The Graduate Student

Whether you're at the library, the coffee shop, or on your way to work, looking sharp is key. It's also equally important to look appropriate for the occasion, so plan ahead a little bit.

For the everyday casual look, I chose some familiar autumn colors that are in tune with the season and the weather, to wear for everyday studying, socializing and the like. Browns and greens are easy to match, so they're often a good place to start. With them, one can match broken-in articles with crisp, new ones, as well as vintages.

Brown sharp-toe leather shoes are a great way to turn an everyday look to a sophisticated one.

Dark, well-tailored jeans are a must with a sports coat. A basic scarf that matches the jeans completes the outfit.

A button-up denim shirt with light green tones brings contrast to balance the darker jacket.

In the 40 degree weather, the scarf becomes essential. Worn in a simple wrap, it breaks the wind as well as brings texture.

Simply put, fit is as important as appearance. And comfort translates to confidence.

A little lift on the heel helps straighten one's back as well as add a little height.

The well trimmed beard is another easy to achieve look that conveys masculinity. 

We've got formal sets in the pipes so stay posted. 

-TCG

The Young Executive

A LITTLE UPDATE: Fear not. As a man of taste, I will not keep imposing self-taken pictures on you. I will have the professional ones finished soon. So bear with me as I get my wrinkles ironed over here at TCG. Additionally, images will be shot in much more applicable situations, to bring the proper context to each outfit.

At some point or another, one has felt overdressed. And trying too hard can translate to pathetic. Therefore, each aspect of your presentation needs reason, and no individual article should not be chosen based on one defining characteristic. Just because you own a tux coat, it doesn't mean you should wear it whenever you feel like looking look good.
When textures and colors match seamlessly, people don't notice minor discrepancies. Instead, they notice the positive aesthetics like complementary colors or unique textures. So make sure each style you combine matches another piece, to make it seem cohesive and intentional. (The "overdressed" rule becomes null and void when one is in Las Vegas, though.)

One tip for those who are just beginning to delve into their personal presentation: be careful mixing stripes, pinstripes and patterns. Generally, the primary concerns come when two textures of similar size and color are combined that compete with each other. It becomes chaotic, which is the opposite of elegance. It's certainly OK to wear contrasting textures, they just need to vary in size, and have matching undertones, which brings me to this next outfit.

Pinstripes convey power and seniority. One should utilize them carefully, because they garner a lot of attention.  That's why they need to be combined with something that balances their intensity. I chose a maroon tie, with a very different pattern (tiny dots) than the stripes on the black shirt. The maroon tie is bold enough to take a little focus off of the cuffs and collar, and helps create a very balanced image. Another way of balancing the intensity seen in the shirt and tie is to use unconventional shoes and belt. They seem insubstantial, but when the outfit is looked at as a whole, some reddish-brown cap-toe shoes and belt add the perfect amount of color to break the larger, darker masses.

Lastly, a cream colored overcoat is a good substitute for a sports coat or suit jacket in the workplace. The lighter color helps brighten up the overall outfit and always looks classy. Never wear a nylon jacket by the way. The new intern will think you're directing traffic when you hold the door for her.

The cream overcoat should be worn open, to show the tie and shirt.

A light band watch is another way to lighten the feel of a mostly dark outfit. The band is cream colored like the jacket and matches the red-brown leather shoes and belt.

Brown captoe shoes are a retro style that must be handled with finesse. They can look clunky if your pants aren't the proper width at the bottom. But for the most part, they are versatile and can be confidently worn with most pants, including [dark] jeans.

Cufflinks make a bold statement. To keep modest, I used black square ones. They match the belt finish and the shirt color, without appearing overstated. 

Slim pants are a great way to achieve a bolder top-half. In combination with a well-tailored shirt, the right pants create a healthy triangle with your shoulders.

Argyle socks are fail-safe. They can be worn with most plain-texture pants.

Without the jacket, the outfit appears crisp and bold, without feeling too metro. The heavy reds and blacks add a sense of formality, but are loosened with the bright collar.

Alright guys, I appreciate you looking.  As always, comments are great conversation. 

We've got lots of exciting segments planned. So stay posted. -TCG

Casual Sundays

First, let me address my philosophy to get this out of the way, and weed out those who cannot relate. As a firm believer that your outward appearance is a statement of your inner personality, I find that having a meditated, but still organic approach to your presentation is key to instilling confidence in those whom you encounter, as well as in yourself.

A wise man once told me, "If you wear brown shoes and a black belt, it looks like you got dressed with the lights off." I'll never forget that statement. Looking unplanned can say a lot about how one carries themselves, and I believe, can tarnish others' perception of you. So don't fall victim to the prejudice of others, dress mature and confident, and make a statement about who you are, where you came from, and where you're going.

Nobody wants to wear slacks on a Sunday. But jeans can appear a little bit unplanned. So where do you go with it? Try a pair of colored pants, either denim or something similar. They're still comfortable, but aren't as lukewarm as Levis. I went with the maroon/burgundy red.
*A little style tip, don't just match something with black because you can't figure out a good color to pair it with. I usually start with brown/autumn hues, and try to find others with similar bases, and match them. For example, my pants are red, but not bright red, meaning they probably have a base of brown, yellow, and a little blue. A bright red would probably have a pure white base, with a little bit of ivory.

The brown v-neck is a staple. I find that it matches a variety of textures and hues. It states originality, as well as confirms one's affinity for alternative colors. Atop the v-neck, I went with a puma jacket. It has gold accents and red drawstrings. You can see why I picked it.

A brass MK watch complements the tone of gold perfectly.

Depending on the application, shorter pants are often better. They show your shoes, socks and style. They also prevent unintended ruffling at your feet, which can appear un-attended to and poorly fit.

The drawstrings and knobs complement the jacket, watch and pants.

A textured pair of socks and some Sperry's are great with properly tailored pants. 

Well, that wraps up session 1. Leave your comments below. Stay up, TCG.

Welcome to the Contemporary Gentleman

Hello friends. Welcome the Contemporary Gentleman, a blog dedicated to men's lifestyle, and a resource for those looking to get the most of their wardrobe, and ultimately, themselves. I've been following the very talented Dan Trepanier, of TSBmen for a few years now, and have experienced a great transformation from the dull, and unoriginal men's fashion standards I once adhered to. I've begun assembling my own variations on his creations, as well as formulated my own get-ups.

Every week or so you can expect a new addition to TCG, outlining an outfit for one occasion or another. I am most interested in the workweek apparel, primarily because that is the time when shake the most hands, and am challenged to look my finest. I also have a number of casual pieces which I am interested in mixing and matching, and once TCG gains a little momentum, you can expect to see outfits appropriate for all occasions the young gentlemen might encounter.

For those who do not know me prior to reading my blog, I am a 25 year old marketer, living in Northern Virginia, on the outskirts of the Washington DC. From about 14 to 20, I skateboarded and naturally, wore the shabby styles associated with them. When I got to San Diego State, and joined Sigma Pi (Alpha Omega, Fall 2007), I realized that my backwards hat was not a statement of luxury and taste. Since, I've been interested in all types of men's style, which is emboldened by the fact that I do graphic design and regularly study shape, color and texture.

I enjoy cocktailing, snowboarding, graphic design, marketing, the city, and of course, men's style.
So grab a manhattan or a neat whiskey, and let's start flossin'.

www.inforelay.com