Are you well dressed? A PH gentleman thread.
Discussion
As a regular poster on “Show us your new shoes” and “Pocket squares – anyone else wear them?” it seems a thread discussing smart and formal attire would prove a useful addition to these other well-established threads.
Styleforum and Ask Andy About Clothes are often recommended to members seeking sartorial advice but it seems a shame to me that PH doesn’t have its own thread dedicated to the topic - particularly as there are quite a few members who have a good amount of knowledge on such things.
The intention of the thread is to act as a means of giving and receiving good natured advice on any aspect of gentleman’s (ladies are of course welcome) smart or formal attire, showing off new purchases and generally appreciating fine clothes and accessories.
The inevitable banter will of course arise (and should be encouraged) but if we could please refrain from personal insults that would be much appreciated.
So, first up me…
I work in an office environment and only “dress-up” socially. For this reason I do not own a suit as I find them too business-like for socialising and I almost always prefer to see a skilfully put together outfit outside of work.
I am possibly attending a (semi-casual) networking meeting in the near future where I shall be representing the firm and obviously appearance is very important.
My current plan is to wear a wine coloured blazer, dark blue trousers, plain white (double cuff) shirt with tie and pocket square along with cherry (semi-brogue) oxfords.
Ordinarily I would be more than comfortable wearing this outfit but I am certainly going to be the most (over)dressed person representing our firm. I am not the most senior (but far from the most junior) member of staff attending but I am aiming to strike the correct balance of well dressed and professional.
Any suggestions?
Styleforum and Ask Andy About Clothes are often recommended to members seeking sartorial advice but it seems a shame to me that PH doesn’t have its own thread dedicated to the topic - particularly as there are quite a few members who have a good amount of knowledge on such things.
The intention of the thread is to act as a means of giving and receiving good natured advice on any aspect of gentleman’s (ladies are of course welcome) smart or formal attire, showing off new purchases and generally appreciating fine clothes and accessories.
The inevitable banter will of course arise (and should be encouraged) but if we could please refrain from personal insults that would be much appreciated.
So, first up me…
I work in an office environment and only “dress-up” socially. For this reason I do not own a suit as I find them too business-like for socialising and I almost always prefer to see a skilfully put together outfit outside of work.
I am possibly attending a (semi-casual) networking meeting in the near future where I shall be representing the firm and obviously appearance is very important.
My current plan is to wear a wine coloured blazer, dark blue trousers, plain white (double cuff) shirt with tie and pocket square along with cherry (semi-brogue) oxfords.
Ordinarily I would be more than comfortable wearing this outfit but I am certainly going to be the most (over)dressed person representing our firm. I am not the most senior (but far from the most junior) member of staff attending but I am aiming to strike the correct balance of well dressed and professional.
Any suggestions?
bayleaf said:
You and your thread are f
king absurd!! Your dress sense is ridiculous and the way you type is cringeworthy.
My suggestion is to go to a prostitute for an hour and then afterwards see the world through normal eyes. They're very kind with people like you I've heard.
You seem a top bloke. king absurd!! Your dress sense is ridiculous and the way you type is cringeworthy. My suggestion is to go to a prostitute for an hour and then afterwards see the world through normal eyes. They're very kind with people like you I've heard.
Please elaborate on which particular aspect of my dress sense is ridiculous.
g3org3y said:
InductionRoar said:
I am possibly attending a (semi-casual) networking meeting in the near future where I shall be representing the firm and obviously appearance is very important.
My current plan is to wear a wine coloured blazer, dark blue trousers, plain white (double cuff) shirt with tie and pocket square along with cherry (semi-brogue) oxfords.
Ordinarily I would be more than comfortable wearing this outfit but I am certainly going to be the most (over)dressed person representing our firm. I am not the most senior (but far from the most junior) member of staff attending but I am aiming to strike the correct balance of well dressed and professional.
If you're meeting new people for networking, the outfit might seem a bit too extrovert IYSWIM.My current plan is to wear a wine coloured blazer, dark blue trousers, plain white (double cuff) shirt with tie and pocket square along with cherry (semi-brogue) oxfords.
