"I suppose what I am saying is that, worn well, pocket squares look fantastic; worn poorly, they look awful – far worse than not wearing one at all."

Matt Clark (in Men's Flair)

The Difference a Crease makes

Today will be a relatively casual day here in wintery Delft, and a good opportunity to share a lesson I learned when I first started to wear army-issue trousers a few years back.
These trousers, made out of heavy material and with thigh pockets, were to me a very practical and rugged alternative to the tidal waves of jeans that seemed to be all but drowning my peer-group.

via Loro Piana

Wanting to look far from an urban militant (or straight-out douche), I always took great care in maintaining their carefully pressed crease. This ensured an air of civilisation -almost classiness even- about them, and before I knew it, I was being complimented on my oh so decent appearance. It also helped that I only wear solids, and don't pair them with black oversized hoodies..

Soon after, I started experimenting with my other more casual leg-wear. For some it worked, for some it didn't, and before I knew it, I was wearing over half of my trousers creased.

Once applied through a good wet-ironing, a crease is easily maintained by folding the trousers correctly, and hanging them to dry by the legs using four pegs to let the creases sink back in. Personally, I prefer to have the crease come up all the way the leg and fade out on the front and posterior. Some like them all the way to the top of the trousers. I haven't decisively come across proper etiquette for this, so as far as I'm concerned, it's a matter of personal taste.

In a nutshell: creased trousers can take a casual outfit from sloppy to refined, and aren't nearly as hard to maintain as it might sounds.
Consider creasing your trousers.

Santa Baby: I like it Horny

Dear Santa,

Thank you in advance for all the wonderful gifts. I can only hope to be as good as to deserve them. As I realise you and your helpers have many presents to get, for many children - big and small - I just wanted you to know I'd be happy with a small present too:

A set of horn buttons.

Mummy taught me sometimes the small things make a big difference. I was thinking I could maybe replace the standard plastic buttons on my jacket with some nice ones in horn. They look so much warmer, and add a bit of interest with their colouring. Plus, it's so much easier to look like a million quid when you get the details right!

I know they're sometimes hard to find, especially in some countries; people in the UK seem to be a bit blessed that way, as well as those who live in places with more of a living artisan culture. But you know: I'm not very picky! They can be matching in dark browns that look almost black for my formal suits, or lighter, brighter colours to spice up the casual ones and odd jackets. I can put them on my coats, my cardigans or jackets.

I guess what I'm trying to say, dear Santa, is that I'd be happy with any nice horn buttons to make my stuff look nice. I'll sow them on myself (or let Mummy do so if I can't), and I don't mind if they come from an old piece you thrifted somewhere. You see Santa, it doesn't always have to be expensive, and a few pounds often do the trick.

It just takes time and effort, and that shows you care..
(Don't worry, I know you do!)