I chuckled at the thumbnail and title of your latest video Ash. I was born and raised in rural Ireland. I recall my aunt and cousins visiting us in Summer. They were born and raised in the city. I remember the look of horror on their faces as we, their country cousins, dressed in wellingtons, jumpers and corduroy trousers as we took off across the fields. My cousins on the other hand, looked ridiculous as they carefully tried to avoid cow pats, thorns and water puddles in their blazers, city shoes, shirts and ties. I still wear my wellies and cords when at home, but I can dress well when going out, even if it's only to the grocers or the cafe. For me, the mark of a well dressed man is being aware of his environment and weather conditions before going out the door.
In a previous generation, the duffers STILL wore their jacket and tie for t' plow the fields and such, but maybe skip the tie cutting turf at the bog, like?
I tell people all the time that I'm not dressing up in a jacket and tie to go to the archery range. That said, wearing clothes that aren't torn, that fit properly, that don't have a logo on every square foot, will put us about 4 out of 5 people when you get to where you're going.
Great advice Ash. Well said. Dressing appropriately isn't backsliding. Be prudent and don't ruin your nice garments. One can be as casual as can be and still have style. Keep things clean and tidy.
I think one should take the Gentleman's Gazette route and keep it classic all the time, but where an outfit that fits the environment. The grocery store would call for a crew neck jumper, a button-down shirt underneath, khakis, and loafers. Cary grant loved cardigans, and so should you.
Chuck has voiced the problem we all face - at least those of us who are intentionally well-dressed. I stopped wearing jeans years ago, but every week when I take my young boys to their swimming lessons, I find myself wishing that I still had a pair; chinos and polo shirt feels overdressed at the swimming pool.
I'm sitting here in a shawl collared cardigan watching your video :). You're right- style isn't about always being in a suit, it's about looking good and appropriate wherever you are going, by making conscious choices in what you are wearing and why!
Hello Ash, I love your volume knob analogy. Being flexible and understanding that there is a time and a place for certain outfits/clothings items keeps one's sanity intact 😅 I love how I look dressed up (so does my wife!), but the reality I live in sees me wearing dark navy/dark gray jeans or chinos, some tipe of boot (usually Chelsea ) and some type if or smart casual sweater or cardigan. Take care!
Again, excellent, excellent video Mr Ash. Changing style from casual to smart casual goes so far. And you reminded myself that I need some colorful scarfs for my wardrobe, always admire your scarf -bomber jacket combo.. From across the pond, cheers all the best
Thanks Ash, I really needed this actually. Five years ago I was in a suit every working day - now it’s barely once a month, and recently I’ve begun to feel like a slob. Just a few tweaks here and there will restore the feeling that I’m dressing with purpose.
I've reached the point, Ash, where if I leave the house without wearing a jacket and tie I feel like I'm in one of those dreams where you are back in high school walking the halls naked. The fact of the matter is that you never know who you are going to encounter in public, even if just running to the grocery store for a few items, and you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Having said that, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say here about 'smart casual' style. -If you must wear jeans, make sure that they are a dark wash denim that are tailored to your physique, and pair them with suede loafers, dress boots, or wingtip brogues instead of sneakers. A colourful scarf can elevate an otherwise nondescript outfit, especially during the drab, wet and rainy weather of a mild winter, and a tweed flat cap with a bit of colour and texture can go a long way to improving the style quotient of a man even on those days when he's not going to be wearing a suit, jacket, or blazer. When lounging around the house at this time of year, a cardigan sweater is my go-to choice for elevating my style, even if I'm not doing anything more that sitting in front of a crackling fire with a book in one hand and a mug of coffee in the other.
When I wear a pair of jeans it's a straight leg pair of black Levi 514s. A great alternative to chinos, and they look great in most day to day situations. Hope this helps anyone who's considering a smart pair of jeans.
I'd reccomend L.L Bean duck boots for the wet days walking the dog. They, in my opinion, look a bit cooler than say regualr wellingtons and they give that old money vibe when worn with a pair of rolled up chinos.
Greetings fellow Ashlings, --and happy Still-New Year! Suggestion: Keep high-quality items for every point on the Ash Presentation Dial and you'll be appropriately turned-out at any setting!
