First impressions are tough. You only get one and the stakes are high, especially if it involves a potential or new employer or client. While no one other than you can guarantee that gobbledygook won’t come out of your mouth after your new boss says, “Good morning,” there are other, easier ways to control what people think of you.

When someone doesn’t know you, they use visual clues like clothing and facial expressions to determine if you are the best or worst decision HR ever made. So, make sure you are sending the right signals with the way you dress.

1. Classic is best
In a business setting, it is usually best to keep things classic. Neutral colors like black, gray, brown, or blue, are your best options. While we do love us some print-savvy Robert Graham, it is probably best to save that for when folks know you a little better.

2. Details, details, details!
If you are wearing a suit, make sure it fits, and that your shoes match. Keep everything neat. No sloppiness allowed. You don’t want people to think your work is sloppy too. Here are CJM tips on detail, in more detail (pun intended):

• For advice on how a suit should fit, check out this post.
• For advice on how your pants should look, check out this post.
• To keep your collar crisp, try collar stays (and check out this post).

3. Don’t forget the shoes
Eye contact is important to a good first impression, but that doesn’t mean eyes don’t wander elsewhere, like, to your shoes. Make sure you’re sporting nice kicks—like some from Allen Edmonds, for example (everyone loves Allen Edmonds)—and that they are shining just as much as your winning personality.

For more tips on how to make a 10-out-of-10 first impression, come visit the staff at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Ind.

In hopes that it will speed up the arrival of spring, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Ind. is hosting a spring trunk show March 14-15, 2014, and one of the featured collections is a fan favorite: Allen Edmonds.

Allen Edmonds makes the best men’s dress shoes and accessories in the biz. Presidents, popes, and celebrities all wear A.E. In fact, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush all share something in common: On Inauguration Day, each wore a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes.

It is obvious why Allen Edmonds is the best of the best. Their shoes last for years, and owners typically repair rather than replace. President George H.W. Bush wrote a letter to the company thanking them for a pair of shoes they gave him, but signed it saying, “The problem is all my other pairs of A.E.’s still are in great shape; but these will be a great addition.”

(That’s quite the endorsement).

Each Allen Edmonds shoe is crafted via a 212-step process (and to think merely tying your laces some mornings pre-coffee is hard) that is a mix of machine and hand, and done right here in the United States, in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

So, come check out CJM’s trunk show on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, and see the latest Allen Edmonds shoes and belts. (Also featured will be Coppley, Scabel, and Robert Talbott). Tasty Italian delicacies will be provided from friends at Casa. Things kick of Friday at 3:00 p.m.

The AMC hit show “Mad Men” might be over, but the mysterious Don Draper and his team of politically incorrect but captivating ad execs left an indelible mark on men’s fashion. “Mad Men” did for men what “Sex and the City” did for women: it made just about everyone, from Fort Wayne, to New York, to Los Angeles, want to be a style icon in their own right.

(The show also made people want to drink bourbon in the office at 10a.m.).

“Mad Men” resurrected the restrained, clean-cut 1960’s business style, which featured suits that were slim in cut with skinny lapels, which in turn were paired with skinny ties. Less was more when it came to colors and patterns, and accessories, like cufflinks and pocket squares, were popular ways to signify power and prestige.

Today, the Mad Men-influence is seen on every red carpet, in every fashion magazine, and in boardrooms across the country. “The slimmer fitting suit is a popular option now. Every suit company is trimming their fit somewhat, both in the shoulders and across the middle,” says Chris Lambert, owner of Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Lambert says men shouldn’t be afraid to embrace a closer fit. “If you find the right brand, or go to a good tailor, a slim suit can make you look sharp, clean, and sophisticated.”

One such line that Lambert carries at Christopher James Menswear is Paul Betenly, which features slimmer fitting suits in classic colors.

Of course, if you really want to make sure you are rocking the slim look in a way that best suits your body (no pun intended), you should consider custom made clothing, Lambert says. “Another option is having a slim suit custom made. Then you know it fits.”

Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Ind. offers custom and made-to-measure suits, and despite common misperceptions, the made-to-measure process is simple. CJM’s expert tailors take all your measurements, and CJM staff help you choose from thousands of fabrics and swatches, Lambert explains. “It is easy and we have numerous pricing options, so we can definitely make a suit and a price tag that fits.”

