Power Details: Pulling Them Off With Confidence

How to do pinstripes, collar bars, French cuffs and more

There are certain sartorial details that, simply put, scream power. And while it’s true that dressing the part can help you project a powerful image, it’s also true that it takes confidence to wear and pull off some of those details. Today, we’re taking a look at a few sartorial power moves and offering some advice on how to wear them with confidence.

Powerful pinstripes. In the movie Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale, Sr. asks Frank Abagnale, Jr. if he knows why the Yankees always win. Junior answers, “Because they have Mickey Mantle,” to which Senior replies, “No, it’s ’cause the other teams can’t stop staring at those damn pinstripes.” I am not a Yankees fan, but there is something classy and powerful about pinstripes.

| WEARING | Knot Standard suit, Edward Sexton shirt, Michael Andrews Bespoke tie, Vacheron Constantin watch, Paul Evans shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Collar bar. Collar bars and collar pins are sometimes thought of as accessories reserved for the domain of the dandy. But it’s all about context. Worn with a pinstripe suit, a white pin collar shirt adorned with a collar bar projects loads of confidence and power.

French cuffs. If you’re going for a powerful look, French cuffs are a must. Compared to a rounded cuff, they’re quite a bit more substantial. And they give you an opportunity to showcase some personal flair with your choice of cufflinks.

Skip the solids. When dressing to project a “strong” image, there’s a temptation to gravitate towards a solid tie. It’s natural. It’s a monolith that appears singular and strong in purpose. I propose, however, that it can come off as predictable and that more strength can be projected with the addition of a tie that possess a subtle, but strong, repeating pattern.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style