Apologies for the lack of posting and delay in getting around to all of your wonderful blogs and emails. My first week back at University has been rather hectic, if only with having to adjust to the fact that I may actually have to work (shock! horror!). Further evidence of me falling behind is an outfit post which is actually from this Friday as opposed to today. However in truth it is probably a touch more interesting by comparison, so I hope you can forgive me the lapse of time.
My University friends will know of a little tradition I have by the name of Formal Fridays. The student stereotype is one of lazy youth strolling into morning lectures to doze off in a hungover stupor whilst dressed comfortably in sweats and an old t-shirt. Whilst that is a perfectly understandable style, my own preferences are somewhat dichotomous to that particular image. With the prevalent trend being one of under-dressing, I personally like to switch it up a little with an extra effort to present myself. In truth I am actually curiously comfortable in a suit and tie. I suppose it is the inevitable result of having worn school uniform from the age of five and years of trying to create an individual style under the daily constraints of a suit and school tie.
Having thankfully been removed from the chore of a school uniform, an outfit based around a suit now offers me a beautifully wide array of choices and possibilities. For my first Formal Friday I decided to keep it reasonably understated, but relying on smaller details to really express my concept. I wore a fine woolen pinpoint grey suit, the texture of which, although only really appreciated upon close inspection, I find particularly fascinating. Being fine wool it works well for the Autumn months, being temperate enough for both warmer and cooler spells. It actually has surgeon's cuffs, which I have always been rather tempted to roll, although perhaps only really suited for a more summery look.
I have always felt that a crisp white shirt makes the best first impression, so I decided to wear one for that slightly cleaner look. Indeed in order to create that more clean and understated look I kept to a plain white cotton pocket square, simply folded so as not to overpower. I paired my shirt with a woven navy tie, feeling that the texture worked well with my suit, as well as being seasonally appropriate. I believe that one's choice of tie should always be influenced by both suit and shirt. Indeed in this case it was more a decision based upon my suit, what with it being a wool, requiring a similarly woolen or textured tie. Given the spread of my collar, I went for a classic Half-Windsor knot, which I feel to be that touch smarter than the basic Four-In-Hand.
My love for tie bars actually stems from having watched the amazing James Stewart on-screen. The gentleman always accessorised his suits with a tie bar, even during holiday and weekend scenes. Perhaps an overlooked touch for most, but it creates a distinctive style that seems far too rare these days. I personally prefer a smaller length bar, for the larger clips tend to be somewhat harder to pull off. I matched the plain silver with that of my belt buckle in order to create a better visual cohesion. Out of shot I was wearing a pair of black leather brogues. And for that slight flash of colour I went for a pair of red socks, which I thought would contrast nicely with my navy tie.
I always feel good in a suit, and there is nothing better than an outfit which makes you feel good.
Currently playing: Still Dre ft. Snoop Dogg - Dr Dre
xxxx
it is all about the socks;
ReplyDeleteuntil you meantioned them I couldn't see the outfit as something alive, but now it is walking itself around in my head.
*mentioned
ReplyDeleteyou are ready for Mad Men!
ReplyDeleteDapper indeed. I think every man should own a grey suit, i think it is the male's closest equivalent to the LBD.
And i love a knit tie!
Bravo!!!
I love the idea of Formal Fridays. I try to dress up for uni as well, I don't want to wear ugg boots and PJ's for every class! Glad to see you are well and back to posting :D
ReplyDeleteOhhh my,boy !!! You're looking so so smart and well dressed:)
ReplyDeleteWhere you heading to ?! The suit really fits you well.And to me,its important that every guy has one good suit at least in his closet:)
And its a change for school attire. Enjoy your weekend <3
no wonder ur friends nick named u Dapper :o]........ grey works well on u :o]
ReplyDeleteWOW dear!
ReplyDeleteU look so stunning! :-)
X♥X♥
You look stunning !
ReplyDeleteSo chic my friend !
Formal Friday?! What a fabulous idea. When I worked in an office I didn't like Dress-Down Fridays :( I love dressing up for work.
ReplyDeleteYou rock a suit! Not that I'm at all surprised.
love that tie ... my boyfriend has one just like it .. it was his dads, form his university days
ReplyDeleteformal fridays sounds like so much fun, id be looking forward to spot you every friday if i were in your school! haha soooo refreshing to hear that a guy actually enjoys wearing a suit! that good looking suit you're wearing fits you like a glove, makes you look so polished but fun, crazay. hope you had a lovely saturday and sunday :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh I just love it!
ReplyDeleteLooking quite snazzy!!
ReplyDeleteand have fun going back to school, learning and what not!
I love that you have 'Formal Fridays'. In my book that makes you totally awesome. You look great!
ReplyDeleteLoves it! Nice suit!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you. Great suit! All the best on getting back in the swing of things at Uni.
ReplyDeleteFabulous outfit!
ReplyDeleteYou a def. living up to your name, a dapper kid indeed!
Wow. You look fantastic. Very stylish and cool. I wish you the best. Good luck. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI love the tie pin and the suit's detail! Tres terrific!
ReplyDeletelooking so sharp! oh, I would have never thought of Friday..what about Monday?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the note.
You look so sharp DK!
ReplyDeleteLove the close up photo as well, the details are amazing! Great new week to you okie*
Thank you dear ! :)
ReplyDeleteYou look great in that suit ! Really nice!
I agree, nothing is better than an outfit which makes you feel good. You can definitely tell when someone doesn't feel good or comfortable with what they're wearing. You look great, though!
ReplyDeleteyou OWN the word dapper, it's yours. x
ReplyDeleteyou look so nice!! good luck at the university. school is so hectic sometimes!
