STARTING FROM HEAD TO TOE

from 2021 AUGUST ISSUE

by CODE M Magazine

THE ROLE BLACK MEN PLAY IN

STARTING FROM HEAD TO TOE: REBUILDING YOUR

WARDROBE 101

“A well-dressed man takes care of his clothing and so gets full value of them.” Etiquette for the Well-Dressed Man

Written by ANTHONY KIRBY

Anthony T. Kirby is the Fashion & Lifestyle Editor for CODE M Magazine and has spent over 30 years in the menswear industry. He lives in Philadelphia, PA where he is the Creative Director for FINICKEY, an online men's haberdashery brand. (https:// finickey.us)

Here we are, right in the middle of “The Dog Days of Summer”, days of the 3-H’s (Hot-Humid-Hazy). We seek out anywhere we can find shade, a well air-conditioned place, or a cool body of water. This also requires wearing lite to minimal clothing to keep the body cool.

Well, here is some good news. We are about two months away from the start of the fall season, and another four months til the winter season arrives. It’s understood that you may not want to hear about cooler temps and those shorter days to come. The reason I’m giving you this update is because, the time is now to start organizing, discarding, and updating your fall/winter clothing closet. Start planning now. I want to share some practical and informative tips to get you ahead of your wardrobe planning curve. As we’ve all experienced over these past 18 months, it’s felt like a “Blursday,” a merging of days. Whether working from your home or some type of hybrid of home and going into the office, we were on some sort of auto-piloted day-to-day. When it came to dressing: suit not needed, no shirt, nor tie ... it was your favorite pj’s, sweats, or what’s been trending athleisure wear. It was all about comfortability and stretch in the garments to accom-

pliment your shoes) • Socks: Mid- to over-the-calf (blacknavy-grey)

This would serve as your checklist to make sure you’ve got these covered. You can add on additional pieces if you’re covered in the areas mentioned.

Your next steps would be to go through the closet and begin the process of organization.

modate our pandemic pounds. Update: We will be returning to the office in the fall. Yes, and you’ll probably be required to be somewhat attired in the workplace again. So, let’s get into some standards for maintaining and updating your current clothing. What you might want to do first is go through your closet and make sure you have at least some of the following Essential Pieces:

Suits: Navy, gray, and a black suit (This is the foundation of your wardrobe closet).

• Jacket: Navy Blazer – single or double breasted.

• Trousers: At least 2 pairs of grey lightweight flannels and a pair of

Khakis.

• Shirts: White and blue (spreadcollar or button-down). • Shoes: Black and brown pair (1 lace-up and one slip-on) • Belts: Black and brown (to com• Declutter – You’ll want to start getting rid of any clothing that’s been worn out, doesn’t fit anymore, is faded or just not in style, i.e., ‘80s or ‘90s men’s style. • Donate – Clothing you haven’t worn in years, or you’ve outgrown: other men can be blessed with you donating your unwearable clothing.

There are organizations that will take gently worn or new clothing to give to men to wear for interviews.

One local organization: https:// www.thecitymission.org • Fix-n-Stitch – You’ll want to try on your clothes to make sure they fitproperly, smell clean, and are in

wearable condition. If not, you’ll want to first have your clothing either drycleaned or laundered if needed. You’ll also want to find yourself a reputable tailor who can do alterations. Build that rapport with your tailor, they understand your body type and the fit that you desire.

Lastly, I want to recommend some inexpensive wardrobe tools that you may want to or should consider having in your closet. These items will help you take better care of your clothing and extend what you’re wearing on a routine basis. • Clothes brush.

• Hand-held steamer.

• Wood suit hanger. • Natural cotton garment bags.