Helo Chaps, I'd like to share my approach to "maintaining the desirable level" in dressing. For example, my grandfather never wore hoodies, t-shirts or sweatpants. Why? Well, he didn't have any. He had shirts for work, for home and formal. The same with trousers, jackets, sweaters, vests, etc. You could quite easily distinguish just from one look what kind of outfit he's sporting at the time, because of the shape, patterns and so on. He never looked over or under dressed, even though he was wearing same type of clothing, because of different levels of formality and cut. So, I took the inspiration in it, and once I've decided to change my wardrobe, I've just donated garments I've found unsuitable for my new looks. I even had few, that wasn't worthy of donating. You know: "It's good for home, or work…" No, it isn't, those were good just for rags and so they have ended. Actually, my avise on the topic is: "If you don't want to slip, eliminate the opportunity as much as you can." You can't wear sweat pants if you don't have any. I've found, that working with wood, home chores, garden work etc. is quite possible and can be same comfortable if you have a shirt or a t-shirt. The important is cut and material of fabrics you are wearing. The bonus is, that one can feel "million bucks" even with rake while raking the fallen leaves on the garden, if properly dressed in quality fabrics and well fitted cuts. But don't forget, formal shirt will stay formal even if it's wear-off, work shirt's cut is quite different, looser. And they lived forever after (quite a story I'd made).
This maybe not relevant, but I slipped with shaving for a few days so I thought I'd make an experiment out of it and see how my new safety razor would cope with 7 days of foliage. Turns out with a new blade it took the lot off with one careful pass. The theme is, you let something slip for a while but you can fix it really easily. Also, I just wanted to talk about my new shaving ritual, you were right to call it a ritual because that's exactly what it is. I love shaving now. Thanks, Ash.
If there's something that I have to do that I don't want to do or have to go somewhere I don't want to go to, I'm likely to wear jeans, a t-shirt, and dressy-looking shoes. My jeans and t-shirts all fit quite well with no tears or logos. Even with these types of simple clothing, my clothes still look better than the majority worn by those in public settings (America).
Jeez, Ash, I though you looked pretty good in the photo with the chap from Australia. As others have commented, dressing appropriately for the situation is key.
Ash . I don't wear T-shirts anymore. When I'm at home I wear a shawl collar sweater as well with an Oxford button down shirt. I keep old button down shirts or polos to work in the yard. Agree with you on the shoes and jackets. If you just upgrade from a T-shirt to a polo you will be just as comfortable but much more stylish. Cheers Ron
Nice! My lounge-wear for at home is usually a polo with an informal cravat and a dressing gown (no, not a repurposed bathrobe😉), relaxed trousers but no athleisure and slippers in leather, cord or felt. In winter it might also be a "home suit", no, not a pyjama, a two piece essentially in some nice 19th century like pattern. As you said, there's always a actually "low effort" way to look just a tiny bit better. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
Thanks! As for smoking jackets I own a burgundy-and-black one in velvet which I usually use for occasions that might be be black tie but are more intimate, like the larger family dinners we tend to have around Christmas. Though I honestly don't know if it was worth it and I freely admit it was a "oh! Shiny😍!" -buy...it's nice but... This is why I've not committed to getting a dark purple smoking jacket as the cherry on top for home-wear which I've been eyeing for months now...🤔 Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
Good advice as always. My number one piece of advice when going casual is to avoid shirts with big logos. It looks sloppy and honestly, nobody cares that you attended the university of Wisconsin, or you like the Dallas Cowboys. Nobody. So winter or summer, wear basic white, black or grey t shirts, and sweaters or sweatshirts without logos. I also agree about footwear. Is nice pair of boots, or chukkas look nice or minimalist sneakers. Again, so long as they don’t have big logos.
Great guidance Ash. I would add that you can source stylish garments from thrift stores i.e. a second hand great coat, corduroy trousers and a lot sleeve country style shirt. Pair those with good wellington boots, a carved wood stick and a decent hat and you have a 'go to' dog walking outfi that is comfortable. Have it in an easily accessible place ready to go. Secondhand clothing gives you less to worry about in terms of mud or damage but can still leave you presenting well. What do you think?
Great topic. If I’m just running errands or going to the gym, I’m very casual. Workout clothes, sneakers, maybe jeans, bubble coat etc. Otherwise, my base layer (so to speak) includes some type of button shirt, a sweater, and maybe chinos. Just dress for the occasion but have some type of standard that is remarkably you.
