Evening Cocktailing

So this is the first follower-requested post. It's for a friend attending a birthday party at an upscale DC restaurant, and then going out to cocktail after. Comfort, sharpness, and intellect are the stipulations.

A suit would be overdressed in this instance. Instead, wear something equally attractive, but with a little more elbow room. The shirt is a green and light-grey striped white DKNY shirt. The vest is a medium grey 5 button (purchased from a men's tailor in Italy, but they're common here too) with an adjustable band on the back to make sure it fits properly. The tie is a skinny white/silver tie, also from that same tailor in Italy. Calvin Klein pants were altered for my fit, and are a lightly textured medium grey that match the vest. The color and contrast lay above the waist, bringing the focal point towards one's face.

The primary benefit harvested from a vest is the perfect fit around one's torso. Meanwhile, it still offers plenty of flexibility for the arms. Vests are also great for those who are still realizing their visual personality. They can be worn with a number of garment combinations, and will rarely look out of place.

Take out the eyeglasses, and put in the beard and achieve a cultured, but still rugged appearance. The outfit becomes appropriate for those in a business-formal role, like a management consultant or a lawyer, as well as those in a more casual atmosphere, such as a bar lounge. 

The shape created by a vest, shirt and tie combo is comparable to an arrow, and is seemingly planned that way.

A light texture on the shirt, made up of greens and grays adds depth to one's appearance. It is dynamic and sparks attention more quickly than a flat garment.

 The chest's V shape, which is emphasized by the vest helps keep one's stance upright, and comes across more confident. The waist is fit snug, while the shoulders stand full width. 

Put in a silver tie and achieve sophistication, make it skinny and achieve modern. 

Generally, brown shoes are more unique. But this outfit is lighter, and brown would take away from the slim grey slacks. Instead, replace them with narrow-toe black leather shoes that have a nice metal bar accent and match the belt.

Whether you're at a meeting off-campus, in the board room, or out at a piano lounge, the basic grey vest  and matching slacks are a great combo. 

And finish it all off with a stiff drink. 

Some retro content coming up next for those fearless followers. -TCG