Pattern Matching, Volume 1

Learning to dress is like learning to mix a fine cocktail. Start with a gin and tonic, or a scotch and soda before trying martinis and margaritas. This article covers how to match two patterns, which will give a foundation to move to 3 or 4 patterns or more. Most here know how to match two patterns but many don’t, and I think it best we all start at the same place. We’ll cover 7 different areas:

1.    Shirts with Ties

a.    A solid shirt goes with most ties. Buy white and corporate blue until you get the hang of this. http://suityourself.com/Fine_Stripes_Neckties_For_Business.asp Page 35-37 of my book, The Men’s Clothing Guide will give you some specific color suggestions to match with these colors. http://suityourself.com/Stripe_Ties_Gitman_For_Dress.asp

b.    Match something that’s a clear contrast but not flashy- gold, navy, burgundy, and red will work in almost all situations. http://suityourself.com/kolte_tie.asp

      http://suityourself.com/handmade_silk_ties.asp

c.    Within the colors keep the patterns similar- a small pin dot, geometric, or paisley. A conservative stripe of 3 or more colors. Ties with 2 stripe colors, frequently called “Repp” are best worn with blazers in less formal situations (see below).

      http://suityourself.com/kolte_company.asp   

      http://suityourself.com/mens_neckties.asp

2.    Shirts with Suits

a.    Solid suits may should be worn with a subtle stripe or tattersall shirt of contrasting and subtle colors. More on that next month http://suityourself.com/suits_with_plain_front_pants.asp

b.    Subtle pinstripe suits should be worn only with solid shirts at this stage. . Pinstriped suits can be tricky to match; more on that next month as well. http://suityourself.com/baroni_man_suits.asp

3.    Trousers with Shirts (Business casual)

a.    Don’t wear cheap polos with company logos unless your office absolutely requires them. Try something like this instead: http://suityourself.com/golf_shirts.asp .

b.    Tan colored khakis work in every situation but again I’d recommend you purchase something that will last a few years: http://suityourself.com/cotton_pants_keithmoor.asp

c.    Optimally wear tan, olive, or seasonally colored khakis with a subtle tattersall, windowpane, or stripe shirt like this: http://suityourself.com/buttondown_sportshirts.asp

4.    Coats with Trousers (Formal and Casual)

a.    If you’re required to wear a suit for work this is easy. Wear the suit! http://suityourself.com/super_150s_wool_suits.asp

b.    Dressing for business casual offices and dressy casual occasions can be easy as well. http://suityourself.com/baroni_sportcoats.asp

c.    For dressier occasions still where a tie is not required, wear a navy blazer with the shirt and trousers like you selected in option 3 above. http://suityourself.com/baroni_blazers.asp

d.    If you’re heading to a country club function or some other “relaxed formal occasion” where a tie is still best, but a suit too dressy, wear a solid button-down and a “Repp” striped tie as referred to in Part 1 (c) above. Then add a navy blazer.  http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=211&Product_Id=833219&Parent_Id=210&default_color= http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=204&Product_Id=500031&Parent_Id=203&default_color=

5.    Socks with Trousers

a.    Choose a solid sock that’s the same color as your trousers; this visually elongates your legs. http://suityourself.com/cotton_dress_socks.asp http://suityourself.com/merino_wool_socks.asp

b.    However I think this solid socks are boring and will be the first place we’ll start to implement 3 pattern matching.

6.    Shoes and trousers-

a.    Wear black or dark brown shoes  with gray and black suits or trousers http://suityourself.com/item-group.asp?pgpID=393&cID=0&scID=36

b.    Wear dark brown shoes only with khakis. http://suityourself.com/Plain_Toe_Blucher_Grain_Leather_Alden.asp

7.    Shoes and Belts-

a.    Belts should match color of shoes as closely as possible. http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalog_detail.aspx?CNAME=Accessories&SNAME=New+Arrivals&PLOID=48716

b.    Mid- narrow width for business http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalog_detail.aspx?CNAME=Accessories&SNAME=New+Arrivals&PLOID=48716

c.    Wider for casual. http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalog_detail.aspx?CNAME=Accessories&SNAME=New+Arrivals&PLOID=53997

d.    No sporty buckles just yet. http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalog_detail.aspx?CNAME=Accessories&SNAME=New+Arrivals&PLOID=53757

I hope this has given you a glimpse into the skill of matching patterns. In the coming months will be going to 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 patterns.  Buy that shaker and strainer, and get ready to sartorially bartend!