Ballinger, an Old Orchard resident, has "prepster" written all over him — and we mean that in the best way possible. The senior lecturer in music drew our attention simply for being the snappiest-looking man in the room.
What were the trends when you were coming of age?
You weren't allowed to wear jeans. It was always the way it was.
How has your style evolved since then?
There were a couple of my friends' dads — because I didn't have a dad in my house — that I really took note of because I thought they looked great. It was very much that the clothes reflected the whole of their substance and they were really people of substance. Both of the men were executives at O-I [Owens Illinois], but I was more impressed with what they would wear on their own time rather than the suit and tie stuff.
What's your best style advice?
Find what you like.
What's your one pivotal style item?
Cashmere sweaters.
When did you adopt the round glasses?
It was right after Dominick Dunne died, and I thought man, I really like those glasses. I went to the optical shop. This was as close as they got.
How would you describe your personal style and is it conscious?
It's probably just something that's evolved over time. It's pretty much just classic. And I don't think about it too much. Maybe one of the only things I've been excessive with, probably because I don't have any kids or pets, is cashmere. I've really invested in cashmere sweaters.
It's one of the most luxurious fabrics you can buy.
And it lasts forever! I still have a sweater I bought from Jacobsen's, and that's been closed forever. I worked with a gentlemen once who said a man could get by with a really good belt and a really good pair of shoes. And I bought a good belt right after that. [Laughs]
What's a trend you think people will live to regret?
Caps. They wear them everywhere. Completely out of hand, inappropriate and often rude.
Any places you shop locally?
It's very hard for me because I'm such a small size to find clothes here. I subscribe to Lyric Opera in Chicago, so I go to Chicago four or five times a year. [I have] no kids and no pets [to worry about], so it's straight to Michigan Avenue!
How does being a lecturer on music impact your style?
I've probably brought my look to that rather than getting a look from that.
Do you enjoy dressing formally?
For concerts, you wear tuxes. If you're conducting, you wear tails, if you play in the symphony you wear tails, so it's just pretty much an old-fashioned hierarchy of dressing for the time of day.
Do you get nostalgic, wearing all those fancy suits?
Like for Downton Abbey days? When they didn't have to work for a living, all they did was change their clothes for the next activity? I don't know if I would want to be that bound by it. But, you know, [dressing well] gives a little respect to whatever you're about to do.
What purpose does style have in your life?
I guess it makes me feel good. I think I dress appropriately, and as long as I'm comfortable and I know that I'm not offending anyone, I'm fine.
Any local grooming or style assistance you'd recommend?
The gal who cut my hair for thirty years just retired, so I've started going to the Golden Razor [on Central Ave.].
Socks or no socks?
No socks with sandals. But with suits? I couldn't do that. In fact a friend's son had a bar mitzvah, and wasn't wearing any socks. Of course we lent him a pair of socks that night.
