One of the things I most often questioned about is dressing boys! I thought I’d share how we outfitted the family for John’s graduation.
I figured there’s no better day than graduation day to show that last bit of school spirit. There was a strict dress code issued by the school – tie (no bow ties), dark pants, light shirt, etc.
John went with his navy suit pants, a red and blue striped tie and Riomar shoes with the red, white and blue bearings.
- This is the suit I do for all of my boys. We have in both navy and blue (for a more modern look). Whit and Honey wear the same size so I have one in each color for them. John is smaller overall and has suits in both colors. These are easy to wear, breathable, do not wrinkle quickly and have a nice fit. We do separates for the best fit. They’ve work this exact suit ever since they started wearing men’s suits. :-) I buy a bunch of sizes online, try on at home, and return extras to the store. God forbid my boys walk into a mall. Oh, and I know this is tacky, but when Whit or John wear them some place where they aren’t returning directly home I take a huge strip of painters tape, stick it across the inside of the jacket and write their name in sharpie. I started this after John came home with a jacket that wasn’t his. It helps for resale to not have permanently written in the clothes. Slim Fit Pants | Slim Fit Jacket
- A tie in school colors is always a great investment at the start of high school (or college). I did bow ties for both of my boys from HERE. The tie for graduation is HERE. One of John’s girl friends gave all of the boys a similar tie in their college colors for graduation, and one of the boys did bow ties for each of them. I thought that was a wonderful idea! I taught myself and my boys how to tie bow ties and ties years ago. I think it is a great skill and the self tied always look so much better than pre-tied. There are you tube videos that do a wonderful job of explaining both! I particularly like the bow ties linked above because my boys have thick necks and they are long. :-)
- The shoes were a splurge for John’s graduation and he loves them! They are The Waterman in Tan. He said they are super comfy and he has already gotten great use out of them. You can purchase extra bearings in all sorts of colors, logos and even design custom options. I got him the red, white and blue for graduation, as well as orange and navy for Auburn. I have the fraternity letters on his Christmas list.
- All of my boys still wear their oyster belt buckles. I have had to buy new belt straps occasionally for John and Whit, but these were a great “forever” gift that is still used regularly. For a more casual look, Honey does his life belt. I’ll eventually get them made for the boys too. Once they stop growing width wise :-) I think they’ve topped out on height. John got an Auburn belt in his Easter basket. Whit also wears this belt from many years back!
As for Honey and Whit, I chose their coordinating shirts at Onward Reserve (their favorite). I did a red and blue checked shirt for Honey and a blue striped polo for Whit (knowing he would get tons of use out of it on the golf course.) My dress is Draper James and was a lucky last minute find!
It seems like yesterday they were in smocked john johns.
Dixie Delights
join me as I travel, decorate, create & celebrate
Instagram | Pinterest
Dixie Travels
perfectly planned trips & our travel adventures
Book Now | Learn More
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest