When it comes to the art of professional attire, one of the questions that I am asked the most is "Dalton, where do I start?" My response.. Keep it simple! When starting out, it's easy to become overwhelmed with all of the patterns, textures and colors. Paisley or plaid, purple or pink, cotton or cashmere, alligator or snakeskin? Just making sure you’re paying attention. Seriously though, it's enough to turn you off and have you reaching for your favorite pair of khakis and a polo shirt. I know it can be scary, but if you can get over being afraid of the dark, then this will be a walk in the park. See what I just did there? And I wasn’t even trying to rhyme. Album drops on September 32nd.
Anyway, have no fear, here's how you approach it:
Step 1—The suit: Go for wool, which will work year round and keeps a very luxurious look. Stick to basic colors like navy blue or charcoal gray. Patterns like pinstripes and glen plaid aren't necessary yet. The most traditional lapel is notched, as opposed to a peak lapel. The back should have at least 1 vent or slit in the back, but most suits you'll see out there will have 2 (a double vent), which gives that English flavor. Stay tuned for my future write up on the "anatomy of a suit, where I'll break down all of these terms." Until then, Google image is your friend.
Step 2—The shirt: Keep the color simple with white or if you want to add color, light blue will get the job done. Similar to the suit, you can go without the patterns (i.e. stripes, checkered, glen plaid, sailboats, anchors, alligators, crabs, sharks, polka dots, pizza slices and paisley). Stick to a pinpoint cotton fabric, with a button cuff closure. And if you're going to wear a tie, pleeeaase make sure you do not have a button down collar. A spread collar will provide a classic look.
Step 3—The tie: SILK, SILK, SILK! Cotton fabric will dress down your suit. Primary colors work best here, a blue, red or yellow tie will stand out just enough to make a statement without looking out of place. Wrap it up with a nice tight "half windsor" or "four in hand" knot. You guessed it... Google! At least until "What Knot to Wear" is published.
Step 4—Accessories: Shoes should be black or brown lace up oxfords with a round tapered toe. NO SQUARE TOE SHOES. Here's a hint... If the front of your shoe looks like the hood of your granddaddy's caddy, then you might want to reconsider. The belt should ALWALYS match the shoes and the pocket square (optional) should be white or light blue to match the shirt. I've noticed that most don't wear pocket squares, but the ones that do, grab a lot more compliments.
Step 5—Fit: Most important of all is FIT. There's nothing worse than spending money on your clothes just to look like you're wearing someone else's. I'll also be posting about this topic in the future. Suit sizes are categorized by jacket chest width, length (short, regular or long), as well as waist width. For example, 40 Regular Jacket and 33 width pants are normally seen together as a set. Have a tailor hem the pants, so the bottom rests on the top of your shoelaces, which will prevent that old school baggy Steve Harvey look from 1995. Take in the jacket at the sides for a closer fit to your torso. You should be able to close the top jacket button without any evidence of pulling or stretching across the chest. Shirts are measured by neck circumference and sleeve length. For example size 16-inch neck and a 34/35-inch sleeve length. Don’t be afraid of the slim cut, as long as it fits your body type.
Keep to these steps and you’ll be on the path to greatness!
Stay SUITABULL guys.