It was no surprise to learn that Patrick Graham, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Urban League for Central Carolinas, was voted best dressed in high school.

If you catch him during working hours or at an event, more than likely he'll be in a well-tailored suit and a bowtie, but on the day of our photo shoot he was dressed casually. We went to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, his favorite place to meditate and run (He hits the pavement at 5:30 a.m. daily).

 He wore a pair of jeans, a safari style shirt, and sandals. His favorite accessory that day was his one-year-old boxer, “B-Rock,” who is named after Barack Obama



His philosophy about clothing isn't just about looking good: "If you feel well, you look better." And that, he says, has everything to do with taking care of your health and wellbeing.

"Working out is the best way for me to start the day,” says Graham, 39. “If I don't do it, I don't feel as spiritually and mentally prepared for the day."

Graham said people are sometimes thrown off when they see him in the community dressed casually, but he enjoys dressing down and sporting his Chucks.

Here now are his Style Essentials.

Q. Describe your personal style?
My style is fun, rugged and effortless. During business hours I like to experiment with color, but not in a wild way. However, I like to completely transform during casual times. I like the outdoors, and my clothes reflect that attitude. Overall, I am still into that classic American and masculine style that should not take too much effort. I believe you can tell when people try too hard, and it’s unattractive. I am also cautious with clothes I feel are too trendy.

Q. Your style is inspired by?
My inspiration is a combination of American white- and blue-collar workers. Growing up in a segregated neighborhood of Long Island, N.Y., I saw black men in suits and others in jeans on their way to work. Most of them had a masculine style of dignity and pride. I believe both groups influenced my business attire and casual styles.

Q. Where do you shop?
I shop at some traditional places, such as Nordstrom, J-Crew, Fossil, etc. However, I really like to shop in local places where the garments are unique. For example, I picked up a denim shirt from a local boutique in New Orleans, and so many people asked me, "Where did you get that shirt?" You will be amazed at what you will fine in local stores.

Q. You're favorite designers are?
I like a lot of the casual lines in Ralph Lauren and J-Crew. Many of them still have a rugged American style that I like, and they have a more tailored look. I am also a fan of Hugo Boss suits and shirts on the European end.

Q. You look your best in...?
A wash-and-wear shirt and jeans. I am also partial to a tailored white shirt. You can never go wrong.

Q. What's your favorite color, and why?
I like earth-tone greens. I especially like that color in shirts, because they usually have some functional appeal.

Q. Every well-dressed man should own...?
Every well-dressed man should own a functional blazer. It is good with jeans or the office. You never know when you will need to step up your look, and a good blazer can do it for you quickly.

Q. What's your favorite accessory?
Most people know me for a bowtie, but my favorite accessory is the pocket square. Even when I choose not to wear a tie, the pocket square still adds that simple flair. I wear one in my blazer even if I have jeans on.

Q. I never leave home without my...?
I never leave home without my toiletry bag. You never know when you need that freshen-up moment (laugh).

Q. Jewelry or no jewelry?
Jewelry is fine as long as it's not the highlight of your outfit. I think there are strong, understated pieces out there that add style without being overstated. For example, on casual days my favorite piece is a leather and stainless steel bracelet I got from the countryside in Mexico. It has a worn look but still has an understated attitude that I like.

Q. What item in your wardrobe can't you live without?
I can't live without by distressed Ben Sherman loafers. You can slide into them and go. The more beat-up they get the better.

Q. I wouldn't be caught wearing...?
White shoes! White shoes are not for me. The only things on my feet that are white are my Chucks (Converse).

Q. What's your latest splurge?
I rarely shop there, but J.O. Banks had a buy-one-suit, get-another-suit-and-a-blazer-for-free sale. Who could pass that one up?

Q. What's your favorite cologne?
Hanae Mori.

Q. What grooming products do you use?
I use Nivea skin products for my face and body. I use Schick Titanium razors for shaving my face and head (I keep it skin-tight bald, baby). I use Vaseline lotion products for all other areas (smile).

Q. People would be surprise to know...?
I get dressed in under 25 minutes. My shower takes longer than my actual dressing up. You should get a regiment that works for you but does not work you too hard and take up too much time.

Q. What style rules do you live by?
Men's clothes are meant to fit, not hang off or cling tight. It does not matter if you buy off the rack, make sure it's tailored to fit you.

Q. Style advice to others?
Do not try too hard. It is always obvious, and more than likely you will appear uncomfortable, and people will see it. Buying off the rack is not a crime, but looking like you do is. Get your clothes tailored. There are plenty of reasonable tailors out there who will make you look like you paid more than you did. For example, I was away on a trip and my luggage was delayed at the airport. I stopped by the Gap and picked up a safari shirt for $20 on sale and found a 24-hour tailor. When I picked up the shirt and tried it on, another customer said, "That's a nice shirt. Did you pick it up from the Ralph Lauren shop?" Get my point?

Q. If I weren't president of the Urban League I'd be...?
A college professor. I'd teach African American history.

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