The Quintessentially English Man

[@chrissheffield5468]

I like the British Regimental Blazer concept. I'm an American military veteran and I think we should adopt something similar.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Its a great look and it is something that is distinctive 🙂Thank you for your comments and support 👍🙂

[@TheBritishDapper]

We hope you enjoy the video and please feel free to share with your friends and people you feel might benefit from its content. 🙂

[@johnparnell8571]

Good to see you sporting a cravat, Chris, and thank you for another video with great content. I am of an age that recognises all of these looks. Growing up in North London in the 1950s and 60s I particularly remember seeing some of our gentlemen neighbours hurrying to the station usually wearing a black suit with grey pinstriped trousers, brolly in one hand, briefcase in the other, and always wearing a bowler hat. A suit and tie for gentlemen office workers was generally de rigueur. My father frequently wore a bow tie in the late 1950s / early 1960s (and rimless glasses) but it was always a white shirt for work. Weekend attire was usually a sports jacket and casual slacks. Both of my grandfathers would usually wear a tie with their jacket and it was always brogues on the feet; trainers hadn’t been invented and jeans were for `hip’ youngsters! The coming pop culture changed all of this completely from the early 1960s but I can readily identify my father’s office suits with those worn by Michael Caine in the 1965 film, The Ipcress File, sans gun in waistband of course! Blazers seemed to be favoured by ex military gents with a regimental tie and their insignia on the breast pocket. Two of my father’s business associates were ex wartime servicemen; one had been a gunnery major and the other a wing commander in the RAF. Whenever they came to lunch on a Sunday, they would always be immaculately turned out in a blazer, and if not a regimental or association tie, it would be a cravat, and always a silk pocket square. Respect. I never liked, or took to, the Jason King peacock look in men’s fashion of the 1970s. When I worked as an accountant in central London from the early 1980s, my signature style was a dark navy blue / black or dark grey pinstripe or chalk stripe double breasted suit, white double-cuff shirt, silk tie, silk pocket square and highly polished black Oxfords. It is a look I still favour today for formal occasions, sadly, too frequently, it is funerals. I still wear a blazer and club tie for golf club lunches and favour a sports jacket, waistcoat and either a tie or cravat for weekend social events. Like my father, I have even been known to wear a bow tie! 😲Old fashioned as I most certainly am, I am a product of my upbringing of a bygone age when fashion quickly went out of style, but traditional style never went out of fashion. My neighbour, a delightful chap of 18, is always amused when he sees me dressed up, but even he acknowledges smartness when he sees it. A bit like the fine young gent pictured at 12:22 in this video. I bet he never thought that, decades later, he would be hosting a growing KZbin channel detailing the finer elements of gentleman’s style.😊

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thanks, John for your great comments. It's interesting that you should say about the black suit, the black pinstripe suit, as I recall, this was commonplace. Yet for some reason, in this day and age, there seems to be the opinion that black suits should only be worn at night. As part of evening wear. I think there's a little bit of confusion there between wearing black suit and wearing black tie, which is two different things. But like you, I can recall people wearing black suits, black pinstripe suits as commonplace back in the 60s and 70s. Who'd have guessed that, like you said, the27 year old me would find himself giving advice about men’s apparel and wearing men's attire, how to optimise particular styles. Whilst I have quite a lot of knowledge about men's attire, it is not exhaustive and I as well as others are still on our own sartorial journey, I think I make some powerful observations and comments that help others. Maybe help them change their approach to wear men's attire and the main message I tried to get across is that it should be fun and enjoyable. And after all getting dressing up to go out and impress others, I always find is a special thing, putting me mentally in a good place. So the tagline “Looking good and feeling great”, seems to be very appropriate, and achievable by all. Thank you, John so much for your continued support. Back in the early 80s. I quite often wore bow ties and cravats when going out. But even then, it was not commonplace to be seen, other than black tie events, where it was obligatory to wear a black bow tie. However I do recall at one stage multi coloured bow ties and cumberbunds were worn as a fashion change, but it was just a distraction from that classic black tie look. Its great to hear that you still like to dress in a formal manner, shame it is more for funerals, but as age grasps us by the short and curlies it becomes more commonplace for us. Hard to believe, that Sir Michael Caine is Now 90 years of age, but indeed he was and still is a fashion icon. I remember the character Jason King. And even in the 70s, he was way out there as a character, So I'm with you on that one. Lovely to hear from you again.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Part 1 Thanks, John for your great comments. It's interesting that you should say about the black suit, the black pinstripe suit, as I recall, this was commonplace. Yet for some reason, in this day and age, there seems to be the opinion that black suits should only be worn at night. As part of evening wear. I think there's a little bit of confusion there between wearing black suit and wearing black tie, which is two different things. But like you, I can recall people wearing black suits, black pinstripe suits as commonplace back in the 60s and 70s. Who'd have guessed that, like you said, the27 year old me would find himself giving advice about men’s apparel and wearing men's attire, how to optimise particular styles. Whilst I have quite a lot of knowledge about men's attire, it is not exhaustive and I as well as others are still on our own sartorial journey, I think I make some powerful observations and comments that help others. Maybe help them change their approach to wear men's attire and the main message I tried to get across is that it should be fun and enjoyable. And after all getting dressing up to go out and impress others, I always find is a special thing, putting me mentally in a good place. So the tagline “Looking good and feeling great”, seems to be very appropriate, and achievable by all.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Part 2 Thank you, John so much for your continued support. Back in the early 80s. I quite often wore bow ties and cravats when going out. But even then, it was not commonplace to be seen, other than black tie events, where it was obligatory to wear a black bow tie. However I do recall at one stage multi coloured bow ties and cumberbunds were worn as a fashion change, but it was just a distraction from that classic black tie look. Its great to hear that you still like to dress in a formal manner, shame it is more for funerals, but as age grasps us by the short and curlies it becomes more commonplace for us. Hard to believe, that Sir Michael Caine is Now 90 years of age, but indeed he was and still is a fashion icon. I remember the character Jason King. And even in the 70s, he was way out there as a character, So I'm with you on that one. Lovely to hear from you again.🙂

