The Act of Getting Dressed
It’s easy to pay tons of attention to selecting and commissioning our clothes, polishing up our shoes, and getting “dressed up” for special occasions. But it’s the daily act of getting dressed that provides me a few moments of calm and pleasure to get my days started on the right foot.
Will Boehlke from A Suitable Wardrobe posted yesterday about his need for a valet to make his daily dressing easier. I see where he’s coming from, but personally I wouldn’t want a gentleman’s gentleman…unless we’re speaking of Jeeves of course. I like picking out my clothes, prepping them, and assembling my look for the day. So much of life these days is all about rushing, and the calm is much appreciated.
Yes it means waking up ten minutes earlier than I would have to if I laid my clothes out the night before, but waking up to an assembled outfit just never sits well with me. A shirt and tie don’t look right or I want to wear a different jacket and the whole combo goes back on the hanger bar. I inevitably want to change something or my mood has altered and I end up wearing something I’m unhappy with. Walking around in clothes you’re unhappy with, which most of us have done at one point or another, is one of the worst feelings around.I’m no morning person, but for this I’ll get up.
Everyone’s routine is different and you’ve got to do what works for you, but here are my two cents. I work from the outside in. Will I be wearing a jacket or cardigan? Does the weather forecast call for heavy rain, ie. should I wear weather-proof shoes? Once I’ve got my hooves and outerwear decided upon I move to trousers before, like Mr. Boehlke, going for a shirt or tie next. New delivery from Drakes? You can bet I’ll wear whatever shirt matches.
Lastly, and probably most enjoyably, I get all my accessories in order. I stand at my dressing box, choose links or knots if wearing French cuffs, clip my tie-bar on, stick collar bones in, give myself a spritz of perfume, and finally strap my watch on. Then I know I’m ready for the day. It’s about having a quiet moment of indulgence before I rush out the door – a moment all about myself and things that only I will probably notice. Pure indulgence.
6 Comments
Benn
October 6, 2011Where did that tie bar come from? Do you find it damages your ties or shirts?
Stephen
October 6, 2011Benn,
The tie bar is actually an heirloom from my grandfather. I haven’t had any problems with it damaging shirts or ties yet. I will say be careful with knit ties, as the back side of the bar can easily snag a loop. Just put it on and take it off slowly and you should be fine.
Benn
October 7, 2011Of course its an heirloom, that would be just my luck, because its perfect. I have been trying to find a plain, narrow bar, just like this, but that is an alligator style clip like yours, rather than a slide. I think they do less if any damage
Benn
October 19, 2011Can you tell me the exact length of your tie bar? Do you feel that 3″ is too long for a tie bar? thanks
Stephen
October 19, 2011My bar is 1 1/2″ which is about as short as I would go. Any smaller and you can’t use it to hold ties in the 3 1/4″ to 3 1/2″ range. On the other end, I do think 3″ is pushing it. I would say 1 1/2″ to 2 1/2″ is the sweet spot.
Turling
December 7, 2011While I don’t have the luxury of indulging in the mornings while dressing, as I am the only family member who works and am usually prepping myself in the dark as my wife sleeps, I love nothing more then the undressing from the day. The kids know that when dad goes upstairs after work they can QUIETLY come up and we can talk, or they must stay downstairs. I grab a draft/wine/cocktail and begin the process of shutting down from the day. Putting everything away, brushing the suit, folding my square, all of these things I find to be quite soothing.