Fifteen years ago today, I was sitting in my office in Playhouse Yard, next to Blackfriars station, writing an article about structured finance transactions.
I remember it was very cold, much like today, though there had been no snow. My seat was at the window and I could see people trudging past on the way to work, heads bent to the wind.
I tended to get to the office early, about 8:30, so I could get home early and help my wife, who started to get tired at the end of the day. Our first child was due in January and she was heavily pregnant.
However, I was having trouble concentrating on the details of collateralised debt obligations because that morning I’d published my first article on menswear, on a platform called Blogger.
I’d registered the address PermanentStyle.blogspot.com, named after the (misremembered) subtitle of Dressing The Man, and written a very short article on why striped suits with striped shirts reminded me of pyjamas.
It was a niche point, though a neat metaphor I thought. The writing was clear and precise, making use of the journalism training I’d had. But it felt scary to have my thoughts up there, in public, for anyone to read and criticise.
There were no comments, no photo of me or indeed anything else, yet I felt exposed. How times have changed.
After lunch, with that adrenaline still in the system, I banged out another piece. This time about how rules are guidelines, that they need to be understood but not slavishly followed. You need to work out your own style, I told all my non-existent readers, and have fun.
Nothing has changed there. I still emphasise fun and understanding, and still get lectured about the rules. A couple of weeks ago someone on Instagram told me that wearing a pen in your outbreast pocket was “a complete no no for a gentleman”. You think these things have died, but they still exist.
Today, Permanent Style is 15 years old.
I’m immensely proud of this, though I confess it has snuck up on me. Only last month I was telling a friend that our anniversary was December next year. Oh well.
There will be some suitable celebrations next year. A big party probably, some reflective editorial, maybe an irresponsible collaboration destined to lose money. Something like that.
Today it’s just fun remembering that December day when I felt so scared writing 200 words on a website no one looked at.
I have to say I’m pleased the advice has aged well. In that first month I railed against bright jacket linings and compromised magazine editorial, praising wedding ties and brown suits (above). I even gave advice on alterations (change the body, not the shoulders) that I was repeating in the pop-up shop only last week.
But at the same time, there are ways in which my style has changed too. I didn’t think much of black suits, for example, and rather liked bright yellow socks.
Which brings us to the question of what ‘permanent style’ actually is. Does it exist? How can it if your style, and society more generally, is always changing?
I think it certainly does, but not in the way Alan probably meant, and not how I thought 15 years ago either.
To have permanent style, to dress with style throughout your life, you need to be inquisitive, open-minded, and evolve.
With a long view, this is obvious. You would look silly today wearing the clothes of a Victorian, or the bowler hat my grandfather wore to work well into the 1960s (above) - purely, as he said, to entertain the tourists. (He was deliberately dressing up as an ‘English gentleman’; some today still seem to do so.)
We change as people too. Our jobs change, our lifestyles change, and this is mostly how I think about the impact of Covid. Readers are working more from home, but still want to look good and to enjoy their clothes. Helping them do so is our job.
There is no such thing as a single permanent style. Menswear changes happen over decades rather than months, but they still happen.
There is, however, such a thing as being permanently stylish. It probably requires a whole new article to define, although in some ways PS has been trying to define it for 2,674 posts and precisely 15 years.
Here’s to another 15. If I get there I'll be literally jumping for joy.
Top and bottom image: from the Anglo-Italian review, photography by Jamie Ferguson
Congratulations Simon, for seizing the day. “Safety is on the beach, but the pearl is in the ocean” said my very astute accountant…… If only I’d listened to him…..
Congratulations and many thanks for all those years of inspiration!
It is truly wonderful to have seen the journey that you and Permanent Style has traveled over these years. The advice has always been so honest and informative. Countless times when I’ve been looking for certain items and to my surprise when having searched the site, there is a review or article on what I was intending to purchase. Permanent Style definitely has been a cornerstone in my own journey of style.
So would like to say a heartfelt thank you for all you have done and it will be amazing to see where the journey continues in the future.
My pleasure Max, it’s meant so much that it’s meant so much, too
Congratulations on the anniversary, Simon; here’s to many more. I don’t recall precisely when I started reading your work, but it has been a regular stop-off during my morning procrastination routine for the better part of a decade now. In that time your writing and the follow-on discussion has been a helpful distraction through some difficult points – thank you for that. Would you be willing to post your first piece, as a time capsule of how your writing began and how far it has come?
That’s lovely to hear Alex.
Yes, you can see all the old articles on the archive page – just a long way to scroll down!
That first article is also here, and I’ve now added a link to it in this piece.
This has inspired me. I’m going to read from start to finish to mark the occasion.
Blimey. Let me know how you get on!
Hi Simon. Very much a part of my Mon/Wed/Friday routine too . Clicking to read your latest piece at 9am just as I enter the underground network. It’s these small pleasures which make the working week just a little bit better. Thank you.
Congratulations and thank you for all articles. Keep up the good work!
My style has developed. But I still think that a navy suit with a baby blue shirt, a dark navy grenadine tie, bottle green socks and dark brown oxfords is the best “business” option for the modern office.
Thank you Carl.
With you on the loveliness of the outfit. Only problem these days, much like weddings, is that places, situations, offices vary enormously
Félicitations Simon. After 15 years you’re still one of very few journalists in this field who is the “real thing”, to paraphrase G Bruce Boyer.
When I first started reading PS I considered your taste too conservative; in retrospect, I realise that your advice turns more on emphasising subtlety.
My favourite quote remains your line about how one should aim to appear well-dressed without anyone being able to put their finger on why.
Thanks Pyc, that’s my favourite too!
Congratulations Simon. How time flies! Thanks for the many interesting articles. Sometimes inspirational and thought provoking, always informative and extremely articulate.
All the best.
Cheers Stephen
Congratulations Simon and PS Team in completion of 15 years!
PS is Classic & Simple Styles. Something I’m able to connect and relate with.
Thank you Simon and PS Team!
That JUMP photographed Jamie wouldn’t have been easy. Many takes, maybe, but at last you got it Right! ?
