Dapper Style for Modern Men
Articles on men’s fashion – especially the ones in glossy magazines – are notorious for words like ‘dapper’ and ‘sharp’ every couple of issues. Look them up in the dictionary and you’ll find that they’re very similar to ‘good-looking’, except that they carry a bit more of an expectation behind them.
Style-wise, though, there’s not much that separates the merely well-dressed man from the ‘dapper’ one. It’s a matter that’s equal parts attitude and accessories; certain pieces worn a certain way achieve the effect. And they’re much more than your daily work necktie.
The Bow Tie
Neckties are the gold standard of business formal for most of Western men’s fashion. A tie done up in an acceptable four-in-hand will suffice to gain entrance to offices, clubs and swanky restaurants. The bow tie, while related, is a whole other animal.
The jury’s still out on when bow ties entered the scene exactly, but everyone agrees that it’s more an English than an American thing. A number of cultural icons across the pond – most recently Matt Smith’s leading role in legendary Doctor Who – have used bow ties as a sartorial signature. As Smith’s character would defend it, “bow ties are cool”.
Office attire, however, is not a strength of the bow tie because not everyone is familiar with its formal roots. For work, you’re best off trading style for safety with a regular old tie. Once you’re off the clock, bow ties are excellent for adding a dressy touch to your humdrum shirt and jacket combo. An unexpectedly daring throwback, a bow tie makes the most boring wardrobe seem worthy of coverage by fashion journalists.
The Leather Brogues
Although early twentieth century Europeans used them as outdoor shoes, brogues have evolved into a sharp, dressy style statement. Most often associated with bankers and swanky garden parties, brogues are very distinctive inside and outside formal events.
Wearing brogues to a formal (and non-black tie) event is akin to wearing a three-piece suit; it’s going the extra mile of dressy style. The shoes speak of a man who knows about quality and goes for it. In a casual outfit, the effect is very much like with a bow tie. You seem like a guy who knows real, traditional fashion, and isn’t afraid to mix it up with a more contemporary aesthetic. In short, you’re a dude who knows his duds.
Keep in mind that brogues have limitations in terms of dress codes. You can wear them to work, yes – thousands of Brits do the same thing – but wearing them to a wedding or a gala isn’t the smartest idea. Have classic and more streamlined shoes for those occasions.
The Suspenders
Another import from across the pond, suspenders – braces, as they’re known there and at all Topman stores – are the English equivalent for belts. They add some color, a lot more attitude and lose little dressiness compared to their leather brethren. All that, plus they’re sure to earn you a second look from anyone passing by.
Suspenders are meant to be worn instead of a belt, not with it; you don’t see anyone with a necktie and a bow tie on. You may want to consider buying special pants without the now-unnecessary belt loops (tab-front slacks are a common example) to maximize the opportunity for a very sleek frontage for your pants.
Other Suggested Articles From Our Blog:
Faux Pas with Dress Shoes
Matching a Tan Linen Suit
Your Cheap-Neckties Team