Take a Victory Lap in the Winner’s Circle
December 16, 2009 by Hollywood Cole · 1 Comment
Black Friday took the guilt out of shopping, if only for one day. Houstonians pulled out in droves to get a great bargain. Wives and mothers trashed the men’s area to get the two-for-one suit deals at SAKS Off 5th. Recession aside, it was great to see people not afraid to shop for the people they loved.
But, the madness left me wondering, why are men comfortable allowing women to make wardrobe decisions for them? Leaving the sartorial decisions to a woman who has limited knowledge of male wardrobe editing can be detrimental to manhood. Men, you no longer have anyone to blame if you and your woman are matching from head to toe. It might inspire you to be more proactive about being in charge of your personal statement. More men should feel confident in taking a smart approach to their own style in wardrobe.
It could be laziness, or lack of knowledge on how to dress, maybe even a combination of the two; but dressing out of a Mervyn’s ad in the Sunday paper is what seems to be the standard during these hard times. Let’s speak prosperity into existence by being dressed for when it returns. For the eligible bachelor who comfortably styles and profiles in church attire to a lounge or club, your game has already taken three steps back from a possible connection. Recession dress won’t get you a conversation from someone who really has their shit together. At best, you might get a fake phone number. To stop that from happening — and face it, you’re sick of watching your one homeboy with the personality of a reality show reject get the stunner based on his style and dress alone – pay attention to the threads. When life throws you rotten apples, try recreating your brand 
and you will see improvement in the women you attract. Try reaching out to a man you feel has conquered confidence in his dress. Find a style mentor.
Take a look at Korey Huff. This CEO and founder of The Huff Law Firm, shows signs of life in this city of nine to fivers. He’s no reject. He’s a criminal attorney, and he evokes the confidence of a young Wall Street executive. With his knack for structure in dress, he knows the value of a first impression.
“As a criminal attorney I must show my confidence and professionalism in court, it creates a positive image with the judge,” he said. Standard corporate attire is navy, black, or pinstripe grey. But is the standard enough to win you a case, a date, or a possible business deal? Be above average.
Huff grew up in west Texas, but drew inspiration from other places — a good tip for a man trying to establish his personal style.
“East coast fashion was the trend back in the early 90s,” Huff said. “Michael Jackson, the emergence of the hip hop brands, and the music were my inspiration.”
His style has gotten more complex as he’s grown into his manhood with 60s-era touches splattered throughout his styling choices. This 34-year-old entrepreneur has put away childish fashion, which sets Huff apart from many young Houston professionals.
First approached by theblvdmag.com at The Breakfast Klub he flaunted his self-confidence in the structure of his double vented, two slits on the side of the jacket, navy blue suit while eating lunch with his friends. Single vents are less clean on the silhouette. Theblvdmag.com spotted Huff again in his confident stride; he sported a pinstripe double-breasted suit in the same restaurant.
“Some men are too lazy to care about appearance or are just unaware,” Huff said. He recommends Banana Republic’s tailor fit suits because they are affordable and modern. He also recommends Zara in the Galleria “their merchandise gives a European tailored fit.”
The quality of the suit lies in the structure and the cut on one’s frame. Vents are very important. It allows room for easy pocket access and creates less of a pear shape in the buttocks.
Huff says “Pants should be flat-front. Please note that most stores with European cut suit pants will fit the crotch area a little tight because the waist is cut lower. You get around this problem buy purchasing a pant size one level higher than normal.”
A great suit allows the cufflinks to get some shine. A blazer or any structured suit jacket should not fall past the wrist. “The jacket should taper the back and waist while the arms of the suit should be slightly shorter than the cuffs of the button down dress shirt,” says Huff.
Houston is no Saville Row. Preferred tailor Marcello’s at the Galleria and shoes from Donald Pliner may be a step in the right direction. As you take that victory lap in the winner’s circle be sure to pass on these tips to the next generation. Fashion mentors are obsolete in the south.
Photography by Debra Ham
© 2009 – 2010, Hollywood Cole. All rights reserved by Sub Urban Media Group.
Loved this article! I am a fashion nut in my opinion and appreciated the direction the article was trying to steer individuals toward.
Mr. Huff has style and I would have appreciated him divulging where he is drawing his current inspiration from. As an aspiring attorney myself, I tend to get caught up in my desire to be young and professional. I still have an abundance of Jordans in my wardrobe. Yet, I rock ascots and bow-ties on a consistent basis.
Again great article, I would appreciate different locations in Houston to find affordable menswear, tailors, and shoes.
Our fashion mentors are not obsolete, they just think 3/4 suits are still hip.