I am currently in the most productive period of my life ever. I got a lot of things out of the way, and am extremely focused on things, projects, topics which are really "me". I have simplified my life, including the many things I used to own. For me, wearing a "uniform" is part of (re)gaining control over my life.

And I have no illusion about who I am. When I see these tiny Asian guy dressed to look like Northern Italian playboys, with tasteful sunglasses carefully put in their breast pocket, or burly Americans proudly sporting their newly acquired pocket square - great. But I know that my clothing won't change me. I can dress like Seinfeld's "Maestro" but that won't make me a conductor. No tweed in the world will make me a Continental European version of hollow-cheeked Sebastian Flyte.

And that is fine. I have come to terms with me, and my relatively narrow range of wardrobe items makes me look good, without overpowering the real "me". It leaves enough room for what I say, or do.

Personally, I would not trust a man who puts too much effort in his appearance. Standards, yes. But elaborate peacock-y style - I would have my doubts.

I think its about getting a balance. I don't find that a "uniform" works for me. I like my Todds sneakers as much as my Lobbs. Not that I wear anything thats really "out there". I think this might stem from being in a rut for 30 years and questioning if an item of clothing was fitting a "Mod" look rather than looking at an item as a piece of clothing that I liked. Though I realise that niche dressing does look comic like on a middle aged man. Regardless of quality. The other day I saw a photo of Hugo Whatshisface (Parisian Gentleman dude) in a Bespoke denim suit (Cifonell if I remember right, full canvas and built up shoulder) and I just thought he was stuck in a rut. Like he can't wear jeans, sneakers, nice polo and A1 jacket (for instance) because its not his uniform. Great fit as the suit was and I'm sure the make is faultless I just feel if your gonna go casual, go casual.

Then again, what do I know about "vis menswear revolutionese oh lala times".

http://www.ivy-style.com/raising-the-bar-an-appreciation-of-the-bar-stripe-necktie.html

Here is that article.

Maybe the denim suit example does not really help in this context?

This is not a discussion about some weirdo, but about - as the title gives it away - about wardrobe staples and what makes a man look good. Don't troll.

My business uniform is this:

- well-polished, slightly cracked BLACK C&J HANDGRADE OXFORDS with a new sole
- a sort-of-ok-fitting, off-the-rack, somewhat rumpled CORDINGS OR HARVIE&HUDSON 2 BUTTON SINGLE-BREASTED SUIT in a non-shiny fabric (birdseye)
- a carelessly ironed T&A or H&K SHIRT, plain or bengals, white and/or blue, with soft cuffs and collar, medium spead (no cutaway), combined with NONDESCRIPT STERLING SILVER CUFFLINKS
- a well worn Rolex Oysterdate manual wind, with a new Oyster bracelet, or a slightly worn Patek from the 1980ies, both 34mm or less
- a RED OR BLUE HERMES TIE, in a small knot, often somewhat creased, with the primary colour "broken" by the overlay pattern in grey
- a WHITE HERMES COTTON HANKIE very carelessly stuffed into the suit breast pocket
- a WELL USED CHAPMAN BAG in yellow/caramel, containing odd bits and pieces, a chocolate bar and other random stuff
- clean-shaven, haircut slightly overdue
- a very subtle lemon-y after shave

Meet me for lunch or dinner at:

- AN "OLD SCHOOL" RESTAURANT (BISTROT-STYLE PREFERRED), which has seen better days, think of Brasserie Lipp, the old Annabels restaurant, Chez Savy near Avenue Montaigne.
- There we wll eat one dish only, lets say a small filet steak, some fries. Or veal kidney, and fried potatoes. No wine for me. a 0.2l glass of Coca Cola. Maybe white fish and sparkling water. Two scoops of ice cream. Espresso, and that little biscuit.

That is my "uniform" for business. It is more than clothes. It reflects who I am. The sum of all parts.

And me, with a shiny big new Submariner,  a "sharp" Italian bespoke suit, flashy double monks in burnished chestnut, a Louis Vuitton laptop bag and all this in a "fusion" restaurant with harsh acoustics - that is not me.

Last edited by Beestonplace (2018-12-11 05:47:18)

My business uniform;

Steel toe cap shoes, rubber soled.
Canvas trousers blue or dayglow green.
Navy blue t-shirt
Navy blue cotton crewneck sweater
Dayglow green vest
Dayglow green coat
Thin rubber gloves, black (size 9)
Light grey helmet.
Plunger
Can't say any of it fits well or looks good.

I dress "down" for casual Friday and dispense with the gloves.

Lunch is spent in the mobile just off site, as a rule its sandwiches while I read the paper (Times online, or sometimes Socialist Worker) but Thursday is burger and fries in a takeaway.

Ideally I'd like to win the Lotto and not have to goto work and stut around in Attolini suits, John Lobb shoes, Inglese shirts and fine ties.

^ Beeston quoting Beeston is peak Beeston