1. Brisk Corporate Morning
This has been one of the mildest winters I can remember. When heading to a business meeting, in February, I can use a hoody under my suit jacket rather than a bulky overcoat.
The hoody has to be slim through the body and sleeves, you might want to consider sizing down.
A full-zip hoody is ideal because you can zip it down to create a v-neck shape similar to that of a cardigan.
A double zip is even better since you can open the bottom as well – creating a silhouette even more like a cardigan (on which you shouldn’t be fastening the bottom button – the same rule that applies to a tailored jacket).
THE POWER OF SHOES…
This is a new feature we might start including once in a while in posts.
You’ve heard it a million times. “The shoes make the man”. “A women notices a mans shoes first”. Etc.
All cliches aside, your selection of footwear really can make or break (or complete change the feel of) an outfit.
For the three outfits in this post, I styled them with two different shoes, giving two quick variations on the same look.
The first look above – with the wingtips – is something I would wear to the office (you can always take the hoody off when you get there).
The second look – with the sneakers – is something I would wear to an event, or a show, or a nice restaurant. Or, on my commute to work since I always leave a pair of dress shoes at the office/studio.
Suit and shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke (my first custom suit, 4+ years old). Hoody by Theory (S). Knit tie by Polo Ralph Lauren (purchased at a “vintage” store). Wingtips (first look) by Florsheim. Sneakers by Vans. Watch by Montblanc. Grosgrain watchstrap by Corvus. 2. Wearing a Suit Just Because You Want to Wear a Suit
I hear it from guys all the time: “I want to wear suits and tailored pieces more often, but I never have occasions to wear them.”
Here’s an easy solution: you don’t need an “occasion”, just wear your suit.
It’s a fact, men look good in suits. Girls like it. Your parents like it. And most importantly, YOU like it.
The best part is, it’s easy. The jacket matches the pants…75% of your outfit is already put together.
There are plenty of “laidback” suits on the market now – from Uniqlo to Michael Bastian. Soft shoulders, partial lining, textured fabric, slim leg, etc. These are the easiest to wear casually – with sneakers, for example.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t dress-down a sharp suit. This charcoal grey peak lapel number sometimes serves as my “semi formal” suit (as featured HERE).
As always, fit is critical.
THE POWER OF SHOES…
Loafers (and glasses) can make the look a little more mature and serious.
I love these glasses with the removable shaded lenses – saves you from having to carry two pairs…and gaining you some definite style points.
Suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke. T-shirt by Alexander Wang (size M). Hoody by Theory (size S). Sneakers (first look) by Nike (Blazers). Loafers (second look) by Scarpe di Bianco. Glasses with removable shaded lenses by Garrett Leight. 3. Kicking it On the Weekend
The right blazer can sharpen a very casual look and take it up a level. This is just a simple casual look – hoody, jeans, boots – with my “perfect blue blazer” over it.
More news on the Read-to-Wear collaboration with MAB coming soon in the upcoming video episode.
Sometimes going without a pocket square is more natural. When it’s a really laid back look, you don’t need to add a fussy accessory like a pocket square.
THE POWER OF SHOES…
Another question I get often: “You seem to “dress up” alot. What do you wear if you’re just hanging around the house, or running to the grocery store”.
Here is an example. Just jeans and sneakers. And perhaps I’ll throw on a tailored blazer when I step outside.
The Detroit D reminds me of my hometown – just across the border.
My favorite Jordan. Been wearing these since the 9th grade. I always keep a pair, and always will.
Blue blazer by MAB by Dan Trepanier. Navy hoody by Club Monaco (M). Jeans by Polo Ralph Lauren. Shades by Persol. Wingtips boots (first look) by Paul Smith. Sneakers (second look) Air Jordan III. New Era fitted cap. Watch by Montblanc. Here are some other Hoody + Jacket looks I’ve featured on the site over the past year:
From post: One Week in my Grey Flannel DB
From Post: The Go Anywhere Outfit – Suits + Sneakers
From Post: Hoody Layeringsursa:thestyleblogger.com
