How to Handle Compliments. . .

Mavis: "Oh, Percival! You dance marvelously. Almost as though you are moving on air." Percival: "Why, thank you my dear!"

As a man who dresses and presents himself to the world with intent, sooner or later you will receive a compliment about your general appearance. Or a particular item that is part of your overall presentation.

Strangely, compliments make a lot of people uncomfortable. Daily kindness to each other has become so rare in 2021 -- even among people living in the same dwelling -- that many are left unsure how to handle unsolicited pleasant remarks or observations about attire, eye glasses, well-shined shoes, an interesting pocket square, one's smile, or a firm handshake for instance.

Just one more sign of the graceless age in which we live. Once common niceties of the (fairly recent) past, it seems have been relegated to the social dustbin of history.

The sad result is that we have been left unable to navigate what used to be fairly easy social interactions. As a solution to potentially awkward moments, however, let's take a page from my late maternal grandfather's book.

If and when someone pays you a compliment, simply reply like this.

"Thank you!" See? That didn't hurt.

After you have responded graciously to said compliment, continue through the rest of your day with a tiny spring added to your step. Rest assured, there are still people who appreciate and "get" the well turned out man.

As I have mentioned before here at Classic Style, compliments are never necessary, but people appreciate them when offered. Little, seemingly insignificant utterances that nevertheless make others feel good about themselves. Occasional compliments also pick up our own flagging spirits if and when something nice is said to us about our appearance or demeanor.

And goodness knows after the year or so all of us have endured, that is nothing to sneeze at. To paraphrase the inimitable Nick Lowe (with a little help here from Elvis Costello), what's so funny about presentation, grace, and complimenting?

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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 at...

Friday on Campus Style. . .

S omewhat atypically, I was on campus for several hours today helping with an interview that is part of a larger documentary project on which a colleague and I are working. Although I am behind the camera (I'm the audio guy in fact), what better reason does one need to dress presentably? Exactly. Everything worn, barring the recently purchased University of Wisconsin socks, a gift from the Grand Duchess, has been in the rotation for a while now. And, of course, there was the Panama hat, which I'll wear until we pass October 1st when the felt fedoras reappear. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Tan Suit Tuesday. . .

W hile it's now after Labor Day here in the U.S,. we still have almost three weeks left of summer according to the calendar. And since today was bright, sunny, and pleasantly warm (though far from hot), it seemed like a perfect opportunity to trot out my tan cotton suit and tan loafers/belt. Slightly disheveled, yes. And the shoes need some Renovateur to moisten 'em up But not a bad overall look if I might be so bold. -- Heinz-Ulrich

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