Ordinarily I would be more than comfortable wearing this outfit but I am certainly going to be the most (over)dressed person representing our firm. I am not the most senior (but far from the most junior) member of staff attending but I am aiming to strike the correct balance of well dressed and professional.
I'd recommend a navy blazer, cream/tan trousers and brown shoes/boots (brogues or chukkas). Given the semi-casual nature of the event, I'd eschew the tie and go for either a light blue or white shirt. As you've suggested, splash of colour with a pocket square.
Not very adventurous as such, but inoffensive and will still look smart without potentially coming across as 'try-hard'.
Edit to add: Yes, I agree, no tie = single cuffs on the shirt.
bayleaf said:
You and your thread are fking absurd!! Your dress sense is ridiculous and the way you type is cringeworthy.
My suggestion is to go to a prostitute for an hour and then afterwards see the world through normal eyes. They're very kind with people like you I've heard.
What do you hope to achieve with such comments? Seems entirely unnecessary. king absurd!! Your dress sense is ridiculous and the way you type is cringeworthy. My suggestion is to go to a prostitute for an hour and then afterwards see the world through normal eyes. They're very kind with people like you I've heard.
Edited by g3org3y on Friday 3rd June 19:25
Unsure what Bayleaf's issues are but I suspect my dress sense and typing are the least of them.
In the interest of completeness here is my Al Murray costume.
The jacket works for me and I have only ever received positive comments on it but I agree - too much for the occasion.
AdamFX said:
Too formal. Lose the tie and pocket square. I also can't get on with the jacket/shoe colour combo, although both nice in isolation.
I'd go dark trousers, shirt with no tie, v neck jumper with a jacket over the top.
Totally agree - it is too formal and will be toned down accordingly.I'd go dark trousers, shirt with no tie, v neck jumper with a jacket over the top.
You are on dodgy ground publicly admitting you like the Al Murray jacket though.
DanL said:
Overdone IMHO - not that I'm claiming to be any kind of fashion guru, but the shoes are too much. Actually, the whole thing's too much, but hell. If you're going to have something "showy", that's fine - loud shirt, bright shoes, whatever. But wear one thing, not all the showy stuff in one go - it just looks a mess.
In other news, if it were me I'd wear a navy suit, white shirt with no tie and I guess those shoes. It's a work do, look the part.
I agree on the one "showy" item mantra, however the only item I would class as "showy" is the jacket.In other news, if it were me I'd wear a navy suit, white shirt with no tie and I guess those shoes. It's a work do, look the part.
Can I ask why you think the shoes are too much? Genuine question.
Glad I didn't wear a lapel pin...
DoubleSix said:
Well, I think the kindest way of putting it is that it's clear someone is trying too hard. If sartorial awareness isn't your thing then stick to the classics and build a wardrobe from there.
Rush out and buy up what you perceive to be on trend garments and you'll end up looking like a train wreck or the love child of Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and Gok Wan.
In short; dial it back a good number of notches.
I see what you're saying however, I still maintain the only non-classic garment is the jacket and even then only the colour - I honestly believe if the jacket was a different colour nobody would be claiming foul play.Rush out and buy up what you perceive to be on trend garments and you'll end up looking like a train wreck or the love child of Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and Gok Wan.
In short; dial it back a good number of notches.
I do however, appreciate your input and had already agreed it needed to be toned down for that particular event before posting the image but thought I would post it regardless for the amusement of the igents.
I knew exactly what I was letting myself in for...
DanL said:
The shoes are showy - if you don't recognise this, you may be colourblind. 
They draw the eye what with not being a dark colour and are, you must admit, not the standard issue office wear shoe in appearance because of it.
The pocket square is also showy - not the colour, but the way you're wearing it. Plain white and square across the pocket so it's just 1 cm of white showing in a line is one thing, arranged like a flower is another. So, that draw the eye, as do the shoes and they're both fighting the jacket for attention. A lapel pin (and who owns one of those, by the way?!) would be another thing drawing the eye... Pick one unusual thing, damnit!
