Nothing really comes close to the ease at which a custom suit fits around the contours of the body. When you go custom, every single stitch of your suit's fabric is put together with your comfort and style exclusively in mind. Longtime customers swear by it, and recent converts more often than not never look back at off-the-rack options available in big-box department stores. With a suit that's made just for you, gone are the days where you have to worry about your collars bunching up or trousers that are either too tight or too baggy.

But even suits made with the perfect fit in mind are not immune from the one universal thing that keeps tailors around the globe in business. And that thing would be us, or that annoying tendency for everyone's dimensions and body shape to change over periods of time. Whether you overindulged during Thanksgiving and Christmas or started that fad diet that's really paying off, these fluctuations happen to all of us, and often at very inconvenient times. It's always disappointing when you have a wedding coming up and your tuxedo no longer is as snug as it used to be, or your best suit barely accommodates a tucked-in dress shirt for an important cocktail party just around the corner. So what can we do about these inconveniences, other than have a wardrobe the size of an entire department store rack?

Going to a tailor or even buying a new suit are the likely options that first come to mind; perhaps even a new belt or shedding a layer or two might seem like a quick fix in a pinch. We'll certainly touch on these remedies, but there might be a better way to stay one step ahead of the body's tendency to be a stubborn creature

of habit. Purchasing a handful of suits ahead of time within your expected size ranges might just allow you to account for all those dimensional fluctuations in the future, but as you already know this isn't the only way to deal with such a problem that we've all encountered at some point or another. In this piece, we'll give you options for what to do whether you gain some or lose some over the course of a year.

Whether your suit feels like it's bursting at the seams or floating around you like parachute pants from the '90s, fitting problems are normally handled first and foremost by a custom tailor. You take your suit in, the tailor takes your measurements, they make the necessary adjustments, and you're on your merry way. Going to a tailor is also relatively inexpensive, as it doesn't require you to purchase a new suit to get that perfect fit you're looking for. In some cases, if you purchased your suit from the same tailor, minor adjustments and alterations are complimentary, which further reduces the cost of either too much exercise or too many Christmas parties.

If you need to add or take away a few inches from your waist or add a little more room in your shoulders, the benefits of going to a tailor outweigh any other remedies to potential fitting problems. Although it's easier to take away rather than add a few inches to your suit, a tailor shouldn't encounter anything too insurmountable so long as the adjustments and alterations you need are slight. The turnaround time also tends to be very quick, and you might even be able to pick up

your altered suit on the same day you drop it off, depending on how busy your tailor is at any given time.

The only drawback you might encounter when going to a tailor to adjust your suit measurements is that the changes you require might be impossible due to the physical limitations of your suit's material. In circumstances where the measurements have to be reduced or expanded drastically, it may be more cost-effective to just purchase a new suit rather than pay a tailor to reconstruct a new one out of the suit that you do have.

In most cases, however, the consensus seems to be that going to a tailor to make adjustments is the best option for alterations within a few inches. By doing so when necessary, you will extend the longevity of your suit while you simultaneously save money.

Of course, not all measurement adjustments can be handled by a tailor, and herein lies the sometimes dreaded option of having to buy a brand new suit just so you can get that perfect comfort level you so desire. Whether you lost a ton of weight or decided to bulk up for a body-building competition, buying a new suit—rather than trying to tailor an existing one—might be the better course of action in these scenarios. The process of buying a new suit nowadays is pretty straightforward, and you may not even need to show up to a physical location for the manufacturers and tailors to take your initial measurements.

Even if you could get away with altering a suit you already own, buying a new one has several benefits. When a tailor makes a new suit for you, in theory it will fit

more precisely to your body type as it is right now, without the need to alter, widen, or strip away any suit material at an additional appointment, which will save you time in the process. Buying a new suit will also allow you to upgrade any minor style considerations if you so choose. Maybe you'd rather have peak lapels or an American-style suit rather than a British or Italian one, and vice versa.

The only drawbacks to buying a new suit, of course, are the cost and the possibility that your new suit may not fit you as well in the future, regardless of whether you bulk up or slim down. But that's a risk we all take whenever we buy a suit at any given point in time.

Overall, the consensus when it comes to buying a new suit is that it's a great option for those who want to expand the variety of their wardrobe as well as save time.

We've all been in a bit of a bind as far as formal events go. Your best friend is getting married, and after months of anticipation you realize that your suit is either a little too tight or so loose that your belt won't even effectively hold your pants up, the day before the ceremony. If you didn't plan ahead, there isn't much you can do to remedy a situation like this one, but in some cases, adding or taking away layers to your outfit can be just enough to alleviate any awkward fitting or discomfort.

If your suit is too constricting, consider foregoing an undershirt and do your best to wear a dress shirt that is made from thinner fabrics. A quarter- or half-inch may not seem like much, but that small amount of extra room can make a tighter-

fitting suit a little less uncomfortable, and comfort is important if you have to be wearing one for several hours.

Conversely, if your suit is suddenly too loose after swearing off bread and bacon, you might be better off wearing a thicker undershirt with your attire and a dress shirt that's made from wool or cotton rather than linen or silk.

Adding or subtracting layers to your outfit can be beneficial in that doing so doesn't cost anything at all and also doesn't consume any additional time. However, the drawbacks outweigh the positives in this case. Layering, or stripping them away, tends to work best only when your measurements have changed ever so slightly. Bear in mind that this method is not meant to be a long-term solution, and it should only be used as a temporary fix in last-minute emergency situations. You're better off buying a new suit or going to a tailor, but if those options are not immediately available to you, using layers to adjust the fit slightly is worth at least a try.

In order to give yourself a wider pool of options to choose from when your measurements inevitably fluctuate over time, consider keeping more than just one or two suits in your wardrobe. If your measurements don't change too drastically, this method might be able to eliminate the need to go to a tailor altogether, as multiple suits tend to fit differently from each other by slight degrees. We would caution, however, not to deviate too much from your standard measurements, as buying suits that are too big or too small would be largely pointless; you want suits

that fit you as closely as possible at this moment, not necessarily ones that may or may not fit years or even decades later.

In addition to going up or down a size, having multiple suits at your disposal has the benefit of increasing variety and versatility in your formal attire, and you'll never be short on style no matter what type of event you have to attend, whether you're headed to a black-tie wedding or getting ready for another routine day at the office. All in all, the pros of owning multiple suits go far beyond just the ability to easily go between sizes when your measurements fluctuate.

As it is with buying a new suit, buying multiple suits comes with the potential drawback of being cost-prohibitive. On average, a single person tends to own about a half-dozen suits, so there's no reason to go overboard and buy 50 or 100, unless of course cost and storage are not issues and you want as many style and size permutations as possible. For all practical purposes, however, owning anywhere between 5-10 suits is usually sufficient to fulfill all of your style and fitting needs.

Although buying multiple suits offers a solution to potential measurement fluctuations down the road, at the end of the day, the most effective and balanced way to deal with fitting problems is to do what people have been doing for centuries, and that's simply going to your custom tailor. As most people's measurements only fluctuate slightly over time, in most cases a tailor will be able to handle any adjustments without a problem.

If you've been eyeing a custom suit for some time and want to ensure that your measurements give you an ideal balance between comfort and style, stop into an Enzo Custom showroom or make an online appointment with us, where one of

our expert clothiers will take care of everything you need when it comes to formal wear and achieving that perfect fit

Even suits made with the perfect fit in mind are not immune from the one universal thing that keeps tailors around the globe in business. And that thing would be us, or that annoying tendency for everyone's dimensions and body shape to change over periods of time. It's always disappointing when you have a wedding coming up and your tuxedo no longer is as snug as it used to be, or your best suit barely accommodates a tucked-in dress shirt for an important cocktail party just around the corner. So what can we do about these inconveniences, other than have a wardrobe the size of an entire department store rack?

What's A Gentleman To Do When His Suit No Longer Fits?

The recent explosion of remote work, a greater emphasis on budgetary concerns, and warmer weather being just around the corner have all been catalysts in putting the mantra of "less is more" to the forefront of fashion sensibilities for 2021 going forward. That being said, a greater trend toward minimalism doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice personal style for the sake of comfort and convenience. A proper balance among all of these concerns is what's going to drive overall fashion sense in the coming months, and this is true for both formal and more casual spheres.

The upcoming summer season looks like it will bring more people outdoors again as the worldwide pandemic seems to be heading toward a more guarded place of being under control relative to last year, and while no one can predict the future with 100 percent accuracy, it does appear that many people are more eager—and more inclined—to socialize as they have a better handle on what's expected of them in the New Normal. As outdoor spaces become the more preferable social space even in warmer climates, this increases the need for additional comfort when it comes to formal wear.

As a result, lighter suit materials, and linen in particular, will of course be a part of this "less is more" trend, as balancing comfort and style is now way more important than it had been in years past. But while material is a major component of personal comfort when it comes to formal wear, there are subtler, less obvious considerations to be taken into account for leveling out comfort and style. Ever wonder why brighter pastel colors are more popular during the summer? Or why wearing an undershirt as an extra layer can actually keep you cooler? There is a science behind all this that many people don't think about at first, but we'll visit that later.

