Thoughts on being a stylesetter

Recently, it was time again for the Washingtonian’s annual stylesetter celebration. It’s the time of year when the magazine selects the best-dressed people in Washington right now. And while only a few make the list in the magazine, the party showcases many more of the stylish and fashionably dressed people in the Washington area.

I look forward to this party. Who wouldn’t want to see what the stylish in this city are wearing? Last year I planned out my look and even shot it in a gorgeous mansion from Banks Development. So naturally this year I wanted to surpass what I did last year. But then I had a thought. Why try to create a look for a special occasion when I should just be myself? After all isn’t that what a true stylesetter is all about?

I equate this thinking to my trips up to New York for fashion week. Many of the attendees, both men and women, wear outlandish outfits in the hopes of being noticed. They want to be captured for their street style. I made the decision that when I go, I wear the same thing that I would normally wear back here in Washington. A true stylesetter doesn’t try to hard to be noticed.

DCFashion Fool by John Quattlebaum

DCFashion Fool by John Quattlebaum

So that’s what I did for this year’s stylesetter soiree. I picked a look that I’d be happy to wear any day that just represents me. It was a fantastic gray suit accentuated with a bold waistcoat, all from Suit Supply. It’s the same look that I wore to church with my mother and then for a leisurely brunch with this favorite lady.

Superlatives are a tricky thing. These type of awards take me back to high school days when we voted on Best Looking, Smartest, Cutest Couple, Best Body and of course Best Dressed. While it’s fantastic to be recognized for these honors, for many it just causes angst and often leads to people overdoing it and trying to hard.

Secretly as a men’s fashion blogger and influencer it would be awesome to be recognized by Washingtonian for my amazing style. I’d be honored to make the stylesetter’s list. And yes sometimes I am flashy and I’ll wear a bold printed jacket or funky floral pants. By the way, my mother hates those pants. However I’d rather be noticed for my every day style, which showcases a well-put together look that any fashionable Washington guy could easily wear. But that’s just me. Congrats to all this year’s honorees. To everyone in DC, stay stylish!

Shop my look/Details

DCFashion Fool by John Quattlebaum

Grey suit – Suit Supply | Blue plaid waistcoat – Suit Supply | Tonal blue striped tie – The Mens Store at Bloomingdales | White dress shirt – Armani Collezioni | Double monk strap – John Lobb

Photos unless othewise noted by Jen Jean-Pierre (Commecoco)