W e're keeping things going with part 2 of my favorite looks from New York Fashion Week in menswear. If you've missed part 1, head o...
The different stages in our style throughout life is defined by certain trends we tend to fall into. Recently, you've seen me share a couple of "casual" kicks for outfits. I want you to know the 'game' has changed. It definitely has to do with the time changing, us getting older. Back in the day, we used to go ape-crazy over the newest basketball shoes; we had no problem forking over $150 for a pair. From Air Jordans to Iverson's 'Question's and 'Answer's, that's all we would drool over (if you were States side). Nowadays, you see more and more men out there sporting sneakers with their suits. I'm not one of those men, I'm more of a traditionalist and will always stick to lace-ups and loafers. In fact, I recommend you gentleman take the traditional path of dressing up.
Sneakers should, in my opinion, always stick around the casual nature of an occasion. It is what it is, right? Either you are on the court playing ball or just hanging out with your friends on the weekend, you are supposed to feel relaxed, go for that very casual look. Now, I'm not saying the men who choose to wear sneakers with suits are bad looking because some of them do know how to pull it off. In contemporary style, the blazers and trousers are cut and designed to make it appropriate enough to wear sneakers with. I'm not just talking about basketball shoes, I'm talking about any other classics in the past we still cherish; like the Converse Chuck Taylors that were actually used as basketball shoes back in the day. I still have my classic pairs from over a decade, still in fantastic condition. Low-tops or high-tops, they will never go out of fashion. The trick here with more 'upscale' clothing is to find a balance.
You should take a look at what I have already posted in the past couple of posts on GS, like the simple Vans. These are classic looks for the modern day casual dressing. Most of you are well into your 20s or in your late 20s, sliding into your 30s. So what? Well, you have an obligation to look your age, that doesn't mean you have to look like an old man. It simply means you have a certain level of sophistication that needs to be retained almost everyday. I'll be real with you, we are no longer in high school gentlemen. If you are still 'sagging' your jeans or trousers (pants)...sigh...I just hope you aren't. Pull your stuff up so no one needs to see your boxers peaking out. In other words, jeans and dress pants are made to fit even if you haven't gone to the tailors to make them. This means, you have plenty to work with when it comes to your feet. This means, there is no sagging. This means your shoes actually get more attention than they used to. This means, the trousers and even jeans are at an appropriate length so your shoes get to shine. The pant cuffs are folded or simply rolled up to complete the casual cool.
Here are some shoes (not just sneakers) you can either purchase straight out or look for something similar in.
Click image captions for more info.
Sneakers should, in my opinion, always stick around the casual nature of an occasion. It is what it is, right? Either you are on the court playing ball or just hanging out with your friends on the weekend, you are supposed to feel relaxed, go for that very casual look. Now, I'm not saying the men who choose to wear sneakers with suits are bad looking because some of them do know how to pull it off. In contemporary style, the blazers and trousers are cut and designed to make it appropriate enough to wear sneakers with. I'm not just talking about basketball shoes, I'm talking about any other classics in the past we still cherish; like the Converse Chuck Taylors that were actually used as basketball shoes back in the day. I still have my classic pairs from over a decade, still in fantastic condition. Low-tops or high-tops, they will never go out of fashion. The trick here with more 'upscale' clothing is to find a balance.
You should take a look at what I have already posted in the past couple of posts on GS, like the simple Vans. These are classic looks for the modern day casual dressing. Most of you are well into your 20s or in your late 20s, sliding into your 30s. So what? Well, you have an obligation to look your age, that doesn't mean you have to look like an old man. It simply means you have a certain level of sophistication that needs to be retained almost everyday. I'll be real with you, we are no longer in high school gentlemen. If you are still 'sagging' your jeans or trousers (pants)...sigh...I just hope you aren't. Pull your stuff up so no one needs to see your boxers peaking out. In other words, jeans and dress pants are made to fit even if you haven't gone to the tailors to make them. This means, you have plenty to work with when it comes to your feet. This means, there is no sagging. This means your shoes actually get more attention than they used to. This means, the trousers and even jeans are at an appropriate length so your shoes get to shine. The pant cuffs are folded or simply rolled up to complete the casual cool.
Here are some shoes (not just sneakers) you can either purchase straight out or look for something similar in.
Click image captions for more info.
