Q+A: Let’s hear your questions

October 16, 2011 · 93 comments

Today, I’m going to turn the table on you guys and let you dictate what we’ll talk about.

Ask me anything! Seriously, anything, and I’ll do my best to answer. I can’t guarantee a *good* answer, but I’ll try my hardest.

Is there a burning question you’ve been meaning to ask, but never had the chance?
Always thought about shooting me an email?
Curious about what to wear to an event or how to pull off a certain look?

You could also leave suggestions of topics you’d like me to cover, or conversations you think we should have on this site, and I’d be happy to consider those as well.

Leave a question in the comments below, and I’ll respond with an answer for you over the next couple days. Make sure to subscribe to the comments so you don’t miss my response.

Looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say!

About Barron

Barron is the founder and editor of Effortless Gent, a site dedicated to helping dudes figure out what looks best on them. He also co-founded Fifth&Brannan, a menswear label based in San Francisco. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

Jessydiamond

I’ve checked most of the stores. Sometimes they were too expensive (> $200), sometimes the smallest they had was a size 30. I’ve looked at Banana Republic, Nordstrom, L L Bean, J Crew, Macy’s. Nothing.

Actually I found some wool gabardine at Simons (http://www.simons.ca/eng/product/italian_wool_gabardine_pant_/8929-57136). What do you think?

But I still can’t find flannel pants. Did I forget a store ?
Joseph L

There’s a lot of precipitation where I live (rain/snow). What’s the versatile go-to shoe or boot you would recommend for such weather?
http://www.facebook.com/gregedwards69 Greg Edwards

How about a suggestion for a professional, manly looking winter hat. The past few years I’ve stuck with the traditional knitted beanie/toque, but I’m after something more ‘manly’ this year, but sill keeps my head warm, without looking like a trapper, Russian spy or street urchin.
Michael R.

I don’t have too many nice clothes in my wardrobe right now, but I’m trying to build up. I can’t go shopping too often so I want each purchase to count. I’m wondering what articles should I stock up on first to get the most distinct outfits? Jeans? Dress shirts? Sweaters? Shoes? Is there nothing in particular? Thanks.
Kwokkit

A very simple question: what is the proper sleeve length for a long sleeved shirt (like a crew neck pullover or a long sleeved tee)? Stop at the wrist?
Matt Court

I agree with Barron (duh), I think that the problem that most people have with the supposed dorkiness of transitions is in the frame choice, not the lenses themselves. The only complaint that I’ve heard about them from the people I know who have them is that they take a while to actually transition. So if it’s sunny out and you’ve been inside all day you’re probably still going to get your eyes fried when you walk outside.
Matt Court

Oddly enough, I’ve never thought about that. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for rad sunglasses now. Thanks!
Sly

Hey Barron

Can I have your thoughts on the Levi’s Classic Field Jacket in Vintage balck for a fall jacket? Any suggestions for alternatives?

http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11645410

Many Thanks
Dstewart

I ordered a pair of black florsheim oxfords, but I was sent dark navy. I am considering keeping the shoes, but I have no idea what I should or shouldn’t pair with them. Any ideas?

Here is a link: http://www.florsheim.com/shop/style/12064.html
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Sounds pretty serendipitous, if you ask me! I love that shoe in the navy color. How bright is it in real life, compared to the stock photo they have on the site?

Navy is so close to black, you can wear it with pretty much anything (except black pants / black suit). Throw them on with dark denim, nice tailored chinos, cords, anything.

Have fun with them, I think that’s a much better choice than black anyway. Then again, I don’t even own a pair of black shoes and I never wear black anything, so maybe I’m biased.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Hey Sly,

I like it, good casual jacket.

I have the one J.Crew makes, also in vintage black, which they seem to not have anymore: http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/outerwear/cotton/PRDOVR~19589/19589.jsp
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Yeah, stop at the wrist, and minimize bunching at the bottom of the sleeve. If your sleeve is too long, you’re probably buying too big a size.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Hey Michael,

Towards the bottom of this post (http://www.effortlessgent.com/sartorial-evaluation-how-to-be-stylish-in-your-40s-and-beyond) I listed several items a guy should acquire as he builds up his closet. Take a look at that, it should help.

As far as what you should get first, depends on what you think you need most. If you wear denim a lot, start there. If you work and wear a dress shirt every day, start replacing those. Can’t really go wrong either way, as long as you get started.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Hmm, it doesn’t get that cold in SF, so I’m not too well-versed on winter head coverings. If it were me though, I’d stick to a knit beanie. It’s simple, utilitarian, and cheap / easy to replace if need be.

I also like the fur-lined hats with earflaps, something like http://www.goorin.com/men/knits/trinity or http://www.goorin.com/men/knits/hidden-talent.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Can’t go wrong with the classic LLBean Bean Boot: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/35477?page=bean-boots-by-llbean-8
Matt Court

I didn’t believe it when I heard but you can de-pill a sweater with a Bic razor. Just apply the least pressure you can and shave your sweater like you would your face. It takes a little patience but it really does work.
Matt Court

Cole Haan is an excellent brand. A notch below the quality of AE but still very well built. I bought these Air Colton Chelsea boots earlier this year and couldn’t be happier.
DNameIsJapoy

Yo!

