Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Style Scenario: Inauguration Upgrade

January 21, 2013 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Do President’s have stylists?  They must.  No big risks are ever taken.  Especially on inauguration day, so someone has to be keeping them all in line.  And that’s not a bad thing.  These are people with access to more nuclear power than any one or thing this side of the sun (Vlad Putin may be another exception… one can’t be totally sure).  No need to cause an international incident with a poor shirt or tie color choice.

But what if a few minor tweaks were made on inauguration day?  Nothing too crazy.  Just something slightly different than the standard Presidential style which has dominated these last few decades.  A few clothing adjustments for taking the oath of office, then walking the parade route after.  Your take & suggestions are welcome in the comments.
.

Dress Boots > Dress Shoes
Just as dressy, and you can wear Wigwams.
Just as dressy, and you can wear Wigwams.

Suggestion: Allen Edmonds Fifth Street – $247.00 ($250)

Washington D.C. can be frigid on inauguration day.  The great thing about the Fifth Street, is that they’re just as sleek and smooth as a dress shoe, and you can wear some thicker wool socks inside and no one knows the difference.  A little more ankle support for the parade too.  Plus, it’ll get the office back in the good graces of the Allen Edmonds CEO (because, y’know, I’m sure whoever is President would be concerned with that).

 

Medium Grey Suit (Ticket Pocket a plus) > Super Dark Suit
Like those Olympic unis... not made in the U.S.
Like those Olympic unis… not made in the U.S.

The Suggestion (& splurge): SuitSupply Sienna in Grey – $639.00.  Or the more affordable: J. Crew Factory Thompson Marled Suit Jacket & Matching Pant – $236.00

Would it be a crime to lighten up the suit shade just a touch?  Seems like Presidents are stuck with either black, or a navy or charcoal that’s so dark it LOOKS black.  This one hits a midpoint between uber-dark and summer light.  Plus the ticket pocket is a nice place to stash those nuclear launch codes.  If this feels just a little too light (and/or heavy on the checking account) the 80% wool / 20% poly J. Crew Factory Thompson is sitting at a plenty reasonable $236 right now.  No ticket pocket on that one, but the slightly flecked, marled fabric gives it a little more depth than the standard, Presidential, saturated solid charcoal, black, or navy.

 

Made in the USA semi-spread > Imported Point Collar
Shown: English Spread.  Go semi.
Shown: English Spread. Prez should go semi-spread.

The Suggestion: ratio/clothing white classic pinpoint – $89.00

God forbid any President of the United States not wear a lapel flag pin, or, a wardrobe completely made in the United States from head to toe.  At least this shirt matches the boots for country of origin.  That, and thanks to their precise fitting technique, just enough cuff will show and the collar will fit just right.  An investment, but one of the best investments out there.  A semi spread shakes up the too-common point collar seen in D.C.

 

Purple Tie > Red or Blue Tie
Like Boehner and Pelosi holding hands.
Like Boehner and Pelosi holding hands.

The Suggestion: Hugo Boss Tonal Weave Purple Tie – $42.00

Red States.  Blue States.  Red ties or Blue ties.  Y’know what’s reasonable, professional, and interesting without screaming its head off?  Purple.  Red + Blue = Purple.  It’s the bipartisan shade.  And the tonal texture on this one keeps it out of that Who Wants to be a Millionaire Regis-solid-shiny territory.  3″ wide hits the sweet spot.  Made in Italy.  Part of the 40% off one item sale LastCall has going on.  Now, let’s all hold hands and sing Kumbaya.

 

Pocket Square > No Pocket Square
A texture surprise against the suit.
A texture surprise against the suit.

The Suggestion:  Indochino Grey w/ Purple Stitching Pocket Square – $29.00

The big formal stuff happens later on in the night, so for the daytime swearing in, why not throw a little subtle color at your pocket?  Thirty bucks isn’t cheap for a pocket square by any stretch, but the grey linen with purple piping is awfully unique… in a good way.

 

Above the Knee Topcoat > Below the Knee Topcoat
Still black, but more athletic.
Still black, but more athletic.

The Suggestion: Massimo Duti Wool/Cashmere – $299 ($565), or J. Crew Mayfair Topcoat w/ Thinsulate- $198 (check in store for more sizes?), Indochino – $349.00, or Bonobos – $245 w/ JACKFROST30

A below the knee topcoat flies in the face of the rule of thirds.  The wearer ends up looking like they were rolled up in an area rug, then shoved out the door with buttons sewn on the front.  Opt for something that hits above the knee.  And black?  Well… it’s clean and professional.  Not the most stylish.  But having the President walk down the parade route in some camel colored or bold plaid number might be too flashy.

 

Camel Scarf for the Parade > No Scarf
In lieu of a full, camel colored coat...
In lieu of a full, camel colored coat…

The Suggestion: Amicale Cashmere Scarf – $49.00 ($168)

Just a bit of out-of-the-norm color here.  A warm camel color like this is pretty dashing up against a dark overcoat. Plus, it’s cashmere, so it’ll help keep the President warm.  William Henry Harrison could have used one.

 

Orient Explorer Dual Time > Jorg Gray Chrono
Sharpness.  Not simple.
A hackable automatic piece of wrist art.

The Suggestion: Orient Explorer Automatic – $455 w/ code WINTER2012

Our current president was given the Jorg Gray Chrono back in 2007 with a custom Secret Service logo in place of the brand name under 12 o’clock.  And in comparison to other world leader’s timepieces, that one is downright cheap.  The Orient costs a bit more (and a hefty $455 for most of us), but it’s nails if you like the busier dress watch thing.  In-house automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve.  The dual time function can help keep track of what time it is in D.C. when abroad.  Power-reserve indicator at the top with a date subdial at 6 o’clock.  Slide-rule around the outside.  Looks incredible on a black band.

 

Bold Style Red Herring > Everyone is too-focused on what the President wore
RES
R-E-S-P-E did you C that hat?!?

The Suggestion:  Bring Aretha Back with some more crazy head-wear.

The President has enough on the mind.  So, to prevent the Fashion Police from running wild all over the Commander in Chief’s wardrobe, insert a can’t-miss fashion distraction into the event.

Note: These alternatives are offered for ANY President taking the oath, not just our current President.  Seems like all the lawmakers in D.C. are in that dark suit, red/blue tie rut.  Thoughts from you on these alternatives?  Have other alternatives to the alternatives?  Leave it all (except politics) in the comments below.  Top Photo Credit

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes, Too Expensive, Watches Tagged With: Allen Edmonds, Aretha Franklin, dress boots, inauguration style, Jorg Gray, Orient, Pocket Square, presidential style, purple, Scarf, style scenario, topcoat

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

The Dappered Space: One Room, One Store – Target (and their Spring Home Sale)

The Dappered Space: One Room, One Store – Target (and their Spring Home Sale)

Looking toward the coming season of outdoor living.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s
  • Dappered Space Steal Alert: Home Depot One Day Outdoor Sale

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.