Thanks Amit, actually it only took a couple, though of course with the shutter going as fast as it could
Congratulations Simon, fifteen years is quite something, whilst I don’t always agree with some points, and some comments can be a bit harsh from readers, I find PS a useful and more importantly, an enjoyable resource, so thank you for your work, here’s to the next fifteen.
Cheers Josh. It would be rather boring if we all agreed on everything!
Congratulations on your wonderful journey! It is such a please to read your well thought pieces three times a week! I also think you are being very humble – the quality of your site is ridiculously high. While your typical “menswear magazine” obviously caters to a different audience, I find even your in-depth pieces very approachable and one gets so much more out of your content – who else gives menswear readers an understanding of cloth and drape?
Enjoy your well deserved holidays!
Thank you. Unfortunately I’ll still be writing and publishing comments for a lot of it, but maybe a project for next year is finding a way to truly have a week off
Just don’t do anything work related for a week Simon! You’ll find that everything is still alive and functioning and many problems have solved themselves. Congratulations on the anniversary and many thanks for all your content. I can’t exactly recall when I started reading your website – roughly around 8 years ago I think – but it has been a constant source of knowledge and entertainment. Half of my wardrobe is from the PS shop btw and the other half inspired (or informed at the very least) by PS so thank you for that and please keep going (but do take a proper break every now and then).
Thanks Jan, I’ll try!
Hi Simon,
May i ask what got you into writting about structured finance transactions in the first place. I must say this sounds rather uninteresting. Perhaps if you are directly involved then it could be compelling, but writting from a third party positions seems rather odd to me.
I was hired as a graduate journalist out of university by the company Euromoney, which publishes magazines on similarly niche topics. I actually found the way that finance works in that manner very interesting, and how it’s regulated. The intellectual side of that kind of coverage is one small thing I miss in the world of menswear
Hm, that’s somehow surprising … I would have thought the paradoxical rules of “permanent style” in menswear are of no lesser intellectual interest – more on cultural and application side, of course.
Or, to compliment the change of occupation: the intellectual coverage is certainly one of the most noticeable and interesting sides of of PS. This refers not only to the level of journalism in articles but to the whole arrangement. Congratulation, unique.
Thank you. Yes, those rules aspects are interesting, but I guess the intellectual challenge is greater when you’re working with and interrogating lawyers and bankers at the top of their game. They’re not creatively inspiring in the way a designer will be, but they’re intellectually more impressive and rigorous
Simon, you make a good point about lawyers and bankers at the top of their game. I’ve made the reverse journey to yours, having gone from working with designers in my 20s and 30s to getting a law degree at age 40 and since then working in the financial world, and what I want to add here is that there is a former lawyer/banker blogger in the financial world whom I enjoy as much as I do you, and that some PS readers — especially Americans — might also find him entertaining and enlightening. He’s the Bloomberg News columnist Matt Levine. One can subscribe to receive his daily paywalled column via email for free. I find his work intellectually impressive and rigorous — and uniquely humorous at the same time. Different from your work but equally good.
Thanks Lawrence I’ll look him up
If I’ve got my timelines correct, you would have been delving into structured finance just as it was about to be at the epicentre of the meltdown of the global banking system, which must have given the assignment a little more of a frisson, and made the conversations with the lawyers and bankers that little bit sweatier.
Very true Alex. It was the end of the following year, and I remember taking calls about the fallout the following January while at Pitti on ‘holiday’. It was a fun time to be a journalist
I see, and agree: lawyers games are certainly more challenging in a technical or sporty sense, but internally restricted by (widely unknown) rules of interpretation, and function-oriented when meeting financial issues.
Maybe I remembered you false (?) as initial academic philosopher – where intellectual challenges and games are somehow “different”, inspiration and reflexivity being no opposites. What would have explained the (flusser-misremembered) “permanent style”-paradox, current subtitling (“but what is ?”) and many other nonchalant games between rules and perception.
Not sure I entirely understand, but yes I studied philosophy at university
Could be essential for PS, my suggestion – more than financial journalism on “top games” of lawyers and bankers. As (in result) sensible contextualisation of themes, reflexivity and discursivity are main advantages of PS for readers, I guess. You also published on narcism, I remember – 2007, exactly at the beginning of PS.
All this slightly beyond journalism in a pure technical sense, therefore my surprise and suggestion. Hope the core interests in writing about menswear keep alive, looking especially forward to the announced “whole new article to define” … Cheers.
Thanks
Been following almost since the very beginning, this is my first comment and likely the only one. Congratulations, Simon. I enjoy reading your writing not only because of your style, whatever that word even means. I especially appreciate your humility, candor, lightheartedness and sense of humor, even more so than your sartorial advice. I respect that you always rise above petty comments and keep things beyond civilized.
Please keep it up.
Thank you Nicholas. Particularly pleased I occasionally hit the right note with humour – often the trickiest thing
Well done, Simon. Your blog is a staple. Always thoughtful and considered. It stands out.
Hi Simon, many thanks for your writing! I’ve been a reader for six years (so almost half of the time PS has been around) and it brings me great joy, best of luck for the future and looking forward to that irresponsible collaboration!
Thanks
Well done, Simon!
Thank you
Cor – 15 years! I’ve learned loads from PS – to the extent that over the years I’ve come to depend on my thrice-weekly fixes. In particular, during the bleak Covid/lockdown period in the UK, PS represented a taste of another world, a window of escape, that I was profoundly grateful for and used to crave.
The art of the site, in my view, is that you have broadened with the times – both on the types of menswear covered and the different voices – while still managing to maintain a tone. No small feat. And the top-notch photography (presumably a significant investment) needs recognising and celebrating too.
On the subject of changing styles within ‘permanent’ or classic menswear, my feeling is that the changes are bigger than we like to think. Trousers bought just a few years ago on the assumption they avoided any trends can still look a little outdated; the case here being that the ‘regular’ cut of, say, five years ago, probably looks a little ‘slim/too slim’ as volumes have become more generous. It’s the same with shirt collar shapes; there are nuances that can date even those pieces that attempt to rise above flux.
Anyway – many congratulations. It’s a truly exceptional site (or should it be brand now?).
Cheers SAO, and particularly nice to hear about changes over the years
Many happy returns and thank you for all your effort you and your happy band put into helping us. I’m sure that it must be both frustrating and infuriating at times.
