Dressing Your Best: Step 1

Dressing Your Best: Step 1

by "Dad" Dan Loughin

So, you’ve read the several posts on here about dressing well, (if you haven't, search for the key word "dress" on the blog, and you'll find them) and you’ve decided that you want to start yourself on the right track to achieve this.  However, there’s probably one question that’s crossed your mind: you’ve read so many posts here about suits, shoes, and ties that you don’t know where the heck to start.  We’re here to help you with that.

The first step is to figure out what you want to do for a living.  A chef will not need the same wardrobe as a banker.  There really are 4 sets of wardrobes: The Constant Professional – those who choose to work in a profession that requires them to wear a suit every day to work; The Business Owner – those who are going to be in front of clients for long periods, but the nature of their industry doesn’t necessarily require them to be in a suit every day; The Uniform Man – those who work in an industry (i.e. vehicle repair) that requires a specific uniform to perform work requirements; and The Casual Creative – those who absolutely never need to wear a suit except to a wedding or funeral. There is no shame in choosing one profession over another – you just need to know, so that you know what you need as your baseline!

Once you have your baseline, you need to know the “rules.”  You shouldn’t wear anything, from shoes to neck, two days in a row.  This lengthens the time it takes your clothing to wear out exponentially.  Making sure you have multiple items in the categories you need makes your clothing that much more comfortable, and in the long run, saves you money.

The next step is to have a conversation about what you need in your wardrobe with someone who actually works in that field.  Make sure you take notes during this conversation – you don’t want to forget within a few days, and then need to have the conversation again.

The last step is to compare what you have with what you need.  You also want to make sure to check the quality of your clothing, and either toss or repair anything that is damaged.  If the quality of the fabric itself isn’t up to snuff, or if it is unable to be repaired due to excessive damage, you need to toss it and replace it.

With these things determined, you now have a very good idea as to what you need to purchase.  You’ll notice that nothing was specifically mentioned.  That’s because your needs are different from the person next to you.  Once you know what you need, check out the thrift stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army before you head to a retail store.  Rumor has it that an advisor from Reading was able to obtain a full tuxedo from Goodwill for $20 - and that it was in perfect shape!

The Terrible, No Good, Very Bad, Double Letter Foul

The first time I encountered the term "double letter foul" was from "Dad" Brent Richards. He was explaining the proper wearing of DeMolay regalia when he told us not to "double letter." Confused, I asked him what he meant by this. He explained that in the collegiate Greek fraternity system, it was considered bad form to wear more than one garment or piece of jewelry proclaiming your fraternity allegiance at one in the same time. If you were wearing your fraternity hat, you didn't also need to wear a fraternity sweatshirt. It was a simple, unwritten rule to keep people from going over the top.

In DeMolay, there are several ways to commit a double letter foul. For instance, if you are wearing your Chevalier cords, then you shouldn't also be wearing a Chevalier pin. Likewise, if you are wearing a Blue Honor Key, you shouldn't also wear your Founder's Membership Award. By displaying former, we already know that you have earned the latter.

I often see this happen with the multiple wearing of lapel pins and honors. Remember the old rule - one of each! You should wear no more than one honor or award around your neck, on your lapel, on your pocket, and on your hand. Also, as much as possible, they should all be for different things.

As an example, the wearing of an RD Medallion, a PMC Jewel, a Number One pin, and a Chevalier Ring is a perfect way to show that you have earned many awards and honors in DeMolay without going overboard. However, wearing your RD Medallion, Chevalier Cords, PMC Jewel, PMC-MSA, RD Lapel Pin, Chevalier Tie Tack, and Chevalier Ring is extreme and very overboard.

Whenever you are representing DeMolay in public, remember to wear only one DeMolay piece of clothing at a time. If you are wearing that awesome new shirt your Chapter just had created, you don't also need DeMolay shorts and a DeMolay hat. People will notice your shirt and ask you about it. They won't be any more inclined to ask you if you wear three more additional versions of the same logo. If they are interested, they'll ask. If not, they won't.

This issue isn't just limited to DeMolay! I see members of the Masonic Fraternity double lettering all of the time! More people than you may realize notice choices such as these and make judgments about the wearer without even knowing. It's always better to be safe and wear your affiliation in moderation. Be proud of what you have earned, but don't overdo it!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

 

Suit Up - but in what color?