So, while the staff at CJM–unfortunately–can’t guarantee you Don Draper’s lady magnetism, they can make you look the part with a great fitting, Mad-Men inspired slim suit.

We wanted to play with the big boys and run a commercial on national TV for the game but my accountant reminded me we couldn’t pay $4 million for a 30 second commercial and still open the doors on Monday so we went with Plan B…

Watch our Big Game Super Commercial!

WATCH OUR COMMERCIAL  ON FACEBOOK  FOR A SPECIAL OFFER.

OR  

GO HERE TO WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE

For being a thin, basically rectangular piece of fabric, a tie is a pretty complicated garment. There are all those knots, fabrics, and rules about height and width…it is understandably frustrating. However, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne strives to make your life easier, so we’ve assembled these simple guidelines for wearing a tie properly:

Length

A tie should always hit at your beltline. Not above, not below. Capiche?

Width

Your tie should be about two and a quarter to two and three-quarter inches at its widest point. Any wider, and you start to look like a congressman.

Knot

The four-in-hand knot should be your go-to. It’s knot too big, knot too small (sorry, couldn’t resist). Also, avoid the half Windsor. It is a huge knot and you will look like you have a giant tortilla chip hanging on your collar. No bueno.

The dimple

The detail of details matter. In this case, it is the tie dimple that will take your tie from passable to polished. Here’s how you do it: 1. When you’re almost done tying your tie, press your thumb against your index finger just beneath the knot, so the fabric forms a crease. 2. Pull down the narrow end of the tie to tighten the dimple, and slide up the knot. 3. Finesse either side of the dimple to accentuate the fold and set it in place. Voilà, dimple.

Bow ties. Bow ties are no longer limited to tuxedos and Pee-Wee Herman. Bow ties are cool now. GQ calls the bow tie the, “dapper man’s version of the skinny straight tie.”

Tie bars.

There is only one, repeat one, place for a tie bar. And it’s between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt. Also, never wear a tie bar wider than your tie. Just don’t.

Matching your tie with your suit.

Match your tie to the fabric of your suit. Cotton ties with cotton suits in summer, wool ties with wool suits in winter.

If you have more questions, and are in the Fort Wayne area, come see us at CJM. We are always here to help.

A cardigan is a sign of a well-dressed and confident man. It is kind of a jacket, kind of a sweater, and its versatility can make your wardrobe more dynamic. It is so versatile in fact, that it can accompany you through all of Fort Wayne’s seasons and temperatures.

Cardigans come in a gajillion different fabrics, cuts, colors, and prints. But you can spot a cardigan based on the following characteristics: it is knitted, has a v-neck, buttons in the front, and (usually) has two small pockets on its lower front, one on either side.

Wool cardigans are perfect for fall and winter, and maybe a cool spring day. A gray wool cardigan with wood buttons is classic. A cashmere wool cardigan is another luxury winter staple. A thin knit, lightweight cotton makes for a perfect summer cardigan.

Fit is highly important, much like a suit jacket. But unlike a suit jacket, cardigans are flexible, so you can usually buy one off the rack with no adjustments needed. Just make sure it fits in the shoulders, tapers down through to the waist, and opens some at the abdomen. Also, make sure it covers your waistline or belt.

As mentioned, cardigans are extremely versatile. Which, on the one hand is a good thing (who doesn’t like versatility in fashion?), but on the other, it means there are endless choices and options, which can be daunting, to say the least. In general, a dress shirt and tie pair well for a work ensemble, while your favorite t-shirt is a great match for the weekend.

Ultimately, the best advice we have is to let your instincts guide you. Cardigans are supposed to be dynamic, so there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule on how it should be worn. Other than with your best foot forward, of course.

You just landed a new job. Congratulations. Now, your mission is to prove all those skills, experience, and potential that you sold your employer on in the interview. Getting the results is up to you, but Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne does know the best place for you to start, and that is:

Look the part.

To instill the confidence of people who essentially know nothing about you (other than your resume), you must look like the kind of guy they believe in. And that means dressing like him.

Here are the five most important elements of dressing for success.

1. Wear a suit that fits like a glove.

A suit that fits flawlessly is the foundation of dressing like a capable businessman. If your suit jacket shoulders have more divots than an unkempt golf course, you will illicit little professional respect. To be sure a suit fits you too T, take it to a tailor. A good tailor is worth his weight in gold.