I just turned 60 years old and am a strong proponent of being aware of the fashion/styles 'of the moment' but mixing them with fashion staples in your capsule wardrobe. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being edgy on occasion but you don't want to appear totally clownish. I am threatening to purchase the CONVERSE RUN STAR MOTION shoes in all black suede to serve as a 'fashion statement' piece at a concert event in Europe. I know they will be controversial but it depends on how you pair them with an outfit. Sometimes you just have to go-for-it.
Mustard moleskin trousers tailored to be 1/2” shorter over the laces of oxblood toe-cap leather dress boots with a sewed-in tongue and rubber soles. That is what I wear for my country walks, have done so for many years, out of fashion but never out of style. Wind proof and warm trousers and waterproof boots are my winterwear clothes, jeans are far too cold for winter especially if they get wet, nothing worse.
Not too bad for a casual outfit on a summer day in Bristol, although a camp collar would have been so much nicer (I myself wouldn't wear the American-style button down collar, especially not with an open neck). The Explorer is an excellent choice with a short-sleeve shirt in an urban environment! The Welsh Chap was slightly more stylish than the Australian Chap, as you wore a shirt with a collar, as opposed to a T-shirt. I also appreciate the absence of tattoo's on both Chap's. 👍😀
Good morning Ash, Chaps As I have oft commented, much as I aspire to be well dressed, life gets in the way. As a practical, outdoorsy sort of chap, I wear practical, outdoorsy clothing most of the time. For work I have branded Polo and Sweat shirts with cargo type trousers. Home life will see me in Cargo shorts or technical trousers with a T-shirt or sweat shirt. If we're off out I will don "proper" trousers a shirt or sweater and a jacket. Foot wear, hmm, Walking boots or desert boots for casual, brogue or my Indy boots if styling up. Luckily as a "Mr Average" size wise, most clothing fits well "off the peg" :D . Should I need to have sleeves or legs altered, I am capable of doing it myself. If it comes to turning my style up to 11, there is Mess Kit and medals, as I'm certain many other chaps hereon can attest. Style is very much a sliding scale. But whatever you wear, have confidence in it and wear it well. *Salute
I always wear Oxfords, and a collared shirt and heavy chinos at a minimum, but in summer I wear alpargatas, lighter chinos and short sleeved collared shirts, it’s pretty simple to maintain a smaller wardrobe and I cannot stand trainers, jeans or t shirts.
thing is for most with blue collar job , don t have a reason to dress well , am photographer , so many times the better i dress the higher price i can ask for my work , and the better am treated when go for a drink or shopping , when just go to s market or buy some smokes , will go with cargo pants donwjacket and hiking boots , when for drink or shopping , go with dark jeans , sport jacket or overcoat , chelsi or broge boots
Good advice here Ash. Bit of a question coming up. If like me, someone has had a major operation on their abdomen, which has left a misshapen abdomen, what would your advice be to enhance your look?
Hi Jim, I think we would be in a category of comfort and function over form in such a situation. I would opt for loose fitting trousers that look smart, yet still provide the comfort level required in such a situation. I am a fan of corduroy and especially flannel (wool) and find these materials so comfortable and elegant, yet they are the gentleman's equivalent of the jogging trousers, when it comes to casual dapperness!
@@TheChapsGuideThank you Ash. Some good advice here. I’m off to Switzerland in July, so comfort will be top of my mind which looks stylish and practical for such a journey. God bless. Jim.🫡
Hi Ash, I know your topics are mainly sartorial but what are your opinions about men’s skincare and appearance? In your opinion Is it ok these days for men to use makeup on their face on a daily basis to to cover up minor blemishes or make their facial skin appear more vibrant or youthful when traditionally this has been considered a sign of femininity?
Nothing wrong with jeans and a T-shirt by any means. Trick is to smarten it up with the proper shoes and coat. Darker jeans/solid color T-shirt(NO GRAPHICS!!) a Barbour/Belstaff waxed jacket. Also, I’d recommend a pair a Blundstones 🙏👊🇨🇦.
Sound advice! I've yet to experience a pair of Blundstones, I think I prefer the slightly more refined look of the RM WIlliams boot, although they share much of the same DNA.
