When building your ideal wardrobe, it's best to invest in superior ingredients.

When we focus on the quality of the fabric, the softness of the leather, the perfect hue on a metal button, or the hand-sewn aspects of a garment we're creating pieces that we're consistently attracted to.

Also, when we focus on quality, it's a sign of what we care about, and what we care about should be what we put our focus on.

This value of quality is the foundation of a winning strategy when developing your look.

These values are the beginnings of the signals we send and the stories we tell the world.

Whether we choose to care about it or not is a sign of what matters to us.

In turn, this helps people to decide if they want to align with our brand, and our ideas.

Sharing your values and, even better, demonstrating them to your audience is smart.

You're doing it every day with your look -- might as well do it to your highest standards of quality ingredients.

I love a uniform.

So many guys get accused of being boring or predictable.

"My wife wants me to get some shirts but says I need to add some color - get away from all blue and white".

I can't tell you how many times I hear this.

BASICALLY, FUCK THAT.

Do you know why you like white and blue shirts? They look amazing. You feel comfortable. They're easy to pair with everything in your closet - and you're getting them custom-made - so the fit is winning.

So it's OK.

I work in Uptown Charlotte, and there are plenty of finance guys rolling around.

Most used to show up in a dress shirt, trousers, and a loafer. Maybe a sport coat on a “fancy day” 😂

I dig it. It's a uniform. It's easy. It looks professional.

(Post-COVID, this has gone to hell. Everyone looks like a golfer, but I digress)

I have no problem if your uniform is 90% blue shirts and khakis. If that is what works for you and you feel good in it...do it.

But what we can't have is ill-fitting. That doesn't work.

But we’ve also gotten away from being consistent (refer back to last month’s edition where staying consistent this year was Rule #2)

Stick to your uniform...execute it flawlessly, and OWN it.

I have a uniform.

For business: Solid suits (primarily blue) - solid white or blue shirts - stripe shirts with ties.

For Casual: Denim, same color pallet shirts, sport coats, chore coats, sweaters, denim, boots.

You have my permission to have a uniform.

Honestly, some of you used to. But when things got casual, we all got comfortable.

I know what’s in your closet. I also know that I now see you daily in your Saturday clothes.

Your wife would love to see all those blue and white shirts again over the tech polos and weird on cloud shoes.

Let’s get back to your old uniform.

Let’s get dressed again.

Own it.

What’s your ideal uniform?

Why can’t you get there?

How can I help?

My thoughts on casual dress. I wrote this years ago but just as relevant today. Save this -- refer back when needed.

• If you are ever uncertain: a white oxford shirt.

• Pinstripe shirts are good. Windowpane and plaids are more casual. Use all 3.

• Navy Blue or Baby Blue gingham. Trust me.

• The NO’s: NO denim shorts. NO sports jerseys. NO graphic tees, especially with "sayings’ or "opinions" NO berets. NO squared-toe shoes. NO velour.

• Fitted is good. Slim everything. Skinny nothing.

• Chinos will look their best a year into them. Get on them now.

• Small holes in jeans? OK. Small holes in anything else? Not OK.

• When purchasing jeans, leave the artificial washes to someone else. The best way to break in a pair of jeans is to wear them as often as possible. Wash as sparingly as possible.

• Casual shoes should not be "shiny" or "pointy".

• A discreet paint or grass stain conveys a sense of lived-in comfort. Clothing with stains from food, dirt, wine, or bodily fluids should be discarded.

• Some items pair nicely with denim – ALWAYS -- Cotton button-down, solid T-shirt, brown loafers, navy-blue blazer, cashmere sweater, and white sneakers.

• Everything looks better with age, except for white T-shirts and underwear.

• Always tuck: polo and dress shirts that hang below your hip.

• Never tuck: sweaters.

• Turtlenecks are negotiable. Let’s have a chat before pulling the trigger.

• Articles of clothing that you can dress up: polo shirts, khaki shorts, blue jeans, and white sneakers.

• Articles that you can never dress up: sports jerseys, track pants, wife beaters, and flip-flops.

• The only ribbed items a man should wear are socks and condoms, and he best not confuse the two.

