Posts filed under 'Men'
We’ve often said that when it comes to style, it’s the little things that really count. And we’re loving that Japan is a country that is fastidious about the small details. Just look at the methodical way Japanese shopgirls package your purchases!
Stylish guys and gals here know that in order to stand out, you need to get the details right, even with the simplest of looks. Case in point: this sharply dressed man outfitted in the standard blazer, tee, and jeans combo.
What makes it work so well? The right fit of the blazer (not too loose), the v-neck tee that hits at the exact right spot (too low, and you end up looking like you’re heading to a club), and of course, the contrast gingham fabric on the cuffs of the jeans. Well done!
November 1st, 2009
What makes Mad Men’s Don Draper always look so sharp? The key to Draper’s style is a well cut suit (then again, his dashing good looks don’t hurt either). But while we can’t all look like Draper, you can dress like him.
Brooks Brothers and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant collaborated on a limited edition suit that sold out in a snap, but you can just look for the following details when you’re shopping for (or custom tailoring) your next suit:
Slim Cut Silhouette: Just say no to shapeless suits. The trim silhouette makes you look slimmer and taller, no matter what your personal architecture.
Medium Gray Sharkskin: If you have only one suit in your wardrobe, make it a gray one. A gray suit goes everywhere, and it works even when a black suit is too somber. That extra sheen is from the sharkskin fabric, a popular material in the 1960s and 1980s.
Diagonal Pockets: The slight diagonal of the pockets adds to the slimming effect of the suit.
Narrow Lapels: Notice the trimmer than usual notched lapels on this jacket.
Side Vents: Instead of a single vent at the center back, this jacket features two side vents–all the better for the fitted silhouette of the suit.
Sleeve Length: The perfect sleeve length for a jacket shows about a half inch of shirt sleeve.
October 20th, 2009
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
Guys, it’s time to beef up your outerwear wardrobe and fill your closet with an assortment of versatile coats and jackets that will take you through fall. What will you need? A mix of casual and tailored styles in neutral, go-with-everything colors. Here’s six versatile jackets (all under $150, and most under $100) that will complete your fall outerwear wardrobe:
The Peacoat
Chino Peacoat | $34.90 at Heritage 1981
The Duffle Coat
Jersey Hooded Duffle | $91.19 at ASOS
The Field Jacket
Field Jacket | $99.50 at American Eagle
The Bomber Jacket
Pinstripe Bomber | $82.07 at ASOS
The Casual Blazer
Charcoal Shawl Collar Blazer | $80 at Topman
The 3/4 Length Coat
Long Length Double Breasted Coat | $127.66 at ASOS
What jackets will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 6th, 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
Guys, it’s time to start embracing Fall Fashion. Key menswear trends include a strong Americana vibe that gives a nod to quirky British style. Think preppy classics with special details - but details that don’t take themselves too seriously. Our sartorial recommendation for the season? Invest in classic pieces that will keep your look sharp not only for Fall 2009, but for Fall 2010 and beyond. Here’s five pieces that you’ll want to have in your wardrobe for seasons to come:
The 3/4 Length Duffle Coat
Gloverall Made in London Duffle Coat | $459.75 at ASOS
How to wear it: Make the bright red color really pop with a pair of dark denim jeans.
The Classic Flannel Shirt
Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $34.99 at Gap
How to wear it: Pair this cozy flannel shirt with gray denim and distressed boots for a look that’s urban meets rugged.
The Bright Layering Tee
Cotton Waffle Knit Crewneck | $40 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: Let a bit of color peek out from under your gray or navy cardigan. Added bonus for you? The extra soft waffle knit fabric.
The Slim Shawl Collar Cardigan
Cable Knit and Sweat Cardigan | $64.37 at ASOS
How to wear it: Wear this shawl collared cardigan over a slim fit shirt. We love the texture of the cable knit pattern, which pairs nicely with other coarse textures like a medium wale corduroy.
The Sporty Quilted Jacket
Quilted Four Pocket Jacket | $200 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: We love how you can take this chic quilted jacket anywhere this Fall. Whether you’re catching a game or strolling downtown, this jacket is a practical, stylish choice. Pair it with a bright scarf for a playful look.
What will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 8th, 2009
What’s the key to men’s style this fall? Masculinity. Think men, not boys - and a decidedly grown up, rugged look. To achieve this masculine look, add a pair of rugged boots to your shoe wardrobe. Wear them with your weekend chinos and jeans for hiking in the woods - or just walks in the park. Here’s our seven picks for rugged boots to invest in:
Timberland Earthkeepers Waterproof Boot | $160 at Nordstrom
Red Wing Classic Lifestyle Shoes | $183.96 (sale) at Zappos
Bed Stu Romel Boot | $185 at Nordstrom
Bed Stu Declaration Boot | $225 at Nordstrom
Bacco Bucci Marchant Boot | $255 at Nordstrom
Red Wing Iron Ranger Shoes | $270 at Zappos
Timberland Counterpane Plain Toe Boot | $375 at Nordstrom
September 1st, 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
We turn to Gap for casual classics - and this season, Gap is really delivering. We’re seeing the key pieces of the season at Gap - and in that sub $100 price range we love so much. Here’s our five favorite picks from Gap’s Fall 2009 collection:
Authentic Fit Jeans in Resin Rinse | $34.50 at Gap
How to wear it? There’s a reason why we love dark denim - it’s so versatile. You can pair these dark jeans with both casual shirts (like your polos and tees) and more formal fare (like your button-down shirts and blazers).
Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it? The key to not looking like a lumberjack is to pair this flannel shirt with fitted, tailored pieces and accessories.
Fitted Chambray Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it? We love the classic chambray button-down paired with sand colored khakis and a belt.
Field Jacket | $98 at Gap
How to wear it? Work with the outdoorsy feel of this jacket and pair it with a rugged, chunky sweater for Fall.
Cord Jacket | $68 at Gap
How to wear it? Play with color - pair your cord jacket with a brightly colored sweater. Let the color peek out by wearing the jacket open.
Thoughts on Gap’s Fall 2009 collection? Have a favorite that we missed? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 19th, 2009
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