The definition of an Aristocratic gentleman is defined by his choice or take on the Classic Navy Blazer. The blazer is one of the most common staples of clothing in a man's wardrobe and by far the most versatile. The term blazer dates back to 1825 of the St. John's College rowing club in Cambridge, UK. Just as suspected, young aristocrats wore blazers not only as part of their school uniform but also while practicing their favorite pastimes. Today, many of us have created several ways to blaze. The blazer can go from the board room or to your local with ease.
THE CONSTRUCTION, DECONSTRUCTED:
The classic blazer can be defined as a single or double-breasted navy jacket with brass buttons. If this is your first attempt in blazing, remember to keep it simple. Stick with a two-button notch-lapel blazer, single or double vent, with brass buttons but due make sure you replace the standard buttons with custom ones such as the highly suggested family crest, initials or the symbol of your regimen. Quintessential Prep. One does have to pay close attention to the fit. Remember that the blazer will become the most versatile of jackets and the fit should be fitted, sitting comfortably on your shoulders and not going beyond your shoulder proper. Make sure to try on several different blazers and stick to those with a higher armhole. Keep close attention to the versions with two buttons vs. three. Some of my favorite versions come in cotton, tweed, wool or linen. You might like to tweak your rendition by choosing a wider peak lapel vs. a narrower one.
STYLE IS EVERYTHING:
Now that you have chosen your blazer it is time to kick it into high gear and take this puppy for a spin. As versatile as the blazer may be, one does have to keep some ground rules clear. Keep the styling down to a minimum as you want the blazer to speak for itself. Pick a pocket square that will enhance but not overtake your look. A simple white pocket square with complementary color piping will due. Keep the lapel pins to a minimum if not non-existent. Remember you are an Aristocrat not a concert goer. The blazer will pair with just about any type of dress shirt, casual button down or even solid color v-neck t-shirts. Should you choose to bring a more preppier look to the table, play it up with a v-neck sweater and a plaid tie. If you are more of a minimalist gentleman with a more modern take, pare things down with darker buttons that are mirrored or matte. Trousers are where you will really make your mark. Classic looks stick to pressed flat front khakis and for those of you who want to maintain a more business casual look, pair your board room blazer with charcoal flat front trousers or glen plaid. For those of you Aristocrats that are more daring, pick trousers/khakis in colors such as Nantucket red, mint green, canary yellow, or even faded primary colors. If you plan on wearing denim stick to darker washes.
THE MEXICAN ARISTOCRAT'S PICKS:
Blazers: (from left to right: Sir Jacks; Norman Hilton Charter Navy Blazer, Gant Club Blazer, Polo Black Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Brunello Cucinelli Peak-Lapel, JCrew Ludlow, and Brooks Brothers Two-Button Classic)
