The retro print shirt

That Dapper Chap shows us todays look and talk about style influences from previous decades.

Today's look started with this retro print shirt. Not only is the print retro with it's red and navy blue elliptical, interwoven pattern but the entire design is retro. Inspired directly by the 1970s it's a great modern shirt with that vintage edge.

You'll see immediately that the collar is larger than those that we're seeing from the majority of shirts on the market. When the collar is laid flat you can see that it spreads slightly too to create more of a point at the tips, something that is classically 1970s and conjures images of bearded, long haired gents in flares and sandals and with a guitar slung over their shoulder.

Is it me or have the last few years opened up the doors to a variety of styles which cover many decades of style, but taking the best of the cuts, patterns and shapes from each and making them 'now'. We've seen a huge amount of 80s inspired clothing but none of the voluminous and illuminous vulgarities that graced the streets in 1984. We're seeing heritage styles that give a gentlemanly nod to the 20's, 30's and 40's but without the harsh, thick and itchy fabrics that they used back in the day. And even though the 90s are still fresh in some of our memories, some styles from that-no-so-far-away decade are creeping back too.

One company that is offering the best mix of the decades, that I have found, is Next. In their current collection they're offering urban styles with 90s influences, 70s print shirts, like the one I'm wearing today along with thin knit buttoned and collared sweaters, 80s influenced sweaters in block patterns and wool suits and collarless grandad shirts just like those worn by our forefathers while shovelling coal in the 20s.

So whatever decade you may favor, take the best of what it had to offer in a new way. You don't have to go the whole hog and add those cordoury flares and platform shoes with your 70s print shirt. Just team it with modern items as I have, like this skinny fit blazer and chinos. It could be argued that the blazer is 60s style and that the chinos are 50s or 80s, as they were big in both eras, but whatever mix of items you wear, it doesn't matter so long as you are wearing it well and make it your own.

Black leather kilted tassle loafers: Monk

Baton Rouge unmatched socks: Oybo

Navy slim fit chinos: Next

Retro print shirt: Next

Navy skinny fit textured blazer: Topman

Burgundy knitted tie: Next

Ties clip: vintage via eBay

Burgundy paisley pocket square: Primark

Black leather briefcase: holiday purchase in Tunisia

Lapel pins: home made

Bracelets: home made

THANKS FOR READING!

Button Up with Ben Sherman

That Dapper Chap introduces the Ben Sherman button up campaign and gives an insight into the history of this iconic brand.

That Dapper Chap buttons up

Founded in 1963 by brighton born Arthur Benjamin Sugarman,the man described as ‘always embracing the new and the different’; someone constantly searching for the best of things' his first shirt factory was set up in his home town after a stint in the US where he picked up a wife who just happened to be the Daughter of a Californian clothing producer. 

Following a few very successful years Sugarman now named Ben Sherman, sold the business and moved to Australia, a few changes and a few years later and here we are today celebrating 50 years of trading and reintroducing the #buttonup style

2013 saw Ben Sherman reach the ripe old age of 50 and as with any milestone it was to be celebrated. What they did was go back to their roots and re-issue some great heritage designs including paisleys and florals giving a respectful nod to their past and sharing their culture and legacy with an entirely new generation. A generation that missed the sixties, seventies and even the eighties, all decades that Ben Sherman has walked through, head held high, sticking to their look and their values while all the time carving themselves a well formed niche and establishing themselves an an iconic British brand.

My new umbrella print Ben Sherman shirt £75

Me, buttoned up in my own Ben Sherman umbrella print shirt

I've worn the button up style for a while. Just because you're not wearing a tie it doesn't automatically mean that your top button has to be undone. Maybe its just a British thing, I don't know, but what I do know is that it makes you stand out from the crowd as a person who knows their own style and has the confidence to show it.

The 'Button Up' campaign is a clear recognition of their roots and harks back to a past era, an era of cool, of London mods, Carnaby Street and the global rise of British fashion.