Today's post comes from "Dad" Dan Loughin, Assistant Director of the KeyMan Conference. His post is in response to my post of last Thursday. Enjoy! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

In a recent blog post, “Dad” Anthony had mentioned that “most men only own one suit – a black one.”  At first, I simply chuckled.  The reason is that not only do I own more than one suit, since I have to wear one every day for work, not one of them is black.  I must not be like most men (and, honestly, if any of you have had the pleasure of meeting me, you’d agree wholeheartedly).

This also got me on this train of thought: why?  Why is it that men will stick with a black suit?  There are a few possibilities, but nothing stands out more than this answer: comfort and safety.  Most men stick with black because that’s what they are used to, and that’s what they believe most other men will do, so they stick with black because they know it’s safe.  I’m here to change your minds with two words: go Navy (and, no, I’m not talking about the college football team).

To understand why I’m suggesting Navy, you need to know what the colors actually mean.  Black is traditionally associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery.  With black, if everyone is wearing it, you lose the power, negated by everyone wearing it.  Tuxedos are black because of the elegance and formality, but we’re talking about a normal suit here.  There’s also a reason why people wear black at funerals.  And with the psychological effect of black, why would you want to portray death, evil, and mystery to those outside of DeMolay?  Blue, which is where Navy falls, on the other hand, is traditionally associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.  I can attest to this fact.  After I started wearing a Navy suit to work (I’m work in sales), I started producing at a higher rate for the simple fact that people trusted what I was saying.  I don’t sell anything that people don’t want or need, but I still have to convince them as to WHY it’s a good idea to purchase.  And blue goes a long way in building that initial trust. (Disclaimer, however: just because blue builds the initial trust, you can easily ruin it with your words and actions, so please be mindful about how you speak and act.)

Another reason I’m suggesting Navy is for coordination and matching.  Black is far more inflexible than Navy.  Navy is also a softer color than black.  Let me put it this way: “Dad” Anthony mentioned that black suits only work with black shoes.  Navy, on the other hand, can handle both brown and black.  And while you’re limited in the same fashion with shirt color, striped shirts look better with a Navy suit (in fact, I only wear striped shirts with my Navy suit, and no other).  Also, because of the strength of black, you have to be careful what color tie you wear with your black suit, because you could send the wrong message unintentionally.  And the Navy and yellow DeMolay bow tie that is so popular now isn’t as over the top with a navy suit.

Finally, and possibly most important, is that you stand out.  Remember the comments that most men buy a black suit?  If you don’t wear one, you immediately stand out.  Now, while you’re young, you may be shy and want to stick to the background.  Which is fine, but when you become an adult, you’re going to want to stick out in some fashion to get what you want.  Want to get the job?  You’ll be thought of the guy that didn’t wear black, and being thought of AT ALL in the interview process is positive.  Want to impress your crush?  Navy.  You’ll stand out and catch their eye.  Even better, when you’re on your date, no one will confuse you with the wait staff at dinner.

Wrapping up here, I’ll just leave you with some pearls of wisdom.  No matter what anyone says, a suit does not make the man.  A suit is not a costume to make you appear more of a gentleman; you need to act as such all the time.  Same stuff written above applies to charcoal.  Don’t eat yellow snow (I’m just seeing if you’re paying attention).  Only wear your suit when appropriate (i.e.: don’t wear it to the gym). 

Until next time, stay classy! ~ "Dad" Loughin

P.S. - If you are ASKED to wear a black suit by the host or director of an event, you better make sure you wear black.

The Value of a Good Pair of Shoes

Shoes are an expensive accessory in the wardrobe of any professional (and any DeMolay.) While it may seem like a good idea to go out and buy a cheap pair of dress shoes at PayLess or a department store, odds are, in the long run, you'll end up spending more. Why? Because those cheap shoes will last a few months and you'll be buying another pair again quickly. However, if you had spent a little more at the beginning, you could have purchased a quality pair of leather shoes that will last much longer. Plus, when they need to be replaced, you can often get them repaired for a fraction of the cost.

First of all, if you're buying dress shoes, you'll want them in one of two colors - brown or black. Brown goes with nearly every color of suit (except black), but most men only own one suit - a black one. So, know what suits you most often wear before choosing a shoe color. Once you know what color to get, you start to browse for shoes themselves. There are a ton of different styles and options, but I always advise to go with the most traditional and modest option because you want to get the most use out of your purchase (and weird styles are hard to match.)

