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Business Attire Tag

Shirts, Vests, & Blouses

Made to Be Untucked

Nov 15 2018

You've seen men wearing their shirts untucked. If you want to enjoy this current trend (often called "the outside shirt" since the shirt is designed for the tail to be worn outside trousers), you need to have your custom shirts constructed specifically for that use, because a traditional-cut shirt worn untucked has an unfortunate tendency to flair like a bell at the hips. Here's how we'll build your outside shirts: We make sure the length is just right to create the correct silhouette for your body type to wear these shirts. We adjust the proportions for the finished dimensions between chest, waist, and hip measurements, to give it a flattering drape on your frame. We hem the shirt so that the tail ends in the bottom half of the trouser fly area to achieve the correct visual proportions. The outside shirt is a great option for a casual shirt that's still appropriate...

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J Kent Erickson
Shirts, Vests, & Blouses
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Image & Lifestyle

Help Your Wardrobe Tell Your Story

May 15 2018

Your appearance tells a story. We’re here to help it tell the right story for you. The three most important aspects of your story are: What social or hierarchal group you belong to Where you fit within that group What your individuality is As your custom clothier, we work with you to ensure that your story to others (and yourself) is that you belong to the “group” we might call high-level business professionals, that your place in that group is at the top, and that your individuality is confident and capable. When you tell that story effectively, others sense intuitively that you have discipline, power, self-respect, and confidence. Your clothing shapes people’s views of where you stand on social ladders, your power—even your intelligence. When you’re well-dressed, people are more likely to assume you’re competent, in charge, and an authority, because you project that image. Dressing well shapes how people think about you—for the...

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J Kent Erickson
Image & Lifestyle
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Accessories & Jewelry

Pocket Squares: Silk or Cotton?

Jun 01 2016

The type of fabric used to create your pocket squares determines the weight, dressiness, and appropriate folding methods. A silk pocket square adds color without weight. The lightweight, flexible fabric is more difficult to fold-but looks fantastic when simply gathered into a “puff” and slipped into the pocket. Silk also has a glossy sheen that is your best choice in formal occasions, as it’s inherently dressier than cotton. A cotton pocket square is matte rather than shiny, making it eminently suitable for everyday businesswear and summer suits. Cotton’s relative stiffness makes it easy to fold and achieve crisp edges if desired. Rather than limiting yourself to pocket squares made of only one of these fabrics, we suggest you collect several cotton and several silk, so that you can be prepared with the perfect square for any occasion....

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J Kent Erickson
Accessories & Jewelry
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Accessories & Jewelry

The Secret Power of Cufflinks

Apr 01 2016

Many people save their cufflinks for only formal occasions, but if you do that, you’re missing an opportunity to put them to work for you in a variety of situations. Cufflinks are a “hidden” tool you can use to send the right message to those around you. Cufflinks, whether subtle or stand-out, give visual emphasis to every handshake. Whenever you’re looking to make a great impression—at a sales presentation, team meeting, or dinner party—wear cufflinks. These small accessories immediately bring a sense of power and elegance to your ensemble with minimum effort. The wise wear cufflinks to demonstrates mastery over all the elements of their ensemble....

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J Kent Erickson
Accessories & Jewelry
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Ask Kent

How to Iron a Dress Shirt

Apr 15 2015

I received this question from a reader: What's the Best Way to Iron a Dress Shirt? This is what I shared with them: Ironing carefully will ensure your shirts look their absolute best each time you wear them. Use the lowest temperature that is effective. Turn on the steam setting if necessary. Thicker fabric will require more heat and steam than thin fabric. Iron the back of the shirt first, from the center to the sides. Iron the sleeves next, followed by the cuffs. Turn the shirt over and iron each side of the front, taking care to iron between buttons instead of running over them. Iron the collar last. Hang (or wear) immediately to avoid getting new wrinkles in the fabric....

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J Kent Erickson
Ask Kent
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Ask Kent

Best Color Shirt for Interviews

Jan 13 2014

I received this question from a reader: What color shirt is best for job interviews? This is what I shared with them: Unless you’re applying to work as a graphic designer or other artistic talent, a job interview isn’t the place to show off every facet of your personal sense of style. Instead of wearing your most unique look, the best color shirt for interviews showcase your ability to create a professional appearance by selecting a traditional look for your interview. Your first choice for an interview shirt is standard white, followed by light blue. Save the shirts with stripes, checks, and bold colors for later. Your tie need not be limited to a “power tie,” but should be conservative in tone....

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J Kent Erickson
Ask Kent
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Image & Lifestyle

Dress for Success

Dec 16 2013

Dress for the success that you’re working so hard for. Each day as you choose your ensemble, give yourself (and others) a visual reminder of your goals and accomplishments by creating the well-dressed look of a successful businessman in your field. Dressing the part also creates a subtle advantage for yourself in business negotiations—dressing in impeccable style increases confidence and a feeling of power. This strategy also works on the weekends. Casual wear doesn’t need to be sloppy or unappealing. You can craft the same sense of success and confidence with your weekend wardrobe by tailoring versatile sportswear to your lifestyle and taste....

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J Kent Erickson
Image & Lifestyle
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