But thank you for what you do.
A PS anniversary Christmas jumper would be a suitably irresponsible way to lose money. In collaboration with Drakes.
I think the PS hand spun string vest Simon once mentioned in jest
(https://www.permanentstyle.com/2020/07/casual-chic-the-art-of-looking-smart-without-a-suit.html#respond)
would be a great whimsical collaboration.
String?
I would at least expect it made from silk collected from the Distinguished jumping spider, under a moonlit West Thurrock Marsh.
Hello Simon
I discovered PS this year and am thoroughly grateful you created it. Initially I thought some of the detail was a bit fussy (I’m not sure if fussy is the right word, but it’s the closest I can think of right now after just 1 coffee), but the more I have used this as a resource (and I’ve gone a long way back into the back catalogue), I’ve come to realise it is essential, look forward to the new articles and check back to read the comments on the articles of particular interest.
Despite often talking about expensive clothes, the website is completely unpretentious and you don’t represent a faux lifestyle that so many people who do this stuff on social media do.
Having implemented your guidance I feel much more confident, occasionally get the odd nice comment from my wife (as opposed to the usual contempt) and have re-built my wardrobe. As you have said several times, if you get the fundamentals right you’ll be better dressed than 90ish% of people, and that works for me even if I’ve got some way to go.
The shop is great and love the Bridge Coat I now own (hoping the Oxford Shirt will return to stock soon).
One of the great (and unique) features is the comments sections where readers can bounce ideas off you, and I like the fact you are willing to set people straight where required.
Well done on creating a successful business – keep up the excellent work, and wishing you and your family an excellent Christmas.
Alex
Ps – what’s the PS view on Christmas jumpers – are they ever permissible?
I’m afraid I’m virulently against Christmas jumpers Alex! Just from a waste point of view, rather than style – see rant here
Sadly, most of what you ranted about is still an issue. The volume of spam I receive from new start ups – all offering the finest quality is increasing. I imagine much of that ends up in landfill.
Something I picked up from Put This On – Fair Isle or Nordic jumpers instead!
Absolutely!
Or a red Shetland!
Congratulations Simon. Always a great read, good advice, and now quite a few PS items in my wardrobe too.
Or I gave to confess, the RL bear jumper..
Ah yes!
Nordics/Fair Isles would be good items for a PS investigation.
True.
What would you say is lacking with what you see out there already?
Well, I would look at it as we do tweed ,so artisans using traditional practices I.e hand shearing, spinning and natural dying . The market is saturated with low quality so an overview would be useful .
It’s not an area I know much about so knowledge is always good.
Thanks Peter
If I might add, I feel like it’s not easy to find a nice deep v-neck on Fair Isle vests or jumpers nowadays. Also drop shoulders for instance. There are a few odd British brands doing such I believe but the classic thing from Jamiesons etc. are cut and sewn with those bashful neck cuts.
Case in point — comparing the famous old model worn by the PoW to its current iteration. I have the model in question and it’s leaving something to be desired.
There could also be more of the monochromatic styles in the market. The one that Mati Ventrillon had popularised and was plagiarised by Chanel in a show. It’s distinctly modern even with that quaint round neck vest configuration.
Oh, and congrats Simon on the journey! I immediately heard Cosmic Dancer in my head when seeing that now infamous jump.
Thanks Ram, very good points on Fair Isle, I’ll look into it
Congratulations on 15 years Simon, one of the best fashion websites around, always a pleasure to read in the morning.
Cheers
I saw a TM Lewis video about suit fitting , approx 10 yrs ago ….there’s a certain asmr about the video as I just checked and it has 10m views …. that started a journey .
After that I caught the BBC Savile Row documentary and I was gone !
How I came across PS I don’t exactly recall (I do remember seeing your pocket sized book in Dhillions bookstore and being intrigued about sleeve length) but for about 10 yrs 3 times a week I enjoy seeing what you’ve written .
I’ve been intrigued , frustrated , angered , bored and fascinated by the articles .
I’ve read about
bespoke suits ,
bespoke shoes ,
(more recently ) vintage (roll eyes…sigh !),
mills (sigh … even more )
MTM (eyes wide open stare …”now you’re talking”)
It’s been a rollercoaster .
I now shop at Graham Browne , Trunk Clothiers, Simone Abbarchi , wear Incotex, Boglioli and pure cotton and wool products , whilst aspiring at having garments made from others you’ve mentioned.
And it’s all down to PS .
The very best to you , your family and all at PS .
Thank you Robin
Morning Simon, congratulations and ‘thank you’ for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us lesser mortals! You have cost me a small fortune (too many PS shop purchases) yet at the same time saved me a fortune! Keep it up and don’t change.
Cheers Richard
Congratulations Simon! I was just re-listening to the podcast episode you did with Aleks Cvetkovic on his Hand Cut Radio discussing PS being 11 years old, so am not surprised 15 has snuck up on you! Where did those 4 years go?
Right from the beginning I considered Permanent Style to mean being “Permanently Stylish”, changing with the world and circumstance as life evolves. I’m grateful PS has been there to help me navigate those sartorial waters, so thank you, and indeed here’s to the next 15 years.
Thanks Nick, see you then!
Congratulations, Simon. What you have created, out of nothing, is remarkable. A peerless resource and with it a community of passionate individuals. You should be very proud. Here’s to the next 15 years!
Congrats Simon and enjoy reading your articles.
One of your recent articles inspired me to buy a shawl collar cardigan from Andersen & Sheppard, which I wear a lot in this weather.
Good wishes to you and your family.
And to you Andrew
Congratulations on the 15 years achievment. You work really hard on yout articles, your collaborations, you travel the whole world to interview some of the best clothesmen etc. Keep up the good work and hopefully you will manage to adapt to the changes that naturally come by the time.
That’s probably the greatest challenge of all Georgios
Congratulations! Permanent Style is a great invention and fifteen years of your work have built up an immensely useful library of articles. Thanks a lot for the great work!
