Anthony C. Dickens is known as the "suspender man" in the state Labor Licensing and Regulation office where he works as an unemployment insurance claims examiner. Dickens, who lives in west Baltimore with two Rottweilers, wears suspenders to work every day except casual Fridays.

But custom-made suspenders (also called braces) are not the only fine touch that distinguishes Dickens' attire. From penny loafers to wide-cut plaid wool pants to cuff links, Dickens is a vision among the cubicles of his state office building.

But when Dickens, 37, wears his other hat as a sign language interpreter at his job and at Mt. Zion AME Church, he is all simplicity and neutrals, so as not to distract from his busy hands. For signing assignments, he says: "My favorite is always my blue pinstripe, with a solid tie or bow tie."

Talk about those braces.

All my braces are handmade by a Baltimore man named Abdullah Jasime. I just call him and tell him what I want, and he has them ready in about three weeks. He makes them in a leather or a crocodile. My favorite are the ostrich braces.

Which comes first, braces or shoes?

The shoes come first. It's kind of hard to work around braces unless you have someone to make you a pair of shoes and you show them the leather.

Talk about your pants.

I look for pants that are thick wool at army surplus stores, like German military pants. I'm totally different than the average person; I go beyond the call of duty to look for a pair of pants. It may take me a week. I'll get the pants first, and work all around that with the shoes and everything else.

What kinds of shoes go with plaid wool and military pants?

I love the three-quarter boots. They give you that military look. Or if I want to be very neat, I'll wear a penny loafer or loafers with a tassel.

What is a compliment for you?

People will ask, "Where did you get those pants?" That's what we all reach for.

What can you wear to work with plaid pants?

A nice solid jacket.

How do shirts fit into this look?

I'm really fussy with my shirts. I will go and get the material, and Abdullah makes all my button-down shirts, with the little cloth tie bar. With the leftover material, he might make a matching bow tie, or a pocket handkerchief.

Who is your original fashion inspiration?

It started with my father. I was playing around with his cuff links at a very young age. He said you should always dress to impress yourself. If you've got it going on the outside, more than likely, you've got it going on the inside. And for African Americans, dressing well was a stepping stone. It got you into places where some folks might have otherwise been shunned or the doors might have been closed.

Do your dogs mess up your clothes?

I know how to separate them from my clothes. And, they can't come upstairs.

Do you know any snappy dressers? Let us know. Write to Stephanie Shapiro, The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore 21278.

Pub Date: 3/18/99