Last week, we reviewed Tom Ford's lessons to be a modern gentleman. This week, we look at his list of 22 Essentials, some must- have's/must-do's for men. Here is Mr. Ford's list:
While the list is a good starting point, it is hardly realistic. Some stuff is too expensive or unnecessary. Instead, I give a realistic list of things all non-millionaire men should have. Instead of seeing this new list as essentials for the modern gentleman, we should see it as essentials for the common gentleman.
A Revised Version of Tom Ford’s: THE ESSENTIALS:
1. The perfect pair of dark denim jeans lounge pants.
I have nothing against a good pair of dark jeans. I’m all for nice pants for wearing in public, but when you talk about ‘the perfect pair of jeans,’ they just don’t exist. Styles are constantly changing that the perfect pair is different every year. The perfect pair of lounge pants, on the other hand, is much more difficult to find. Not only must they earn the honour of the most comfortable pants to wear when one is supposed to be most at ease, but they cannot be purchased, only earned. The perfect lounge pants are earned through breaking them in with one’s body type, letting them get acquainted with your selection of furniture, and letting only those who you are most comfortable with see you wearing them. Besides, what moment is more important than when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of society and just sit in your own recliner chair and watch a movie or the game?
2. Sense of humour. Redeeming qualities.
Not everyone can be funny. Funny is good, but if you are not funny, you had better be smart, athletic, beautiful, caring, or at least have some good qualities. Funny isn’t everything.
3. A daily frequent read of an intelligent online newspaper, or just watch the news on TV.
Being well-read in current events is important. Ford’s right on this one. But why does it have to be online? Reading a regular newspaper (on paper) is just as effective. So too sometimes is the TV. Most importantly, be up-to-date on national politics, foreign affairs, and sports.
4. Good manners.
Yep. Manners. All should have them.
5. A nail clipper.
This is pretty essential no matter how rich/poor one is. I’ll keep this one on the list too.
6. Tweezer. Readily available supply of Q-Tips.
I hesitate to take Tweezer off the list, especially when stray shoulder hairs are so rampant in the warm summer months. But when it comes to earwax or stray eyebrow hairs, I’d rather my hearing be at 100% and not see yellow in other folks’ ears.
7. Magnifying A mirror.
A ‘magnifying’ mirror? Really? How about just a mirror? Look at yourself before you go out and see if you have food in your teeth or if your shirt is on inside-out. There’s no need to magnify your face and see all the imperfections everyone’s skin has anyways. Besides, no stranger is walking outside with a magnifying glass to inspect your skin.
8. Beautiful Effective toothbrush.
Oral hygiene is important, but I don’t know what a ‘beautiful’ toothbrush would entail. Instead, I think it better to have a good quality toothbrush, with soft bristles. Go to the dentist. Whichever one he/she gives you at the end of the visit is likely very good. Forget the aesthetics of the toothbrush and worry about how to clean your teeth properly.
9. Bottle of mouthwash.
Or Tic-Tacs or gum. Anything to keep the breath fresh when necessary.
10. A good cologne that becomes a signature. A deodorant that works really well.
Smelling good is important, but I don’t want to have to wear a scent with such frequency that other people think I’m entitled to that smell. In fact, cologne is not nearly as important as not smelling like B.O. So get a high quality deodorant before any cologne. More important than having a signature cologne fragrance is not having a signature body odour fragrance. Do you remember that classmate of yours in High School who had B.O.? Remember that guy sitting next to you on the plane with B.O.? Of course you do. No one ever forgets those who have ever carried that smell. Don’t let this happen to you. Ever. And don't let me get started on pit stains.
11. A well-cut dark suit that fits.
Our body shape is constantly changing that to have one ‘well cut’ suit would require buying many suits over the years. A dark suit is always good to have for weddings, funerals, and important events. Just make sure it fits well.
12. A pair of classic black lace-up shoes.
You know what? I like this one. This one stays.
13. Black loafers. An old pair of classic black lace-up shoes that you can slide on/off without undoing the laces.
What are loafers for if not convenience? This way we can save money by re-utilizing the older pairs of shoes. It’s economical. It’s practical. It just makes sense.
14. Blazer. Waterproof jacket (and/or an amazing full-size umbrella).
15. Lots of Two or three crisp ironed white cotton shirts.
I don’t know what constitutes ‘a lot,’ but I figure two or three white shirts would suffice until laundry day. In terms of crisp-ness, I’d be more found of softness for comfort and ironed for aesthetics.
16. Always new clean socks and underwear (throw the old ones away every six months).
It is important to have clean socks and underwear, but throwing them all away after 6 months is a little excessive. If you only have 7 pairs of each for every day of the week, then replacing them twice a year might be a good idea, but if you have 14 pairs, technically they should last you a whole year. Do the math before you send them to the garbage dump.
17. A classic tuxedo. A hoodie of your favourite football team.
How often does one actually wear a tuxedo. If the answer is less than 5 times in your life, it’d be more economical to just rent one. Instead, buy something practical that you’ll wear often: football hoodie.
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| Few can wear the football hoodie better than Bill Belichick |
18. A beautiful day watch with a metal band. Some means of telling time.
A watch with a metal band is good. So is a pocket watch. Cell phones can work sometimes too. Other people can show of their skill of telling time via the sun. The important thing is not to be stuck not knowing what time it is, and subsequently showing up late to your job interview.
19. A beautiful evening watch with a leather strap. A ballcap of your favourite baseball team.
Two watches? Really, Tom? Get something more practical instead: a good cap that can be used on a regular basis. Tell people about yourself by the team you support.
20. The perfect Nice sunglasses that weren’t bought in Chinatown or Canal Street.
Like the Tom Ford’s perfect pair of jeans (Essential #1), the perfect sunglasses also will change every few years with new styles and, to be fair, there is no such thing as ‘perfect sunglasses.’ Instead, I encourage the purchase of quality sunglasses that are fashionable for multiple occasions and have good UV protection. Everyone has a different sense of style, but we can all agree that the cheap knock-off versions are crap and break easily. If you are going to invest in sunglasses, you may as well get a decent pair.
21. A good Queen size bed (minimum), crisp clean sheets, down feather pillows, and a down duvet, and some way to stop yourself/others from snoring.
A good night sleep is very important; we spend a third of our lives in bed. That being said, all the fancy additions to a quality bed accomplish nothing if you wake up (or are woken up by) others due to perpetual snoring. The only thing more important than comfort in bed is the sweet sound of silence.
22. Perfect teeth (if you don't have them, save up and have them fixed). donate to a worthwhile charity.
You know, if Tom Ford focused more on an 'effective' toothbrush rather than a beautiful toothbrush (Essential #8), we wouldn't be in the predicament of having non-perfect teeth. Thanks to the savings you know have without having to fix your already perfect teeth, take 10% of your income, donate it to several worthwhile charities, and don't tell anyone that you're doing it. Donate for the sake of helping others. Gentlemen don't brag afterwards.
And that does it for our new and improved list. Now get out there, get the real essentials, and be a gentleman!
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