When looking at shoes, look the following things (thanks to http://www.kinowear.com/a-simple-guide-on-dress-shoes/ for these tips.) -

• Your shoes should be made of real leather and have leather soles as well. (If you buy quality leather shoes, they can be refurbished a number of times and will last forever, which is ultimately going to be less expensive than having to replace  poorly made shoes every few months.)
• The soles of well-made shoes will be stitched, not glued, to the bottom of the shoes.
• The lining in better shoes is made of high-quality calfskin or natural leather, not synthetic materials.
• Finally, check out the stitching. It should be neat and should be barely noticeable.

Kinowear also offers the following tips when actually shopping for shoes -

1. Shop after you have been out and about a bit, since feet do swell. This way you will get the most realistic measurement.
2. Shop only at a store that uses a Brannock foot measuring device for determining your exact foot size.
3. Almost everyone has one foot larger than the other, usually it is the right foot; fit the shoes to the larger right foot. Do not rely solely on the size you have always worn. Different makes can vary significantly from each other, even though the numeric size is the same. Always try them both on, walk around in them, and buy them by how they feel on your feet – not just by the size.
4. Allow a half-inch between the tips of your toes and your shoes. If the toes of the shoes are pointed, be certain there is enough room for your toes to move comfortably. Shoes should never be tight over the instep of ball of the foot. You should be able to stick your index finger in the back for wiggle room.
5. When considering an oxford-style shoe, you should not be able to tie the laces so tightly that the two edges of the shoe meet. If you can, then a narrower size is probably better for you.
6. Buy leather shoes. Though more expensive, because it is porous, leather is the best for the health and comfort of your feet. In leather shoes the foot can breathe, discouraging the build-up of bacteria.
7. Shoes should fit from the moment you try them on. Do not accept the salesperson’s, “Once you break them in they will be fine.” The man-made materials used today do not stretch significantly, but leather adapts to your foot shape quite well.
8. When shopping, wear the same type of sock you will use with the dress or sports shoes. Too heavy or too thin socks will distort the fit.

As an aside, getting your shoes repaired is a great way to keep your favorite shoes going longer. Remember, leather forms to your foot, so a good pair of well-fitting leather shoes is worth way more to you once repaired than a new set of kicks. Check out this neat video which shoes how shoes are repaired.

 

While a good pair of shoes may be more expensive in the short run, in the long run you'll be happier, as they will last longer, fit better, and be more cost effective.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

You've mastered the bow tie, but how about the pocket square?

In the last year, bow ties have taken the DeMolay world by storm. They are a quirky, fun alternative to the regular four in hand tie. Even DeMolay International got in on the action with a series of excellent bow ties. Any DeMolay who wants to really show off, now wears a bow tie. So, what's the next step in fashion rejuvenation? Enter, the Pocket Square.

I'm a big of pocket squares, as I feel they add a distinct and dapper look to any jacket. However, just like with bow ties, they require a little finesse to really make right. Check out the handy guide I've posted below on how to fold a pocket square.

Let's see if you can master this!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

 

Match a Shirt, Suit, and Tie - Oh, my!

It's our final day of Blog Week here at PA DeMolay and I would be remiss if I didn't offer up something on one of my other favorite topics - men's fashion and grooming. We've spent the first four days on history, so it seems high time that we broach a more modern day subject.

During Key Man University, "Dad" Dan Loughin taught a class on the "Art of Manliness." In it, he spoke about many manly skills, such as shining your shoes, properly tucking in one's shirt, and good personal habits to keep. One question came up from the young men, but was tabled until later, as it was quite broad - "How do I match shirts, suits, and ties?"

As I explored the Art of Manliness website (www.artofmanliness.com), I came across this video that explains it quite succinctly. Check it out!

I hope you've enjoyed Blog Week and perhaps learned something along the way. See you Monday!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Why Watches?

A little while ago, I wrote a blog post about the origination of the term "key" as it relates to our awards in DeMolay. The long story short is that the keys were used for pocket watches. Since writing that post, I've taken a bit more interest in watches and clocks and thought I'd share some of my findings here.

Many DeMolays pride themselves on being above the "fashion" curve so to speak. Our members generally know how to dress better than most of their friends and they have more experience with wearing a suit and dealing with formal settings. However, one of the "dying" arts in men's fashion is understanding the need and wearing of a good wrist watch.