In this article, we'll give you the rundown on summer trends for 2021 as well as the benefits of linen and other light materials, so you can keep your summer ensembles as comfortable as possible when the mercury begins to rise. If there's anything at all that beats feeling comfortable while you're out and about, it's being able to look good while you do it, and our style pointers will surely help you get there.

After an unusually frigid winter, the warmer season couldn't come soon enough. This change in the weather, of course, brings with it, as always, the search for ultimate comfort. In spite of many people's preconceived notions about formal wear as it relates to a decrease in one's personal comfort level, a well-tailored custom suit should feel no less comfortable than putting on a pair of well-worn jeans. Proper measurements go a long way in achieving this balance, but in the summer months, clothing materials and color choices are also ever so important.

Before we move onto the suits themselves, we should touch on the types of shirts that you'll wear underneath the jacket to keep you cool. It's important that your dress shirts are of a lightweight material, but your color choices can be equally as vital. Your standard white is perhaps the best color suited for warmer months, as it tends to absorb the least amount of heat from the sun. The opposite is true for darker colors such as black or navy blue, and there's a reason why you don't see too

many people out and about in these colors on those bright sunny days. By wearing dark colors, your body will retain more heat, and if you try this yourself, you'll likely notice that your comfort level takes a dive after a very short amount of time, perhaps even 10 or 15 minutes. By sticking to white, lighter shades of blue, and bright pastel colors, you'll be able to stay outside for longer without sweltering in the summer heat. The same principle applies to the suits themselves, as well.

While many of us tend to look our best in a three-piece black suit, we might not always feel our best if we're forced to sit out in the sun for hours on end. Thankfully for this reason, summer formal events tend to be a bit more casual than their winter counterparts, so you're able to get away with more as far as what is considered to be formal in terms of style. Rather than being restricted to classic black, navy blue, or charcoal, you have a little more freedom to get creative with colors and patterns so long as they're tasteful as they are subtle. When you're dealing with pastel colors, sometimes it's actually better to go with narrow pinstripes, crosshatch, and herringbone patterns to offset the louder color schemes. Even in the brightest colors, subtle patterns sometimes have a way of dampening the loudness factor, and this is especially true on those oppressively sun-filled afternoons. It is best, however, to avoid patterns that might be too obvious or bold. Something like plaid, for example, especially when the intersecting lines are too large, can actually detract from any semblance of formality. Whatever you decide to choose, keep your patterns tight and narrow, as this will soften, rather than accentuate, bright pastel shades, keeping you looking good and feeling good at your next formal event.

These color and pattern considerations, however, can be lost if your suit material isn't up to handling the summer heat. Just as you wouldn't wear jeans and a T-shirt to the golf course, you wouldn't sport a flannel suit when the temperature outside is pushing 105 degrees, either. While the color of your suit may be important in keeping you comfortable, the material is essential. Lighter wools, wool/cotton blends, and linen in particular will outperform everything else when you have to be outside for extended periods of time. Although wool has remained the gold standard for suits of all styles, largely due to its ability to regulate body temperature through the wicking process, linen is a viable alternative for the summer months thanks to its similar cooling ability and structural properties.

Just like wool and cotton, linen has been used as a clothing material for thousands of years, and so far has not been replaced or made obsolete by anything else that has hit the market ever since humans have been wearing clothes. Various synthetic materials come and go, but natural materials such as linen have stood the test of time and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Made from fibers of the flax plant, linen has unique properties that make it a superior material for warmer weather, hence its popularity in the manufacture of suits designed to hold up to the summer heat. Compared to wool and cotton, linen dries much more quickly so your body will stay cooler by the process of evaporation. The more moisture is kept away from your body, the more comfortable you will feel. In addition to its superior drying capabilities, linen is also

more lightweight than cotton or wool, which further enhances its tendency to help you stay cool.

When the fibers from the flax plant are woven into their final linen products, the strands themselves are thicker than they are with cotton or wool, and this is one of the reasons why linen suits tend to have a lower thread count without sacrificing durability. Because the linen strands also have slightly more space between them, this allows air to circulate more easily through the material, which accelerates the evaporation process. Those living in hot climates who aren't quite familiar with linen suits almost immediately notice the difference when they try one out, and because of this, linen is very popular in warmer regions throughout the country including the desert southwest, Florida, and other portions of the Gulf Coast.

While linen as a suit material doesn't have too many drawbacks, the material itself can be more expensive than cotton and certain types of wool, given the geographic and climatic limitations of where the flax plant will grow. But because linen suits require fewer strands of individual fiber, the cost of a linen suit can be comparable to one made of wool or other natural materials. Another minor drawback to linen is that it has fewer practical uses during the winter months, when staying warmer is desirable.

A proper quick summer suit guide wouldn't be complete without at least touching on trends as far as accessories go, and while shedding all the unnecessary frills, bells, and whistles seems to be very in right now, light touches to accentuate your outfits can maximize your style without weighing you down. Given the

upcoming warmer weather, you might be inclined to ditch the necktie to give your collar a little more breathing room. If you choose to do this, consider adding a pocket square in lieu of any neckwear. A pocket square, after all, is much easier to fold than tackling any complicated necktie or bow tie knots. If a necktie is a must, consider lighter materials or loosening the knot ever so slightly so it allows a little more room around the collar, but not appearing noticeable to anyone else to any degree. For those breezier summer days, consider adding a tie clip to help keep your necktie from flapping around too much; while the tie clip serves a mostly utilitarian function, its subtlety can really bring out your personal style with seemingly effortless precision.

From all of us here at Enzo Custom, we hope your upcoming summer season blows last year's out of the water. Whether you need to get fitted for something sporty for the coming months or require a tuxedo for more formal engagements down the line, feel free to step into one of our showrooms or schedule an online appointment with one of our expert clothiers, who will be more than happy to help you.

Ever wonder why brighter pastel colors are more popular during the summer? Or why wearing an undershirt as an extra layer can actually keep you cooler? In this article, we'll give you the rundown on summer trends for 2021 as well as the benefits of linen and other light materials, so you can keep your summer ensembles as comfortable as possible when the mercury begins to rise.

Upcoming Summer Trends For 2021, and the Benefits of Linen

If anything at all can be said about the previous year at the very least, it's certainly been a trying one. But as our innovations virtually know no bounds, it seems that more and more people are adapting to and embracing the New Normal as a way to enhance, rather than hinder, our basic needs as social creatures of habit. Events that were postponed or canceled are slowly but surely being revived as everyone navigates and adjusts to proper etiquette and physical distancing rules going forward. While some of us aren't complaining about being stuck inside, the upcoming spring season might be an opportune time to take a good look at your formal wear and to make sure it all still fits for any upcoming ceremonies and celebrations that are finally reemerging after months of indefinite postponement.

For all practical intents and purposes, the most formal dress code you'll likely ever run into is black tie, and because of its rigid standards, not much, if anything at all, has changed about it for several decades. In years past, the black-tie dress code seemed to be on its way out for weddings, but in recent years it's been making a comeback, as many wedding hosts are attracted to the dress code's symmetry and uniformity. For weddings, this dress code rigidity can do wonders for photo opportunities, since no one, in theory, will ever seem out of place if wearing wild ties or bright neon green dresses is off the table. Regardless of how everyone feels about black-tie dress code for weddings, it looks like the trend is here to stay for now. In this article, we'll do our best to give you a refresher on everything related to black-tie attire when you're invited to—or burdened with—a

wedding that requires everyone to wear tuxedos and cocktail dresses, even if you're lost at where to begin.

Before you even consider buying a tuxedo to keep in your wardrobe so you're prepared for those surprise swanky soirées, it's important to get the best possible measurements so your tailors will know how to best balance comfort with style considerations. Although tuxedos have a reputation for being uncomfortable, they don't have to be, and getting properly fitted will ensure a pleasant experience rather than a begrudging one. Here at Enzo Custom, the combined years of experience of our expert clothiers will render your tuxedo fitted to your liking, whether you want it contoured perfectly to your body type or allotting yourself a little more breathing room with the fabric. If you happen to be between sizes, which isn't all that uncommon, it's best to give yourself a little more length rather than less, as any future adjustments are easier when you subtract rather than add an inch or two.

In addition to the bow tie, jacket, and unique shirt placket most commonly used for the traditional tuxedo, cummerbunds, waistcoats, and suspenders are all just as equally important components of the ensemble, although not necessarily all together. Variations abound, but the classic black-tie look generally calls for a cummerbund. The main purpose of this garment is to conceal the bottom part of your shirt and to give the tuxedo its characteristic uniformity. Cummerbunds can also give your pants additional support, although its main purpose is really just a matter of style. Cummerbunds are generally worn by themselves, as wearing a

waistcoat or suspenders with them would be redundant. While you should never wear a waistcoat with a cummerbund, there may be times when you need to wear suspenders to give your trousers extra support. The only downside to this is that you'll have to keep your jacket on throughout the evening, as wearing a cummerbund with exposed suspenders is viewed as rather silly in some social circles. If you decide to add a cummerbund to your tuxedo, always make sure that the color of it matches the color of your bow tie. In the case of rigid black-tie dress codes, classic black is the best (and only) option you really need to worry about.

