Neal Caffrey's got Style AND Swag

Bravo, Phillip...Neal Patrick Harris' Barney Stinson character from 'How I Met Your Mother' is certainly held in high regard for his sartorial sophistication. I'd like to introduce a few of my own inspirations, characters that exude their very own unique examples of "style and swag". The first example that comes to mind is actor Matthew Bomer's portrayal of ex-con turned FBI consultant Neal Caffrey in USA Network's comedy/drama 'White Collar'. At first glance Caffrey's style may seem run of the mill "skinny guy wearing nice clothes" but, with a keen eye, you can notice small little touches that give him ultimate swagger in his own right. Caffrey's suits are not only tailored perfectly for his build (notice the perfectly aligned shoulder seams and tapered drape of his suit jacket) but are consistent for the look he achieves so successfully.

Some points to take notice of: 2-button, double vented jacket, standard width (pictured) notch lapel (though slim-width notch and peak lapels are commonly seen on Caffrey) and flat-front, plain-hem pants complete the suit. It is important to point out that to remain consistent, his pants often have either a partial break, or no break at all. His shirts are generally either half or quarter spread or pin collar (as opposed to the traditional point collar) with french or double barrel cuffs. Vintage skinny ties (usually in a four in hand knot) in a variety of patterns (paisley, plaid, solid) and leather lace-up oxfords complete his ensemble.

Less noticeable, smaller details that make a big difference: pocket square, tie bar, cuff links (french cuffs only, obviously) and his signature (though unfortunately not pictured) Fred Astair/Frank Sinatra inspired fedora.

Introduction

So it's come to my attention throughout college and my professional experience that guys (males, men, dudes, however you want to classify them) for the most part in this country are completely and utterly inept when it comes to swagger and style. Now you would think that someone could possess one or the other, or both, but in my experience I've noticed that usually when you have one, you have the other; they go hand in hand. Now, the first thing you should realize while reading this is that more than likely, you fall into the category of being "inept". Denial is natural, my friends, but take a deep breath and accept that fact. Realistically, very few guys I have come in contact with throughout my life possess both swagger and style; although, you can't really have one without the other. I'll go as far to even say some of my friends fall into the inept category. Those who don't, you know who you are. Now, most of you might be asking yourselves, or asking me for that matter, why I feel I'm qualified to be able to sit here and criticize those of you who lack these particular qualities? Well, realistically, I dress better than most if not all of you, (that IS a certifiable fact) but not only do I dress better, I make it work. My question for all of you is: why do you lack these qualities? Do you not know what you're looking for, don't know how to tell if something matches, or fits for that matter? Do you not know what's appropriate for your age, for your build? Or do you simply not care? If any of these apply, or all of them apply, you should take a step back and realize that the image you project is important. Sure, you might not care what other people think about you, but chances are if you want to succeed in life, you're going to have to make a good first impression with someone, and you've lost that battle already if you show up not looking your best. You see, style isn't just about being able to put clothes on; it's how you sell it. I can make a $20 outfit look better than your $500 outfit...remember when Denzel said in 'Training Day': "it's not what you know, it's what you can prove"? The same logic applies here. I will go into more detail in later posts, but for now, most of you need to realize that you look like slobs and don't deserve to be out in public. You can probably expect something along the same lines from Phillip in 3...2...1...