Now, many of you are probably saying "But, "Dad" Anthony, I don't need a watch. I have a magical device in my pocket that does everything a watch can and much more - my phone!" While it's true that your phone can do all of the things a watch does, there are some advantages to wearing a watch, plus there is statement to be made with your choice as well.

Why would you choose a watch over a phone? The folks over at Arcadia NYC, a business that sells watches, offer the following reasons:

"Think of just how many occasions where it is rude or just impossible to look at your smartphone but totally acceptable to casually or discreetly  glance at your wristwatch; The theater, a date, a concert, a meal with family or friends, an airplane, a business meeting, a job interview, while driving, and on and on and on. Add onto that the fact that watches are a beautiful, decorative accessory that is one of a very few that are totally socially acceptable for virtually all men and women if the design is appropriate – it gives a person a chance to express themselves in a way they may not be comfortable with using other forms of jewelry/adornment.

There are also professions that basically require that you have a watch – doctors, nurses, anyone who has to take someone’s pulse, needs a second hand to do it with. Therapists prefer to be able to discreetly keep track of that famous 50-minute hour without constantly looking obviously at the clock on the wall. Teachers can’t say to their students to keep their cellphones put away and then pull theirs out every 10 minutes to check their lesson plan scheduling. Drivers should know better than to be distracted with their cellphones while driving; but your wrist is almost attached to the steering wheel."

So, obviously there are still some very good reasons to wear a time piece on your wrist. Before you dismiss the idea of wearing a watch and go back to checking your phone, give the idea a chance. You might be surprised how wearing a watch makes a statement about you!

Perhaps later, I'll write an article about choosing a wrist watch... hmmmm....

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Tie Tips for Everyone

The Art of Manliness just put out this awesome neck tie infographic that I had to share with everyone. Enjoy! (You can click the image to get a bigger version for reading.)

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

 

Back with a Bow Tie

Hey there PA DeMolay fans. I want to apologize for the less-than-regular updates over the last week. It's been a bit busy in my world and the Blog just didn't make the top of the list of things to get done. But, fear not! For, I'm back and ready to blog some more (I mean, we are at darn near 500 posts on this thing!)

I know many DeMolays have become interested in how to tie a bow tie. So, I dug up the video from the Art of Manliness Blog and thought I'd share it with you here as a good way to get back into the groove. Enjoy!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Tie it up - with a good knot!

Today, I'm sharing with you a great infographic on how to tie a bunch of different knots for neck ties. Every man should be able to tie a tie, even with the most basic knot. Our State Officers have graduated to learning how to tie bow ties, so be adventurous like them! Check it out and learn something!

(Click the image to see it larger!)

The Key to What?

As a DeMolay (or Advisor) you can earn several awards which are unique in name - specifically the Blue Honor, the Advisors Honor Key, and the Zerubbabel Key. These awards are designed as breast jewels, consisting of a ribbon with a small charm hanging from the bottom. What do all of these awards have in common? They are referred to as a "key;" but, they aren't in the shape of a key as we know it. So, why are they called that?

When DeMolay was founded in 1919 there was a specific piece of men's fashion that was all the rage - the pocket watch. Time keeping technology has a unique history, but to summarize, by the time our Order was founded, the height of this trend was the man's pocket watch. These watches were entirely mechanical, keeping time with a complex series of springs and gears. There were no batteries, no digital outputs, and they certainly would not have been comfortable to wear on a wrist. When you think about it, it's pretty amazing that man designed such precise mechanical means to keep track of the world, down to the second. But, how does this relate to the Key awards?

Since their first inception in the 16th Century, many clocks and watches required a little piece of metal to wind them using a small stem. These would be inserted into a hole on the timepiece and turned, just like a key in a lock. Hence, these little tools became known as watch keys. They remained common for clocks and watches up until the last quarter of the 19th Century, when other winding mechanisms were developed.

Often, watch keys were attached to a pocket watch chain and affixed to a piece of clothing. This served a two fold purpose. First, it would "catch" the watch should a man have dropped it, thanks to the chain. Second, the chain provided a nice way to attach the key and keep it with the watch so it wouldn't be lost. Over time, men took to this fashion trend and watch keys started to become ornate pieces of jewelry all to themselves. As watch makers standardized their key sizes, jewelers were able to sell specially crafted keys on the secondary market as a luxury product, commonly made out of silver and gold. This gave way to the fashion trend we have today - watch keys as gifts and awards.

