There are many reasons people dress the way they do. Some dress to fit in a certain crowd, some just get by wearing what they’re used to and some set trends and influence the people around them. How we look is the first thing a person notices before hearing what you have to say, what you do for bread or what brand of whiskey turns you on. If you always put your best foot forward and look your best, others will take notice and respect you more for it. Lately our sense of taste has been desensitized by the constant badgering from media and other social outlets. Generations before us show that our commerce and cultures have always dictated what people are wearing at the time. For example, the brightly colored fabrics that were widely available in the 20’s quickly made way for the dark and muted fabrics of the 30’s and the Great Depression. People change with the times, it’s been going on since Adam and Eve. I don’t need to give you the history about what influences style (Google is widely available) but a return to Classicism and Romanticism would be a breath of fresh Chanel. Keep it Old School.

Here is the original “Scarface” doing just that with some well dressed muscle.  

Al Capone

Men used to get their style cues from the Silver Screen and newspapers. Today we slouch in front of a computer all day being bombarded with twitter vomit, invites from ill-rehearsed bands and Cialis ads. I can’t lie to you, I too am guilty of this generational attachment to the glowing apple. The modern Pandora’s box that can connect you to millions once you lift the lid. It can also be detrimental to your heart and your soul. What we’re watching, buying and what we listen to commands our lifestyle decisions. Whether you’re searching for vintage cufflinks and silk ties or scanning the Old Navy website for sweet deals is up to you. 

Fred Astaire

My mother used to say garbage in, garbage out and she was right. If you watch MTV all day, buy Ed Hardy and listen to 30 Seconds to Mars you’re going to look and act like garbage. If you’re checking out old Fred Astaire movies, listening to Frank Sinatra and spending time creating a wardrobe that fits who you are, you’re gonna start looking and acting like a real man. You’re social etiquette will greatly improve as will your quality of life. I’m not saying act like its 1940. Don’t cancel your internet, renounce your IPod and get a Pennsylvania 6-5000 phone number. I’m just saying that todays influx of laziness and accessibility leaves the common man little room for good manners and individuality.

Back in the day when men went to a party and they all had to wear the same white tie, black tux, white vest, they made it their own by small details. Notice these Hollywood kings sporting different shaped bow ties, their vests are cut differently and their pocket squares are all very distinctly folded. Theres nothing like the old days strutting around Hollywood, drinking champagne and sporting very fine bespoke tuxedos. You think these guys went home alone that night? I’ll bet my Cadillac that the answer is No. 

If you always keep it old school you’ll always be right. 

Stay tuned for more ManLawMondays…