Its that time of year again for sun and fun. Backyard parties and weddings. Boating and baseball. Sweaters and overcoats are replaced by polos and chinos. Boots for sneakers (no flip flops) and wool is replaced by light weight linen and cotton.

Do you have a beard? Hair a little long. Give that mug a good cleaning and get it ready to shine. I have few friends that are on the journey of bringing back class and poise to men of this day. Seems to be a forgotten skill set. Dressing the part is half the job, but a job half done is at least a start.

 About 5 years ago my wife (the most beautiful and classy woman in the world) gave me this book.

(Can be purchased from the link at the end of the post)

This book was created by the style editors at Esquire magazine. I used to read the magazine quite frequently, but in the past decade or so the political slant was not to my liking  (political posts will never be on this blog) so she bought me this.

It’s a comprehensive guide on ageless classic styles. That is the one thing about mens style that I believe is fundamental. It basically never changes.

A white T-shirt and Levi’s (or any other good brand) and a pair of white sneakers (not gym shoes) looks just as good today as it did on Steve McQueen 50 years ago.

Don’t get me wrong, there are trends in mens fashion. Hammer pants anyone? But the real men know what looks good and never turn from it.

Grooming, skin care, hair styles (beard included), sunglasses, jeans, kakhis, socks, casual wear, suits, tuxedos, clothing care its all in this book.

You can be budget friendly or be a big spender. My previous blog about thrift store shopping could be useful in starting. Fashionable men tend to recycle clothes when they are upgrading or replacing pieces. Casual shirts, slacks and jeans are usually in good condition.

You can use this experience to see the difference in the way quality pieces are stitched and made. If you find something, Congrats! You’re on your way and you did it without breaking the bank! If the thrift store route is not your particular style might I

recommend using my shopping site to begin. You can earn cash back on all your purchases form stores like Macy’s, Belk, Ralph Lauren, Johnston & Murphy, Cole Haan, Converse and Levis’s.

The link is here : www.ShopToSavings.com

So in the next few days and weeks, I will attempt to pull info from this book and coordinate it with my own taste and glean from a few friends and

post it.

Take Care.

DarkHorse Style