HOW TO AVOID VANITY & MATERIALISM AS A WELL DRESSED MAN

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In this video your host discusses how to avoid falling into vanity and materialism as a sartorially engaged gentleman.
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Equipment used in this filming of this video (Amazon links):
Camera - Canon Eos 250D: amzn.to/3bFaY7F
Lens - Cannon EFS 24mm f/2.8 STM: amzn.to/3aFT0kd
Tripod - K & F Incept Tripod: amzn.to/3eR5BEy
GorillaPod - Joby: amzn.to/35cJW5d
Shotgun microphone - Rode Video Mic Pro: amzn.to/3aKoSEw
Lavalier microphone: amzn.to/3cOEuYM
Studio lights - Neewer dimmable 2-pack LED studio lights: amzn.to/2Y6BsLB
#chapsguide #ashjones #mensstyle

[@alexanderdylanthomas1891]

A timely and persuasive video! Those of us bitten by the quality menswear bug should not forget that ‘buy less, but better’ begins with buying less… I personally subscribe to the idea of ‘true materialism’ proposed by Wendell Berry. This idea suggests that we should be MORE materialistic, by truly loving and caring for less, high quality possessions, rather than just loving things because they are new. Thanks for addressing this issue head on!

[@haourss]

Not only is this channel packed with great content; it´s an english language class of high quality..

[@sanantoniotonight5569]

I am glad someone else feels that way. I often chastise myself over my own language skills after enjoying these videos.

[@jjktng]

This is one high quality channel that deserves a lot more subscribers

[@sanantoniotonight5569]

Indeed....

[@themoderndandy713]

I don't prefer to call myself a dandy outright, but I do strive for it. I find vanity to bring purpose to life. Perfecting my appearance in a time where I haven't much to do or care about is extraordinarily fulfilling! It's akin to the rocket scientist's big project, or the painter's creative work. It's my magnum opus, and my drive in life. It's romanticism at its finest. To perfect my wardrobe, my lifestyle and hobbies, my language; perfecting myself is a high unlike any other. I am quite content to be different and if that means vanity, so be it.

[@BrianLannoye]

Exactly what I aim for. Best dressed man in the room by 1 step.

[@michaelgibson4705]

I find the Loden overcoat I purchased in 1987 for £180 is still giving Stirling service.The key is to buy the best you can afford and the things you like

[@robertthorn9560]

On my sartorial journey, I found first, to educate one's self on whatever topic, which in the long run will save both time and money. Buy the highest quality that you can afford which means fewer items and the return is calculated in cost per wear which is much lower than continually purchasing and replacing much inferior items.

[@ianf3536]

Thanks for a useful post Ash. I use the change in seasons in the UK as an opportunity to “weed” my wardrobe and donate clothes that I do not wear to charity. I also try to buy once and well rather than buy cheap stuff that will fall apart, whilst keeping an eye on the price. Never had much luck on EBay etc - maybe you could show us how in a future post? PS also very much looking forward to your video on latex penguin suits!!

[@markbrailsford2849]

Good video as per Ash. I'm same as you with footwear and have built a nice collection of boots and shoes from the likes of Cheaney, loake, Trickers, Alfred Sargent and C&J and the reason I love my footwear over all my other items of clothing is that I know that if I'm down at the pub and I have say my trickers brogues on I am instantly better dressed than the next man, even if I'm wearing jeans (not faded) and a polo shirt and I'm not looking pretentious or eccentric but know I'm better dressed because everyone else is wearing trainers or cheap and nasty shoes.

[@alamore5084]

Looking very sharp dressed and punchy Sir. That blazer and sunglasses are spot on.

[@InventiveReality]

I to have too many shirts and shoes. Gotta love em.

[@the.dirty.pigeon]

Well worded. Good insights. Thank you sir!

[@ATL_Transparency_News]

are you kidding? vanity from you? well i see we have thrown out our dictionaries and decided to make one of our own. Damn the queen

[@leonardgoffe7159]

Nice summer hat!