In the late 19th and early 20th Century, it became common for high schools and universities to award a watch key to their graduates. These could be very plain or very ornate, depending on the wealth of the institution. When schools stopped giving away the keys, the Greek letter system picked up the trend (which continues to this day for many fraternities and sororities.) Think of it as the first "rear window cling." A young man, fresh out of school, would wear his institution or fraternity's key with pride, giving him a way to discover other alumni throughout his travels.

This Past State Master Councilor's Key belonged
to Bro. Kendig C. Bare, who served as SMC
in 1934-1935.

Of course, DeMolay was (and has always been) a champion of education and a fraternal body. Since giving keys was a trend in schools and collegiate organizations (as well as business), it seemed only logical to give keys in recognition for achievements and as awards. Thus was born the Blue Honor Key, the Advisor's Honor Key, and the Zerubabbel Key. Other DeMolay awards have also appeared as keys in the past, including PSMC keys (see right.) By the time watch keys went out of style, the dies for these awards had been long paid for, and they were ingrained in the DeMolay program.

Hence, today, we still give out these awards. In modern times, they are suspended from a breast ribbon; but, if you stumble across old versions of these jewels, you'll often find them loose, not being connected to anything. In the early days, they would have been presented and worn using a pin or on the traditional pocket watch chain. Attaching them to a ribbon is a more modern invention, implemented when the trend of watches fell out of style.

So, next time you wear a "key" award, realize you are continuing a trend that is close to two hundred years old!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony (with research from several books and internet sites.)

Black Tie Fasion

Yes, you guessed that right... "Dad" Anthony is back on his high horse about men's fashion. This time, it's thanks to a timely post by the Art of Manliness that does an excellent job explaining men's "Black Tie" dress. I'll have to give a hat tip to "Dad" Dan Loughin on this one, as it was just two weeks ago that he and I were lamenting the fact that our Elected State Officers are wearing tuxedos less and less; and, when they do, they often aren't uniform. Hey, they're JO's - they get held to a higher standard!

As someone who is often in a tux for Masonic meetings, there is something abhorrent about seeing a tux worn inappropriately. I know it might seem fun to go to prom in a tux that matches your date's dress. But, honestly, once you get into the real world, no one wears colored vests and ties anymore. James Bond was classy in his tuxedo - he wore a classic cut, that fit him well, and that wasn't trying to be innovative. Class is part of the word classic for a reason.

Anyways, here's a video summary of the post from the Art of Manliness.

 

Mad as a Hatter

This week, I'm back on a men's fashion kick. I'm planning on attending an event which requires Victorian dress, so I've been investing in pieces of clothing for this occasion. This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a hidden gem here in Lancaster County - an old school haberdasher.

For the DeMolays out there, let me take a moment and explain that a haberdasher is a person or store who sells men's clothing and accessories. Originally, this term was used to describe a shop that sold sewing and clothes making supplies, but in modern parlance, it has come to be associated with menswear.

The shop that I stopped in at specialized in one of my favorite menswear accessories - hats. From porkpies, to fedoras, to trilbys, bowlers, top hats, and more - they had it all! I spent quite some time trying on different styles of hats before settling on a bowler for everyday wear and a top hat for special occasion (and for future Masonic functions.)

As I was trying to come up with an article for today, I thought back to this experience and realized that many young men today don't know about hats. They certainly know a baseball hat and perhaps a fedora, but outside of those styles, most other hats are unknown. So, in that spirit, I'm going to share with you some information on men's hats!

First, check out this link which describes several styles of hats that you might be familiar with: http://www.fashionising.com/clothing/b--mens-hats-hat-guide-53572.html

... and of course I'd be remiss if I didn't offer the advice of the Art of Manliness on picking a hat:
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/05/28/the-perfect-hat-for-your-ugly-mug/

Lastly, for the curious folks, here's a list of hat styles provided by Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_headgear

Hats aren't for some, but in my book, a true gentleman knows how a hat should be worn.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Undershirts are just that...

Today, it's time for another one of "Dad" Anthony's fashion rants. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the tiniest guy around, but I work hard and take pride in my appearance - especially at fraternal functions. I didn't grow up in a house that was really "fashion" conscious. Most of the guys reading this have probably already tuned out, thinking that fashion is only for girls. However, there are some key points for guys when dressing; even more so when dressing up.

