Can you be interested in style and still be a gentleman?

[Con Biz Dresser]

This question may seem contradictory to my professional philosophy as I have discussed here, but recently after reading some threads which have been negatively focused on the dress of others, I have begun to wonder if I can be interested in clothing while remaining a gentleman in the true sense. When I say gentleman, the main characteristic I am thinking about is a common courtesy and understanding which I try to extend to others no matter how they present themselves; in or out of a professional business environment. I have always felt that with my manner of conservative dress I was able to meld professionalism with a certain level of accessibility, that is to say that I dressed in a way that was affordable to most, representing a timeless business style but not in a way that alienated others who were not wearing suits, and I hope that my attitude when in my professional attire reflected all these points, but lately after participating in the discussions here and thinking even more in depth about clothes I have found myself on occasion criticizing others unfairly in my mind for what they are wearing. I don't know if a person can commit an ethical or moral lapse only by the virtue of thought without a corresponding action, but I do fear that this makes me less of a gentleman if only in my own mind; and who is to say how soon the sometimes derogatory thoughts I have about others attire start to form prejudices or judgments which effect how I treat people.

 

[Connemara]

lol.

 

[hossoso]

Do stylish gentlemen need to take themselves and others really, really seriously?

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by Con Biz Dresser

When I say gentleman, the main characteristic I am thinking about is a common courtesy and understanding which I try to extend to others .... I have always felt .... I was able to... that is to say that I ... I hope that my attitude when in my professional attire reflected all these points,
so by gentleman you mean you?

 

[Con Biz Dresser]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

so by gentleman you mean you?



I didn't want to make too many assumptions about how other members here define what it is to be a gentleman but I did want to pose the question here to those who do consider themselves to be gentlemen.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by Con Biz Dresser

I didn’t want to make too many assumptions about how other members here define what it is to be a gentleman but I did want to pose the question here to those who do consider themselves to be gentlemen.
guess I should sit this one out then.

 

[Con Biz Dresser]

Originally Posted by hossoso

Do stylish gentlemen need to take themselves and others really, really seriously?

Apparently some do not when it comes to mocking others who dress with taste level they do not share.

 

[Connemara]

Originally Posted by Con Biz Dresser

Apparently some do not when it comes to mocking others who dress with taste level they do not share.

What if they have some sort of disability?

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by Con Biz Dresser

This question may seem contradictory to my professional philosophy as I have discussed here, but recently after reading some threads which have been negatively focused on the dress of others, I have begun to wonder if I can be interested in clothing while remaining a gentleman in the true sense. When I say gentleman, the main characteristic I am thinking about is a common courtesy and understanding which I try to extend to others no matter how they present themselves; in or out of a professional business environment. I have always felt that with my manner of conservative dress I was able to meld professionalism with a certain level of accessibility, that is to say that I dressed in a way that was affordable to most, representing a timeless business style but not in a way that alienated others who were not wearing suits, and I hope that my attitude when in my professional attire reflected all these points, but lately after participating in the discussions here and thinking even more in depth about clothes I have found myself on occasion criticizing others unfairly in my mind for what they are wearing. I don't know if a person can commit an ethical or moral lapse only by the virtue of thought without a corresponding action, but I do fear that this makes me less of a gentleman if only in my own mind; and who is to say how soon the sometimes derogatory thoughts I have about others attire start to form prejudices or judgments which effect how I treat people.

My question would be whether being a gentleman and being coherent are mutually exclusive.

 

[Con Biz Dresser]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

guess I should sit this one out then.


Well, I'm starting to wonder if I should too so I hope any uncertainty you have doesn't keep you from sharing your opinion.

 

[Get Smart]

real "gentlemen" don't get into these self-absorbed existentialist dilemmas concerning their 'gentlemanliness'.....they just are.

 

[odoreater]

I think this whole concept of "gentleman-ness" is overrated and illusory.

 

[hossoso]

Originally Posted by Con Biz Dresser

Apparently some do not when it comes to mocking others who dress with taste level they do not share.


I concur (puffs on pipe), humor is not becoming of a gentleman. One might drop one's monocle at the reception of an unwanted critique on, of all places, an internet forum. These peasants will never get into my Country Club...

Also, did you leave out an article in the sentence I quoted?

 

[Con Biz Dresser]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

real "gentlemen" don't get into these self-absorbed existentialist dilemmas concerning their 'gentlemanliness'.....they just are.


I don't feel that it is self-absorbed to question if you treat others with respect. I feel that being a gentleman is a process and while genetics might have something to do with it I think that it is a behavior which most people can both develop and under some circumstances lose.

 

[Thurston]

Originally Posted by Connemara

What if they have some sort of disability?

lol