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| Sperry Top-Sider x Band of Outsiders - Striped canvas boat shoes |
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| Quoddy Suede boat shoes |
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| Car Shoe suede driving shoes |
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| Car Shoe suede driving shoes |
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| Rivieras denim slip-on (espadrilles) |
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| Castañer - Pablo canvas espadrilles |
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| Pierre Hardy flannel high top sneakers |
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| Converse Jack Purcell cotton-twill sneakers |
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| Sperry Top-Sider authentic original boat shoes |
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| Charles Philip - Shanghai solid suede loafers |
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| Vans - California Era 48 suede sneakers |
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| A.P.C. calfskin suede loafers |
T he different stages in our style throughout life is defined by certain trends we tend to fall into. Recently, you've seen me share a c...
White out! It's the color to sport for us, gentlemen. I know some of you are thinking, that's a bit difficult to do. I mean...it's white. Regardless the outfit, it's going to get dirty really quick. Not necessarily. Gentlemen, you must be wise when it comes to dawning a white outfit. Now, I'm not talking about putting on an all white jump suit or even all white semi-formal suit. It can be any article of clothing but making sure the white is the focus of the look.
Even with an all white suit, it is possible to go through the day without having to really dirty it. The thing is, it's summer. You are supposed to look relaxed, the intention is to actually have a few wrinkles. You have to think about where exactly you will be wearing the given outfit. Think about how likely you are going to expose that white to oncoming attack of dirt. Honestly, it's unavoidable but you can lessen the chances. Remember, wrinkling is alright and make it look like it has been worn in. Sprezzatura, make it look effortless. You also have to consider which other color should compliment the white. Wearing an all white suit with a light blue shirt and a darker shade of blue tie is a winner. I've gathered some in style and currently popular styles of white clothing and accessories (minus dress shirts for obvious reasons) for all of you to incorporate into your own looks. Remember, I'm not telling you to purchase these exact items! Take a look at the designs and or cut of each item so that you can sport something similar within your favored price range! The reason I keep with this constant reminder is that this blog is global. Different regions of the world have different access and paths to certain types of clothing.
Click image captions for more info.
Even with an all white suit, it is possible to go through the day without having to really dirty it. The thing is, it's summer. You are supposed to look relaxed, the intention is to actually have a few wrinkles. You have to think about where exactly you will be wearing the given outfit. Think about how likely you are going to expose that white to oncoming attack of dirt. Honestly, it's unavoidable but you can lessen the chances. Remember, wrinkling is alright and make it look like it has been worn in. Sprezzatura, make it look effortless. You also have to consider which other color should compliment the white. Wearing an all white suit with a light blue shirt and a darker shade of blue tie is a winner. I've gathered some in style and currently popular styles of white clothing and accessories (minus dress shirts for obvious reasons) for all of you to incorporate into your own looks. Remember, I'm not telling you to purchase these exact items! Take a look at the designs and or cut of each item so that you can sport something similar within your favored price range! The reason I keep with this constant reminder is that this blog is global. Different regions of the world have different access and paths to certain types of clothing.
Click image captions for more info.
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| Givenchy - Satin lapel cotton-twill suit |
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| Richard James linen suit |
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| Band of Outsiders cotton and linen-blend jacket |
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| Dolce & Gabbana slim-fit linen blazer |
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| Etro unstructured washed linen blazer |
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| Band of Outsiders lightweight bomber jacket |
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| J Brand Denim - Johnny slim-fit overdyed jeans |
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| AMI slim-fit garment-dyed stretch-cotton jeans |
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| Polo Ralph Lauren contrast collar cotton-pique polo |
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| Orlebar Brown cotton-terry polo |
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| Loro Piana cotton and linen-blend Bermuda shorts |
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| Dolce & Gabbana slim-fit cotton chinos |
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| Loro Piana straight-leg cotton and linen-blend trousers |
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| Gucci striped high-top canvas sneakers |
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| Converse - Jack Purcell cotton-twill boat sneakers |
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| Loro Piana woven waxed cotton belt |
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| Drake's - Jubilee Printed silk pocket square |
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| Drake's - silk pocket square with navy border |
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| Hartford cotton-voile scarf |
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| WANT Les Essentiels De La Vie - Narita zipped iPad case |
W hite out! It's the color to sport for us, gentlemen. I know some of you are thinking, that's a bit difficult to do. I mean...it...
Recently, there was a feature on shirt collars on GQ.com. The recent trend is all about how shorter the collars are now on dress shirts and shirts in general (not including polo shirts). It portrays a little bit more of a professional look, younger and in some cases, from the words of GQ, makes you look richer. But as most of you should know by now, it about the entire look. You have to have all aspects of style in check before you can project the best look possible.
