🙏🙏

You’re hitting that awkward stage. Even though it will feel weird, hang in there!

Not a manly man like you, no. But leave some chicks for the rest of us

@@thegreyfoxmandem lol

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Once again you’re right doc! Marcus Aurelius followed Hadrian and sported the Philosopher Warrior look of facial hair as well. As far as what attracts the feminine-it is attracted to the masculine…however that may be defined in any given moment. What I’m seeing is what we would commonly see as “traditional masculinity” is making a resurgence. We could also talk all day about dropping birth rates globally and how that too is pushing men to be more masculine. But that’s another discussion.

@@thegreyfoxmandem Yes, the birth rate thing is surely very interesting, but that's a discussion for another day. haha.

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🤣😂😁

Yes on all that, bro. Politics aside, beards need a lot of work to keep in good shape. I'm glad I can't grow one. I certainly don't want to look like JD Vance. JD actually has a really weak chin that makes him look weak, shady and docile. That's why he grew that beard.

That example alone is worth discussion. The man-or a stylist-saw a discrepancy and growing a beard was the solution.

@@thegreyfoxmandem Absolutely, you can restyle your whole persona with fashion. I've been coaching one of my former students on how to use the best of modern and classic style in the way he dresses, now that he's a new PhD in an assistant professor position. His wife has noticed a real change to his persona just by the way he's been following my advice. That side of professional development is NOT discussed enough.

How style affects our own self image and self confidence is striking

Honestly, you can get away with just about anything if you have the personality to pull it off. But most designers agree that would be a conflict of formalities-the black suit being much more formal and the brown shoes much more casual. Color wise, if your shoes are of the darker brown variety, the shades will be too close and it would appear like you’re trying to match and failing. Best to have black suit/black shoes to equate both formality and shade, or a less formal suit with a notable contrast in shades between suit and shoes.

@@thegreyfoxmandem I am pairing dark brown penny loafers with black suit...as I'll match it with dark brown belt... Haven't decided about the shirt though white or black

“Breaking the rules is like breaking an atom-it releases an incredible amount of energy!” Make sure you match that energy with your personality and you’ll look great!

@@thegreyfoxmandem actually after watching this video I ordered both colours 😅 will go with whatever looks better

Good call. And now you’ve got options for future outfits!😄

White pearls, certainly. Those have had a female stigma since Coco Chanel. But I’m not sure if black pearls would have the same effect. I’m still on the fence in regards to the masculinity of black pearls.

Activewear chinos, the ones that have 2 or 4-way stretch fabric interwoven in them, are a Godsend for men like us who want to be comfortable AND look good, Michael!

@@thegreyfoxmandem I will check these out thanks

I love outfits that incorporate layers-broadens our options throughout the day. Keep grinding in regards to your physical fitness, Quinton! Do not go gently into that good night!

I was definitely planning on doing a fall outfit line review of some fashion house. Maybe I’ll do a couple and include Ralph Lauren in there?

Have to agree with you. The white shorts are great and those espadrilles just scream classy SoCal summer to me!

NEVER skip Leg Day, doc!

Mark, forgive me, but I absolutely need to disagree with you. I do see your point, and my millennial son agrees with you, a smart phone will tell you the time and a hundred more things that an analog watch cannot do for you (Elon Musk was right-we’re all cyborgs now). But wearing an amazing feat of engineering-which is also a true work of art-on your wrist is for more than just practical reasons. Just try wearing a nice looking analog watch for a week (you can get an off brand that looks great for around $100). Then make an honest assessment of your style and how it has increased from that one simple step.

@@thegreyfoxmandem Spoken like a true pretentious person. You: "Throw away $100 because blah blah blah." If you are so interested in the art and engineering. Go all out and wear a pocket watch. OR the modern version of pocket watch... the smartphone. The picture calendar was invented in my hometown. I'm not going to carry one around because of its art or historic significance. If you are fascinated by the engineering, get a see through table clock. Oh wait, I know the real reason you want to wear a watch. It makes you look like you have loads of disposable income. So, it really has nothing to do with the art or engineering and only about portraying an image. A person can look stylish without unnecessary accessorizing or spending lots of money. I would agree that people traveling these days look more like migrating homeless than jet setters, but that is extremely practical. Especially in our current world. If you are a pickpocket, or worse, a kidnapper/human trafficker, who are you going to target? The person that looks put together and like they have money? Or the the person that looks like it took them 10 years to save up for the trip wearing no name brand athletic clothing?

