Our newest podcast episode is live and focuses on why we think details matter!

Here’s some notes and references we made during our latest episode.

• People are too fixated on price rather than style when they purchase clothing, especially when they are starting out.
• Basic wardrobe article: it’s important to have a style in mind when making purchases: ivy, vintage, drakes.
• Fit is important, but also “good fit” is subjective and depends on the style you are going for.
• Thrifting is a great way to experiment with different styles, without worrying too much about price.
• Some people would rather have something “new” or “trendy” instead of a distinct style.
• When you have an aesthetic in mind, that makes it easier to shop.
• Beginners focus on fit because there are “rules”. It’s easy to find something that fits and looks decent, more difficult to find a unique, stylish outfit. Try to do both.
• Some guys want the bare minimum without being too flashy, or putting in too much effort.
• When guys are starting out, they might not notice small details: collar length, lapel shapes, etc.
• Paying attention to details saves money in the long run since you put your money where you feel is more worth it.
• Ethan would rather have a half canvas jacket that is styled exactly as he likes, rather than a full canvas jacket that isn’t.
  • This isn’t skimping out: what you wear should look just like you want.
• Don’t be afraid to be specific with your preferences. You should know what you do and do not want.
• Fabric is important is often the first thing guys get picky about, so it makes sense to know what you like/prefer.
• If you’re buying new rather than thrifting, don’t waste your money and make sure it’s something you really like!
• Italian suits are not better than British suits (taste is definitely subjective), but Ethan prefers them all the same.
• “No one needs a Patek Phillipe, because an Apple Watch will tell you the time”
• At a certain point, quality doesn’t get any better.
• You can’t be a stylish person without paying attention to details and Ethan stands by that.
• A guy in a striped tee, high waisted jeans, and loafers has more style (to Ethan) than someone wearing a “whatever” plain shirt with sneakers, especially former has intent and direction behind the choices.  However, minimalism has intent as well and is perfectly fine.
• Even if you have a stylist, at some point, you’ll have to put pieces together yourself, so you have some responsibility.
• If you really want to dress well, work for it. There’s no shortcut.
• The shortcut is to copy what you like and study why you like it.

More Info

• Blamo Episode with Tommaso Melani (Stefano Bemer). It’s a great episode!

Q&A

Q: What are some cool ways to casually wear sport coats?

Spencer’s: Unexpected pairings: work shirts, military fatigues, or lightwash jeans.

Ethan’s: See Casual Ethan blog post. Choose casual fabrics: hopsack, tweed, seersucker- not super 100s wool. Try sport shirts and runaway collar. Jeans, wide legged pants and cropped for a Japanese look. Invest in a chore blazer. Try T-shirts: stripes preferred.

Send your questions or stories here!

 

Hopefully these notes help you follow along with the podcast!  And I pray that you understand why details matter.

Please don’t forget to rate us on iTunes and leave a review; we’ll read reviews as soon as we get enough of them! Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@styleanddirection).  Big thank you to MJ for editing the podcast and Matt for helping us compile notes and quotes.

Always a pleasure,

@ethanmwong & @spencerdso