I have been recently (a few months ago) upgrading my sense of style and one of the common things that people have told me is that I “overdress”. Because of the usual getup around here is a t-shirt + jeans combo, I think they are just not used to seeing me like that. That’s why I’m afraid to wear ties (even the casual ones), blazers and sports jackets for casual days. What can I do to survive in this “restrictive society”?

Thanks.
Mike

Similar to DNameIsJapoy below, I’ve recently lost weight, bought a new wardrobe and have been accused of “overdressing” as well. I’m originally from southern california and am currently in the mid south where the weather is much cooler. As such I dress in layers and try to maintain a sense of fashion. People then notice that my outer jacket is stylish and because I’m not wearing a hoodie or some university sweatshirt I am “overdressed.” I’ve been thinking of switching to sweaters (half zip, things like that, looking at J Crew for inspiration) but still want to look like I’m put together. What switch can I make that will keep me stylish and keep others comfortable around me, while also keeping me warm?
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Why are you worried about what others think? You’re not dressing for them, after all. Take a look at how they present themselves, and if it’s not something you aspire to be, why take advice from them?

You should dress how you want, regardless of how everyone else does. If they’re saying stuff to you, it’s probably because they’re insecure about how they themselves dress, or they know how terrible they look and that you’re making them look worse when you actually give a damn about your appearance.

If the world dresses in jeans and tees but you want to wear a blazer, then wear a blazer. Life’s too short to worry about what everyone else is thinking. Stick to it, do what you want, and eventually your “overdressed” look will just become your look.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Where are you living now? Just curious what mid-Southern California is. I’m from SF. Anyway, I addressed the whole issue about people’s comments / overdressing below to Japoy.

I think part of that is worth repeating here. You shouldn’t dress to please others. Above all, you have to love what you’re doing and how you look, and most importantly, how you feel. If people give you shit for looking good, well, I guess life could be much worse.

What it comes down to is the fact that they probably aren’t as well dressed as you, and they need to put you down or give you a hard time so they feel better about themselves. I think you should turn it up a notch and start wearing suits every day. That’ll REALLY give em something to talk about.

If giving them a metaphorical F U isn’t much your style, just keep doing what you’re doing. Wear the jackets you like to wear, layer how you want to layer. When your dress becomes your routine, your confidence in it will be unwavering and these naysayers will no longer make you second-guess what you put on in the morning.
Lee

I’m a engineer at nuclear power plant, I need work clothes that can also be worn in an industrial environment. I usually wear khakis/ dark denim, polor and buttons ups and doc martens. Some of your posts don’t apply to my work attire, such as shoes with smooth bottoms, any suggestions for people who need more durable style?
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Sounds like you’re doing well as is, Lee. I bet you’re better dressed than 98% of your engineer colleagues. Just make sure the khakis and denim and shirts you wear fit your body; lots of guys throw stuff on without realizing it’s too big on them.

Without knowing how a nuclear power plant engineer should dress, I suggest just doing more of what you’re doing. If your clothes could possibly get soiled, I’d stick with garments that are more replaceable (i.e. a lower price point).

If you have specific questions about certain items / outfits, feel free to send an email (or reply here).
John

That’s a very handy list but its also kind of hidden away at the bottom of an article…any chance we could get a visual guide of all these items, maybe with links to several variations of each for different budgets/preferences?
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Hey John,

Yes, I’ve been working on something like that for the site. Hang tight.
KyleW

Long story short, I am currently in possession of two types of suit jackets: Grey pinstripe and blue pinstripe. I lost one pair of pants and the other can no longer fit. So I am basically stuck with two blazers that I cant wear (or so I have been told) becasue apparently pinstripe blazers only look fashionable with the matching pants. Is there any way I can salvage a decent look or are these blazers destined for the goodwill bin?
Marc Ryan

Hey Barron,

First off, I would like to say that I am a new reader of your site and am thoroughly impressed by your sartorial knowledge and consistency of quality posts. I have learned quite a few tips by just browsing through a few of your posts. Now, my question is if you have any knowledge about tailoring a jacket, specifically a Baracuta Harrington style jacket. I picked one up from a thrift store for about $5, made by Maus and Hoffman which does a lot of tailored clothing based in the UK. I looked on their site and they go for about $400! So I got quite a steal. However, I bought it in a Large because that was the only one I found. I typically wear a Small when I wear jackets, polos, shirts, etc. I just could not pass up on that deal. I wanna be able to make it a trim fit but I’m afraid that the quality of the jacket won’t allow me to tailor it like one can tailor jeans. Is there anything I can possibly do to shrink it? Or can I still have it tailored to make it slimmer? PLEASE HELP. Appreciate it Barron.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

I wear pinstripe jackets (part of a suit) with my dark denim. The “rule” is that you should only wear blazers (meant to be worn as separates) with denim, etc., and that suit jackets should only be worn with the matching pants.