@@peterbarratt3416 to really appreciate Blundstones one must understand Newfoundland. They’re among top 3 in worldwide sales. Must be for no good reason though.
o.O - I'm a very hidebound individual - well no, I'm not actually defining it like this...😅But I really tend to have what I'd consider "a more elegant solution" (...of a more civilized time...🤣)for most things, like just this morning I brought an old mattress and some pots and pans to the recycling centre so I dressed in a cord three piece (the broad kind, not the elegant fine cord) which is durable and I sometimes wear to the woods, brown boots with "commando" (Vibram) soles, a brown newsboy cap and an informal cravat. Costs me zero further effort than throwing on some other early pre-spring appropriate light work outfit but looks insanely better and, I'll admit most importantly, makes *me* feel better. But maybe I'm a bit of a nutcase... I'm the kind of bloke to own a black chino suit the single purpose of which is to be worn with band shirts on heavy metal concerts...🤣 But the fact is that probably all of us here *will* be dressed a helluvalot better than most people do even when when dressing down. I know a lot people to whom a chino with an untucked shirt would be already dressy. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
If fit is king, function is emperor. Black cap toe oxfords are fairly pointless when tilling the soil on your allotment. That's why God gave us Dutchies wooden shoes. My clogs make me feel fairly imperial, in a peasant sort of way.
Ash, with all due respect, you keep making the point that "formal" shoes are somehow a compromise in comfort. From my experience, that just isn't the case. High quality leather shoes with Blake construction, for example, can be supremely comfortable. You can forget you're wearing them and there is no compromise in comfort. In fact, your feet will definitely sweat less than they would with sneakers so for me good leather shoes are the most comfortable shoes possible.
@ABC-rh7zc I don't get that. I have been following Ash's channel for over two years and he has clearly said that amongst his favourite shoes are pairs of Loake Burgundy Burford Brogues, a Grenson quarter brogue and similarly a black quarter brogue. As a regular wearer of the same, I can attest to there being nothing less than a high level of comfort in wearing well fitting shoes of these (mid level) brands that Ash has previousl;y described. When well looked after and presented, it is certainly true that people may notice and compliment you on your footwear. Not asked for, but nice all the same.... I agree that decent, well fiting leather shoes are way more comfortable than any gimmicky/branded trainer shoes....
Like architecture “form follows function.” Casual should still be stylish. Pieces taken from adventure sport wear, repurposed military garb, or even an artist’s smock and cravat, combined with simple staples. Don’t try too hard. Be what you’re wearing.
Function and style can be synthesized, but it has a cost. You've got to reduce formality level, allow clashing, or do something weird like leaving the mid 20th century. Personally, I see no good reason why jeans and utility boots can't be worn with a tweed jacket and tie.
Because jeans tend to fade, they bleed out and then they just look shabby. And if they look shabby the good impressions a tweed jacket will make are lost. Why not wear corduroy trousers or cavalry twill trousers? They are more versatile in colour too as opposed to jeans which are by and large only blue.
I think we need to recognise that formality ≠ well-dressed. We've all seen men in tuxedos that looked dreadful (dirty, ill-fitting, poor quality materials, etc.) And we've all seen men who look great in jeans, sneakers and a plain white t-shirt. Dress appropriately for the circumstances. Dinner at a nice restaurant, a high-level business meeting, etc. - and you might want to go with a jacket and tie. But walking your dog through muddy fields? Well-dressed means practical, waterproof, and dirt-resilient shoes and garments.
Also, know that a tailor is NOT a miracle worker! But sometimes I spent extra on pair of jeans and they fit worse, but maybe last longer because thicker fabric but otherwise wearing one thing more makes it last less longer overall, etc. We've covered most of this.
I chuckled at the thumbnail and title of your latest video Ash. I was born and raised in rural Ireland. I recall my aunt and cousins visiting us in Summer. They were born and raised in the city. I remember the look of horror on their faces as we, their country cousins, dressed in wellingtons, jumpers and corduroy trousers as we took off across the fields. My cousins on the other hand, looked ridiculous as they carefully tried to avoid cow pats, thorns and water puddles in their blazers, city shoes, shirts and ties. I still wear my wellies and cords when at home, but I can dress well when going out, even if it's only to the grocers or the cafe. For me, the mark of a well dressed man is being aware of his environment and weather conditions before going out the door.
Well said sir!
In a previous generation, the duffers STILL wore their jacket and tie for t' plow the fields and such, but maybe skip the tie cutting turf at the bog, like?
Most the Irish still wearing jeans and such now, anyway, so lucky you for having more traditional relatives.
Casual is fine, just be put together.