Good morning and congrats…you caught my attention back in year one when you did an article on spectator shoes..my response was SAY WHAT!!!! yes i love wearing them during the summer…i have been a huge fan of permanent style because of your words and opinions…..thank you Simon…i wish you and PS many many more wonderful years…..keep it up and don’t stop…peace and many cheers to you and all….
Cheers Kenneth, and thanks for your ever-present positivity
Congratulations! Very few people get to do what they love and you have achieved that! I hope you get to keep this blog running as long as you want. I started reading during the Covid lockdown, it gave me some free time from my job as an attorney, I needed new suits (had several that had worn out in close succession), and finally had the money to buy something of PS quality, even if in the low end of that. I’ve been reading your blog on a weekly basis ever since and you have been gracious enough to always answer my questions as I try to learn more and improve my style. Thanks again and enjoy!
Oh good, thanks. Always willing to answer, I know it benefits so many others as well
Congratulations!
One of the things I read the site for, even though I am vanishingly unlikely to buy anything you feature or commission anything bespoke, is that the style points you make still translate down to the RTW world. It would be nice to put on a £2000 jacket over a pair of £300 chinos and £800 shoes, but the same balances of materials, colours, textures, formality vs casual etc still apply even if the clothes themselves are of far lower quality, and heavily influence how one looks and is perceived by others.
And how things move on!
“And a lot of the style coverage is either ridiculously expensive (a recent GQ featured a photo shoot of Loro Piana sweaters ranging from £500 to £2000)”
“To have permanent style, to dress with style throughout your life, you need to be inquisitive, open-minded, and evolve.” Beautifully stated…could work equally well as the first sentence of this piece. Here’s to another decade and a half.
Cheers Roger
Congratulations on 15 years, Simon.
Permanent Style seems to be just that; permanent.
Your writing and expertise have drawn in a wonderful community and reader base, and I am sure as a new reader, I will see even more exciting projects and articles in the next 15.
Congratulations! I always look forward to what you have to say.
Congratulations, I discovered your site a bit more than a year ago, and I must say that no other media (magazines, books, videos…) has had more influence on my choices regarding menswear. It is funny you mention recently your views on black suits, has my journey comes from the opposite: from a strong preference for all black over many years, as an easy angle to navigate trends post office, to a much more balanced wardrobe (but I still love black even if many consider it as a no go in traditional menswear…).
Nice to know the results can be that nuanced Eric
congrats
Congratulations, Simon, your journey is also my journey, learning from you, trying new pieces, brands and changing my appearance, onward marching soldier!
Simon, It’s a really great resource for people like me: only earned decent money in early middle age; find spending a lot of money on clothes still faintly embarrassing and terribly risky; have theoretically “classic” tastes which often still deliver unfathomably appalling results; and therefore, honestly, require actual suggestions through pictures and links. What I mean is: lots of us don’t have much innate style and this is a great place to sense check everything and to consider whether things will work for us. Good luck for the next 15 years.
Makes complete sense, thank you. Do always ask those kinds of questions whenever you want to
Congratulations simon and many thanks.
You’ve opened my eyes to a whole new list of clothing sources around the world (including PS of course!), and made me a better, more conscientious dresser year-round.
You’ve made the world a better and more beautiful place.
Looking forward to many more years of benefitting from your counsel, advice, and insights.
Best,
Wow. Thank you Howie
Huge congrats, Simon. I’ve been following for many years and its great to see that you still have such enthusiasm for the subject and patience in dealing with the negative comments that are endemic online.
Hi Simon,
Congratulations on your achievement! A client 12 years ago introduced me to your blog and I have been reading it since everyday. It has helped me understand men’s tailoring and all the brands that are out in the market. It was a pleasure meeting you at your book signing at the Tribeca Armoury as well as one of your symposiums in NYC. I recommend your blog to everyone I meet who wants to learn how to dress.
To another 15 years Simon!
Pleased to know we were able to meet Pierre
Simon, congratulations on your first 15 years and I wish you much success in your next 15 years. Thank you!
Cheers Jose
Congratulations, Simon! Here’s to the next fifteen!
I should also add that I’ve learned a lot over the years. I disagree with a lot, or, at least, I disregard a lot, but there is so much here that I’ve picked up and kept with me as I think about how I want to present myself to the world. Your articles are always food for thought and I can think of no better praise. Congratulations, again.
Keep the good work going Simon!
Thank you
Congratulations on successfully following your chosen path for the past 15 years. PS I stii think you wear your trousers too short!
I have been thinking of the long list of British brands that have been destroyed, ruined or changed for the worse over the last 15 years. The post-Covid change in dress standards is a lame excuse that has been used too often by inept new owners and their incompetent managers.
Congratulations on the milestone, Simon. It was a pleasure meeting you at the New York pop-up in October, and what I would most like to say is thank you for Permanent Style. I can’t remember exactly when I first discovered the site, but during the pandemic of all times, I became an avid reader, paging through older posts during lockdown. While your site has given us all such eloquent advice over the years, I must say that it has also brought me joy. While menswear can be a solitary endeavor, I like that there’s a thread that connects men over the years – a departed grandfather’s watch, a father’s favorite tie. Your virtual thread connects an even larger community, and it’s a wonderful thing. Thank you for it, and happy holidays to you and your family. Tom
What a wonderful thing to say, thank you Tom
So many people think the decision to leave a safe job is the hard part — and that you’ll know very quickly if you’ve succeeded or failed. But it’s never as simple as: “I made the right decision to leave.” It’s more like – I’ve got something that I want to work at every day – a flower in a garden I want to cultivate – or an entire garden I get to tend to. You’re only as good as your next article, your next post, and your willingness and eagerness to spend time pruning and trimming. And you’ve done it for the better part of 15 years. I’m delighted for you —- that you took the leap of faith, but also that you take that leap every single day.
Wes
How wonderfully put Wes
What I find most admirable is that you have managed to turn a hobby into a full time job, and made is so commercially successful that you manage to earn enough from it to support your wife, children and home.
Many congratulations!
Thank you very much Toby
Congrats, Simon
I have read Permanent Style from the beginning – 15 years is a long time and it’s the only thing I read and check three days every week (with great pleasure). It makes the world to a little better place in all the daily misery and stupidness in the world. The politeness, you are curious and not snobbish even if you sommetimes write about some hardcore luxury stuff, you do it in a fun way with elegance.