FIND BEN SHERMAN

Just click the links below

Web

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

You Tube

Pinterest

First Fairisle

Bloody bank holiday Mondays! Love them, obviously as it means an extra day off work, but bloody hell, they do mess your week up! This is the reason we're looking at #bowtiewednesday instead of the expected #bowtietuesday, which the rest of the entire world (and maybe beyond, who knows) knows and loves! 

So having prepared myself for 'bow tie Tuesday', I suddenly became acutely aware that it wasn't Tuesday at all, but Wednesday! because Monday was like an extra Sunday, and Tuesday automatically became fake Monday by default. Poor 'Tuesday after bank holiday Monday', so misunderstood! 

I very nearly stood on this little fella on my way to work today! I hate that knowing 'crunch' so it's lucky I saw him slithering his way to the snail factory, or wherever it is he works. We had a selfie together before going our separate ways. He wasn't too talkative so I didn't give him a business card. He had some cool stripes though. Props. 

I'm loving my new bow tie and lapel pin, both from Southern Gents, please take a look at the product review I did for them and don't forget that 10% discount to That Dapper Chap readers!  I was so excited to receive the Pegasus lapel pin and I'll explain why. One of the best dreams I ever had was of me 'The Black Knight' riding my Pegasus 'Valinor' through the clouds. Swooping and climbing, the wind whipping up my black cape. That was such a cool dream!  Marvel fans will know! 

Anyone who has followed me for a while will know of my love for fairisle, and I couldn't resist the opportunity offered by a cool morning to drag this vintage knitted waistcoat out of hibernation! There are so many more of it's brethren to wake up over the coming weeks! All snoozing gently between the fragranced drawer liners, waiting for those first leaves to turn before the get to be seen again by the world (and beyond, who knows!). So watch this space!

Leather kilted tassel loafers: Monk

Mis matched socks: Oybo

Chinos: Next

Shirt: H&M 

Fairisle waistcoat: vintage from eBay

Blazer: Topman

Bow Tie: Southern Gents

Lapel Pin: Southern Gents

Pocket Square: Gavin Pierre Medford

Bag: leather briefcase, bought in Tunisia

THANKS FOR READING! 

Product Review - Southern Gents

That Dapper Chap reviews some of the gentlemen's accessories available from Southern Gents and shows us some styles that can be created with them

READ ON FOR AN EXCLUSIVE THAT DAPPER CHAP READER DISCOUNT

Just some of the range of items available from Southern Gents

MEET THE SOUTHERN GENTS

A few short weeks ago I started chatting to Tunde at Southern Gents, a charming fellow, passionate about mens accessories and with an aim to get us gentlemen dressing more sartorially.

From a small beginning in 2011, blogging online, they made the transition to an online store just a year later with the aim to be the number one manufacturer of mens accessories and signature items, with the craftsmanship of J.Crew and a budget which doesn't break the bank.

Gingham pocket square and camo and floral pocket rounds $12-$20

Working from their home office they design all of the pieces on offer themselves and use preferred manufacturers who execute their designs to the highest standards.

I asked Tunde what his message would be to That Dapper Chap readers, he replied "dressing your best will not only bring out the best in you, but will make you feel good about yourself, and convince others to take you seriously" I couldn't agree more!

The 100% silk Savannah tie $32 and the anchor lapel pin $15

PRODUCTS

Southern Gents sell a wide range of mens accessories, all designed to enhance your look and add detail and personality to your everyday outfits. 

As a fan of self tie bow ties I'm pleased to see that they have opted for this version rather than the pre-tied version, these are more sartorial and traditional, giving a genuine un-uniform look when tied.

The Oxford bow tie $25

With 14 adjustable bow ties currently available on the site (Aug 14) there is something there for everyone, from the quirky Yorkshire Terrier print to the traditional black, with different coloured velvets bow ties in between.

The diamond tip Ruby Red Plaid bow tie $22 in 100% cotton

Again with 18 neck ties for sale (Aug 14) the range is very good and you can pick up anything from a floral design for the spring and summer months, through club style ties to polka dots in 100% silks, wool and cotton. 

