Literally it means men’s fashion, but as a young man I was taught that their are levels to fashion. When I think of haberdashery I think of fine men’s fashion or being “suited and booted” as my father and uncles schooled me. It is the intricacies of matching patterns, adding a pin, ensuring the jewelry and watch compliment the garments and of course the correct head gear and shoe.
Why am I blowing about this? This is all but a lost art amongst men in general and sadly amongst men of color. As momma used to say, "there is a time and place for everything." So, yes the newest Jordans are cute, but to get dressed or "suited and booted" requires a little more thought and effort than simply color matching. It requires thinking of how the suit, tie, shirt, braces, jewelry, watch, socks, shoes and of course brim all blend together to yield a masterpiece. Over the next few days I will attempt to highlight businesses we at H and H Cigars LTD use to create our ensembles.
The first step to any ensemble is you! What is your preferred color Pantone? If the color does not compliment your skin tone or highlight your features well do not wear it. Just because electric line green may be the newest trending color does not mean you need to wear it as a base color. Can always be done as an accent color.
Once the color wheel so to speak has been chosen. Then look at fabric. What season? Will you be inside or out? Formal or informal event? Blended fabrics are more universal, wools and linens are more specific. For the Alpha Derby I have chosen to wear linen and colors will be brown and blue.
Next for me are shirt and tie. Again, this is my process not the only way. I prefer bow ties over long ties for formal and semi-formal events as they have a more classic and elegant look to them. Once that is paired with the suit. To me the ensemble comes to life and I can see what accent colors I wish to use. Now I can pick the shirt. Do I need a classic white shirt or will a colored shirt be a better compliment? After the shirt and tie I will add braces/suspenders or belt, which by the way for me dictate the color shoe to be worn. For example wearing a brown belt with a black shoe is a fopaux. Consequently the shoe will dictate the base color of the brim/head gear and socks.
These are the basics. I will fill in details as I put together a killer ensemble or the next few days.
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