Hats off
(irresponsible collaboration… okey no Christmas jumper – that’s fair, just go straight on a pair of nice leather pants, ha) there is western shirts and cowboy boots and the Harpo jewelry….)
Ooo, now you got me thinking Fredrik!
Would love to hear your thoughts about dressing for cold weather- proper cold, barely above freezing. Especially for those with cold houses. When a Shetland isn’t enough.
Sure Ed – you mean outside and inside? Inside I would definitely go for a big shawl cardigan – and layer a thin knit under it, as here, if needed.
Thinking more about indoors. When it’s a struggle to get the house above 15C. And a pair of cords don’t cut it. I do resort to flannel lined chinos, but anything else to avoid the need for long johns would be great!
How about some heavier wool trousers – eg 13 or even 15oz flannels, and over-the-calf wool socks? Plus the aforementioned knitwear of course.
Or, go full menswear and start wearing a robe…
Hi Simon,
Congratulations!!! And thank you very much for your dedication and your invaluable service!
I simply can’t believe that I’ve been reading PS for … 15 years!
I don’t remember how I stumbled upon your second post on the “rules”. But, upon reading it, I thought ok let’s learn those damm rules and move on. And here I am, writing a comment 15 years later and still hooked on this blog! What a great feat, Simon!
An exciting journey, individual and collective as well!
John
Joining the masses I fullheartedly am looking forward to another 15 years, Simon! I have been with you since 2010 when I started my own sartorial journey, by commissioning a 3p herringbone suit (still wearing it but altered twice) and a pair of tan brogues (hmmm..). What a luck that I almost immediately found your blog at the time. Since then no credit card of mine has been used on clothing without consulting your articles beforehand.
Many greetings from a snowy Sweden!
Amazing, thanks Per. Hope you find some use for those brogues!
It is often emphasised how important the tailor-customer relationship is for understanding how both sides think and see things. I feel same could be applied to journalist-reader relationship to a certain amount. Though you are hardly just a journalist/blogger for most PS followers, you are Simon.
In your posts you’ve been quite personal and open with your thought processes and experiences. That and how you actively engage with followers in comments section has created a rather intimate atmosphere, result of you making yourself vulnerable or exposed as you said.
This for me is one of the greatest strengths of PS, for I can use that accumulated knowledge of you to even better comprehend what you have written and thus understand how it applies to me.
I wish you continued good health and passion for style to keep going for as long as you feel inclined.
Congratulations! I had to laugh when I read “early” and “8:30.” My job posts me overseas and I’m glad to say requires me to be in a suit and tie every day, including Friday. To me, 8:30 would be late. A typical day starts at 7 a.m. and goes to 5 p.m. At least it gives me an excuse to buy welted shoes.
Congratulations Simon; you’ve created something over 15 years that never reads or feels as a “sell-out” either to impress others or to make money.
I think I speak for everyone when I say we trust your opinion – “we” just may not always agree with it.
All the best for the future.
What a wonderful compliment, thank you CJ
Huge congratulations on your milestone ,but it doesn’t surprise me yours is one the best style blogs out there! Thank you for all you the great content and reader engagement!
Bravo, bravo, bravo. Heartfelt congratulations, Simon. Hard to believe that the world has been a better (or at least more dapper) place lo these 15 years..
Thank you Tom
Simon, as a former retailer of clothing, I appreciate so many things about what you do, not just three times a week but every day you post comments and reply — indefatigably it seems — to them. To single out a few of the things I appreciate most: the wonderful, fairly-priced products you create and explain in more detail than any other manufacturer/retailer (on most days I find myself wearing several PS items); the outfits you model, which slowly but surely are teaching me how to dress well; your investment of time and money in creating inspiring photos of those outfits so many times each year; the quality of your writing and editing; and, not least, and against all odds, your cultivation of a comment section that is almost always worth reading and almost never depressing. You have invented your own noble occupation. May you continue on indefinitely!
Simon, congratulations on what has been an epic journey.
Even from my simple perspective as a reader of about ten years, the development of the writing and collaborations/products is comprehensive and exceptional. The experience you have gained in developing and articulating your own thoughts and actual depth and knowledge shines through obviously. The products are exceptional and a joy to wear, from the very first ones I bought (several of the PS/Smedley vests) to the ones you continue to develop today.
I love to read and can spend hours doing so quite easily. I also love clothes and to be able to combine my love for both is all thanks to PS.
More importantly, despite having passion for clothing, what is not always present is knowledgeable or guidance. Your writing has helped me countless times to stop a moment, research and think before I buy. Same with your willingness to engage in questions and answers here in the comments and in person at PS events.
I positively look forward to each new post and often refuse to read them until a day later when I have time to savour it.
I have been in business for 25 years now while a lot was planned, a lot also developed naturally and in response to external factors.
The evolution of PS also feels natural. Easy and as it should be – I am sure it was anything but!
In summation, thank you for the small elements of joy, fun and pleasure you have brought to my life through PS. And thank you for helping me to continue evolving my own personal style and thoroughly enjoying that process.
PS today is something truly special, I am sure it has developed into something you could not have imagined when you made that first post.
Thank you and here’s to the next 15!
Yash
You’re completely right Yash, I had imagined this at all, it’s been wonderful
Congratulations Simon on 15 years.
I have been an occasional commentator at best, reading your articles since around 2012. PS is one of the few websites I visit every week, religiously.
If it wasn’t for PS, I would not have been introduced to some great artisans and brands.
Wishing you all the best with PS for the future.
Congratulations on your aniversary, Simon!
I discovered PS a little more than two years ago, and was very soon taken by your ever eloquent writing, analytical approach and considered opinions. Reading and re-reading a large part of your 2,674 posts truly was one of my greatest pleasures during lockdown, as I developed my knowledge, understanding and sense of style. It led me to developing a quite detailed plan for what I would like a relatively limited wardrobe of versatile high quality clothing to be, and to set out on a journey of building that wardrobe by slowly upgrading what I have. Both the plan and the journey is very much a work in progress, but it is also a work of joy where I try, test and learn, even from the occational failure (which I think have become fewer and/or less grave).