I tell people all the time that I'm not dressing up in a jacket and tie to go to the archery range.
That said, wearing clothes that aren't torn, that fit properly, that don't have a logo on every square foot, will put us about 4 out of 5 people when you get to where you're going.
Great advice Ash. Well said.
Dressing appropriately isn't backsliding. Be prudent and don't ruin your nice garments. One can be as casual as can be and still have style. Keep things clean and tidy.
I think one should take the Gentleman's Gazette route and keep it classic all the time, but where an outfit that fits the environment. The grocery store would call for a crew neck jumper, a button-down shirt underneath, khakis, and loafers. Cary grant loved cardigans, and so should you.
Chuck has voiced the problem we all face - at least those of us who are intentionally well-dressed. I stopped wearing jeans years ago, but every week when I take my young boys to their swimming lessons, I find myself wishing that I still had a pair; chinos and polo shirt feels overdressed at the swimming pool.
Even James Bond wore cargo pants and utility boots when the situation called for it.
I'm sitting here in a shawl collared cardigan watching your video :). You're right- style isn't about always being in a suit, it's about looking good and appropriate wherever you are going, by making conscious choices in what you are wearing and why!
Hello Ash,
I love your volume knob analogy. Being flexible and understanding that there is a time and a place for certain outfits/clothings items keeps one's sanity intact 😅
I love how I look dressed up (so does my wife!), but the reality I live in sees me wearing dark navy/dark gray jeans or chinos, some tipe of boot (usually Chelsea ) and some type if or smart casual sweater or cardigan.
Take care!
Thanks for taking my question, Ash. Spring is coming. 😀
Again, excellent, excellent video Mr Ash. Changing style from casual to smart casual goes so far. And you reminded myself that I need some colorful scarfs for my wardrobe, always admire your scarf -bomber jacket combo.. From across the pond, cheers all the best
Thanks Ash, I really needed this actually. Five years ago I was in a suit every working day - now it’s barely once a month, and recently I’ve begun to feel like a slob. Just a few tweaks here and there will restore the feeling that I’m dressing with purpose.
I've reached the point, Ash, where if I leave the house without wearing a jacket and tie I feel like I'm in one of those dreams where you are back in high school walking the halls naked.
The fact of the matter is that you never know who you are going to encounter in public, even if just running to the grocery store for a few items, and you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Having said that, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say here about 'smart casual' style. -If you must wear jeans, make sure that they are a dark wash denim that are tailored to your physique, and pair them with suede loafers, dress boots, or wingtip brogues instead of sneakers.
A colourful scarf can elevate an otherwise nondescript outfit, especially during the drab, wet and rainy weather of a mild winter, and a tweed flat cap with a bit of colour and texture can go a long way to improving the style quotient of a man even on those days when he's not going to be wearing a suit, jacket, or blazer.
When lounging around the house at this time of year, a cardigan sweater is my go-to choice for elevating my style, even if I'm not doing anything more that sitting in front of a crackling fire with a book in one hand and a mug of coffee in the other.
I look at it as though I am dressing for the time, place and occasion.
Intentionality seems to be the point. Casual wear chosen with intent makes all the difference. I am trying this now myself and it is helpful...
As a alternative to denim jeans, I go for moleskin jeans which go well with a variety of situations.
When I wear a pair of jeans it's a straight leg pair of black Levi 514s. A great alternative to chinos, and they look great in most day to day situations. Hope this helps anyone who's considering a smart pair of jeans.
I'd reccomend L.L Bean duck boots for the wet days walking the dog. They, in my opinion, look a bit cooler than say regualr wellingtons and they give that old money vibe when worn with a pair of rolled up chinos.
Greetings fellow Ashlings, --and happy Still-New Year! Suggestion: Keep high-quality items for every point on the Ash Presentation Dial and you'll be appropriately turned-out at any setting!
Helo Chaps,
I'd like to share my approach to "maintaining the desirable level" in dressing.
For example, my grandfather never wore hoodies, t-shirts or sweatpants. Why? Well, he didn't have any. He had shirts for work, for home and formal. The same with trousers, jackets, sweaters, vests, etc. You could quite easily distinguish just from one look what kind of outfit he's sporting at the time, because of the shape, patterns and so on. He never looked over or under dressed, even though he was wearing same type of clothing, because of different levels of formality and cut.
