As owner of an upscale Baltimore men’s tailor shop, Christopher Schafer, of Christopher Schafer Clothier, knows about creating custom clothing—especially outfits that show off each client’s personal style. Trained in London, he learned the art of measuring and design, paying close attention to every detail, from the fabric to thread color.

It was in 2010 that he first opened his custom-suit shop, where Baltimore’s most stylish men get their threads. But shortly after that, he hatched another, related idea for those in need.

“I had a client who brought in several bags of clothing he no longer wanted and asked if I could find a home for them,” says Schafer. “After looking for a place to donate them, I realized no one was focusing just on menswear.” So, he launched the nonprofit Sharp Dressed Man, which gives away suits, sport coats, ties, belts, and shoes for free.

It’s a cause that’s currently on both coasts: Schafer’s oldest son, Seth, his business partner, now has his own shop in Santa Monica, California, where the nonprofit helps men out there, too.

“Since its inception, we have suited up about 10,000 guys in business attire for interviews and other occasions,” says Schafer. “We partner with a lot of other organizations that do job readiness and then provide clients with a hand-selected recycled suit and accessories to wear. It’s a real confidence booster. When you get a guy dressed properly and he looks at himself in the mirror, he sees his own potential. We believe a change of clothes changes lives.”

For Schafer, helping others through Sharp Dressed Man is a mission with deeply personal meaning. “I had a battle with drugs and alcohol for 20 years, and if I hadn’t changed my life, I either would have been dead or been in line asking for free soup,” he says. “They say that if you want to keep it, you have to give it away. So this is how I can give it away, by helping other people with my God-given talent—what I know about clothing.”

Also on his to-do list? He wants to launch an alteration shop with the proceeds going to the nonprofit. “I would also love to have a sewing school with it,” he says. “It might even revive the garment industry in Baltimore.”

Schafer has a few other causes on the side, too: He and his sons are avid skateboarders, and he’s now working with people in the city and Baltimore County to get more skateboarding parks built. And he’s very involved in getting the historic Perry Hall Mansion restored as a cultural center for the area. He’s also something of a master of ceremonies. After expanding his shop, he now has a stage set up and holds events there, with some events raising funds for the cause. A drummer, Schafer sometimes performs, as well.

“Baltimore is a very artistic area,” he says. “I have local artists display their works on my shop walls and invite them to the parties. I believe it gives people an opportunity to see the art. Also, I like an eclectic party, I think it makes for a much more colorful, fun event. I put people together and things happen.”

9/24-26: Audubon’s Baltimore Birding Weekend
This two-day tradition, which supports the conservation work of the Patterson Park Audubon Center, returns to bring birders and wildlife lovers together outdoors. Through guided tours, traverse land and water as you take in the wonder of Charm City’s feathered friends and all the spaces they call home.

9/24: Equinox
Join the Baltimore Museum of Industry for Equinox, a celebration aiming to raise
funds and awareness to support the goal of ending homelessness in Baltimore. With local brews, live music, and proceeds going to the housing programs of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, you can support Equinox’s mission and help make the kinds of changes you want to see in our community. 1415 Key Hwy.

9/26: Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive
Owners of vintage cars and connoisseurs of all things refined are invited to show off their gentlemanly style—think tweed jackets, monocles, and glorious mustaches—at this fundraiser hosted by Harbor East’s Christopher Schafer Clothier. Proceeds support the Movember Foundation, a group working to raise awareness around men’s health issues. Prices TBA, 1400 Aliceanna St.

10/28: Blue Jeans {& Bow Ties} Ball
The Ulman Foundation, a nonprofit working to support young people and their loved ones affected by cancer, invites you to a dinner and live auction fundraiser at The Winslow in downtown Baltimore. After dinner, stick around for drinks and dancing to celebrate The Ulman Foundation’s mission. 333 W. Ostend St.

11/6: Stars, Stripes, and Chow
Head down to West Covington Park for a taste of this delicious chili cookoff, hosted by The Baltimore Station, a group helping veterans regain self-sufficiency. With support from organizations like the Baltimore Orioles, M&T Bank, and iHeartRadio, proceeds from the cookoff will help homeless veterans escape cycles of poverty. Prices and other details TBA, 101 W. Cromwell St. 

After many years in the dark depths of Fashion Past, the bow tie has been resurrected. With more men taking more pride in their appearance and the overall fit of their clothing, the bow tie has reappeared on everyone from traditional fiftysomething businessmen to trendy twentysomething hipsters.

