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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
MoreA few characteristics of the modern day dapper man
“Well, don’t you look dapper today?” If you regularly put a little time, effort and care into how you dress – which, I’m wagering you do since you are reading this site – that first sentence is likely a refrain you hear quite often. Among my non-menswear enthusiast friends and acquaintances, it is probably one of the most frequent clothing and style-related compliments I’m paid.
But what makes a dapper man?
To the everyday complimenter, a dapper guy is pretty much any guy who successfully makes the effort to present himself in a put-together manner. The word ‘successfully’ is stricken because in this scenario, to the uninitiated, success has nothing to do with it. Wearing a terrible, pre-tied bowtie? Totally dapper. An outfit that is overtly and nauseatingly “fashiony”? Dapper too.
However, the truly dapper gentleman displays some telltale characteristics that make him stand out. Here are a few.
| WEARING | Suitsupply blazer, Ted Baker turtleneck, Alan David Custom pants, Drake’s scarf and pocket square, Rolex watch, Carmina loafers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
A dapper man accessorizes elegantly. If there is one thing that separates the dapper guy from the average guy, it’s the accessories. Anybody can put on a jacket, shirt/sweater and pair of pants. Accessorizing takes some extra thought and time. Though it is always time well spent. A simple lightweight scarf transforms a good look into a great one.
A dapper man wears turtlenecks. A shirt and tie is certainly dapper, but a turtleneck takes casual sophistication to a new level. A dapper man also realizes that a turtleneck is not a relic of the 1970s, but rather a timeless piece of knitwear.
A dapper man wears seasonal fabrics. Wearing seasonal fabrics is the mark of a man who really understands the joys, pleasures and utility of menswear. While the average guy sees only a pair of grey pants, the connoisseur knows they’re flannel.
A dapper man wears loafers. Casual, comfortable and cool. A simple, but well-made pair of leather penny loafers says effortless style.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