I had to review the video to understand your comment😄 So, in review, I cannot help but agree with you. I once owned some Ugg slip-ons that were out-of-this-world comfortable and looked like driving mocs. But those are not common. In truth, I almost exclusively wear my Allen Edmonds white leather sneakers and no-show socks . Despite having laces, they’re very comfortable and easy to slip on/off at the TSA checkpoints. An added bonus is that they look great with almost any outfit! The pair of slip-ons that you’re referring to may be an acceptable option to flip-flops, but not something I personally would wear. We’re in agreement

Thanks! I appreciate your comment. I’ve found people either love the hair or hate it-pretty polarizing. Later in life I may take your advice and cut it, but I’m still enjoying the length for now. And it’s for more than just aesthetics. There’s a mental health component to it as well. We all have our methods we use to help with our PTSD. For some reason this helps with mine. But I’ve always prescribed to the belief that we men feel the need to re-invent ourselves every few years. Who knows how I’ll take one the next chapter of my life?

Thanks so much Quintin! Your interview skills are killing it! And looking like a million bucks while doing it! Proud of you man!

I love my walnut derby’s! But they’re much less formal than my darker brown oxfords and just don’t look good with my chocolate brown trousers. They have a special place in my heart, but I recognize that I need to be mindful of what I can and cannot wear with them. But I hear you! With a little bit of burnishing that color shoe is gorgeous!

Thanks doc! This video really loves YOU! I think oxblood/merlot shoe color has been overlooked for too long. With the right burnishing they look stunning!

@@thegreyfoxmandem That's the only kind of brown i wear.

Not a bad choice

You’re too kind brother! Thanks!

Thanks bro!🙏

YOU’RE mom?? NEVER! That woman’s a saint! Truly a national treasure!

Thanks Furion! I reviewed some outfits from Ralph Lauren in my “Old Money” video. But I’ll definitely do more from their line soon!

We’re slowly catching up to you, Jeevan!🤣😂

While I agree that many shirts are made to be untucked-and look GREAT when they are-I feel that those should be worn without a jacket. The eye is naturally pulled to form proportions of things. Aesthetically, the model is introducing two opposing horizontal lines and it is often dissonant to the viewer. The linen shirt would be perfect untucked if the jacket wasn’t interfering with its horizontal line. OR the jacket would work great if the hem of the untucked shirt wasn’t spoiling the proportions the jacket was delineating. That being said, the Italians introduced sprezzatura for a reason! Sometimes you want to announce some dissonance in your look! If that’s you, then wear that with confidence. Just be aware that you’re creating a slightly dissonant look and rock that!

@@thegreyfoxmandem Interesting point, thank you for it --- but I could say similar things about belts and buckles "cutting horizontally" with suits when the jacket is left open and the shirt is tucked in. Some think belts draw too much attention generally, as I'm sure you're aware of that debate. I'm sort of in that camp of often finding belts problematic. Another point to consider......at any rate, for me casual-leaning, summery fabric suits seem right with untucked shirts that harmonize with the vibe.

You’re certainly not wrong, Sted. I must admit my bias from growing up in the military! 😄🫡

@@thegreyfoxmandem and, I will concede that it takes a bit of additional thought to get the untucked shirt to work with a less formal suit/blazer combo. I live in a relatively warm climate here in Atlanta and go to a lot of dressy casual events in the spring/summer/early fall where people wear less formal linen/cotton suits/blazer combos. And I cruise a good deal ---- where those types of informal suits/blazer combos can be useful on the ship as well as the shore, at upscale dressy casual type restaurants.

Sounds you’ve got quite the enviable lifestyle, Sted! And you clearly put a great deal of thought behind how you present yourself to the world around you. No one can find any fault in that! Keep rocking your look, Brother!

Thanks for the advice. Currently looking into upgrading my mic.

The price-point makes it so worth it. Sometimes we just need to think outside the box to maximize our available square footage to meet our storage demands. Good call on your decision-the soft close doors/drawers/pullout shelves are a great touch!

@@thegreyfoxmandem a good value indeed. I also installed motion sensor lights + added a sliding barn door. By the way, have you considered a steamer in place of ironing? Now a days I just steam

@@nychrisvs Dang, bro! You went all out on that closet! Good for you, brother-you deserve it. I have a steamer as well and I probably steam more often than iron. The iron is good for stubborn wrinkles on linen, but there is just something about the convenience of steaming my shirts right on the hanger!