[@Fanakapan222]

Embarking upon a path where one chooses quality and 'Classic' clobber, and footwear, will due to the fact that it lasts for decades, make one the least materialistic, and probably 'Greenest' chap in the parish. :)

[@stevenv.surawski1178]

It seems like no one over here in Buffalo New York ever dresses up anymore. I even see people shopping at the mall in pajamas. That plus we seem to live in a society where everything is disposable. Don't like what you have, just buy a new one. It feels like no occasion ever calls for a suit and tie anymore

[@johnacteson5503]

Watching Savile Row bespoke suit videos is one of my guilty pleasures. One of my bucket list items.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I filmed a walking tour of Savile Row tailoring houses last week. Will be released in a week or so. Should be right up your tree!

[@minty448]

Thought for a moment you were about to be overrun by a fox hunt. Great video once again.😀

[@davedove67]

Now I'm wondering where I can find a latex penguin suit.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Good advice!

[@9er..]

Solid advice for all chaps🍸🍸🫡

[@iceman3577]

Really appreciate this little video between more important one sir, Thank you for all your works.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I’ve moved over into repair, cherish and preserve for clothes and shoes, rather than purchase new now! Trying to operate on a one out, one in approach when something wears out beyond repair. I’ve purchased (I think) my last watch, and spectacle frames which should, with maintenance, last me another 10 years at least. I’ve found a shop which can repair, even my jeans, so that I can get another couple of years out of them……..a sign of the times perhaps, but also, much more ethical than buying new every time!

[@patrickday5238]

Another fantastic video, sir. I find that I can often be the best dressed man in the room, simply by wearing chinos, a polo shirt and a pair of loafers.

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

I get what you mean. I feel like this and my 19 bottles of cologne and counting...

[@davidnorth9390]

Hello Ash; --this is a topic of self-awareness, values and heritage. As you say, higher-quality items are usually highly-valued for durability, utility, and may be economically refurbished. Higher quality items also are evidence, for contemporary and future generations, of workmanship and standards of materials and construction. AND enlightened chaps employ, support, and appreciate the skills of tailors, cobblers, and other members of our community. If anything, your presentations, and the participation of your viewers , inspire MODESTY by continuously raising our situational awareness of where any of us may be along the path of, as YOU say, "our sartorial journey." Thank you Ash, --and your theme music is very groovy, too

[@hoozat007]

Very interesting video, as always. I really like that goal: be the best-dressed man in the room, but only by one step. It seems like a very realistic and practical target.

[@quietatse]

"The dirty pigeon" 😂😂😂

[@angelo8516]

Another thought provoking Video 🎥 Mr. Jones, or Ash! Like I often say, from time to time, If a Man looks his best when he's well dressed,👞👔 then why doesn't he want to do that everyday? I mean when your working hard in the backyard or at home🏡 doing a project, or at work🔨🔧 or something, then ok!👍 Then you can be as casual as needed, but when your out on the town hanging out or entertaining yourself with others, then you want to express your own individual sense of style and taste. Like a Gentleman who wants to make and leave a positive impression on others. Not to show off or boast, but to inspire and respect your own self and others, with the positive impression you express through the image you project, through your personal Attire and Manners!🙌👍 Again thanks for all your positive thought provoking Videos🎥

[@ardentdfender4116]

Question well answered. Dressing well is also my personal hobby! But just imagine for a minute if every man in an event room your attending was each all trying to be the best dressed man in the room. That be awesomeness on top of awesome.

[@NickJonespastor]

I must admit that it is difficult to know exactly how to be the best dressed man in the room and wear more of a classic men’s style in my every day life without looking a bit “extra“ as the kids would say. For a casual look to go to the pool, I tried tying a bandanna around my neck, and my wife thought I was peacocking. I went to a funeral recently and wore a black blazer with gray pants, a simple tie, and a subtle white pocket square in a presidential fold and felt like I was way over dressed and showing off.