So, I took the inspiration in it, and once I've decided to change my wardrobe, I've just donated garments I've found unsuitable for my new looks. I even had few, that wasn't worthy of donating. You know: "It's good for home, or work…" No, it isn't, those were good just for rags and so they have ended.
Actually, my avise on the topic is: "If you don't want to slip, eliminate the opportunity as much as you can." You can't wear sweat pants if you don't have any.
I've found, that working with wood, home chores, garden work etc. is quite possible and can be same comfortable if you have a shirt or a t-shirt. The important is cut and material of fabrics you are wearing. The bonus is, that one can feel "million bucks" even with rake while raking the fallen leaves on the garden, if properly dressed in quality fabrics and well fitted cuts. But don't forget, formal shirt will stay formal even if it's wear-off, work shirt's cut is quite different, looser.
And they lived forever after (quite a story I'd made).
This maybe not relevant, but I slipped with shaving for a few days so I thought I'd make an experiment out of it and see how my new safety razor would cope with 7 days of foliage.
Turns out with a new blade it took the lot off with one careful pass.
The theme is, you let something slip for a while but you can fix it really easily.
Also, I just wanted to talk about my new shaving ritual, you were right to call it a ritual because that's exactly what it is. I love shaving now. Thanks, Ash.
If there's something that I have to do that I don't want to do or have to go somewhere I don't want to go to, I'm likely to wear jeans, a t-shirt, and dressy-looking shoes. My jeans and t-shirts all fit quite well with no tears or logos. Even with these types of simple clothing, my clothes still look better than the majority worn by those in public settings (America).
Jeez, Ash, I though you looked pretty good in the photo with the chap from Australia. As others have commented, dressing appropriately for the situation is key.
Ash . I don't wear T-shirts anymore. When I'm at home I wear a shawl collar sweater as well with an Oxford button down shirt. I keep old button down shirts or polos to work in the yard. Agree with you on the shoes and jackets. If you just upgrade from a T-shirt to a polo you will be just as comfortable but much more stylish. Cheers Ron
Nice! My lounge-wear for at home is usually a polo with an informal cravat and a dressing gown (no, not a repurposed bathrobe😉), relaxed trousers but no athleisure and slippers in leather, cord or felt.
In winter it might also be a "home suit", no, not a pyjama, a two piece essentially in some nice 19th century like pattern.
As you said, there's always a actually "low effort" way to look just a tiny bit better.
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
@@RaoulKunz1 sounds very stylish. I have been looking for a smoking jacket . Best regards Ron
Thanks!
As for smoking jackets I own a burgundy-and-black one in velvet which I usually use for occasions that might be be black tie but are more intimate, like the larger family dinners we tend to have around Christmas.
Though I honestly don't know if it was worth it and I freely admit it was a "oh! Shiny😍!" -buy...it's nice but...
This is why I've not committed to getting a dark purple smoking jacket as the cherry on top for home-wear which I've been eyeing for months now...🤔
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
My guilty pleasure is cargo trousers.
Good advice as always. My number one piece of advice when going casual is to avoid shirts with big logos. It looks sloppy and honestly, nobody cares that you attended the university of Wisconsin, or you like the Dallas Cowboys. Nobody. So winter or summer, wear basic white, black or grey t shirts, and sweaters or sweatshirts without logos.
I also agree about footwear. Is nice pair of boots, or chukkas look nice or minimalist sneakers. Again, so long as they don’t have big logos.
Great guidance Ash. I would add that you can source stylish garments from thrift stores i.e. a second hand great coat, corduroy trousers and a lot sleeve country style shirt. Pair those with good wellington boots, a carved wood stick and a decent hat and you have a 'go to' dog walking outfi that is comfortable.
Have it in an easily accessible place ready to go. Secondhand clothing gives you less to worry about in terms of mud or damage but can still leave you presenting well. What do you think?
Great topic. If I’m just running errands or going to the gym, I’m very casual. Workout clothes, sneakers, maybe jeans, bubble coat etc. Otherwise, my base layer (so to speak) includes some type of button shirt, a sweater, and maybe chinos. Just dress for the occasion but have some type of standard that is remarkably you.
Great video as always, Ash! And you're right on the money, always choose quality over quantity!! Cheers
I just turned 60 years old and am a strong proponent of being aware of the fashion/styles 'of the moment' but mixing them with fashion staples in your capsule wardrobe. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being edgy on occasion but you don't want to appear totally clownish. I am threatening to purchase the CONVERSE RUN STAR MOTION shoes in all black suede to serve as a 'fashion statement' piece at a concert event in Europe. I know they will be controversial but it depends on how you pair them with an outfit. Sometimes you just have to go-for-it.