Today, I look forward to your new posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and have in addition come to love the participation of the PS community in the comments, with your dedicated presence in the way you take the time to give considerate responses, as well as your ability to moderate and respectfully put down or take the sting of the occational not so productive comments. You have managed to make the site a place of relative civility on the web.
To the next 15 years! It means a lot to me, and judging by the comments above apparently also to many others.
Thank you for 15 years of insights. I notice I take them to heart more and more. I love your not too serious and rigid approach to style and dressing well. I also enjoy being privy to your personal journey when it comes to style and what works for young how it changed in the past 15 years. Try things that don’t work, they may lead to things that do. And the most important thing, have fun with it. Unfortunately I do not wear much tailoring anymore in my day to day, still I find your approach to style works when it comes to dressing the man in general. Appreciated!
Amazing, thanks Jaye
Congratulations! Here’s to 15 more!
Congratulations Simon truly deserved. I started reading as a student and the blog helped me inmensely building my own style.
I was curious, what was your “menswear level” when you wrote the first post? Have you had your first bespoke suit? You had crockett and jones or already at gazianos?
Best wishes ?
I was only in RTW tailoring at that point Fernando – I had been married earlier in the year in a Ralph Lauren Black Label suit, which to be fair was lovely. I would write on the blog soon about having my first bespoke suit made (at Graham Browne).
Shoes were slowly being upgraded. I had a pair of Edward Green Oundles that had been under the RL Purple Label name, and heavily reduced in a sale
Cool! We’ve come a long way
Simon, a unique accomplishment. Your scope here has been wide on subjects and geography. I’ve read you since I can’t remember when and followed your personal evolution, which I think is in some ways greater than my own. However like you I remain curious, at my age of 75, and find joy in new vendors and products of quality that I’m able every once in a while to discover.
Wonderful
Congratulations Simon, this is a milestone well worth celebrating and reflecting on. I have been reading this site almost since you first started and have enjoyed it very much – and repeatedly found inspiration in your writing (and, more recently, that of your guest writers). It’s been a pleasure feeling like I am growing in my style journey alongside you and other readers.
Very interesting story that you have. Your stories and photographs have been entertaining to me. I am grateful. Always something to think about. Pleased to be thinking about style and my own style in particular.
Cheers William
Congratulations Simon! And we certainly wouldn’t mind, when you’d indulge yourself and us with another colaboration. I’ve got nearly all of your shirting clothes and love the shirts mode of them. So keep on going 🙂
Btw. I think over the past three years, what we call classic or permanent style shrinkes to it’s core. Best seen on maybe E. Macron but also on many friends of mine. They still suit up for work or restaurants but only in fitted, navy suits, navy ties, all of it sans decorum. That’s a bit sad. On the other hand variety of smarter casual styles exploded. And it becomes harder to hit the right tone of formality, like for women it allways has been.
Interesting, thanks Philipp
Hi Simon, I always like the posts about PS itself and it’s always interesting getting an insight into the business. On that point I was wondering if you had any intentions to cover this topic in any future posts? I am particularly interested in how much of your costs can be put down to business expenses as it seems to be their is a somewhat blurred line between things are purchased being done so for the purpose of an article but also being used by yourself in a non business capacity. I guess because you only cover products you like it’s not as though things are bought, written about and then discarded. But rather they go on to be used outside of business. This is an unusual situation – at least to my mind. I ask because my wife runs a design consultancy (consisting of herself alone, working as a freelance designer) and often things are bought as research or reference pieces in a similar vein, that could then be used in a personal capacity.
Thanks Richard. In case you missed it, I did do a piece here on how PS runs as a business.
The point about business expenses might be a little dry for most people though I suspect!
Congratulations Simon, most of all for persevering. Through this avidly read site I’ve been exposed and introduced to tailors and clothiers far beyond what I would have been. Educated as well. There’s a corner of San Francisco that’s forever PS.
Thanks Kali
Congrats, Simon, from someone who also used to work in finance. Your insights are second to none, yet I learn nearly as much from your dedicated followers in the comments section.
Congratulations Simon! What a wonderful milestone. I have thoroughly enjoyed all your articles and have been very pleasantly surprised by the collaborations and your wanderings outside of your main topics. This site is a wonderful repository of knowledge. It is a fundamental part of my reading routine. So much so, that my wife recognises you and even has a nickname for you. For 15 more years!
Dare I ask what the nickname is?
Sure, it is very innocent. “Suits Pablo” as you resemble very much our friend Pablo. Every time I’m reading you it comes to her mind.
How nice
Congratulations on the milestone Simon…
I was thinking when I read this article about how long I had been a reader for. Assuming it was only 5 or 6 years. Checked back in the PS archive to see the dates of articles I remember reading for the first time… turns out 2008.. so thanks for reminding me how quickly time flies – and how much older I’m getting!!
When investing so much time and energy into your work, it must be very satisfying to know that it has had, and continues to have such a wide and long lasting impact. I discovered Permanent Style in 2011, in my first year of Music College. A Cornishman, I dressed in ‘Animal’ and ‘Ripcurl’ branded hoodies and T – shirts, having only really been exposed to surf wear growing up. My journey began after a winter wearing leaky Vans, buying Ted Baker ‘hiking’ boots to keep my feet dry. This being the most money I’d ever spent on my appearance and not having a clue what to wear with them, I found Fashion Beans, the Bespoke Dudes and Permanent Style and was up for the next three nights reading them into the early hours and in between calls at my Telesales job. With previously no interest in clothing, overnight (literally) a passion and curiosity was ignited that continues to this day. I made many ‘mistakes’ in the first few years after that, becoming known on campus as the guy who always overdressed. I remember my piano teacher being particularly frustrated once that I had time to put my pocket square in my tweed Sports Jacket but not to turn up on time to the lesson! I also became a little infamous amongst my fellow students for a short while for spending a ludicrous (in their eyes) £50 on a Sunspel T – shirt on your recommendation. I realised that style was more then complementary matching of texture and colour and good quality, it involves dressing appropriately for the occasion/place. I think I’ve read every article you’ve ever written on the blog and probably most several times, and a few many many times. Clothes continue to be fascinating to me on a daily basis largely thanks to your writing. I’ve found that you don’t need to own many clothes to enjoy them. Imagination is all you need. It is the mythical next purchase (that may never happen), with all the analysing and comparing with similar garments where the fun really is for me; the journey to the decision is what keeps things fresh rather than just wearing new things. I find I don’t really care if a look is perfect in reality, but I find satisfaction in knowing something I wear was the result of careful and joyous decision making. I’m content with my career as a musician 11 years later but I have often wondered whether I’d enjoy a career in clothes just as much, which is a testament to the effect your blog (and the comments section) has had. Cheers for the journey!
