Guest Post from Caitlin McCrory on Women and Men's Southern Style

This is a guest post by my friend Caitlin McCrory, and is presented in its original format for posterity. You'll probably have to scroll right.

Men's Style Essentials

            I have been agonising over getting around to writing this list for months now, with setbacks and the like. However, I now present this to you. I wanted to compile a list of things that every man should have in his repertoire, allowing him to be able to meet any occasion that he faces. Pictures should be forthcoming once I have time.

   A Suit, Preferably Dark Grey or Navy

A nice suit, especially in one of these two colours, is a wardrobe staple. Either can be dressed up or down, having great versatility. While I personally feel that every man should aspire to owning something more formal, a dark grey or navy suit would not be out of place at a wedding (unless one was a member of the wedding party). A confession: my first suit was a light grey, which is a summer suit, and unfortunately I did not understand that this wasn’t the most versatile piece. While it wasn’t an egregious error on my part, it still looked nice, I would have been much better suited by something darker, which would not be out of place year round. My next suit was a lovely dark grey three-piece with a subtle chalk-stripe, which is MUCH more versatile. The trousers can even be paired with a light grey waistcoat and a black jacket for use as a stroller, which is the equivalent of black tie for the daytime.

Note: I do not endorse a black suit for regular usage, as black suits are funeral suits. Up until the late 1990s, the legendary American clothier Brooks Brothers did not even offer a black suit. I do not own one myself, as I do not anticipate attending many funerals any time soon. The one exception I might personally make would if I were to run across a black three piece, as the jacket and waistcoat would pair nicely with houndstooth trousers, and the trousers would likely look nice with other pieces of my wardrobe.

A Navy Blazer

Along with number three, aside from a dark suit, a navy blazer is one of the most versatile items that one can own. It can go with almost anything but black.

Grey flannel trousers/khakis

Both items are even more versatile than the navy blazer, as they can literally be paired with almost any colour. I say almost hesitantly, though, as I can’t say that I have run into a colour that doesn’t go well with grey or tan, personally.

White shirts.

Yes, this one seems like a no-brainer; however, one can never have too many white shirts. They are a blank canvas on which so much can be built. A white shirt should be the first shirt that a man should own, and then branch out into tasteful colours.

Well polished shoes

Once again, another no brainer, but something people can forget. Well polished shoes show an attention to detail that people notice.

Pocket handkerchiefs and squares

This can seem like a personal affectation, but I feel that it is an essential part of a wardrobe. You see politicians, actors, and everyday people on the streets often going pochette-less, but to me, a whole outfit looks incomplete without that little piece of fabric sticking out of the pocket. Whether you prefer a square, peaks, or a puff fold, any way shows your personality wherever you go. Note: When wearing a flower on the lapel, however, the pocket handkerchief should always be white.

Thank you for taking your time to read this. Depending on schedules, there will be a guest post on women’s style essentials soon enough, coming from an old friend of mine who is a true lady of the South.

Formal Season is Coming!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Formal season is coming for many of you in high school as well as those in fraternities and sororities, and when it comes down to it, what you wear is a major part of the festivities. If you need consultation on clothing, I am here to help. I will work for whatever you deem necessary for my services, and I can help you out, whether you are wearing black tie, white tie, or are searching for a dress that works best for you, as well as if your date is clueless as what to wear. I am often available, and can have conferences over Skype or in person if you are near enough to me. Thank you for your consideration.

Speaking of Consultations..

As by the example of the last post, I am available as a style consultant, and not just to family. While I specialise in men's fashion, I can also draw on a pool of information for women's, as well, and I can work with any budget. Whether my services are needed for helping you find a tuxedo for Prom to looking to formalise your individual style, I can help with any need. I am glad to help out in any way I'm needed, and you get to decide what my services are worth to you.

My First Style Consultation

This is the outfit I helped my brother, Bryan Artunian-Tice (who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout), piece together, consulting for him for his Homecoming dance at his high school. This piece is an example of one of the most versatile outfits that a man can own, the "Charleston Tuxedo", also known as "The Uniform."

The Charleston Tuxedo is grounded by one major element, the navy blazer, with gold or dark buttons. Next up is a white, pink, yellow, blue (take care with blue, as sweat shows through blue well) or possibly another muted colour (I've worn a light orange, personally) shirt (button down collar should be fine with bow ties). Trousers can be khakis (I would suggest darker colours in fall and winter), grey flannels (or seen here a lighter grey with stripes), or crazy pants (also known as Go-To-Hell pants). Loafers or lace ups are good forms of footwear for this outfit, but brown should never be worn after 6pm. A bow tie or long tie of any colour is worn as well. Finally, whenever wearing a jacket, the breast pocket should always have a pocket square, or pochette.

When taking this all into consideration, fit should always be one of the first things you think about. It doesn't matter if your clothing is from Ralph Lauren's Purple Label, if it doesn't fit, it doesn't look good. On that subject, you may notice the break in the trousers: it is too much. He would have benefited from pulling the trousers up a bit more, or having buttons added for braces. However, even with this error, it is still a good looking outfit, and overall, a success.

Introductions

Good Evening Dear Reader,

I have set up this blog in hopes to impart my views on style, etiquette, and education into my own tiny corner of the internet, which I hope you will find interesting as well. Posts will range from taking a look at old etiquette books, my thoughts on certain books, the rules for semi-formal and formal morning and evening wear, my newest discoveries in candles, men's fashion, women's fashion, and anything else I can think of. I will also try to take into consideration any requests that are made of me.

Thank you for taking your time to read this,

John Tice