Ahh got you. They draw the eye what with not being a dark colour and are, you must admit, not the standard issue office wear shoe in appearance because of it.The pocket square is also showy - not the colour, but the way you're wearing it. Plain white and square across the pocket so it's just 1 cm of white showing in a line is one thing, arranged like a flower is another. So, that draw the eye, as do the shoes and they're both fighting the jacket for attention. A lapel pin (and who owns one of those, by the way?!) would be another thing drawing the eye... Pick one unusual thing, damnit!
Shoes - They aren't exactly subtle I agree but I didn't realize the colour was quite so "showy".
Pocket Square - I like both ways of wearing them but yes I agree the way you describe is less flamboyant.
Lapel pin - Yes I do own a lapel pin but I'm sure that doesn't surprise you...
To be fair wearing even cufflinks these days is "unusual" in most company - next you'll be saying matching your cufflinks to your watch is "unusual".
BlackLabel said:
@OP,
Nice shoes - where are they from, got a link?
Cheers.
Thank you.Nice shoes - where are they from, got a link?
Cheers.
Here you go.
https://www.gazianogirling.com/collections/shoes/p...
Tidybeard said:
Good idea for a thread and I applaud the effort.
The fit is very good (which I suspect you knew), and that is important. I think a plain light blue shirt (button cuff) almost always looks better than white with anything other than a suit and would be more appropriate for this outfit - for this event I'd probably drop the tie and pocket square too.
Shoes are excellent IMO but I'm sure you would expect (and will get) strong opinions from the "I buy my square (or pointy) toed shoes from Matalan and have never had any complaints" brigade.
It was a quiet day in the office today. The fit is very good (which I suspect you knew), and that is important. I think a plain light blue shirt (button cuff) almost always looks better than white with anything other than a suit and would be more appropriate for this outfit - for this event I'd probably drop the tie and pocket square too.
Shoes are excellent IMO but I'm sure you would expect (and will get) strong opinions from the "I buy my square (or pointy) toed shoes from Matalan and have never had any complaints" brigade.
I hoped the thread would create some interest and a bit of banter. I didn't put a massive amount of thought into my outfit when I posted as it was just a bit of fun to kick start the thread - anyway I am glad somebody approves of the intention behind it.
Maybe some of the other posters will contribute their sartorially aware ensembles?
Edited by InductionRoar on Friday 3rd June 22:38
had ham said:
You look like a National Express bus coach driver. Nothing fits (except perhaps the shoes?). The jacket arms are 2~3 inches too long, your tie looks like it was tied by Kyle from Yr9, and your shirt was obviously bought from Burtons as an over-size 'back to school' item. The jacket is just plain awful.
You don't look like a 'Gentleman', you look like a a dweeb trying really hard to mix with the jocks at the high school prom and failing quite badly.
I actually like the shoes, but not with the rest of the clown outfit. I actually suspect you may be a troll - if so, hats off to you.
Oh dear. At least you like my shoes.You don't look like a 'Gentleman', you look like a a dweeb trying really hard to mix with the jocks at the high school prom and failing quite badly.
I actually like the shoes, but not with the rest of the clown outfit. I actually suspect you may be a troll - if so, hats off to you.
Right. I'll try and address all comments briefly. 
Fit - I concede that the sleeves are too long (3 inches is a bit of a stretch though) but I think it unwise to go bespoke until such time as you've achieved your desired physique. I am close to having achieved my ideal physique and consequently am considering bespoke for later in the year. I currently require an 8 inch+ drop so my "off the peg" options are somewhat restricted and I would rather not get into alterations (best to get it right first time around).
"The jacket" is Paul Smith (Kensington) which I bought in the sale - once I have a few bespoke jackets it will go to the charity shop along with my others. It clearly isn't a colour I would choose at full retail however, at the price I paid it seemed a bargain.
Tie - How is the tie an issue? It is a FIH knot but as I literally wore the outfit for the photo only I didn't pull it fully tight so as to not wear the fabric out unduly. I assume the comments made were in relation to a FIH being simpler than a Windsor for example. Regardless, I prefer a small, asymmetrical knot to the Match of the Day ties you see on most igents so will continue with FIH. I must confess however, I didn't appreciate every minute detail of my outfit was under scrutiny - I suppose I should feel lucky the gravel went uncriticised.