I love skinny ties (slim ties), mainly because it fits my frame; it's according to my shorter stature. It's obviously not just for shorter men but with men who take their fittings seriously. Now, for my rounder gentlemen, I advise you not to wear these skinny ties. It will not be flattering. That doesn't mean you are missing out, you can still look pretty darn good with the wider ties that fit your frame. Don't feel singled out because of the abundance and triumphant return of the skinny tie. The rules are actually still the same. It doesn't matter if it's a skinny tie or a much wider one. Here are some things to consider before you choose a tie for your outfit. Keep in mind the more preferred collars are the shorter in length or small collars. (Click image captions for more info.)
I love skinny ties (slim ties), mainly because it fits my frame; it's according to my shorter stature. It's obviously not just for shorter men but with men who take their fittings seriously. Now, for my rounder gentlemen, I advise you not to wear these skinny ties. It will not be flattering. That doesn't mean you are missing out, you can still look pretty darn good with the wider ties that fit your frame. Don't feel singled out because of the abundance and triumphant return of the skinny tie. The rules are actually still the same. It doesn't matter if it's a skinny tie or a much wider one. Here are some things to consider before you choose a tie for your outfit. Keep in mind the more preferred collars are the shorter in length or small collars. (Click image captions for more info.)
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| GQ.com |
- Know your collars - The most common collars we have are the semi-spread collars. Along with the spread (the very wide space in between), button-down, club collar, and pinned collars, which aren't as common but still used. (in the image top to bottom: club, semi-spread, spread, button-down)
- In the frame - Before putting on a tie, remember that space in between the collar is like a frame for a picture. The space will dictate which proper knot to use for your tie. If you wear a spread collar shirt, the knot has to be wider, doing a half-Windsor will do just fine. But because the short collar is now more in trend it's flexible enough to where a smaller knot can actually make it seem like it fits. Since brands are creating more slim-fitting or tapered styles, it becomes easier for the entire look. In other words, make it as close as possible to a tailored made shirt (which I recommend you do instead, if you can). And always keep in mind the length of your tie should never go passed your belt buckle or the button that fastens your trousers. The perfect length should fall just above the buckle or barely be able to touch the buckle or button.
- The width - This is a very simple fact to keep in mind. Make sure the width of your tie goes no wider than 2 inches. We are talking about skinny/narrower ties here. It doesn't stop there. Your lapel width should also be considered. The lapels on your jacket (considering you might be wearing a suit or just a blazer) should also be narrower. Don't even try to rock a skinny tie with a Tom Ford suit. The tie will drown in those very wide collars and make you look disorganized.
- The basics - We've got down the measurements but now here are rules that, I'm pretty sure, will not change. Never wear a tie that is the same color and or design as your shirt. Not unless you plan on wearing an all black tuxedo or suit to a formal event, don't even think about wearing the same color tie and shirt. Although, it is OK for you to wear a tie that is in a different shade, for example, wearing a sky blue shirt with a navy colored tie. This should be common sense by now, but unfortunately, I have seen a TV personality who has done the same color tie and shirt look on many occasions. I'd love to meet the person who is styling him and just give an awkward stare.
- Behind bars - Tie bars are excellent pieces of accessories. Since there has been an emergence of short collared shirts with an abundance of skinny ties, they have now been producing shorter tie bars for those ties. I have mentioned this rule before about tie bars, it should never be wider than the tie. A tie bar isn't necessary but it definitely adds a bit more sophistication to your look. Personally, it doesn't matter if I have one or not. The idea that there is a tie around my neck is enough to make me think I'm not naked. Yes, you read that correctly. I feel naked when I am wearing a dress shirt without a tie.
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| GQ.com (Tie bars) |
I've put together a few shirt and tie combos to give you an idea on what and how to wear them. To keep things safe, you want to try and go for contrast colors when it comes to matching a tie with a shirt. This can be taken farther by considering the fabric used for the preferred tie. You also have to consider the design on the tie and make sure it doesn't clash with your shirt's design. If you want to keep things really safe, if you are in doubt, just stick with solids. A solid colored shirt with a solid colored tie.
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| Sandro - Casey contrast-placket cotton shirt |
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| Band of Outsiders - Slim strip cotton seersucker tie |
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| Canali - button-down collar striped cotton shirt |
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| The Hill-Side - slim Chambray selvedge tie |
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| Ralph Lauren Black Label - Bond cotton shirt |
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| Dolce & Gabbana slim dotted silk tie |
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| Paul Smith London - Gingham shirt |
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| Alexander Olch cotton Chambray tie |
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| Richard James contrast-collar cotton shirt |
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| Thomas Pink - Chief Gingham check skinny tie |
R ecently, there was a feature on shirt collars on GQ.com. The recent trend is all about how shorter the collars are now on dress shirts and...
