We had some dreary weather these last few days, and many people around these parts got to acting like Summer was closed for business. Then today it got all warm and sunny. I decided to trot out the old tan gabardine suit, realizing that this might be it's last run of the year. Paired here with a very conservative striped tie and foulard print square, but punched way up with a shirt in navy and white gingham. In the old days, when lots of jobs required suits, tan would have been pushing it, and the shirt would have been asking for it. But I'm only doing this for me, so have at it.
Every now and then I wear the blades of my ties slightly apart, like all them Italian cats on the Sartorialist, then hold them down with a tie clip. (that tie clip will have a solo post soon...it's a good one...). It's supposed to be all non-chalant, but of course it's totally on purpose. People say "do you know your tie is..." "Yes, I do. Don't worry about it." Affected? Damn right! But we peacocks and Italians are known for that, no?
And speaking of affected, how about bare ankles and tassels?...with a suit? Absolutely, if you want to, when you're wearing a suit for fun and not for rules. And yes, I know those shoes have been getting more than their fair share of play in the rotation, but they are comfortable. Best $3.49 I ever spent.
An English made tie, from the Andover Shop, $1,99
And would somebody please tell Brooks Brothers that well made shirts in "sports" patterns that are made in USA and come in a neck and sleeve length are the jam? Seriously, whens the last time you saw a shirt like this that wasn't sized S/M/L? Recently acquired on our vacation in Maine at thrift shop for $4.99. My point is, those nice clothes you have that you never wear because you never have to? They ain't doing you or anybody else any good hanging in the closet all the time.
Wear 'em!
Because you want to...because you can. Together, we can make the Well Appointed Gentleman less of a "freak", and more of a role model. Who's with me?