[@adrianwalker2833]

As I was born in 1959 I was able to still witness the quintessential attire a British man still wore in the 1970ies. It highlighted: - a watch chain, not made from metal, but made from monocle cord, and worn round the neck, something I've only come across in the UK. - a bowler hat and pin stripe trousers. - a Winchester shirt (shirt with contrasting collars and cuffs) or a detachable collar. - sometimes (albeit very rarely) spats. - school/regimental/club ties with stripes. - and one piece I really favour: CRESTED ties, mainly county ties, which means they can be worn by everyone. - in the country a two-piece or three-piece tweed suit, with a Tattersall shirt, sometimes plus twos/plus fours and a garment I particularly like: the NORFOLK jacket. - moleskin or cavalry twill trousers (which seems to have almost vanished). - a favourite piece of mine: the Deerstalker. - and perhaps one piece that is often overlooked, as it was was worn overseas: the SAFARI-JACKET. - and one piece of garments I really adored in my teens in the 1970ies (although it does not quite fit in here): OXFORD BAGS. How I loved them!

[@TheBritishDapper]

Great input Adrian, you described some great observations. I remember the oxford bags and I remember the safari jackets being worn in the summer months. I was once into northern soul in my youth, so oxford bags were the norm. 🙂👍

[@johnparnell8571]

Great observations, Adrian. I had forgotten about safari jackets, and remember owning one in the early 1970s but not the full suit. They were yet another element of military attire that fashion designers adapted for civilian wardrobes. I have a fabulous B/W image of Sean Connery taken on the twisting roads of the Furkha Pass in Switzerland, while filming Goldfinger. He is leaning against his Aston Martin DB5, wearing a tweed sports jacket, white shirt and brown wool tie, plus cavalry twill trousers and suede chukka boots. An iconic look…and the car too!😊

[@adrianwalker2833]

@@johnparnell8571 I've just looked up photographs of Sean Connery on the Furka Pass, I think they even named the bend after James Bond. Perhaps only a pocket square missing. But I agree an iconic look.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Chris. Still making my way through your videos. Love the content. A quintessential English gentleman look for me is wearing my tweed jacket especially the Harris Tweed. Sometimes I pair it with a Brown moleskine waistcoat or a wool yellow tattersall. I am currently looking for a red or burgundy colored waistcoat which I would think would look quite well. I will wear corduroy trousers or wool trousers and if I want to make it more casual I will wear khaki chinos. I haven't quite yet built up the confidence to wear a cravat. But I'm sure I will someday. Cheers Ron

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Ron, glad you are enjoying the video and the looks you describe sound fantastic. A cravat is a great addition and I'm sure as your confidence grows, you will wear one 🙂 thank you for your ongoing support for the channel👍🙂

[@robo2606]

I'm born in 1960 and grew up with the British series on TV. As a child I thought everyone in the UK dressed like that 😂

[@TheBritishDapper]

I was born in the 60s too, so I know what you mean, 😆 but even though they are more historical looks, they are still a great looks and are still consider quintessentially British and looks that are still replicated now. 🙂 Thank you for your comment Roland, do you have a typically British look you like to wear?

[@robo2606]

@@TheBritishDapper Corduroy pants, a shirt with a striped tie, a lambswool cardigan, brown brogues, a quilted Barbour jacket and a brown fedora or a tweed flat cap.

[@TheBritishDapper]

That's a great look and very much typically English, I wear very similar attire myself 🙂

[@samyguerroury8980]

Hello from switzerland. I like your style ideas. You create beautiful combinations. It's always a pleasure. Thanks for the video.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thank you so much, for your kind comments🙂

[@Eurovision324]

Ciao From Northern Italy love your shows very informative

[@TheBritishDapper]

Glad you like them👍🙂

[@Lordrixson5489]

Some excellent classical looks there squire!

[@TheBritishDapper]

Many thanks!👍🙂

[@mikemacheese7174]

I am American. When I finally visit the UK I will dress better than most English people thanks to your style advice!