[@vincentmartin5046]

Good morning sirs.

[@RaoulKunz1]

...but I *do* wear a cravat and a boutonnière every day... *and* a Bowler *and* a Homburg... not at the same time though...😆😅 Though I'm not a truly vain person, in spite of me usually stating it in an ironic way. I do not condem people dressed to a "lesser" sartorial standart than me *because* I do it for *myself* and not to shame anyone... I dont go to weddings outdressing the groom...😉 I *do* get satisfaction out of outdressing the most people but not from feeling "better" but from the didactic effect... (and probably, if I'm truly honest, a sliver of vanity😅) I know, I know, weird statement, but hear me out: I work next to (really surrounded on three sides) of a school and I tend to stand around usually a bit since I arrive earlier than everyone else normally and over the years I had a heartening many short discussions and sometimes being asked straught out what I'm wearing where to get this, how it feels and on and on by many a male student half my age (that was optimistic, more like 20+ years of difference) and I've seen some implementing advice and this gives me something of an inner glow of having done something right. And of course I'm inclined towards keeping items of clothing especially shoes, intact and maintained and repaired by my trade alone, if th need arises one can even rescue cheap shoes for little money. Bes regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@RaoulKunz1]

@@jonstern7511 Oh, that's a nice exercise Jon! Renovateur is a must and I think Sapphire is *really* good, but I'm also inclined to use *Kaps Delicate Cream* as a base and proceed with *Solitaire* colours, Solitaire being an old German brand we use at work so I'm supremely confident what can be achieved and what not. As a polish I often use *Cherry Blossom* , and call me a lame (and it's an insanely sentimentalist reason, in spite of the decent, if fairly normal, quality of the product itself) but the single reason is that I love their old *kitten posters* and tin signs... surprise, cat person here...😅 That aside I think more work related with the term "cheap shoes", not like my own ~100-120€ shoes for work... which I tend to add value to when the first set of lather soles and heel is through by replacing them with Rendenbach equivalents (hooray for buying them at industry prices...), and more in the realm of "horrible top grain leather dowsed in polish" or worse from some of our poorer customers and getting around the limitations of staying cost effective for a tiny budget - replacing lacing with vastly better ones we have in store, re-building failing hollow cast cheapo plastic heel blocks with 40°-50° Shore hard EVA (that`s Ethylen-Vinylacetat) versions, not fancy, but can be worked to actually look good, replacing hollow cast sole constructions with solid leather soles of minor quality, but keeping those from being a detriment by "armouring" them with a hard rubber half sole and so on and so on. There's a ton of simple tricks to force those Chinese ultra-cheap "crapomatic" 15€ jokes into shape for roughly the same amount of money from a customers perspective and a lot less from the material used and still end up with a vastly superior shoe than the one you started with. But that's things you need the machines and access to materials, essentially cobbler options (I'm an orthopaedic shoemaker) and we often do this to get a usable base without just forcing our customers to get "some decent shoes" as many in this field do, simply because it's unfair in these cases. However, for my private stuff.. yeah, I`m right with you! Except I sometimes build layered leather heel blocks for shoes I got cheap with some other (decent) leather leftovers because I *can* - it's kind of a luxury to have these things available, but it also unmasks many things which the premium shoe makers market as marks of quality (and make no mistake, they *do* take time and effort, not complaining about this) as rather simple matters to be replicated... for someone who's in the field anyway...😞 Just trying to point out how much can be done from a crappy start if there is the will.. but granted I'm not working on these things as a prime effort with the shoes in question, rather as an added bonus from getting a useful base to work with and most of these things, as long as they're reasonably justifiable, can be covered by the health insurance anyway, so this is all rather specific and more in-depth than *even remotely necessary* with a normal pair of *even just decent shoes* and some (rather complex) spit and polish as you did with this quarter brogue and, not to degrade this, I'm doing not much more in most cases and it is already *way* more than most people even consider treating their shoes to! *Especially* the colour, let's call it a "restructuring" you did with all those layered polishes, has to come out looking beautiful and can compensate for a lot of problems and imperfections with a lower quality leather of the upper! Er..sorry, I got triggered there I suppose, had a day doing just these kind of things all day long😓😅. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@RaoulKunz1]