Great topic choice, Ash!
I've never experienced that by God's grace, I've just never looked back.
Mustard moleskin trousers tailored to be 1/2” shorter over the laces of oxblood toe-cap leather dress boots with a sewed-in tongue and rubber soles. That is what I wear for my country walks, have done so for many years, out of fashion but never out of style.
Wind proof and warm trousers and waterproof boots are my winterwear clothes, jeans are far too cold for winter especially if they get wet, nothing worse.
Not too bad for a casual outfit on a summer day in Bristol, although a camp collar would have been so much nicer (I myself wouldn't wear the American-style button down collar, especially not with an open neck). The Explorer is an excellent choice with a short-sleeve shirt in an urban environment! The Welsh Chap was slightly more stylish than the Australian Chap, as you wore a shirt with a collar, as opposed to a T-shirt. I also appreciate the absence of tattoo's on both Chap's. 👍😀
Good morning Ash, Chaps
As I have oft commented, much as I aspire to be well dressed, life gets in the way.
As a practical, outdoorsy sort of chap, I wear practical, outdoorsy clothing most of the time. For work I have branded Polo and Sweat shirts with cargo type trousers. Home life will see me in Cargo shorts or technical trousers with a T-shirt or sweat shirt.
If we're off out I will don "proper" trousers a shirt or sweater and a jacket.
Foot wear, hmm, Walking boots or desert boots for casual, brogue or my Indy boots if styling up.
Luckily as a "Mr Average" size wise, most clothing fits well "off the peg" :D . Should I need to have sleeves or legs altered, I am capable of doing it myself.
If it comes to turning my style up to 11, there is Mess Kit and medals, as I'm certain many other chaps hereon can attest.
Style is very much a sliding scale. But whatever you wear, have confidence in it and wear it well.
*Salute
I always wear Oxfords, and a collared shirt and heavy chinos at a minimum, but in summer I wear alpargatas, lighter chinos and short sleeved collared shirts, it’s pretty simple to maintain a smaller wardrobe and I cannot stand trainers, jeans or t shirts.
Great advice...
Fantastic
thing is for most with blue collar job , don t have a reason to dress well , am photographer , so many times the better i dress the higher price i can ask for my work , and the better am treated when go for a drink or shopping , when just go to s market or buy some smokes , will go with cargo pants donwjacket and hiking boots , when for drink or shopping , go with dark jeans , sport jacket or overcoat , chelsi or broge boots
Good advice here Ash. Bit of a question coming up. If like me, someone has had a major operation on their abdomen, which has left a misshapen abdomen, what would your advice be to enhance your look?
Hi Jim, I think we would be in a category of comfort and function over form in such a situation. I would opt for loose fitting trousers that look smart, yet still provide the comfort level required in such a situation. I am a fan of corduroy and especially flannel (wool) and find these materials so comfortable and elegant, yet they are the gentleman's equivalent of the jogging trousers, when it comes to casual dapperness!
@@TheChapsGuideThank you Ash. Some good advice here. I’m off to Switzerland in July, so comfort will be top of my mind which looks stylish and practical for such a journey. God bless. Jim.🫡
Hi Ash,
I know your topics are mainly sartorial but what are your opinions about men’s skincare and appearance?
In your opinion Is it ok these days for men to use makeup on their face on a daily basis to to cover up minor blemishes or make their facial skin appear more vibrant or youthful when traditionally this has been considered a sign of femininity?
Good question. I think I may incorporate that in to a video response. Thank you for the question sir. Ash
I’ve probably said this before but as one TH-camr always says: “Buy it nice or buy it twice.”
Nothing wrong with jeans and a T-shirt by any means. Trick is to smarten it up with the proper shoes and coat. Darker jeans/solid color T-shirt(NO GRAPHICS!!) a Barbour/Belstaff waxed jacket. Also, I’d recommend a pair a Blundstones
🙏👊🇨🇦.
Sound advice! I've yet to experience a pair of Blundstones, I think I prefer the slightly more refined look of the RM WIlliams boot, although they share much of the same DNA.
