The First Sunday in Advent, or Can It Really Be the End of November 2015 Already?

Bruce Boyer's latest. Easily one of the most delightful reads on men's attire that I've come across.

Sounds like a conference paper title, eh?

Spent a delightful 90 minutes or so last night perusing True Style and came across a few pointers that are worth pondering when we consider how we present ourselves to the world. Especially since we are now in the midst of the (sadly) frenetic Christmas and New Year's season with its various gatherings and parties that, hopefully, at least, some men will dress for. These are taken from Chapter 16, entitleed 'Maxims', of Mr. Boyer's book:

12. Clothes talk. In fact, they never shut up. And if you don't hear them, perhaps you aren't the intended audience.

16. Being inappropriately dressed has the potential to be more embarrassing than saying something stupid.

22. Dressing decently should be a matter of politeness, if nothing else.

24. Clothes are social tools, like language, manners, and a sense of humor.

With those ideas in mind, I humbly request that we not make a habit of appearing at special holiday occasions looking/smelling/behaving like we've slept at the bottom of of the laundry hamper for the last six or seven days. Even if you plan on a small dinner with the immediate family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, shave and dress before the meal. . . for them.

So, are you listening guys? Say it with me. Put on a a pressed shirt in white or light blue, creased wool pants, and some kind of blazer or sports jacket that isn't borrowed and actually fits you. Add a belt, some dark or Argyll socks, and a pair of non-dusty loafers. If you want to get really crazy, toss on a festive wool tartan necktie. Don't forget your pocket square, which shouldn't match your tie. There you are. Cool, casual, and pulled together as well as appropriate for the (special) occasion.

Remember. It ain't gonna kill you to look nice once in a while. Not only will you set a good example for any children in the picture, but spouses, partners, and significant others will also appreciate your efforts whether they comment on it, or not.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

P.S.
This marks the 400th posting here at Classic Style for the Average Guy. Thank you for dropping by and suffering through my sometimes strident, and always pompous meanderings.

The Problem of "Business Casual" Attire. . .

This is how it's done. Business Casual the RIGHT way, ladies and gentlemen. Even during the summer months. A photograph (taken by Studio B Portraits ) which appeared in 425 Business Magazine in May 2017. T his post on the problem of business casual dress began as a quick postscript to a previous blog entry last week but quickly grew and grew as additional thoughts occurred, were developed in more detail, and revisions made. So much so, that it seemed, eventually, like a better idea to make the initial P.S. afterthought into its own entry . Are ya ready, Freddy? Then, here we go. . . ------------ U nless you actually plan to sell beach snacks and trinkets on Cozumel, become a serial barista, or greet customers at a fancy nightclub after taking out huge student loans to attend university somewhere for four or five years, plus an MBA afterward, it's really a better idea to err on the side of (somewhat) more formal work attire any time you head into the

The Average Guy's Guide to Classic Style Now on Ebay!!!

Another great old Laurence Fellows illustration of menswear from the classic era, the 1930s. T he Average Guy's Guide to Classic Style is up and running on Ebay. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Friday Tweeds, Cords, and Coffee. . .

I made the sojourn into campus this morning to have some coffee and talk shop with a colleague. We had an enjoyable discussion for an hour in the recently opened library branch of the global abomination that is Starbuck's . Can someone explain to me. . . Why on earth do cities like Vienna and Rome even need them? I am of two minds here. Starbuck's is handy in a lot of instances. The coffee isn't bad. Somewhat better than what is sold in the competing, campus owned and run Sparty's . And the space in the library, occupied by a branch of Sparty's until early last May, is redesigned, bright, airy, and clean with plenty of new tables, chairs, and outlets for laptop computers, tablets, and recharging phones. All very convenient. Yet it is locally owned, non-corporate cafes that have the character and quirkiness that makes them interesting places in which to kill time, work, and people watch. Why the campus town adjacent to my employer does not have a bette

Old SchoolDecember 8, 2015 at 8:37 AM
This NY Times piece is not at all profound, but if it has a wide readership, we might see a few people being more appropriately dressed:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/08/your-money/dress-the-part-and-its-easier-to-walk-the-walk.html
WSTKS-FM WorldwideDecember 8, 2015 at 12:45 PM
Thank you! Very interesting, and it just underscores what I was always told, in one way or another and child and youngster. Amazing how so many people have forgotten this same idea and continue to argue against it.

Best Regards,

Heinz-Ulrich von B.
CarloDecember 9, 2015 at 2:41 AM
Well said Stokes. Though my Christmas in Australia will be quite warm, there is no doubt that despite the heat (expected 40C) there can still be an elegant, cool look that sets the tone for a great day!

Have enjoyed your posts immensely this past year! Thank you.
BillaxDecember 15, 2015 at 11:35 AM
An instructive post, Heinz-Ulrich! Well said!

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