A commando sweater, brogue boots and dark jeans are a killer combination. Especially with a Harris Tweed jacket.

Whatever you wear, look put together and wear it with confidence. There's nothing wrong with casual, just don't be sloppy.

To add to the last point of being outside of your comfort zone: make sure it's not the first time you're wearing that outfit! Give it a dry run when grocery shopping or going out so you're already somewhat used to moving in it. (Usually this advice is given when you wear something more formal than what you're used to but why not the other way around.)

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Great tip!

@9er..

6 ай бұрын

Some of the best advice!!! Much easier on the ego to feel like a fool in the grocery store versus the event you intend on wearing the outfit to.

I would stick with my own style as long as you look smart, be yourself instead of trying to impress strangers.

Excellent advice, Ash. As a man of middle years and larger build who wears jeans most days, here are my tips for Ron (who looks well!) 1. Buy straight cut, high quality dark denim. A blend of cotton with about 3% elastne will be more comfortable than pure cotton jeans. 2. Make sure the jeans fit - jeans should conform, not drape like trousers - and have them altered if they don’t. 3. Wear well polished dress boots or suede boots and a jacket. 4. If funds permit, or if its too warm for a jacket, a waistcoat works. 5. A fine plain belt that matches your shoes. Have a great time.

Dark jeans, mock turtleneck, walnut chelsea boots, leather banded wristwatch.

Maybe a flat cap too, if your head gets cold and you don't have much hair. It should probably match your jacket color.

Casual dress means different things to different folks. I personally would select oxblood highly shined penny loafers, brown socks and trousers a white shirt (no tie) or a polo shirt with a separate sport coat, sweater would be optional. Depends on the time of year and climate. Nice Pea coat.

Ash great advice for Ron. My take was button down oxford cloth shirt dress jeans suede chucka boots or loefers and a light weight sweater. If it's cooler weather I would go with the tweed jacket. Even when I was in highschool i never wore T shirts to school. Always shirts with a collar and leather dress shoes. Cheers Ron

Thank you for the good advice❤

If you really want to be the best-dressed man in the room in jeans and a T-shirt, then have the best chest in the room.

@richiguru7564

6 ай бұрын

If you really want to be the best-dressed woman in the room in a skirt and a blouse, then have the best chest in the room.

For those guys in the UK, can I recommend the vintage style of jeans produced by Freddies of Pinewood. Designed to mimic jeans of the 1950's and 1940's they are both wide legged and high waisted which makes them ideal for those of us who are not shall we say in the first flush of youth, and are perhaps carrying a little extra weight. They are a classic dark indigo heavy denim which both keeps its shape and retains its colour. I own three or four pairs and they are by some measure the most comfortable and stylish jeans I have ever owned.

Nice coat, scarf and hat

In reality, we need more of the 'strange, eccentric chaps' out there amongst the hoi polloi. For me it is straight leg Indigo coloured jeans (stretch fit denim), blazer, roll neck jumper or Jersey polo shirt and a pair of brown brogues.

@Solaar_Punk

4 ай бұрын

Yeah and if you live somewhere like London, Brighton or Edinburgh then what even is eccentric

Fantastic advice!

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Glad you think so!

Good to hear about hybrid shoes!! Open mind chap

Loved the mention of Drakkar Noir. I wore that in high school, too!

@chrisp3330

6 ай бұрын

What next? Hai Karate? 😂

Recently delved into the world of raw selvedge denim from Iron Heart, and they are truly lovely jeans which will show patina and fading over time.

Jeans are never in my sartorial wardrobe. For me jeans are for work and outdoor activities. Imho whoever uses jeans as a combination with a sartorial piece is distancing himself from classic wear and accepting casualisation of his outfit. But to all their own.

Perfect video about casual clothing.. However I‘d recommend chinos for Ron, I suppose he‘d represent himself in these far better than in denim; being still appropriate to the occasion.. and I suggest he‘d wear them afterwards. Desert boots or brogues are perfect, but no „hybrids“, they’re neither fish or flesh..

“Casuality epidemic.” Brilliant! I wish all tee shirts were in Hell. This was a superb episode, but it did occur to me, why should “casual” signify jeans at all? What about a nice tweed sportcoat, maybe in a more relaxed pattern and earthy colors, subdued but colored shirt (beige?), no tie, nice wool slacks in brown, and as you suggested brogued shoes? Nothing wrong with dressing like the only adult in the room. Just because it’s a high school reunion doesn’t mean you have to show up costumed like a teenager.

Dressing jeans up I like to wear either brown suede chelsea boots or dark reddish brown brogue chelsea boots. Usually a dark ink or mid blue coloured jean (mid blue with a slight fade is my favourite) a nice fitting shirt and a waistcoat - you’d be surprised how a nice waistcoat can look good with jeans. I also will match my watch strap, usually crocodile/alligator not regular calf leather, to my boots - I think it looks far better than a metal bracelet on your watch in those situations. I’ll normally wear a polished case watch rather than brushed if I’m doing smart casual too. But, I am one of those weirdo’s that changes watch straps/bracelets daily so that might be a step too far for those who don’t have the option.