To the cheap shirt brigade - I would be very interested to hear what brand/maker you wear (please say Thomas Pink I beg you).
Shoes - Yes they are that price (don't forget £150 for shoe trees), they serve no function other than to cover my feet (which they achieve admirably) and no they are not the most expensive shoes in my "rotation".
All the gear no idea - Quite the contrary. The only items on show which are "quality" are the shoes, tie and pocket square. The trousers, jacket and shirt are all machine made in India, China or some other undesirable location.
I tend to buy the items that will always fit first i.e. watches, cufflinks, shoes, ties, umbrellas etc (yes you read correctly). Only when I have all bases covered will I go about addressing the fit/cut of my clothes. Incidentally, I am very glad I took this approach as I couldn't afford a lot of the items I own at today's prices and no doubt my bespoke suit would be rather tatty.
Gentleman? - I wasn't professing to be a gentleman. I do however, think laying into somebody in the manner some posters have on this thread is far more ungentlemanly than having sleeves that need altering or an offensively coloured jacket. Having worn that jacket multiple times and having never once received a negative comment makes me wonder whether it is a keyboard warrior issue or whether I am just hard of hearing when I'm out.
Pocket square - I literally stuck it in my pocket to give a general idea. I wouldn't have worn it like that when it came to it.
In response to one of the posts above - Yes, I did just throw the outfit together. As I said earlier in the thread it was a quiet day in the office and I picked clothes I knew I had and put them together in my mind and posted them. I have never worn that combination before and won't again but not due to the criticism received on here.
When I saw the Al Murray comments I thought I would put the clothes on and post a photo to show I am not averse to the odd piss take. I don't generally ask for sartorial advice and as I said before it was just a thread starter not a genuine enquiry - I would have put more serious thought to it nearer the time.
To those who are interested I shall wear the same shoes and trousers, a textured shirt with an open collar, and a v-neck jumper.
As I'm sure all the original and witty remarks have already been made here is another photo of some of my items. Please feel free to comment - I would be disappointed if you didn't...
Fit - I concede that the sleeves are too long (3 inches is a bit of a stretch though) but I think it unwise to go bespoke until such time as you've achieved your desired physique. I am close to having achieved my ideal physique and consequently am considering bespoke for later in the year. I currently require an 8 inch+ drop so my "off the peg" options are somewhat restricted and I would rather not get into alterations (best to get it right first time around).
"The jacket" is Paul Smith (Kensington) which I bought in the sale - once I have a few bespoke jackets it will go to the charity shop along with my others. It clearly isn't a colour I would choose at full retail however, at the price I paid it seemed a bargain.
Tie - How is the tie an issue? It is a FIH knot but as I literally wore the outfit for the photo only I didn't pull it fully tight so as to not wear the fabric out unduly. I assume the comments made were in relation to a FIH being simpler than a Windsor for example. Regardless, I prefer a small, asymmetrical knot to the Match of the Day ties you see on most igents so will continue with FIH. I must confess however, I didn't appreciate every minute detail of my outfit was under scrutiny - I suppose I should feel lucky the gravel went uncriticised.
To the cheap shirt brigade - I would be very interested to hear what brand/maker you wear (please say Thomas Pink I beg you).
Shoes - Yes they are that price (don't forget £150 for shoe trees), they serve no function other than to cover my feet (which they achieve admirably) and no they are not the most expensive shoes in my "rotation".
All the gear no idea - Quite the contrary. The only items on show which are "quality" are the shoes, tie and pocket square. The trousers, jacket and shirt are all machine made in India, China or some other undesirable location.
I tend to buy the items that will always fit first i.e. watches, cufflinks, shoes, ties, umbrellas etc (yes you read correctly). Only when I have all bases covered will I go about addressing the fit/cut of my clothes. Incidentally, I am very glad I took this approach as I couldn't afford a lot of the items I own at today's prices and no doubt my bespoke suit would be rather tatty.
