Ask the Rebellious Gentleman - Business Conference Outfit

Q: Ok, this is really good info, though not applicable to me. So if I may, I'm going to a business conference in a couple of months, my first time to such an event. I don't really want to wear a suit, but I still want to look presentable, what would you recommend? Thanks.

- Motivationalized

A: In this day and age of businesses going casual, suits are becoming appropriate only to a few business industries like finance. Wearing a business suit is still your best bet especially since this is your first time.
But if you are among the rebellious guys who avoid suits in any way, you can get away with wearing a simple dark denim jeans (no faded jeans) with a dark blazer and shirt. Complete the outfit with a black belt and black round toe oxford shoes.

photo from GQ's Project Upgrade

Ask the Rebellious Gentleman - Suit for a Tall and Fat Poor Guy

A question was brought up from the comments of my previous entry.

Q: Which black suit will you recommend for a tall and fat poor guy?
- lifehax

A: Ever since I became interested in style and fashion, I always heard an ongoing debate between people saying "baggy and loose fit" and people saying "tight fit" for guys who are fat and tall. I on the other hand is always on the middle on this one. Your best bet to look slimmer is to wear clothes that just hugs your body - A good fit as I use to say.
Fit is everything in clothes so make sure you got that right. It's the basis of all good style. If you've got "fit" right in your suit, you are already halfway there.
So have your suit tailored.

A basic guideline of how a suit should fit
from Askmen's The Style Bible

Moving on, did I already say that you should avoid wearing double breasted suits? If not, please avoid it.
Also, never ever get suit pants with pleats.
Wear a belt. I recommend a slim classic belt with a width of one to one and a half inches.
Lastly, keep it simple. Get a solid colored suit. Don't wear a skinny tie.

Regarding the poor part, I have to say I am sorry since I cannot help you out much here. Let's face it, suits costs a lot of money. I myself only own one. Probably because I don't really need it. I don't wear suits every day and I only reserve it for special occasions. With that I have a question for you, are you wearing this suit for your job interview? your daily job? or only for sweet weddings and inevitable funerals? If you want something that can be worn in almost any occasion you can never go wrong in getting a Classic Charcoal Gray Two button suit. Getting that suit color alone will probably save you from getting another suit.

I hope I got everything down. If you have more questions feel free to ask again.

The Classic Charcoal Gray Suit

I'm never a fan of black suits. But it seems that every suit wearing businessman here seems to be wearing them. My advice: stay away.





I know most of people here in Manila can't afford to get other suits so they get the most versatile. Add the fact that it is the safest color to wear but with our 24+ degree Celsius temperature why bother?


Instead of black I suggest the Charcoal Gray Suit.



With Manila temperature not getting any cooler this time of the year, get the cotton version. A great choice from youngsters getting their first suit and job to a respectable middle aged manager going to an orchestra concert after office hours.



Like black, it goes well with other shirt colors.

Lighter versions of the Gray Suit are excellent for attending morning weddings here. But personally, I'd rather wear a Barong during such occasions.



Always get two button suits

The Four in Hand Tie Knot

I've recently went to Makati Business District. For those not familiar with Makati, Philippines, Makati Business District is the heart of the economic and financial trade not only in Metro Manila but in the entire Philippines itself.

As I walk along the clean and nicely paved sidewalks, I took some time looking at the facade of our hardworking white collar employees. What got my attention aside from the usual ill-fitting baggy shirts were the way they tie their ties.

I recommend staying away from the windsors and half-windsors as only a few could pull them off. In this time of slim lapels and non-spread collars, the Four in Hand Knot is the only knot you need to know.



Also, don't forget the dimple.

Rebellious Gentleman Reborn

Well it's more than a year since. But all that time didn't dull my fashion and style knowledge.

This past year, I get out more and look for more fashion inspirations. Not on the web but on the streets particularly here in Manila where the eternal heat, humidity and rain makes every fashionista cringe.





So stay tuned as I continue giving more style tips!