CAN A MAN BE OVERDRESSED? - A LOOK AT SOCIAL DRESSING FOR STYLISH CHAPS

So, you enjoy dressing well and often find yourself the best dressed man in almost all situations that you encounter. But it suddenly dawns on you that your associates and co-workers may not think of you as being well-dressed, but may actually have concerns that you are an eccentric dandy dresser who seeks attention and aims to upstage their own casual attire for personal gain.
This is the tightrope a stylish chap has to negotiate in this increasingly casualised world.
In this video I explore the topic of overdressing in a variety of real-life situations (work, dating, social, etc) to see if overdressing can be affecting your life-journey in a negative way, with some practical tips on how to mitigate the effects.
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Learn more about your host (Ash) here: www.chapsguide....
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[@nukmike]

As a child my mum bought all my clothes from the Army Surplus shop. I was the only kid in the playground dressed as a Japanese Admiral!

[@ianarn]

Oh dear! I hope it wasn’t an American serviceman’s school! ;-)

[@TheChapsGuide]

That would be more stylish than some of the kit one sees people wearing these days.

[@ardentdfender4116]

This definitely made me laugh. I couldn’t help it honestly. But certainly that was fashionable dressed at the playground as a kid.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

@@ianarn LOL

[@hunterluxton5976]

This is a great head scratcher. Context is of primary importance, from there a gentleman can make an informed choice to suite the ocassion. However, there is a degree of subjectivity for some on what constitutes ' smart'. I personally like to feel smart even if in casual wear, and never wear certain clothing which in a way suggest a lack of respect and sends the wrong message. For me that's brash colours, teeshirts without a collar, slogans and jewellery. I guess it depends on the group you're in to a large extent. I recall being a soldier in the British Army back in 1985. All the officers always wore corduroy trousers, checked shirt, brown brogues and the ubiquitous barber jacket - as their casual wear. I subconsciously started to imitate this dress sense as I liked the smart yet casual appeal. Most solders wore jeans, trainers and often vulgar cheap clothing. I was often berated by my colleagues for " aping" the officer casual dress code!

[@robo2606]

When I wear a suit and tie (nothing fancy) in the weekend and take a walk in the city I live in it's as if I'm already overdressed but I don't care any more.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Set the standard for others to follow - never follow the lower standards of others just to fit in!

[@schmoogle7853]

I often feel overdressed even if I am just wearing jeans, t-shirt, loafers and bomber jacket. Just by making sure that I buy stuff in my size I sometimes get snarky comments from guys who literally look like they rolled out of bed, threw on whatever they found on the floor and then crawled through a hedgerow.

[@martintanz9098]

It is a fine line between showing respect for yourself and your work place and showing off, maybe coming across as pretentious. Business casual can be a minefield. Back in the day when I was starting out, it was pretty simple. 4 or 5 suits in grey, blue, maybe tan or brown, and one blue blazer. Half dozen white or blue dress shirts. 3 pair of dress shoes in black, and brown. When things went to business casual, some people showed up to work as if they were going to a cook out or ball game. So it is tricky, dressing casually but professionally. Mastering things like choosing sweaters, casual shirts, trousers and chore coats. And stay away from trainers, sweatpants, sweatshirts and shorts.

[@richardolah4363]

I just go for it, I work in an office of casual dressed people and I always wear shirt and tie or bow tie and blazers with sometimes pleated trousers or cords. People don't treat me too differently I get compliments and some of my ties are talking points. I also get compliments and treated differently for the better by people who serve me in shops as you are respected and look more grown up. I would also add that I love the routine of dressing in the morning choosing my tie and jacket.

[@TheChapsGuide]

What a fantastic attitude to take sir - you have my absolute respect - never bow down the casualness of one's co-workers, forge ahead and set the standard by example! Bravo!!

