Instructions Blog

Tucking your button-up into your jeans

Posted on: November 29, 2009 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

So, the reality is that I am getting older now. Knocking on the door of 30 I often feel the need to experiment with my look. No, I didn’t shave my head or grow a mustache (I actually couldn’t grow one if I tried). What I did do was tuck my button-up shirt into my jeans. To my surprise, it was a good look. It was mature, stylish and also sophisticated. Tuck a nice shirt into some GOOD FITTING jeans, along with a nice pair of loafers and a watch, and you are good to go. Now I know some of you have been doing this for some time now, so maybe I’m a later bloomer. The rest of you just may be hesitant. Well, if you are reading this blog then you have style, so just try it.

Now, when and wear to tuck your shirt with jeans is on you. But some things to remember:

The slimmer the shirt, the better the tuck looks. Use your judgment though, if its too tight, it may not look right.
Don’t tuck a baggy shirt in. How about, don’t even leave a baggy shirt untucked. Even better, just don’t wear it.
If you choose to wear low-rise jeans, leave it out, tucking it will just look silly.
Most importantly, do a couple of extra sit-ups before the tuck!

Skinny Ties

Posted on: November 25, 2009 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

The other day I was looking at my tie collection and plotting on what patterns I could add to the repertoire to be that much more dangerous (appealing) in the corporate world. Walking around the city streets of Washington DC I see some pretty colorful things. One trend that I always wonder about is skinny ties. I decided to do some research to see when exactly these skinny ties got popular, and why.

The skinny tie actually dates back to the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. These cool dudes and these even cooler dudes were some of the icons that made the skinny tie a desirable accessory for “well dressed man”.

Now, one may ask is it ok to wear a skinny tie in the workplace? Well honestly it really depends on where you work. Take a look around. It is ok to exemplify individuality in the workplace, but keep it simple. It’s not ok to wear a purple skinny tie with a yellow blazer and pink pants.

Skinny ties are like skinny women, they aren’t for everyone (those that know me would understand that one). The size of your tie should be in proportion to the size of your frame. Just because you’re attracted to the skinny tie, doesn’t make it look good on you. Overall, skinny ties are very versatile. Even with a pair of jeans you can throw it in your ensemble. Lastly, when tying the knot, go with a four-in-hand or half-windsor. The full Windsor doesn’t work well with a skinny body.

Instructions wishes each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

50 Years of Fashion…

Posted on: October 17, 2009 by Duane Smith • Posted in General

My dad always says that,” The more things change, the more things remain the same”. As applied to men’s style, I’m not sure that truer words have ever been spoken.

I was perusing an old GQ magazine while cleaning up and found an article about the “50 Most Stylish Men of the Past 50 Years.” Peep the story here. What I noticed while reading the article (again), as I’m sure you will too, is that a good 90% of the guys who are celebrated here were photographed in fitted shirts, and wore ties to compliment the shirt…. kinda like we do here at the Art of the Dressing Well.

So stick with us, shop with us, and 50 years from now, people will be singing your praises too. Veritas.

Instructions Beyond Our Instructions.

Posted on: October 4, 2009 by Duane Smith • Posted in Advice, General

You guys know what we here at Instructions believe in. You guys know what we’re about: the art of dressing well.

To do this, you have to have the right pieces. I know, I know. You guys have heard us talk ad nausea about the Instructional aspect of putting together that perfect ensemble. Tie clips this, pocket squares that, how your shoes should match your belt, how your watch should accentuate your ensemble and not take away from it, etc. We give you (and will always continue to) a blueprint of how to put your clothes together.

Double Breasted Suits. Pinstripe Suits. Three-piece Suits. Neckties. Bow ties. Bolos. With so many options, what shall I do?

You ever notice how the man who makes the most powerful statements is usually a man of few words? Clothing works the same way. Clean, sleek, well-fitting clothes make all the statement you ever need. You can start with a basic two-button suit and build an exquisite ensemble. The options will be endless. True story.

Here, Nathan Brown shows you exactly what I mean.

See, with the right shirt and tie, for example, you can exhibit classic style and futuristic flair all at the same time. And don’t worry, we’ll be providing you with Instructions along the way. You know, just in case you need it. :-)

Fashions role in the courtroom

Posted on: September 27, 2009 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

I recently caught up with a close friend to get some insight on how fashion plays a role in the legal world. Leland Mcrae has been an acting attorney in the metropolitan Detroit area for past 4 years. Leland’s focus is in general litigation with an emphasis on criminal and civil. Needless to say, if you need some help, message me offline and I will get you his info (Or you can just Google him like everyone else does these days).

Does fashion play a role in the courtroom? If yes, how so?

Fashion definitely plays a role in the courtroom…fashion is a way for attorneys to distinguish there success and style…aggressive clean lines for corporate attorneys, with subtle but noticed attention to detail and professionalism…or tailored suits garnished with more flamboyant accessories for the solo practitioner who has the personal freedom from the corporate world to express himself…for the female, exist the same differences, but with the female solo practicing attorney exist a sex appeal that is absent in the corporate world…no stockings and skirts pushing the two inches above the knee protocol.

If you could give fashion and demeanor advice to a new lawyer heading to the courtroom, what would it be?

Dress professionally and well… a good suit is like a good introduction, it leaves an impression…also dressing well gives you confidence. There is nothing a young lawyer needs more than confidence. Lastly, make an investment in your professional attire early, meaning in quality clothes that last and have iconic style. You save money over the long haul, before the expenses of married or family life take over. Enjoy your money early and spend on yourself so that you have a reserve of professional attire to hold you for a while (As long as you don’t gain too much weight).

What is some of the strangest fashion you have seen working as a lawyer?

Gators and a cape that matched a suit…oh yea and threw in a matching dob hat as well. Oddly enough it worked. There are a few judges that are known as the fashionable judges…suits are out there!

Is there a major difference in the dress from the city courtrooms to the suburban courtrooms?

Yes and no…In general the vast majority of attorneys are pretty conservative in their attire, but if you were to see some reaches, it would most likely be in the city…the city clientele is much more tolerant of creative fashion, ie. gators and capes.

In the courtroom are there certain colors to stay away from or keep heavy in the closet rotation? Is there a stylistic culture (cuff links, suspenders, wing tip shoes)?

As for colors, having a blue, black, or a tan blazer can go a long way because they are easy to coordinate with and are much more comfortable than a suit. Older attorneys wear more blazers, they know the game. Younger attorneys tend to wear more suits because that is all they know. Prosecutors or government attorneys are generally discouraged from having too much style or flash, doing so keeps in line with the image of being the people’s attorney…I think that this is true to an extent, but also keep in mind government lawyers dress more modest because they don’t have the pressure to impress clients or peers. They also may not have the money to invest in clothes; working for the government, especially at the state and local level does not generally pay at the same level as the private sector.

Some words of advice for new attorneys making their mark:

What is something that a lawyer should stay away from at all cost when starting out?

Ruining his or her reputation or compromising their integrity. Once those things are gone they are almost impossible to get back.

What are some of the biggest obstacles you faced graduating from law school and being the new guy out there?

Gaining respect, and learning the aspects of practicing law that they don’t teach in law school, and have nothing to do with interpreting case law…the intangibles of getting from A to B, but also the understanding the need to build relationships to get things done.

Take this information to heart, be confident and understand that dressing well makes a difference not only at the club, but in the legal world as well.