Because having style can mean one of two seemingly similar yet often misconstrued realities. On one side it could denote that one is simply stylish, having perfected the art of dressing up immaculately — to fulfilling predefined wardrobe prerequisites and nothing more; and on the other hand (and of upmost importance presently) is that of having true style, which can only be obtained via an all encompassing approach that pays heed to the refined practice and implementation of gentlemanly virtuosity and decorum, to the studied pursuits of culture and intellect, and lastly to a steadfast dedication to health and fitness — in addition to the formerly predefined ideal of being sartorially dapper.
In layman’s terms, a gentleman’s clothing is of little consequence — and he rendered quite unstylish — if he shows (or has) no semblance of virtue, manners or etiquette; is slobbish in grooming and purposeful intent; or is uncultured and brazen in personal tastes, intellect, and in the pursuit of personal refinements beyond those of the sartorial inkling.
As such, descriptive terms like virtuous, educated, sophisticated, and worldly are strewn about when discussing the parameters of having authentic gentlemanly style; whereas they are clearly absent when discussing those who are simply "stylish". And that is because no manner of clothing can disguise the glaring genteel inefficiencies that are present in those who are solely driven by narcissism or preoccupied with the simple desires of looking good, being unbothered and genuinely unconcerned with anything but .
As consequence, a man is neither truly stylish nor gentlemanly if he adheres merely to the narrow-sighted notion of being stylish and nothing more.
So, how does one then endeavour to becoming truly stylish, of obtaining (having) worldly style?
Well, the pursuit is not solely based upon taste and attire, but rather also entails being a respectable and honest human-being who just so also happens to be sartorially composed and polished. In that vein, these four tenets of gentlemanly desire can set you down the correct path to obtaining authentic (timeless) gentlemanly style…
(*click HERE if the font is to small for a simple reading outline of the following tenets below; or click on each graphic to zoom in as well)
To that tune, and aside from a simple graphic summary of the four tenets to follow below, I'd be beside myself if I didn't add a small accompanying melody to (hopefully) add to your cultural collection. Music, alongside style, are two of my greatest passions, and I love to share as much as both with my followers and friends alike…so without further adieu, here is a smooth laid-back melody from Panic! At The Disco called Death of a Bachelor. I hope you enjoy it!
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Would you tend to agree that being stylish entails more then looking well put together? Or, are you of the camp that believes that style is simply about clothing (fashion is, style is really not)? How about the 4 tenets of gentlemanly style I've outlined: thoughts or opinions on any? If you disagree, what would yours look like?
You May Also Like: The Modern Gentleman ~ A Manifesto ; A Prelude To Fall Style ; A Most Wanted Man: The Spy As The Archetypical Gent