Are you going to wear something over your shirt? If not, then skip to number 7. If so, what is it going to be?

 For sport jackets and blazers, all I can say is this: make sure it fits properly and keep the patterns simple (unless it’s madras). Once again, follow the seasons when it comes to fabric. Navy and blue are always a great choice. The same goes for browns, greens (though not Masters green, that is for Masters Champions and people that can afford membership to Augusta) and if in the right shades, grey. Any other colors take varying degrees of thought/balls.

 If it is some sort of knitwear, you can basically follow the sport jacket guidelines and end up looking pretty good. Quality goes a long way with sweaters. Seek out the good stuff. For help, Derek knows what’s up: http://dieworkwear.com/post/3202084080/buying-good-sweaters

If you are going with a piece of outerwear (either over your shirt, or over your sport jacket/knitwear), just make sure it fits and does what is supposed to do for whatever season it is. Don’t get too complicated with outwear, if you focus on function, quality, and style, you will do fine.

 6.) Pocket square- If you are wearing a sport jacket or suit coat, wear a pocket square. Jay Walter from J. Press said that when God created the jacket, he put a pocket there, so you should always wear a square to show the world you know why it’s there. A pocket square is a splendid way to be splendid. White linen or cotton always works. Feel free to add a little adventure to your pocket, when the occasion allows. Just make sure it doesn’t perfectly match your tie. The only person that gets a pass on that is Joe Biden, and that is because he is Joe Biden.

You can also wear a square in the breast pocket of your outerwear; just make sure it makes sense.

Note: A pocket square in the pocket of your t shirt or polo is stupid.

 7.) Jewelry- These are your choices: a watch and a wedding ring. Bracelets and other things are totally up to you and your tastes. I am going to stick to the two I listed.

8.) I know I said bottom to top, but this consideration is socks. You either will wear them or you won’t. Solid colors besides black are good choices. Black to me is really only for formal attire. Fun socks are a weird territory. I have a pair or two, but I never wear them with anything but canvas sneakers and jeans. If you are wearing shorts, leave the socks in the drawer (or wear no show socks).

9.) This one is simple: Grooming. I don’t know if you have heard, but it is generally considered cool to be clean. I will leave it at that.

10.) Comfort. If you are not comfortable in what you have put together, you will never look your best.

I hope this didn’t waste your time. I would love to hear feedback.

 -Zach

 

 

 

 

  1. eclecticstyles said: This is great. Not only is this a great guide in general, it is a great mental checklist for the day.
  2. 17lettersfromark reblogged this from pindotsandgrenadine
  3. theskinnyguinea said: Spot.Fucking.On.
  4. pindotsandgrenadine posted this