The Savannah tie in 100% silk

The Blue Momentum tie $28 in 100% wool

As well as ties and bow ties you can pick up a smart lapel pin to add that extra piece of personality to your jacket. While the range isn't exhaustive they have chosen well and offer 5 designs in 7 styles ranging from an anchor to a lions head. 

Black Antler, Anchor, Eagle, Pegasus, Lion & Silver Antler lapel pins

A sample of the Southern Gents tie collection

Not only is s-gents.com your place for neckwear but they also have other little gems available such as necklaces, suspenders, tie bars and shoe laces, all combining to create that unique look.

The Southern Gents necklace, tie bars, suspenders and shoe laces

One item that has made a big return is the pocket square and Southern gents don't disappoint in this department either. Not only do they offer pocket squares but pocket rounds too.

The pink gingham Roosevelt pocket square styled with a navy
waistcoat and my own pink flower lapel pin and the Savile Row bow tie

Some of the collection of Southern gents pocket squares

PRICES

For me, and every dapper gent on a budget the prices are very reasonable and you can easily pick up enough items to alter the look of a basic suit at a reasonable price. Big style at little cost.

Ties $25 - $35
Bow ties $22-$32
Lapel pins $15 - $20
Necklaces $20
Laces £8
Suspenders $18
Tie bars $10
Pocket Squares/Rounds $18 - $20

PACKAGING & PRESENTATION

The package of goodies arrived quickly and well packed in a nice sturdy white, flip lid box. Each item was carefully folded and presented and all wrapped in black tissue paper. 

The ruby red plaid bow tie styled with a navy blazer
and crisp white shirt. TDC's own lapel pins

The business card added that professional touch and I was impressed by the attention to detail. I would happily order items as a gift and not need to re package it before wrapping it, in the knowledge that what was inside was more than adequately displayed and packaged.

PERFORMANCE

All of the products were well made. I found no snags or loose threads. The pocket rounds are all professionally finished with stitched edges which were all incredibly neat and well executed.

The ties and bow ties tied securely and looked good when dressed.

The Oxford bow tie and Pegasus lapel pin styled with a navy blazer
with grey trim, white cotton shirt  and navy wool waistcoat

The lapel pins are also well made with the pin very securely attached. They have no sharp edges or tarnishing.

PERTINENCY

If you're a gentleman who has a basic black or navy suit but wants to inject some individuality into your look, but you don't have a Versace or Paul Smith budget, Southern gents is a great option for you. With great quality products at very reasonable prices they are a great alternative to the high street.

PRO’s (AND CONS)

Quality versus value for money is a big seller for me. This and the choice available makes Southern Gents a good contender for your accessory needs.

The only issue I found was that the ruby red plaid bow tie seemed a little long, even when reduced to the minimum length using the adjuster. Maybe this is a design flaw or I was sent a longer version in error. All of the other bow ties fitted perfectly when using the adjuster clasp and putting it to the correct length as indicated on the handy measurement tape sewn inside each bow tie.

PEOPLE

My team were impressed by the variety of samples and the uniqueness of some of the designs. They all agreed that the items were good value for money and commented on the quality of materials i.e. wool, cotton and silk rather than nylon or polyester.

The red plaid bow tie styled with a navy blazer
and my own pocket square and lapel pins

PRECIS

Overall Southern Gents offers a lot for the average gent who wants to add something to his existing style. Products are well made and well packaged. I would have confidence ordering again.

The 100% silk Saville Row bow tie

PROMOTION

How to find Southern Gents. Just click the links below:

Web site

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

THAT DAPPER CHAP DISCOUNT

If you like what you've seen here, get over to S-Gents.com and get ordering. The gentlemen at Southern Gents have given an exclusive 10% discount on all orders placed by That Dapper Chap readers. Simply enter thatdapperchap at the checkout!

And look out for the next That Dapper Chap contest held on Instagram for your chance to win some great goodies from Southern gents!

THANKS FOR READING!