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This week’s Fit Check subject, Fola Lawson, talks about the importance of trial and error when developing personal style. Lately, I’ve been suffering through more ‘error’ than I’d care to admit (trying to style a pair of shorts that I lovingly refer to as my ‘ugly shorts’ has been…challenging), but it’s all part of the process. A friend recently asked me for feedback on a pair of trendy pleated pants she’d purchased. The style was unlike anything she’d worn before, and while some other folks chided her fashion risk, I thought it was fresh and exciting.
That’s the thing about trying a new look. Sometimes you need an outside opinion to help you see yourself through fresh eyes. Sometimes you need to style an item 10 times before you figure out exactly how it might work best for you, your body, and your lifestyle. And sometimes, you might ultimately decide that it isn’t meant to be. For example, I bought a pair of barrel-leg pants back in 2019 that I only figured out how to style earlier this year. I don’t regret taking the time to figure it out, to see how they would look best with my style and my existing wardrobe.
Do yourself a favor and give yourself the grace and time to become the most stylish version of yourself. You won’t regret it!
Fit Check with Southern Gents’ Fola Lawson
Fola Lawson is the Creative Director and Founder of the menswear brand Southern Gents. With a lifelong passion for design, Lawson developed an affinity for menswear while ascending through the ranks of his corporate career in Houston, TX.
Fola, this look is so smart and stylish! Tell me about it.
🧢 – This outfit is something I’d wear to a brunch party or an outdoor evening concert. Brunch parties are a pretty big deal in Houston, and the most festive time of day in the city. No better reason to break out this wide-brim fedora. It’s wider than I typically go for, but also makes quite a stylish statement and provides a bit of shade.
👕 – The rest of the outfit is rather simple with an all black-theme and plenty of subtle details. This relaxed black T-shirt from our collection has been a go-to this summer with the blazing heat. It’s 100% cotton so it’s breathable and airy, thanks to the loose relaxed cut. It has a cropped fit, so it doesn’t bunch up in the midsection, and drapes perfectly especially when untucked. As the saying goes, ‘suns out guns out,’ so I hacked off the sleeves with a pair of scissors.
👖 – Since the outfit is all black, I thought these cargo pants would make it a bit more interesting with the side pockets and cool brass-colored zipper ornaments.
🥾 – For footwear, I’m wearing our Black Sport Wingtip Boots with a Vibram Sole, boasting a leather and suede upper for even more texture play.
⌚ – And finally for accessories, I’m wearing a simple red neckerchief for a pop of color, a stainless watch, and my go-to assortment of rings to make the look even more renegade.
Credit:
Reviewed / Southern Gents
How did you discover and develop your personal style?
I could come up with a dramatic answer to make myself sound cool, but the honest answer is…trial & error. I have to pay homage to GQ Magazine, especially during the 2006-2012 era. I believe those were the golden years, and each issue was filled with amazing style tips from proper tailoring, color pairings, style etiquette, and much more. Experimenting with those tips on my own—and making more than a few style mistakes—is how I’d say I got my PhD in style.
What’s your go-to style hack?
Buy less, but better—and ‘better’ means what looks ‘best’ on you and is within your budget. Start with a ‘self-audit’. If you’re looking to upgrade your look, you need to understand who you are, and where you are in life. Understand your body type and your lifestyle. Do you work from home? In a professional or casual environment? What’s the weather like in your city? What matters to you most when it comes to clothing? Once you’ve done that, I suggest finding blogs, content creators, YouTube channels, and editorial publications that are aligned with your goals.
For gentlemen, The Esquire Dress Code is a great book and comprehensive style guide to start with. The goal should be to have a closet with timeless pieces versatile enough for your daily life, weekends, and special occasions.
What details and elements are key to a standout menswear look?
For me, it comes down to fit and tailoring. If you understand these principles, you can make anything look good. Understanding your body type and what works for you is key. For larger-sized men, avoiding clingy garments and sticking with relaxed-fit clothing with a focus on length always works remarkably well. Tailored garments on slim or athletic men that accentuate their physique typically look best. With the right proportions, you can make just about anything look good, like a simple pairing of jeans and a T-shirt. Oh, and you can’t forget classic footwear like loafers or boots.
Shop our top picks from Southern Gents
Southern Gents Lone Star Fedora Hat
What pieces do Lawson suggest for a well-rounded menswear wardrobe? ‘Definitely any of our fedoras,’ he says. ‘You don’t think you need one, or that they’ll look good on you, until you try them on. They really do light up just about any outfit.’
Southern Gents Anniversary V Double Breasted Topcoat
‘Fall is around the corner,’ says Lawson. ‘And as soon as the temperatures drop, nothing beats striding through the city in the flawless drape of a classic single or double-breasted coat. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing it with a ball cap, hooded sweatshirt, or turtleneck sweater. It’s guaranteed to turn heads.’
Southern Gents Rogue Sport Wingtip Boots V2
Speaking of the Rogue Sport Wingtip boots, Lawson says, ‘They were specifically designed to be both sophisticated and casual, effortlessly taking you from work to play. They’re so versatile and take the guesswork out of style.’
Southern Gents Quilted Vest
This easy, thin quilted vest is a great option to layer with shirts, jackets, coats for added warmth and style. Shop the style in three colors.
Southern Gents Double Breasted Blazer
‘Everything [at Southern Gents] is carefully designed and thoughtfully curated, to make you look and feel fearless,’ says Lawson. Channel your inner fearlessness with this elegant green window pane blazer.
Southern Gents Dress Trouser
Complete the look with the matching green trousers.
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