Preparing and Pistols

We've discussed how planning out your wardrobe can have a huge impact on your personal brand. 

From dialing in your specific needs, cuttiing unecessary cost with items you don't need and most importantly, nailing a presentation you're comfortable with.  

Today I want to share with you how a customer (now friend) I met this week came prepared.

Let's get into it...my comments are in parenthesis.

He traveled to Charlotte and it was the first time we've met. 

When asked how he landed at ABBEYDALE he mentioned reading our site and felt like our approach aligned with his.  (He did his research -- always check out the options in the marketplace.)

He brought this document. (I'm sharing it with you word for word)

ABBEYDALE Discussion Topics

- I  feel it's time to update my wardrobe:  I have good stuff but it's from 2008/2009. (he clearly buys better, but less)  I've added a couple of sport coats since then. My tailor in DC just retired and we moved, so I'm searching for a new, more local tailor.

- I  aspire to understated elegance (We're going to get along just fine)

- I  like to look fashionable without being fashion forward (He clearly is thinking about this)

- It's important to me that I look my age; not like a 55 year old dressing as a 25 year old would.

- I'm retired, so my dressing needs are different than they once were. (How has the new environment imacted your dressing needs?)

• Suits are now "special occasion wear" (fancy dinner, theatre, wedding / funeral).  I don't feel that I need many of them. (This approach is targeted, needs first)

• Many events we attend end up being slacks/open collar or dinner jacket.  Not as much in between, hence my primary focus has been on updating the sport coats not suits. (Very common today, this gets me thinking on versatility)

• I frequently wear sportcoats and jeans/slacks/moleskin trousers.  Nicer casual. (Important - he is giving me a full spectrum of his business and casual presentation - they work together with your brand.  He also cares about his casual wear)

- Order of purchases:  Suit, linen or camelhair sportcoat, trousers, now.

• More sportcoats later.  Camelhair or linen, cashmere, travel blazer. 

• Linen and camelhair sequence will depend on delivery timeline. (We discussed seasons and timing for both needed sportcoats - planning)

- Blue Suit first? (This was at the top of his list and knew we needed to tackle - gives us a clear starting point)

- I  often wear a pistol; can we cut the coats and trousers to accomodate that without too much difficulty? I  do not tend to wear a pistol with a suit. (Can't get this off the rack!)

- Likes / dislikes

• No low-rise trousers

• No wide gap in buttoned coat at belt.  I  don't want to see my tie below the buttons. (This is usually the result of low rise pants and a jacket cutting away too drastically under the last button)

• No visible ankles while standing.

• I like ticket pockets.

• Dislike patch pockets 

• No gaps between shirt collar and jacket

• No widely spread collars

• No big huge wide ties and big tie knots.

That was it, succinct. 

It gave me an incredible snap shot into what he likes/dislikes. 

I love perparations like this.  They always open deeper discussions.  

By sharing, I'm in hopes it helps you clarify your wardrobe mission.