As modern day gentlemen, we know that we must carry ourselves with class, and with dignity. We know that what we say matters, what we do makes a difference, and indeed, what we wear often portrays how we carry ourselves.
A classy wardrobe is of utmost importance to any gentleman, and today I want to talk a bit about some essential tools that will help fill it properly.
Before I begin, I want to be very clear from the outset that we are never to put too great a weight on what we wear. Our clothes can be a unique way to express ourselves, sure, but they should never be what defines us. As with any material thing, we must be very diligent to ensure it never becomes too important to us. We must remember that no man is measured by something as trivial at what he is wearing. But rather, he is measured by the content of his character. So with this in mind, let’s all just relax, keep things in perspective, and talk about some unique and fun ways to dress and act like gentlemen in this modern day!
The following are 5 essential accessories that every gentleman should keep as staples in their wardrobe. These are strictly my opinion and I fully recognize there are others more knowledgable than I am in this area. But they are simply my humble thoughts/preferences based on my personal experience. They are in no particular order:
Watch
It is my opinion that it is better to invest in one, quality timepiece, than several mediocre ones. That doesn’t mean it has to be a $3000 watch that lasts long enough for your grandson to wear it. You can find extremely reliable and durable watches for only a few hundred. I understand that even a few hundred dollars may seem extremely high to some of you, but as I said, if that is the amount you are able to invest, invest it in one watch instead of several cheaper ones. A good watch can bring a whole outfit together! In the same way, a bad watch can spoil an otherwise very classy ensemble.
Tie
The same rule does not apply to your ties, however. You will need several ties that are appropriate for the various situations you will encounter. In general, it is better to begin with solid colors or only light patterns, as they will match with more outfits. You can spend a lot of money on ties at specialty stores, but that is by no means necessary to find a decent one. They are often on sale at your standard Macy’s, Dillards or JC Penny.
Wallet
This item varies greatly from gentleman to gentleman as far as style, shape, and function go. Some prefer a very slim wallet that holds a single credit card, an ID, and some cash. Others prefer that their wallet keep them prepared for the next world war. Whatever you prefer, it’s important that you maintain your wallet well and that it’s not something that’s embarrassing to take out of your pocket! This is also an area where you don’t need to break the bank to find a nice and reliable product.
Belt
This is one of the more underappreciated and overlooked items in a man’s closet. But failing to recognize the importance of its role in an outfit is a grave mistake. The “tried and true” belt you’ve had since your freshman year of college may be your favorite, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your outfit. The general rule of thumb is to match the color of your shoes with the color of your belt, but you can play around with that a bit. You don’t need to be over-the-top with your belt choice in any way. In fact, I tend to prefer a more understated belt in my outfits. One that is classy and elegant, but doesn’t attract a lot of attention. Try out some different combinations to figure out what your preferences are!
Shoes
Arguably the biggest differentiator for any outfit are the shoes that you wear with it. There are countless options for color, style, and quality. In the past I’ve purchased shoes that are cheap but look expensive, and have found that I strongly prefer to buy the real deal as they tend to not only last much longer, but they are also far more comfortable and are better for my feet. As with the rest of the items though, this is personal preference. Care for your shoes well and take pride in how they look, and you will find they will last you for years to come!
There are many other great options to add to your outfit that can make a huge difference! These are simply the 5 I chose to call out here. Adding to your wardrobe is something that takes time, but is well worth the investment in the long run as you find yourself in situations where dressing well sets you apart and helps you carry yourself as a true gentlemen.
Remember, these are not necessary items to own if you are to be a gentleman! They are simply tools for expression and are not to be treated as anything greater than that.
What items do you have in your wardrobe that you consider to be irreplaceable? Write us in the comments below and let us know!
Until Soon,
- Design. Build. Tinker. Contribute…Create. - July 26, 2018
- “That” Guy: Understanding Roles in Our Relationships - June 21, 2018
- Financial Stewardship: The Forgotten Virtue - May 24, 2018
