Choosing a Tuxedo: Lapels

One consideration in choosing a tuxedo is what shape lapel is most fashionable and suitable to your frame. The shawl collar lapel is somewhat old-fashion, but still a classic. This style is a good choice for a man who wants something a little different, but still traditional. The peak lapel and notch lapel are far more common. The peak lapel is best suited to men with a slender frame who want to look a bit broader through the chest. If you have a broad build I would not recommend it. Finally, the notch lapel is universally flattering, and the most common lapel seen on tuxedos today.
This month's issue of Details has a spread on "summer black tie." They have some excellent tips, but they also condone some styling that I think is a little beyond the average man. For example, I would not recommend a colored or khaki tuxedo (hello 1970). Otherwise they have some excellent tips!

Images from men.style.com and garfieldminusgarfield.tumblr.com

Choosing Footwear

Trying to pick out what shoe you should wear for the next big night out on the town? How about to a business casual seminar?

What are the features of a dressy shoe?

• The pointier the toe, the more dressy the shoe
• The shiner the shoe, the more formal/dressy the shoe
• Laces are more formal than slip-on shoes

What color shoes go with my suit?

• Brown or oxblood shoes with a navy suit
• A black or gray suit should be worn with black shoes, although many Italian men will wear brown shoes with a black or gray suit...you can imitate them, if you think you can pull it off

What shoes should I wear with a tuxedo?

• You almost always wear black patent leather shoes with a tux
  

What shoes should I wear when dressing business casual?

• Loafers
  
• Slip on leather shoes
• Monk strap leather shoes

What shoes should I NOT wear when dressing business casual?

• Boat shoes are a little too informal for business casual
  
• Tennis shoes/sneakers are not business casual, not even trendy ones that you would never work out in
  
• Sandals are not business casual, they are informal, save them for the weekend
  
• Generally speaking, boots are not acceptable for business casual (there are some exceptions, but hiking, combat, motorcycle and western are all OUT)
• Patent leather shoes would seem to0 formal in such a setting
  

Other tips:

• Your shoes should match your belt
• You should keep your leather shoes well polished and your suede shoes should be brushed
• If you find a shoe is too slippery, you can have a thin rubber sole applied at a cobbler shop, this will also extend the life of your shoes
• Alternately, if your shoe is too slippery you can scuff up the bottom of the shoe

Image from zappos

Can you name the brand that goes with each logo?

From esquire.com

Surprise your sweetie with a love letter

Love letters are always a welcome surprise and a wonderful keepsake. Personally, I still have all of my husband's old love letters. My favorites are poems that he wrote in the style of e.e.cummings, my favorite poet. He is an engineer, not a poet, but these poems are perfect for me. Here are a few tips for writing a love letter:

• Use high quality stationary...if you don't know what high quality stationary is, you are always safe with something from Crane.
• Your stationary should express your personality...don't buy pink paper if you abhor pink
• Feel free to spritz the letter with your cologne
• Be honest and open, but don't feel like you have to get super mushy
• You might make a list of things you love about your lover in the letter
• You probably don't want to get into graphic sexual details
• You might write a letter about what you thought and felt when you first met
• You might write a letter about the moment you first knew you were in love
• Seal the letter in an envelope, lined envelopes are always nicer
  
• Leave the letter in a random place, but make it very obvious and make sure that no one else will find it first OR mail it OR hand it over at the end of a date...the element of surprise is always nice
• Up the romance quotient by delivering it with a single red rose
• Don't send a secret admirer note, they are a little scary and stalkerish in this day and age
• Surprise your soon to be spouse with a love letter on the morning of your wedding, before you walk down the aisle
  

Image from gethimback

Welcome USA Today Readers!

How to tie an ascot

Dear New Readers,

Welcome! The Charming Dandy is a blog full of lifestyle, etiquette and fashion tips for men, from a woman's perspective. Posts are published several times a week, including my weekly podcast, Charming Chat, which is kind of a cultural cliff notes. You can keep track of the Charming Dandy's newest posts by subscribing:

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Many of you are probably here becuase you read what I had to say about ascots in USA Today. If you are looking for more information on ascots, I've written two posts on the subject:
Chuck Bass (of Gossip Girl) wears ascots
Difficult to wear look: The Ascot

Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. Check out my other blog: Chic and Charming

Image from necktie.com

Charming Chat: Japanese Dining Etiquette

This week I will be giving pointers on dining etiquette in Japan, not planning on heading to Japan anytime soon? Well, then think of these as tips on how to avoid insulting your sushi chef.

Chuck Bass wears ascots

Gossip Girl seems to be attempting to single handedly bring back the ascot. Chuck Bass, one of the main characters, tends to wear his ascot well tucked in, kind of as a subtle accent peaking out from under his collar. I was not able to find a good picture, but Chuck is a great example of how to wear an ascot in a modern fashion. Above you can see a hint of pink ascot peeping out from beneath his shirt, much classier than exposed undershirt or chest hair. So, the next time your girlfriend makes you watch Gossip Girl, watch Chuck for some unique styling tips. Just be wary, ascots are not for everyone.

Image from images.ctv.ca