Dappered » Color Quotient

Esquire Color Quotient – PURPLE 5%

Joe — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:49:14 +0000

The Esquire Color Quotient – PURPLE 5%

DKNY Silk Pin-Dot Tie – $34.99 | Paul Smith Striped Socks – $30.00

Purple. The Color of Kings. It also got Julius Caesar killed.

It’s the only color in the spectrum that the pure sound of the word is reminiscent of someone ripping a belch and a fart at the same time.

puRR-puuule. … “‘scuse me.”

Limit your purples and plums to small pieces like ties and socks. The DKNY pin-dot tie is understated both in the shade, and the size of the dots on the tie. The Paul Smith striped socks are ridiculously expensive, but, they provide a good example of a pair of socks that’s perfect for a muted suit. Charcoal gray suit, white shirt, subdued tie… if you want something to jump out, why not a pair of bizarre socks?

Bottom line: Some people reaaalllly like purple. I’m not one of them.

The Esquire Color Quotient – Standard Blue 11%

Joe — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:20 +0000

The Esquire Color Quotient – Standard Blue 11%

Levi’s 527 Low Rise Boot Cut – $29.99 – $58.99 | Express 1MX Fitted Oxford

Allow me to be honest.

I have no idea what Esquire is going for here.

To me there are three “blues.” Dark, or Navy Blue… pale, or light Blue… and Blue Blue. Standard Blue is Blue Blue. And I own plenty of Dark Blue, and Light Blue, but hardly any Standard Blue.

And I think that’s a good thing.

Chuck Norris owns plenty of Blue Blue. But I’m guessing you’re not going for that Walker Texas Ranger Look.

We’re going to suggest that you consider keeping your blues dark… and light. There can be some in between, like these Levi’s 527 Jeans in the color “Overhaul.” But even those are leaning towards dark blue.

For Light Blue, keep a couple of well tailored and short-in-the-tail oxfords around. Like the Express 1Mx in their fitted style. They call light Blue “Horizon” These shirts are brought in enough that you don’t even need to go get them tailored. They’re the only oxfords I’ve ever found that fit perfectly off the rack. The Express 1MX fitted also looks great tucked in, or untucked for a more casual setting. Two of my all time favorite shirts are old, beat up Express 1MX shirts that I wear on the weekends.

Standard Blue is just a bit too Blue Blue. Keep your jeans dark, and your shirts light. Switch that around and you run the risk of looking a little (at worst) “Dad-ish,” or (at best) “President-ish.”

But in his defense, looking like the President, most of the time…
Ain’t that bad of a thing.

The Esquire Color Quotient – BLACK 15%

Joe — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:59:55 +0000

The Esquire Color Quotient – BLACK 15%

Fratelli Cap Toe Oxford – $63.95

Black might not be the dominant color in your closet, but chances are it is the dominant color for most of your shoes and accessories.

Black shoes, belts, socks, watches, etc… even if you work at a job that never sees neckties or pants made of something other than denim, you still most likely have a pair of black lace ups to wear to weddings and other important events.

Shoes are one of those items that you might want to splurge on. If you make sure to shine them every once in awhile, and you put cedar shoe trees in when you’re not wearing them, a well made pair of shoes could last year a decade or more.

These aren’t a particularly well made pair of shoes, but, they’re affordable. I’ve had a pair of Fratellis for going on three years now. They look great. And they cost me less than $75.00.

Buying a pair of oxfords is a test in moderation. Don’t get square toes, but don’t get a super pointy pair either . Make sure they have a good natural shine to them, but stay the hell away from patent leather. And yeah some extra stitching can give your shoes a bit of extra character, but don’t buy a pair that looks like they were designed by Jackson Pollock’s cobbler cousin.

Keep em’ black, keep em’ simple, and keep em’ in good condition.

The Esquire Color Quotient

Joe — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:07:35 +0000

The Esquire Color Quotient

Ever look into your closet and think to yourself: “Damn I own a lot of red t-shirts.”

No?

Okay, ever look into your closet and think to yourself:
“Damn I own a lot of (fill in color here) (fill in clothing item here) -s”

Sure. I think we all have. To help solve that problem, Esquire Magazine has given us their handy-dandy Color Quotient guide. Think of it as a visualization of what amount of what colors you should have in your closet, at any given time, for maximum versatility.

No it doesn’t have to be precisely followed, but it can offer as a good reality check. Y’know… in case eight years ago that hot brunette in your Physics lab said you “looked really cute in your tangerine-colored polo,” and now you’ve got more light orange shirts than a Tennessee Volunteers Tailgate party.

We can all fall victim to habits.

So sop it up, print it out, and make good use of the Color Quotient. If you’re looking for some examples of stuff to purchase for that closet of yours, we’ll be offering up one item a day, for the next 10 work days, for each of these colors.

Even Orange.