[@andrewhopliterowe3409]

Yup. The ritual is quite calming and I feel self conscious if I don't dress well

[@mr.s.7081]

By your video it seems people in general in the UK are still sane. Here in Sweden, if you wear a shirt and a sport coat to a dinner with your colleagues, if you order anything other than a regular lager when you go out just to try something other than a regular lager for once, if you try to take care of your leather shoes, if you watch this channel or the Gentleman's Gazette because of an interest in classic menswear, if you try to be kind to people, if you breathe, bullies will jump at what they think is the chance to call you a narcissist and will try to break you in the most pathetic of ways, all in order to try to feel better about themselves.

[@splksgt019]

I always wear a full suit and tie or just a blazer with collar shirt to church . Other parishioners are casually dressed . They can dress in whatever form they want . I’ve made my choice . Don’t care what others think . I also take my inspiration from Bond. James Bond. Especially from the Tom Ford suits Daniel Craig wears . He’s rather badass in my opinion

[@rainydayswithdogs]

Good advice. I like the idea of 'leading a revolution' for sartorial dressing.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Join the chaps movement - we can bring elegance back to the world of smart men again!

[@Skyjems]

I'm a recent convert, and it's so great.

[@patriotadam4091]

You do the best work. It is a disgrace to be wearing sweatpants and sneakers outside of the house. I wear a suit and tie every weekday and am proud of it. Always with a pocket square, nice pair of dress shoes and in the winter a scarf, hat and overcoat. Add a watch, either pocket or wrist and on occasion a buttoniere and when not my gadsden flag pin just to stick it to the libs.Add a splash of Floris 89 and Im done. Ps because of my everyone in my group started wearing a tie.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Well said!

[@canadafree2087]

I had to give a presentation to our Board of Directors; now I was representing blue collar workers but I still wanted to send a message to the directors that their position and time was valued by me. I wore blueish grey wool dress pants, a dress shirt, and polished brown dress shoes. In another more informal meeting I wore dark washed "dress" jeans with a blue small check dress shirt. My regular uniform? Black or tan cotton pants and short sleeve polo shirts. There are degrees to dressing well. When I see a person over dressing is when I see a smokers jacket or velvet tux jacket being worn by a gentleman who feels he is well dressed. Beyond a suit there are elements of men's style that are best left for the special occasions they are meant for.

[@theartfulbeaver5185]

I think that there’s a fine line between being well dressed with people respecting how you dress and it looking like you’re wearing a costume. Of course I am all for expression of individuality but dependant on the scenario there are social expectations and a key skill is to understand how you may be perceived by others and the effect (both positive and negative) this may have. I always enjoy and respect Ash’s videos as I feel that they don’t cross this line.

[@jonathanfarrell2378]

A lot of the attitude about attire is reflective of the lackluster lifestyle of the 21st Century. People are basically sedentary, and since the pandemic people’s interaction with others and outside is limited. People spend more time working from home.

[@gordon7005]

I bull my toecap for work and my colleagues followed suit. So you are right you can raise the standard by example. Another fine video Ash very well presented

[@TheChapsGuide]

The revolution begins with one person!

[@williambelford9661]

I never "bull" my shoes, stopped doing that when I left the Royal Marines and even then it was only Parade Boots the were "bulled" uniform shoes were required to "highly polished" but not "bulled".

[@surinderjitsingh8954]

The quintessential piece according to me is , 3 button coat or jacket

[@ardentdfender4116]

In my Engineering it’s very casual. Most dress like they are at home on a typical day. At best in Jeans or Chinos with a Polo. I typically dress in Wool Trousers and Buttoned Long sleeves with fashionable Leather Shoes. Typically I’m no contest the best dressed at the office. I’ve never worn a Blazer or Sports Jacket as of yet, but I’ve got many in my wardrobe. Have worn Shirt Jacket and that’s comfortably fine too. Wearing a Jacket and tie would be uncomfortably very overdressed in every sense at my office. Wearing a Jacket I can pull off, Will and feel comfortable in it, that’s pushing it though at the office in dressing sharp with how casual everyone else dresses. But I guess if someone is to raise the bar ever currently, it will be me.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Be the ambassador of good taste and style sir

[@boscokid9524]

We only are in the office one day a week and my co-workers have gotten very sloppy. I wear well fitting clothes, usually chinos or trousers with polished shoes or boots. I prefer quarter zips in the winter. I refuse to wear the “dress shoes” with white soles. I also have worked hard to keep myself at a weight that is appropriate. When customer facing I often wear a suit but no tie. I also wear a sweater over a OCBD and trousers. Bottom line I am not overdressed as much as I think they are too casual for our office environment.