• A $40 pair of jeans can fit you just as well and look just as good as a $200 pair. They'll take a whole lot longer for you to find.

• Cotton is the universal language of casual clothing. Wear it anywhere.

• I won’t say NEVER, but wearing more than one denim item at a time is risky.

• Khaki is a color. Chinos are a pair of pants. Know the difference but feel free to use the terms interchangeably.

• Leather watch straps. Nylon watch straps. Both are good for casual.

• No one you work with should ever see your toes or your nipples. Please dress accordingly.

• Before you buy a cashmere sweater, touch the fabric and then rub your fingers together. If it imparts any residue or feels slippery, that's a sure sign of bad or fake cashmere: that and the forty-nine-dollar price tag.

• The best jeans have five pockets. Anything more or less, and you're asking for trouble.

• If you see the words "Barbecue," "Come as you are," "Bring the kids," or "BYOB" on an invitation, dress casually. When in doubt, bring a navy-blue blazer.

• The more exclamation points on an invitation, the more casually you can dress.

• Even casual style demands good shoes: loafers, boots, and white canvas sneakers.

• Roll up your sleeves. But don’t stop at the wrist. You need to finish.

• The solid light blue button-down shirt is perfect for just about any occasion.

• I'm OK with the baseball or 8-panel cap. But the golf-branded cap is for the golf course.

• The overlap between active sportswear and casual party attire should be kept to an absolute minimum. Leave the neon shirts and pants for the links, the white tennis shorts to the courts, and the swimsuit at the pool.

• Be careful with hooded anything. Functional outerwear aside.

• Comfort is important. Just make sure EVERYTHING fits.

• The best-dressed men always dress like themselves.

Open Yales Courses - I listen to this particular course every year. (I listen via APPLE Podcast). The Civil War and Reconstruction Era, 1845-1877 taught by David Blight. Professor Blight is an excellent orator and makes the experience of this fascinating. Highly recommend.

Hunters Season 2 - Wow, season 2 was probably better than 1. The series' characters draw from a number of real Nazi hunters through the decades. It follows a diverse band of Nazi hunters living in 1977 New York City who discovers that numerous escaped Nazi officers are conspiring to create a Fourth Reich in the United States. Plus, Al Pacino. Enough said.

The Milk Road - Listen, I don’t have the bandwidth to keep up with all things Bitcoin. That’s what these guys do well. Yes, I know, another newsletter, but I have 3 min daily to learn what matters in crypto.

Descendent - Amazing documentary that has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Smithsonian Mag did an excellent overview if you’d like to read deeper.

SUBTLE VS SHOWY: A Way To Think About Casual Clothing - I always appreciate Simon Crompton’s perspective on dressing. I think you will as well.

The Tracey Residence, Rolly A. Andrew 1959 - What a fantastic residence + view!

How To Do Business Casual Without Looking Like A Schmuck - Very comprehensive dive on, well, not dressing like a Schmuck.

Barbour x J.Crew Limited Edition Bedale Jacket - Leading the fight against inclement weather (from a country that knows inclement weather well), this England-based company has been designing outerwear since 1894. The Bedale, Barbour's first lightweight jacket, was originally designed for riding, hence its shorter cut. This collab offers a nautical take on the classic Bedale, inspired by sailing traditions and built with water-resistant lightweight waxed cotton made in the UK. Featuring handwarmer and welt chest pockets, snap button closures, and the brand's classic corduroy collar, this limited-edition jacket will keep you covered.

Nigel Cabourn Indigo Railroad Coat - Hard to find Nigel Cabourn around the $200 range. I loved the unique three-button front and stand-up collar.

Ugmonk Essential Tees - These came recommended as a “must have” from ASC guy LB. I trust his style emphatically - so I’ll recommend these to you!

ROHE Kick Ribbed Wool Vest - OK, my job is sometimes to push you guys a little. You CAN pull this off. Knocks the chill, and let’s pretty chill if you ask me. + Charlotte loves a vest. Hit’em with something different!

What’s a Campfire Theme Without My Short List of The Best Fleeces Out Now:

🔥 Topo Design Sherpa Jacket - How about this reversible fleece from Topo Designs?

🔥 Norse Projects Fredrik Fleece - I absolutely love this cream + tobacco color.