@@jonstern7511 I suppose both or rather: depending largely on the "what". In contrast to some I enjoy a challenge to get something decent done from a crappy start, thinking creatively on how to cover or optically compeneate large height differences e.g.. But it can be depressing when you have those phases when practically *every* shoe that ends up on my workbench is a case which demands complex or even just long winded excercises in reconstruction and rebuilding just to get to a halfway decent jumping off point. And yes, I have to shamefully admit that it sometimes limits my will to do anything more in the evening than deciding on the shoe (and combination or suit) for the next day and give it a five minute freshening up with a horse hair brush and a simple do over with a pre-loaded sponge of shine. That much is ingrained by now and on the weekends I tend to do a bit more on the shoes I intend to wear in the coming week and that's a relaxing excercise as Ash has pointed out. (Though I have to admit to skipping any overly shiny and long winded mirror polish on the *vast majority* of my everyday shoes since it will be ruined by some stray drop of leather softener anyway...) So no, the basic liking of the job and it's subject never really goes away and applying some of it on my own collection of footwear actually lessens any annoyance from work considerably. Thanks for asking☺️! Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@speakthetruth795]

Wao I really enjoyed your video . I found lot of inspirations from your Chanel . To be honest I bought a neck scarf 🧣 ( silk) because of you I tried it and it made me look like a billionaire 😀. though a Nigerian 🇳🇬 but watching from Germany 🇩🇪 ❤

[@paulwilliams5121]

You're not the Nigerian billionaire who wants me to send my email address so he can allocate me my share of a $100 million inheritance are you? 😉

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Well said Ash. The key is not to go overboard but to just dress nicely and and Hope that you set an example for others. Being vain would be drawing attention with outlandish branded items trying to show your wealth. Most of the stuff that we wear even though it may be very good quality most people wouldn't even recognize the brand. But they do recognize A well-dressed man. Keep up the good work cheers Ron

[@TheChapsGuide]

You totally get it Ron. Spot on!

[@michaelpayne7026]

I buy clothes because I like Clothing. I like to dress well, I like to find rare conservative items, I like to shop. Clothing, its quality, the way it is made, how to put an outfit together, is my hobby. I will not apologize for that and nothing else in my life suffers because of this. Even if they did, tough!!

[@danielschaeffer1294]

Victor Borge once said “I used to be conceited, but now I’m perfect.” My own pathway in life was different. I strove for perfection, but it was in vain.

[@lynn5447]

Great video. Good thoughts, good perspective.

[@regsantotomas]

This is a very interesting topic. As someone who works in the sweatshirt and pajama fashions of my Silicon Valley compatriots, I am constantly struggling to find my place stylistically without intentionally drawing undue attention to myself. Without even trying, I can feel like a peacock in my own surroundings. I try to walk a fine line to keep myself happy with how I look while not trying to make others uncomfortable around me. I can see how it can be easy to go into a deep dive into this subject matter.

[@TheChapsGuide]

A fine line to walk - but you are an exceptionally well dressed gent sir.

[@regsantotomas]

@@TheChapsGuide You are very kind to say so.

[@padre2275]

There is quite a difference between vanity and self confidence. One says: "Look at me", the other says "I don't care what others think, I enjoy wearing this"

[@markburk7022]

Also a gentleman can choose to donate his overstock to a charity. 🙂

[@stevensumpter6943]

I agree with most of your comments.i however feel that a use of coloured t shirt under a worksheet is my splash of colour as I work in a woodshop environment .ps keep the videos coming

[@byN91]

“What once was a concern for quality had become an obsession” says Barbaralee Diamonstein in Vogue magazine.