[@05Rudey]

When dressing up I try not to over do it, accessories I just prefer cufflinks (If needed), tiebar, White pocket square (presidential fold) a ring and a watch. In the last few years, I have added a pinky ring for the other hand. Even at work, if i'm wearing a tweed sports jacket with jeans & shirt, I forgo the tie but i'll still have a pocket square.

[@jayeye4798]

I recently realized that once my colleagues understood I dress sharply with a sartorial mindset because i genuinely like it they have responded with appreciation more than being threatened. Some man-children will never get it and that is not my problem. I can not take on the burden of their insecurities.

[@vim1471]

The young prefer to dress like Marty Mcfly with so much branding showing that they literally look like an advertising board. The only people you see wearing a suit these days is the security guard working at WH Smiths.

[@TheChapsGuide]

That is a very true observation. A tragic sign of the sartorial times.

[@mustafajackson9430]

Thank you again for having this very insightful discussion on this question. Best advice I ever received on how to dress at work was "dress for where you're going, not where you are."

[@TheChapsGuide]

I've heard that said many times and I absolutely agree !!

[@Mamba0809]

Most people do not care about their appearance these days even at churches. Some start wearing even shorts at churches. I always keep it sharp 💯 👌. Coworkers look at me differently at work while others appreciate my fashion. Some don't even respond when greeting them.

[@RajSinghKhalsa]

I recently had a 25 year long service award at work and I was the only one in a suit and tie as I thought it was a milestone in my life. The others at the award some who where being awarded for 25/30/40 years were all dressed in polo shirts, undone collared shirts no jackets and I felt I was being looked down apon, go figure 🤷‍♂️

[@TheChapsGuide]

A tragic indictment of the casual times - but at least you raised the tone of the event sir!!

[@stephencooper5040]

I would love to see a collaboration between you and Hugo and Sonya of Sartorial Talks/Parisian Gentleman. They have been doing more content on being sharply dressed on a budget nowadays. Perhaps their audience could learn from you as well Ash.

[@JMD1965]

My punk band days of wearing well-used jeans, Chuck Taylors, ironic t-shirts and leather biker jacket are (like my hair) decades gone. Today to me, the scale for dressing (NOT black tie formal, that speaks for itself...) is between, on a higher end, 'North by Northwest' (Cary Grant in Brooks Brothers) to the Steve McQueen in 'Bullitt' look (Brown herringbone tweed jacket, turtleneck, flat front slacks and either Chelsea or dessert boot)... But again as you said, it's all about reading the room and the situation. But as far as fashion and being overdressed, neither one of those men ever worried about that.... Nor do I

[@COLDMKULTRA]

A sense of style is inherent ... you either have it ... or you do not ... it has nothing to do with fashion ... Wake up young Men ... Be stylish rather than "fashionable" ( It speaks volumes about what you are all about )

[@FranciscoAldereteE]

Great video, I work for a tech company. My superiors sometimes dress in athletic workout clothes. (Workout shorts and a tee) Honestly I think it’s cool not to have a dress code because it allows people to wear whatever they want but it does make me feel uncomfortable to be way overdressed compared to my bosses. A jacket would look absolutely out of place in my workplace on a regular day (not meeting customers or whatever). And it’s a hot climate so it would also be non practical making me look even sillier. So chinos/wool pants and dress shirts is probably the upper limit of my comfort in most work situations. 😅

[@glennet9613]

You have a rosy picture of the sixties and seventies, for most of us it was ill fitting off the peg suits dry cleaned far too rarely and a polyester tie. But I do agree it has gone too far the other way.

[@Alex55455]

My reason for dressing well is I just like putting outfits together that look good. I do take into account the situation but the minimum standard I set myself is smart casual unless I am exercising or in the garden. At work heaps of people dress casual but I will wear collared shirts with chinos as my base and a couple of days a week I will wear a sports jacket (sometimes add in a tie or pocket square as accessories).