🔥 Sunspel Fleece Jacket - A more refined, luxury take on the fleece jacket, made in exceptionally soft Italian recycled eco wool.

🔥 Nanimica Vintage Wool Fleece Jacket - Give me pockets, all the pockets. Also, the light gray vibe is killer.

🔥 The Port Fleece Jacket - For those more mountain vibes. Superb detailing on the Sunset Stripe.

🔥 Woolrich Curly Fleece Full Zip - The full zip is highly functional and an awesome price point from such a heritage brand.

🔥 Todd Snyder Camel Hair Track Pant - Luxe utility here. These are a must-have if you own or desire to own a mountain house.

🔥 Orslow Tapered Belted Fleece Pant - Made in Japan, these 'Boa' sweatpants are made from insulating fleece and cut for a tapered fit. They come with an integrated utility-inspired belt.

🔥 Italian Quilted Pant - This is like a parka for your bottom half. 😂

AIC Denim Black Wash Denim - A mid to high-rise denim like these sits well with tailoring. We’re running into issues these days as guys’ shirts they want to tuck in are not long enough for the low-rise denim they’re wearing. This solves that. It also just generally looks better with a sport coat. Don’t be afraid of a higher rise. (I can also make these for you through our custom denim program!)

SANDERS SANDERS X TABOR KELSO BOOT - I love the chunky sole and the pebble-grain leather.

Sheppard of Sweden Steffo Slipper - Who doesn’t love a good slipper this time of year? The hard bottom is a must - you never know when you need to jump up and run outside.

YUKETAN Maine Guide 6 Eye Leather Boots - Not sure I’ve ever seen these in black. Elevated!

Crockett and Jones Cavendish Burgundy Calvary Calf - Man, elegant but with a cleated Vibram sole. Chunky but lightweight. Is this a great winter loafer, or what?!

🔥 Birkenstock Black Suede Boston - A classic. One of my favorite styles for lounging. Looks great with a heavy sock for that coffee run in the mountains.

🔥 Smartwool Workout + Hiking Socks - These came highly recommended, so I dove in to try them out for the ASC cause. Impressed. Read the blog for a full rundown.

Filson x Ten Thousand — This is a nice little cold-weather collab. I dig the earth-tone colors. I assume we are all still working out and staying healthy?

🔥 Snowpeak Shimo Stein - Best vessel to enjoy lager, ale beers, and hot beverages by the campfire.

Adsum Tote - This puppy folds into a self-fabric pouch the size of a walnut. On sale as well!

Autodromo Driving Gloves - Impeccable fit and superior quality. These came highly recommended.

Kent Wang Deerskin Gloves - The touchscreen feature is clutch in our modern; everyone has a cell phone on them at all times society. These come in various sizes and leathers.

🔥 Whiskey Peaks Denali Decanter - Looks cool, especially around this campfire we keep referring to!

Drakes Archive Sale - Tons of goodies here. One item I have my eye on is this utilitarian fleece.

🔥 Stone Island - They have their Channel Logo Quilted Shell Hooded Down Jacket on sale for an additional -20%. A lot of colors and sizes are available.

🔥 Cavour - Suede Hiking boot. Campfire approved.

TABOR - They are @ -30% off for their winter sale. Dig in!

Mr.Porter Final Reductions - Enjoy an additional -20% off.

🔥 Backcountry - What’s a campfire edition without a store specializing in outdoor gear? Get outside!

🔥 How To Perfect Your Irish Coffee - Nothing like a morning campfire paired with Coffee x Whiskey. Here’s how to make a great one.

🔥 5 Hot Toddies To Make At Home - OK, so a boozy breakfast isn’t your thing? Here are 5 Hot Toddies to make at home (although some of these are just too fancy for me)

🔥 All The Cuts Of Beef And How To Cook Them - Let’s chalk this up as one to save. From Delish.com.

🔥 Kamp Wildcat | Central to Asheville & Smokies - Club member Coby owns this puppy, and I had the chance to utilize it back in December. Recommended!

Sauna House | Asheville, NC - It’s physiologically impossible to feel the same after trying a sauna with a cold plunge. It’s a short trip to treat yo self.