2. Stock up on dress shirts.

You can never have to many high-quality dress shirts. Since you are new, play it safe and go with neutral colors, like white or blue, and stick to subtle prints. Once you get more comfortable, then you can bust out the Robert Graham.

3. Shine your shoes.

Maintaining eye contact in professional conversations is expected, but don’t be fooled—the eye does…and will…wander. Especially when they are sizing you up. Don’t let them catch sight of dirty, dingy shoes. It may make them question how well you pay attention to details. To keep them sparkling, polish them at least once a week.

4. Upgrade your accessories.

I hate to break it to you, but now that you have a real-man job, it is time to put away—preferably donate—your X-Men wallet, and upgrade to more sophisticated accouterments. Several fine leather belts, a nice wallet, and maybe even a tie clip—if you’re that fashion forward, will definitely show you pay attention to detail.

5. Consider purchasing a tuxedo.

Now that you have entered the world of after-work events and schmoozing, it isn’t a bad idea to have a nice tux in your closet. Tuxes are a little more tailored than suits, and they usually have satin trimmings (whereas suits are made of one fabric). You never know when you will need one, and a rent-a-tux can be a hassle if done at the last minute.

6. When in doubt, overdress.

When you are starting a new job and not sure of the dress code, the rule of thumb is to overdress. You need not go as far as a three-piece tux with tails, but maybe wear a tie and keep your suit jacket on until you get more familiar with the environment, and see how other employees dress. Another great rule of thumb: pay attention to how your boss dresses and follow…suit (no pun intended).

And…

7. Have confidence.

Surprise, there is an extra tip. Consider it your reward for reading this far. In short: confidence is the most important thing a successful career man wears. Without it, superb suits, shiny shoes, and designer labels do nothing. So, carry your head high at all times.

And again, congratulations on your new job.

The winters are cold here in Fort Wayne, so undoubtedly you need several layers to keep warm. But layering isn’t always as easy as piling on a few different shirts. You have to combine complementary fabrics and prints.

This is why Christopher James Menswear loves Monterey, California-based designer Robert Talbott, who makes a line of sport shirts that are perfect for layering. Keep a few of these in your closet and you won’t even have to think about what goes with what.

Robert Talbott sport shirts come in a variety of subdued prints and solid colors—navy, olive, gray, plum, and others. Most are 100% cotton, and natural fabrics are the best insulators.

Top one of these bad boys with a zip-up cashmere sweater (also an excellent insulator—lightweight and impossibly warm), and you are ready to spend a weekend in a chalet in the Swiss Alps (or on your couch in Fort Wayne, either one).

If it is casual Friday at the office, wear one of Robert Talbott’s sport shirts under a V-neck sweater and accessorize with a Robert Talbott tie (also a great product from this designer).

Just remember: when you layer, choose one print or brighter color, and pair it with a solid, or neutral color. The patterned garment should be the bottom layer, generally. Also–and maybe this goes without saying–layering is a more casual look, so it’s best to avoid shiny fabrics and anything that is overly formal.

Come into Christopher James Menswear and we will help you pick a few things out.

Let’s take a break to discuss breaks.

We have superb in-house tailors here at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and so this post is in honor of them.

A break, in fashion speak, refers to the horizontal line that occurs in the fabric when your pants hit your shoes. A break is categorized based on how pronounced it is, or rather, how much fabric you have piling up around your ankles. There are many names for pant breaks (deep, full, quarter, half, short, etc.), but basically, they all boil down to three lengths: short, medium, and full. Read on for a description of each.

1. Short

A short break is when the bottom of your pants hit just below the top of your shoes, leaving the laces exposed. Short breaks are very fashion-forward, but I’m guessing you are a business man and that, unless you are the CFO of Vogue, shorts pants don’t fly in your office. That’s why the next break—medium—is likely the one for you.

2. Medium

Not too long, not too short, just right. The medium break is the standard among executives. In the front your pants cover the top of your shoe and most of your shoelaces, while in the back, the hem slopes downward, creating a mild horizontal break. It is classic, clean, and professional.

3. Full

A full break is when you just let it all hang down. I think the full break looks unkempt—as if you bought pants that were too long and didn’t care to get them tailored, but it is considered a trendier style for those who like to push boundaries. Either way, it is probably not the best look for the boardroom.

Of course, which break works best ultimately depends on the man. You have to take into account height and weight, and what looks best with your body shape. If you are not sure what works for you, come into Christopher James Menswear and one of our expert tailors will size you up (in a good way).