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GentleManners Books
A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up Revised and Expanded: What to Wear, When to Wear It, How to Wear It
Let’s get one thing straight. Clothes do not make the man .
. . but they do make a difference. And regardless of whether we like the idea
of appearances driving impressions, a man’s exterior often is perceived as an indicator
of what’s happening on the interior.
Fortunately, tasteful and appropriate dressing doesn’t
require inordinate amounts of time or money. Any man can hit the door in fine shape
with only a little forethought and a bit of attention to a few guidelines.
Never mind the heady cologne and designer labels. With a navy blazer, a good
bar of soap, and a regular haircut regimen, he’ll be well on his way to becoming
the guy who knows exactly how to suit up, regardless of the occasion. Most important,
A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up illustrates
how a man’s natural confidence and personality are the best foundation for any
wardrobe.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2012
35 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
John Bridges
83 books27 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Bridges is the author of the bestselling book, HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN, today's most popular guide to etiquette for the modern man. When it comes to handling any issue related to courtesy, common or uncommon -- whether it's how to use a shrimp fork, how to conduct yourself in a business meeting, or knowing when to turn off your cell phone -- John is "Mr. Right."
"Over the course of my life, I've been to a lot of parties," says John. "What I've learned is that it's not enough simply to get invited. What's really important is knowing how to behave yourself, so you get invited back."
A native of Slapout, Alabama, John has served as Classical Music Editor for the Nashville Tennessean, and was an award-winning columnist and editor for the Nashville Scene. He also gained a wide following as an associate editor for Nostalgia magazine and as an etiquette columnist for Traditional Home.
John served for eight years as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Nashville. A frequent media guest, he has been featured on the "Today" show, "CBS Sunday Morning," and the Discovery Channel. He has been profiled in the New York Times and People magazine. His advice has repeatedly been sought out by major men's magazines such as Esquire, Men's Health, and Details. John is also the co-author, along with Bryan Curtis, of eight other books in the "Gentlemanners" series, a publishing phenomenon that has now sold more than 1.25 million volumes, world-wide.
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN and other volumes in the "Gentlemanners" series have been translated into more than 15 foreign languages -- ranging from Spanish and Croatian to Latvian and Vietnamese.
John Bridges is the author of the bestselling book, HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN, today's most popular guide to etiquette for the modern man. When it comes to handling any issue related to courtesy, common or uncommon -- whether it's how to use a shrimp fork, how to conduct yourself in a business meeting, or knowing when to turn off your cell phone -- John is "Mr. Right."
"Over the course of my life, I've been to a lot of parties," says John. "What I've learned is that it's not enough simply to get invited. What's really important is knowing how to behave yourself, so you get invited back."
A native of Slapout, Alabama, John has served as Classical Music Editor for the Nashville Tennessean, and was an award-winning columnist and editor for the Nashville Scene. He also gained a wide following as an associate editor for Nostalgia magazine and as an etiquette columnist for Traditional Home.
John served for eight years as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Nashville. A frequent media guest, he has been featured on the "Today" show, "CBS Sunday Morning," and the Discovery Channel. He has been profiled in the New York Times and People magazine. His advice has repeatedly been sought out by major men's magazines such as Esquire, Men's Health, and Details. John is also the co-author, along with Bryan Curtis, of eight other books in the "Gentlemanners" series, a publishing phenomenon that has now sold more than 1.25 million volumes, world-wide.
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN and other volumes in the "Gentlemanners" series have been translated into more than 15 foreign languages -- ranging from Spanish and Croatian to Latvian and Vietnamese.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 16, 2018
A useful guide for the man or boy of any age. Sound advice presented in an easy to read format. A bit old fashioned at times; however, class and manners never goes out of style.
December 24, 2012
No man ever lost a job, a friend, or a woman worth keeping because he was too well dressed, well groomed or well mannered.
