I think I have one by default. Well in my opinion, I do. It doesnt take much for men especially jealous or poorly dressed ones to detect a change. I had one fellow tell me that he was shocked I was wearing a plain white shirt. I actually own and wear quite a few but not in that observer's opinion; who am I to argue with him?

I have had several people tell me that theyve never seen anyone dressed like me before in spite of the fact that I am generally in a dark suit, a pink or blue and white striped shirt with a Van Buck or Duchamp tie (sometimes a bow tie from the likes of SEIGO NYC) and black lace up shoes. Maybe it's the cut or how I wear it? Last I checked what I wear is available to everyone and are things that have been worn for the last 100 years.

But it's true that my color and pattern choices are repetitive thus I probably send out a themed message to observers. Also, most of my things are made by the same makers. I do tend to wear the same shirts and ties with weekend stuff that I wear with work attire.

Which brings me to my point, I think consistency is very important to observers and not necessarily for the wearer. Many men have a default look because they dont have a lot of clothes.

I dont know if this would count as a "signature look", but for business wear, this is how I look like:

C&J handgrade Audley black cap-toe ox - the shoe/last that fits best - VERY RARELY augmented by No 8 Alden cordo monks or derbys
Pantherella long cotton socks in charcoal or navy, depending on suit colour
Very thin waxed shoestrings, slightly longer so they tie effortlessly, replaced often

Simple Cordings suits, 2 or 3button, mid-to-dark-grey or navy, either worsted or birdseye or pick-pick, no turn-ups, no belt loops - RTW, regular fit
No pocket square, or a plain white linen one

VERY RARELY the suit is replaced by a slightly slim fit cream chino (Cordings) and a "modern" navy blazer (= Hackett, Polo) without Captain's buttons

White, light blue, blue/white stipes (Bengal, from very fine to regular) H&K double cuff shirt with medium spread collar, no collar stays SOMETIMES a fine check Gingham one
Hermes ties with small pattern (abstract or animals), either in navy or bright colours, tied into a normal knot
1971 Rolex Oster Precision stainless steel wristwatch, on a new Oyster bracelent, nicely aged, or various PPs

Hermes RG or sterling silver cufflinks (depending on watch)

DR Harris Arlington citrus/fern after shave lotion, or Trumpers Lime, or DR Harris Bay Rum, or some leftover Floris

A nicely worn SAB briefcase, in black or London tan, or various Chapman bags
If needed, a rather tatty SAB Whangy umbrella
If a coat, a fawn Cordings covert without velvet collar

My suits are never dry-cleaned or ironed, and often creased because I wear them while in my car.
I dont wear collar stays and prefer H&K because of their softer construction, so the shirts look rather casual
You will never see anything made of yellow gold on me
my shoes are religiously cared for - I have a very experienced cobbler who inserts those iron taps in a way they are flush with the sole
I shave every morning, but leisurely
My hair is cut every 6 weeks and usually worn without any product in it

So, all in all, a subtle, slightly casual (Chapman bags, shabby watch, soft shirts) look. You would probably not remember what I was wearing, but you would remember that I looked "allright".

Signature look? Luckily not.

A signature look requires either a person very certain of what he likes and the reasons why, or the contrary, a person so unsure of himself that he finds emotional succor in a "look" that provides him the comfort of imaginary approval by others.

Being a Puerto Rican living in the Us with a former love of Italian fashion and now a more pronounced yen for British sensibility in clothing I am totally confused on what to wear and my approach is woefully uninformed because I don't fully understand the provenance or utilitarian roots of 90% of the stuff I wear.

Having said that, I do try to "dress well"- whatever that means.

Despite a lifetime of serious athletics, or perhaps because of it, I disdain the attempt to elevate gym paraphernalia into high style. Seeing some out of shape duffer in crossover garb at a social function or restaurant really does it for me. Makes me want to meet him inside a squash court or in a wrestling mat to see how well he performs in gym clothing.
The second thing that makes me laugh is the faux distressed look on jeans, jackets, whatever. It's as if the manufacturer is laughing at the poor chap who buys his trash.

So if I have a "signature look" it is more defined by what I DON'T wear.

Last edited by Chévere (2015-10-10 20:30:36)