ReplyDeleteDarling, you look absolutely lovely! Seriously, I love the way that you put things together, and I adore the concept of formal Fridays! After seeing so many people at my university wearing pajamas, sweatpants, Crocs, overalls, etc. to class, it would be so lovely to find someone all dressed up and looking as wonderful as you do!
ReplyDelete<3<3<3
ReplyDeletegreat outfit! <3 xx
ReplyDeleteOMG, you look so handsome. :) Love the suit. Very James Bond of you.
ReplyDeleteDK,
ReplyDeleteYou do indeed look at home in tailoring - more comfortable than a variety of i(nternet)Gents I've seen over the years
If you want any tips down the line, just shout. I'll look forward to a future photo with a boutonniere present
All best,
B
wonderful! you look dashing!
ReplyDeletei've always disregarded "casual friday" haha.
You look fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteYou're most certainly living up to your blog's name and that fabulous look!
ReplyDeleteyou cut your hair! It looks great. Super suave!
ReplyDeleteI might have to steal Formal Fridays from you. It could turn into a worldwide phenomenon (if only...)
ReplyDeleteuhhh beyond dapper! i die !!! and wish i could come across a man so distinguished looking .
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteyou look really nice! thumbs up for formal fridays.
ReplyDeletehttp://alectonyx.etsy.com
You looks so spiffy! I wish all guys felt as comfortable in a suit and tie as you do.
ReplyDeletethis suit is perfect. i love well tailored suits with skinny ties. you look amazing!
ReplyDeletex
www.tittees.blogspot.com
You look so handsome! Men in suits is always the way to go. Totally appropriate that you were listening to Dr.Dre too! Rock star.
ReplyDeleteYou are stylin'...I love a nice grey suit, very GQ!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your close up photos are much appreciated, details such as these shouldn't go unnoticed. :)
That's an awesome tradition and you look very "dapper." :)
ReplyDeleteYou look like a million dollars in that suit! The cut is so perfect for you!
ReplyDeleteAwww you are SO handsome!! That suit looks great on you. You're so classy too, with the tie bar. This is an amazing look. I wish my school had had formal fridays. It sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like how you said you feel good in a suit. Not many men do these days and that is a shame. I feel the same way when I dress up in a nice dress or skirt. There is something so glamorous and elegant about dressing up that makes a person feel beautiful. :)
DK, you look fabulous! I love that you and your friends created a tradition of Formal Fridays. Over here - at most companys, it's casual Fridays :)
ReplyDeleteI love this though, a lot of times I'd go to work and my manager would be concerned I had an interview scheduled somewhere else, they never saw the need for "dressing up" - I didn't do it often as an Assistant Manager, I didn't think it was wise to constantly be overdressing my Manager.
Have a wonderful, dapper week!
p.s. left you an award today :)
What a great little tradition to follow! I wish more guys take the time to dress up like you!! Makes the world a more colourful place:)
ReplyDeleteoh, smart friday is back! you look great in that suit, DK!
ReplyDeleteTrue to your name, you look VERY dapper in the formal Friday suit. I love this tradition of yours. I say-- bring back men and women in suits and hats. So glamorous! Hope you're enjoying your week, dear.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOUR HAIR! PLus that jacket is amazing.
ReplyDeleteHow spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Formal Fridays, and kudos to you for making your university days as stylish as possible! Back in my uni days, I would resort to hoodies, cotton twill trousers, and sneakers whenever the stress of exams and term papers got to be too overwhelming, which was pretty much all the time after the first month of classes. :-)
ReplyDeletehey i know i dont blog very much anymore, but im just dropping by to say hi and nice hair cut!
ReplyDeleteOMG what a fantastic suit that fits you in perfection!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look so handsome, dear!!!
I think every man should dress from time to time with a suit :)
xoxo
DARLING!!!You look so handsome, I've never seen anything so cute in my life =D
ReplyDeleteOh YES! I totally approve. Love the close up details too - the tie fabric is gorgeous as is the suit itself!! I think we need more of this DK!! Have fun at Uni and good luck!!
ReplyDeleteYou look so handsome! I adore the idea of a formal day....you have magnificent style!
ReplyDeletewow, wow, wow, you look absolutely spectacular!
ReplyDeleteAs always your taste is Top Trumps. I love the exploration in texture. I'm so glad you zeroed in on the suit fabric, as I'd have missed the nuance if you'd only posted the larger photo.
ReplyDeleteI really love how well you clean up, DK. Just wonderful.
Well aren't you truly the dapper one! You look so SHARP - break some hearts darling!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Amy
you look so snazzy. good luck with university. : )
ReplyDeleteSo dapper, for sure!! heh, heh.----and your haircut is splendiforus!!
ReplyDeletei immediately thought of cary grant in north by northwest, its hard not to make comparisons with a name like dapper. UGH i wish i had a gray suit. and the woven tie whispers cool...
ReplyDeletehave a lovely week my refined friend!
xo s
love your look...and you have to work? than good for you! ^.^
ReplyDeletekisses
Looking very dapper there mister! I love the added touch of accessory with the tie clip! Tres chic!
ReplyDeletewww.thestarvingstylist.com
Whoa you look Magnificent!
ReplyDeletePerfect.
ReplyDeleteAfter I read this post, my first thought was this Tom Ford quote:
ReplyDelete"Dressing well is kind of good manners, if you ask me. When you're standing in a room, your effect is the same as a chair's effect, or a sculpture's. You're part of someone's view, you're part of that world, and so you should dress well. I find it's a show of respect to try to put on your best face and look as good as you can."
-Jason