Madras can be good

 
Madras typically is ugly and vibrant and obnoxious for no good reason.  But sometimes madras steps away from its cliched preppy roots, gets a modernization and becomes a great look.  Much like the Gitman Vintage 80s sport shirts we featured recently, the new J Crew madras shirts hit an old classic out of the park.  A new modern cut, bright colors, bigger pattern and nothing ugly about it.  We particularly like the dark colors mixed with red, cream and vibrant aqua in the "baltic" version, but the green one can look great with the right complexion.

Thankfully, J Crew breathed new life into the madras.  Just don't wear our pops old madras shirts, those still need updating.

Chambray Shirts are the new Black

Chambray shirts are everywhere and for good reason, they are comfortable, classic, attractive and don't need to be ironed. Everyone is making chambray shirts from J Crew, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Mr. Freedom and Gitman Vintage.  Chambray shirts worked well for style icons like Steve McQueen, they should work well for you too.

The great thing with a chambray shirt is if worn right, it can be one of the most versatile shirts in your closet, take the looks provided by J Crew for evidence of that. J Crew pairs the chambray shirt with a suit (one of my personal favorites and a look I am sporting today), a chambray with a shawl collar sweater, with a military jacket & with a t-shirt and jeans. J Crew loves chambray so much they are even making a red version for their Spring/Summer collection.

Since I wear a chambray shirt quite often, I love the new colors that companies are making in chambray shirts. Woolrich have tan, black & blue chambray shirts.  J Crew have a gray, blue & now a red chambray.  Gitman Vintage have a full line of bright colored chambray with the bright blue being a personal favorite.

Be sure to jump on this style train and add a chambray shirt to your closet.

Bespoke shirts have arrived, kinda

The bespoke shirts I ordered from Michael Sahi are finally in my possession again. The shirts were  actually finished back in early December, but I placed them under the tree, rather than wear them  immediately as was my initial impulse. Since the shirts were my main Christmas present along with a surprise bookcase, they tantalizing sat under the tree for a month.

I acted surprised when I opened them up and immediately took them to be laundered. They are freshly pressed and ready to be worn. Just in time, as I have a client visit this week which will require a suit and tie, perfect occasion for shirts that are meant to be donned for such events.

The shirts are a combination of button down collars, regular spread collars and full spread collars. They all have great bespoke details like my initials, MTP, embroidered on the sleeves in a bold  complimenting color and mother of pearl buttons. I choose barrel cuffs for versatility as these shirts are meant to be worn with and without a jacket and for everyday use.  French cuffs are saved for shirt only worn with ties and a suit. All of the shirts fit perfectly, no blousing at the waist and no extra fabric on the sleeves. I had the arm holes raised to give them a slimmer more modern fit.

Finally, I have my bespoke shirts and I feel dapper because of it.

Multiple Patterns - shirt and tie

Wearing multiple patterns at the same time is all about wearing complimentary patterns and colors. A blue striped shirt with a blue polka dot tie is attractive since the blues in both patterns are complimentary and the patterns don't clash. Two competing plaid patterns would fight against each other and be distracting to the eye.

Keep it simple. Focus wearing a simple patterned shirt: striped, windowpane, tattersall or gingham check all can be basic patterns and easy to pair with a tie.

The tie should have a simple pattern. A polka dot tie, a rep tie, a horizontally striped tie, a simple plaid or a minimalist paisley tie will work best. Most of the tie should have a solid color that is in the same hue as the shirt. The other color or colors in the tie should be in the same family of colors or a complimentary color.

Lastly, wear a plain suit with clean lines. Stay away from the herringbone, striped or windowpane check for the suit. A simple suit will add balance to the outfit and give the eyes a safe place to rest. The simple suit will act as an anchor keeping the outfit grounded.

Start with something safe before branching out to the more daring. Remember you must be comfortable and confident to be able to make the outfit work.