The undershirt seems like the least important piece of clothing that one could own. It's not meant to be seen... it's an undershirt after all! Some guys don't see the need for undershirts or they think that an undershirt is the same as a regular shirt. Thankfully, the folks over at the Art of Manliness have done an excellent job of discussing the options for undershirts and how to choose an appropriate one for your outfit. Check it out at http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/06/27/mans-guide-to-undershirts/

The next time you dress up, think about the layers that should go into it. It'll save your dress shirts and ensure that you look at the top of your game!

Frat ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

 

15 Things Every Guy Should Have

Long time followers of this blog will know that I've developed an interest in how society has come to define the idea of "manhood." I also happen to have an interest in men's fashion, because it's becoming a lost art for my generation. Recently, on my way to work one day, I heard a story on the radio that piqued both of these interests. 

The story was about a man named Tom Ford, who is a highly respected authority on men's fashion. He was recently interviewed by Vogue Magazine wherein he divulged his top 15 things that all men should have. It's an interesting list that I'd like to share and give my input, mixing in some DeMolay and Masonic perspective as I do.

1. A Sense of Humor - Mr. Ford is right on with this one. Any man worth his salt must have a good sense of humor. This is also required in our fraternity. If we don't have a sense of humor about who we are and what we do, we quickly lose our perspective.

2. A Daily Read of the Newspaper - While I don't read the newspaper, I do make sure to go read news websites to get the updates of the day. More importantly, he recommends that every man read something educational everyday, and I totally agree.

3. A Sport that You Love and are Good At - I totally fail at this one, but I do support the idea. Every man should have some physical activity that he enjoys. It's good for the health benefit, plus the competitive sports can offer a good outlet for men's aggression.

4. Tweezers - What? Why tweezers? Well, the idea of "manscaping" should be taught to every guy. Take some time and work on your appearance. Tweezing those rogue hairs is an important part of keeping yourself stylish and hygienic.

5. A Good Signature Cologne - Yep! Every man needs a scent to call his own. Find something that works for you and stick with it. I have a very specific cologne that is imported from Ireland. I love it and it is certainly my signature.

6. A Well Cut, Dark Suit - Mr. Ford recommends that you have a suit constructed for you. Most of us don't have the kind of money. However, there is no excuse for a man to not take a suit to the tailor. It's perfectly okay for a man to buy a suit off the rack at a store, but do yourself a favor, and take it to the tailor. He can help correct it so it fits you even better. Never underestimate the value of a good fitting suit!

7. A Pair of Classic, Black, Lace Up Shoes - Totally! If you own a dark suit, you should also own some basic, black, leather, lace up shoes. This is a no brainer!

8. A Smart Blazer - Every DeMolay and Mason should have a good fitting blue blazer. A simple two button blazer is a must. Take it to the tailor, get it fitted, and you'll realize just how much it can become an integral part of your wardrobe as a professional.

9. The Perfect Pair of Dark Denim Jeans - One thing that many young adults realize is the value of a good wardrobe. Having a good pair of dark jeans is a total must. These pants are very versatile and can offer a lot of fashion opportunities. No, you don't need a $300 pair of jeans. Rather, just get a pair that looks nice, isn't loaded with logos or embroidery, and that fit well.

10. Lots of Crisp, White, Cotton Shirts - The basic white button up shirt is one the most important parts of a man's wardrobe. I always try to have a spare shirt, still in the package, ready to go, just in case my current one gets stained. White goes with any look and is one of the smoothest colors to match with.

11. Always New Socks and Underwear - Yes, I'm going there. While Ford recommends new one's every six months, I'm not as stringent. But, as soon as you see signs of wear, it's time to replace. It's just a matter of being clean.

12. A Classic Tuxedo - As men age, they find more and more use for a simple tux. I agree that every man should have a simple, black, two button tux, with both a vest and a cummerbund. He should also have a lay down collar tux shirt as well as a wing tip tux shirt.

13. A Day Watch with a Metal Band - Here is where Mr. Ford and I diverge. I'm not a big watch wearer. I never have been, and never will be. I don't see it as a necessity, but, I would certainly encourage all men to own a pocket watch at some point in their life. It's just a manly thing to do, plus, if you pair it with a nice chain, it's a great accessory with a tuxedo.

