Some would argue that the classic gentleman is dead; that the dapper, courteous, and romantic man died a long time ago when society deemed it appropriate to wear sneakers with dress pants, let the lady pay for dinner, or budge in front of lineups. Well, we find this to be an outrage. Basic guidelines set forth generations ago by the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Paul Newman, and James Stewart - the icons of sophistication, elegance, and cool - must be preserved in order for society (and quite possibly humanity) to stand a fighting chance at staying, well, normal. Without the most basic of manners and proper gentlemanly conduct, we might as well be moving backwards in evolution and eventually find ourselves back in the cave. Having said all of that, here is what the modern gentleman should have to set themselves apart from the rest; not in a competitive way, but simply a unique way:
Use a real pen, one that is made of something other than clear and cheap plastic, and has a clip so you can carry it with you at all times. It doesn't have to be super nice or expensive either. A Parker or Faber-Castell would do just fine! Because searching around your general vicinity for one is time consuming, and breaking out your own to sign a credit card receipt at a restaurant is so much cooler than using their house Bic.
Wear a watch, but use your cell phone to tell the time. In this day and age, nobody actually needs to wear a watch anymore because we all have cell phones, they all tell the time, and they're all probably more accurate than our watches anyway. That's not the point, however. With the rise of the cell phone, the wrist watch has been reduced to nothing more than an accessory - almost like a bracelet. But a Casio calculator watch is like wearing a hospital tag, and a cheap $40 Carnival you got at Zellers is like a string made of metallic thread wrapped around your wrist. You don't have to go drop $5,000 on a Rolex either, but a slightly sporty Momentum, elegant Ingersoll, or a truly masculine and authoritative TW Steel won't break the bank either and will provide you with that perfect gentleman's accessory for years.
Carry your stuff in a bag, not in your pockets. We all know how it feels and looks when we over stuff our pockets with the things we need to have with us on a daily basis: cell phone, wallet, glasses case, pack of gum, whatever. Sure, there are at least four pockets on your pants, and if you're wearing a jacket of some sort you can add at least another two, but nobody said you had to use each one! The best thing to do is actually use none of them. That way your clothes fit you the best they can and flatter your body - your legs will look longer and you won't look like you have a huge tummy in your mid section. Don't just go and buy yourself a fanny pack, throw everything in it, and hook it up around your waist now, either. No. Get something that suits what you're wearing. If you're mostly in jeans and a t-shirt or hoodie, use a tote or a duffel. If you're a young professional, use a nice Rimowa. And if you're a corporate guy who ever steps into a meeting to meet people of any level of importance, carry a briefcase; preferably something from Bosca or Tumi. I cannot stress this enough. If you want people to take you seriously, look like you want to be taken seriously. Because that Nike gym bag just says you can't wait for the meeting to end so you can hit the gym, and that MEC bag says your weekend hike is more important than the task at hand. Enough said.
These are merely accoutrements to make a man stand apart from the boys. How a gentleman conducts themselves is paramount as well. When entering or exiting through a door with a lady, open and hold a door that swings in towards you, and push, step through first, and hold on the other side a door that swings out. Stand up when a lady leaves a dining table even if you're the only other person there with her. Always make sure you're presenting the best version of yourself to the world everyday as a sign of respect to the people around you. And always shake hands with a firm grip and smile.
Happy living. Cheers.
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