[@viclucyzia]

But one has still to feel comfortable. If one dresses way down and feels unwell eventhough it's for the context then that would reflect. It's a balance to master.

[@TheChapsGuide]

It's like walking a tightrope for sure - but the sartorial chap will always rise to the surface.

[@Lassehansen3]

I also agree that it’s definitely possible to overdress. Perhaps it is also important to teach that dressing well doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up (a seemingly often default). I think overdressing though is something we all have done and that properly everyone will do, as it is such a common thing for people when just getting into “style” and especially classic menswear. I suppose that we just want to show off our newly found love for classic mens tailoring 😅 but in some situations a suit and tie (even a sports jacket) is way overkill.

[@JM-bg2le]

I dress business attire Monday through Friday and Sunday. On Saturday sweat pants and sandals. I dress sharp because I like to and not to impress anyone. I have 3 years before I retire and will be sharp on the last day.

[@georgejames4206]

Hear, hear! Jeans with holes in them,etc. I've been saying this for awhile. Massively important!

[@gainde1137]

Reasons: fast fashion (casual/sports) and distancing of hierarchy (suits, formal style)

[@GentByTheSea]

In a market research call centre role, everyone came in jeans and t shirt and I was the only one in a suit. Everyone respected me and complimented me. Also, no one took the mickey out of me. Also, it was casual work so I had to book my shifts and they only gave shifts to those who met their daily targets. Even at times when I didn't meet my targets, I still was given shifts. Also, one gentleman copied me and came to work in a suit lol.

[@mohawkdriver2504]

I experienced this exact scenario when I worked at a county department in Las Vegas.

[@hqrlock]

Excellent channel. Incredibly refreshing. I work in tech. Executives wear hoodies and sweatpants. Hard times to live by.

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

That is quite hard. Being surrounded by those types.

[@themoderndandy713]

The way I dress I would describe as overdressed. Dandyish, eccentric, maybe even over the top. But for me, I'm comfortable with that. I don't work, I will admit. But when I'm with friends or going on a date, I prefer to be upfront about who I am. If they don't like the eccentricity and dandyism of the way I dress, they most certainly won't like how eccentric and dandyesque I actually am! If they're going to silently critisize me and pick me apart for my wardrobe choices, I'd rather be uninvolved in them anyways. I'm quite pleased to find your channel; you come across as quite open-minded, less critical and absolute about how everyone should dress, and not nearly as snobbish about how "high-quality" (and by that I mean ridiculously expensive) one's clothes should be before they're considered well-dressed. I'm excited to see where this channel goes.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Horses for courses sir, one man's dandy is another man's scruff. As long as you feel good sand your clothing offers protection from the elements and gives you the confidence you require in life - carry on!

[@Buleq147]

One has to admire your attitude! Just out of curiosity - how do you manage not working in this day and age?

[@themoderndandy713]

@@Buleq147 Thank you! Also, I was lucky enough to inherit real estate from my grandfather. It happens to be enough real estate for me not to be forced to work. Dumb luck is all.

[@Buleq147]

@@themoderndandy713 Thanks for the answer. Of course this is a very broad topic, namely work. For example in the past I refused to inherit the position that my father offered me in his company and I went harder road, because I wanted to work in Academia as a historian. Wasn't easy but I've made it and in fact I cannot imagine life without the work. Also I think "work" is and can be so much more but then again the fact that most people rather hate their jobs - can have different explanations but I don't want to get more political on Ash's channel.

[@themoderndandy713]

@@Buleq147 I actually have a good deal of respect for you going into something like that rather than the corporate world. History is an honorable pursuit. Academia, while admittedly flawed, is a respectable and noble pursuit - to further the understanding of our world and to help the younger generations grasp it. If I were to go into work, I'd hate being in corporate America; spoiled autocrats, I say. If I can't even wear cufflinks out of fear of angering my boss' sensibilities, well, let's just say that's not for me. I toyed with the idea of teaching philosophy, but my philosophy tutor himself has criticized the academic world of philosophy for being pedantic over small details and making the subject unapproachable to newer people. By the way, have you heard of a podcast called The Rest is History? I enjoy listening to that one to try to get my historical education down.

