Photos by: Don Hansen (IG: @_donhansen)

Winter is here and the time is right, get some Merlot in your life. Is there ever a bad time for Merlot?

I’m a bit of a wine drinker, so when I saw this color I was immediately drawn to it and the possibilities. How would I pair the suit? To tie or not to tie? Black or brown shoes? These are the typical questions I run through as I plan an outfit, but this experience was a bit more complex.

The Merlot suit is a statement suit and I’ve seen it done exceptionally well and very poorly. I’m here to provide my process for putting together a look that fits.

Step One: Know your build!

I cannot stress the importance of understanding your build and how that impacts the look that you are trying to achieve. I am 6’7″, 250 with broad shoulders and tree trunks for legs. Needless to say, a super skinny suit off the rack is not going to work. Because of my width, skinny tie looks aren’t the most becoming either. Ironically enough, any research for a burgundy (Merlot) suit will generate photos of a guy in a skinny suit, white shirt, black skinny tie, and black shoes 90%  of the time. There’s nothing wrong with this look, but it doesn’t fit for me. SO I CHANGED IT!

Step Two: Get a tailor!

My Tailor and I have been rocking since ‘09. She knows when I come in I’m getting multiple items cut and I need them back yesterday. This relationship is one that took nurturing and over time we have built that rapport; she ensures that the work is quality and done expeditiously. We have progressed to a point where the relationship is almost consultative. I’ll ask for more of a taper, she’ll say “No”(LOL) and it’s all out of love. If you don’t remember anything else from this post, heed This: “A great tailor can make a $100 suit look and feel like $10,000 Suit.”

Step Three: You don’t have to get it right the first time!

One of the most important things about style is maintaining your identity, which means testing things that feel right to you and seeing how it is received. Do Not Stress about the look! My friends will tell you it takes me 4 outfits and 3 hours to get out of the door and it’s because I’m always thinking “what if” or “how do I make this POP”. I truly believe that the details are what catch the eye, the confidence is what sets you apart, but for the sake of transparency here are the outfit details:

• Suit (Similar item)
• Belt
• Shoes
• Bag
• Hat
• Pocket Square (Similar item)
• Tie Bar
• Watch
• Glasses (Similar item)

My recommendation is to take your time, try different combinations, look in the mirror, see how you feel, and once you’re satisfied, enter the world with all of the confidence and passion that you felt when you saw yourself in the mirror.

To a Life Worth Living,

The Wkender.

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