Sherman Pickey has been dressing the Washington DC area since 2003. Its unique and fresh take on classic clothing is reflected throughout the Wisconsin Avenue space with its broad selection for both men and women. From the bright storefront to the vivid decorations within, it is clear however, Sherman Pickey isn't simply attempting to turn a profit but provide a stylish lifestyle to its customers. What makes this space so special isn't necessarily the clothing, but the people who own and manage it. If you are looking for a specific item or just casually browsing, Ethan and Bailey are there with a smile to guide and assist with their style expertise in any way possible. A few weeks ago, I needed a bow tie for a special event so I stopped by the store. Ethan took the time to lay my outfit on the counter, and search through the selection until we found the perfect match. The event was a complete success, and I have only Ethan and Bailey to thank for it.

A few weeks ago, the dynamic duo were kind enough to answer a few questions about men's style, closet essentials, and the infamous cargo short.

1) Describe the Sherman Pickey style:
E: The Sherman Pickey style is timeless and ageless. We strive to provide classic pieces with a modern edge. We like to consider ourselves a one stop shop for great basics and fabulous statement pieces.

2) Why did you pick the Georgetown area to open?  And how did Sherman Pickey evolve into becoming a store?  
E: I am a native Georgetowner and had been working at the Ralph Lauren store in Georgetown Park so my life and retail experience led me to believe this was the best place for our concept. I essentially stalked the block we settled on hoping to be part of the boutique resurgence that was starting to evolve at the time we opened in 2003.

The concept was created by me and a dear friend while working at Ralph Lauren. In fact, the store is named after pets we had at the time. We were fielding lots of questions from Polo customers looking for items that couldn't be found in Georgetown at the time like Lacoste and Barbour.  We wanted to create a store that provided such items and used what we learned at Polo to help us open up the shop. 
 
3) The DC area is full of catchy slogans and jingles. My favorite is "Eastern Motors, your jobs your credit." If Sherman Pickey had a slogan or a jingle what would it be?
B: Our website does a pretty good job of succinctly describing what we are all about. " Sherman Pickey, Washington's home of classic clothing with a modern edge. We carry everything the well dressed Washingtonian will need to take them from the shore to the country and all stops in
between."

E: I agree with Bailey's take on our would-be slogan. "Classic clothing with a modern edge" is about as succinct as we can make our mission. Now we just need some Redskins to do commercials for us a la Easterns and we will be all set.

4) I already picked up my sly pirate themed D-Ring belt. But what are some of your favorite items in the store this Summer?
B: I love our selection of polos.  We have evolved away from Lacoste and picked up two lesser known, but equally stylish brands, Psycho Bunny and Robert Redd. Robert's polos have a soft collar and a breast pocket, which give them a relaxed vintage feel.  Rob Godfrey, the designer behind Psycho Bunny has taken a classically constructed pique polo and added his edgy personal touch in the form of a bunny and cross bone logo. They are both representative of our "classic with a twist" style concept.

5) Ethan, every Summer the city is flooded with young men who are starting their careers on Capitol Hill. What are 3 staples every man should have in their closet?
E:
1. A navy blazer. It is the key element to every man's wardrobe. It can be dressed up with a tie and worn at the office or paired with jeans and appropriate for almost any other occasion. I also have to advocate the use of a pocket square with any blazer. A white linen pocket square folded with a straight edge is a simple way to show you are paying attention and on your game.
 
2. A well fitted, dark colored suit (not black - black is reserved for your tuxedo) in a year round weight. A dark grey wool suit can cover any event where a blue blazer is too informal. Weddings, job interviews and even funerals are times where a suit is necessary. Again, the white pocket square in the breast pocket is a must. 

3. Good shoes are a staple that most men don't get right. There are lots of choices out there but if a man was to only have one pair, I would say a hard soled pair of loafers would be the way to go. A standard pair of leather loafers with a hard (but not clunky) sole is a timeless look that can be worn often and prove serviceable for many events. Anything from a pricey Gucci bit loafer to a more moderately priced Bass Weejun can qualify.  
 
6) Bailey, what are your ultimate pet peeves about the way men dress?
B: The way men interpret "casual" is difficult for me to wrap my brain around.  I understand wanting to be comfortable, but I don't think that has to be at the expense of looking polished and put together.  I am fairly certain men would take issue with women suddenly wearing sweats to Happy Hours or on dates, so I am not sure why a t-shirt and cargo shorts is considered an outfit appropriate for anything other the yard work.  A nice pair of flat front khaki shorts paired with a polo and a simple belt is what I consider casual wear for men.

7) Cargo shorts or Cut off Jean Shorts? (That's right Bailey, you can only choose one.)
B: I suppose if I was forced to make a choice, I would have to say cargo shorts.  "Jorts" are only ever acceptable if they are being worn as a costume.

E: This is a tough one! Cargo's would be my choice if I had to choose but I am not really a fan of either. Cargo shorts do have some practical application and are generally made of light cotton which when you think of it, makes a lot more sense than denim for warm weather. 

8) Windsor knot or Shelby knot?
E: I favor the Windsor knot simply because of its width. It looks great with spread collar shirts and has the right amount of heft.  
 
9) Driving shoes or Penny Loafers?
B: I am guessing these questions are geared towards Ethan, but I wanted to put in my vote for the driving moc.

E: I am a fan of both styles and tend to be wearing drivers more often lately. I feel that a loafer is best for a less casual look. As a rule, I generally wear loafers with a dressier wool trouser and wear driving mocs with jeans or khakis although this isn't an absolute mandate.

10) Backpack or Briefcase?
E: Being a traditionalist, I tend to lean toward the briefcase but do understand the need for young men to be both age appropriate and practical. Briefcases are a bit stogy and backpacks are extremely youthful so it depends on the office environment and the individual's needs. In the end, I always advise dressing the part and not being shy about embracing a professional attitude. 

                    Grab a treat from Thomas Sweet, and take a stroll to Sherman Pickey.
                                        (This is a Half Pint Gentleman approved afternoon.)
                                        1647 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 333-4212
                                                Tuesday through Saturday 10-6
                                                                Sunday 12-5