Amazing. The best thing for me in all that is that it’s brought an enjoyment in clothes James
Congratulations, Simon. I’ve been an avid reader since 2014 when I was doing research for my first bespoke suit and, not wanting to sound like a overly fawning fanboy, Permanent Style has become my only go-to source for proper sartorial guidance. Wishing you many more years of continued success.
Congratulations on the milestone!
I agree with the one that mentioned that after many years, there isn’t the slightest hint to the site “selling out”.
I am also impressed by some of these comments lecturing on the rules… Especially in the articles about no tie, no socks, even a tie knot they consider “strange”.
What about an extended article on the changes you’ve seen in menswear over the 15 years?
Nice idea Philip
+1
Congratulations and very well written.
While I have followed your webpage only for a couple of years, I sometimes look at older articles and note how also your style / focus has somewhat changed in the last 15 years – which you write about above (less suits, more knitwear, somehwhat less [formal] jackets, no more ties, more overshirts / chore jackets and bombers).
I think this evolution keeps your webpage very relevant. I do not know of a comparable product.
Ad multos annos
Congratulations Simon. Thank you for all your great content and looking forward to another 15 years of Permanent Style.
Well done, but now Long Service and Good Conduct medals for bloggers.. only good wishes. I think I have been following for maybe 13 or more years; where does the time go? Back in HK for a week so its nice to be in cool weather style for a change.
Congratulations all round Simon, whatever motivated you at the beginning you’ve obviously adopted a dogged yet enthusiastic approach that’s helped you over the years.
i know there’s been the odd naysayer but your diplomatic skills have informed and amused, so power to you and let’s look forward to the next 15 years.
Yes, we’ll done Simon, always interesting & developing into an encyclopaedia of clothing with a forum of devotees of permanent style & varied views.
Congratulations, Simon! I started my first real job in the autumn of ‘07, and have been reading your blog weekly ever since! I believe I have read all your post. Just re-read the first post, and it is still brilliant – I guess that is true permanent style! All the best for the next 15 years.
Cheers Anders
Congratulations Simon,
i can still remember reading your first article years ago about tassel loafers not being your cup of tea and i was thinking thats my man, but now you wear them 24’7 hihi :). But nothing wrong, you can pull it off, me with size 13 and wide feet it is impossible to make them look elegant, so i stick with penny loafers. Keep up a good work.
Ha, always nice to reminded of those things! Thanks Mathieu
“To have permanent style, to dress with style throughout your life, you need to be inquisitive, open-minded, and evolve.”
Genuine one of my favourite lines you’ve ever written, Simon. PS is what got me into clothing/menswear when I was still a broke university student and I have many fond memories of reading articles over the years. Congratulations and here’s to another 15.
Thank you Kelvin
Congratulations! 15 years already??
Yours, along with Ethan Newton’s,
was one of the first blogs that took a commonsense approach and precise writing to the often elusive and somewhat amorphous subject of menswear. To see how far you’ve taken what was perhaps the most inauspicious of beginnings….kudos!
Segun
PS: I still bear a grudge you never replied by email 10 years ago, commending your work and extending an invitation to coffee!??
Really? I’m sorry Segun, I’m afraid I don’t remember that but feel free to drop me an email again – and apologies in advance if I don’t have time for coffee, I’m always stretched pretty thin with this and three kids at home!
Congrats Simon. Always a good read and so informative. Certainly changed how I think and introduced me to new ideas. Most of my wardrobe over the last decade or so, from jackets to jeans, has come from your recommendations and inspiration. Thank you.
Writing about cdo’s 15 years ago was pretty exciting too, I’d imagine… 🙂 I work in investment management.. Congrats on the milestone!
Congratulations, Simon! I think “permanent style”, in very general terms, could mean, dressing in the kind of clothing that has at least some connection to the history of Western European fashion, and thus represents a continuation of that tradition. I once saw a picture of Zack MacLeod Pinsent – the famous tailor who dresses exclusively in Regency-era clothing that he makes himself, posing together with his friend. Mr Pinsent was, as always, in period costume, while his friend was in a light blue button-down shirt, khaki trousers and leather loafers. What impressed me was how natural the two outfits looked right next to each other. One could tell immediately that the modern outfit is the direct descendant of its 200 year old ancestor. Had that guy been wearing a graphic t-shirt, ripped jeans or sweatpants, and plastic sneakers, the impression would have been quite different. So, to me, “permanent style” is based on certain fundamental elements: natural (or at least, natural-looking) fabrics; natural colors, found in European fashion throughout centuries; classic, well-established principles of color and pattern matching; respect for traditions (don’t wear tuxedo with a belt, don’t wear black shirt with a tie, etc.)
Congratulations on this result and on what is arguably one of the the best (and certainly the longest-lived) menswear style blogs.
Per your take o rules etc., however, I don’t think wearing a bowler is silly (hence, I do…) It may be anachronistic, certainly eccentric but if worn with panache I think it still looks good.
Some of us have no truck with fitting in, on *any* level.
