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2 Torchprep : " We are a band of visionaries, artists, teachers, hackers, poets, advocates, and friends. Our movement is about changing the lives of students. We work with families, schools, universities, non-profits, for profits, cities, and anyone else who cares to see this emerging generation well positioned for life. We make our mark on this world by training students to maximize their score on the ACT速 test. " ACT tests are not fun, but you guys already know that. But do you know what else is not fun ? These guys...
Cladwell : Here at Cladwell we pride ourselves on helping men to look and feel their best. Some would say that "the clothes make the man", but we disagree with that. We think things like integrity, sacrifice, and hard work are what make the man. But we also know that the right clothes can empower the man.
introduction
Torchprep
X
Cladwell
This style guide was designed to educate and inspire the Torchprep team in an effort to help you create a style all your own. Having "style" is sometimes held as a super ficial or potentially unattainable goal, but, in reality, it is an evolving concept within reach of all who desire it. Your personal style should combine comfort, functionality, and appropriateness - topped off with some element of personal expression. On the next few pages you will find basic tips, guidelines, and outfit suggestions that will help you find the right clothes for you and for Torchprep.
What's Inside: style analytics know your audience clothing call sheet tips & Pointers
p.4 p.6 p. 10 p.18
4 So what is the Torchprep style? Par t of our ser vice here at Cladwell is to help our customers find their own style profile. To get a visual for this style, we created a char t. We've categorized style on two major scales - formality and trendiness. To the right you will see an area highlighted in green that we would consider to be the Torchprep style. As you can see, it is on the higher end of the trendiness scale, and somewhere near the middle as far as formality goes. Into actual clothing this will translate into modern styles and silhouettes combined in a way that gives you a clean and tailored appearance, yet is not so formal as to be a full suit and tie. You may consider your personal style to be outside of this circle, but that is where we come in. We've pulled together some specific looks catered to direct your personal style into the realm of the Torchprep style. Thats not to say we expect you to put on clothes you don't feel good in, just to push yourself a little outside of your usual boundries to find your new style somewhere on the green.
style analytics
R.P.
Tom
6 F a cult y: When presenting to a school's faculty, the mission is to straddle the line between professional and creative. You want to show them that you are confident about Torchprep and its results, but also that you are different from those other guys (your lame competition). You have the advantage in being younger and better at relating to students. When dressing for the faculty, tr y mixing professional silhouettes with more modern styles like sneakers tee shirts and denim.
Tom
know your audience R.P.
LEFT: Lambswool cardigan | Uniqlo | 29.90 Denim shirt | H&M | 39.00 Twill trousers | Jackthreads |49.00 Brogue boot | H&M | 59.95 RIGHT: Cotton tshirt | Topman | 10.00 Suit blazer | River Island | 100.00 Suit trousers | River Island | 60.00 Sneakers | Vans | 45.00
8 S t ud e nts: ACT tests are daunting, but they must be taken. When you are presenting to the students you want to express that you can relate to how they are feeling, and that they can trust you as a mentor to walk them through the process. In this sense you want to look like their big brother - but wiser, and more established. As long as your outfit is clean and well fitting, you will come off as a professional to the kids. You're already giving them a presentation - that’s what professionals do, right? Mixing those clean silhouettes with some trendy pieces and visually interesting details will give you that "cool" factor that can win a teenager over right from the start.
Tom
know your audience R.P.
LEFT: Button up sweatshirt | Boohoo | 35.00 White Henley | River Island | 36.00 Jeans | Levis | 43.00 Leather boat shoes | Vans | 75.00 RIGHT: Donegal tweed blazer | Jackthreads | 95.00 Fleck sweatshirt | Urban Outfitters | 40.00 Broken-in chinos | J Crew | 75.00 Ben Sherman wingtips | DSW | 59.95
10 OUTFIT #1 : A pair of dress trousers and leather dress boots paired with a dress sweater layered over a casual button up shirt. Heres some alternative items that may also work for you:
TROUSERS :
Smart Pants in Dogstooth ASOS: $41.69
Wool Blended Pants Uniqlo: $49.90
Charcoal Dobby Pants Topman: $70.00
tom's options
SHIRTS :
Heathered Oxford Shirt Gap: $49.95
Twill Shirt H&M: $24.95
Slim Fit Oxford Everlane: $55.00
SWEATERS :
Knit Cardigan H&M: $49.95
Trash Nouveau Sweater JackThreads: $59.50
Zipped Jacket Zara: $89.80
BOOTS :
Stacey Adams Chukka Macy's: $95.00
Amsterdam Boot DSW: $69.95
Novato Chukka Boot DSW: $99.95
12 OUTFIT #2 : A pair of clean dark denim jeans and a nice casual leather shoe paired with a clean tee layered under an interest piece: sweatshirt, chunky sweater, jacket, etc. Heres some alternative items that may also work for you:
SHIRT :
Mack Selvedge Denim Joes Jeans: $169.00
Moscow Resin Rinse Mott & Bow: $96.00
Straight Selvedge Jeans Uniqlo: $49.90
tom's options
SHIRT :
Green Wool Bomber Topman: $95.00
Quilted Jacket Zara: $99.00
Vintage Worker Jacket ASOS: $102.00
SHIRT :
Deck Stripe Tee JCrew: $45.00
Chest Stipre T Shirt Gap: $32.95
Slub Jersey Henley Bonobos: $68.00
SHIRT :
Sperry Top Slider Zappos: $95.00