If cummerbunds aren't really your thing or you're concerned that they look too frilly, wearing a waistcoat (or vest) is an equally acceptable alternative, as it functionally does the same thing as a cummerbund. Wearing a waistcoat doesn't require suspenders, but if you want or need that extra trouser support, always wear the suspenders under the waistcoat. This unspoken but widely understood style rule goes back to the days when suspenders were by and large considered a form of undergarment, and while this is no longer true, wearing them below the waistcoat just looks better anyway.

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend to wear tuxedos sans cummerbund or waistcoat, and this is a great option for those looking for a sleeker, more modern twist on the traditional black-tie dress code. Wearing a tuxedo bare, as the practice is commonly referred to, is particularly good in warmer climates as it allows you to ditch any unnecessary fabric that might weigh you down on the dance floor. Just be sure to keep your jacket buttoned while you're milling about so as not to expose the bottom part of your shirt. You can achieve this look without wearing

suspenders, but we would suggest that you at least consider them, as they will give your trousers extra support. The worst thing one could do is forego them only to be burdened with adjusting your pants throughout the entire evening; in spite of the black-tie dress code's formality, the whole point of such an event is to socialize and have fun, not wrestle with your shirt and pants all night. If you go the bare route, wearing suspenders at the very least will add some stability to your overall ensemble. We can't stress this last point enough, but always make sure that your suspenders can be fastened to the inside buttons of your pants; never use suspenders that clip onto the waist, as this will look sloppy at best and inappropriate at worst.

For strictly black-tie affairs, your color choices for your tuxedo are obviously limited. But that doesn't mean your overall style has to take a backseat to make room for strict rules of formality. Your accessories can complement your black-tie attire, as a little subtlety goes a long way. Pocket squares are great for this purpose, as they are one of the few components of a black-tie outfit where you can deviate a bit from the norm. A white pocket square with a presidential flat fold is the preferred choice, but you can opt for other colors or pinstripe patterns as well. Just make sure that they aren't too bold or crazy, as this will detract attention away from, rather than complement, your black-tie ensemble.

Perhaps the most intimidating component of black-tie attire is the bow tie. While many opt for pre-tied selections in order to save time and create a uniform look, we would recommend tying it yourself. After all, much of the bow tie's charm

comes from its slightly asymmetrical presentation. In one of our previous articles, we gave you a thorough rundown of how to tie one yourself, and quickly. By following some simple steps, it's not as difficult as the bow tie's reputation makes it out to be. So here's a brief refresher, with steps:

1) Put the tie around your neck, making sure that the ends are parallel to the ground.

2) With the left side of the tie slightly longer than the right, cross the left end over the shorter right end.

3) Pull it underneath the space between the tie and your neck.

4) Pull the end tight and throw it over your right shoulder.

5) Take the shorter end in front of you and fold it over the part of the tie that's still around your neck. Make sure to hold it in place.

6) Take the longer end resting on your shoulder and drape it over the parts that you're holding in place.

7) Take the two ends of the shorter part of the tie and fold them together over the longer end. There should now be a small hole between them.

8) Take the long end of the bow tie and push it carefully through the left side of the hole.

9) Pull the looped ends away from the center of the tie and adjust accordingly.

You may have to repeat these steps a few times before you're satisfied with your look, but once you master it, rest assured that you'll be able to tie a bow tie properly in less than a minute. With practice, it's much easier than everyone says it is.

On occasion, you may receive invitations to formal events that indicate a dress code of black-tie optional. Generally, this means that you can deviate somewhat from traditional black-tie attire, but not too much. If you choose not to wear a tuxedo, at the very least go with a full suit in traditional colors or narrow pinstripe and crosshatch patterns. While you can get away with more colorful choices for your ties, pocket squares, and cummerbunds if you're adamant about wearing a tux, anything too loud or too bright is frowned upon. When in doubt, stick with traditional black-tie fare, as certainly no one will fault you for doing so.

From all of us at Enzo Custom, we wish you a safe and healthy spring season. If your wardrobe is in need of an upgrade, feel free to contact one of our expert clothiers via videoconference to get fitted, or step into one of our showrooms and get yourself ready for your next black-tie event.

Events that were postponed or canceled are slowly but surely being revived as everyone navigates and adjusts to proper etiquette and physical distancing rules going forward. While some of us aren't complaining about being stuck inside, the upcoming spring season might be an opportune time to take a good look at your formal wear and to make sure it all still fits.

Revisiting Everything Black Tie For Upcoming Proms, Weddings, and Awards Ceremonies

            In our previous installment related to preparing your wardrobe for the changing seasons, we covered the best ways to optimize your professional attire for colder weather.  We want to remind everyone that above all else, staying warm and staying safe is a top priority, so we understand that style might not be a major concern at this very moment; but when it is safe and comfortable enough to venture back outside on those brisk morning strolls to the office, it's worth glancing over.  While this isn't the first time a polar vortex has taken North America by surprise and it certainly won't be the last, they tend to fizzle out almost as quickly as they dropped down to those atypical latitudes.  Snow has fallen in Miami within the last century, and the mercury in Los Angeles crept up to 95 degrees one year, in January of all months.  While exceedingly rare, these strange events are certainly not impossible, so it's best to be prepared for anything.  Since spring is just a little over a month away, it's a good time to start thinking about optimizing your wardrobe for those rising temperatures and keeping yourself cool and comfortable as the days get longer.

            Short of keeping a spray bottle at your desk or showing up to work in your swim trunks, in this article we'll go over some tips and tricks to help you beat the heat when you have to suit up for those all-important board meetings and mandatory seminars.  

            Whether you walk outside of your home into a blast furnace or a meat freezer, what your clothing is made of will be the most important component of keeping you comfortable.  In the warmer part of the year, materials that are light and loose will do wonders for your overall comfort level.  This is one of the reasons why linen as a suit material is so popular.

            Linen is derived from the flax plant, and its fibers outperform cotton in terms of strength, durability, absorption, and the length of time it takes to dry.  These properties will keep your body and your clothing free of moisture—and therefore heat—more efficiently than other materials used for garments.  As the individual strands of linen fibers are also more tightly wound together than their cotton counterparts, linen suits can generally get away with lower thread counts, thus increasing breathability of the material.  It's yet another reason why so many suits in pastel colors are made with linen.  The propensity for bright colors to reflect light and heat away from your body, as opposed to black and dark blues, work symbiotically with linen's inherent ability to breathe.

            While at first glance it might seem counterintuitive, wool is yet another popular suit material for the warmer season, in spite of its association with colder weather.  Compared to most other materials out there, wool has superior wicking properties, which means that it is able to facilitate evaporation more quickly by drawing moisture away from the body.  We would advise, however, to stick with thinner wools during the summer months and avoid its thicker varieties such as flannel.  Wool's versatility in terms of its superior temperature-regulating properties is what makes it so widespread across the globe in all climates, as well as the gold standard for suit materials worldwide.

            Even though they're not quite as superior in terms of keeping you cool as linen and wool are, opting for wool/cotton blends is still miles ahead of settling for anything in the synthetic realm.  While blends don't quite have the same wicking properties as pure wool, the tradeoff is that they do come at a generally lower price point and possess a more inherent durability.  If you happen to live in a predominantly hot climate and are required to wear suits often, going with wool/cotton blends is certainly a cost-effective and comfortable option.

            Just as you would avoid synthetic materials in winter, it's even more important to avoid them in the summer.  Synthetic fibers such as polyester do a terrible job of keeping your body cool in spite of their resilience and durability.  While suits made from linen or wool cost more up front initially and require a little more proper care and maintenance, you'll thank yourself later when the temperatures start to rise.

            For professional attire, winter months tend to give everyone a better ability to accessorize and customize their outfits, as the cold weather requires more layers.  In the summer months, however, less is always going to be more.  But that doesn't mean you have to forego style for the sake of comfort.  When it comes to comfort, it's more about what others can't see rather than what they can.

            Just like it might seem counterintuitive to opt for a wool suit in the summer months, many professionals also don't realize how beneficial undershirts can be when the mercury rises.  If an undershirt adds another layer, how in the world is that going to keep you cooler?  Well, it relates back to the wicking process and drawing moisture away from your body, and this effect is extremely beneficial in hot climates of both humid and arid varieties.  An undershirt will help keep any moisture off your body and perhaps more importantly off your outer clothes.  If there's anything more uncomfortable than wearing a suit made from material that doesn't breathe, it's a suit that's saturated with moisture.  Undershirts will allow you to avoid this unpleasant scenario even in the sultriest climates. 

            The fabrics of your dress shirts also play an important role in keeping you cool and comfortable.  Just as you would with your suit jackets and trousers, opt for wool, cotton or linen over thicker materials.  On those scorching cloudless days, color is almost as important as the shirt material itself.  You're better off with shades of white, light blues, and pastel colors rather than black or navy, as you want to reflect light away from you, not absorb it.

            As the human body tends to lose much of its heat from the head and feet, it's important to make sure your socks aren't too thick.  You'll even notice this tendency on your days off in your own home resting on the sofa.  Regardless of where you set your thermostat, you'll feel more comfortable in thinner socks or none at all than you would in socks with a thicker consistency.  Be advised, however, that you shouldn't forego socks altogether when you're required to dress formally, as there still needs to be a buffer between your skin and your shoes to effectively regulate heat and moisture.  So long as the material can breathe and isn't too constricting, you'll be able to stay comfortable for longer, even if you're forced to brave the outside heat in a full suit.  As we mentioned before, it's oftentimes the components of your outfit that other people can't see that make or break a person's comfort level.

