In yesterday’s extremely L-O-N-G 😳 post on influencers-I covered the history of men’s style eras of the past 125 years pretty thoroughly. Within the confines of that period I stand firmly behind my repeated statement that the difference between fashion and style is that “fashion is ‘out of’ the second that it is ‘in’. And “Style” is never ‘out of’. For periods of time longer than 120 years ago throughout human history the terms fashion and style become extremely interchangeable and blurred. Again, this post is my take on revisiting @antonio Centeno great Style system program that I recommend that you take (or perhaps retake). In this module Antonio uses the trench coat and its history as just ONE example of something that has a proven track record. It has established itself as a somewhat timeless garment that is as stylish as it is functional ie a Classic Timeless Menswear piece. In this module he has some great quotes: 1. “knowledge of menswear and knowing that something has been around for over a hundred years, guess what? You can afford to spend a little bit more money on it because you can rest assured that this isn't going to go out of style,” 2. “when you understand history and menswear and you go for classic fits, classic clothing. It comes down to fit, fabric, and function. If you nail those things, all of a sudden, you're going to walk in and people aren't going to say you're fashionable. They're going to say, "That guy looks good" and that is timeless….know your history.” 3. “History gives us an understanding of the social context of different outfits, the traditions involved, and the practicality behind them.” 4. “Modern men’s style is often taught in a disorganized and fragmented fashion, leaving you, the student, with a lack of understanding” 5. “The challenge of following “current” fashion is the transience and unpredictability of trends.” In other words know your history about clothing. Now I am aware that Antonio and other great’s like G Bruce Boyer, and Alan Flusser, and Ralph Lauren use the word “fashion” interchanging it with the works “style” in a slightly different manner than I, but I stand behind my use of the word style as meaning much more that just “personal style”. Style that is Classic and Timeless (or at least enduring for a hundred years or more), is a true enduring art form. Antonio describes a study of monkeys in his video where one monkey puts a feather behind his ear and all the monkeys in the group mimicked him. (Hmmm can any one say Tom Ford organ grinder monkey suit fit perhaps?🤔). This is clearly fashion. But in all fairness, fashion itself is an art form or at least a partial art form or better yet an ingredient of a bigger art form that is best expressed by individuals. And truly we each follow someone else’s art (personal style) constantly. Thomas Browne as a fashion designer introduced the fashion world to the little boy’s suit around 2004 (see the pics with the three guys in “suitlets”. ) This androgynous/infantile suit fit screams the blurring of men/women/ little boy-gender-bender idealism that has permeated society for a good part of the present century. But it wasn’t until our favorite secret agent James Bond began wearing Tom Ford’s design that guys across the globe began adopting this fashion statement-most of whom were unaware of its origin. If this fashion statement remains the preeminent look for three more decades-beyond my existence on this earth-who am I to say fashion doesn’t blurr into style as it alway does over longer periods of time. Heck, look at the stalwart of New England Ivy clothing, JPress. Their Lookbooks over the past couple of years have as many women wearing men’s clothing in their adds as men. (See the blond lady in a coat and tie pic). This androgynous fashion statement might just endure and become viewed as classic timeless her/him 😳 style one hundred years from now? But to me Style is that which shines brightly for long periods of time. There are several examples in the art world. Monet was a radical painter and a leader of the impressionist movement in his time. For 10 years at least he met severe resistance by critics. Mozart died broke yet his musical art and genius is still played and studied three centuries after his death (Bach’s music was “discovered” far after his death as well). Each of the artist’s STYLE endured far beyond their deaths. Or how about more modern composers. Sir Paul McCartney was a pop icon through-out the 1960’s and 1970’s. Two guys in my band hate the Beatles relegating them to a 1960’s boy band pop group. But it has been fairly recent that people have finally recognized McCartney’s incredible work ethic (since leaving the Beatles, McCartney released an LP or EP effectively every year for 50 straight years!). He was the most artistic of the group, always adapting to current trends the most notable examples of which were his push for completing the Sgt Peppers album ( it marks the birth of album rock) after hearing Brian Wilson’s Pet Sounds Album, And then his monumental leap in Bass line complexity beginning with Rubber Soul and Revolver-after hearing James Jameson the great Motown bassist. Ironically this was the exact concurrence of the Beatles’ studio years of releasing more advanced songs. The number of musical artist over the past 60 years that directly attribute their primary influence to the Beatles, and specifically to McCartney, from Ozzy to Sting, and from Billy Joel to Eilish/Finneas and from Springsteen to Petty etc presents a staggering array of talent.