[@dlxinteractive]

With Daniel Craig’s bond I think the suit designer became Tom Ford in skyfall but the suit is a bit too tight in that film

[@Hondo0101]

years ago men would dress up to work then change in the locker room to work clothes. My dad left home with a suit then change to labor clothes. He did that his whole work life. He would always say do not leave the house without a toe and jacket.

[@williambelford9661]

Something one of my Uncles told me years ago was always dress well, people judge you on your appearance and they can't tell if you have £5 or £500 in your wallet.

[@Patriotalliance]

We can bring back mens style one gentleman at a time. We set the example for others to follow.

[@Northernlightshow]

I'm a tie wearer and over the last few years have kept wearing them, except as rule when visiting a client who wear shorts and flip flops in the office. Next week however, I'm back on site (I'm a Chartered Surveyor) and will be doing a technical inspection, so will loose the tie as I'll be in the plant room! If the premises was fully occupied I'd wear a tie, but since everyone's working from home, I'll probably not wear a tie but ether wear a mid-blue plain shirt (always long sleeved) or a shirt with a Tattersall pattern. Shoes in this situation, Oxford brogues, maybe brown even in town as I'm working, and either sports jacket or quilted jacket with an eye of the weather forecast. Flat cap patter to match jacket. I could get away with smart jeans, but it probably will be trousers.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I believe that we dress for ourselves rather than for the benefit of others. Your example proves this perfectly. Thank you for sharing sir.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Very good!

[@simonsoo124]

Very sound advise. Thanks for the tip as always.

[@laurenespaulding08]

Recently I walked into a funeral in a rural part of Alabama for my sweet friends mother. When I walked in, the first thing my friend said was… “you look like the First Lady”. As I walked into the church I realized I was WAY overdressed. Although I felt embarrassed, I knew her mom would’ve loved my outfit. You can definitely be overdressed….. just try not to do it at a funeral. 😳

[@hqrlock]

There's no such thing as being overdressed in a church.

[@andreasnorrgard7462]

Good advice and I know that it’s working! Thanks for a great video!

[@TheChapsGuide]

You're welcome!

[@minty448]

Because so many people dress like a bag of shite all the time ,it’s very easy to feel overdressed even when you’re not!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Agreed, but I would not say overdressed, I would say better dressed.

[@surinderjitsingh8954]

It indicates more or less what's in your mind

[@joshhales4718]

I think all of your points are very good. I do worry that there will never be an occasion for me to wear suits if I follow your (very sensible) advice. So are we at a point where suits are going to disappear outside of certain boardrooms and the City?

[@rodneymanwaring9396]

Thank you for the advice it will really help me.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joakimstoppenbach]

Congratulations to 1000 subscribers. Agree, one can definitely over dress. What is the dress code of the company or context I will dress for: I do some Int.Intel. ;-) I visit ie the company website to se how they are portrayed which gives a good indication of the dress code.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Many thanks for the congrats. I absolutely agree - research and communication is the key to dressing success. Good intelligence wins the day every time!

[@ABC-rh7zc]

I have no problem being the best-dressed person in the room but not by too much.

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

They wear t-shirts I wear polos at least. They wear loose jeans, I wear slim/straight fit.

[@ABC-rh7zc]

Yes, T-shirt v polo shirt is a good example @@ZoomZoom-ng6sn

[@bingonightly]

A couple of years ago I was unfortunate enough to have to visit JD Sports on an errand for someone, it was a horrendous experience that I hope I never have to repeat ...lets just say I was the only person in there NOT wearing elasticated man made fibres...there was so much static electricity being generated it was becoming a fire risk!!