[@ianbrooks4797]

Love the colour of the jacket Ash. You are so right, teacher methodology, I just need to be one page on front of you 🙂 Great video as usual 👍

[@philipklink5406]

Well answered Ash!. I subscribed to your Channel when you had approximately 1000 followers. The content has helped me to tidy up my act and to refocus following a period of ill health shortly after I retired a couple of years ago. It was a rough 2021, with long periods under chemo. Unfortunately whilst I recovered well, it took me some time to get my mental health back up to 100% again. A big step in the right direction has been to present myself better. Most mornings start with a shave and shower. Thanks for the witch hazel tip Ash. I now dress "smart casual' instead of "sloppy casual" which I tended to favour immediately after treatment. I've stepped up to chinos and Merino knitwear most days, and I get out of my trainers in favour of smart footwear too. It's a much smarter presentation and helps me feel better about myself. It's not about vanity. More about taking control, and being in control of my life and destiny, and also being perceived to be. I'm in favour of buying quality pieces and spending my money wisely. You can always tell when vanity is involved because the presentation looks excessive to the occasion. I think that it's OK to have a hobby and an interest. I know that watches are a passion of yours. I can tell that following and collecting them brings you great joy. Good for you. I don't consider that to be materialism, just a healthy interest.

[@nigelmcmorris9096]

I’m back watching some old favourites again. These videos are still immensely interesting second time around. The topic here is of great interest - avoiding vanity and materialism. One point I’d offer an alternative perspective on is the aim to be the best dressed man in the room. I don’t necessarily aim at that, although often it may be the case that I am the best dressed in the room. Rather, my aim is to be consistently well dressed over a longer period and variety of situations. For me, that generic aim is less likely to lead to vain notions than the slightly competitive aim of being the best dressed in the room. We are all different and think differently of course, so this could well be nothing more than my own personal view.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The secret is to be the best dressed in the room without anyone actually noticing. It is not about being showy, or flamboyant, but more about class and understatement. I refer to it as stealth smartness. People know that they are in the presence of greatness - but they cannot put their finger on why they feel that way.

[@mattw1876]

Great points, well made.... But I can't help but feel that being one level above the usual denizens of W-s-M is setting the bar a bit low!.... And the latex penguin suit would fit right in on the average Saturday night....... 😉

[@noble_wolf]

Sound advice, particularly for those of us who struggle with self-consciousness. Sometimes all it takes is to wear trousers (rather than jeans or shorts), shoes and a casual shirt to be the best dressed man, where anything more would draw a bit too much attention.

[@victorhobson373]

Hi Ash,again what a superb video!!! what a brilliant question? superbly answered and truthfully answered from what you buy and also what you need !!! (WANTS & NEEDS) my wife says I'm high maintenance !! and why shouldn't I be!! I have many many shoes but I wear and change daily and maintain them regularly,but I want to be like you the best dressed man in the room !! many thanks again Ash for a great sartorial video .

[@Fush1234]

What a great topic. Are not all well dressed men, who aspire to be well dressed, in fact the best dressed man in the room, at some level, they each have narcissistic tendencies. To varying degrees. I would argue this. I am an exceedingly well dressed fellow. I pride myself on my ability to look sharp. Best in any room at any time. No doubt, I am very much a narcissist. As most well dressed men are.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The secret is to disguise the narcissism in nonchalance.

[@thewolfman6854]

One in one out is my mantra. Let's face it, it is so easy to fall into materialism due to internet shopping and all of the online temptation we are bombarded with. My weakness is watches, and for two or three years have bought and sold many mid tier timepieces. I now control this urge to research and buy more by telling myself that there are only so many that you can wear and it will be one in one out from now on. I suspect shoes may be the next obsession! I intend to replace a couple of my old and battered pairs with some nicer ones that I will look after and re-sole when the time comes. By buying the best we can afford, it is possible to actually reduce our materialism and carbon footprint. We do live in a throwaway society. Now ...... where do I go to get some recommendations for mens footwear ................. 😅 Thanks for the video Ash

[@iansoutryer3189]

While I'm not into watches (and thereby save a lot of money) I confess, it's the same with shoes. And only when I decided to store them in only one place recently, I became aware of just how many shoes I've got. And those 30 year old ones (which my wife hates!) are the dearest to me and therefore I find it hard to part with them. 😉

[@philw4053]

Nice one Ash. Agree all your comments. However there is a fine line between collecting things you may need and a sort of addiction which ends in you buying things for the sake of it (I have way too many nice watches that would be quite difficult to justify if asked to). By the way - where did you get that jacket? I love it!