Ben Sherman Devon Zappos: $130.00
Men's Paseo Mids Toms: $69.00
14 OUTFIT #1 : A simple suit dressed down with a tee shirt and a pair of clean sneakers. Heres some alternative items that may also work for you:
T SHIRTS :
Slub Knit Tee Old Navy: $12.50
Long Sleeve Crew Neck Gap: $19.95
Cotton Heather V Everlane: $18.00
r.p.'s options
SUITS :
Slim Fit in Dogstooth ASOS: $235.00
Thompson Suit JCrew Factory: $216.00
Blue Suit Zara: $288.00
SNEAKERS :
Chuck Taylors Nordstrom: $45.00
Lacoste Marcel Sneaker ASOS: $113.70
Grey Denim Plimsolls River Island: $40.00
16 OUTFIT #2 : A pair of colored chinos and a leather dress shoe/sneaker hybrid paired with a simple crew neck pullover under a textured blaxer. Heres some alternative items that may also work for you:
CHINOS :
Bonobos Cotton Chino Nordstrom: $58.96
Denim & Supply Chino Macy's: $45.00
Club Monaco Twill Chino Mr.Porter: $80.00
r.p.'s options
BLAZERS :
Comfort Jacket Uniqlo: $69.90
PULLOVERS : Hyden Yoo Quilted Shirt JackThreads: $39.00
SHOES :
Call It Spring Ponso Zappos: $49.99
Brown Wool Blazer River Island: $180.00
Blazer Slim Fit H&M: $79.95
Plain Shirt Zara: $39.90
Striped Crew Neck Uniqlo: $19.90
Smart Leather Sneaker River Island: $120.00
Vans Chauffer Zappos: $56.00
18 The key to standing out from the crowd is to break away from the mundane by changing up your pairings. When in a situation where you are presenting yourself and Torchprep to an audience, you need to look professional, but approachable. By mixing up smart attire and adding in some casual items you can create a new look that is all your own. Time to break away from the typical shirt and tie and venture into the inbetween. SMART: Blazer
THE IN-BETWEEN
CASUAL: Tee shirt
Button up shirt
Jeans
Dress Sweater
Chinos
Trousers Dress shoes Suit
Sweatshirt Sneaker Boots
Creating a style is about trying something new for you -- change it up. Mix styles, silhouettes, fabrics, colors, textures; it’s all fair game. The key to making this method work is keeping a constant focal point. For example, if you're mixing patterns, stick to neutral colors. If you're mixing colors, keep the patterns simple to non existent. If you're mixing textures, try a bold texture on one item, and keep the rest minimal.
tips & pointers
Throw on a tee shirt under a blazer to dress it down. Opt for a v-neck or a henley to offset the look from a typical buttoned up collar. If a tee shirt is too casual, try a polo. Pair some dress shoes with a pair of colored chinos, and don't be afraid to bare some ankle. A rolled up hem with no socks will show off your kicks.
Play around with mixing fabrics. Denim is a great fabric for more then just jeans, and a denim oxford with a button down collar can still look very professional paired with a blazer or nice sweater. A textured wool blazer is a great item to have in your wardrobe, and is a refreshing change up from a typical suiting fabric.
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The Dark Denim Jacket is an item that will never go out of style. Don’t be afraid to layer it over sweaters and sweatshirts, or even under blazers or jackets. Or just ditch the blazer entirely and pair over a shirt and tie with crisp chinos for a modern yet polished casual look. Update the entire look with a sleek slip on loafer.
Dress trousers do not only have to be worn for formal occassions. Find a pair of wool trousers with a tapered leg and a textured appearance, and keep it comfortable by pairing with a tee shirt and pullover or button up cardigan sweater.
tips & pointers
The onset of cold weather means one thing - time for layers. When it comes to layering two or more tops, the key is to keep the under layers thin and comfortable, and reser ve the thicker fabrics for the top layer. Denim or wool shirt jackets are a great outerlayer for when you're tr ying to keep things fairly casual.
A full suit is a must have for every man's wardrobe, and contrary to popular belief, it is meant to be worn for more than just your most formal occasions. Try pairing a slim fit suit with a tee shirt and clean sneakers for a tailored look with modern flair.
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What most people don't realize about having a stylish presence is that it's really not about how expensive the clothes are or who made them, but rather the FIT. inowing what fits best on you may sound a bit daunting, but in reality it’s very simple once you know the guidelines. The ver y first rule is to not be afraid to slim down. Forget about the size you’ve been buying for years. Start over and try one size down. Slim cut denim really isn't a bad thing. Do you have a tailor you trust? If not, get one. Most are actually very easy to work with and very affordable. The truth is that no single body type is alike and your nice suit probably isn't the only thing in your closet that could use a few alterations. Remember that something that fits well (even if it fits closer to your body) will be comfortable: Check out these basic fit tips to the right.
tips & pointers Slacks should fit slim, but still have slight drape over your butt. Hem should hit at top of shoe. Avoid pleats. Tee shirts should have a slim fit to show definition, but not so tight as to show every curve.
Blazers should fit close to the body, but NOT have any visible pulling at the seams, or across the center back. Sleeves should allow for 1in. of shirt sleeve to show at the cuffs. Blazer & shirt hems should hang below your waist but above the crotch.
For jeans & chinos, opt for slim or slim straight fit, and a longer leg length allowing room for a cuff. Button ups & sweaters should fit close to the body, but still allow room to move. Slim does not mean "tight", just tailored.