            We've all likely been stuck at a wedding ceremony at one point or another that was held in a church not yet retrofitted with air conditioning, and when we find ourselves in such a situation, wearing a tie can really hamper our ability to stay comfortable.  When you purchase dress shirts you plan to wear during the summer, it's important to make sure that the collar size is just right in order to avoid that suffocating feeling when you have to wear a tie.  A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should be able to fit your index finger between your neck and the collar without having to force it, or to get a more precise measurement, use a tape measure around your neck and then add half an inch.  This will ensure that you can wear your tie all the way up to your top button without feeling constricted or having to loosen the tie itself, as that can sometimes detract away from your overall style, depending on the occasion.

            If you happen to live in places such as Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, or Las Vegas, you'll notice that what passes as formal in these cities can be quite different from formality standards in New York, Washington, and Chicago, and this is especially true during the summer.  Sometimes the weather is just too hot to accommodate a full traditional suit during the daytime.  In such cases, many events and places of work opt for business casual in lieu of more formal dress codes, and there's nothing wrong with using that to your advantage.  Wearing a dress shirt, sans tie and jacket, can do wonders for your comfort level.  Just always be mindful of when it is appropriate to dress down a little bit.  If you have no choice but to wear a full suit to wherever you're going, keep a spare hanger or two in your car to hang up your jacket while you drive, as this will optimize your personal comfort as much as possible without having to drastically alter your outfit.  Keep in mind, however, that business casual isn't necessarily an invitation to be casual, in the sense that most people use the word.  Save the polo shirts and floral prints for weekends and casual Fridays.

            For more information on keeping your cool during the summer, check out the Enzo Custom guide to summer suits, or step into one of our showrooms where an expert clothier will help you get fitted and answer all of your questions relating to comfort and style tips.  If you feel more comfortable at home, you can make an appointment with us via videoconference. 

In our previous installment related to preparing your wardrobe for the changing seasons, we covered the best ways to optimize your professional attire for colder weather.  We want to remind everyone that above all else, staying warm and staying safe is a top priority, so we understand that style might not be a major concern at this very moment; but when it is safe and comfortable enough to venture back outside on those brisk morning strolls to the office, it's worth glancing over. 

Optimizing Your Professional Attire For Warmer Weather

In many cases, the essence of what defines personal style shines through in the subtleties of your attire rather than just your jacket or trousers themselves. Often, these small things can go overlooked and have a profound effect on your overall fashion sense, as one's style is only as good as the sum of all its component parts. Your belt, your shoes, your jacket, your tie, your dress shirt, and even your watch and cufflinks all work symbiotically to create a look that you'll either love or loathe by the end of any given evening. So how do we figure out what makes or breaks an outfit?

Lots of fashion tips that circulate are pretty obvious. We've all heard that your belt should match your shoes. We all know that you shouldn't wear a plaid button-down shirt with plaid shorts unless your goal is to give someone a migraine. We know to choose only one, not both, when it comes to cummerbunds and waistcoats; or that wearing a necktie with a wingtip collar is generally not appropriate for black-tie affairs. After being required to wear formal attire on many occasions throughout your adult and professional life, a lot of this stuff is just second nature.

But do you know how far down your shirt your tie clip is supposed to be fastened so it doesn't flap around in the wind? How is your pocket square really supposed to be folded? Is that lapel pin absolutely necessary? How do you keep your tuxedo studs holding your shirt together from falling out? Are your cufflinks facing the right way? What about your watch and sunglasses? And do they match your outfit appropriately for the occasion?

In this article, we'll outline these pesky little nuances that can make or break a person's overall style. As with most things, the devil is almost always in the details.

We've all been there at some point or another. We get all dressed and dapper for an important board meeting or event, only to realize the hard way that your company keeps the thermostat in the building at a frosty 82 degrees; you loosen your tie but you can still feel everything underneath your suit sweltering in that boardroom more on par with a greenhouse. The logical thing to do in this situation would be to simply remove your jacket and roll up your sleeves. But is it appropriate?

The answer to that question is, 'It depends.' If you find yourself a little too uncomfortable during a job interview, for example, you may just have to white-knuckle it and put up with it silently. But if it's just a meeting within your company, you've been there for a while, and you know everybody in the room, depending on the corporate culture in most cases you can probably get away with it, especially if others in the room are doing the same thing. When it comes to wedding ceremonies, especially if they are being held in a church, you're better off keeping your sleeves rolled down and your jacket on. However, during the reception, you can probably ditch the jacket and roll up your sleeves if it's hot, especially if it's being held outside. When you decide to roll up your sleeves based on your own judgment call, always keep your cuffs below the elbow.

Lapel pins can be a great way to jazz up your personal style, or even show support for a particular cause or candidate during political fundraisers. But sometimes they have the unintended consequence of detracting from your style rather than complementing it, since there are so many variations in sizes and types. For everyday office use, we would err on the side of caution when it comes to wearing one. However, if the pin is subtle and small enough to where it doesn't stand out in an overbearing way, you can certainly get away with it. Consider choosing a lapel pin that's narrow or at the very most no larger than the size of a dime. As far as colors go, you're better off choosing something with a more neutral tone to it, as silver or dark blue won't attract as much attention away from your overall ensemble. For events such as weddings or holiday parties, feel free to give yourself a little more leeway. Brighter colors and more intricate designs actually tend to fare better for more festive occasions. While the colors in your lapel pin don't have to exactly match the colors on your tie, try your best to keep them in the same ballpark, as this will complement your suit nicely without being too busy.

Perhaps the most annoying part of putting on a tuxedo (save having to tie a bow tie without a mirror) is ensuring that your studs don't fall out, because if they do, you likely won't notice when they fall out, and it will be nearly impossible to retrace your steps to find them, especially at wedding receptions on crowded raucous dance floors. Tuxedo studs are most likely to fall out due to a combination of rapid movement (dancing at a wedding, for example) and buttonholes that are too wide for the stud. The latter most likely occurs when renting a tuxedo and it's

been worn by several people within a given year. We would always advise against renting a tuxedo for most scenarios, but if you absolutely must when you have no other options, at the very least avoid using the studs provided if you can. Often the studs on rented tuxedos have a fastener that is solid, and over time improperly putting them through the buttons can widen the holes and therefore make the studs less secure. Higher-end studs generally have an adjustable clip for a fastener, so you can push them through the buttonholes without stretching them and then lock them in place to prevent accidental detachment. One of the benefits of purchasing your own tuxedo over renting one is that since no one else would have worn it beforehand, you can be extra careful when fastening your studs, and as a result are less likely to stretch out the buttonholes.

Like lapel pins, pocket squares might not always be the best accessory to wear around the office, but it's doubtful that anyone would fault you for doing so. Pocket squares are, however, more appropriate for formal events outside of the office, and they allow for a great deal of style leeway. Whether you want something bright or neutral, simply or intricately folded, or material that's heavy or light, pocket squares in almost all cases will add a bit of charm to your outfit regardless of your suit style.

Pocket squares work best when the material is in fact a square, where each side is of equal length. This makes folding it easier, no matter what design you choose. For a subtle look, the presidential fold is by far the best option, and also happens to be the easiest to do. Simply fold the material into a smaller square so the

top of it just barely peeks out over the top edge of your pocket. This look tends to be best when the pocket square is a solid color. For the classic one-point fold, where one point sticks out of your pocket, you'll have to fold the square diagonally first and then fold the other two ends inward. This works better for pocket squares with more detailed patterns. For two- and three-point folds, you'll have to fold your pocket square diagonally but slightly asymmetrically and then use a bit of trial and error to get the top points exactly the way you want them. Keep in mind that they don't necessarily have to be even; the slight asymmetry, as it is also with a bow tie, is part of the pocket square's charm.

It seems like a rather obvious piece of advice, but the next time you attend any sort of formal or black-tie event and you're looking for it, you'll notice that more than a few people sometimes get this wrong. For example, if you're in a sitting position with your hands resting on a table, your cufflinks should be facing up, not facing or touching the table itself. As cufflinks are likely to be the most subdued part of your outfit, you can pretty much take as many liberties as you want with them as far as style goes. For black-tie affairs, just make sure that they match your tuxedo studs; normally this isn't a problem, as cufflinks are often sold as a package deal with your shirt studs.

While tie clips can add a slight touch of style to your formal attire, they also serve a practical purpose. Tie clips will keep your tie secure on windy days and away from your lunch in the middle of the day. As to where you should fasten your tie to the placket of your shirt, the general rule of thumb is to keep it somewhere

between the third and fourth button on your shirt from the top down. One other thing to keep in mind is that you should never wear a tie clip that is wider than the tie that you are wearing.

Just like tie clips, watches and sunglasses also serve practical purposes. The former let you know the time and date, while the latter keep your eyes shielded from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun's rays. The only advice to follow here really is to make sure that you're not sporting anything that you would find in a novelty store, unless of course the occasion specifically calls for it. The general consensus today is that you should always wear your watch face up in the same way you would wear your cufflinks; this will also prevent inadvertent scratching of the watch face and subsequent potentially expensive repairs.