It really depends on the jacket itself and its look / level of formality, but I think it can be done. Just keep the rest of the look clean (solid white dress shirt, dark denim, for example).
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Hey Marc,

That’s quite a find, nice job. Without knowing the construction of the jacket and the size differential between a S, M, and L, I’d be afraid that you can’t trim it down that much without compromising the jacket’s build. Then again, this is probably a good question for the tailor.

I’m willing to bet that a tailor can take it down significantly, though it may not be as slim as your other well-fitting size Small jackets. The Baracutas look great anyway, so even a minor slim down will be a big improvement.

Make sure he takes in the sleeves as well. Good luck! And thanks for reading.
Mike

Haha, sorry I’m in the “mid south” of the USA… Memphis, TN. Not quite the south, not the mid west, but right in between… the “Mid South.” Big change from sunny socal to … Memphis.

I do have something to add, I started to dress for me AND to impress my girlfriend. She noticed, and she liked it, which made it 10 times more worth it and made me feel so much better. She liked the smart layering, the cool jacket, and the shoes that weren’t worn out skate shoes (I still have them, but wear them when biking to work mostly, don’t want to scuff my nicer shoes). Thanks for everything Barron.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

That’s great, and it’s always good to keep the girlfriend happy Keep it up!
Fredericka Williams

If anyones looking for Colehaan I can get it for you for a great price especially if your from canada contact me at 7165341253
Jeff

What’s a good weekend/duffle bag with a good price? Any experience with herschel supply co. I’m kind of feeling this one.

http://www.punk.com/1599072.html
Qpunkt.

Hi Barron,

I’ve a question that I had a discussion about with some friends. Can you look stilish on a bike? My bike isn’t one of these fixies/singlespeed-hipster things but a propper oldschool racebike with a blue paintjob. I said yes but was met with feroucious nay-sayers. What say you?

Greetings from Switzerland,
Max.

P.S.: http://i.imgur.com/GnseU.jpg
Flacotechs

I’m looking for a new brown dress belt, but all I can seem to find are those cheap bonded leather jobs or the reversible ones (which are even worse IMO). Am I just looking in the wrong places? I feel like I should be able to buy a quality belt that will last me longer than six months or a year without breaking the bank. any suggestions? p.s. I don’t do much clothes shopping online as i prefer being able to thoroughly inspect my purchases before buying.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

I just discovered that brand the other day on svpply.com. I don’t have any personal experience with it, but that’s a classic duffel look, so sure, go for it.

I’m a bad person to ask about duffels. I have one weekender bag (http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/bags/PRDOVR~22457/22457.jsp) that I’ve used for years. My gym bag is a black and gray nylon thing I picked up from Target.

No matter what you end up with, buy a great one, and use it for a really long time.
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Are you kidding? Your bike is awesome. I was looking for something like yours a few years ago. I couldn’t find one in good condition and ended up buying a newer racing bike, but originally had the intention of purchasing something like yours.

Don’t listen to your friends; you absolutely can look cool on a bike, especially one like you own. Get dressed up and ride yours around like you own the street (just watch out for those crazy drivers).
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Where are you looking? I guess it depends on what you pick up. I’ve found belts at places like TJMaxx and Marshalls that last me longer than I want them to.

They have great belts at stores like Nordstrom, and at the turn of the season they sometimes break out those clearance tables and lay them out for a discount.

In a way, you get what you pay for. Another thing that might help is to own several belts, so you’re not using the same one every day, which will help with the wear and tear and eventual breakdown of your stuff. Same goes for shoes.
Flacotechs

I agree that you get what you pay for. I got this belt at Kohl’s for $35, so I wasn’t expecting it to last forever, but I was expecting more than three weeks. I have four other belts that I rotate through on a regular basis for the exact purpose you stated of not wearing them out too quickly. I just think it’s ridiculous to see the kind of wear this belt was showing after less than ten uses. I’ll have to hit up some better stores in the future. Thanks for the advice!
Edescallar

Where can I get a cheap herringbone sport coat?
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Cheap? Define cheap. What’s your budget?
Marc Ryan

Hey Barron,

It’s Marc Ryan again. Since your post is still viably open for discussion I had another question to pose to you, this time dealing with your personal advice.
I’m a 19 year old guy and I have an upcoming internship interview coming up in a week. I was wondering if it would be appropriate for me to wear a red plaid dress shirt under my gray suit coat. I find them to be great alternatives to solid dress shirts. Along with that, I was curious to know your opinion on the type of tie to wear with it. Ideally, a solid tie would work best, however I have worn plaid dress shirts with club and rep ties in the past. Is that too “trendy” for an interview? I’m thinking of just toning it down but I love a little youthful panache in my look haha. Maybe a nicely pressed white pocket square can help “ground” the look if it’s considered too “busy”? Appreciate the feedback, especially on the last post I made =)
http://effortlessgent.com Barron

Hey Marc,

What’s the internship for? Regardless, I think you’d be good with your red plaid / gray suit. Is it charcoal gray? Light gray?

Tie’s up to you; though I can’t fully endorse anything without seeing it first But in any case, internship interviewers probably have lower expectations since they’re dealing with college-aged kids, so you’ll probably impress them no matter what.

Yes to that folded white pocket square.

Good luck on the interview!