sartorial choices

Timeless or contemporary?  That’s a wardrobe decision often overlooked when a fellow lays out his suit and tie combination on the bed. There isn't a right and wrong answer; my point is that it makes sense to consider what exactly is you are trying to accomplish with your outfit. Sounds lame? Yes, absolutely. But if you care remotely about the way your suit looks, it's an easy way to dress yourself. Both are sophisticated but there’s a clear distinction between choosing a clean-cut classic look (with a modern twist) or going with what’s "in the now". I’m coming to a place with my suit and tie outfitting which begins with that simple question. And what really is the look of the moment? Without picking up the most recent Esquire, let me share my thoughts. I recently explained to a good friend that multi-patterned ensembles have become the look of the day. Three to four patterns are totally acceptable if executed properly (and that doesn't even include your socks). Your shirt, your tie, your pocket square (and suit) can all work cohesively with unique colors and patterns . And again, without breaking out copies of gentlemen's magazines, it feels like we are cycling through the seventies right now - and I hope it lingers for a little while longer. This is a complete 180 from just a dozen years ago when a combined monochrome shirt and tie were considered best (see: Philbin, Regis during his Who Wants to Be a Millionaire era). Even with a timeless look, you are most likely to tap into some seventies sensibilities right now. (There's a good chance you'll be pairing your crisp white shirt with a checked tie). But I repeat, one is not better than the other. Just make sure you choose. You are the captain of your fate!  For our dear friends’ Tom and Jenn’s wedding? I elected to dress up a polka-dotted cotton tie from Ernest Alexander and built a dizzying pattern ensemble with a striped Hugo Boss shirt. The complete outfit transformed the tie from hipster malaise into a bold and dramatic look. And just so I didn’t blue myself too much, I elected to go with a standout plaid pocket square.  More thoughts on pocket squares some other time. Thanks for stopping by.