For more information on general style tips and accessories, feel free to stop into one of our showrooms where an expert clothier will answer all of your questions. If you feel more comfortable getting fitted into your next Enzo Custom suit from the privacy of your own home, you can also schedule an appointment with us via videoconference.

Often, small things can go overlooked and have a profound effect on your overall fashion sense, as one's style is only as good as the sum of all its component parts. Your belt, your shoes, your jacket, your tie, your dress shirt, and even your watch and cufflinks all work symbiotically to create a look that you'll either love or loathe by the end of any given evening. So how do we figure out what makes or breaks an outfit?

Quick Fashion Tips That Aren't Always Obvious

Since the beginning of the 21st Century, it is true that neckties have lost a little of their former ubiquitous popularity in the workplace, as many office dress codes, even ones that lean toward the more formal side of expectations, no longer mandate them.  Bow ties also tend to be less common these days, only seeming to make an appearance at black-tie dinners and formal weddings.  In spite of this trend, however, the necktie is still strongly associated with custom suits and formal wear, and any modern gentleman should always keep some of them on hand for those occasions that call for one.

            Out of all the accessories one may have in their wardrobe at their disposal, neckties along with bow ties have many benefits and versatile uses.  Barring maybe cufflinks and extra buttons, ties take up the least amount of room as far as accessories go, so even if you're limited on closet space, your wardrobe should be accommodating even if you have close to a hundred ties.  As far as their versatility is concerned, ties can change the overall vibe of your outfit if the occasion calls for it.  If you find yourself overdressed for something, simply take it off; if you need to class up your look a little bit, you can put one on in a matter of seconds.  Most of all, the greatest benefit of the tie by far is its endless style possibilities.

            Just like any other fashion accessory, ties do have occasional drawbacks.  If you have a fair number of them, they can sometimes be hard to sort and organize, and while they almost always add a bit of pizzazz to one's ensemble, they have the potential to make your outfit look sloppy if you don't tie it properly.

            So as far as your wardrobe goes, just how many ties is too many?  Save limited closet space, our take is that there really isn't such a thing as too many ties.  But as you amass a sizable collection of them, you may want to keep them organized in any way you see fit that streamlines your morning workday routine.  We've all likely been there before, but the last thing you want to do is show up to an important business meeting only to find that the tie you grabbed out of your closet at the last minute is riddled with hot pink polka dots or lights up with singing fish.  In this article, we'll cover some style tips and organizational pointers so you can really refresh your wardrobe for the New Year.

            When it comes to custom suits themselves, it's important that all components of your ensemble gel or match in some way.  With ties, however, much more leeway can be taken in terms of style.  In professional settings, the rule (or guideline) that's important to follow is the idea that less is more, although you can offer yourself a little more wiggle room with patterns and colors than you can with dress shirts, vests, or overcoats.  Do your best to stick with solid colors or subtle patterns, such as pinstripes, smaller dots, and narrow lines.  Accenting your outfit is always going to be better than huge contrasts where an outrageous tie might detract from your style rather than complement it.

            Moving out of the professional realm, weddings are great events to showcase a spiffy tie.  It's best to follow the general rules you would otherwise follow for your ties in a professional environment, but a wedding allows you to further expand your style options.  You're better off going with brighter colors to keep the mood of the event vibrant, jubilant, and joyous.  Consider shades of red, blue, purple, or green.  Any variations within the realm of pastel colors will suit you well for weddings and other events that call for celebration.

            In contrast to weddings and formal office settings, cocktail parties will give you the most freedom at your disposal in terms of what you can get away with in a tie, with the exception of strictly black-tie affairs.  As far as style is concerned, feel free to go as wild—or restrained—as you want.  It is said that rules are meant to be broken every once in a while, so if you feel like rocking that bright striped neon orange tie that's been sitting in your closet ever since the iPhone first debuted, it might be time to break it out from its hibernation.

            But before you set out to your next meeting or evening soirée, you may want to take some time to refresh your memory on the different ways in which you can tie your tie.  If you remember from one of our previous articles, the most common way to tie a tie isn't always the best way, depending on the event you plan to attend.  For weddings and other formal events, your best options are to go with the Full Windsor or Half Windsor knot, as they add symmetry and prominence to your necktie.  For everyday office settings, the common Four-In-Hand is acceptable, but you might want to consider a Half-Windsor as well, just to add a bit more uniformity to your style, as the Four-In-Hand is an asymmetrical knot.  Just remember to save the more exotic knots we covered for less official engagements, as their practical everyday use is limited.

            It's getting close to that time of year again where many of us will be in spring cleaning mode, and what better way to kick it off into full gear by getting your wardrobe organized.  While ties hardly take up any room at all, it can be quite tempting to just throw them onto a shelf or chuck them onto your closet floor, but we would advise against this, especially if you want some semblance of efficiency.  At the bare minimum, it's best to at least keep your ties in their own separate space for easy access.  Ideally, you want to either hang them up or lay them flat.  If you're short on room, folding or rolling them is also acceptable.  Just make sure that you do it in such a way that is uniform to avoid wrinkling or bunching.

            For those of you who are more meticulous and detail-oriented, consider color-coding them or sorting your ties by pattern or style.  You might also opt to sort them by appropriateness for event or even length.  No matter how you choose to organize them, settle on something that you'll be comfortable with and easily remember.  By doing this one simple thing, you might even find that the amount of time it takes you to get ready in the morning will decrease, since you will no longer have to rummage through drawers or bins to find that perfect tie for any given day.  This principle can be applied to anything else, really.  Belts, socks, scarves, and even cufflinks can all benefit from even the most rudimentary forms of organization.

            One final thing to consider is the benefit of using tie racks.  Some are wall-mounted, while others can simply be hung right onto your closet rack.  This eliminates the need to fold them as your ties can hang down without any creases in the material, and you'll save more room in the process.

            It's one of those things that we don't always like to admit that we don't do very often, but just like any other article of clothing, ties do need to be cleaned from time to time.  While you certainly don't need to take them to the cleaners as often as suits, jackets, and shirts, it's always a good idea to give your ties a good laundering every once in awhile.

            The easiest way to do this is to take your ties to the dry cleaners along with your jackets, shirts, pants, and other sensitive items.  As many ties are made from silk, a professional dry cleaning service will know exactly how to clean them without damaging the material.

            If you're a little more budget-savvy, another acceptable option to utilize for cleaning your ties is a steam iron.  Not only will a steam iron keep your ties fresh and crisp, but also take away any wrinkles at the same time.  Just be sure to use a steam iron only if you choose to do this; using a dry electric iron could potentially damage your tie's material and even burn some of the fibers if you're not careful.

            While some people swear by laundering ties so long as the material can handle a washing machine cycle, we would strongly advise against doing this at all, even for ties made from cotton or blended materials.  Laundering ties in this way can degrade the structural integrity of the material, so if you insist on cleaning them yourself, at the very least hand-wash them and never put them in the dryer.  It's also a good idea to check the material tags on your ties before cleaning them, but when in doubt, the safer bet is to let your professional dry cleaning service do it for you.

            It is said that prevention is the best medicine for many things, and keeping your ties clean is no exception.  Try to be more attentive and careful when you eat or drink, and if you're enjoying your lunch hour offsite, you might want to remove your tie altogether and put it back on later sometime before you arrive back to your office.  You can also use a tie clip to keep your tie fastened to your shirt, as this will not only prevent it from flapping away in the wind but also keep it from ending up as the primary starch in your soup.

            While our main area of expertise has always been custom suits, our selection of ties can offer the perfect complements to your next formal ensemble.  At Enzo Custom, our expert clothiers will provide you with accurate measurements, as well as fashion tips to maximize your personal style to its full potential.  Book your private appointment online today, step into one of our showrooms, or schedule a consultation via videoconference.

Out of all the accessories one may have in their wardrobe at their disposal, neckties along with bow ties have many benefits and versatile uses.  Barring maybe cufflinks and extra buttons, ties take up the least amount of room as far as accessories go, so even if you're limited on closet space, your wardrobe should be accommodating even if you have close to a hundred ties.  As far as their versatility is concerned, ties can change the overall vibe of your outfit if the occasion calls for it.  Most of all, the greatest benefit of the tie by far is its endless style possibilities.

Keeping A Broad Selection of Ties On Hand: How Many Is Too Many?

           Picture yourself, for a moment, at the beach on a perfect day.  The sun is shining without a cloud in the sky, the water is a comfortable 80 degrees, and you've got the whole location to yourself as far as the eye can see.  Then not a moment too soon, you understand why.  Storm clouds roll in, the temperature drops, and the rain turns your elaborate sand castle into an unrecognizable muddy mess, ruining any Internet posting opportunities of your architectural creation, since your phone is still comfortably at rest in your glove box.  Even a little planning ahead would have avoided this unfortunate mishap, as weather forecasts have come a long way since their introduction.