Nice USN peacoat. One of the best value buys out there today are US Navy-issued peacoats in the used market.

Hi Ash, just want to say yes, they're called cowboy boots in America. In case no one else said that.👍

Maybe you can do a video of casual wear which conforms to the "chap code of style" for those that want practicality in their everyday attire...for those not in the corporate world etc. (i.e. your average Joe)

Ash, the fourth point on Gustav Temple’s Chap Manifesto: THOU SHALT NEVER, EVER, WEAR PANTALOONS DE NIMES Supposedly no true British gentleman should ever wear jeans

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Agreed!

I’m American and I definitely call them cowboy boots…so does everyone I know. But I know what people are talking about when they say “western Boots”. Still sounds odd to me, though. I love your channel, by the way.

Personally I’d go dark indigo jeans, straight and classically cut - none of that low rider business, worn with a tan or brown belt - preferably something a little chunkier than the type you would normally wear with suit trousers. I’d match that with a poplin shirt in a neutral colour - white or pale blue preferably, then a merino wool v-neck sweater in a navy, dark grey or an alternative muted colour (dark wine or moss works quite well for me). For shoes, I’d go tan brogues, maybe with an argyle sock. Alternatively maybe a brown or tan Chelsea boot. Unsure about turn ups - some like them on jeans - personally I prefer my jeans to fit well. Watch-wise, if you have an option, I’d go tool or field watch, rather than a dress watch.

Same principles. casual has many quality levels too It more clothes appreciate, ie not wearing suit and tie in the woods . I love made in UK quality Selvedge jeans, NO dirty stretch It takes time and effort to get them comfy Wear with vintage work boots all made in UK

Good morning, sir After being away on a short break to sunnier climb I have taken the opportunity to catch up on your sage like advice ! For the first time in my 60odd years on this planet I really did feel that going into dinner I was "the best dressed man in the room " The hotel wasn't in what would be classed as the absolute top tier but it wasn't exactly entry level either My look was of course enhanced by my equaly well dressed wife So thanks for instilling the want to do this in me On a secondary note re the school reunionion dress code Perhaps the casual look was implemented as a form of leveling down process rather like the school uniform back in the day ? Great work young man keep it coming

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Thank you sir

All great advice! But also dont forget that in warmer climates jeans may not be all that. Sure lots of dudes will be wearing them but believe me they are probably sweating their butt-cracks off. Some uncreased Dockers, well polished loafers w no show socks, a tucked ironed cotton button down with the sleeves rolled, w/ an appropriate belt and nice watch , capped of with a Panama fedora, straw or cotton Trilby, or a cotton or linen flat cap is totally casual, more comfortable, and yet smart enough for you to completely own it and feel good about without sticking out like a sore thumb.

@MrWhit30

2 ай бұрын

If the announcement just says jeans and a shirt, remember it was probably written by some poor gal whose husband pulls on a wrinkled polo and considered himself dressed up.

Canadian Tuxedo all black 👌👍

Hey Ash Mike from Boston (USA) here do you wear any black tie outfits like tuxedos or midnight navy tuxedos and/or have events there. Near the holidays I have been taking out some velvet blazers I have made. I started redoing my wardrobe at the beginning of the pandemic so now I am styling with some excellent outfits. I think it's good for people to get a good tailor in their lives, the materials today are better than ever. I'm hoping the trend swings back off of the casual dress and people start to look at their wardrobes again. Woman seem to always have a pretty good sense of style, but men sometimes need to be clubbed over the head. I often go out, and the ladies will talk to me and say they wish their boyfriend or husband would dress up. Great videos they're good and straight to the point. For me, it's double breasted suits and long coats. The cool weather here allows us to wear a lot of the accessories (scarves, gloves, long coats and trenchcoats) that some people in Florida wouldn't be able to enjoy. I think it's important to know your colors like I am a winter color person. Those colors work the best on me plus you have to realize your size. The type of collar on your shirt makes a difference and a wide lapel is a good choice for a big guy. Would like to see you going out to a black tie event, and doing a video from there.

Wow! That was a tall order to fill Ash, and you did very well. Who specifies jeans and a t shirt to a do. Only in America I'm guessing. Does a jeans always have to be denim, I wonder. I own a medium blue denim shirt which I rarely wear but when I do I pair it with a black chinos. I find it works rather well. I took your advice with a pair of white leather runners. I cannot abide sneakers but I must say, these really work as they have a low profile sole and are not far off from a shoe. Also the leather can be wiped with a damp cloth and never look scruffy. So thanks for that Ash.

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Glad to help.

Hi Ash! First of all, merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family! I have a question! I normally wear suits when I go and visit my father! After Christmas I have been invited to go from Te Kuiti to Auckland _(overnight),_ the guy's wife wants to _"Down Grade"_ my outfit, as she claims that I will be an embarrassment! I don't wear jean any more (for the last 30+ years) as I would feel like a school boy! What shall I do, accept the invitation or reject the invitation? I was going to buy a replacement Black Capped Oxford Shoes while visiting Auckland.

