5 style rules to get dressed by
Men’s style is a sartorial minefield of sorts; there are a number of faux pas that can ruin a great look in an instant and negotiating them can be a tricky business. We spoke to Jolyon Bexon, GM at Gieves & Hawkes’ global flagship store at No.1 Savile Row for his advice on dressing well on a consistent basis, as well as imparting a few definitive style rules of our own.
‘Men often make the mistake of letting their clothes wear them and not the other way round. Always pick something that makes you feel special but also comfortable. Something too bold, contemporary or not in character for you will make you feel (and look) awkward.
I always think that keeping it simple is the key. A sharp navy suit, crisp white shirt, high shine black shoes and a white linen handkerchief are the foundations of any good wardrobe. If you can back this up with a smile and a sprinkling of gentlemanly charm then you’re onto a winner.’
– Jolyon Bexon
SUBTLETY IS THE NEW FACE OF LUXURY
Ostentatious brashness in your appearance is not the mark of a gentleman. Dizzying prints and overt branding aren’t the hallmarks you want your style or yourself to be associated with. Err on the simpler side of things with discreet logos and an emphasis on luxury fabrics and excellent construction.
YOUR SHOES ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR OUTFIT
‘It is totally impossible to be well-dressed in cheap shoes’ once said the distinguished Hardy Amies; truer words have never been spoken. Woman, by all accounts, judge a man based first on his shoes and then his watch, it’s hard to recover from a bad first impression so get your footwear in shape.
Cheap shoes are instantly recognisable. Take the time and money to sound out a pair worth wearing that won’t let you down.
DRESS WITH PURPOSE
There’s an adage proclaiming, ‘to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.’ Essentially, dress well and like you have a purpose and you’ll command the respect and attention of colleagues and acquaintances alike. Dress like a slob or in poor taste and that esteem will be much harder to garner.
MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR TAILOR
Off the rack, ready-to-wear clothing is made in generic sizing and you’re not always going to fall into those parameters. On the off chance you find a brand that fits you perfectly, stock up; for everything else, take it to your tailor. There’s no excuse for a poor fit.
KEEP YOUR WARDROBE CLASSIC
Sid Mashburn, the eminent American haberdasher and menswear figure commented that men, ‘don’t need a lot of choices, they need the right choice’.
There’s a difference between fashion and style. Fashion is fleeting while style more lasting, dress so you don’t have to overhaul your wardrobe every 12 months – maintaining an impeccably dressed manner will be a much easier undertaking. Mr Bexon states ‘A sharp navy suit, crisp white shirt, high shine black shoes and a white linen handkerchief are the foundations of any good wardrobe’
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
