Reader Request: Gangnam Style

I have to confess – I’m convinced that I have some of the best readers out there. When I get Reader Requests the questions are always great – topics and issues close to my heart. Definitely no questions about Uggs or tracksuits from this stylish crowd!

If I had to make a list of things that I love to see a man in, formal wear would be right up there at the top of the list so I was thrilled when a reader reached out with the following oh-so-chic request:

“I’m sure you have seen the Gangnam Style video by PSY. My question…WHERE DO I FIND HIS CLOTHES?! There is like 1 outfit in there I definitely won’t wear. The rest I’m pretty much in love with. Let’s make this happen!!”

Korean rapper PSY’s style in the Gangnam video is a striking combination of 20′s inspired Great Gatsby pieces and preppy, East Coast country club wear. It’s formal and put together, but filled with unique touches and fun colors.

A man who wants to get creative and expand his horizons sartorially? I figured I should write this post quickly before I wake up realize that it was all just a dream…

Tuxedo:

Nothing says formal wear  quite like a perfectly fitted tuxedo or suit. The occasions for wearing a tux or suit may seem few and far between, but if you have one at the ready believe me when I say that you can find an excuse to wear it – Formal wedding, benefit or charity event, masquerade ball, attending the symphony, ballet or opera, New Years Eve party, even a Halloween costume a la Bond, James Bond.

In an ideal world all men could have a suit and tuxedo made for them – Pick out the fabric, cut, style, silhouette, and have it tailored perfectly for them. However back here in the real world off-the-rack is the most common, and easiest, way to go about finding a suit. Here are a few reasonably priced recommendations to get you started:

{Left to Right: Tailored black Italian Wool Two-Button Suit – $500 @ Banana Republic, Armani Collezioni ‘Giorgio’ Trim Fit Suit – $2,195 @ Nordstrom & Diagonal Weave Suit – $230 @ Zara}

• Banana Republic – For your classic, basic suit this is a good choice. You can also stock up on button-downs and ties while you’re there.
• Nordstrom - The benefit of a department store is that you’ll have a variety of brands to look through – From Ralph Lauren to Hugo Boss to John Varvatos. They’ll also usually throw in a fitting with the on-site tailor.
• Zara – For a slim suit with fun flares and an overall European vibe. This is going to be best for shorter, smaller boned men who want a slim fitting suit, those of you built like linebackers should stay away. Far, far away.

Which brings me to the most important part about securing yourself a suit or tuxedo that makes all eyes turn to you when you walk into a room – Get. It. Tailored. Hem the pants. Hem the sleeves. Get the pants and jacket fitted. That’s the KEY to making a suit look expensive and made for you even if it isn’t.

Spats:

If you think that all you have to pick from when it comes to formal mens shoes is matte black or patent leather you’re sorely mistaken. Luckily for us PSY has brought another old school style back in the form of spats and Oxford inspired dress shoes.

Spats are actually an accessory that slips over a shoe – Some Like It Hot, Anyone? – but these black & white wingtips are similar in style and silhouette. Another option that fits the bill are lace-up Oxfords, which come in an array of colors, styles, and materials and which fulfill the desire for an interesting and eye-catching shoe.

So where are some places that you can check out for a fun new dress shoe?

{Top Left to Right: ASOS Brogues With Leather Sole – $65 @ ASOS.com & Salvatore Ferragamo Beltramo 2 Loafers – $400 @ Bloomingdale’s, Bottom Left to Right: Florsheim ‘No String’ Wingtip Oxford- $100 @ Nordstrom & Stacy Adams Dayton Wing Tip Lace Up Shoes – $95 @ Macys}

ASOS - Ordering shoes online can be risky but once you’re determined your size and the brands that you like this is a great website with lots of variety and great searching capabilities.

Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom & Macys - All of these department stores will have a wide selection which means if you find a style they’re likely to have it in different colors, fabrics, and sizes which is very convenient.

Colorful slacks:

The pants worn by PSY in the Gangnam Style music video come in a wide variety of colors – From basic black and cream to bright pink and deep purple velvet.

If you’re interested in trying out a pair of brightly colored slacks you should approach choosing them the same way you would with a button-down shirt, you need to work with your coloring. If pastels don’t work with your skin tone, try either a brighter color or a darker jewel tone. After you find a color that works be sure to pick a pair of slacks that suits your frame and – you guessed it – be sure to have them hemmed.

{Left to Right: Levi 511 TWILL Slim Pants – $60 @ Piperlime, Straight Fit Five-Pocket Cord – $70 @ Banana Republic & Jack Spade Classic Dolan Pants – $175 @ Bloomingdale’s}

Piperlime & Banana Republic – These are similar brands (owned by the same parent company) and most of their styles come in multiple colors, fabrics, or textures. They frequently also offer slim and/or athletic cuts.

Bloomingdale’s - They have an excellent selection of chic menswear brands and GREAT sales. I highly recommend signing up to receive emails when there are menswear sales, you’ll be glad that you did.

{Click the Gangnam Style pictures above to be taken to the original source}

In your opinion what’s the best fashion part of PSY’s Gangnam Style video? Is this modern-Gatsby look something that you’d be willing to try?