When deciding to level up my style game, it was almost through necessity. I was (and am) on a weight loss journey, and had hit the midpoint-plus mark when literally all of my existing clothes no longer fit my shrinking frame. I needed a new wardrobe, completely and entirely, so why NOT shape it with intent and chase a New Me? I came to Skool, joined style groups. Looking to learn, but also to inform. My journey, to me, seemed intriguing, unique. I’d have Opinions, and Insights, and Things To Say. Turns out that EVERYONE is seemingly on the exact journey as me. I’m not a special snowflake. But that’s great! I can still share what I’ve learned, so those on the first steps can benefit from the mistakes and decisions I’ve made. So this is the first post in a series that will share my knowledge of the “glowing-up while sizing-down” process. Hopefully it’ll prove enlightening. #1 - Clothes That Fit Are Very Tight. At my largest, I topped 20 stone. I’m short too, so those factors combined into making me largely spherical. And, as a fat man, I leaned into the trope of the Baggy Fit, believing that an oversized jumper would convince the world I was a closet waif. Ridiculous, I know. It was a jumper, not an invisibility cloak. I’m almost 7 stone down from those heady heights, with another couple to go, and my learnings from groups such as these have driven me into clothes that are more stylish and suited to my frame, and clothes that actually fit me properly. And BOY, do they feel tight and restrictive. There are a couple of factors to this. The first is that yes, the fits I’m choosing now ARE a little snug. Because I’m still shrinking, so I’ve chosen clothes with a modicum of future-proofing in this regard. When I hit my ideal size, the gloves will come off and I’ll be exacting in the dimensions. But the second and most important factor is that while the head can do the maths, the heart still believes I’m as big as I ever was. And after literally fifty years of comfort and expanse, there’s a little rebellion against the new slimline casements. How can I wear something so form-fitting?! People will notice how fat I am!!

Hello Gentlemen! I understand that ties with short sleeved shirts are a style faux pas, but what do you think about a bow tie with a shirt sleeved shirt?

Quit late in the day, but that's the air of a relaxing family. I let the AI app write up the rest... and it loved to be flowery... and is a fan of Fort Belvedere it appears! "Saturday Blues: Family, Friends & Fort Belvedere Corduroys" Sometimes the best outfits aren't about making a statement—they're about being present. Today was one of those magical Saturdays: family time, catching up with friends, and the crack of the bat at the ballpark. The dress code? Comfortable, confident, and casually put-together. When you look good without trying too hard, you can focus on what really matters—the people around you. • Shirt — HS-009 (Charles Tyrwhitt): A Charles Tyrwhitt hybrid shirt in ocean blue linen with a subtle bird's eye pattern. This slim-fit piece from Bangladesh bridges the gap between dress shirt and casual—soft point collar, barrel cuffs with mitered edges, no pocket, and that gorgeous natural linen texture. The medium opacity breathes beautifully on a mild spring day, and that 2.4" collar height keeps things relaxed without looking sloppy. Perfect for a day that might involve cheering, eating ballpark food, and spontaneous photo ops with family. • Undershirt — US-007 (Pro Club): A heavy-weight chocolate Pro Club crew neck that anchors the warm brown tones of the lower half. With the ocean blue shirt, this darker undershirt prevents any show-through while adding that substantial feel I've come to expect from Pro Club. • Pants — PN-012 (Fort Belvedere): The stars of today's show—Fort Belvedere Stancliffe corduroys in dark chocolate brown, gifted by my wife for Christmas '25. These Portuguese-made beauties feature a hefty 705g/sq.mtr. cotton construction that drapes like a dream. High rise, classic fit, hook & clasp closure with that signature five-pocket layout including a ticket pocket. The cuffs add a touch of elegance to what's already a premium casual trouser. • Belt — B-011 (Hanks): The Esquire Raised in Havana brown leather with white edge stitching—American-made quality that feels like it'll last forever. The silver buckle (removable!) adds a subtle flash against the warm browns, and the pill-shaped holes give it a refined touch. This belt has been in heavy rotation lately because it just works with everything brown-adjacent.

I got my first safety razor today. I've been wanting one for awhile. I've been waiting til I found one that came with a stand. This one was a good deal from Marshall's for $7.