Posts filed under 'Ready Made Outfits'
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
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
Pictured: Chambray Shirt | $49.50 at Gap, Polka Dot Print Tie | $59.50 at J Press, Essential Chino in Regular Fit | $59.50 at J Crew, and Millbrook Leather Driving Mocs | $128 at J Crew.
Denim may have its roots in workmen’s clothing, but it’s irrepressible spirit has allowed it to transcend bounds of class and occasion. So in a season defined by a love affair with all things denim, it’s not surprising to see denim chambray shirts waltzing their way into the business casual workplace - and not just in creative industries. Here’s how to make the chambray shirt work for the office:
1. Start with a well-fitted chambray shirt. For the office, a slim fit cut works best; less fitted shirts are better left for the weekend.
2. Add a pair of flat front khakis, keeping the chambray shirt tucked in (and belted).
3. Finish off the look with key accessories - a tie in a complementary color (we love the look of navy and white polka dots) and a pair of rich brown driving shoes, whose hue harmonizes with the blues and sand colors in the look. You can switch out the driving shoes for brogues as well.
How would you wear a chambray shirt to work? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 31st, 2010
With this season’s focus on all things denim, it’s a smart investment to pick up a versatile denim jacket to carry you through the rest of summer and into fall. But what do you wear with this denim jacket? Denim on denim, while do-able, can be a tough look to pull off. (The secret to getting this look right, btw, is to vary the texture and the color of the pieces - your jeans and your jean jacket should not look like a suit.) Our favorite denim jacket pairing juxtaposes this rugged piece against a pair of smart looking khaki trouser pants. One part buttoned up, one part rough and tumble, this look is a perfect blend of casual sophistication. Finish off the look with a perfectly plaid shirt and a pair of stylish sneakers.
Here’s what you need to get the denim and khaki look:
Grey Denim Western Jacket | $80 at Topman
Secret Wash Button Down Shirt in Everett Tartan | $59.50 at J Crew
Save Khaki Lightweight Trouser | $100 at Ron Herman
Lacoste L27 Cotton Pique Plimsolls | $75.83 at ASOS
How will you wear a denim jacket? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 11th, 2010
Pictured: Original Shorts | $36.50 at Gap, The Deep V-Neck Tee | $16.50 at Gap, Heathered Waffle Cardigan | $79.50 at J Crew, and Sperry Grey Washed Canvas Boat Shoe | $75 at Urban Outfitters.
When it’s warm out, your smart choice is to wear shorts. But you don’t have to sacrifice style to wear your casual shorts. The key to looking smart in your shorts is twofold: (1) Choose flat front, slim fit shorts in lieu of baggier, cargo-style versions. (2) Add at least one item with great detailing - such as a tailored shirt or an elegant slim fit cardigan. Here’s how to look smart in your summer shorts:
1. Start with a pair of plain, flat front shorts. We chose a nice neutral color to juxtapose against a colorful shirt.
2. Add a v-neck tee to the shorts, taking note that the v of the shirt will expose a tad more chest than a crewneck. That the bright blue of the shirt pairs beautifully with the sand colored shorts is an added bonus.
3. When it gets cool out (or when you’re headed into an environment with heavy AC), toss on a lightweight cardigan, slim fit so it doesn’t read "grandpa."
4. Finish off the look with a pair of boat shoes, sans socks.
How would you wear summer shorts? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 29th, 2010
Trading in your long sleeved shirts for short sleeve ones doesn’t mean that you have to hand in your pulled together look. Short sleeves definitely read as casual, but you can spiff up the right short sleeved shirt by pairing it with a few key elements. To keep the look modern and clean, we paired a madras plaid short sleeved shirt with a pair of lightweight flat front khaki trousers from Save Khaki, belted with a textured belt. We finished off the outfit with a pair of leather sneakers (a sporty touch) and a dandy-ish trilby hat.
Here’s what you need to create the look yourself:
Red Madras Plaid Shirt | $39.50 at Gap
Save Khaki Lightweight Trouser | $100 at Ron Herman
Tan Vintage Leather Belt | $36 at Topman
3 Colour Straw Trilby Hat | $40 at Topman
T56 Leather Perf Sneaker | $80 at Tretorn
How would you wear your short sleeved shirt? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 5th, 2010
It may not be ski season just yet, but it’s not too early to pull out your puffer jacket to wear with your city clothes. The keys to wearing your puffer jacket in style while you’re out and about are twofold: (1) Pair your sporty puffer jacket with fitted, tailored pieces (though not a suit - the two really don’t mix), and (2) Make sure your puffer is the longest jacket you’re wearing; you don’t want any other overcoats peeking out from underneath. Here’s how to look polished in a puffer jacket:
1. Start with a polished base: a dress shirt in a bold pattern or color and a pair of crisp dark rinse straight leg jeans. We love the purple gingham shirt, as it’s bold without being too loud.