@TheChapsGuide Blundstones = the "poor cousin" to RM's (Craftsman Classic) ... always ... :)
@@peterbarratt3416 to really appreciate Blundstones one must understand Newfoundland. They’re among top 3 in worldwide sales. Must be for no good reason though.
o.O - I'm a very hidebound individual - well no, I'm not actually defining it like this...😅But I really tend to have what I'd consider "a more elegant solution" (...of a more civilized time...🤣)for most things, like just this morning I brought an old mattress and some pots and pans to the recycling centre so I dressed in a cord three piece (the broad kind, not the elegant fine cord) which is durable and I sometimes wear to the woods, brown boots with "commando" (Vibram) soles, a brown newsboy cap and an informal cravat.
Costs me zero further effort than throwing on some other early pre-spring appropriate light work outfit but looks insanely better and, I'll admit most importantly, makes *me* feel better.
But maybe I'm a bit of a nutcase... I'm the kind of bloke to own a black chino suit the single purpose of which is to be worn with band shirts on heavy metal concerts...🤣
But the fact is that probably all of us here *will* be dressed a helluvalot better than most people do even when when dressing down.
I know a lot people to whom a chino with an untucked shirt would be already dressy.
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
If fit is king, function is emperor.
Black cap toe oxfords are fairly pointless when tilling the soil on your allotment. That's why God gave us Dutchies wooden shoes.
My clogs make me feel fairly imperial, in a peasant sort of way.
My dad always wore a shirt, collar, tie and a three piece suit to mow our lawn back in the day.
@@TroyTempest1 hats off.
Ash, with all due respect, you keep making the point that "formal" shoes are somehow a compromise in comfort. From my experience, that just isn't the case. High quality leather shoes with Blake construction, for example, can be supremely comfortable. You can forget you're wearing them and there is no compromise in comfort. In fact, your feet will definitely sweat less than they would with sneakers so for me good leather shoes are the most comfortable shoes possible.
I agree, well said.
@ABC-rh7zc I don't get that. I have been following Ash's channel for over two years and he has clearly said that amongst his favourite shoes are pairs of Loake Burgundy Burford Brogues, a Grenson quarter brogue and similarly a black quarter brogue. As a regular wearer of the same, I can attest to there being nothing less than a high level of comfort in wearing well fitting shoes of these (mid level) brands that Ash has previousl;y described. When well looked after and presented, it is certainly true that people may notice and compliment you on your footwear. Not asked for, but nice all the same.... I agree that decent, well fiting leather shoes are way more comfortable than any gimmicky/branded trainer shoes....
Like architecture “form follows function.” Casual should still be stylish. Pieces taken from adventure sport wear, repurposed military garb, or even an artist’s smock and cravat, combined with simple staples. Don’t try too hard. Be what you’re wearing.
Function and style can be synthesized, but it has a cost. You've got to reduce formality level, allow clashing, or do something weird like leaving the mid 20th century. Personally, I see no good reason why jeans and utility boots can't be worn with a tweed jacket and tie.
Because jeans tend to fade, they bleed out and then they just look shabby. And if they look shabby the good impressions a tweed jacket will make are lost. Why not wear corduroy trousers or cavalry twill trousers? They are more versatile in colour too as opposed to jeans which are by and large only blue.
I think we need to recognise that formality ≠ well-dressed. We've all seen men in tuxedos that looked dreadful (dirty, ill-fitting, poor quality materials, etc.) And we've all seen men who look great in jeans, sneakers and a plain white t-shirt.
Dress appropriately for the circumstances. Dinner at a nice restaurant, a high-level business meeting, etc. - and you might want to go with a jacket and tie. But walking your dog through muddy fields? Well-dressed means practical, waterproof, and dirt-resilient shoes and garments.
I hate seeing men wearing dress pants where the cuff in back is dragging the ground. Such a simple fix. 😵💫
Will you be getting a Rolex Day-Date at some point ?
It was a possibility for a while, but no longer. I have reached the end of my Rolex journey and now seek for adventurous avenues in the future.
I still disagree with the jeans and the "dress" sneakers on principle!!
Also, know that a tailor is NOT a miracle worker! But sometimes I spent extra on pair of jeans and they fit worse, but maybe last longer because thicker fabric but otherwise wearing one thing more makes it last less longer overall, etc. We've covered most of this.
Those hybrid sneaker-dress shoes look nice but not my cup of tea.
promo sm
Something video bomb you . 😱
Dress well, but don't go King Kong over it!