[@maxoggle11]

Unfortunatley there is an undrecalass in this country(uk) of people who resent the fact that you show them up. I think it's war. I resent seeing slobs all over the place. Some people who are really poor don't have the money. There are plenty who will spend £70 on a football top so it's not an issue of money more of style. I really don't understand how driving a great big monstrosity like a bmw x6 which costs a huge amount isn't seen as pretencious; whereas buying a decent pair of shoes or coat is. I generally wear jeans or chords with a wind breaker or my Barbour Beaufort when it rains. I've worked hard for my money if people don't like it f++k em.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I agree with your thoughts there sir. The ethos of this channel, is that style can be easily affordable for almost any chap. Almost all of my kit is sourced at below market value and often pre-owned. I am a man of modest means, but with careful application of one's funds, stylish results can be achieved. I care not for the views of others, I dress to impress myself and if this is offensive to others, well, they can go back to their Gucci baseball caps and Benson & Hedges.

[@richardolah4363]

I completely agree I have over the years cultivated a wardrobe of blazers trousers shirts and ties and I know a lot of my ties and trousers I’ve picked up vintage from EBay etc and my items are much cheaper than say all the tracksuit slobs who spend hundreds on all the labelled sportswear and yet I know I’m dressed way better.

[@kents.2866]

Yes, there are plenty of nice used clothes out there. A new white shirt on sale is all you need.

[@maxmusdan2484]

You can be under dressed but you can never be overdressed.

[@edwardbirdsall6580]

Watch the DeNero movie "The Intern" Observe how the other interns adapt to the standards brought by DeNero. Good Movie

[@ardentdfender4116]

I’ve never heard of that DeNero movie, I’ll seriously have to look into it in the name of curiosity and research. Thanks for the mention.

[@stephencooper5040]

16:09 brilliance in the basics

[@thodan467]

Work absolutly, without a doubt There are not many people who can pull of security shoes and a suit and i will very politly tell you to get out and exchange your oxfords for security shoes NOW! And that goes double for a tie in some kinds of work or a jacket, you may become else the best dressed garroted or one arm bloke

[@Maverick47100]

Hi Ash, recent subcriber here although I've followed some of the big US channels for a while, Alpha M, RMRS etc, I'd describe my own style as Business Casual with some retro Mod elements, brogues, harrington jackets etc. It sounds like you are in fact describing "business casual" ?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I would say even business casual is sliding down the slope of increased casuality in this era of lessening standards of dress. All the better for us smart chaps I say!! Great to have you aboard - especially as our 'down-to-earth' British approach may be somewhat different to the huge American channels you mention. Best regards - Ash

[@williambelford9661]

Bond dressed casually in Dr No, the first Bond film, he was wearing shorts and a Hawaiian shirt in many of the scenes.

[@robertbishop2732]

When he was on the beach….

[@surinderjitsingh8954]

Yes, dressing matters

[@afrazahmad2819]

Another great video Ash! I could watch you for days! Just a quick question. Do you think dress trousers (wool trousers not chino or jeans) and a nice dress shirt is acceptable attire when visiting high end (but not too high end such as the ritz) bars? Thanks 🙏

[@TheChapsGuide]

I assume you mean in concert with some form of blazer and sports jacket? Slacks and a dress shirt would be a little underdressed in one of the big London Hotels I suspect. My favourite London haunt is Claridges and I would never use their bar without a jacket of some kind.

[@surfingmoose]

I intend to be overdressed at my own funeral

[@TheChapsGuide]

Now that is an event worth donning one's best kit!!

[@williambelford9661]

My father wouldn't go to the pub if he wasn't wearing a collar and tie.

[@axeldelafuente]

I like to wear business casual and I prefer the day cravat over a tie, always a pocket square, trilby or fedora hat and wingtip or oxford shoes, I must say the way most people dress today is appalling, there is no dress code at all, I see quite often men in their 50-60's going to a restaurant in a track suit and runners! I must say there is something positive about dressing elegantly nowadays and is that it is easy to shine among such poor and mediocre's people dress code.For me dressing well makes me feel good and I love it, I don't care what people think, life is too short, I am not waiting anymore for a wedding invitation/interview to wear my suit... "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." Oscar Wilde

[@TheChapsGuide]

A superb philosophy to life sir. You have well and truly earned a salute from me.