Preppy Plaid
“Plaid Bow Tie” ($59) at Carolina Moon Designs.

Super Stripes
True Forum blue and brown stripes bow tie ($49) at The QG

The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Pink Panther
Pink and blue bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Coming Up Daisies
Carolina Moon Designs gray bow tie with floral print ($59) at Carolina Moon Designs

Little Dipper
Zodiac constellations bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Crab Imperial
Maryland crab bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Lime Time
Christopher Schafer green bow tie with pink, blue, and white stripes ($50) at Christopher Schafer Clothier

Orange Crush
Drake’s London hand-made orange bow tie with blue dots ($150) at Samuel Parker Clothier

Puppy Love
Christopher Schafer silver bow tie with dog pattern ($50) at Christopher Schafer Clothier

Since December, Sharp Dressed Man has fitted over 600 men and are on track to outfit 1,500 men in suits in 2016 alone. All suits are donated and fittings are done completely free of cost, with up to 35 men being dressed a week.

Similar to the many men that they dress, Sharp Dressed Man will not let misfortune deter them.

“So many people in this city have rallied around our mission—giving men the gift of confidence and a shot at a better life,” says executive director Jenny Kessler Klump. “We are determined to make 2016 our best year yet.”

In an unrelated fire in nearby Abell, free book haven The Book Thing also suffered incredible damage after a blaze broke out early this morning. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Owner Russel Wattenberg has asked those planning to donate books to hold off for now until there is space to store them. A GoFundMe page has been set up for monetary donations.

Trends: As they continue to take more fashion risks in their everyday wardrobe, men are starting to factor in seasonal trends when considering what to buy.

“Instead of the traditional flat pockets, we are seeing [coats and blazers] with rounded patch pockets,” says Craig Martin of The QG. “Men are starting to pop in color now, and color is huge. We are seeing dark greens and rusts as the color palette for fall.”

The trend gap is closing between Baltimore and larger cities thanks to these non-traditional takes on classic menswear.

Fabric: A variety of fabrics also are making a resurgence in menswear. Suede, brushed twill, chunky cashmere, and tweed are sure to be popular in the coming months. Mixing materials and patterns not only adds interest to your outfit, but also texture.

Fit: An essential part of any ensemble is fit. Having your clothing tailored to fit can make all the difference in how confident you feel. The smallest touches—like taking in the sides of a jacket or shortening the sleeves—can go a long way.

“A big part that a lot of people miss out on is the sleeve lengths being incorrect,” says Seth Schafer of Christopher Schafer Clothier. “If you are in between sizes, which is very common, it is very rare for you to be able to walk into a department store and buy a well-fitting suit.”

Of course, the clothier says the best guarantee of a good fit is a bespoke suit. “But just getting stuff altered allows you to find a piece that maybe you didn’t spend a lot of money on, but [will] look really sharp,” he says.

Fashion trends are constantly evolving, but they’re also greatly inspired by the past. We take a look back at some classic style icons to reinvent their effortless looks with items from a few of our favorite local stores.

>> Icon: Blondie
Album: Eat to the Beat ($6.65) at El Suprimo Records.

Have we ever really gotten over the power of a good leather jacket, sunglasses, and a red lip? Blondie’s eternally cool style was ahead of its time and is still very relevant in today’s fashion scene. Time to invest in these edgy essentials, because no closet is complete without them. Blank NYC Private Practice jacket ($98) at Brightside Boutique. Kitti sunglasses ($40) at Blushing Gypsy.

<< Icon: Jimi Hendrix
Album: Miami Pop Festival ($19.99) at The Sound Garden.

It’s been a while since the days of psychedelic prints and Western hats, but this fall, they’re having another fashion moment. Nearly 45 years after his untimely death, Jimi Hendrix’s eclectic style of scarves, pattern mixing, and a few undone buttons is back and better than ever. Walnut 2204 Weekender hat ($229) at Hats in the Belfry. Purple silk paisley pocket square ($50) at Christopher Schafer Clothier.

<< Icon: The Beatles
Album: Beatles for Sale ($17.99) at The Sound Garden.

As classic as they come, The Beatles donned their clean-cut look in perfectly tailored suits and so-called Beatles boots throughout the 1960s. Today, we are still loving trim suits, crisp button-downs, and skinny ties. Frank Leonard white button-down ($155) at Samuel Parker Clothier. Lifetime Alex tie ($32) at Hunting Ground.