[@TheChapsGuide]

God knows - I have a wardrobe full of clothes that I can’t remember buying.

[@HAPPYDOORS]

*Question* Hello Ash, Could you cover how one would go about joining a Gentleman’s Club, you mentioned that you say in one when in London. Do you have to be invited, are their large fee's etc. Many thanks, Francis.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I’m planning a video on this very topic for the autumn. Should open the doors on the topic hopefully.

[@viclucyzia]

It's not good to overbuy. I have a complete wardrobe with all possible items. So instead of adding clothes that I would use only 2x a year I improve my wardrobe. I get rid in one way or another of an item when I am able to exchange it with a desired one of better quality and style even though it might and does take quite long. Patience is key to improvement.

[@user-cu2vm3zl6q]

Thank you very much, sir! Great video as usual and very important topic.

[@sanantoniotonight5569]

Another 10 minutes well spent, thank you. (And what brand is that lovely jacket?)

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you sir. It is a 7Square blazer: www.mousoulis.com/7-square-m33

[@bigbadbith8422]

😁

[@TheCameltotem]

I think it's easy to dress way too formal in the first years of menswear. I did this myself, wore oxfords and jackets everywhere and often you would just get weird looks instead of "Wow he looks good" Its just like you said its better to fit in but still look great, besides its very quite fun to find some casual stuff that look very stylish. But I mean switch the jeans to chinos, sweater to shawl cardigan and the sneakers to some nicer shoes and boom you look way more stylish but its still casual!

[@alalder1533]

I suppose the more subconscious you are about how you dress the less vain you are! Not a criticism, but an observation! Keep up the good work as I just can't understand these days how poorly dressed we are as a nation.

[@moimeme6533]

beautiful mirror shine on that toe 🤩👍

[@TheChapsGuide]

Saphir mirror shine is my secret!

[@moimeme6533]

@@TheChapsGuide bravo, such a sharp look, really deepens and further formalizes the look of the black in this instance

[@9er..]

What knot did you use for your tie? It looks absolutely perfect!

[@TheChapsGuide]

4-in hand. A trusted classic

[@gainde1137]

How do you know the right shoe size when buying online?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I usually buy brands that I know and understand how they fit.

[@andrewlosseff2361]

Dont throw away shoes.Sell them on ebay😁

[@j.burgess4459]

Speaking of vanity, did you see the recent Paul Thorpe video about his botox injections? 🤣🤣🤣 I left a slightly rude comment, which I quickly deleted - because, hey, it's his life. But I do find it pitiful, though, to see men doing this kind of nonsense. (It's already pretty sad in the case of women. But men? Eeeoooph!)

[@TheChapsGuide]

I personally advocate the growing old gracefully mantra. Age is inevitable and these ‘treatments’ are merely an expensive way of gaining a slight reprieve.

[@danielschaeffer1294]

I resign myself with the adage that with age comes wisdom. As the old Maurice Chevalier tune has it, I’m glad I’m not young anymore.

[@yabadabadoo-world]

I can't understand so low amount of subscribers

[@timcorrell9863]

Boutonnières, cravats and homburgs are no good. Those accessories and that outfit you showed are examples of materialism and vanity that say target (not the store, but for hoodlums). You might as well just tell people to clip or rob you with those examples of materialism and vanity. When dressing nice for yourself, the word to remember is inconspicuous.

[@lynn5447]

I seriously hope you do not own a penguin suit.