Summer Edition: The Linen Suit

Say goodbye to layers and cold mornings. Summer has arrived and it's time to lighten up. This is the first post of a series of posts that I hope will help guide you through the summer heat and stay cool.

The first topic is the Linen Suit.

Every man should own a linen suit. It's the perfect alternative when the thermostat starts climbing. Let's face it, suits in general are not the most comfortable articles of clothing in the summer. Nobody really wants to wear a jacket when the weather is calling for a t-shirt. The linen suit may be the perfect solution.

1. It must be fitted

Just like any other suit, you need to make sure that you get the appropriate alterations to your linen suit. It's especially important in this case as the linen suit is already a somewhat loose material. Otherwise, you will end up looking like some wanna-be drug dealer from Miami. Not a good look at all.

Chris Pine demonstrates just exactly how a linen suit should be worn. Well done, Chris.

2. Don't worry about the wrinkles

You should not be concerned about the fact that linen suits are easily wrinkled. Steam the suit before you wear it to knock out most of the big wrinkles and then just embrace the look. It's a lightweight, fun type of suit and the wrinkles are part of that look.

3. ONLY wear the linen suit in the summer

The linen suit is only an acceptable look in summer, just as the wool suit is specifically for the cold months. So don't get crazy and bust out the linen suit for Christmas. You will regret it. 

Surprise! Linen suits can be dark, too. Don't be sold on the fallacy that linen suits have to be tan or white. Embrace the dark side.

Until next time, stay classy.

The Bow Tie

Bow ties are back. No, the bow tie is not limited to Pee Wee Herman or circus clowns. While I understand that they may not be for everyone, bow ties are a cool and stylish alternative to the traditional neck tie. Keep in mind that bow ties can be a risky move, but when done right they are fantastic way to freshen up your style.

Here are a few suggestions:

Slimmer is better. 

While the same general rule for neck ties can be applied to bow ties (matching the size of the tie to shirt and suit you are wearing), the trend seems to lean towards slimmer bow ties rather than large and loud.

 Say NO to clip-ons

If you are gonna rock a bow tie, you better go legit and wear one that you tied yourself. Trust me, they are worth the money. Plus, you will gain the respect of your peers simply by knowing how to actually TIE a bow tie.

Of course we can't forget this guy...

Perhaps the coolest thing about wearing a bow tie is the "after party look".

If you have never learned how to tie the bow tie, it can be quite a task. Here is a great video that explains how to do it.

Stay classy, my friends. 

Watches

Gentlemen, it's time to upgrade your wrist-wear. Cell phones have nearly made the time telling machines obsolete. It's so easy to rely upon your iPhone for the time. However, the watch is making a serious comeback. It's not a necessity as much as it is an accessory. A way to define your personal style in the form of wrist-wear.

The best way to save money and still be fashionable is to spend money on a nice face and change the bands from time to time.

With watches, I believe slimmer is better. The huge, bulky metal watches are no longer the standard. They've been replaced with leather bands and faces that are significantly less flashy.

If you're really feeling adventurous, try a band with some color in it. It'll add some flavor to your outfit.

Again, you don't have to spend a fortune to buy a nice watch. There are many watches out there that are affordable and stylish. If you have the money, go right on ahead. Quality will last.