I have long-held that being well dressed isn’t just wearing nice clothes, but wearing appropriate clothes for any given situation. Tuxedos are nice, but just don’t feel right while gardening. It has been ten years since I was last a student and back then I operated under the misunderstanding that a Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt was the right thing to wear to class.
While considering the upcoming school year I realized my closet was ready for a boardroom or a boxing ring, but not a college campus. What to do? I called Brian Spaly.
Brian and I have worked together before and as before, he had the solutions to my problem. The solution showed up yesterday.
The way the Trunk Club works, is a shopping averse man talks with a style consultant, in my case Brian, where sizes, styles and situations are discussed. Next the consultant does some leg work, the stuff I did not want to do, and ta-da, a box full of clothing shows up on Mr. customer’s doorstep. I could not wait to see if I got the Red Rider bee-bee gun or a lump of coal.
I’m not sure how I made it this far in life without owning a blue blazer but I am an imposter no longer. No flashy brass buttons, matte finish, good fit. Home run. Next…
- Stretchy and shiny… not so much.
The shirt was well made and if anything it was stylish, but it was not for me. I am not a glossy person in dress, or in much else and we shall simply say that “slim fit” and love handles should not be paired. This was an easy “no”, but part of the joy of the Trunk Club is giving a garment a shot. I did. The shot missed the mark. Now shoes…
My shoes have recently, and often, been the subject of expert criticism. Fair enough; I’m working on it. I choose to ignore the brand of the above shoes and let them speak for themselves. The digital menswear world will be happy to see there are no square toes here. I do have some recollection of the Trad mocking Philadelphia businessmen wearing grey shoes, and till now I have never seen grey shoes, but I think I like them. I promise not to wear them with a nice suit, most likely I will wear them with the Seven jeans shown in the picture. Mr. Spaly did well here. Not too over the top in price or style, but nor bland. Well done (cue the arguments). Next…
I have read that a Black Watch blazer is required and even prefered. The velvet collar is a nice touch. It was a little tight but not so much that some responsible eating and trips to the gym would fix. The jury is still out on this one but much like new music, one should listen a few times before making a decision. I’ll give myself a minute to adjust and eat more salad. Next, the best reason to let someone else shop for you…
Not in a million years would I have ever chosen a blue and black hounds tooth jacket. I would have walked right past it without a second thought. I felt a bit of disappointment as I pulled it from the box and dutifully tried it on. Once it was on I experienced what Frosty must have felt as the kids put the magic top hat on his head; the world changed. I love it.
After the box was emptied and the contents tested, the Trunk Club takes away the pressure. Brian could feel free to throw me a few curve balls because his customers are under no obligation to keep what he sends. Enclosed with the clothes are a new shipping label, and the final touch of thoughtfulness… packing tape.
Now, as I stroll the campus, attend classes, or even those once dreaded cocktail hours, I will stand out for all the right reasons. Above all, at least for me, I will be appropriately attired for the occasion. Now if I could somehow find a way for Brian to do my sit-ups for me.
Brohammas 
Dalyn – you need to keep the blackwatch jacket with velvet collar. such a great element to mix in on cool fall cocktail excursions and for sitting around the fireplace in the library smoking your pipe.
Brian, I’m sold. I’m keeping it. Though I don’t smoke a pipe (I handed out bubblegum cigars when my first child was born), I do like to look distinguished, or peculiar, whilst sitting in front of fireplaces or even park benches.
I cannot promise no shenanigans. You are the style master.
This sounds fantastic. I’m in need of a style overhaul myself. Just went and signed up for the trunk club. We’ll see if they can fix me.
Make sure and tell them I sent you. I’m sure you don’t require too much repair.
Do you wear them all with jeans?
Love the shoes, and the houndstooth. I’m still iffy about the plaid, especially in conjunction with shenanigans!
While tearing into the box like its Christmas, yes I wear them all with the jeans. But today I wore the grey shoes with a pair of Graham cracker colored Bonobos (khakis) with a purple and white pin striped oxford and got lotsa compliments on the shoes.
Lyric, you know as well as anyone that shenanigans will happen with or without the jacket.
Christmas comes early for Dalyn! What fun! Love it all to be honest… I agree with Brian about the Black Watch jacket… VERY COOL! You did not have a blue blazer? Really? Lame….
Lame? to quote you; “duuuuuh”. I never claimed to be cool.
I love it all! love the plaid and the houndstooth and the blue blazer fits you PERFECTLY. you make me proud to have such a stylish uncle 🙂
And I have never been prouder of someone attending my alma mater’s arch rival. That’s a big deal coming from me, this week especially.
My fav’s? The jeans with both pairs of shoes and the shenanigans. I think it’s that Scottish tilt to the eyebrows in harmony with those jaunty elbows! Jolly good.
Jolly, Christmas… is there a theme here? A prof told me I remind him of the King of Queens today. I’m going back to the gym.
SHENANIGANS!!!! Everything else can be completely ignored.
Bro, I think you would be proud of how often my style gets complimented these days. In a good way . . . and not even in the Amber’s Shenaniganny “in a good way” way. I fully admit I’d probably still completely fail when toe-to-toe or skirt-to-skirt with any Philadelphian.
Amber, I saw you in Philadelphia not too long ago and I’m not sure when I have ever seen you looking so good. You hold your own just fine.
I actually LIKE to shop for clothes – I just hate going when it’s crowded.
That’s a nice blue shirt, I like the tartan and the hounds tooth as well.
The shoes? Nah… they look as though it would hurt to walk in them.
You give me hope!
I’m with you on the situp thing too. If you ever come across somebody who can order/deliver an 8 pack of well oiled abs that I could purchase and switch out with what I currently have, please let me know immediately!
Also remember when you buy other pieces to go into your classic wardrobe to let it be a complimentary pieces so that you can mix and match and thus have a whole new set of clothes.A few years back a friend worked out that if she had 3- 3 piece suits with three shirts tops that all interchanged she could create enough outfit for a month with out wearing the same combination twice. there should always be that little bit of wearing ease in clothes to make them look just right.thanks for your great comment.Hope life is on an even keel for you and your gangkindest regards Zsuzsy Level 6 Commenter 11 months ago Clothes that fit make all the difference.