Tie and Denim: Business on the Top, Casual on the Bottom.

I have always been a firm believer in the classics. They remain in style for long periods of time, they are a truly remarkable way of displaying class, exquisite taste and distinctive elegance. Fashion always works in that different and/or newer styles are introduced and incorporated with current and past trends. The shirt and tie, for example, displays traditional dress and gives a sense of composure to any occassion. Jeans, popularized by societies youth in the 20th Century, have quickly become a staple for both men and women. The two looks together have formed a unique combination which allows for a distinct 'Casual but well thought out' ensemble. People see it. Some people wear it. Everybody knows it. So what's the big deal?

I have closely examined a look that might have seemed controversial and/or innappropriate about half a century ago. Of course, times have changed and people have toyed with the mixture of shirts, sweaters, jackets, pants and the likes. Justifying denim with a shirt and tie would be just as silly as justifying black gloves with a trench coat: it just works. I have always been fond of the shirt and tie with denim look for a number of reasons.

First of all, I find that it is always appropriate to combine a suited look with a dressed down pair of pants, such as jeans or khaki's. It is a common solution to a dress appropriate problem: When we are expected to project an image of formality yet are always subjected to a casual environment. No matter what the situation; during the day, we often encounter situations where we look put-together and have a clean edge to our societies expectations for a more casual form of dress.

Secondly, the importance of formal attire should be reintroduced to younger generations. This element will produce a sense of propriety in regards to traditional forms of dress and will allow for most of us to be brought back to the basics. Because, honestly, what good is a polo paired with a great suit jacket if it is the only thing you see nowadays? Why must we think that being formally dressed up consists of a vintage cut 3-button polo shirt and sharp polished black leather accessories? We often chuckle at the very thought of the business-attire-obsessed image of the 1980's (movies such as American Psycho prove to be a perfect example). We must remind ourselves where we have come from. Toying with the suit can be seen in collections from every corner of the fashion world: Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Moschino, Gucci, etc. This proves to be a look that we are able to play with. By incorporating chic, well-pressed shirts with french cuffs with ripped and torn denim jeans, we are able to say filthy, but fantastic. Who is writing fashion rules, anyways?

Finally, just how sexy is a crisp, fitted shirt paired with a favorite pair of jeans? It has raw sex appeal delivered in such high voltage that we often forget to examine the look piece-by-piece. One look and we are convinced! "Wow, so put together!"

We should think of it as the common, fail-proof, good-for-most occassions ensemble that should be mixed with color and attitude. We must incorporate a sense of self in this look, however. We should feel the need to personalize any outfit we bring together. A leather cuff? Grandma's cameo or a pocket square that will keep most wondering, "What is it about that person that makes me feel like he knows what he's doing?"