              Now that winter is in full swing, it's doubtful that most of us are even thinking about venturing to the beach anywhere when the weather is sometimes a coin flip between a leisurely afternoon stroll and salting your driveway in preparation for the latest incoming ice storm.  While we can't always predict the weather 100 percent of the time, we can at the very least keep our wardrobe ready for those wild temperature swings.  Even with colder mercury readings outside, there are things you can do to ensure that you never have to compromise on style to stay warm.

              While not all suits by themselves are designed with cold weather in mind, in this article we'll show you how to maximize your comfort level with some common (and not so common) tips and tricks when the weather tries to rain (or snow) all over your parade.

              Before you start digging around in your closet for those heavy liners and frumpy parkas, bear in mind that you may not need them, barring the most extreme conditions.  Even when you don't take layering into consideration, the material of your professional attire can make quite a difference in your comfort level when you have to venture outside.  When it comes to suits, wool is always going to be one of your best options.  The material's unique properties allow you to stay warm when it's cold outside and also cool and comfortable when the temperature starts to climb, hence its near-universal application in formal wear.  Most custom suits on the market today are made from wool, so no matter what you decide to wear with yours, having a suit made from wool strands is always a good starting point.  But sometimes a thicker wool might be necessary for those really cold days, and this is where flannel comes into play.

              In contrast to regular wool, flannel uses thicker strands with slightly more space in between each strand, making this material ideal for winter weather.  Keep in mind, however, that the term flannel is no longer exclusively used to refer to wool as it once was.  Articles of clothing marketed as flannel may in fact be cotton or some other type of blend that uses synthetic fibers, so whenever you're shopping for a winter suit, always double check the labels and when in doubt, it can never hurt to give the manufacturer a call.

              While wool and wool flannel are your best options for winter professional attire, you can still get away with wearing a suit made with wool/cotton blends, especially if your main concerns are budgetary.  While a blend might provide less insulation than 100 percent wool, there are certain things you can do to stay a bit warmer if you choose to go this route that we'll cover shortly.  Beside the price point, the other positive attribute of wool/cotton blends is a slight boost in durability, and this is particularly beneficial if your job may require extensive travel in the future.

              For winter weather, it's advisable to be cautious with anything made from linen.  While it's a great lightweight material for professional dress during the warmer months, its applications are limited on those cold winter days.  But if for some reason all of your other suits are at the dry cleaners and you only have one made from linen for the morning, consider wearing a scarf or overcoat.  The only material you should really avoid completely is anything made from synthetic fibers or composite synthetic blends.  Even though these materials are highly durable, they do not breathe very well, and this can cause problems with your personal comfort level once you are no longer outside.  In any event, it's best to stick to natural materials, with a greater emphasis on wool and flannel over others.

              Even if your wardrobe is well prepared for the winter season and wool abounds in your closet, a suit by itself may not be quite enough to keep you toasty on those frigid mornings.  By adding a few accessories to your ensemble, you'll be able to keep yourself one step ahead of those dreary weather forecasts.

              If you're not too big on layering or sporting overcoats, wearing a scarf is a very effective and efficient way to stay a little warmer on your way to work.  Other than preventing heat escaping from the upper parts of your body, a subtle color contrast between the scarf and your suit can complement your overall personal style with very little effort.  In contrast to vests or sweaters, scarves are more like neckties when it comes to color schemes and patterns; you'll have more leeway in terms of what you can get away with, so feel free to go as loud or as restrained as your personal style dictates.

              While vests aren't always associated directly with winter weather, they do offer a convenient way to add another layer to your professional attire without being overly conspicuous in the same way overcoats and sweaters can be.  With vests, you might have to be a little more conscious about what patterns and colors you choose so as not to detract away from the rest of your outfit, but if you prefer layering over staying bundled up all day, the vest is a versatile way to do this.  If you're worried about any mismatches or fashion faux pas, consider going with a matching three-piece suit to keep your style consistent.

              When it comes to sweaters, there are mixed opinions on wearing one in a strictly professional setting, as they are more commonly associated with casual attire.  However, if you spent the better part of your morning scraping ice off of your windshield, it's unlikely that most workplaces will judge you for wearing one underneath your suit jacket.  We would recommend sticking to solid colors that match well with whatever suit you decide to wear on a given day, and while wearing a sweater is acceptable for most practical purposes, use caution for very important engagements where even slight deviations from formal attire are frowned upon; think board meetings, court appearances, speeches, etc.

              If you're fortunate enough to live in a climate where those winter mornings aren't quite as bone-chilling as they are in some of the upper latitudes, staying warm may be much simpler than having to accessorize your entire formal ensemble.  Choosing a thicker fabric for your dress shirts or adding an extra layer with an undershirt may be all it takes.  While the main purposes of an undershirt are to keep you comfortable from potentially itchy materials and reduce the amount of sweat transferred to your dress shirts, it also has the added benefit of giving you extra warmth without altering the appearance of your formal attire.  Wearing an undershirt is especially practical when you pair white dress shirts with your suits, as it will reduce any inherent transparency in the fabric.  If an undershirt by itself isn't quite enough to keep you warm and comfortable, consider choosing dress shirts that are made from slightly thicker fabrics, as this will also prevent heat from escaping your body too quickly.

              Before we move on, one last thing to consider when dressing for winter weather is choosing your socks.  It's one of those items that many people overlook when considering warmer formal attire, but wearing thicker socks can be quite effective.  As much of the heat from the human body can escape through the feet, choosing socks that have a greater thickness than your typical dress socks can do wonders for your comfort level during colder weather.  In formal settings, do your best to stick to solid dark colors so as not to detract from the rest of your outfit.

              Last but certainly not least, overcoats are perhaps one of the easiest ways to stay warm, and the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks.  With various styles and fabrics to choose from, overcoats have the ability to keep you stylish and warm simultaneously without the need for excessive layering.  They're great when you're in a bit of a hurry, and you'll likely appreciate the extra pocket space if you're not keen on lugging a briefcase around everywhere you go.  The only potential downside to wearing an overcoat is that some of them tend to feel heavy and might be a bit too much if the temperature outside isn't quite down to freezing just yet.  When shopping for overcoats, pay close attention to the material and when possible, try them on when you're wearing a full suit to see if it gels with your comfort level.

              From all of us here at Enzo Custom, we wish you a happy and healthy 2021 going forward.  While we've got you covered for the winter months, stay tuned for our next installment of this article, where we'll give you tips and tricks on staying cool during the summer season.  For more information on creative ways to stay warm and stylish this winter, stop into one of our showrooms or schedule an appointment with one of our expert clothiers via videoconference.

Now that winter is in full swing, it's doubtful that most of us are even thinking about venturing to the beach anywhere when the weather is sometimes a coin flip between a leisurely afternoon stroll and salting your driveway in preparation for the latest incoming ice storm.  While we can't always predict the weather 100 percent of the time, we can at the very least keep our wardrobe ready for those wild temperature swings.  Even with colder mercury readings outside, there are things you can do to ensure that you never have to compromise on style to stay warm.

Optimizing Your Professional Attire For Colder Weather

As far as anyone can tell, the New Normal is here to stay, at least for a while. With more people working from home than ever before, dress codes in many business circles across the globe have tended to skew toward the casual side, even in cases where people are still expected to show up to a physical office. In spite of this, standards of professionalism haven't fallen by the wayside, and dressing the part for whatever industry you're working in is as important as it ever was.

For the better part of the 20th century, the full suit and tie was ubiquitous, and it was rare to find an office that didn't adhere to strict dress code standards. This started to change more noticeably beginning in the early 2000s, when casual office dress became more of the norm rather than the exception. Today, it's not uncommon for even large companies to forego dress codes altogether (save normal expectations of decency), and this trend is even more prevalent in relation to the recent surge of remote positions. But the full suit and tie is far away from being anachronistic, and it is likely to remain a staple of office attire for the foreseeable future and beyond.

Fashion trends can be quite fickle, and just like weather vanes, they can change directions in less time than it takes someone to change lanes on the freeway. What is old can become new again, and what is trendy one year can be tossed aside into the bargain bin to make room for something else that might last a few years or a few decades. Out of all the fashion trends we've seen over the years—from the dignified to the outrageous—the full suit and tie has, more or less, remained a constant beneath the ever-changing standards of what is considered formal and

what is not. In essence, it's always a good idea to be one step ahead of the game when something goes in and out of style.

In this article, we'll discuss the ways in which you can prepare your wardrobe for the future of both casual and formal office dress as trends tend to ebb and flow. No matter what your line of work may be, it's always good to have a broad sampling of items in your wardrobe for those unexpected twists and turns as you navigate the ups and downs of the professional landscape.

Nothing exudes professionalism quite like the full suit, and this is true even with standards of office dress becoming more casual with time. Having a decent amount of suits on rotation is especially vital if you happen to work in finance, law, sales, or public service, as these fields have lower rates of remote work than some other industries and often require in-person meetings. One of the greatest positives about suits these days is that even in formal settings, you won't be as limited in style options as you may have been 25 or 30 years ago, where anything outside of classic black or navy blue was sometimes seen as pushing the envelope as far as dress code formalities go. Other than a handful of workplaces that enforce a strict dress code almost to the point of requiring a uniform, your formal attire can include suits with pinstripes or crosshatch patterns, colors such as grey, tan, or light blue, and variations in their structure as it relates to your individual comfort level (think British, American, Italian-style suits, etc.). If your workplace requires a more formal level of dress than others, it's always a good idea to have classic black and navy blue

in your wardrobe, but consider other colors and patterns as well, so you don't wear yourself out on the same outfit over and over again.