Hi simon ahout 10 years ago, when i just started reading permenant stylr, i recall walking into a tailor shop with a limited budget and with no experience in tailoring having never owned a suit or sportscoat, and told the shop personnel i wanted to make a dark brown suit in cotton. I had worked through the idea in my head and had read some of your articles – that it looked relatively subdued and therefore useful. It could also work as separates. I was relatively nervous entering the shop given my lack of experience and that the shop looked ‘high class’ so to speak. The attendant who served me was also very well dressed in a sportcoat ensemble which in a country where i am (Singapore) is considered so. What took me by real surprise and left me flustered was tbe attendant laughed at my idea of a brown suit and told me i shouldn’t even be considering it as it was very colonial and dated. He instead told me to consider getting a navy windowpane suit (with prominent white checks) and to wear them as separates. I ultimately caved under pressure in the heat of the moment and went with his idea (although i juat got the jacket due to a lack of funds which in hindsight was for the better given the pants would have been hideous and therefore unused). I ended up using the jacket twice before selling it. Fast forward 10 years and i can safely say my experience/confidence/knowledge has grown with exposure to tailoring but also knowledge gleaned from your website,especially in the formative years. Thanks Simon. That said i wonder if such mistakes and experiences are also part of the journey. I would have no qualms walking away now if faced with such poor customer service
Really interesting, thanks Shem
As I was dressing for the Christmas dinner put on by my largest client I asked my wife what she thought of a possible combination. Her immediate response: What would Simon say?
Congratulations on your milestone. She’s a tough customer.
Thanks! Say Hi from me
Bravo Simon!
Been a fan for years and I’ve taken souch from the rich, generous and approachable way you write.
While I may not have the purchasing power some of your choices may need, the principles are priceless.
Looking forward to the next 15 years!
Dear Simon, thank you so much for your great work! I can’t wait to read the new entries on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and try out Inspiration for myself.
I am looking forward for the next 15 years of PS!
Cheers Christopher
Congratulations Simon and thanks for all you do!
Bottom photo caption: “The moment just before the unfortunate bollard incident.”
Congratulations, Simon. It’s been years since I started reading PS and I’m still here to the exclusion of much else. I have noticed, especially where the internet is concerned, that the enthusiast often begins his journey picking a lot of “low-hanging fruit” before reaching something as nutrient-rich as what you have created. There is a lot to read, and there are a lot of mistakes to make, before growing beyond the quite rudimentary—and sometimes dubious—information on offer from those sources in the early days. As one sufficiently develops the taste and discernment, I regard Permanent Style as a successful destination along that particular journey. It means you’ve found “the good stuff”. As style and social custom evolves, I hope you’ll continue to be at the forefront to distill the best of it for our further edification! A tip of the hat.
Thank you very much Dan, and that’s reassuring to hear. There seems to be a lot out there of fairly low quality, so it’s nice to hear people find their way here and then end up sticking
Hi Simon
Many congrats on this landmark; a reassuring presence. Seeing “Blogger” referenced brings back some more innocent days pre-social media.
I can’t quite remember when I latched onto PS – but as a small anecdote: I got my wedding suit made by Thom Whiddett at Thom Sweeney back in 2013. It was my first experience of proper tailoring & during discussions of what (if anything) I read about tailoring – I referred to Permanent Style. I still recall a knowing smile of acknowledgment & a “ah Crompton…” from Thom in response.
Here’s to another 15+ & glad you put those first 200 words out.
Thanks so much
Congratulations Simon. You bring so much joy to so many who would run a mile from commenting on an open platform. Does it ever cross your mind how we discovered PS? I did from a Google search for a friend who runs a menswear boutique and you’d done a review of the shop. Then I thought I’d read other topics on the site and have been hooked since. Here’s to many more decades of craft, creativity and prose.
Thank you very much
Congratulations Simon, a significant milestone. I think I started reading around 2011/2 so every now and again come across an earlier article I’ve yet to read. Great job on bringing together a like minded community and mediating the discussion when required.
Be proud of the body of work you’ve produced and the pleasure it brings to your appreciative audience.
‘Consistency is the price of excellence.’ – Shane Parrish
Congratulations and well deserved! Here’s to another 15 years.
I’m late to this article… but Simon, please accept my congratulations, I’ve taken a lot from your site over the years.
Thank you Josh
Here’s to another 15 Simon. Yours, is the single blog that helped me refine the questions and attention I was giving to my own style as well as others. What I like and why do I like it? Your logical breakdowns and focus continue to be something I look forward to every week. It transcends budget, lifestyle etc. Merry Christmas to you and the team!
Belated congratulations Simon. It’s only through Permanent Style that I’ve heard of North Sea Clothing, bought a NAVY Submariner jumper which can be worn indoors comfortably in Winter, Mes Chaussettes Rouges, I buy my hosiery here, particularly the Super Durable, A fine Pair of Shoes, Saphir Shoe Polish and others.
What about the bespoke vendors, tailors, shoemakers, etc I’d never would have known otherwise. I hope to see possibly more bespoke in upcoming articles which I look forward to always.
The guides, instructive articles in which I’ve learned an awful lot.
Many thanks again… and a happy sartorial New Year Simon!!!
Fifteen years and 2,600+ posts! You bring thoughtful consistency to every post. Congrats on your milestone, Simon!
Thank you Ignatius
Hi Simon, curious – do you think you would have been earning more if you stayed on in your previous career (journalism was it?) or perhaps switched to more traditional/mainstream careers than maintaing the blog and if so how do you rationalise it?
I actually earn more now, Shem, though I was lucky to be able to run the two careers in parallel for a few years – if I had had to give one up and start PS when it was earning very little money, it would have been a much harder choice
Simon, you’ve written on how to start menswear brands and the blog journey you’ve come on – I think PS is the best out there and has done very well – but how would you have done it if starting now, or would it be the same?
Did you ever have a kind of editorial calendar for the year or did you write on whatever came to your head?
I’m trying to get my blog up and running more (its been a year), but its tough. I’m in it for the long game, I want it to last as long as blogs last at all.
What would your top advice be on growing a menswear blog now founded on similar values to yours?
All the best,
John-Paul
Hi John-Paul,
Good questions, I’ll have a think and try and write something some time. I’d certainly say that it is harder today, because social media has taken over so much, and that I’m not sure I would be able to do it today given how long it didn’t earn money for.
Hey John-Paul,
I’m certainly no expert in this matter, but I did browse your website and read a few posts. I’m curious as to why you don’t have a comments section for readers to engage with you and your ideas?
I find that, at least for me, a large factor in why I enjoy Permanent Style is because the ideas Simon proposes are expanded on and discussed by his avid readers.