Sartorial Suggestions for Your Significant Others

Because most of us are men and those we love have absolutely NO idea what to buy us for the Holidays, we need to give them some suggestions. We all want to look our best at all times- whether we’re just beginning our business careers or are captains of industry.  

Here are some BAD ideas:

1.      Suits-a man should always choose his own suit, and learn to do so with the advice of his tailor or style consultant. A suit is arguably the most important tool in a man’s business arsenal and a significant investment in his future. I’m not a misogynist but this is man’s work.

2.      Flannel Shirts- how many men out there need another flannel shirt?

3.      Ties- the volume of men braving horrendous return lines the Day after Christmas speaks toward this. Let us choose our own ties!

In contrast, below are some gifts that would be welcome additions to our wardrobes:

1.      Navy Blazer- simply the Gold Standard of the well-dressed man. Every man should have at least one in his wardrobe. I recommend two-a lighter weight for warmer weather, and a wool or wool/cashmere blend for the winter. The navy blazer can be dressed up or down, and is appropriate for all but the most formal business situations.

http://suityourself.com/baroni_blazers.asp

2.      Tweed Blazer- another traditional favorite for the winter months in cooler climates. Gray is best because it matches more items in your wardrobe. This blazer is a great complement to the navy blazer. What well-dressed man would settle for only one option?

http://suityourself.com/jack_victor_sportcoats.asp

3.      Charcoal Flannel Trousers- a building block of any successful man’s winter wardrobe. If you already have one pair, perhaps pleated, another pair in flat front is still a great gift. You can never have enough gray flannel trousers.

http://suityourself.com/jack_victor_wool_trouser.asp

4.      Cotton Khaki Slacks. One can never have enough of these either. Currently no pleats are the rage, may we suggest:

http://suityourself.com/no_pleats_mens_trousers.asp

5.      Pocket Squares are the new tie. Many men now work in a corporate casual environment. Stand out from the crowd. Instead of wearing the standard company-issue polo shirt and Dockers, try your tweed coat or navy blazer, charcoal or navy slacks, and a subtle matching pocket square.

6.       Loafers are another classic addition to a man’s wardrobe. Loafers are for dressing down and corporate casual environments. Brown matches more ensembles and should be purchased over black. NEVER wear loafers with a suit; leather soles are best; and tassels look silly. A suede slip-on is a timelessly elegant fashion statement. A man can never have enough quality pairs of shoes in his closet.

http://suityourself.com/penny_loafers.asp

7.      Understated sweaters are the final suggestion for addition to a well-dressed man’s wardrobe. Black, gray or ivory are great colors to have. Polos work well for everyone:

http://suityourself.com/gran_sasso_knits.asp

If you have the neck for it, mocks are another option:

http://suityourself.com/gran_sasso_mens_sweaters.asp

Consult your tailor or style consultant to see which is best for you.

Now you have some suggestions for the loved ones in your life who think you have everything. While we should all pause and give thanks for our many blessings during this Holiday season, who really has everything?