An excellent and necessary read for every young man, and for every parent of a young man. Sadly, the absence of social graces is a shameful trait of our declining society, in which children with increasing frequency lack even the most basic social and cultural graces so prevalent just a generation ago, and lacking parents or role models with the knowledge or inclination to teach them.
A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up provides an excellent, comprehensive yet concise overview of basic fashion essentials which every young man should know: How to tie a tie. When to request trousers with cuffs or without. How to choose a tie, cufflinks and a tuxedo. Is a porkpie hat the same as a fedora? When would you wear either? Single breasted or double? Collar stays or tab collars? All this and more is provided in a handy reference guide. Every page has wisdom, and every page has value, if one aspires to be, behave as, dress as, or hopefully raise a gentleman.
I recommend it as an easy but essential read for anyone, and an excellent gift for any young man of any age.
An excellent and necessary read for every young man, and for every parent of a young man. Sadly, the absence of social graces is a shameful trait of our declining society, in which children with increasing frequency lack even the most basic social and cultural graces so prevalent just a generation ago, and lacking parents or role models with the knowledge or inclination to teach them.
A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up provides an excellent, comprehensive yet concise overview of basic fashion essentials which every young man should know: How to tie a tie. When to request trousers with cuffs or without. How to choose a tie, cufflinks and a tuxedo. Is a porkpie hat the same as a fedora? When would you wear either? Single breasted or double? Collar stays or tab collars? All this and more is provided in a handy reference guide. Every page has wisdom, and every page has value, if one aspires to be, behave as, dress as, or hopefully raise a gentleman.
I recommend it as an easy but essential read for anyone, and an excellent gift for any young man of any age.
June 27, 2018
This handy little guide introduces the reader to certain established fundamentals of male business fashion. Clearly written from the perspective of the New England and New York set, it nevertheless manages to cover the basics of the conventions which govern traditional male fashion.
For young men not adequately groomed in sartorial suggestions by their elder family members, the internet is probably their source for rectifying any deficiencies in that sphere of knowledge. This book is a better source, however, as it presents all aspects of the wardrobe as a unified whole, and as such the advice and suggestions tend to blend together better.
On the whole this book is very complete, although one wishes that perhaps there had been a longer section about how to identify good quality and craftsmanship when buying clothes. It is possible that such a section was eschewed, however, out of fear for bias, as this book is published through Brooks Brothers.
I would recommend A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up to anyone interested in learning more about traditional men's fashion - it would make an especially useful gift for an adolescent boy.
For young men not adequately groomed in sartorial suggestions by their elder family members, the internet is probably their source for rectifying any deficiencies in that sphere of knowledge. This book is a better source, however, as it presents all aspects of the wardrobe as a unified whole, and as such the advice and suggestions tend to blend together better.
On the whole this book is very complete, although one wishes that perhaps there had been a longer section about how to identify good quality and craftsmanship when buying clothes. It is possible that such a section was eschewed, however, out of fear for bias, as this book is published through Brooks Brothers.
I would recommend A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up to anyone interested in learning more about traditional men's fashion - it would make an especially useful gift for an adolescent boy.
September 30, 2019
Embora haja muitas diferenças culturais, com elementos de um país Norte Americano e Europeu, principalmente, quanto à temperatura do clima, o livro é extremamente útil.
Recomendo.
Recomendo.
September 29, 2013
Very useful book to remember the dos and don'ts of what to wear. Sprinkled with a lot of humor throughout too.
November 7, 2023
- A gentleman takes care that he looks his best and dresses his best every day since he never knows when he will meet his major client or the love of his life.
- No man ever lost a job, a friend, or a woman worth keeping because he was too well dressed, well groomed or well mannered.
- A gentleman has pants that cover his socks, down to his shoes. The shins or any part of the leg shouldn't show. To achieve this long pants and longer socks are required. Preferably, should the socks match the pants and the shoes, and be of good quality.
- A gentleman wears clean clothes without holes or in any way damaged. He throws away them if they are damaged.
