"Clothes are prescriptions, and we're the doctors," equates Vaughn "LV" Granger, owner and salesman at trusted GrangerOwings Classic Clothiers in Columbia at 1333 Main St.
"Dressing should be fun, the process should be fun. I love to help people, especially guys, balance their approach to dressing to suit the two lifestyles they have -- the one that happens face-to-face, and the one they have in their heads. That's why we have a different process to assist our clients," he adds.
Vaughn, also known as "Little Vaughn/LV" to differentiate from his father's same name, knows clothing from the inside-out. He's been in the clothing business since his father started Granger Owings in 1978. "Since then, my passion for helping individuals look their best and to see their confidence increase when they are in my clothes is what drives me to do my best every day," he explains.
He and the store's team like to overcome the concept of "the clothes wear you," and flip it instead to "you wear the clothes."
Summer Trends in Men's Clothing
There are two schools of thought to men's summer clothing as they want to combine being outdoors, going to the beach, golfing and boating with their jobs and outdoor entertainment, Vaughn says. One can pack changes of clothes, or one can incorporate clothes made from performance-based fabric to yield the versatility needed to get through a robust day and night in basically the same outfit.
He recommends performance-based denim jeans and sleeved or short-sleeved shirts that don't wrinkle, along with v-pocketed golf shorts.
"Use belts, shoes and accessories to really polish the look. That's where you can let your personality shine through," says Vaughn.
However, he warns against getting fresh clothes, but then pairing them with the same old leather belt, worn pair of khaki shorts, or old penny loafers. He says there have been more changes and choices in men's footwear, such as white soles, in the past 18 to 24 months than the past five years combined. He personally likes to include johnnie-O dockside flip flops and Cole Haan sneakers in the summer mix for chic comfort and versatility.
Regarding watches as a clothing accessory, he says Apple watches help complete sporty outfits, and men can choose native straps or Hermès bands separately for a deliberate, different look.
Vaughn also recommends johnnie-O shorts, because they are a hybrid of shorts and swim trunks, which means they look good while attending a boat or cookout/pool party while also being able to swim in them. "You can also throw on a super light-weight jacket, stretch denim and button-down shirt to dress up a bit while still staying comfortable at the same gatherings," he says.
Peek At Fall Trends In Men's Clothing
- Suits and ties are still trending downward.
- Sporty casual, trim performance-based fabrics will increase, including dressy pants fabrics.
- More tonal jackets, often navy, not all blacks.
- Less contrasting white sneaker bottoms, some sneakers made of wool.
- Pocket squares are big.
The Granger Owings' Difference
Professionals at Granger Owings conduct themselves as advisers who also are cheerleaders and friends for clients. "Some people aren't confident in clothing selections, so we address any insecurities and envision what fun would look like for them, and then build a wardrobe around that. Once trust is established, we can open up and find all kinds of solutions. We even share photo albums about what to mix and match," Vaughn says.
He says most guys don't know what size they are or should be. Once that correct fit is found, so is their confidence.
"I see changes in clients, simply by the right clothes. Then that change leads to positive changes in their business, and then into their social lives. Taking pride and the small things carries over into their life. When they walk into a room, and people notice that confidence, that's a complete win," exclaims Vaughn. "We're really in the image consulting business, leading clients through intentionality in the way they dress. And we're passionate about that!"
Granger Owings' two other Columbia locations: 1332 Main St., 803.799.7222; and 4840 Forest Drive #12B, 803.252.6714. They offer custom clothing consultations and styling, plus virtual access to shop newly arrived men's and women's styles from favorite brands.