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Real Men Real Style Community

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7 contributions to Real Men Real Style Community
Seeking advice: Which style projects authority - Classic Gentleman, Military Minimalist, or Bold Leader?
Hey everyone, I need some advice on developing a more authoritative appearance now that I've joined the management of the building I live in. Currently, I'm just known as the tech guy with dogs who wears faded black Fruit of the Loom t-shirts and black jogging pants - not exactly commanding respect. Following earlier advice from this community, I've started building a countryside look with a Barbour shirt that I plan to pair with military Bundeswehr pants, a vest, and Lowa GTX Renegade Mid boots. I'll definitely share photos once everything arrives. Here's where I need your input: I'm trying to understand what truly creates an authoritative presence in daily situations. I've been considering three different style archetypes. First, there's the classic English countryside gentleman - trustworthy and refined. Second, there's the Gabriel character from Mission Impossible with his minimalist military aesthetic - few colors but strong contrasts, projecting a silent show of force. Third, there's Negan from The Walking Dead, whose authority comes from bold, slightly unhinged charisma. Each represents a different approach to authority: the nice guy everyone trusts, the silent strength, and the loud commanding presence. I'm looking for real-world advice on what actually works when you need to be taken seriously without appearing like someone who can't say no or gets pushed around. What style have you found most effective for establishing respect in a building management position?
Seeking advice: Which style projects authority - Classic Gentleman, Military Minimalist, or Bold Leader?
1 like • 4d
@Steve Talbott I totally agree with you, but let me think out loud for a moment. You're absolutely right that I need to work on my "command presence." For years, my authority was based solely on my salary and image as the Tech Guy - the person whose time is so valuable that it's cheaper to have an assistant bring coffee while I continue working. And yes, I'm definitely addressing my behavior first, but the right outfit will amplify that impact. I'm not sure if you've read the full context here, but the short version is: my opponent in the building is the investor's widow. Through her late husband, she's established herself as the Millionaire's Wife who owns the building, acting like everyone's landlord who must be obeyed. But it's pure impostor syndrome - the reality couldn't be further from this image. Yes, she still owns some apartments she's trying to sell, but she has almost no liquidity. All her properties are actually frozen by the court due to an inheritance dispute. She wears designer clothes, but most were bought by her husband years ago. The new items, like her recent bag, are obvious knockoffs - complete with an oversized Chanel logo. Here's the telling part: Last week I saw her in the city. We clearly noticed each other. Neither of us wanted to talk, but instead of simply walking past, she actually crossed to the other side of the street and pretended not to see me. This is without ANY prior direct confrontation between us. My goal is to convince the other residents that I'm the better choice over the old management system she represents. Fighting opponents like this requires going the extra mile on every front.
0 likes • 4d
@Paul Patino One of the problems is, that I live in the house and the people are my neighbors. I also have three dogs. And most of the time I work from home. That's the environment. When I go out with my dogs, I can't wear a suite. And I've got the same issue, when I go for example out to pick up a package. It's impossible to have the polished business look in a household environment. For some special occasions, yes. But not for day by day usage. That's why there was the idea with the Country-Classic Gentleman look combined with military elements.
Help me find my style: Professional meets working dog owner
Hey everyone, I need your advice on building a more authoritative wardrobe that actually works with my lifestyle. I own an entire wing on one floor of my apartment building and have a house in the countryside, but my appearance completely undermines my position. Most of the time my neighbors see me, I'm walking my dogs in worn-out Fruit of the Loom T-shirts with holes, jogging pants, and shoes that puppies have chewed on. This is destroying my authority, especially when I need to be assertive with well-dressed neighbors. Imagine trying to establish boundaries with someone wearing a $2,000 outfit while you're standing there in ratty sweats. The power dynamic is immediately against me, and it's not like I can pause mid-conversation to go change clothes. The challenge is that I have three working dogs - two White Swiss Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois - who jump on me with muddy paws. Dog training means going through woods, sitting on wet logs, and generally getting dirty. These aren't gentle Golden Retrievers either, they're serious working breeds, so dressing like a polo player or equestrian would look ridiculous. Plus, I'm overweight, which limits my clothing options even further. What I need is clothing that's durable enough for dog training but authoritative enough for property management. I've been considering a few directions: hunter or outdoor style for that professional but practical look, military or tactical brands like UF-Pro in olive green for something tougher and more serious, workwear from companies like Engelbert Strauss that's designed for handymen and similar professions, or hiking brands like Jack Wolfskin, though honestly that's my least favorite option. I need to look like a serious property owner, not just 'the tech guy with dogs.' Which direction would you recommend for someone who needs to project authority while still being able to work with demanding dogs? I hope you can help me figure this out.
3 likes • 13d
@Anthony Buntyn Yes, absolutely. My dogs know their boundaries too. But we're talking about different situations here. You're referring to dressing up for work or meetings. My situation is more casual but still needs authority: I'm walking my dogs, and on the way back I run into the snobby neighbor who starts complaining that my wet dogs smell like wet dogs. Obviously, I can't wear a suit when I'm taking my dogs through the woods.
1 like • 13d
@Aran Ewens Hmm... Honestly, I'm very interested in following this style, or at least trying it out. It would be interesting to see how this outfit holds up against typical expensive designer brands like LV or D&G. What I don't understand is why both labels put their logos all over everything. You cannot miss an LV handbag - it just screams 'I'm LV and my owner is damn fucking rich because they can afford me.' The more I look at these three pictures, the more I really like them. And the more I think this outfit might actually work in the apartment building context.
Brighted a Cloudy Day
With a bright suit and contrast with a Dark Musky Powdery Balsamic scent
Brighted a Cloudy Day
3 likes • 13d
Wow, I'm impressed
Friday and back home
TGIF everyone! I hope everyone has a wonderful day full of happiness and positivity after the week. The shirt, Peter Millar The pants, Vince The shoes, Allen Edmonds The scent, Jo Malone Cypress and Grapevine The watch, Citizen The hair, by me Make it a good day.
Friday and back home
2 likes • 13d
Great look
Daily Motivation
"A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to cottect them.: John C. Maxwell Have a great day brothers.
10 likes • 14d
Absolutely! But the problem is, that today a lot of guys are not men!
1-7 of 7
Dimitri R.
5
344points to level up
@dimitri-r-6004
Currently I have three dogs, two White Swiss Shepherds and a Malinois.

Active 2d ago
Joined Sep 12, 2025
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