[@johnparnell8571]

Good for you, Mike.

[@TheBritishDapper]

That's really great news, and I hope you have a fantastic visit to the UK when you eventually get there and if you ever get the opportunity. I would suggest if you get the chance to go to London, have a walk around Savile Row, Jermyn Street and the Piccadilly area. 🙂

[@mikemacheese7174]

@@TheBritishDapper Yes I definitely will!

[@yoricirving-clarke836]

Great video, Chris. This is the look I primarily go for, there's nothing quite like turning a few heads in a nice suit!

[@TheBritishDapper]

Its a great look and does draw attention, especially in this day and age, where it is very rare to see it. What's your favourite coloured suit to wear with this look?

[@yoricirving-clarke836]

@@TheBritishDapper Charcoal or navy. My charcoal 3 piece with a white chalk stripe is my favourite suit! Always have a spring in my step when I’m wearing it! 👍🏻

[@TheBritishDapper]

@@yoricirving-clarke836 that's a great combination and the most important thing is how it makes you feel when you wear it. 🙂

[@mojones235]

Great look.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thank you🙂

[@adrianwalker2833]

Could you make a video on - collar pins, which look like a safety pin - collar bars (which go through the collar) and - collar bars with clips on both ends. They seem to have fallen almost into oblivion, but I think they are very smart (and effortless) pieces of men's jewellery.

[@TheBritishDapper]

I'll see what I can do, I personally don't wear them any more, there were all the fashion in the early 80's when they came back into mainstream fashion again and I wore them then, but not since. I agree they are a great addition for creating a particular look and are quite rare to see nowadays. At one time you could find them (bars and pins) in antiques shops and at very reasonable prices to, but I haven't seen then for a long while. Thanks for your great comments Adrian 🙂

[@adrianwalker2833]

@@TheBritishDapper As luck would have it, the "Gentleman's Gazette" some 50 minutes ago uploaded a video on exactly that subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSZmX5_iq6Hr5o

[@TheBritishDapper]

@@adrianwalker2833 Thanks for letting me know, they did a great job of explaining it as well🙂

[@sjoerdslavenburg7775]

Very nice video Chris. I like your style and your calm presentation. Well done.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thank you kindly👍🙂

[@ladytinter-AlleyKat]

Very cool❤

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thank you🙂

[@Eurovision324]

Ciao Fromlove your shows

[@TheBritishDapper]

Glad you like them 👍🙂

[@JonasM.M.]

5:14 I doubt you’d see the bowler hat, or a head in general in the modern office, which don’t misunderstand me. Is a great pity.

[@TheBritishDapper]

I agree with you Jonas, not a common sight now, and certainly not one to see in the modern office in this day and age, but still a great hat to wear on a rare occasion and it is a shame it is less common now👍🙂

[@JonasM.M.]

@@TheBritishDapper it truly is

[@martinbevan4015]

I occasionally wear a cravat ,they aren’t as restrictive as a tie . I was at a car boot and there was a bag full of ties the lady tipped them out and there was a Dior cravat still in the packaging how could I resist at £1.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thanks for your comments Martin. What a bargain, cravats are a great way of bridging between form and informal looks and true they are less restrictive than a tie, especially in hot weather🙂👍

[@JonasM.M.]

As usual, a very nice video Which title brings back up the memory of a documentary with pretty much the same name I will add it onto this comment later. If I find it, I think the name was quintessentially British it was documentary which in my opinion as far as I can. Judge it as a person who sadly isn’t from Britain myself Was quite perfect representation of everything, beautiful and astonishing, as well as special about the British culture

[@TheBritishDapper]

That's interest to hear Jonas, I'll keep an eye out for it myself👍🙂

[@JonasM.M.]

To answer your question from the end, regarding my personal opinion I I would probably just go with my every day outfit S considering it being a double breasted is pinstripe navy suit brown hole cats and the Humber cats it’s probably the most British thing one would wear on the street anyway of course there are a few things that are much more elegant and more British good morning code would be a lovely example so this just Seppi not something I can wear on the street

[@TheBritishDapper]

Again, Hi Jonas, a double breasted pinstripe navy suit, is a very traditional look, brown whole cut shoes are a great look the Homberg hat is goes fantastically well with that over all look - great choices my friend👍🙂

[@JonasM.M.]

@@TheBritishDapper I’ve just seen I somehow commented twice and deleted the other comment. Sorry for the confusion.

[@stephenring3239]

Bunny Roger.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Good choice. Famous for Capri pants.🙂👍

[@JonasM.M.]

As usual, a very nice video Which title brings back up the memory of a documentary with pretty much the same name I will add it onto this comment later. If I find it, I think the name was quintessentially British it was documentary which in my opinion as far as I can. Judge it as a person who sadly isn’t from Britain myself Was quite perfect representation of everything, beautiful and astonishing, as well as special about the British culture

[@TheBritishDapper]

That's interest to hear Jonas, I'll keep an eye out for it myself👍🙂