Layers on layers on layers. (Clothing, not emotions)

I texted a buddy of mine back in Febuary who lives in Cincinatti and told him "it's 93 degrees". He responded with "must be nice, it's 32 here".  

Now I wasn't gloating or bragging, I was FREAKING JEALOUS! I love winter time. Fall and winter time is when Men's clothes Stand out (if you live where there are actual seasons). The long sleeves,the sweaters, the jackets, and all the LAYERING. That could be done.  But

living in the sunny So-Cal (I'm not complaining, the weather is amazing) some guys think putting a nice look together is a new quicksilver shirt and a pair of shorts. Its sometimes hard to layer my outfit of the day (OOTD). But it isn't impossible.  

Working at Nordys is interesting. You get a wide range of people. The old guy who wants to dress young, the old guy who only wears tommy Bahama. You get guys who only wear blue or white shirts (which is really strange).  

Or you run in to this situation back in the end of April/early May a late 40s guy is just blank starring at all the long sleeve wovens we had to choose from. So I approach him. I find out this is the first time he has bought clothes for himself since he was 20 something. His deceased wife of 20 some years used to buy his clothes for him. In 3 days he was going on his first date in almost 30 years, 2 years since his wife passed. "What do guys wear on dates these days?" He asked. I told him don't worry I'm gonna set you up right.  I wish I took a before and after pick. He was wearing 10year old Levi's and a work style button up shirt that was almodt 2 sizes to big for an accountant that no longer cares. I put him in some nice fitting jeans, and a nice Hugo Boss button up. He said "wow I look good. And the clothes fit." I told him we are not done. He had a concerned looked but was interested. He thought a shirt and jeans should be enough.I told him nonsense. It's about layering. Adding a piece or 2. Standing out from the rest. I got him in a John varvatos vest and Blazer. Boom! The look was complete. He took a pic with his phone and sent it to his sister. She was stunned. He then asked advice for his date. Where to go, what to do. I planned it out for him. 

(Surf and sand hotel for dinner at sun down, then walk up 3 blocks on the sand to a gelato place, then walk back. Pay for her valet at the hotel. And send her off) 

 He comes back in the day after his date to shake my hand. Seriously. He said the date went great. And she was really impressed on his style. They even planned their second date during their first one (my idea). I saw him again about 2 months ago and he said they are still dating. 

Now back to the LAYERING and how. 

A light weight cardigan over a button up is great so cal weather look (think NBA, or NFL Players at the post game press conference)

(This look is meant for the leaner man. So if your six pack has a triple order of wings and nachos on it.....stick to the normal sweater look) 

Or throw a solid color vest into your work suit. It doesn't have to be the same color as the jacket which seems to be the hesitation with a lot of guys.

Like Hunger Games here:

Or go match a vest and pant with a different color jacket like the Fresh Prince here: 

During the winter time the harsh weather in So.Cal (snicker snicker) can get down to as low as the high 50s! I'm not gonna lie. I still sometimes go out in a T-shirt just so I don't feel like a wimp. 

Another warm weather layering tip is to  throw a Henley over a button up in your work suit like this 

Also take note on the pocket square. Now most of you guys are looking at it and thinking "it looks sharp but it aint me". HORSESHIT! It absolutely can be. (ill explain how to fold/wear the pocket square in another post later on)

Layering is simple. Here are some Basic rules in no particular order 

1- the "layered" piece is about adding color to the outfit. 

2 -pick contrasting colors. 

3- patterns with solids. Like pattern button up + solid sweater or Solid button up + pattern sweater.  If you are brave enough to bare the pattern on pattern make sure not only are the patterns different but also different in scale (size wise).  Simple right?  

4 - 3 pieces at the most. Like Shirt, vest, jacket. Or shirt, sweater (v,crew, Henley) with a jacket. 

I don't consider ties/bow ties, or pocket squares as an additional piece of layering. A layered piece is an article of clothing that can be worn alone. You're not walking outside in slacks and just a tie. Unless you make your living dancing for the ladies then......go as you please. 

A buddy of mine told me once "you dress for the job you want, not the job you have."

But why should I do it? Because most guys DON'T. Most guys walk into the office with just the normal button up and slacks/jeans whatever. If you throw on just one more piece and immediate become the ALPHA MALE in style at the work place. You'll distinguish yourself for the rest or Neanderthals who just want to coast by in life and work.  

Also when your out with the lady.  She tries pretty hard and consumes a lot of time to look great for you when their is a date night, company outing, or meeting up with friends. Just throw on one extra piece and stand out. Show your lady that you want to make her proud to be standing next to you. 

Take this look.  Button up collard under a crew neck with the sleeves rolled up, with some nice contrasting dark denim.

Always remember "don't make your wife jealous of other women. Make other women jealous of your wife". 

Be that Dad with SWAG.