Sitting at LAX awaiting my fight to San Francisco. Typical commentary on the dress of passengers is in place but I will look for further signs of green shoots! (Cuffs are sticking way out given the seated position) • Suit — SJ-010, SL-019 (Ralph Lauren): A light brown Ralph Lauren Lauren Green Label suit in wool basket weave, with subtle dark brown and cream secondary tones. The jacket features rope & lightly padded shoulders, single vent, notched lapels, and beautiful mother of pearl buttons—85% lined with a business casual formality that reads approachable rather than stuffy. Perfect for a client who prefers understated elegance over formal rigidity. • Shirt — DS-043 (Charles Tyrwhitt): A sky blue non-iron herringbone dress shirt with a spread collar and French cuffs. High opacity cotton with excellent stitch density and a slim cut—the mid-blue undertones harmonize beautifully with the warm browns of the suit while the French cuffs accommodate statement cufflinks for my bespoke fitting. • Undershirt — US-007 (Pro Club): A chocolate-colored heavy cotton crew neck undershirt. Won't show through the high-opacity herringbone and coordinates with the brown suit palette—invisible but purposeful. • Tie — NT-032 (Fort Belvedere): A mélange silk knit tie from Fort Belvedere in brown with blue, red, green, and cream undertones. The thick, square-ended knit construction adds texture without overwhelming the herringbone shirt, while the earthy color story ties (pun intended) the whole ensemble together. Business casual formality that speaks sophistication. • Pocket Square — PS-004 (Charles Tyrwhitt): A light blue medallion pocket square in silk & wool with navy, brown, and white accents. The blue echoes the shirt while the brown coordinates with the suit—presented in a puff fold to keep the ensemble relaxed and approachable. • Belt — B-001 (Hanks): A black Hanks Highlined leather belt with silver buckle, top/bottom stitching, and pill-shaped holes. Fully lined for durability and structure—coordinating with the black shoes and watch strap for a unified leather story.

Unfortunately, we live in an era in which many men have forgotten—or perhaps were never taught—how to dress with intention. What was once considered a basic expression of self-respect and social awareness has gradually been replaced by a culture that often celebrates indifference, with many accepting an unkempt appearance as the new normal. I would submit that the ability to procure, coordinate, and build a stylish wardrobe is a skill set foreign to most men today. We often assume these principles are common knowledge, but the evidence suggests otherwise. This reminds me of the distinction between the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule. The Golden Rule tells us to treat others as we would like to be treated. The Platinum Rule goes a step further, encouraging us to treat others as they would like to be treated. In the same way, many style enthusiasts assume others possess the same foundational knowledge of clothing, fit, color coordination, and presentation that they do. They do not. If we genuinely wish to elevate the standard of dress among men, we must begin where they are, not where we assume they should be. Style, after all, is not an innate gift bestowed upon a fortunate few. It is a learned discipline—a combination of education, observation, and deliberate practice. Before a man can master the nuances of texture, proportion, and color harmony, he must first be taught the fundamentals. Only then can he develop a wardrobe that not only reflects his personality but also communicates confidence, competence, and respect for both himself and those around him.