Dance Advice for Humans

Style Upgrades For Ballroom Dancing Guys

Written by Chris Lynam | Jan 16, 2016 2:13:00 AM

Ballroom Dancing started the transformation... this is how you continue it. 

Any makeover show serves up some jaw dropping before and after pictures.  Your life before and after dancing should be just as dramatic.  Learning to dance may have helped you gain confidence, lose weight, and discover a new version of you. 

Now it's time for your closet to catch up. 

Style Upgrades For Ballroom Dancing Guys

Go Custom

Solution:  Custom Made Menswear by J. Hilburn

You dance in custom dancewear.  The fit, the style, and all the trimmings help you dance your best because you feel your best.  The same rule should apply to your clothes off of the dance floor. 

Founded by a former Wall Street executive, the company takes fit and fashion to a new level - without requiring a Gordon Gecko expense account.  Read more about the founder, Veeral Rathod, in this article by Rachel Watkins of CheatSheet.com.

How It Works: 

  1. Check out the Catalog
  2. Arrange an appointment with a J. Hilburn Style Professional
  3. They take care of the rest

Suit Up

If you are wearing a custom tailored Ballrom suit by Lenique, why not transition into something tailor fit after your dance performance?  J.Hilburn offers a vast array of suits for any occasion.  After all, who is to say that you aren't still making an impression when you're off of the dance floor.  Might as well make it with a custom tailored suit. 

 

Custom Dress Shirts

As a dance student, plan on having a higher need for dress shirts in your life.  J.Hilburn offers an incredible amount of variety with fabrics, style details, but one thing is consistent - the fit will be perfect. 

Assemble Your Look

Just like your dance lessons, you should put your new wardrobe in the hands of one of the J.Hilburn stylists.  They will coach you (sound familiar) through the different options so every corner of your closet is covered in clothing that fits your style and body.  

"In just one appointment we can help you build a professional and social wardrobe that reflects your personality and style preferences.  At J.Hilburn, our garments are made with fabrics from the most well respected mills in the world, and are crafted using the same standards demanded by top designers" says J.Hilburn Stylist, Joy James. 
"J.Hilburn clothes will fit you better then anything you can find in a store because they're created just for you."

Contact:  Joy James (aka Joy Lynam) 

Who Does Your Shopping?

Solution:  Trunk Club

Sure, you can go on a shopping spree, but what will you buy?  That's where a the great personal shopping service Trunk Club comes in.  This service eliminates the frustration that men can sometimes feel when it comes to expanding their wardrobe.  

You select your style, preview your items, and only pay for what you want to keep - Easy.  Here's more information on how Trunk Club works.  

Contact:  Danielle Darah

 The Six Essentials

The Trunk Club team really takes the hassle out of shopping by assembling Trunks that guys need, even if they don't realize it.  The 6 Essentials trunk is a great example. Packed with everything from a V-Neck to Dark Jeans, this 

Laid Back Layering

There's a middle ground between formal and workout attire - casual.  Want to raise your casual attire game before your next dance lesson? Pull off that layered look the right way with this Laid Back Layering Trunk. 

Winter Essentials

Winter is not an excuse to let your style go into hibernation.  The Winter Essentials Trunk is the way to go for your next cold weather dance event or date night.  

The Expert Shopper

Solution:  Mr.Porter

For the guy that knows the difference between Oxfords and Monk Straps, Chelsea Boots and Chukkas.  We strongly recommend Mr. Porter.  With offices in New York and London, they have a team of fashion experts that assemble clothing from over 300 of the world's best fashion brands. As a part of the Net-A-Porter group, you are certain to appreciate their great selection, and the incredible packaging the items are delivered in.  

"Mr Porter, in fact, is emblematic of the new order in men?s fashion, an online space for men who are informed enough to throw together their own ideas about how to dress one click at a time."

The Financial Times, How to Spend It, 5th May 2014
 

 

Evening Attire

As a Ballroom Dancer you've got no shortage of events that call for sharp evening attire.  Mr. Porter's collection of options here is an upgrade that will keep this portion of your closet well stocked. 

 

Office Attire

Dressing for success is a real thing - just refer to that fateful day when you first started wearing dance shoes.  Go from the Office to the dance floor with this great Office collection from Mr. Porter

 

Casual Attire 

If there is one all encompassing truth, it's that you can dress as comfortable as you'd like to your dance lesson.  Shirt & tie?  Great.  Tuxedo?  We're flattered.  Jean & T-shirt - you betcha!  There are plenty of fashionable casual options for you on the Mr. Porter website

 

Final Thought

Listen, learning how to dance at Arthur Murray the best accessory you can add to your social life. However, there are dancers out there who concentrate 100% of their fashion efforts to their "on the floor" persona.  

Hopefully, this article provided you with tools for your "off the floor" alter ego.

You've come this far with your social life transformation, one more nudge and the rest of your network will see the whole picture. 

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