Mention the word ‘suits’ and the first person that comes to mind is the image of maverick corporate lawyer ‘Harvey Spector’ in the hit tv series Suits.
It is fascinating the effect image has on people especially when they are in a dapper suit.
I have been sublimely interested in this effect the suit has over people, their influences and this eventually led me to study and practice Dandy-ism.
Dandy is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of self.
What defines dandy fashion?
The hallmark of dandy fashion is impeccable tailoring. While the overall style encompasses a range of garments suitable for a variety of occasions, they are all well-cut and show remarkable attention to detail. If it looks good and fits well, then it’s acceptable; anything with poor tailoring or slipshod finishing is out. Tailoring is so vital to a dandy because his clothes are an expression of his self; how he wears these garments conveys to the world that he takes pride in his appearance and, by extension, his own person. He has confidence and accordingly his garments should be spot-on to match.
Bear in mind that the dandy man does not overdress. His flair for the fashionable doesn’t lead him to over-accessorize, nor does he feel the need to pursue fashion trends simply to stay “in style”. Some dandy gentlemen opt for a style that may appear flamboyant to the untrained eye, but it is really the careful cultivation of textures, colours and other details.
Elements of Dandyism
Personality
Personality is what distinguishes one dandy from another, as well as how you accessorize.
One of the best examples of portrayed personality when it comes to Dandy-ism are the Sapeurs, a subculture of extraordinarily dressed dandies from the Congo. In the midst of their war-torn slums, these men dress in tailored suits, elegantly smoke on their pipes and stroll the impoverished streets in immaculate footwear.
Despite the poverty in their country, their current situation does not limit their creative personality and expressive dapper nature.
The tailored Suit
My style is a three piece suit that is made up of a matching blazer and pants, with a complimenting African print waistcoat, cravat / bowtie and pocket square. The suit should be well fitted and measured to match your body structure. There is nothing as horrendous as looking at someone in a baggy suit.
Dress Shoes
There is nothing that gunners more attention than a pair of beautiful dress shoes. Dress shoes come in a variety of options and styles and the following is a description of each type in order of formality from my current favourite brand Stacy Adams.
Oxfords
An oxford is Formal lace-up shoe that has minimal styling and is the most formal of all dress shoes.
Brogue
“Brogue” refers to a detail: the perforations designed to drain water from the upper of the shoe.
Monk Straps
With its bold buckle, this shoe sits comfortably between an Oxford and a Derby in terms of formality, and as a rakish alternative to a lace-up.
Loafers
A loafer is simply a slip on shoe without laces
Accessories
The definition of an accessory is a thing that can be added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive.
The following are some of the accessories that help make your suit swag stand out
