Some questions are better answered publicly since others might be asking the same thing, or, one of you has the perfect answer. If you’ve got a style tip, question, or anything else you’d like to pass along, you can send those in here. If you’d rather your question not be featured in a future mailbag, just go ahead and say so in your email. Top Photo Credit: Tracy O.
Q: Why bother with a watch?
Bear with me, but I just don’t understand the appeal of wearing a watch. I’ve been dressing nicer for awhile now, and I like it a lot. But I just don’t get wearing a watch. Most of us are already carrying a phone. – Jeff
Here’s the existential answer: What is life? If we start dying the day we are born, then would it not behoove us to appreciate our fleeting existence, instead of passing from one distraction to the next, until our hearts and minds are quickly dissipated into irrelevancy like a fart on a windy day? A mobile phone is a stunning achievement in technology, but for most, it does little to further the greater human experience. They are effective devices for communicating, but they’re also a gateway to becoming addicted to fleeting, wasteful distractions. Wearing a wristwatch on the other hand, is a constant, visible reminder that your life is not unlimited. Each flick of the second hand is a tangible signal of your eventual demise. We are all dying men, and our perishing only accelerates when we fall oblivious to the inexorable period at the end of our sentence. A wristwatch reminds us that we are always running out of paper and ink.
Here’s the short answer: It looks better than pulling out your mobile to check the time.
Q: Dressing for the 1st day on a job/internship
This summer I’ll be starting my junior year internship at a top 10 health consulting firm in Chicago–which means I’ll now need to update my wardrobe to have a better repertoire of business-professional/business-casual clothing. I’m looking for suggestions on what to wear on the first day, and I think many others would value similar advice. So, what do you think would be appropriate on the first day of an internship in a business-professional/business casual type of environment? – Sean
This is a good question, especially because many think the advice of “dress for the job you want” is fool proof. Thing is… it’s not. I might want to be a starting linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to show up to work in shoulder pads and a helmet (okay… bad example). As an intern, you want to be professional… but you’re still an intern. You gotta know your role. So walking in on the first day in a power suit, white dress shirt, & full Windsor knot in your silk tie might be seen as… overkill. A good rule of thumb is to dress slightly better than you’re expected to. So if most interns will be in pleated khakis, billowy shirts, and dated looking ties, try slim cotton trousers, well shined lace-up shoes, a tailored shirt, a cotton or silk knit tie (keeps the flash to a minimum), and maybe a simple watch. It’s the first day, so it’ll be okay if you happen to be over or under dressed. Observe while you’re at your gig, then adjust accordingly.
Q. Avoiding Shoe Creases
I have creases in my shoes (Allen Edmonds Fairfax) and I want to know how to keep them to a minimum. They are in what I consider a normal location when someone walks in them (seen above), right below the laces. I have shoe trees but they may not fit the shoe right and I confess that I am not very consistent at waxing/conditioning. – W.
Ah, see… leather’s gonna crease. And it’ll be a little more visible on a pair of wholecuts like the Fairfax. That’s one of the advantages to a cap toe or a wingtip. The lines of the stitching can visually “hide” some of the creases. That said, the Fairfax is a killer shoe. Embrace the creases. Gives em’ character. Like wrinkles on a person’s face, it shows they’ve maybe seen a few things here and there. But if you wanna mimize the creases, make sure you’re putting cedar shoe trees in them after every wear, and consider using shoe cream instead of polish. Shoe cream (like Meltonian
Q: Elbow patches on sportcoats? Yay or nay?
What’s your opinions on elbow-patches on sport coats? I know they’re usually a fall/winter thing, but I’m thinking about picking one up. Yay or Nay? -Pem
Overall? Yay. But Nay until you have the basics covered like a navy wool, and a polished cotton in grey/or mid blue, etc… Elbow patches are a nice, professorial detail, but those patches are inherently casual. Even though they’re tacked onto a sportcoat, it’s awfully hard to dress up elbow patches. Sure, they’re a bit rugged even (think, shooting jacket) but a crisp white dress shirt just looks a little less sexy under a tweed blazer with patches. If it’s got patches, it’s a beer blazer. Not a cocktail blazer.