RMRS crew, here are a few standout posts from the RMRS community this week. 👏 Big shoutout to @Chad Smith for “OOTD - Monday 12 October - We resume regular Programming.” His return from Japan and thoughtful return to tailored style brought personal context, strong outfit inspiration, and a lively conversation to the community. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/ootd-monday-12-october-we-resume-regular-programming 👏 Shoutout to @Brian McGuire for “Transitioning.” His candid reflection on avoiding fashion-driven purchases and thinking long term about personal style sparked a substantial discussion with members. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/transitioning 👏 Shoutout to @Jeffrey Plotka for “Settling Into Fall 🍁.” His practical seasonal outfit share showed how a well-chosen sweater and classic trousers can make a fall wardrobe feel fresh and wearable. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/settling-into-fall 👏 Shoutout to @Darren Poesel for “Inspired by Antonio.” His navy blazer, Oxford shirt, dark denim, and suede combination turned a timeless idea into a useful real-world style example and invited members to join the conversation. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/inspired-by-antonio 👏 Shoutout to @Abdelrahman Dwedar for “A Small Difference in Table Etiquette… Would You Notice?” His post encouraged members to pay attention to the subtle details that shape how we present ourselves in social settings. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/a-small-difference-in-table-etiquette-would-you-notice

Gentlemen, here are a few standout posts from the RMRS community this week. 👏 Big shoutout to @Brian McGuire for “The Reunion” and the personal story of gathering with family from Switzerland for the 85th Tontz family reunion. It gave the community a meaningful look at the family moments that sit alongside classic menswear. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/the-reunion 👏 Shoutout to @Jeffrey Plotka for “The Closet Is Changing Seasons!” and a practical, relatable look at rotating a wardrobe as fall arrives. It sparked a timely conversation around seasonal dressing and making the most of what is already in the closet. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/the-closet-is-changing-seasons 👏 Shoutout to @Chad Smith for “Japan Trip days 13 & 14 - The Neon Lights of Osaka and a Quiet Day in Kochi” and a vivid update from his travels. The contrast between energetic Osaka and a quieter day in Kochi made for a great shared travel story. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/japan-trip-days-13-14-the-neon-lights-of-osaka-and-a-quiet-day-in-kochi 👏 Shoutout to @Alan Dormire for “10/3/2026 a Visit to the Bluegrass Shop” and sharing an experience rooted in personal style and craftsmanship. Posts like this bring members into the real-world places and traditions behind the things we enjoy. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/1032026-a-visit-to-the-bluegrass-shop 👏 Shoutout to @Anthony Buntyn for “For Those Interested New Gentlemen Of Faith Podcast Available Tomorrow” and helping connect members with a resource centered on faith and gentlemanly living. It added another thoughtful avenue for the community to explore.

RMRS crew, here are a few standout posts from the RMRS community this week. 👏 Big shoutout to @Brian McGuire for “Dead Horse finally kicked???-Preppy” and a thoughtful discussion of how the meaning and connotations of preppy style have changed across generations. It gave members a nuanced prompt for a lively, respectful style conversation. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/dead-horse-finally-kicked-preppy 👏 Shoutout to @Anthony Buntyn for “The New Gentleman's Forum Podcast is Ready!” and clearly articulating how a gentleman’s society can strengthen style, standards, and connection. It sparked a valuable conversation about finding meaningful community beyond the usual social circles. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/the-new-gentlemans-forum-podcast-is-ready 👏 Shoutout to @Chad Smith for “Day 10 - Wednesday 30 September, Tokyo Disney Sea” and sharing a detailed, personal update from his family trip. His posts bring generosity and real-life perspective to the community. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/day-10-wednesday-30-september-tokyo-disney-sea 👏 Shoutout to @Jeffrey Plotka for “Practicing Self Care!” and candidly sharing his effort to step outside his comfort zone while traveling alone. It was a thoughtful reminder that personal growth can happen in the small choices we make for ourselves. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/practicing-self-care 👏 Shoutout to @Mitch Hoover for “High School Reunion Wear” and walking us through the outfit he chose for a meaningful milestone event. His approach to dressing intentionally without overdressing created a useful, relatable style discussion.

https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/preppy-revival-fall/ Our fearless community leader Antonio Centeno has created a spreadsheet defining preppy vs Ivy League vs traditional. It is a very interesting read and as a whole I would agree with its premise which is don’t be afraid to wear these proven looks this fall and yet be very cognizant of the “preppy costume” which happens when you over do it. Anyone who has read any of my post knows that not only am I a fan of Ivy League or what I simply term American Classic Timeless Menswear, but I have been wearing this style for 5 decades with a distaste for the opposite view which is the fickle foibles of fashion. There are a few things that I would like to support and emphasize in the article: The one that stands out the most is under “traditional” emphasizing the shoe. This is one I’ve spoken about frequently. I’ve met guys for the first time and been able to tell a whole lot about him based upon his footwear and have done so for multiple decades. In all actuality I would argue this is something that should span across all three categories. I mean until the Preppy handbook came out in 1980 that word “preppy” was virtually unknown except in that book and the movie (book) Love Story and perhaps on a few very select campuses. In the Preppy Handbook the “right” shoe is a funny part of this amusing parody. Nevertheless, it did a very accurate job describing the “traditional” shoe which is also very “Ivy League” and obviously “Preppy” considering it just told you these were the”right” shoes🤪. I also appreciate his discussion surrounding Traditional being a specific cut of garment that is extremely immutable to fashion change. (Although I am bewildered by the comment regarding “a higher button stance” perhaps that is referring to the three button that doesn’t have a 3/2 roll??? Not sure.) Irrespective, I think his breakdown is an interesting delineation. Lastly, I really like his description of “old money” as merely an internet construct (the newest goofball internet explanation would have to also be “grandpa style” 🤣). While if I were putting this together I might have done it a bit differently, yet it is nevertheless very impressive and as usual extremely well presented. You should take a look at the article