As far as formal attire goes with dress shirts, you'll likely have some leeway, as well. Just keep in mind that your dress shirt should pair well with the jacket and trousers you're wearing on any given day. It's best to save the loud colors and crazy patterns for days where you might forego your jacket, as you want to complement the colors in your suit, not detract from them.

In addition to the finer points of style, if your place of work mandates a more formal standard of dress, this might cause a few minor headaches if you frequently find yourself working longer hours or your boss is a little tight with the thermostat. When picking out your dress shirts, comfort should always be a priority, and this is where the material of the shirt can be just as important—if not more so—than the styles and colors you ultimately settle on. No matter how hot or cold the inside of your building is, wool and wool/cotton blends are always going to be your best bet when it comes to everyday comfort. Linen can also do wonders for your comfort level in the summer months. Just be wary of any shirts made from synthetics like polyester; while the material itself is highly durable, it doesn't breathe very well. Whatever you choose, make sure that you yourself will be comfortable in it for an entire day's work. Boosting your personal comfort level has the potential to boost your overall mood and productivity, as well.

Vests tend to be less common at the office these days, but they've seen a slight surge in popularity in the context of formal events outside of the workplace. If you like how a vest looks on you, don't feel shy about wearing it to work. But just as

you would with dress shirts, make sure it's something comfortable that won't impede your movement or ability to breathe.

In formal settings, ties will always give you the most leeway in terms of style. Even something that's loud or intricate can provide a nice accent to your overall outfit rather than taking away from it, since it's only a small part of your entire ensemble. They also hardly take up any room at all as far as closet space goes, so even if you're stretched on storage, a hundred ties can take up less room than two overcoats. The more ties you have in your rotation, the better off you'll be. At the very least you can give the appearance that you're wearing a different outfit, even if you have to don the same suit more than once in a given week.

As winter is fast approaching and cold weather is already in full swing across much of the country, scarves are yet another great way to accessorize your formal along with your casual office attire. Just as it is with ties, the style possibilities are nearly endless. Since facemasks are now commonplace, scarves also give you the added benefit of covering them up with something a little more stylish. As opposed to an overcoat, sweater, or vest, scarves allow you to regulate your body temperature with more control and versatility. For those particularly frigid days, you can wrap it around your entire neck and the lower part of your face. If it's not too blustery outside, simply keep it loose around the back of your neck and over your jacket lapels.

Dressing down is definitely in, and has been for quite some time now. However, just because your workplace might not require formal dress doesn't mean

you have to forego the finer points of style altogether. For most people, business casual simply means wearing a dress shirt and a pair of slacks without the jacket and tie, but this varies by region as well as profession. In spite of the rise in more lenient dress codes, especially with the increase in remote work these days, the standards for business casual appear that they will likely remain the same as they've always been. For some, business casual might even encompass wearing a polo shirt and jeans, but if you're unsure of your office's unspoken dress code, it's wise not to push the limits, at least not at first. As with most things fashion-related, it's often a judgment call.

If you decide to go the business casual route, one key thing to keep in mind above all else is that your belt should at the very least match your shoes, i.e. brown with brown, black with black, grey with grey, etc. While the rule isn't ironclad and the fashion police won't take you downtown for violating it, your overall style will be better served with this subtle matching symmetry. By following this one simple guideline, you'll be able to elevate your casual look to a level of sophistication on par with a more formal ensemble with hardly any effort at all.

While the necktie is normally associated with formal wear, it can also be a way to jazz up your business casual attire. The benefit of wearing one without a full suit is that you'll have a bit more wiggle room as far as style, color, and patterns go. At the end of the day, donning a tie or foregoing it altogether is up to your own individual discretion.

One last thing to be mindful of in the business casual realm is your socks. If they're appropriate for formal attire, they'll work just as well with more casual dress codes. Just avoid wearing socks, especially white ones, that you would normally wear to the gym or with a pair of jeans on a leisurely night out. Another downside is that your feet might even get a little uncomfortable, given the thicker material used for everyday pairs.

Here at Enzo Custom, we understand the importance of keeping a versatile wardrobe to maximize your style options in both professional and personal worlds, so going from formal to casual—and everything in between—is quick and painless. Whether your personal style leans toward the formal or casual side of things, Enzo Custom has got you covered going forward. Stop into one of our showrooms today to get fitted during your private appointment, or if you don't feel like venturing out, consider scheduling a meeting with one of our expert clothiers via videoconference.

The Future of Formal and Casual Office Dress

Zoom meetings, Skype chats, and videoconferences are all the rage these days, especially as many of us are stuck—or gifted with, rather—working from home.  While many in the professional world are already familiar with these services, some still struggle with these emerging technologies, especially since there isn't a universally accepted code of etiquette as there is with phones, emails, and texts, other than being generally polite as you would otherwise.  In this article, we'll discuss the ways in which you can keep your virtual business meetings running smoothly, taking into account both style and practical considerations.

            Before we get into style tips and aesthetics, it's important to cover the basics first.  Zoom meetings can't happen without reliable Internet connections and electricity, so it's imperative that you make sure all of your devices are in working order.  The last thing anyone wants during videoconferences is dropped connections or intermittent signals.  If you anticipate greater reliance on videoconferences in the near future, make sure to reset your router and modem if you haven't already done so, and it's good to do this every few weeks.  With most models, all it takes is unplugging them and then plugging them back in.  This mundane but vital step will decrease the likelihood of bad connections.

            When you're on video calls with prospective clients or colleagues, a little professionalism always goes a long way.  This can be challenging at times, especially if you find yourself working from a smaller space than you're used to in an office setting.  Even if your new commute is only a few feet away from your bedroom door, do your best to set up a space that you keep separate from the rest of your living areas.  As tempting as it may be to open up your laptop while you're still under the covers, no one wants to talk business when it looks like you just literally rolled out of bed.  Keep your workspace—even if it's just your dining room table—neat, clean, and tidy while you're conducting meetings.  Better yet, keeping your television, bed, sofa, or messy kitchen out of view is just another subtle way to show a little bit of professionalism without putting in too much effort.  If you do have a spare office in your living space, treat it as you would an office away from home.  Keeping your office organized, especially when it's potentially going to be on camera, can do wonders on first impressions during Skype or Zoom interviews.

--This Goes For Your Virtual Desktop, Too--

            Yes, it's tempting to save all of your Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to your desktop on your computer, until it becomes so cluttered that it looks like you're playing a game of Solitaire with random folder icons.  This not only makes your work disorganized, but also can slow down the performance of your machine.  By sorting everything into proper folders and keeping your virtual desktop free of clutter, you'll optimize its output and ease unnecessary strain on your computer's internal components, thereby leading to better, cleaner connections for videoconferences.  Also, be sure to close out any unnecessary tabs you may have open in a Web browser, as this will also make your computer run more smoothly on video calls that can eat up a lot of data.

            Now that we've got all the housecleaning stuff out of the way, it's time to figure out your wardrobe.  It's true that not all companies and industries are the same, so expected standards of dress for business meetings—whether virtual or in person—are going to be different depending on what you do.  So it's important to gauge this aspect carefully.  A good rule of thumb to follow for video calls is that you should apply the same standards of dress you would normally adhere to for professional staff meetings in person.  Unfortunately, that means you shouldn't wear pajamas or sweat pants, even if your camera is only capturing everything above your desk; you'll never know when you might need to get up for that extra cup of coffee.  Above all else, be presentable and clean, no matter what dress code implications your company or clients may follow.  Even if you're not required to don the full suit and tie, being casual does not equate to being sloppy.  Save the hoodies, ripped jeans, and T-shirts for after your workday is over, or at the very least, once all of your videoconferences are through.

            Cameras unfortunately have limitations in the true colors they can reproduce, and while these considerations are of much less importance than looking clean and professional, loud colors and intricate patterns can cause visual anomalies that otherwise wouldn't be present if you were to meet someone in person.  You want your colleagues to remember what you're saying during a meeting, not to be distracted by a striped bright red tie that looks like it's moving across the screen even when you're sitting still.  Thankfully, most applications used for video chats allow you to see yourself as others see you, so you'll be able to test out your outfit before you conduct that important meeting.  But the best thing to do here is to keep your patterns and colors to a minimum, especially if you're in a hurry.

            Just like the colors and patterns on your clothes, it's best to achieve a semblance of balance with the lighting in your workspace.  You want it to be ample, but not too overpowering.  Cameras on phones, computers, and tablets tend to be hypersensitive in terms of how they pick up ambient lighting, so if your angle is off by even just a little bit, you might appear only as a silhouette on the other end of the line.  Conversely, you yourself might appear too bright against a background that is hardly visible at all.  Aside from a little trial and error, make sure any light sources aren't too close to your camera's lens or shining directly into it; just by following those simple guidelines, you're likely to come out ahead.  One more thing to keep in mind is distance between yourself and the camera.  Sitting at a normal desk in a typical office chair about 2 to 2.5 feet away from the camera lens should allow the upper part of your body—shoulders, head, etc.—to fit comfortably in the camera's frame without appearing too close or too far away.

            Certain professions, in particular the legal and financial ones, normally require a full suit and tie for the typical workday.  If you work in either of these fields, you may want to consider donning a full suit and tie even for your virtual meetings.  Your clients, especially in the legal field, will appreciate that extra touch of professionalism, even when it's not expected or required.

            But as more people are working from home right now, you can get away with dressing down a notch or two most of the time.  If business casual dress is more your style, at the very least keep your dress shirts in the same condition as you would if you were still heading to the office every day.  Common sense is always going to prevail here, so even if you have a little more leeway in what you can get away with, use that extra wiggle room wisely.  When it comes to bold colors and eye-dazzling patterns, it's best to err on the side of caution.

            If you're one of the lucky few who never had to encounter any dress codes while you were still heading into the office, there may not be any expectation to dress up at all for meetings, virtual or otherwise.  In this case, collared shirts are still preferable, but if you really want to push the limits of dressing down, just make sure your clothes are neat, clean, and fitting for the occasion.

            Aside from dress code tips and basic functionality of your Internet connections, when you're hosting meetings online, the placement of your home workspace is also vital.  We understand that not everyone can set aside an entire room in their home exclusively for work, but when it is possible to do so, it's best to keep your work area—whatever that may be—out of the way of any ambient household noise and heavy foot traffic that might disrupt your virtual meetings.  Even if you must work from your living or dining room, consider using a spare bedroom for video calls so long as the space is clean and suitable.  Being able to shut a door when you might have others working from your household will drastically reduce ambient noise that might get picked up from sensitive microphones built into modern computers.  Also consider keeping your videoconferences on the shorter side and sticking to what's important during the meeting, as others you're conversing with for work might have other calls to take and may be limited on time.

            Remote work can be quite an adjustment for some people, so if you can keep your cool by appearing professional and empathetic to your colleagues on the other end of the line, you'll find that everyone will be better off in both productivity and peace of mind.  In the spirit of virtual meetings, consider scheduling a videoconference with one of our expert clothiers here at Enzo Custom to get you fitted into something that will suit you well for your other videoconferences.  And don't worry, we won't judge you if you're wearing slippers on your feet when you order.

Zoom meetings, Skype chats, and videoconferences are all the rage these days, especially as many of us are stuck—or gifted with, rather—working from home.  While many in the professional world are already familiar with these services, some still struggle with these emerging technologies, especially since there isn't a universally accepted code of etiquette as there is with phones, emails, and texts, other than being generally polite as you would otherwise.

Keeping Your Professionalism Up For Zoom Meetings and Videoconferences

Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas is just around the corner. While in years past this was a time for large holiday gatherings across the country, this year is bound to be a little different with the ongoing pandemic still in full swing. However, this does not mean that all gatherings need to be foregone. There are still ways to get together with friends and family safely, and even if your holiday gatherings plan on being on the smaller side, there will likely be tons of opportunities to capture those precious moments on camera. In this article, we'll touch on the several ways you can dress your best for holiday photo opportunities, no matter what dress codes your family or friends decide to run with.

One thing we can't stress enough is that you should be prepared to plan your holiday itinerary in advance. With the new normal dictating appropriate health and safety measures, it's much less likely that you'll be invited to spur-of-the-moment last-minute holiday parties. While all of us might lament over the endless free food and open bars that we were once accustomed to, this is actually a good thing, as smaller planned gatherings will reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19, influenza, and other common ailments associated with the winter months.

Common traditions tell us that it's also appropriate to dress up, rather than dress down, for the holidays, but this notion isn't universal. This year, smaller family gatherings might opt for something a bit less formal in terms of implied or expected dress code, but that doesn't mean you have to show up with your standard remote-work just-rolled-out-of-bed look, either. Even if your plans don't require a full suit and tie, a nice dress shirt and a pair of slacks can go a long way.

In any event, larger gatherings may still take place even though they're likely to be way less common than last year. Given the current circumstances, you shouldn't feel afraid to decline an invitation if you don't feel comfortable around large groups of people; in all likelihood, your potential party hosts will understand if you decide to sit their gathering out. But if you choose to venture out, there are certain steps you can take to ensure a safer holiday experience, and these tips apply to both the party guests as well as the hosts.

If you plan on hosting a holiday event this year, consider keeping your guests outdoors whenever possible. They'll feel more comfortable if they're not confined to an indoor space, and proper social distancing protocols can be more easily followed. While we understand this isn't always possible depending on the weather in your particular area, if it's not too cold consider renting heaters to scatter throughout your yard or patio to keep your guests comfortable.

It's not quite a holiday party without a vast assortment of hors d'oeuvres and beverages, but this year, you may want to rethink how you serve them, especially if your guest list goes beyond your immediate family or extended households. For starters, it's best to keep all beverages including wine, beer, soda, and spirits in sealed containers meant for individual servings rather than keeping a bar open for the taking; think small bottles and cans rather than bottle spouts and ice buckets. This reduces the risk of any potential cross-contamination and as a result will ease any apprehension your guests might have. If you do plan on serving ice with your

beverages, consider using an ice machine or at the very least tongs or an ice scoop to prevent your guests from touching the ice directly.

As a courtesy, offer your guests extra masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitation wipes. Many masks are sold in sealed individual containers rather than boxes in bulk, so for holiday gatherings the former is the preferred option. Also, if you're a guest rather than a host, bring an extra mask or two just in case. Hosts' rules about keeping them on or requiring them for entry may vary.

Now that all of the social etiquette is out of the way, it's time to get into the fun part, which is figuring out your style and what to wear when you decide to venture out for the holidays.

For large corporations and their holiday events, it's certainly customary to dress up rather than dress down, and depending on the particular corporate culture, a full suit might be expected if not required. Considering that many large companies have foregone their holiday events or at the very least scaled them down quite a bit, there might be less of an overall formal expectation. But if you're set on going to any traditional or corporate holiday events, especially one where there are plenty of photo opportunities, don't feel bashful about donning a full suit. A little style can go a long way.

If you go the suit route, subtlety will always be on your side. Consider opting for more traditional colors like black, navy blue, or tightly woven grey crosshatch patterns paired with a white or blue shirt. But in order to bring out that extra

holiday spirit, you might want to get a little more creative with your ties and accessories than you normally would for standard office attire. A rule of thumb is that you can never really have too many ties in your wardrobe, so if you can fish one out that's been buried in your closet for several years, whether it's solid red or intertwined with small Christmas tree patterns, now would be the time to lay it out and see how it pairs with your overall outfit. Ties, no matter how crazy or ostentatious, tend to be a better option than the dreaded ugly Christmas sweater, as it allows you to be fun and creative without drawing too much unwanted attention to yourself. Unless of course, that's the goal of the party to begin with. Then by all means, go with the sweater you would never wear in public otherwise.

Whether you decide to pair them with a full suit or feel like your dress shirt and slacks are missing something, a vest is yet another way to spruce up your attire. In comparison to your tie, your best option is to keep your vests on the subtler side; you want your vest to provide an accent to your overall outfit, not detract from it by drawing too much attention to loud colors or crazy patterns. But because it's the holidays, you can get away with a little more than you otherwise would be able to.

These days, you have to worry less about what colors or patterns you decide to wear whether you're in front of a still or moving camera, thanks to technological advancements. But it wasn't that long ago when certain colors and patterns were best avoided. In spite of advancing technology, there's still a chance that pinstripes that contrast too sharply or colors that don't pair well could throw off the camera's ability to capture a moment's realism. A dark violet tie, for example, might appear

much lighter in a photo than its true hue, and this is a result of the limitations of a camera lens to reproduce certain color wavelengths. In another instance, sharply contrasting pinstripe suits on a moving camera lens might actually make the suit appear that it is moving around, even if the person wearing it is standing still. To avoid these aforementioned problems, make sure you have plenty of light (but not too much) and try not to wear anything that might be too loud for a camera lens, even if it passes the test of the human eye with flying colors. When it comes to taking holiday photos, there's always going to be a little bit of trial and error involved, so you have to weigh in what works and what doesn't from time to time. If your suit jacket is a little too loud for the camera being used to take the photo, consider removing it. If there isn't enough light in your living room, try the kitchen or move everyone outside before you snap the photo first.

While there aren't too many rules set in stone as absolutes for holiday photos, one that we would say is important above all else is to do your best to take them in the afternoon rather than at night. Nighttime photos can be a great opportunity to capture the ambience of any event, but you might occasionally run into problems with color contrast and overuse of flash settings, leading to things like red eyes or navy blue suits that look much lighter on camera than they would in person. If you opt for nighttime photos of your holiday events, be sure to take plenty of pictures during the day as well to offset any errors you might encounter later with limited lighting.

From all of us at Enzo Custom, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season, no matter how you decide to celebrate. Remember that even if you plan on staying home for the holidays, be sure to check out our custom suit offerings so you can start off the new year with a wardrobe update, especially if your company plans on reopening their offices at some point in the future. Stop into one of our showrooms where we can offer you a private appointment to get you measured, or feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our clothiers via videoconference.

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