- A gentleman should be open to buying new clothes but not wait simply because the sale starts soon. This can be because his old clothes have gotten too small, too big, or become too worn. He can also invest in clothes simply because he believes that the closet needs an upgrade. When buying clothes he asks the seller for advice.
- A gentleman can almost at any time, and at any event, wear a suit. To be sure, wear a dark gray, black, or dark navy suit (can be with small stripes). A gentleman should have multiple suits if he goes to special dinners and events often. However, it is better to invest in a good suit rather than many cheap ones. Preferably, should a gentleman get his suit tailored, to look the best. To be underdressed is horrendous but overdressed is simply nothing. By looking good you will get questions but more importantly compliments. He makes sure to have clothes that fit, look nice, and are a good color that matches. It is better to wear neutral colors to be on the safe side.
- A gentleman showers and washes his hair and body often. He wears cologne but not excessively, only those in close contact should be able to smell (and they should like it). Also, he washes his face at least two times a day. Additionally, he grooms to greatness and goes to a barber to get his hair cut. Before going to an event or public place he makes sure to be groomed and have good clothes.
- A gentleman does not wear caps, bonnets, or hats inside, especially not inside houses of holy. If there is sun or is cold it is okay to wear it outside.
- A gentleman brushes his teeth many times a day and even flosses. He does this before getting clothed.
- A gentleman put out his clothes the day before, to avoid stress. Also, he makes sure to give himself plenty of time before the occasion to fix his hair, and hygiene, and put on clothes. He should be sure how to put on a tie, if he does not, he should practice some days before the event.
- A gentleman never fixes his crutch in public. To alter certain things he goes to the restroom or other private place.
- A gentleman takes away his glove if the other person is not wearing a glove. If both are wearing gloves they can shake each other's hands with them on.
- A gentleman never demise another gentleman's apparel.
- No man ever lost a job, a friend, or a woman worth keeping because he was too well dressed, well groomed or well mannered.
- A gentleman has pants that cover his socks, down to his shoes. The shins or any part of the leg shouldn't show. To achieve this long pants and longer socks are required. Preferably, should the socks match the pants and the shoes, and be of good quality.
- A gentleman wears clean clothes without holes or in any way damaged. He throws away them if they are damaged.
- A gentleman should be open to buying new clothes but not wait simply because the sale starts soon. This can be because his old clothes have gotten too small, too big, or become too worn. He can also invest in clothes simply because he believes that the closet needs an upgrade. When buying clothes he asks the seller for advice.
- A gentleman can almost at any time, and at any event, wear a suit. To be sure, wear a dark gray, black, or dark navy suit (can be with small stripes). A gentleman should have multiple suits if he goes to special dinners and events often. However, it is better to invest in a good suit rather than many cheap ones. Preferably, should a gentleman get his suit tailored, to look the best. To be underdressed is horrendous but overdressed is simply nothing. By looking good you will get questions but more importantly compliments. He makes sure to have clothes that fit, look nice, and are a good color that matches. It is better to wear neutral colors to be on the safe side.
- A gentleman showers and washes his hair and body often. He wears cologne but not excessively, only those in close contact should be able to smell (and they should like it). Also, he washes his face at least two times a day. Additionally, he grooms to greatness and goes to a barber to get his hair cut. Before going to an event or public place he makes sure to be groomed and have good clothes.
- A gentleman does not wear caps, bonnets, or hats inside, especially not inside houses of holy. If there is sun or is cold it is okay to wear it outside.
- A gentleman brushes his teeth many times a day and even flosses. He does this before getting clothed.
- A gentleman put out his clothes the day before, to avoid stress. Also, he makes sure to give himself plenty of time before the occasion to fix his hair, and hygiene, and put on clothes. He should be sure how to put on a tie, if he does not, he should practice some days before the event.
- A gentleman never fixes his crutch in public. To alter certain things he goes to the restroom or other private place.
