Posts filed under 'Men'
J Crew’s seasonal lookbooks are filled to the brim with fantastic (if not over the top) examples of layering.
Proper layering is absolutely foundational to a man’s style. Whether you live in snowy Boston or sunny Miami, whether it’s the peak of summer or the valley of winter, the principles of layering will help you craft the right look for whatever your day brings you. Presenting our five golden rules for layering:
Rule 1: Keep the First Layer Slim
Let’s face it: layering can be bulky. But it doesn’t have to look that way. How do you add layers without adding bulk? Keep the first layer slim - in terms of both material and fit. Your base layer should consist of thin fabrics that fit somewhat snugly; that way, other layers can fit on top without creating layers of bulk.
Rule 2: Mix Up the Length of Your Layers
When you’re layering, each piece on each layer has a purpose. And for the most part, you want the layers to be visible, as this creates a more visually interesting look. How do you make sure that each layer is visible? Vary the length of each layer, so that each layer can be seen. For example, if you have a tee shirt, a button-down shirt, and a sweater, let the tails of the button-down be seen from underneath the sweater. And let the tee peek out from under the button-down.
Rule 3: Play with Textures
Women can play with silhouette when layering, but for men, the best bet is to play with texture. Especially when creating monochromatic or duochromatic looks, a little texture goes a long way. Pair a chunky knit with a smooth jersey - or a cozy thin knit sweater with a rough corduroy pant. A little fabric juxtaposition can really make your look.
Rule 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Color
Even if your wardrobe is dominated by blues, greys, and blacks, you don’t have to limit yourself to these colors. And the easiest, least risky way to add color to your wardrobe is through layering. You don’t have to gamble nearly as much on that blood orange sweater when it’s an ensemble player in your look instead of the star. We love it when a bit of color peeks out from under a jacket lapel - or sweater - or even from between your pant leg and shoe with an arresting pair of socks.
Rule 5: Add an Element of Surprise
No great look is complete without that je ne sais quoi - that element that makes it uniquely you. Maybe it’s the hint of a purple sweater peeking out from underneath your navy blazer. Maybe it’s a well-placed handkerchief in your jacket pocket. Maybe it’s a motorcycle boot that you paired with your trouser pants. Whatever it is, this element of surprise is what makes your look your own.
Have a great layering tip? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 1st, 2010
Outerwear is the foundation of your winter look, so invest in a great fitting piece that will keep you warm all season. We’re digging this classically styled peacoat for its trim fit and rich navy color - which pairs fantastically with this season’s neutrals. Plus, we haven’t forgotten about Black Friday. Score an extra 25% off with code TURKEY (bringing the price of this coat down to $191.25) through 11/28/2010.
$255 at J Crew.
November 26th, 2010
How do you roughen up the trad preppy look that has dominated menswear for the last few seasons? Add an element with some edge - like these decadently buckled boots. Also available in brown.
$332 at Oak.
November 17th, 2010
Pictured: Wool Cashmere Jersey Mockneck Sweater | $98 at J Crew, The New Crewneck | $16.50 at Gap, Sun Faded Stanton Pants in Urban Slim Fit | $69.50 at J Crew, Green Plaid Woven Scarf | $24 at Topman, and Mister Man Oxfords | $255 at Kenneth Cole.
Just because the sky is grey doesn’t mean that your entire outfit need be as well. Add a bit of color to your look to make the day look just a little bit brighter. Here’s how to get the look of color on a cloudy day:
1. This look is built on a foundation of color: a rich purple tee and a pair of greyed blue trouser pants.
2. Upon this foundation, we added the requisite neutrals - a heathered grey pullover sweater and a plaid scarf (for visual texture).
3. Finishing off the look is a pair of creamy brown oxfords, the perfect offset to the greyed blue of the trouser pants.
How would you wear color? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 9th, 2010
Even if you’ve already picked up your army boots for Fall, you’ll still want to take a look at these hardcore high top sneakers. Ruggedly outdoorsy, they’re still sleek enough for an urban lifestyle.
$120 at Need Supply.
November 2nd, 2010
There’s something that we love about marled sweaters - they’re fantastically textured and weighty in style, making them an attractive counterpart to both trouser pants and jeans. Pair this marled lambswool sweater with jeans and desert boots for a wonderfully textured look that’s equal parts urban and rugged.
$64.50 at J Crew.
October 27th, 2010
Boot up for the season with these deliciously militant combat boots. We’re digging how the strap detailing brilliantly echoes the lacing on the shoe.
$318 at Oak NYC.
October 20th, 2010
Over the last few years, the shawl collar cardigan (aka the grandpa cardigan) has become a cold weather men’s wardrobe staple. The marled shawl collar cardigan evokes memories of your grandpa’s favorite oversized sweater - the one he always wore to family dinner. Today’s grandpa cardigans are similarly cozy, but they’re cut closer to the body for a more form fitting shape. We love pairing the knobby, textured cardigan with other distinctive textures - a rough denim or a velvety corduroy would do the trick. Finish off the outfit with a rough and ready boot for a look that’s casually rugged.
Here’s how to get the look:
Alpaca Shawl Collar Cardigan | $118 at J Crew
Steven Alan for Dockers Collegiate Collar Shirt | $148 at Steven Alan
Steven Alan for Dockers Modern 5 Pocket | $128 at Steven Alan
Quoddy Grizzly Boot | $395 at Need Supply
How would you wear the shawl collar cardigan? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 13th, 2010
Gear up to take on Fall with a military-inspired rugged wool jacket. We’re digging the epaulets on the shoulders - and the button detailing on the collar.
$105 at Need Supply.
October 5th, 2010
In this fine month of September (though in all fairness, we’re a hair away from October), we doubled down on key pieces for Fall - particularly in outerwear. We found the perfect layering parka, the All-American bomber jacket, the military inspired but not militant field jacket. Filling out the rest of your Fall wardrobe, we have a fair isle cardigan (perfect for layering over your chambray shirts), a beautiful brown pair of cords, and the key boot for fall - the brogue boot. Here’s what you need to add to your wardrobe this month and beyond:
1. Fall Cord Martin Pants | $168 at Steven Alan
2. Levi’s College Bomber Jacket | $202.20 at ASOS
3. Salt Valley Chambray Roll Up Shirt | $48 at Urban Outfitters
4. Fine Lambswool Fair Isle Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
5. British Millerain Oilcloth Field Jacket | $198 at J Crew
6. Kai-Aakmann Black Lined Hooded Parka | $428 at Oak
7. Leather Brogue Boot | $109.53 at ASOS
What will you be wearing this month? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 29th, 2010
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