2. Layer on a tailored blazer upon the polished base. Look for one that’s slim fitting, as you don’t want too much bulk.
3. Pull on your puffer jacket. We love the bold blue color of this jacket, especially how it contrasts with the purple gingham. Let the blazer and the dress shirt be seen from under the puffer.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of casual boots and a simple belt. (Yes, you’ll want to tuck in your dress shirt.)
How would you wear a puffer jacket? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 14th, 2009
Fall is here, and it’s time to break out your flannel plaid shirts. But how do you wear them without looking like a lumberjack? The key is fit. Big, blousy flannel plaid shirts scream "timber!" But if you choose a flannel plaid in a slim cut style, you can turn a potentially woodsy look into something more urban. Here’s how to wear flannel plaid without looking like a lumberjack:
1. Start with your flannel plaid shirt and a pair of casual pants. We like the mix of textures when you combine worn in cords with your flannel plaid.
2. When it gets cold, layer on a hoodie. We love the contrast trims on this casual sweatshirt. Style tip? Leave the hoodie’s top two buttons unbuttoned so that the flannel plaid will shine through.
3. Finish the look off with a casual boot. The leather and tweed really add to the textures in the look.
How would you wear flannel plaid without looking like a lumberjack? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 30th, 2009
Q: I noticed [cargo pants] are making somewhat of a comeback, especially simpler and better fitted (read, slimmer) versions. J. Crew has a couple out this fall that I bought and am in love with. Rugged, military, and go with a lot of stuff.
A: Cargo pants are indeed making a comeback, what with the military-inspired trends we’re seeing for men this Fall. The good news? The more fitted versions of cargo pants that you’re seeing today are a far cry from the oversized, stuff-your-pockets versions that were popularized in the 1990s. What we love about cargo pants is that they’re a great substitute for khaki pants and the dark-rinse jeans you have in heavy rotation. And they do work with a wide variety of looks. Here’s three looks that show you how to wear cargo pants:
Look 1: Shawl Collar Cardigan + Collared Shirt + Skinny Tie + Cargo Pants + Boots
Why does this outfit work? We love the mix of casual and formal, tailored and relaxed. The shawl collar cardigan acts as a casual version of the blazer - and takes the edge off of the collared shirt and tie combo. The rugged boots, which feel at home with the cargo pants, finish off the look with a casual flourish.
Look 2: Bright Polo + Cargo Pants + Casual Belt + Sneakers
Why does this outfit work? The masculine cargo pant gets a shot of fresh air with a bright yellow polo. The unexpected shot of color breathes new life into the look - and we love the mustardy yellow paired with a neutral khaki. The casual look is belted with a canvas belt and finished off with a pair of stylish sneakers.
Look 3: Henley + Cargo Pants + Casual Belt + Boots
Why does this outfit work? The fitted henley exemplifies casual elegance, and it adds an air of relaxed sophistication to the otherwise rugged look. Tuck the henley into the cargo pants and complete the look with a casual canvas belt. Rugged military-inspired boots help keep the look grounded as well.
Last thoughts about how to wear cargo pants?
(1) Cargo pants are weekend-only pants. They’re a substitute for khakis and jeans, but unless your office is pretty casual, save them for the weekend.
(2) Because cargo pants have a rugged, military vibe to them, pair them with the appropriate style of shoe: boots or sneakers. No fancy oxfords or loafers.
(3) Please, please, please don’t stuff your pockets with extraneous items. A slim-fit wallet, yes. But if your pockets are bulging, that’s too much. Just because cargo pants feature extra pockets doesn’t mean that they’re meant to be functional.
Have a great tip about how to wear cargo pants? Share it with us in the comments!
September 23rd, 2009
Go back to school (or suit up for the weekend) in a classic menswear fashion formula: the button-down shirt, jeans, and a cardigan. The twist? The stripe detailing on the fabric belt that echoes that on the cardigan sweater sleeve. Here’s how to get the grown up collegiate look:
1. Start with a pair of straight leg dark rinse jeans, paired with a brightly colored button-down shirt. The light blue shirt toes the line between conservative and daring.
2. Belt your jeans - we love the playful stripe detailing on this Fred Perry belt.
3. Slip on a slim-fitting cardigan sweater. The fit is the key here - too loose, and you run the risk of looking like grandpa. Note how the stripe on the sweater sleeve recalls the stripe on the casual belt.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of rugged, lace-up boots. The outdoorsy boots works with the casual belt, plus the rich brown color pairs beautifully with the bright blue shirt.
How would you get the grown up collegiate look? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 26th, 2009
Previous Posts