Q: How would I go about writing for Dappered?
Send an email to joe@dappered.com with the subject “Writing for Dappered“. Be specific. What do you want to write about? Come up with an idea, and make a quick argument for why you think you’re the right person to write that piece for Dappered. Try and tackle something that hasn’t been covered before, or take a new position on something. Compensation will vary depending on the length of the piece as well as photos & graphics provided (that’s a key, the pics… keep that in mind). Flattered that you’d ask!
Q: Jude Law’s Jacket on The Daily Show
I’m looking for the double zipper sport coat that Jude Law was wearing on the daily show this week. Could I get some help?? – Nick
Actually, that just looks like a flight jacket, not a sportcoat. And that’s an… interesting outfit he has going on there. Air tie, pinstripe, higher-waisted trousers… and the jacket with the bottom zipper unzipped quite a bit? Outerwear, inside, can always seem a little forced. But the feeling you get from Jude Law though, is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. As to where to get the jacket, try your local Army/Navy surplus store. Challenge is going to be finding one without the usual, standard ribbing at the cuffs and hem.
Q: I’m a PR Flack, and I’d like to buy your attention with free product
Hi, I hope you’re well! At your earliest convenience, can you please let me know your denim sizes along with your mailing address? Thank you! – Tim@somerandompragency
Allow me to analyze. Let’s see, you never bothered to mention what brand you represent, you’ve never done business with Dappered before… ever… and you seem to be implying that you honestly think:
- Dappered and its writers would accept freebies (nope, sorry. we very much do not)
- We’re dumb enough to open up our doors to a Trojan horse. Once the jeans are in, you think you’re in too. I can see the annoying emails now: “How’d you like them?” “They’d make for a great review, when do you think you can write one up?” “Could we run a contest where readers have to tweet out our website, like our facebook page, and then sign up for our email blast list to win a pair of our CRUMMY DENIM THAT’S SO CRUMMY I WON’T EVEN SAY THE NAME OF THEM IN THE INTRO EMAIL?!?!“
UPDATE: Hand to God, this email just came in this morning. A follow up. Onions. Or, just plain ignorance.
Got a question or a style tip? Send them to joe@dappered.com. Additional answers to the above questions can go in the comments.
The watch answer. Deep thoughts for a Tuesday morning.
Whenever I’m confronted with the “why should I watch” question, I often say that the wristwatch is an innovation from the pocketwatch. Reaching into one’s pocket to check the time (even though the phone is a highly technological piece of equipment) is a regression. Kinda like saying “why do I need a remote control for my television, it has dials to change the channel, right?”
You also cannot discreetly check your phone for the time. Pretty disrespectful to pull it out.
I will turn around and go back home if I forget to wear my watch to work; even before I’d turn around for my phone.
I feel more naked without my watch than when I forget to wear pants to work.
A thousand times yes to this.
I wear watches because it’s the only piece of man jewelry (besides a wedding band) that’s acceptable. Plus, buying a nice watch is like buying a nice suit. It’s a status thing. I’m 29 years old, and no I cannot afford to purchase an IWC Portuguese at this time, but one day I will. It’s something I can work towards.
For right now, I’ll enjoy wearing my Invicta haha
It’s Patek Phillipe or nothing for me. Hence…so far it’s been nothing.
Please, name & shame. PR flacks need to get called out.
Is the shirt and tie without a jacket “rule” not in play when working an internship? Or since it is a business/healthcare setting it makes it acceptable?
I’m not wearing underwear. Thought I would just throw in a random comment.
Wow, I wish my intern would have sent you a similar message before he started. The kid wears what was probably his grandfather’s suit…. every single day!
I used to be in the “why wear a watch? I have a phone!” camp. But after some modest additions to my accessory arsenal (a couple of Timexes and a Skagen) I’m firmly on Team Watch. Somehow it just makes me feel like more of a grown-up. Even if I got it for $30 at Target.