Gentleman? - I wasn't professing to be a gentleman. I do however, think laying into somebody in the manner some posters have on this thread is far more ungentlemanly than having sleeves that need altering or an offensively coloured jacket. Having worn that jacket multiple times and having never once received a negative comment makes me wonder whether it is a keyboard warrior issue or whether I am just hard of hearing when I'm out.
Pocket square - I literally stuck it in my pocket to give a general idea. I wouldn't have worn it like that when it came to it.
In response to one of the posts above - Yes, I did just throw the outfit together. As I said earlier in the thread it was a quiet day in the office and I picked clothes I knew I had and put them together in my mind and posted them. I have never worn that combination before and won't again but not due to the criticism received on here.
When I saw the Al Murray comments I thought I would put the clothes on and post a photo to show I am not averse to the odd piss take. I don't generally ask for sartorial advice and as I said before it was just a thread starter not a genuine enquiry - I would have put more serious thought to it nearer the time.
To those who are interested I shall wear the same shoes and trousers, a textured shirt with an open collar, and a v-neck jumper.
As I'm sure all the original and witty remarks have already been made here is another photo of some of my items. Please feel free to comment - I would be disappointed if you didn't...
Sump said:
I conclude OP is sore loser who wants to dress like a millionaire but wasn't brought up correctly, hence the extreme desperation in clothing with no class or distinction.
That's quite a conclusion to jump to - I have actively encouraged the ridicule and even posted a second photo for the angry people to comment on. Wanting to dress like a millionaire?
I am all up for a laugh but I would thank you to not comment on my upbringing - that certainly shows a lack of class.
Please enlighten me as why the items in my second photo show a lack of class and distinction.
Tyre Smoke said:
OP, please tell me what is wrong with a Thomas Pink shirt?
I happen to like them, for fit, quality and style. I have several.
They are mass produced up to a price in countries not known for shirt-making (much like my jacket). If you get them in the sale fair enough but don't convince yourself the value is there.I happen to like them, for fit, quality and style. I have several.
48Valves said:
You need to learn how to tie a tie correctly though.
This point has been raised and addressed.Tom1312 said:
Dependant on how smart casual it is, keep the shoes and lose the extra bits.
Lose the the and open collar.
Textured materials like tweed are pretty good bets for a nice jacket that's not too formal.
I'll risk a lashing and post a picture of my last smart casual outing.
A big issue though, how old are you? If you're dressing to your age it's not such an issue really.
Cheers. Very brave to post a photo and much appreciated.Lose the the and open collar.
Textured materials like tweed are pretty good bets for a nice jacket that's not too formal.
I'll risk a lashing and post a picture of my last smart casual outing.
A big issue though, how old are you? If you're dressing to your age it's not such an issue really.
I am 28 so plenty of time to reach the heady heights of "class and distinction" demonstrated on this thread.
Tom1312 said:
28?
I'd tone it back a bit buddy, I'm 25 and felt old in chinos and blazer.
I'd tone it back a bit buddy, I'm 25 and felt old in chinos and blazer.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: 28 is a bit of a shocker respectfully, really didn't expect that.
Personally I'd lose the jacket and tie (I don't even own one) and be done at that in a smart casual setting.
Out of academic interest what age did you imagine? I'm braced... Personally I'd lose the jacket and tie (I don't even own one) and be done at that in a smart casual setting.
Impasse said:
I thought all shirts were manufactured within a few square miles of each other using similar amounts of child labour? It's only the label that determines the retail price and perceived "quality"?
Here are a few.https://www.drakes.com/?gclid=COaArPTIjs0CFQuNGwod...
http://www.luigiborrelli.com/en/camicia/
http://www.hilditchandkey.co.uk/
http://smythandgibson.com/
http://www.frayitaly.com/
DoubleSix said:
Impasse said:
A fair chunk of the "poor fit" comments aimed at the OP can be attributed to bad posture. Stand up straight!
Been wondering whether to broach this, it's the elephant in the thread.OP, shoulders back ffs or your dead in the water!
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