Timeless Style Classic Men's Fall Fashion That's Always in Style When Italian master tailor Romualdo Pelle opened his shop, Romualdo Sartoria, downtown Madeira became a fashion center for menswear. Romualdo studied to be a tailor longer than it takes to learn to be a doctor-his stitches are made with the same precision as that of a seasoned surgeon. He knows that a good suit can instill a sense of confidence like nothing else. Fashion trends come and go, but classic, custom-fitting clothing never goes out of style.
"Sartoria-do you know what that means?" Pelle asks. "It's a tailor shop!" he says with a wide smile and a sweeping gesture to the store with both hands. It's plain to see that he enjoys his work. He has been doing it since he started training with his godfather at age 10.
Pelle's favorite suit for you is the one that makes you look good and feel great. After eight decades of honing his craft, he barely needs his measuring tape for more than confirmation of what his well-trained eye has already told him.
"Neck, back, chest, sleeves…I'm close pretty much every time," he says with a twinkle in his eye. "Each person's proportions are different. I adjust the lapels, wider or thinner to complement the measurements. You capiche?"
Here are a few lessons from the master and his apprentices, Co-Owners Chris Berre and Tim Brock, who bought the store from Pelle seven years ago.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Don't be intimidated to come into the store and ask questions-Romualdo works with men of all shapes, sizes and styles. They can help you fill your closet with clothing that matches your budget, personal style and comfort.
"Our clients become friends," Brock says.
Get Fitted by a Professional
A classic suit is all about proportions. Shoulder width informs the shape of the lapels, which frame and flatter your face.
"We prefer to go with the Italian classic style, meaning a little trimmer, but especially for custom, it's all proportion based. If you stay within the classics and you make clothes or buy clothes and have them tailored to your proportions, you'll never go out of style," explains Berre.
"If you get all the proportions right, you can wear a classic suit your whole life," he adds.
Custom suits are what they're known for, but Romualdo's team of tailors mend and fit garments of all kinds: jackets, trousers, jeans, even women's blouses and formal gowns.
"Romualdo is a legend in menswear and our tailors are the best in town," Brock says. "Tailoring is included in everything we sell here at the shop," he adds.
Put Your Own Unique Spin on Your Style
Chris has been interested in men's fashion since he was a kid, watching his grandfather work in the garden in a stylish English driver's cap and tweed jacket. Tune into the style influencers in your life. Let your style loose and have a little fun with it.
"My Dad had shined shoes and a suit coat every day," Berre reflects, "that made an impact on what I wanted to wear."
Take Time to Accessorize
Accessories elevate your look. Ties, pocket squares, belts and shoes are the finishing touches that express a man's suit style. Loafers are staging a comeback.
"I like the Edward Armah two-sided pocket squares. They hold their shape and are reversible, with two different prints," suggests Brock.
"The slippery, silk pocket square is no more-these soft squares stay where you place them." "We also have beautiful, locally made belts by Brookes & Hyde of Cincinnati-some traditional leather and some exotics-alligator and ostrich," he adds.
Dress Up a Step
You don't want to be the underdressed one in the room. If you don't know what you are expected to wear, dress up a step just in case.
"My dad taught me to dress to the occasion or above it," Berre says. "That has served me well."
Shop in Stages
The Romualdo team helps assess and outfit your closet to match your day-to-day fashion needs. "We want to educate you and help you take an inventory of what you need so you can be prepared to wear what you need and look good," Berre explains. Even if you get your first suit off the rack, be sure to bring it in to get it tailored.
"We are going to make it fit perfectly," says Berre. "Then, when you get a raise or have a special occasion, come in and find something new."
Let Romualdo help you stay on track for classic style shifts but feel comfortable and like your look as you wear it. You capiche?
"Romualdo's favorite suit for you is the one that makes you look good and feel great."