I must admit that I am pretty traditional when it comes to clothing, or at least very preppy. I tend to wear a conservative style with a contemporary twist. I am usually slightly over dressed at most parties, but then one can always dress down when one gets there, and I wouldn't want my hosts to think that I hadn't made an effort.I have always wanted a dressing room. Not just a walk-in closet, but a proper room in which everything required to turn one's self out impeccably was found. A place for everything and everything in its place. In our plans I am designing a very masculine space. Elegant wooden paneling, Edwardian restraint. Brown leather. And a full length mirror (there is nothing crueler than having to dress for a party without one).
Above and Below: Very masculine walk-ins.
Above and Below: I Love the wide shallow drawers. Perfect for storing shirts, ties, belts, etc.
Above and Below: The top shelf is always a useful place to box up things which from season to season that might not be worn often.
Not a fan of the minimal style above, but it is a definite style
More examples of cabinetry work...
Excellent examples of fine cabinetry work...
Above and Below: Light and Dark
One also needs a place to sit...
Above: Not exactly masculine, but I love the ottoman. Maybe in brown Croc or suede, like below:
Men probably have more shirts in their wardrobe than any other garment. Therefore it makes sense to have some way to store and find them. I have to have mine organised by colour in my wardrobe, otherwise I wouldn't be able to find the shirt I wanted if I was in a hurry.
Cabinetry for each shirt is a very stylish way of seeing at a glance what you have
It needs to have room not just for suits, shirts, trousers and shoes, but all those myriad of other little accessories that add the finishing touch to a gentleman's life...
Waistcoats, Hats, Canes, Gloves....
Luggage...
although you do need the right car with a rack to take your luggage away for the weekend...
(which makes it an essential accessory to the weekend wardrobe!)
Then you need room for
Umbrellas...
A nice silver tray for spare change, mobiles, iPods, lighters, spent collar studs and cufflinks...
Neck ties...
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Aside: Here is a quick guide to four basic tie knots...
Cravats...
Which, again, are no mystery to tie...
...if you follow the simple diagram below...
Bow ties...
There is no excuse for wearing a pre-tied bowtie.
For those who don't know, here is how One ties one:
If you can't tie a bow tie, you'd be better off wearing it around your neck untied, than persisting with a pre-tied. It would have more style...
Summer Blazers...
Aside: Someone who pulls off the preppy look so well is Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick)...
Scarves...
Belts...
Glasses...
Jerseys and Vests...
(They'd look more like NZ Rugby players if they were covered in mud and battered and bruised)Shoes...
Slippers...
Braces...
and the smaller accessories like watches...
Pens...
Cufflinks...
Pocket Squares...
and to complete the look, a fresh boutonniere...
(probably not pansies, unless that was the message you wanted to send)
Charles' boutonniere is stylish, but I'm not sure what is roosting on CamillaBoutonnieres can be as large or as small, as trad or as chic as you wish, but they are definitely an accessory where less is always more
Tip: Pheasant feathers make a great pocket accent with tweeds.Peacocks feathers are a little trickier.
Some very good websites and blogs on men's fashion:
The Fine English Company
James Smith's and Sons
Men's Flair
Sartorially Inclined
Ivy Style
Unabashedly Prep
James Smith's and Sons
Men's Flair
Sartorially Inclined
Ivy Style
Unabashedly Prep
The Cloakroom
A Suitable Wardrobe
Most of all be yourself, be confident and remember - Fashion is what One wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear - Oscar Wilde.
A Suitable Wardrobe
Most of all be yourself, be confident and remember - Fashion is what One wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear - Oscar Wilde.
one of the most important rooms of the house -a modern day boudoir! I think you hit the nail on the head with the first dressing room -with mirrored doors on all of the hanging closets and drawers and doors hiding shelves and other items. Without the cabinet doors it's basically a walk in closet in my opinion! I realize they may seem fussy to some but they keep dust and light off of the clothes (because you must have a window!).
ReplyDeleteI tend to be overdressed as well; i'm the only guy in the office to wear a tie to the office. Most days find me in a cashmere or merino wool v neck sweater in a solid color(i have dozens)with a patterned shirt and tie with slacks. The modern man's uniform (or at least it should be). Khakis and polos are just too casual!
I got to the end and saw that insane pink hat I almost used for my Kentucky derby post.I hope all men see your fabulous Post.
ReplyDeleteThe #4-#5 dressing area's were my favorites. Awesome cabinetry. I've always wanted a Hat Box like the top hat photo. Hope the double breasted Blazer stays in stylefor a lone time.
You absolutly have great taste. Loved this post. Thank you
yvonne
Oh David this post has made me cry! I left the most wonderful dressing room at our old house & 3 years after moving in here, we are still living out of the cardboard Removalist's robes in a spare room. The plans were drawn for our new dressing room & were added to MOTH's work schedule. And now I wait & wait & wait...... Fantastic post, I adore the pheasant feather boutonniere.
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
It is amazing how the wardrobe keeps changing. I have just been on http://www.walkinwardrobestore.co.uk website and the way people have change their cloths is changing and coming out of the closet so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture on the website thanks>
Oh my, I think you have covered it all, how fabulous, you have found the best images! David, come follow me, I am having a great giveaway coming right up!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
What a lovely dream :) "...a proper room in which everything required to turn one's self out impeccably was found. A place for everything and everything in its place... a very masculine space. Elegant wooden paneling, Edwardian restraint. Brown leather." Yes indeed.. I am a woman and I still want all of that.
ReplyDeleteThe architecture of this dressing room would be easy to design and install; you have heaps of beautiful examples in the photos. But noone has had live in staff since WW1 started in 1914. Who is going to wash, starch, iron, carry, fold each shirt into perfect shape, sort in colour order, stack and polish the shoes?
Absolutely fabulous! I think I love the shirt drawers best. What a glorious sight that would be in our walk in here at home. Great post. Lidy
ReplyDeleteA fabulous post! I could weep at the space I left behind in my previous home (a whole room) and I have now been reduced to two large closets and seasonal rotation of clothes. A family member has the most fabulous dressing room that includes a fold out ironing board and a huge table space for packing suitcases and folding clothes ready for travel. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest a few things that I wish I'd done with my closet?
ReplyDelete1) A three way mirror. So you can inspect your back.
2) A pull out valet rod or two for composing the day's outfit.
3) A large island on which to layout, brush, iron, etc.
4) More room for shoes.
5) Fewer shelves, more hanging and drawers.
6) An ottoman that is low enough to be comfortable when I'm putting on my shoes.
7) Better light.