Grazie mille Alessandro! Il tuo punto di vista è sempre il benvenuto! 🙏🙏

You’re awesome, Michael! Thanks so much!

@@thegreyfoxmandem Also great timing on your video because I just bought a couple of the Slim Castello Linen Shirts from BR. The quality is good and the fit is exactly what I want.

Beautiful! Great choice!

You have a Karl head voice?! That sounds absolutely torturous…. The no-belt look really took off a number of years ago when minimalism became the rule. My military upbringing went nuts! No tie? No belt? No pocket square? THEN they would throw in some sprezzatura by tucking in only half of their shirt!😆 My OCD alarm would ring off the wall!😆

@@thegreyfoxmandem I do have that voice in my head, darn you.

😆🤣😂

Great to hear, Alessandro! Thanks!

I honestly tried once with this one polo and haven’t tried them since. I guess that’s a pass from me as well.

Buffalo leather? I’m intrigued…. Checking them out now

😆🤣😂 You haven’t steered me wrong yet, Jarod! I may just have to bite the bullet and buy that green suit after all! Looking to see if Armani has a vintage green in my size….

@@thegreyfoxmandem The world is your oyster, take time to survey the land for the best fabric quality texture you can get your hands on #stayblessed #yougotthis

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Thanks Jarod!🙏

Very interesting doc! Although I think green would look great on you!

@@thegreyfoxmandem You're too kind, but I know better. I think it looks better on my wife who has paler skin. She likes green far more.

A lady of great taste

Thanks! I STILL haven’t added a green suit to my limited wardrobe, but your request has me definitely moving in that direction!😁💚

You’re so welcome, Jarod! Thanks for the request! It took me a long time to wake up to the fact that being a man often means killing old beliefs and moving forward in life with a rational attitude.

@@thegreyfoxmandem 💯 Absolutely

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🤣😂😅 The “Black is slimming” stereotype has REALLY been adopted in the last five years! Although, admittedly, I wear A LOT of black in the gym…. 😂😅🤣

That is EXACTLY my experience, friend. I was in the military for the majority of my life then I had to transition my obsession with uniform military bearing to obsessing over civilian attire. Life for me started in my 40’s as well. But I discovered that this is really the most fulfilling chapter of my life (outside of the raising of my children). Life is awesome for Grey Foxes like us! We just have to embrace it!

@@thegreyfoxmandem Abundant Respect for your discovery and living your best life. Arrangements & tidiness is your forte I see so if anything goes missing you'll find it 😜

😁😃 🙏🙏

🤣😂😅 I’m glad you agree!

I have a burgundy chino as well, but I only wear them in autumn. Maybe I could expand that to summertime wear as well?

@@thegreyfoxmandem Yes that's a good idea. I sport burgundy Chino with black top ie denim shirt or black hoodie. Dark navy crew neck etc...

Great combo choices!👍

@@thegreyfoxmandem it's amazing how clothes can make a man & how with a trained eye One can decipher your personality based on your attire and outfit. Absolutely a deep dive

I had to save up for both Creed Aventus and Green Irish Tweed, so I only break them out for special occasions. Lately, I’ve been looking hard at some Arabian Oud fragrances. And, yes, she noticed the Tom Ford Noir immediately!😄

@@thegreyfoxmandem can't stand the oud. Creed is just like every item, product, object of high quality in life whereby what's good for us is expensive and hard to find. What's bad for us is cheap and easily accessible

So true. But every once in a while we’ll find a gem for an inexpensive price-that’s when this community really helps

@@thegreyfoxmandem oh yeah especially when I know what smells great on me and knowing my signature scent ie the aforementioned obliterative combo of sandalwood vanilla patchouli! I've discovered non mainstream ones that are beast mode. I ordered them online and they are more cost effective than the ones instores

“Beast Mode!” You must follow CurlyFragrance on IG!😂😄

Sounds like a poor business model to me. But fashion houses like Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford all put the bulk of their product in OUR demographic

@@thegreyfoxmandem 💯👍🏽

We’re of a similar mindset, Jarod

@@thegreyfoxmandem Yes that's so cool, this message was profound, hence why it's important to listen 🎧👂🏽 to certain messages over and over then implement it immediately

That’s a great work-around from wearing an Apple Watch (or equivalent). Despite having nice looking watch faces on the digital watches, they are nowhere near as nice looking as an analog watch. Great advice, James!🙏