Posts filed under 'Men'
Be the very essence of summer in a classic pair of boat shoes and a colorful plaid shirt. Effortlessly cool, and super easy to wear. Here’s how to get the look of summer plaid:
1. Start with a plaid shirt. If you’re uncomfortable with patterns, try a simple blue and white plaid. But if you’re looking to make a splash, try a plaid with bright colors–such as this light blue and orange combo.
2. Put on a pair of khaki pants. Bonus points for eschewing the traditional beige for a color like navy or black.
3. Slip on a pair of boat shoes, sans socks, to complete the look.
How would you wear summer plaid? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 3rd, 2009
We asked: Guys, would you carry a Bag?
You said: No to Bags for Men, with a 62% to 38% vote.
Style tip? We know that bags aren’t for all guys, but we do encourage you to give them some consideration. It’s the 21st century–and you have BlackBerries, iPhones, iPods, cell phones, wallets, and keys to carry around. Not to mention any reading material or anything you need for work. And you don’t have to cram all of this into your pockets if you carry a bag. For casual occasions, we’d recommend a messenger bag (a rugged option is shown at left) or a backpack (so long as it’s not the one you carried during your college days). For work, the briefcase is the standard. And for weekends away, try a leather or canvas duffel or carryall.
Next question: Gladiator Sandals are a loud shoewear trend that has managed to keep itself top-of-mind for the last few seasons. They certainly make a statement, but they’re not for everybody. Tell us, would you wear Gladiator Sandals? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Waxwear Great Point Messenger Bag | $128 at J Crew.
June 1st, 2009
Q: During the summer, I basically feel like I’ve got two choices for footwear with shorts: Teva brand flip flops or Chaco brand sandals. I’d like to get something in more of a ’shoe’ that I can wear without socks. What are some stylish "boat-shoes" or alternatives to boat-shoes?
A: You’re in luck - there are a number of warm weather shoe options open to you that aren’t sandals. If you want to step out of the house without socks, we’d recommend four types of shoes: boat shoes, tennis shoes, canvas shoes, and driving moccasins.
The Boat Shoe
Broken In Sperry Top Siders | $98 at J Crew
Sperry makes the classic boat shoe, and their collaboration with J Crew makes these traditional shoes better than ever. Between the distinctive custom dark wood color, the off white soles, and the cotton chambray lining, you won’t find a more unique boat shoe for under $100.
The Tennis Shoe
Springcourt Low Cut Canvas Shoes | $88 at Steven Alan
Springcourt shoes are the original French tennis shoe , but they’re anything but traditional in terms of features. We’re loving the convenient four hole ventilation channels - so your feet can breathe easy.
The Canvas Shoe
Zuriick Jakob Mid Top Canvas Shoes | $98 at Oak
These sleek canvas shoes remind us that casual footwear can be as sophisticated as its more formal cousins–and tons more fun. Love, love, love the ever-so-subtle striping and the bright purple shoe soles. Editor’s Note: Sizing is limited at Oak, since these shoes are selling fast. But they were fantastic enough that we wanted to feature them anyways.
The Driving Moccasin
Millbrook Leather Driving Mocs | $128 at J Crew
We’re digging the rich Italian leather on this driving moccasin. You’ll also enjoy the rubber sole, which gives you extra traction while driving - or just walking around.
Guys, what are your favorite summer shoe picks? Share them with us in the comments!
May 27th, 2009
When it gets warm outside, you don’t have to forego style for comfort. Sure, a pair of shorts doesn’t usually scream style - but worn right, it can provide the foundation for a polished warm weather look. Here’s how to pull off laid-back sophisticated in shorts:
1. Start with a crisp button-down shirt and a pair of knee length shorts. We love the clean look of the white and navy.
2. Layer on a shawl collar cardigan, left unbuttoned.
3. Slip on a pair of leather flip flops. A canvas bag will complete the laid-back look.
How do you pull off laid back sophistication? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 20th, 2009
We’re inspired by the upcoming film 500 Days of Summer (saw it at Sundance, highly recommend it) - and particularly by the creative-yet-wearable work style of the main characters, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Gordon-Levitt’s character has a penchant for the button-down + tie + cardigan combination. It’s a great fashion formula, particularly for guys in creative industries. Here’s how to get the cardigan + tie look:
1. Start with a base of a button-down shirt and a pair of straight leg jeans.
2. Slip on a tie over your button-down shirt. For a more youthful look, try a tie in a narrow width.
3. Add on a cardigan sweater. Bonus points for interesting colors or patterns.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of tailored oxford shoes and a sophisticated messenger bag.