- A gentleman takes away his glove if the other person is not wearing a glove. If both are wearing gloves they can shake each other's hands with them on.
- A gentleman never demise another gentleman's apparel.
September 12, 2019
This book was so painful to read that I didn’t finish it. Try Alan Flusser’s book Dressing the Man or one of the other highly rated menswear books.
I stopped reading at the chapter on shoes (pages 83-91). It was very sparse for something so fundamental. For example, there is no information on what closed lacing is versus open lacing, no information on different types of leather, and it claims that cordovan is “a fine, dark-red leather, made of split cowhide” when it actually comes from horses and can also come in other colors. There isn’t even any substantial guidance on different types of shoes.
This is largely representative of the whole book and I could provide more examples of this sort of thing, but I think this is enough.
I stopped reading at the chapter on shoes (pages 83-91). It was very sparse for something so fundamental. For example, there is no information on what closed lacing is versus open lacing, no information on different types of leather, and it claims that cordovan is “a fine, dark-red leather, made of split cowhide” when it actually comes from horses and can also come in other colors. There isn’t even any substantial guidance on different types of shoes.
This is largely representative of the whole book and I could provide more examples of this sort of thing, but I think this is enough.
November 2, 2023
Dress Guide for Gentlemen
I first found this book at the counter in Brooks Brothers, my favorite clothing store, and thoroughly enjoyed the many bullet points on dressing appropriately. If you want to know what a “gentleman” wears on a date at a nice restaurant, to a funeral, job interview, etc. then this is a great book to check out. It’s a really fast read…I think I read it cover to cover in an hour or two. I strongly recommend this book if you are just finishing college and entering the workforce, and need some general sartorial guidance for a wide variety of circumstances. From how much cologne is too much, choosing socks to wear with a business suit, to what dress shirt style is proper for a dinner party, this book gives useful advice. Highly recommended.
I first found this book at the counter in Brooks Brothers, my favorite clothing store, and thoroughly enjoyed the many bullet points on dressing appropriately. If you want to know what a “gentleman” wears on a date at a nice restaurant, to a funeral, job interview, etc. then this is a great book to check out. It’s a really fast read…I think I read it cover to cover in an hour or two. I strongly recommend this book if you are just finishing college and entering the workforce, and need some general sartorial guidance for a wide variety of circumstances. From how much cologne is too much, choosing socks to wear with a business suit, to what dress shirt style is proper for a dinner party, this book gives useful advice. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2018
An extraordinary book of how a gentleman should dressed up for every occasion!
January 10, 2019
I don't understand this book. To many unknown words for me. Maybe because I don't grow up in western country..
August 31, 2019
I liked this book. Useful tips, hints and information, all wrapped up in some nice dry humour and lots of common sense.
August 6, 2016
A decent guide on what to wear and when, worth a read for those who want to look good. Somewhat lacking in basic advice on how to ask for what you want from a clothing store, how to evaluate fit, and what sorts of items match or go together; more of an etiquette guide for dressing with a fairly exhaustive list of 'please don't's.
It was short, easily accessible, and pleasant but by no means comprehensive.
It was short, easily accessible, and pleasant but by no means comprehensive.
January 23, 2008
Most men aren't born knowing what to wear, when to wear it, and how to wear it...this is a great place to start and it covers nearly every occasion. It's a little old fashioned but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 10, 2008
A must for every gentleman, and every woman who has a man she wants to dress right occasionally. My hubby wouldn't read it, but I have ;)
July 14, 2008
Better to be underdressed then overdressed..Quick read worth checking out if you want to brush up on your business etiquette...good for those who are in business.
November 13, 2009
Direct, as one may expect from the Gentleman series. This guide is more simple than many, but its basic rules are safe and beyond controversy. A good introduction to the topic.
September 9, 2016
Don't remember much, but I think I liked it.
February 2, 2016
Nothing new.
September 28, 2007
Essential.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews