Life is about choices. We are all a product of the decisions we make. Shopping, getting dressed, and presenting oneself is no different. If you purchase the right items, you don’t need a ton of clothing, and you can get the most out of your investment.
One thing to look for in a suit: versatility. The right suit can be worn often, for just about any occasion. It doesn’t get much more versatile than a solid midnight navy suit, year-round weight, 2 buttons. It’s the perfect suit, the one that every man should own. It can take you from day to night and everywhere in between, keeping you ready for wherever the day may take you.
6:45am – commute to work
Suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke (custom made). Scarf by Kenneth Cole (one size). Shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Tie by Thom Browne (2.5 inches at widest point). Tie barTiffany & Co (2†wide). Sunglasses Gucci (one size). Pocket square restaurant napkin. Shoes by Barker Black, leather portfolio stolen from girlfriend
This time of season there is no need for an overcoat on top of your suit. A scarf and gloves will do the trick. Properly tied, a scarf over a suit, with the collar up, is one of my favorite looks. And while you’re accessorizing, go with some simple wire framed aviators and keep all of your leathers (including your portfolio, briefcase, bag, etc.) in the same color family.
Although brown leathers are a safer choice because they compliment a navy suit and look more classic, black looks more sleek, especially in gotham city NYC.
10:30am – checkmarks on the to-do list
When its time to buckle down and get sh-t done at the office, lose the jacket, roll up your sleeves and take care of business in the perfect business/casual look.
You should have a spot in your place of business to hang your suit jacket – on a hanger – not over the back of a chair.
2:30pm – the big presentation
The time has come. You’ve been working on this pitch for months. Now strap on your jacket, take a quick look in the mirror, and go knock your boss’s socks off in your sleek, but completely business appropriate, modern day power suit.
7:30 pm – dinner with an old friend
Lose the tie and unfasten your two top buttons and you have the perfect going-to-dinner outfit. A great look for anything from a fancy dinner with clients to a burger and a beer with an old friend.
11:30pm – drinks with the guys
t-shirt Jockey (size S)
Put away the work shirt and casual-up your look by wearing the suit with just your undershirt. You can even throw on the lightweight scarf from this morning to break up the look a little.
A v-neck undershirt is essential. It soaks up your perspiration, it keeps your body covered under those semi-see-through poplin dress shirts, it’s deep enough to wear under an open collar and not peek out at the neck, and it can be worn as a regular t-shirt under your jacket. Don’t be afraid to go down one size, it can be a little snug.
…the next morning
Yours in style,
SB
Secure men don’t cling to the title “…Real Man”, and whatever that is supposed to mean. I find that being a real person is far less restrictive.
Holy cow man that is one hell of a post. . .so glad you exist dude
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 05:46 PM
This post is awesome, the cut of this suit is insane. Time to get a navy suit.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 06:17 PM
Excellent post! I have been on a 2 month hunt for the perfect navy suit so I can do all the things with it you have mentioned. As a suggestion, could you put links on the photos so we can enlarge them? It is hard to see the details with the pics the size they are in the posts.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 06:40 PM
Great post
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 06:46 PM
You honestly make me want to go to MAB and just buy a bunch of suits and have them made. They do excellent work on you.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 07:01 PM
Barker Black! One of my sartorial goals…Amazing as always
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 07:26 PM
Dan- what do you to achieve your hairstyle? It seems like you have a basic go-to cut, I’m assuming it’s a just as simple fool-proof routine- care to share?
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 07:29 PM
Post’s like this remind me of why I check your site daily for updates. Great stuff, Dan! I am in desperate need of a couple new suites and you have convinced me that one of them needs to be dark navy.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 09:08 PM
To: whoa, Darin
Thanks! Glad you enjoy reading.
To: Chris
I will try to make my pictures bigger, and clearer, going forward. Thanks for the suggestion.
To: Javonn
You should go check out the shop!
To: Anon
After looking at these pictures again, I really need a haircut! I try not to advise on hair because there are so many styles, and everyone has a different type of hair, shape of face, etc..
A good guide to hair styles by gq can be found here: http://www.gq.com/how-to/groom/200907/how-to-get-perfect-hair-haircut-care-barber-comb-style-slideshow#slide=1
I would say mine is most like the first style (the “throwback”).
Your not the first to ask this, so if you’re interested… I get it cut monthly. At the barbershop I get a taper with a 1 guard, 2 guard length on the sides, and I have the top trimmed and thinned with scissors. I also learned to subtly fade the sides myself, so I try to keep it short and clean until my next visit to the shop. As far as styling, i get it wet, apply some pomade (usually Crew fiber), make the side part with a comb and run my fingers threw it so it doesn’t look too precise. It’s quick and easy.
Thanks all for reading!
Best,
Dan
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 09:15 PM
To: JMRouse
The other great thing about a solid dark navy suit; you can wear the jacket as a blue blazer, and the pants go with just about any other sport jacket. I would recommend it as a great wardrobe investment.
Thanks, as always, for reading!
Best,
Dan
Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 09:19 PM
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I can’t lie, I look forward to this Mans new post everyday….He has all the best tips hands down and the new site looks incredible
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 09:25 PM
Fantastic post!!!!!!!
Where do you work?
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 09:56 PM
Fantastic post. You just make it seem too easy.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 11:02 PM
Hey, would a grey fitted suit be just as versatile? .. Great post
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 12:39 AM
I guess the well dressed men really do get the babes!
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 03:07 AM
For me, wearing a suit collar “popped” like that seems a bit like trying too hard. I can understand it on Peacoats, for example, but it just seems like making too much of an effort to look cool when done on a suit. It reminds me of the guys with popped polo collars from college.
Having said that, your style is fantastic in these photos regardless of the collar. Another great post!
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 06:13 AM
Is it my impression or your shirts collar look a little bit sloppy? No use of stays? Is it intentional?
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 06:58 AM
@fabio
It’s Thom Browne
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 11:09 AM
I like how instead of fries the substitute is greens. Somewhat healthy and nutritious indeed.
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 11:18 AM
SB,
Great Post. The Navy suit is an essential wardrobe piece. Question, i see you pair this with black shoes and possibly a black tie. Usually, I do not pair navy and black. What are your thoughts on it?
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 01:13 PM
Navy suit, black shoes, black tie – is this legit? Does it look fine? I’m gearing up for my first corporate summer, and if I don’t need to drop the dough on brown shoes, then all the better
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 02:39 PM
Details on that scarf knot please? Does it have a name?
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 02:45 PM
Sabir M.- He commented on wearing all black with navy as a more “sleek” option if you look back, compared to brown for ex.
TO me, it also looks a bit more ‘business-minded’
G- That’s what he’s wearing, though brown shoes don’t necessarily cost more than black, unless you already have black shoes :)
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Friday, March 26, 2010 – 07:36 PM
“If you purchase the right items, you don’t need a ton of clothing”
Great advice sage wisdom.
By the way nice shoes, do you find that the little metal screws on the tip of your soles in any way protect the tip of you soles? I don’t.
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Saturday, March 27, 2010 – 08:58 PM
To: N_O_FAME
Almost. A nice medium-charcoal grey can pull off all the looks in this post. However, navy is slightly more conservative and business friendly than grey, in my opinion. Also, navy works better with a wide range of shoe colors, like lighter browns, cognacs, beige suedes, etc.
To: John
The collar up is not for everybody. Keep in mind that my goal is not to encourage others to dress like me, but rather to give tips and inspire others to find their own style.
To: Fabio
Good observation, I should have mentioned something about this. The shirt is a thick oxford cloth button-down, which makes it slightly more rugged and casual then a traditional point or spread collar shirt (which would have collar stay slots). Also, I am wearing it with the collar buttons unfastened, just a personal preference. I like to combine formal and casual, and sometimes I even forget I am doing it.
To: Sabir M
The shoes are black, the tie is navy. The age old “rule” is not to pair navy and black clothing…not that I follow these types of “rules” anyway. As far as the shoes…business men have been wearing black shoes with navy suits forever.
To: G
The tie is navy. Sure you can wear black shoes with a navy suit. Brown, however, is also a great look and a must have alternative…as seen on most european men.
To: Michael
No name that I know of. Working on a “ways to tie a scarf for different seasons” post. Stay tuned!
To: Anon
Thanks for the backup!
To: Victor
Thanks ;) About the metal screws…I would say no. But while we’re on the subject….I actually have toe and heel taps put on the majority of my shoe collection to help preserve them…I just haven’t been able to bring these to the shop yet.
THANKS FOR READING!
Best,
SB
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Sunday, March 28, 2010 – 01:54 AM
My man, I just got your link from a buddy of mine. Believe me, I am going to keep up with you.
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Monday, March 29, 2010 – 06:43 AM
is there such a thing as a fashionable down vest? if so, can you recommend a few? I was looking into the north face nuptse but im pretty it will make me look like the Michelin man. I want something light but warm and can be paired with a plaid flannel shirt, jeans, bluchers and not look awkward or baggy.
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Friday, April 2, 2010 – 11:50 PM
^I’m also interested in Dan’s opinion, but from what I’ve seen, Moncler and Polo make some nice, fashionable down vests.
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Saturday, April 3, 2010 – 03:44 AM
whats goin on?
where is the new post?
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Sunday, April 4, 2010 – 11:43 AM
To: Ark, Funkster, ben
Just posted your question. I’m not sure about “fashionable”, but for a stylish down vest, check the new post. Sorry for the delay, and thanks for reading.
Best,
Dan
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Sunday, April 4, 2010 – 09:52 PM
This suit is the best you can find…you trully proved it…You want to know why?For the last picture…:)The women in the back sais all about the suit.I personally own a suit like the one that you describe…but appearently I must buy at least another one
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Thursday, April 8, 2010 – 03:34 AM
SB
What brand of V-necks would you recommend. I have tried many different brands but they have all fit terribly with my build which seems to be similar to yours. What would you recommend
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Sunday, April 11, 2010 – 03:53 AM
Love the blog, as always.
Quick question though- I see you wearing white shirts very often in your photos. How do you avoid yellow stains on the armpits? What kind of deodorant/anti-perspirant do you use/recommend?
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Sunday, April 11, 2010 – 03:04 PM
what size is the leg opening here Dan?
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010 – 10:15 PM
http://clothingmarketing.blogspot.com/2010/04/69-ways-to-keep-virginity.html
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010 – 06:09 AM
“Black looks more sleek, especially in gotham city NYC”
Black in the city; Brown in the country
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010 – 01:45 AM
Truth to be told,
I’ve been reading many fashion blogs and found such dissatisfaction on what I’ve observed that it’s either too much or too little but yours, it’s just right.
IT’S THE BEST FASHION BLOG EVER.
Keep up the good work!
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Monday, April 26, 2010 – 04:03 PM
Hey man,
I was hoping you could give some more details as to the actual suit. (lapel length, types of pockets, vents, sleeve buttons, pleats, back pockets, cuffs etc..)
thanks!!
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Thursday, May 6, 2010 – 03:32 PM
Your post has really inspired me to check out bespoke suits, maybe even at MAB. I was just wondering though, if you don’t mind, how much did that suit cost? I see on their website that the lowest ones “start at” $895. Is it common to get a suit at that price or should I be expecting to pay a lot more?
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Friday, May 14, 2010 – 03:42 PM
Hey SB,
Great post. Came across your blog a few weeks ago. Have a couple questions:
What Fabric is the suit? Can you explain more on year-round weight?
Thanks.
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Thursday, May 20, 2010 – 12:46 PM
Very nice brotha. I completely respect your style and you killed the suits. The last picture of the next morning is classic. Thanks for the advise.
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010 – 12:20 AM
Great Suit, what type of material is it made out of?
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Sunday, June 27, 2010 – 08:00 PM
Loved the skulls under your shoes. What are they made of? I’d really like to have something similar on my shoes.
Could you share how it’s done?
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Thursday, July 1, 2010 – 09:07 AM
@Igor: Dan didn’t put the skulls there- they are a sort of ‘logo’ of Barker Black shoes
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 12:50 PM