Bravado Living

The ultimate paradox in fashion- the bowtie. Nothing looks more laid-back and aloof when worn casually, and nothing exudes more class when worn formally. Us at THS frown upon wearing a bowtie casually unless your nickname is abuelo, but we highly recommend– no we INSIST you wear one at all formal functions. Match it with a two button suit or tuxedo depending on the dress code and take the night by storm.

The trick is to twist and tweak until finished. Bow ties look best when slightly imperfect. Too much symmetry is unnatural. You want people to see that its not pre-tied.

Oh and untie it as the night is winding down. As good as a bowtie looks tied, it looks even better untied draped over an open collar.

handgun optional

Never be caught without cufflinks again. These ingenious one-time use cufflinks come in a pack of six to store at the office or in the car for any french cuff emergency. Anyone stuck in this situation know these will pay back themselves after one saved disaster.

Emergency Cuff Links

Emergency Cuff Links $17

Throw away your old ties that span from nipple to nipple, or at least stop wearing them. When it comes to ties- thin is in. Go out and buy a few solid 2-2.5″ ties that compliment your best suits. Don’t buy them so thin that people mistake you for the drummer of the Jonas Brothers, but buy them thin enough to look modern and elegant. 

Before

After

Notice all the little upgrades- round shoes, pocket square, thinner tie, fitted suit.

Come to think of it- your belt should be thinner too.

Suit, $595, by DKNY. Shirt, $40, by Van Heusen. Tie, $135, by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Shoes, $190, by Geox. Tie bar and pocket square by Paul Stuart. Watch by Alfex.

If a jacket has a breast pocket, there should always be something in it. Period. Ideally, it should compliment but not match anything on your outfit, but when in doubt, match your shirt color. Traditionally silk, a pocket square used to be placed effortlessly into a pocket and forgotten- looking sloppily like it just prevented a mess being sneezed in your hand. A modern man wears it neatly flat, exposing but a simple elegant line to compliment his silhouette. Buy cotton or linen as it tends to hold its shape better than silk. Check periodically to ensure it stays that way, but fix it only in the bathroom- never act like you care about your appearance for it spoils the effortlessness of your outfit.

Kenneth Cole New York Suit

P.S.- Round Toe. Not Square. End of Story

Suit, $296, by Kenneth Cole New York. Shirt, $45, by Nautica. Tie, $150, by Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers. Shoes, $680, by Salvatore Ferragamo. Socks by Punto. Pocket square by Paul Stuart.