I'm absolutely delighted to introduce the first in this new series of Masters of Style (see below for a link to my full introduction to the series).
Adolfo Loeri and his wife Shawnté were an Instagram find for me and I love his classic American preppy style. I'm grateful to Adolfo for blazing a trail with this new series in which I will be featuring men (and in due course women too) who provide us with outstanding style and inspiration.
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| Adolfo Loeri Jacket & shoes Ralph Lauren, shirt Brooks Brothers, tie Rooster, pants Paul Fredrick |
AL: My name is Adolfo Loeri and I currently live with my wife Shawnté in Washington, DC USA. I work as a Customer Service/File Clerk at the DC Superior Court.
GF: When and how did you first become interested in style, in clothes and dressing well?
AL: I think I’ve always had an interest in style from a young age. My mother was a seamstress and my father dressed well whenever he did dress up. I also loved old movies, especially those from the 30’s and 40’s which I think strongly influenced my style sense.
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| Suit is Ralph Lauren, shirt is Spier & Mackay, Shawnté's dress Maggy London |
GF: How would you describe your style?
AL: Classic/Preppy.
GF: What sort of clothes do you wear and where do you find them?
GF: I buy mostly business casual clothing (sports coats, pullover and cardigan sweaters, dress shirts, neck wear, odd trousers, lace up dress shoes etc.), as well as a very small amount of casual and sportswear (jeans, sneakers etc.). I find things everywhere, but lately mostly from thrift stores and online resellers such as Poshmark and eBay.
GF: Do you buy mainly ready to wear, tailored or vintage?
AL: Mainly ready to wear pre-owned clothes that I later have tailored to fit properly.
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Jacket & shirt Brooks Brothers, pocket square Robert Talbott, tie Ralph Lauren |
GF: Please describe the main style influences in your life - past and present. These might be people such as friends, relatives, celebrities but also works of art, images, the natural world - anything that inspires you on your style journey.
AL: Besides my parents and old classic Hollywood films, I would say my biggest style influence was a very close friend who passed away several years ago. He was a former fashion designer and taught me a lot about some of the finer points of men’s and women’s fashion. Currently I’m influenced by Instagram and YouTube bloggers such as yourself and Sven Raphael Schneider of the Gentleman’s Gazette.
GF: What are your favourite brands and stores?
AL: My absolute favorite brand is Ralph Lauren. I used to hunt for his stuff at his boutiques in DC and Maryland, as well as discounters such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Loehman’s. I also love brands such as Southwick, Barry Bricken, Haspel, Paul Fredrick (for dress pants) and Bill’s Khakis because they’re classically styled and generously cut which works for my body type.
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| All items Polo Ralph Lauren except pocket square Joseph Abboud and boots by Taft. |
GF: What is/are your favourite individual item(s) of clothing?
AL: I’m a sport jacket addict, I would say that is my favorite item of clothing. I have one in particular which is a herringbone pattern silk/wool/cotton blend from Ralph Lauren. I also love cricket/tennis style pullover sweaters of which I’m slowing building a collection.
GF: Would you say that your style is still developing? If so, how?
AL: Yes, it is definitely developing. I’m still trying to find my voice when it comes to casual wear and full suits (as I mentioned I tend to wear mainly blazers, sport coats and odd trousers). I really appreciate the way you and others on Instagram demonstrate the possibilities of wearing denim and casual footwear in a more mature and sophisticated style.
GF: What skills would you say that you have that help you in your search for style?
AL: The one skill I have is that I’m very observant. If something catches my eyes stylistically I try to figure out how I can incorporate that into my style by trial and error.
GF: What are your top tips for others on a search for style?
AL: Don’t rush in purchasing clothes. Inventory your wardrobe and only buy what is going to practically work with what you already have. Look for quality over quantity; buy the best clothing you can afford. Also, make sure your clothes fit you well, and don’t underestimate what a trip to the tailor can do for you. Lastly, you have to be comfortable in your clothes. Wear what makes you feel confident.
GF: Where can you be found on Instagram and other media?
AL: My wife and I can be found at https://www.instagram.com/bourgiebudgetstyle/ Thank you so much for including me in this project! Much appreciated.
GF: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful replies.
