Bringing "Smart" Back

Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake

San Francisco was once a style capital, back when it was the edge of the western frontier, the headquarters of the gold rush, and the main seaport for trade with Asia.  Then, during the 70's counterculture movement and ascendence of the computer industry, San Francisco largely ceded its stylishness to New York and Los Angeles.

Elsewhere in the world, men and women alike develop their personal style because it makes them more attractive, which is a form of social currency with many benefits.  Dressing well implies competence and other business-ready traits.  No conflict is seen between being intelligent and looking attractive.

Historically, "smart" and "sharp" both meant either to be intelligent or to be well-dressed; these concepts were integrated.

Yet there is a lingering concern in the Bay Area that intelligence and attractiveness (aka sexiness) are not compatible.  Intelligence is our region's highest value, and some people worry that looking attractive may make them seem less intelligent.

In the early years of the Internet, businessmen distanced themselves from old-school East Coast attitudes by avoiding traditional business attire.   Northern California intelligentsia expressed distaste for Southern California's looks-based culture.  New arrivals emulated dorm-room founders like Zuckerberg, he of the famous hoodie.

This is beginning to change.  Silicon Valley is the new business engine for the world economy.  The era of Internet innovation continues to evolve and mature.  With such a concentration of dynamic people, financial resources and international connectedness, it is only a matter of time before visual sophistication follows.

With this broader perspective, it is clear that overly rigid stereotypes like "smart" versus "sexy," reminiscent of high school, are not applicable in grownup life.  Of course handsome people can be smart; smart people can be handsome.  And just as geek-chic fake glasses can't turn a model into a brainiac, looking good won't turn a genius into a dunce.

The smartest thing is synthesis.  Why wouldn't any intelligent person use all available tools to make the most of their appearance?  It is certainly easier to add beauty to brains, than vice versa.

The best evidence that the Bay Area's future will be more stylish is Apple, now the most valuable company ever.  Steve Jobs chose a different path from many previous tech leaders by insisting on beauty as a top priority, resulting in distinctively elegant devices and interfaces.  Humans deeply prefer beautiful things, and this has driven Apple's sales success.

Above, here's Justin Timberlake who played Sean Parker in "The Social Network" as one example of the impending convergence of Silicon Valley and men's fashion.  His other creds include singing "Bringing Sexy Back" and founding men's clothing line William Rast.

He's wearing fake glasses, which all of Hollywood did for a moment in slightly mocking tribute to Silicon Valley.  Nice try, but we are still the frontier, the gold rush and the hub of world trade, and surely we're ready now to take charge of our own image.  Contact us at missmenswear.com.

The Right Topcoat Could Actually Get You Dates

Whenever I go to London or New York in the wintertime, I notice how dashing and purposeful the men look about the city streets. I wondered what, exactly, is it that creates this look? It's a topcoat. London men wear it best.

San Francisco’s climate is similar to London, making this coat ideal for here, yet it’s rarely seen on local men. Instead, many men here wear anti-fashion Northface fleece, even downtown. Trendier types endure the fog in shrunken vintage jackets.

For anyone who’d like to alleviate the cold, and possibly also the solitude, consider learning from the Brits on this. This coat is both practical and a girl magnet.

The Topcoat

• Black, navy or charcoal wool
• Mid-thigh length only
• Fitted through shoulders and chest
• Straight shape to hem or A-line flare
• Single-breasted or understated double-breasted
• Wider lapels; peaked collar that can be turned up against the cold and for authoritative effect

Why It’s Hot — It showcases the male form, emphasizing the shoulders and chest which is what most women look at. It makes the wearer appear more imposing and powerful, via tradition and its military origin. It makes him look equipped to take care of himself and others against the winter gloom. It reminds women of cinematic heroes.

Doing It Right — Mix this serious coat with more casual items that have a masculine edge.

Doing It Wrong — No oversize sack shapes; no girly trench-style belts. It’s dramatic already so don’t mix with any costumey accessories (bowties, muttonchops or anything else Edwardian).

1.  Giorgio Armani Felt Trenchcoat, $2495 — This coat’s distinctive tailoring will get noticed, so it is for a man who is already comfortable with his style. As long as the tailor doesn’t take in the waistline too much, it will look smashing.

2.  Gucci Double-Breasted Wool Coat, $1890 — This slim, straight cut is good for medium-height men because it does not break up the vertical line. It’s the perfect length and will be versatile.


3.  Michael Kors Melton Crombie Coat, $495 — This coat is less shaped and thus more butch; it still achieves the desired effect.


4.  Kenneth Cole Wool Trench Coat, $350 — Much more casual, slouchy, rugged if not thug… The mixed message could confuse women, which might work in your favor.


5.  Charles Tyrwhitt Navy Wool Cashmere Overcoat, £189 — For the genuine British article minus fancy Italian influences.

6.  Brooks Brothers Wool and Cashmere Classic Overcoat, $798 — Longer and less fitted, a more classic American but less stylish choice.

Contact us at missmenswear.com.

Men, Style Can Be Your Secret Weapon This Fall

It's back to work & school, the time of year when everyone steps up his game. This year, you can be prepared. Clothes make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself, how you perform, and how others perceive you -- in your career and your romantic life.

Most men’s style information online is for fashion enthusiasts, not for men who just want to look their best as efficiently as possible. There are endless rules to keep in mind, and unlimited options for clothing items and where to buy them… Most guys prefer not to spend valuable leisure time thinking about their clothes.

The good news is, personal stylists aren’t just for celebrities anymore. Miss Menswear has developed a proprietary styling system to help you look amazing with a minimum of effort. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact us for a consultation at missmenswear.com.