The July winners of the #ThatDapperChap contest

That dapper Chap introduces you to the winners of the July #thadapperchap Instagram contest

This month we teamed up with Leeds finest menswear specialist Frank Tailor, home of the £125 slim fit wool suit. They guys at Frank Tailor kindly agreed to give away some of their engraved tie clips and a polka dot tie to this months winners.

The Frank Tailor tie clip

The Frank Tailor prize tie

If you like the tie or tie clip yourself don't forget that you can get 10% off ANY purchase at franktailor.com just by using the 'thatdapperchap' discount code at checkout!

Your winner - Phil

We love Phil's individuality. Never one to shy away from an accessory or an unusual piece, Phil clearly knows his own style, it is unique, and celebrates his individualism. And that beard.........

Phil tells us "I've been obsessed with clothes since I was a child and I've always loved getting dressed up. I learnt to sew as a teen and after high school attended an academy for fashion design. I still sew (I've got something in the works as we speak) but mostly I just love clothes"

Where does Phil get his inspiration from? "I find my style inspiration in many places in life but I'm often most inspired when looking to the past. Life is all about the details and fashion is no exception. But most of all I dress to feel good, and that's something I'll never compromise on. Feeling good = looking good" We couldn't agree more!

Find Phil on Instagram as Phil_bones

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Your runner up - Ben 

Ben is a young guy who clearly enjoys a more elegant style. Often in a bow tie, he certainly lives up to his Instagram name. 

So who is Ben and what are his influences? "I am a Los Angeles native who is passionate about music, classical piano specifically, and fashion.  I was introduced to finer, dapper fashion upon competing against a fellow pianist and friend.  He served as my mentor and help in finding my identity and style"

How would Ben describe his style? "My personal style is based on being edgy and flashy, both in casual and dapper fashion; I however do have my calmer days

Find Ben on Instagram as DapperYoungGent

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Your runner up - Alex

We liked Alex's classic style. well curated and confident in his approach to dressing he looks great in well tailored suits and blazers. 

We asked Alex to tell us about his style "It's been a transformation over the last 12 months. I wanted to really express myself and became quite bored with having the stock-standard two suits and many different ties. Opening up to the world of sartorialism and expression was fantastic"

"Today I enjoy making myself feel great. A gent should feel good about what he wears and it does wonders for confidence. I take pride in the fact that a lot of men (and women) notice what I wear because it stands out amongst the black-suit wearing droves of Sydney business life. I like to stamp my character and persona in what I wear; something that matches my personality" Well said Alex!

Find Alex on Instagram as Chapmanovic

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Thanks again to Frank Tailor for this months fantastic prizes.

Look out for next months #ThatDapperChap contest when we'll have more great prizes to give away! 

THANKS FOR READING!

Double breasted delight

So following another huge purchase from Next, the delivery driver arrived, arms straining under the weight of my new outfits. As the excitement built I took the packages up to the bedroom and began opening them. One of the first things that I pulled out and one that I had waited in anticipation for was this blue double breasted suit.

It's a very slim fit suit and as always with Next I had to order a couple of different sizes with the trousers to ensure the best fit. Next are so good when it comes to returns that I don't feel bad about returning items or have that horrible embarrassment at the counter when the assistant asks you what's wrong with the item and you then have to relay the story of your large calf muscles and that some skinny fit trousers are just too tight! (Or is that just me!?)

Another recent purchase is this shirt and tie. Bought on my business trip to Manchester I just had to grab the floral tie (I actually bought six ties!) and this soft heather coloured shirt.

With my new leather bag, bought in Tunisia for a rediculously low sum of cash and my blue suede brogues I was all set to go.

I love the fit of this suit and it's very comfortable to wear. I'd seen a few double breasted suits coming onto the high street which for me is a welcome return. I had looked at a few but wanted something a little different. The colour of this suit drew me in as did the fact that it is a two button fastening which makes it a little more contemporary.

I chose accessories to match in with the colours of the shirt and tie and added a navy blue nato strap to my watch. The socks are a grey and heather polka dot which I feel coordinates well and adds a touch of fun to a very professional suit.

Blue suede brogues: Savile Row

Socks: Topman

Suit: Next

Shirt: Primark

Tie: Primark

Tie Clip: Frank Tailor

Watch: Timex Weekender

Bag: vacation purchase from Tunisia

Bracelets: various brands and handmade

THANKS FOR READING!

Chap Chat - Accessorising a plain suit

That Dapper Chap talks to Desmond about making that plain suit less dull.

I often get messages from gentlemen via my Instagram page asking various questions and advice about mens fashion and what to wear. Last week I had an email from Desmond and I thought I'd share his question and my reply with you.

Desmond in his plain black suit

Hi Craig,

This is Desmond of desmondckc on Instagram. I am a Hong Kong university student who will start an internship soon in a bank. As you may be aware of, I am a fan of a suit. Yet I have some problems in choosing suits for my work, and I hope I could seek your kind help in this personal matter.

In Hong Kong, officewear, especially for a junior, is always a black suit. To wear a black suit, I would like to make it less boring by wearing ties, socks and watches of different colors. But I am not sure what color fits best. Black, grey and navy are all that I could think of, which matches a black suit, meanwhile not looking too senior. Do you think these colors are appropriate? 

I am not sure if it is acceptable for a junior to have a tie with a monochrome pattern like polka dots and squares. 

Also I find brown shoes weird with a black suit, or is it normal?

I also have a grey suit, and my choices of colors for the accessories are green (emerald), navy and black. What are your comments?

I know these questions may be bothering you, but I find you an appropriate mentor through your posts and would like to consult you for professional advice. I hope I am not disturbing you from your busy agenda.

Thank you.

Desmond