How would you wear a cardigan and a tie? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 13th, 2009
If there ever was an outfit that embodied the concept of insouciance - a messy, imperfect sophistication - it would have to be the blazer + tee combination. It’s a look that can go almost anywhere, from a day in the office to a casual date. Here’s how to get the blazer + tee look:
1. Start with the core of the outfit: a simple t-shirt. For a sophisticated look, try a fitted tee in a solid color, perhaps with an interesting texture. Bonus points for trying a henley (as shown) instead of a regular v-neck or crewneck tee.
2. Pair the t-shirt with jeans, preferably dark denim in a straight cut.
3. Add a well-cut blazer to the mix. The tailoring on the blazer instantly elevates the rest of the outfit.
4. Finish the look off with casual accessories: a pair of John Varvatos sport sneakers and a canvas carryall.
Guys, how would you wear a blazer and tee? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 6th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear The Color Green?
You said: Yes to The Color Green, with a 94% to 6% vote.
Style tip? What better color is there to welcome Spring than the color Green? It’s fresh, clean, and it manages to be cheerful without the overt brightness of yellow, orange, or red. We’re loving Green paired with Brown - or even Grey. The trick is to let the green shine by pairing it with colors that aren’t quite as bright.
Next question: One of the big handbag trends for Spring is the Long Strap Handbag, which you can wear cross-body. But what do you think? Would you wear the Long Strap Handbag? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Striped Crew Neck Sweater | $22.50 (sale) at Old Navy.
May 4th, 2009
Sure, solids are easy to wear, but we love breaking up blocks of solid color with patterns. Our favorite pattern to play with? Thin stripes, which feature a breezy nautical feel while remaining completely polished. Here’s how to add visual texture to an outfit of mostly solids:
1. Start with your basic solids: a lightweight hoodie in crisp white and a pair of grey denim jeans.
2. Add visual texture with a polished horizontal striped tee. Note how the black and white complement the soft white and grey tones in the rest of the outfit.
3. Finish off the look with a neutral colored messenger bag and a pair of retro-inspired sport sneakers. We’re digging the light blue sneakers juxtaposed against the tan of the bag.
How do you wear patterns? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 29th, 2009
Q: White jeans for men seems to be kind of on-trend right now, and I’m just wondering how you suggest wearing them.
A: You’re completely right - white jeans is a fresh look for men, and while white jeans are tough to keep clean, the effort can pay off in spades. Here’s three simple ways to work white jeans into your wardrobe:
Option 1: White Jeans + Pullover Sweater
Go simple by pairing your white jeans with a simple pullover sweater. You can go with deep, vibrant colors like the royal blue shown - or try lighter colors like heather grey or baby blue for a quietly sophisticated look.
Option 2: White Jeans + Bold Polo Shirt
For casual days, you can look instantly pulled together in a striped polo shirt and a crisp white pair of jeans. To polish off the look (but at the same time keeping it casual), add a belt and a pair of tailored sneakers.
Option 3: White Jeans + Collared Shirt + Cardigan Sweater
For effortless elegance, pair your white denim with a well fitted collared button-down shirt - and then layer on a textured sweater. We’re digging the look of a textured shawl collared cardigan against the woven button-down shirt - plus the interplay of the grey, the pinkish red and white stripes, and the white jeans. Finish off the look with a belt and a pair of driving mocs.
Last thoughts? Do be meticulous about keeping your white jeans spotless. Nothing ruins the white jeans look faster than a smudge or a spot.
Have a great tip about how to wear white jeans? Share it with us in the comments!
April 22nd, 2009
The key to mixing and matching patterns is keeping a running theme throughout the patterns in the outfit. This theme can be size (e.g. mixing a small stripe with a small plaid), pattern (e.g. mixing a small check with a big check), or even color (e.g. mixing a green plaid with a green stripe). Here’s an example of how to mix and match different patterns using color as a unifying theme:
1. Start with a pair of neutral colored trousers and a patterned shirt. The fresh blue gingham is a wonderful counterpoint to the more traditional grey trouser pants.
2. Layer on a sweater in a bold striped pattern. Note how even though both the pattern (stripes vs. gingham plaid) and the size of the repeat (large on the striped sweater, small on the gingham shirt) are very different, they still work together. Because the sweater and the shirt feature the color blue, they still work visually as a pair.
3. Finish off the look with a pair of casual shoes, echoing the laid back (but still pulled together) feel of the cardigan and gingham shirt combo.
How do you mix and match patterns? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 15th, 2009
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