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Merry Christmas to you sir.

I own a pair of dark wash denim jeans, in a slim fit, which I have had hemmed by a seamstress so that the length breaks only slightly when wearing a pair of brown cap toe or wingtip Oxfords. Paired with an Oxford, button-down shirt, and a jacket or blazer, they can look stylish in the autumn, the winter, or the spring. As I approach my sixth decade, I am beginning to feel that, at least for me, jeans are less and less appropriate, and I prefer to wear a pair of khaki chinos or grey flannel trousers in cooler weather, or flannel trousers in July and August. Jean shorts are simply not appropriate for a well-dressed man, in my opinion, and I also steer clear of skinny jeans, torn jeans, distressed and/or faded jeans, and designer jeans that feature prominent logos or iconography. With jeans, as with most other items of men's clothing, simple and understated is the best option.

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

I laid up my jeans at 45 and replaced them with chinos. I’ve never looked back.

Slim fit jeans are a better option imo, skinny fit are the jeans that make you look like sparrow legs also if you wear Chelsea boots then slim fit is the correct option.

I was wondering how about a vest, instead of a jacket. One could dress it up or down depending on how he feels. Along the same lines of the jackets that you suggested. Being in Canada and i should say ive never hone to a sshool reunion. I wouldnt wear jeans if i did go, chinos at the least but not jeans. As always, Thank you for the video!!

Look to Anthony Bourdain for some great ideas on how to wear jeans and shirts to match.

I'm 46 and I love wearing jeans. I have them in several different styles and I wear them with boots. Here is a question for you Ash for your next Q&A. I have designed my own leather biker jacket and I am having it manufactured. To what extent do you indulge in customised clothing and would you ever consider designing your own pieces?

Ash, I went to a retirement party and would be around some people I have not met before. I wore grey wool trousers, a grey long sleeve merino polo shirt, over that i wore a herringbone wool overcoat with a greyish-blue scarf, and a greyish winter Tilley hat. The person retiring must be close to 70 and most of the other guys were in t-shirts and worn jeans. It was so sad, but I enjoyed dressing well which is a rare treat for me in my mostly physical line of work. I have a bit of a belly so I left the polo shirt untucked (I tuck all other shirts) because it felt more like a light sweater style. Should LS polo shirts be tucked if made of fine wool?

@TheChapsGuide

6 ай бұрын

Depends on the aesthetic you are aiming for and, of course, your stature. If you feel more comfy with it untucked, I would say steer your look in that direction. Still, much, much smarter than any T-shirt!

The nice thing about jeans is that they’re so versatile. Sure, you can wear them with a t-shirt, but they look even better with a dress shirt and no tie. Why not go for a white shirt for that Robert Redford look? In the US ascots look weird, so I like to wear a turtleneck jersey with a dress shirt over it when the weather’s cold, and with a dark t-shirt underneath when the weather gets nice. And don’t bother spending a ton on overpriced designer jeans. The standard brands will do. They’re work wear!

Hello ❤

Call me an old fuddy-duddy, but I think jeans are best for what they were originally designed as: workwear. They're great, hard-wearing trousers for car maintenance, around-the-house repairs, painting a fence, mowing the lawn, and so on. In my opinion, their strength is being durable; to me, they neither look good nor feel comfortable. As I don't do any of that sort of labor myself, I don't see myself owning jeans for the foreseeable future. No offense to anyone who particularly likes jeans, but they . . . aren't for me.

@Dunkelzeitgeist

6 ай бұрын

Exactly how I wear them, as a 26 year old

@themoderndandy713

6 ай бұрын

@@Dunkelzeitgeist And I'm twenty-three! I'm glad you agree.

He should wear a Canadian tuxedo 😊

Being short and fat i have terrible problems getting a jacket....allways to long at back and in the arms

I hate what I call balloon jeans. It's jeans that are baggy on the legs but taper tightly on the ankles right above those big silly abominable looking sneakers. It's similar to those trousers that clowns wear in the circus.

Your videos really could use some visual examples of what you are advising. The advice is good, but without showing what you are talking about they are not as effective as they could be. I didn't see any jeans being worn. You can read a transcript of this and get all the info in a few moments instead of investing 15 minutes of screen time.

@larrylarry739

6 ай бұрын

There are quite a few visual examples in this video.

@adamcohen2632

6 ай бұрын

@@larrylarry739 Thanks

People who wear black dress shoes with blue jeans, that's a big no.

I would wear dark chinos. Jeans tend to wear out. And jeans are for farmhands, car-mechanics or oil rig workers. And I am neither. And desert boots or chukka boots are alright or indeed brogues. But stay clear of hybrid shoes, they are neither fish nor flesh. But what a strange and embarrassing dress code: dressing in an advanced age like a bunch of 18 year olds!

Best way to style jeans: Wear proper trousers. 😂

Slim fit jeans are a better option imo, skinny fit are the jeans that make you look like sparrow legs also if you wear Chelsea boots then slim fit is the correct option.