[@wicked-witch-of-the-west]

Ash i know in a previous video you explained you wish you would have started to moisturise at an earlier age. What age would you say to start, and is there a certain product? I'm late 30's and it's time now

[@TheChapsGuide]

I would say approximately 30 would be a good age to start, which would significantly impact the long-term look of one's overall skin health. It not just about looking younger when you get older, but more about looking healthy and vibrant when you are still in your youth. I would not recommend any specific product, as everyone's body chemistry is different, but it worth going to a good department store and having a chat with a good quality skin care advisor, who can test your skin for acidity, etc and make more informed recommendations. Good luck!

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

Co-workers a bit sloppiy. Welcome to businessware in yiur usual office in iverly casual California. L.A. area slobby jean workplace capital of the world!

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

I'll blend in with the formals and the casual-dress types. But I won't give in to the slobs and sneaker world.

[@Rohilla313]

I carry a gentleman’s cane with me and could care less what anyone says about it. That’s my only sartorial eccentricity. Otherwise I dress “normally” but well.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

A rolled-up umbrella can be useful when facing a zombie-knifer/macheteist. Steed would approve!

[@e048967]

What are your thoughts on Hawes and Curtis suits and clothes? I understand some of their sartorial work is done in India so costs are low, but does the Jermyn St quality still remain? Thanks!

[@TheChapsGuide]

I've responded to you e-mail directly - hope it answers your question.

[@Fanakapan222]

H and C do remarkably good deals on shirts. For jackets and suits, give Cordings of Piccadilly a look, especially during their promotion periods. For strides check out Weinberg's Tailors, for made to measure.

[@brotherneil65]

Many years ago I worked for a high class retailer with outlets in London and the home counties.... We had to dress like our Sunday best everyday we were expected to look the part to make the sales..... One day the Managing Director turns up in an open collar shirt which had half its buttons undone and with a great big stain down the front..... then he started introducing himself to customers and trying to make sales lets say it was a embarrassment to watch him and we actually had customers come up to us and ask was he who he said he was. From that point on no one ever took him seriously again..... So the moral of this story is where possible look your best and don't let standards fall if you really want to be taken seriously in your work.... because if you don't take standards seriously its a slippery slop towards looking like a slob that no one will take seriously.... who wants to slide that slope and end up as either Wayne or Waynetta....

[@TheChapsGuide]

An absolutely fantastic example of the power of positive dressing to reinforce personal standards. As a young chap in the military I railed against the requirement to have neatly trimmed hair, well ironed shirts and shined shoes. Now, with the benefit of a few more decades under my belt, I see the value of looking good and the power this can have on others, but more importantly oneself - for me, self confidence begins with the clothes I put on each morning. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@allenmontrasio8962]

The key to dressing for a job interview is not to be better dressed than your prospective employer.

[@barryyoung9063]

Terrible advice! Never jettison the tie. Don’t be embarrassed about dressing well. Try to drag everyone up to your level. No need to level down.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Set your own standards and never feel compelled to follow the herd!

[@chrisblanc663]

I usually wear a tie, but on occasion I just don’t feel like it. Usually that is a weekend. Either way, I don’t let others dictate my dress code. I work with an attorney, who often wears sandals and no socks, (I’m his notary). I wear suite, tie. We make a good team. He is more approachable, but I show his clients that we are serious about taking care of their affairs.

[@madmandu]

@@chrisblanc663 Fellow notary public here! When I was first commissioned by my state, I decided that I’d adopt a sort of uniform of slacks and a polo with a name tag. I quickly decided that I would level up my look and invested in some suits. As a mobile notary, I am my product. I charge a premium for the convenience to travel to my clients, and showing up well dressed helps show them that they are getting what they pay for, aside from expert customer service and professional adherence to notary law. I enjoy wearing tweed, vests and bow ties. I also have a brown striped seersucker suit. I wear it whenever I want, seasons be damned. Also, I live in the PNW. Life is too short to worry about dress faux pas in most situations. Cheers to you, sir! I didn’t think I’d see a comment from a fellow notary public. It’s a pleasant surprise.