14. Perfect Sunglasses - Eye wear can make a great accessory to any outfit. Get some sunglasses that match your face and do the job. A simple rule for classy sunglasses is that if the frames are made of plastic, then leave them on the sports field. Stick with metal frames.

15. Perfect Teeth - My teeth are about as bad as they come, so I totally fail at this one. I also think it's sort of vain. Use your own judgement.

I hope some of my insights have proved valuable and that you will take a good look at your wardrobe and update as necessary. This is a list to aspire to. The change won't happen overnight, but if you work towards this, you're style and sense of manhood is sure to improve.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony 

Dress to Impress

Last week, I posted a quick overview of how to dress for DeMolay events. After I published the article, "Dad" Zack Panitzke sent me a link to a great overview of some other men's fashion information. All information is copyright to the original poster.

Check it out! You can click any image for a larger view!

 

Dressing up for DeMolay

One thing I have become personally passionate about is proper dress and attire for men in professional and social situations. At Supreme Tall Cedars Class I gave a mini-lesson to one of the DeMolays and realized that it might make valuable blog post. I've often posted links to things on this blog before, but I thought I'd take a moment and write a quick primer entitled "Dressing for DeMolay."

Let's start with the basics. If you are going to a DeMolay event, you should generally wear one of two kinds of pants - khaki or dress. It's hard to go wrong with khaki pants. They go great with polo shirts and can easily be dressed by wearing a button up shirt. Alternately, you can wear dress pants which are usually part of a suit (meaning pants that match the style and color of a jacket.) You can choose which type of shirt to wear based upon many factors. I always recommend over dressing if you don't know what to wear. You'll never feel bad wearing a button up shirt when you could have worn a polo, but you'll stick out like a sore thumb if you wear a polo when button ups are required. Stick to the basics with shirts - white or light blue. Unless you know what you're doing, don't wear striped or brightly colored shirts. If you're wearing a tie, that means you should also be wearing a blazer or jacket. Use your tie to bring your outfit together. If you're wearing a white shirt, khaki pants, and a blue blazer, go with a tie that has some blue, white, or browns in it. If you're wearing a dark colored suit, then use your tie to match to your shirt. If your suit is black, a tie with a dark color in it will go well. How long should your tie be? When tied, the end of the tip of the end of the tie should be right about where your belt buckle is. I always recommend wearing a tie chain or a tie tack to help keep your tie in place. Unless you're very experienced, you should only wear a regular tie - leave the bow ties and other variations for the pros. When buttoning your jacket, remember this phrase - "Always the middle, sometimes the top, never the bottom." This means you should always button the middle button, sometimes the top button, but never the bottom button. You should only button your jacket if you are standing, unless it's double breasted (however, steer clear of double breasted suits if you can.) As for shoes, it's pretty simple. They should be leather, or a leather like material. Athletic shoes or sneakers are immediately out. If your pants are brown, wear brown shoes. If they are black, wear black shoes. It's pretty easy. Your socks should match the color of your shoes, but be darker if possible. For example, if you are wearing brown shoes, you should wear dark brown socks. You can't get much darker than black, so if you have black shoes on you, you should also have black socks on. Under no circumstance should you be wearing white socks with leather shoes. You should always wear a belt. The color of the belt should match your shoes - brown shoes = brown belt, black shoes = black belt. Now, let's talk about accessories. Yes, even boys accessorize! You should only ever wear one lapel pin at a time. Period. The lapel pin should go on your left lapel, in the button hole if one is available. If there is no button hole, you should position it about where a button hole would be if one were present. There are two trains of thought on what kind of lapel pin to wear. The first is that you wear the pin of the group you are attending that night. This shows your support for the group and your interest. The other idea is that you should wear a pin different from the group you are going to visit. Why? Because the members already know the logo of their own group. By wearing something different, you'll have an easy way to start a conversation about another cause you support. When it comes to DeMolay regalia, remember that one is always enough - one pocket item and one neck item. Jewels should be worn on the pocket, not the lapel! If you are wearing a name tag, you shouldn't wear any jewels. Always wear your highest award unless you are participating in a special event, such as a membership jewel presentation. While this merely scratches the surface of men's fashion, it's a great place to start to learn how to dress sharp! Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

A Passion for Fashion

One thing that I've become more and more passionate about as I age into adulthood is men's fashion. I grew up relatively poor and had to make do with what we had. My first ever suit jacket was purchased so I'd have something to wear to DeMolay. That is a pretty common occurrence for our members today and a reality that many older Advisors and Masons must face. The youth of today haven't been brought up in a society where suits and formal dress were all that important. My upbringing was much the same.

