Thursday, October 10, 2013

A Well Dressed Gentlemen


I was tickled a couple weeks ago to get another email from a anonymous reader , a younger guy I assumed from his letter and asked the Mistress about fashion, who by trade, deals with fashion daily,  I'm not a personal shopper, but a visual stylist , who does all the visual displays for a landmark company. I do have to be up on trends, because we do have to sell the wares. But I was never a person personally to go whole hog into wearing trends, except for maybe a few pieces to tie into a classic , timeless wardrobe.  Too me, not many clothes in quantity, but a nice cross section of a carefully edited closet of classic, basic and timeless essentials is all one needs really. On weekends in town, or nights on the town, and from work into evening, dress clothes can always be mixed together to double a wardrobe.  When at work, I have to wear all black, but if I'm going to par take of libations at happy hour, the slacks become slim fit jeans, the tie comes off and replaced with a deep V-neck sweater over the dress shirt, and I'm ready to go!!! The dear reader is coming into his own and wanted to know what I thought were the things that make a guy well dressed. I don't mean to shock you all, but I do find men in clothes just as attractive as out. GASP!!!!  So here are my things I do, and look for in a well dressed man.
 
Bright brogues
 
Dingy, dirty shoes can make even the finest suit look, not so fine. Plain and simple, a freshly shined pair can spruce up even the most mediocre suits. Polish shoes in regular rotation about once a week, because they’re quite literally a reflection of you. And don't hesitate to mix dress shoes like above with cords, or jeans also.
 
Coiffed
 
 
Overgrown? Jersey-gelled? Waiting too long between cuts or, worse, plastering on the putty in the hair is the quickest way to go from dapper to a mess. See your stylist every three to four weeks and go easy on the product, creams and pomades, a small amount goes a long way -- two rules that coif-conscious men follow religiously. Feel free to keep some clean, trimmed stubble, it's always sexy.

Tailor-made
 
No matter what your closet contains -- luxe labels, fine fabrics, the newest trends -- it doesn’t mean much without a flawless fit. And that piece of advice isn’t reserved for a custom collection of suits and sport coats. The same holds true for everything from off-the-rack trousers to $10 T-shirts. And there is only way to know if the cut is right: always try before you buy. Baggy doesn't always suit. Most smaller framed guys like myself can often find the slim, fitted cut or muscle cut in many shirts , jeans and trouser for a more fitted tailor made look.
 
Color Coordinated
 
Somewhere along the line after elementary school -- you should have developed an eye for harmonizing hues. If you were left back a few grades in the dressing department, though, remember that colors should complement,  but never be matchy-matchy. In fact, feel free to experiment by contrasting colors in the most unexpected places -- like a pair of pink socks with even the subtlest of suits.
 
Understated elegance
 
It shouldn’t take a rainbow of Robert Graham button-downs, Ed Hardy shirts and a Mr. T’s-worth of jewelry to get you noticed. Then again, fading into background isn’t the answer either. The compromise? Wear one piece that says something ,it can be anything from a blazer to a bracelet, or a scarf, and let the rest play a supporting role. In the end, your attire and accessories should make a statement, not put on a show, unless in drag!!!!
 
Vintage finds
 
 I love me some vintage. I have quite a few pieces of Dior and Ben Shermen, that were my dads, and a slew of finds from vintage shops. Few men are fortunate enough to have a heap of valuable hand-me-downs; that’s where second-hand shopping comes in. We’re not talking about Salvation Army-style dumpster diving for clothing by-the-pound. This is high-end haberdashery at its best: think vintage watches and old-school designer duds. They’re not always easy to find, but once you do come across them, you’ll never want to let go, and some second hand shops have some un-believable prices for them. I often will wear a suit or a casual outfit with some very old vintage bow-ties given to me from the Dame Courtney.
 
Grooming routine
 
 If you think Hollywood actors and wealthy businessmen look the same as they did 20 years simple by hitting the gym 5 times a week, you are sorely mistaken. Look inside the bathroom of any man who gives a damn about how he looks and you will find tried and tested moisturizers, face scrubs,  shaving gels, and body washes that leave him smelling precisely the way he wants to. You wouldn't believe at the store how much time and money they spend at the counters.
 
Suits 
 
The one thing I can not stand is a suit that doesn't fit a guy right. Too big and it looks like a boy playing grown ups! A suit should not be real tight or baggy, but should have a tailor or fitted look.  And unless in business,  a guy doesn't need a lot of suits. A tan or navy for day, and a black or dark charcoal for night is all one needs. And don't be afraid to mix tan or brown shoes and belt with greys and navys, or always feel the need to wear a tie...loosen it up for a sexy look like above.
 
Eye wear
 
We’re not all blessed with natural 20/20. So, if you’re holding off on going under the knife and your stash of contacts isn’t cutting it, good-old eyeglasses are your  option. And when it comes to specs, go bold or go home. Sure, they should always fit your face and it may take 30-plus pairs to find ones that do, but make certain they speak with the sureness of geek chic plastic or some angular metal. I have several pairs as accessories, but I find glasses extremely sexy on a man. 
 
Jeans
 
Jeans can be tricky. It may takes various pairs or brands to  find the fit that is best. Again, nothing sexier than a guy in nice fitting jeans. If you have nice assets and  basket of eggs nothing wrong with showing it as long as it isn't grotesque or painful looking. Make sure you also wear the right style with your shoes like a boot cut with boots. Whiskering or feathering, that finish that gives jeans that broke in look is great and will also enhance the goods!  Also remember, nothing wrong with dressing up denim.
 
All or some of these things,  dear reader are what a feel make a guy well dresse. But MOST important and the sexist thing is ......
 
 
Confidence
 
 one word says it all. Without a little swagger in your step, nothing else matters does it?
 
Tootles

41 comments:

  1. NOTHING about undies?

    "cause every girl's crazy bout a sharp dressed man!"

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    1. I have quite the collection, but alas, they never seem to make it on.....much!

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  2. why don't you tell us what you really think?

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  3. Wow! I found this very helpful actually. I probably spend more in grooming than anything else. Now I wish I could find jeans like above or ones that fit. Just to fill them out like that would be nice,wink!

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    1. If your slim like I, try a slim jean with a slight flare at the bottom. Not only will you appear slim, but the flair will make you seem taller.

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  4. Very nice post! I find I like mixing dress with causal myself. Some great tips here. And I have said it before of all the people I know, no one wears jeans better than you.

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    1. I'd agree with that jeans statement!

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    2. Sweet talk won't get you boys anywhere.

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    3. Some days , it looks like the Mistress may put an eye out!

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  5. I too found this helpful. I'm probably in drag more then out, so when it comes to being my boy side, I need much more effort . I should be equal fashionable as a man as I am a queen. And when you visited I thought you dressed very nice, but found you handsome because of your confidence strength and humor!

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  6. This is why I enjoy raiding your closet!

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    1. *makes note on store list for new locks*

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  7. Oh Mistress, your a wealth of information. I have always enjoyed your New Years Eve style and flair!

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  8. Nice post. As I get into my late 20's I know I need to get out of the jeans and tight muscle tee , the weho uniform, all the time, so this helps me expanded my hozions. I remember when I visted, I thought you looked great, and the things you mixed together. You looked good in clothes for a change! Well, you know, not in a swim trunk. Not that I ever glimpsed. Never mind.

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    1. Thank you Cali! May I get you a glass of water?

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  9. As a college student and still coming out, I am starting to dress better. And by doing so, I have created strong and positive first impressions. At the same time, however, some people assume I'm an uptight person whos trying too hard to impress, and it can create a negative impression. So I wonder if dressing sharp always leads to positive first impressions or if negative impressions?

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    1. Hey, as long as you like your style,and your comfortable that is all that really matters.

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  10. I LOVE clothing, a major whore to it, so the post gave me the wierdest boner

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    1. What a compliment, and I wasn't even on the room!

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  11. Anonymous10/10/2013

    Confidence trumps almost everything. I love it. :-)

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  12. If one has confidence , anything can be turned out!

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  13. Hi, I was simply checking out this blog and I really admire the premise of the article On Black Boot Dressing
    and this is really informative. I will for sure refer my friends the same. Thanks

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  14. Timeless advice from the Mistress with the most! I agree, 100%, with you regarding maintaining a wardrobe comprised of timeless lines, silhouettes, fabrics, etc. Chasing trends is vulgar, and while it is fine to accessorize with a few choice items from the now... nothing is as classy as classic fashion. I work with a gentlemen who comes to the office everyday dressed like he's ready to hit the club - it is unseemly and unprofessional. That said, you should see what he wears when he DOES hit the club. Ridiculous, unflattering, and it does age him so. He could do with a trip to the Mistress' Disciplinary School of Fashion. Thanks for the tips. - Uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque

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    1. I'm gonna march him over to the zoo, and feed him to the Yak.......just soon as I finish this drink!

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  15. What a great post! You have great taste! I tell my partner all the time about finding the right fit. After shopping some and help of the associates what a difference the right size makes. And a gentleman always has a pinch of vintage.

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  16. First, are you for hire??? I found this very helpful too. I am jeans and tees most of the time. Can't help it, love to show the "assets" . Now I'm finding it a challenge to look more hip and polished. I love clothes but not sure what to put together. Great advice here.! When should we meet to get started.

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    1. Report next week for inseam measurements.

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  17. Wow, great advise! I would love to get into your clothes, I meant closet!!! Love the guy in the tight suit above good god!!!!

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    1. The mistress and her closet.....opened 24\7.

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  18. I have to admit, I wear everything with jeans. Dress them up or down, and even wear the wing tips with them. I'm am definitely going to look for the fitted suits from now on though. What a difference they make, and shows just enough of the goods! You are so good at this, I can see why you do what you do. Loved your style when we met.

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    1. Looks like some of your goods are sticking out now!!!! Thanks for the wonderful comment !

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  19. Girl, who got looks, fashion sense, cook,interior design background and you do visual display.......your going to make someone very happy! A catch in my opinion!

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    1. Oh not to worry dear, the mistress makes someone happy at least once a night.

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  20. You used you own picture for the jeans segment? Name your price.....or does trade work?

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    1. Same thing....report next week....we'll take inseam measurements!

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  21. Damn bitch.....your good!

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    1. Well, when I'm good , I'm good, but when I'm bad, I'm better!

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  22. I can just imagine your style. Love this post,I'll have to show it to my partner.....secretly he needs help! I love to mix denim with dress and touches of vintage myself. And let us not start discussing grooming!

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  23. You got it kid! Some great tips here. I myself am the jeans picture and the vintage picture myself. I love a bow tie. How do you feel about tux? With the symphony I have to wear one, commando of course! I have to be comfortable while playing the cello!

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  24. What great advice and so interesting to read. These are some great tips. And I always like a pinch of vintage in an outfit.

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!