“Men with style are great because they have a sense of self.” — Lexa Doig
What do a pharmacist, a pastor, a federal security officer, a supervisor and a postal worker all have in common? Ties? No, not quite.
They all had guts — and wardrobe to answer our call for “Dapper Dads” in Cleveland. We didn’t know what to expect from our fashionable fathers, but the submissions were just as varied as the styles and we could not have been more pleased. Meet these Dapper Dads and check out their men’s fashion advice — just in time for Father’s Day.
Steveland Arnold, 39
“The Dapper Aristocrat” (check out his fashion & style YouTube channel of the same name)
Pharmacist, Care Alliance
Steveland’s Fashion Tip: There are so many to choose, but the one tip that I live by is to always insert your personality into your style. It’s not just about what you wear that makes you look good, but how you carry yourself, from your smile, to your demeanor, to being approachable. Your personality helps you stand out and be memorable to everyone that you encounter.
Favorite Go-To Place for Fashion: J. Crew, Express and Banana Republic. Thrift shopping is a must — especially when you can get 50% off!
Kyle Earley, 40
Pastor, City of God, Cleveland, Ohio
Kyle’s Fashion Tip: Before anything else, be comfortable being you. Fashion is an art and so are you.
Favorite Go-To Place for Fashion: Thrift stores, hands down!
Alan D. Rice, 41
Federal Security Officer
Alan’s Fashion Style Tip: Mix a bit of classic with a bit of nonconventional. Make sure your belt matches your shoes — and your socks don’t match anything you have on.
Favorite places to shop in Cleveland: I’m a fitness guy, so I shop at Express. Their clothes fit me perfectly.
Sydney Smith, 38
Supervisor, Sherwin Williams
Sydney’s Fashion Style Tip: Watch what others are wearing and do the opposite. The mission is to stand out not blend in.
Favorite places to shop in Cleveland for fashion: Mr Albert’s, Men’s Wearhouse, and Krush.
Alfonzo “Ted” Wilson, 83
United States Postal Worker — yes, he still works there and is the longest active letter carrier in the nation (always found wearing a freshly pressed uniform).
Fashion Style Tip: Get your clothes laundered and keep a great tailor.
Favorite places to shop in Cleveland: Alfonzo humbly admits that most of his clothing is purchased by his wife of 45 years, Tina. But, his favorite places right now are Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack — when custom isn’t an option.
Happy Father’s Day! — Dru
About the writer: Dru Thompson is a fashion designer who owns and operates Dru Christine Fabrics and Design, a design studio located in Lake Affect Studios in the Superior Arts District. Through community involvement, Thompson has firmly established herself in the arts and fashion community as a writer, educator at the Cleveland School of the Arts, and mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs. To learn more about the design, visit druchristine.com, on Instagram @druchristine, Twitter @druchristine and Facebook Dru Christine Fabrics and Design.
One Response to “Father’s Day Is This Week, So Meet Some Dapper Dads”
Shon Hyneman
I watch Steveland videos on YouTube all the time! He keeps me up to date with the latest fashions, cologne, and hats.
If you are a man that’s into fashion, check out Steveland channel