I like how forgetting pants is apparently a regular occurrence for you. I thought I was the only one . . .
“Pretty disrespectful to pull it out.”
TWSS.
Joe, I wanted to thank you for respecting your readers. Accepting freebies, but only as giveaways to us, and not requiring us to sell our souls (i.e. share our FB post, like our FB page, and then leave us a message to prove you’ve done so) gives me a greater respect for you. If I like your company enough, I’ll like your FB page. If your sale is good, I’ll share your post. But don’t make me do it to win $25 or $50 or $100. I’m not vain enough to make my friends endure that crap. Thanks, Joe.
You’re more than welcome Matt, but two things:
1. It’s the golden rule. I don’t like being treated that way as a customer or reader, and…
2. It’s good business. I’m not really doing it out of the goodness of my own heart. I’m not doing anyone any favors. I really think it’s just better this way.
Like for #2, especially.
Why not give him a gentle nudge? “Hey, fella, do you have a moment to talk clothes?”
I work for a healthcare consulting firm and almost everyone wears suits even though we’re “business casual.” I agree with Alex, ask around before you show up underdressed.
I think it’s acceptable to break a perfectly stupid “rule.”
Jacket on the first day might be overkill. First day = blend in. Figure it out. Go from there.
Not sure why my posts keep getting deleted but at any rate…Joe – I’m a great fan of Dappered. It’s part of my daily read. I have a question (or challenge) for you: I was very athletic as a child and developed fairly large thighs. My waist measurement is 36″ with and inseam of 32. Problem is, my thighs fit comfortably in 38W mens pants and look like bell-bottoms from the knee down and of course the waist is too big. I’m just short of getting all my slacks and chinos tailor made but I’m not bringing in that type of money for that. Have you had other users comment or experience this issue? Any recommendations?
How’s your Skagen holding up for you?
I have tried being indirect by jokingly asking if he’s interviewing for another job during lunch. Also tried being very direct with him and explaining that being over-dressed can be a problem because he’s ostracizing himself from the rest of the interns, but he doesn’t seem to care. We have a very casual office and everyone notices that he is way over dressed (people comment on it all the time). Most men below manager level dress in jeans, gym shoes, and polos/ v-necks.
No problems at all. Got it for $60 on Amazon Prime and everything is running like clockwork *chortle*
Do they have a negative reputation?
I was just curious. I’m a believer that all men should have a wrist watch of some sort to complete their outfit.
I always liked the Skagens, even before I wore a watch regularly. Nice clean Scandinavian design at a reasonable price. It’s like IKEA.
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/pB6D–AZwWU/maxresdefault.jpg
I don’t understand the “utilitarian” skepticism toward watches. Particularly because no one who’s on Dappered in the first place seems to apply the same logic to any other area of men’s style.
“I already have a phone, why do I need a watch?”
“I already have a black polyester sack suit, why do I need a tailored, navy wool suit?”
“I already have square-toed pleather dress shoes, why do I need cap-toe balmorals?”
If you boil everything down to pure utility, of course you don’t “need” anything that is worn purely or primarily for aesthetic, sentimental, or culturally prescribed reasons.
But even in addition to the aesthetic or sentimental reasons to wear a watch, there are also practical advantages. If you have a watch, you will still know the time if your phone battery dies. You will be able to discreetly check the time in scenarios where whipping your phone out of your pocket would be considered rude or tacky. You will still know the time in a setting where cell phones are prohibited (i.e. a federal courthouses) or just a bad idea to carry (at the beach/pool/gym, doing manual labor, etc).
Using a tie bar might help avoid that “First Communion” look.
Not sure I’d wear a watch at the pool or while doing manual labor, but I see your point.
Depends on the watch. I would wear a G-Shock doing manual labor or to the pool / workouts especially if I was timing myself.
The one accessory I can’t be without is a wristwatch. I only wear mechanical tank style watches. While temperamental and not as accurate as my iPhone I think they make a statement and are worth the extra effort of setting, winding & maintaining.
I have no problem with people who want to wear a watch. I can see why you might think they look cool/ are practical. But on the flipside to your comparisons you could make a comparison like:
“I don’t wear a suit to work, I only wear them at funerals/weddings. I already have a nice SuitSupply charcoal suit. Why do I need a linen suit for summer, even though there are practical advantages in addition to aesthetic reasons?”
I’ll spend my money on something with more utility AND something I enjoy more. And spending money in ways that provide the maximum of those seems like very Dappered logic.
I started to wear a watch after I figured checking my phone for the time was both lame and rude in many instances. However, after wearing a watch for so so long, I’ve gotten the notion from people who see me the most that when I check my watch for the time it sends the signal that I’d rather be somewhere else or I’m pressed for time. So either way, I lose. But I wear a watch any because it looks nice !
IMO the reason for a watch is the same reason anyone visits a style site like this, with an additional practicality bonus
thank you for this. I laughed and sneezed all over my screen.
I’m not sure your comparison is fairer or more accurate than mine. You are basically comparing an entire category of accessories to one particular, highly seasonal, typically expensive niche item within a category of clothing. A linen suit is a niche item of extremely limited versatility that frankly, 98% of guys would never have any compelling reason to wear, outside maybe a couple of casual summer weddings. Watches, on the other hand, take innumerable shapes and forms, from sleek and minimal to rough and rugged to flashy and sporty. There are trendy “niche” watches, but there are also plenty of timeless, “charcoal suit” watches that can be worn virtually every day. Nor does a watch need to be as expensive as a seasonal suit – not only in hard dollar terms, but also in terms of price-per-wear (if you assume an item you wear once provides you with less value than an item you wear regularly).
Obviously, a guy can choose to wear whatever he wants. But IMO, an outfit without a watch looks incomplete – like a business suit without a tie or lace-up shoes without laces. A well-chosen watch adds a level of polish and seriousness, and shows your attention to detail. Frankly, wearing a watch also shows you respect other people’s time. It’s no coincidence that, in my experience anyway, people who wear watches tend to be more aware of time and therefore more efficient and punctual; people who don’t own or wear watches seem much less aware of time and, consequently, end up playing fast and loose with other people’s valuable time (showing up late to meetings, overstaying appointments, and so on).
Unless you work in a job where wearing a watch is a safety hazard (operating industrial machinery or something), I don’t see any compelling justification for a man concerned with style not to wear any watch at all, ever. It’s not like you have to shell out thousands of dollars for a Rolex. A $30 Timex or a $60 Seiko 5 can top off an outfit just as well. Compared to the $$$ linen suit you’d wear once or twice per summer, a $30 watch you’d wear every day is a bargain.
As I said before, there’s no rule that you have to wear a watch. But it’s not compelling to compare watches to linen suits and, on the basis of that comparison, claim that a watch is some kind of burden or investment that would prevent you from fully realizing your individual style goals.
There’s no excuse, including abject poverty, for wearing an Invicta. Heh.
But, seriously, there are some pretty stellar inexpensive autos from Orient and Seiko. Also, do you want to be wearing that IWC as a beater everyday? Would it even go with some extremely casual clothing?
Better, in my opinion, to have a range of watches: diver, pilot, minimalist, chrono… and a wide selection of bands. I’m currently wearing something most of Dappered wouldn’t ever, a Suunto Core Black on a Panatime 24mm Camel leather strap/PVD PAM buckle.
Haha. Wow. You feel very strongly about this.
Good to know if you see me without a watch you will immediately leap to the conclusion that I do not value others, have no attention to detail and have no justification whatsoever to not wear a watch.
And I wasn’t saying it was a direct comparison between watch and linen suit, just like I assume you were not making a direct comparison between an iphone and black polyester sack suits or between an android and square-toed pleather dress shoes. But I guess if I assume like you do that all analogies are literal, then I could tear into the idea that a super useful phone like an iPhone which has GPS, music, facetime, talking, text, etc is as useless and outdated as some squaretoed pleather dress shoes. But I’ll assume you were just making a standard analogy like me.