[@chrisblanc663]

@@madmandu your comment just made my day. I almost thought I had written the comment as we are birds of a feather. Please excuse my ignorance but where is PNW? I hail from northern Utah. Most people don’t dress up here unless you are LDS. I make sure to enjoy my colored shirts, light blues and similar so people don’t think I’m a missionary. I wish you the best of luck in your mobile notary business!

[@larrylouraylo2711]

One easy way to wear a suit and dress shoes without looking too formal is to simply replace your dress shirt and necktie with a long-sleeve polo shirt. A white long-sleeve polo shirt can work with most formal suits while other colors can compliment more casual suits.

[@Fanakapan222]

Hmmmmm, the Bond franchise these days has degenerated into a product placement vehicle, and the current characters apparent liking for Bum Freezer suit jackets is worrying :D

[@TheChapsGuide]

I am no fan of the Tom Ford style of cutting the suit so close to the body. A good intake of breath and they look as if they may explode!

[@MrChunghau]

It seems that there is a common misconception to label Carey Grant, Fred Astaire etc as ‘style icons’. They dressed in a very specific manner. If a person always went about their day in just their pyjamas, they should also be labelled as ‘stylish’ - that’s just their sense of ‘style’ (it doesn’t matter if we like or dislike their sense of style). Those movie stars previously mentioned, dressed (in public) in a very elegant (in western culture at least) manner. IMO it is this elegance which has been in decline for the sake comfort and convenience. It has always been the case where you can be over-dressed (or under-dressed) to occasions or situations. ‘Pyjama-Man’ would be very dis-respectful at a funeral for example! It is strange that the trend is to dress casually in the workplace - with a common reason being ‘comfort’. Dressing in a shirt, tie and jacket is also very comfortable! Most people know the social rules for most situations and on the whole, most people do dress appropriately for the given situations but with the gradual change in societal attitudes, this may soon be lost without continued education

[@TheChapsGuide]

You make a good point, but I sense that most people agree that the movie star icons on the 1930s - 1960s delivered a fine execution of what we would determine to be classic style in the modern era. Sadly, the days of dressing well for the sake of looking and feeling smart are long gone and have been replaced by the tracksuit and sweat garments. But as long as we keep style alive, the next generation will have a chance to revive it. We are the last survivors of the bygone age - the rearguard of sartorial class.

[@MrChunghau]

@@TheChapsGuide have faith! Today’s society will come good!

[@bowtieguy85]

I don't think you can, people dress too poorly these days.

[@Wm.Lidgett]

it is better to be overdressed than to be underdressed, for at least you can remove the jacket and undo the tie. yet undressed look but a fool. wisdom by me

[@allenmontrasio8962]

Yes, a man can be overdressed

[@rogerdracks1880]

Go on son ! You’re on the ball

[@MartinBraun-l5j]

In America- yes In Britain-No

[@colincruickshanks7578]

STUFF NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOL I'm either smart/clean casual/smart or sometimes really smart in a suit however, regardless of which day of the week it is, I always wear a nice formal shirt and tie. It's masculine, gentlemanly, ordered and traditional and never apologise for wearing what is worn by men in the majority of countries all over the world. It's as if we should be permanently half sorry to be men and toxic to society. They're are a relatively small amount horrible people out there but I am not one of them. I don't apologise for being a man. Many positive comments are given and what never fails to cheer, surprise and delight me are the numbers of a broad spectrum of young lads of varying ages who ask nearly all the questions I get and, are genuinely interested in how and what I'm wearing.. queries about different shirt collar shapes, heights and styles and questions asking how I manage to keep them in place looking spick and span are of the most popular.. however it's the teenage lads that ask the number one question from out of all over and again, "How do you tie your tie to get it to look like that ? Referring to my Windsor or Half Windsor knot. I remember how I got taught just a few tie knots and wonder where the dexterous knot-tieing Dads, Grandpa's Big Brothers,Uncles and others sorely missed and yet still very much needed male role models have gone these days.. for all practical purposes in and at that moment oftentimes I can only give but a little information.. practice makes perfect.. some names.. and with earnest refer forwards the young men's eager need of 'how to' knowledge to online videos, tutorials and channels including those worthy of mention such as your own.