However, when I started working as a professional, I realized the importance of dressing for the occasion. My mentor in this regard has been "Dad" Dennis Snedden, member of the PYF Board of Directors and an Advisor for Steel City Chapter. He has taught me countless little things about how I should dress and for that I'm ever grateful. I've also taken the time to learn on my own and I continue to try to make sure that I look as good as I can whenever I'm representing the fraternity or the Foundation.

The most critical thing I've done is to find a tailor. Yes, I know... most college age or younger guys don't want to spend money or time at a tailor. However, the tailor is your best friend when it comes to how you dress. If something doesn't fit right, he can make it better and if you grow or shrink in size, he can adjust your suits accordingly. Spending $15 to let out a pair of pants is much better than spending $35 on a new pair entirely - not to mention that you'll have a hard time getting fabric and colors to match! Do yourself a favor and establish a relationship with a tailor - it's one of the best decisions you can make!

The other simple thing you can do is to get correctly fitted for a suit and a dress shirt. I don't know how many times I've asked someone for their dress shirt size and I hear "Um, XL, I think." Dress shirts are not sized liked tee shirts and shouldn't be purchased as such. It's very simple to get properly sized; just drop by your favorite department or mens store and they should have someone on hand with a tape measure who can get you all sized up. But, since you're curious as to how the size is established, I've found a couple of great videos to help you:

So, while you're out doing your holiday shopping, do something for yourself that doesn't cost anything - find out your dress shirt and suit sizes!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Suit Up for Success

One of my favorite TV shows is "How I Met Your Mother." This sitcom seems to mirror where I am at in life and I find that I easily relate to it. I often realize that parts of the character's personalities are tied very closely to the behaviors I see some of my real world friends display. Of course, like most viewers, my favorite character is Barney Stinson. Portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, Barney starts the series as a soulless ladies man, always on the hunt for his next female conquest. Later he cleans up his act and becomes a pretty astute gentlemen. However, the importance he places on being a "Bro" and his impeccable fashion sense are what really get me; the key, of course, are the suits!

As I've written before, fashion is one of those things that many guys shy away from. We have it in our head that "fashion" is for girls. Alternatively, we think that fashion is for Abercrombie and Fitch models or for the guys who feel the need to buy $50 tee shirts at Hollister because they perfume the air around their stores. This is utter nonsense. Real men's fashion has nothing to do with fake palm trees, over priced jeans, or brand names. No, every man should be aware of some basic fashion tips.

In this vein, I recently came across a great video from the website "Real Men - Real Style" that seemed perfectly appropriate for DeMolay. The image you project as a DeMolay is very important. It's okay to be in jeans and a tee shirt while you're making pancakes at a fundraiser, but if you're standing in front of the door to a local store asking for money, you better look professional. It seems that young men today (myself included) have a poor sense of what we should be wearing to look like proper gentlemen. This video does a great job of summarizing what we should do. Take a look:




So, there you have it! Now, some of the advice offered is pretty pricey. However, there are ways to do all of this on a budget. Never underestimate the power of Goodwill or the Salvation Army Thrift Stores. Check them out! You never know what you might find! "Suiting up" is the first step to looking like a respectable young man. Remember our Precept of Cleanness - in thought, word, and deed. Just because you bathed today doesn't mean your clean. Isn't that part of what DeMolay is all about?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

I am Iron Man!

Today, we take a delve back into the world of the Art of Manliness. They recently had a fabulous article that I think all DeMolays could benefit from. Each year at Convention, Key Man, and other events, I see something that makes me shudder. Something that makes me cringe. Something that makes me go "where is your mother?" That something is a wrinkled dress shirt.

It's not that hard to keep a shirt from being wrinkled. It takes just a little bit of time and effort to clean up a shirt and make it look just like it came out of the package. All it takes is an iron (which comes in most hotel rooms, hint hint) and some patience.

So, take a look at this article and learn how to iron a shirt. After mastering that skill you'll be the snazziest guy on the block.

http://artofmanliness.com/2011/04/06/how-to-iron-shirt/

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony