Today's Outfit

Polo Ralph Lauren blackwatch tartan shirt

Tasso Elba cotton shawl sweater

Vintage reversible foulard silk/merino wool scarf

Polo Ralph Lauren corduroy pant

Merona cotton intarsia socks

Bally navy leather loafers

The Casualization of an American Man's Clothing

To some people, dressing down means wearing a polo and chinos, as opposed to the usual office-only suit. To others, sadly, dressing up means wearing a polo and chinos, with a suit or even a sport coat out of the question.

I'm not much of a suit guy - I own five - but thanks to my bargain-hunting efforts, I own around forty sport coats. To me, wearing a tuxedo is dressing up; wearing a sport coat is simply dressing well.

On three occasions whilst running errands today, I was asked in one way or another, "Why are you so dressed up?" I could only affirm that this is how I often dress. The casualization of the American man's wardrobe, something that seems to be be very slowly reversing, is just absurd.

Shouldn't the guy in camo cargo shorts and an embroidered muscle tee be the person in question? (Yes, that guy was standing behind me at Target checkout.) I realize I'm not spot-on with every outfit, but I'll proudly hold my style against that of the Affliction-afflicted, Tapout-tapping, Abercrombie-abominating masses.


I'm all for artistic freedom, the freedom of sartorial expression and such, but I believe a certain level of respect should be upheld when out in public. I dress in such a manner as to look well for myself, while respecting my surroundings (both people and places).

To succumb to a routine of dress which doesn't at least attempt to best display one's attributes is an injustice to oneself.  I don't expect anyone to change who doesn't want to change. But you see, that's the problem - the lack of effort to wear something appropriate, to wear something that fits, even to wear something clean.

What passes for proper is preposterous.







Michael Kors gingham blazer, Polo shirt and pima sweater, Breuer tie, Oak Hill linen trouser, Club Room socks and Bally loafers.





A little effort, fellas.

Questions From the Audience - Shoes

I started thrifting recently but I'm yet to find any decent shoes. I'm good on my clothing brands but I'm not sure what to look for in old shoe brands. Any suggestions?
Premium British labels include Crockett & Jones, John Lobb, and Edward Green. Other top Euro brands include Ferragamo, Gucci, Mezlan, Bally and Bruno Magli. Allen Edmonds and Alden from any era are unbeatable. Vintage Cole Haan and Johnston & Murphy made in either the USA or Italy are very nice as well. Vintage Florsheim, Dexter, Bass, and Bostonian are solid, if made a few decades ago. With the exceptions of Allen Edmonds, Alden and a handful of other companies, many of America's legendary shoe makers have either closed or have exported production. In the latter case, prices have continued to rise while quality drops. If you can't find any shoes of great quality at your local thrift, be patient. If you're looking for something in particular, search eBay before ever considering buying at full retail.

In my time thrifting I've walked away from great finds without realizing it, only to do some research back at home to discover I missed something rare and valuable. Do your homework on company histories, logos, shoe production and leather types. You'll save lots of time in the long run and walk away with the best deals.