Mar
3
2010
I’ve finally taken the plunge and purchased my first (and second) cardigan. Sort of an odd thing to celebrate, but, hear me out. I know I’m not exactly blazing a style trail here, but I can’t believe it took me so long to pull the trigger.
With the new modern fit of cardigans, it has definitely jumped into cool territory from old-man-sweater region, provided you wear it correctly.
The key to pulling off the look, as with all tops, is proportion and keeping it slim. This is especially important for the cardigan, because if it doesn’t have a modern fit you’ll really look like a square. Make sure it’s lightweight, and slim fitting. The nature of the sweater (just meant for cooler weather) means you really should just have one button down/tshirt underneath it, so you don’t need a lot of give in the fit.
Since, this is more of a hip clothing item (weird, huh?), it’s especially important that the rest of your outfit is suitably modern. Otherwise you’ll look like you only have enough style to pay attention to the one piece. I wrote about this for the sportcoat and jeans post.
What’s Awesome About It
The look is very geek chic, which may or may not appeal to you, but based on anecdotal evidence girls totally dig the look. Just don’t forget the “chic” aspect.
Also, the look is killer, because it isn’t too stylistically advanced, but you’ll still immediately step out from the crowd.
How To Wear It
Wear it as you would a modern sportcoat. Over a patterned button down, tshirt, or throw on a tie with it. Just keep everything modern. Slim jeans, tie, and shirt.
You don’t have to button it all the time, since it looks equally cool unbuttoned. If you do button, remember as with a vest, do not button the last button.
Options
Keep the colors neutral. You don’t need to make a statement with the color.
____
Not a bad price for a cashmere blend.
Keep the cardigan simple.
I promise, if you wear it with the right top, you won’t look this hipster.
Nov
10
2009
A button down under a sweater is one of my favorite looks for fall. Done right, it looks clean and put together, yet not overly preppy. The layering allows you to combine different colors, textures, and patterns to put together a very unique outfit.
The key is of course in the individual pieces, and how they work together. To keep the look modern you want to keep the sweater from being too bulky, and you want to make sure the proportions are right. Casual occasion? It’s OK to keep the button down untucked (as long as the shirt is hemmed and not too long). Formal? Not so much.
Typically the go-to move is to pair a solid shirt with a solid sweater. Nothing wrong with that at all. But, switch it up and play with all the possible combinations of stripes, patterns and solids for both the button down and sweater.
Looking at the new offerings by JCrew, I was stunned with how good plaid/check looks under their sweaters. It’s a very cool and modern look. To emulate this look, just ensure that everything that you have on is suitably modern.
Things to keep in mind when scrolling through the photos (I’ll let the images do the talking):
- Notice the proportion of the shirt hem (the bottom of the shirt) with respect to the length of each sweater.
- Notice the color choices. The cool thing with this look is that you can pretty much put any plaid shirt under any sweater. But, in case you want more structure just follow their lead as to what looks good:
– blues and greys
– blues and blues
– greys and deep reds
– greys and blacks
- This look is versatile. Each outfit can be dressed up with some nice chinos/dark jeans, or dressed down with a worn pair of jeans.
Nov
6
2009
I’ve an odd confession: it’s only been in recent years that I’ve become acquainted with the scarf. Being from the South, it isn’t so much a cold weather necessity. Plus, I used to think that scarves were too effeminate, since I only saw women pull off the look successfully. But, after a little bit of experimentation (that didn’t involve tequila), I’ve decided that scarves are Normal Guy acceptable.
Scarves get the seal of approval because as a removable accessory, you can branch out and add a little bit of character into your wardrobe. Yet, unlike jewelry they retain their masculinity because they’re actually useful and not just for adornment. They’re relatively inexpensive (and are a common sale item), allowing you to purchase more than one and cycle based on outfit/occasion.
Pulling off a scarf is best when it looks thrown on. So, there’s no reason to over think it.
What to Wear
There are two ways you can go with the color and pattern of a scarf, and it really depends on the occasion and the outfit. You can blend it in (typically best for dressier occasions), or you can make a bit of a statement by adding a hint of color. I’d never advocate going too over the top (nothing that glitters), but having a punch of Fall/Winter color can be a good thing.
I tend to go with solids, since I don’t want anything really loud. I let the color combined with the rest of my outfit add the necessary style. Plus, they’re really easy. You can throw virtually any color scarf on with any casual outfit.
Here’s a couple of cool solid scarves that come in a variety of colors.
If you’re going to go with a pattern, why not branch out beyond that of the boring Burberry plaid? Go with some cool stripes (I prefer horizontal stripes because they’re shorter) with bright fall colors, or mix it up with a casual outfit with something like a buffalo plaid. Just don’t go overboard.
How to Wear It
I’m in the camp that you shouldn’t tie it around your neck. Often times, it looks too clunky or feminine. I’ve found this especially true if the scarf is particular thick or short.
Thick, it looks like you’ve got a boa constrictor around your neck. Like this dude.
And if it’s too short it just looks dorky if not worn beneath a coat.
Incidentally, I’m not sure why this guy is wearing a scarf with a tshirt. Needless to say, do not emulate this look.
My preferred method is to either have it around my neck without it tied or treat it like a garbage bag tie and just twist it once or twice. This gets around both issues: looking too bulky around your neck and the shortness of the scarf.
What to Wear it With
If you’ve got a scarf on, you probably have a jacket, so twist/wrap it and tuck it inside your jacket. As long as the rest of your outfit is suitably modern, the scarf will be a great addition. A little more caution should be taken if you’re not wearing a jacket, as the look can be a little bit more stylistically advanced (there’s just something about the look that is difficult to pull off for a guy).
Oct
23
2009
Now that the weather in the South has finally turned towards Fall, it’s time to gear up for the best season(s) for guys to dress: Fall & Winter. The key, as mentioned before, is layering. Now that we don’t have to worry about pit sweat (yum) when we put on something more substantial than a tank top and flip-flops, we can pile on the coolness.
I was going to gradually build up the layering, from the inside layer out, but I got this sale in my inbox so I decided to go with an outside in approach.
Needless to say, your jacket is super important, as it is the piece that is most immediately evident. A mistake I commonly see guys make is to treat the jacket as a utility piece, one they throw on as a necessity and more often as an afterthought. This is the case even if they’ve got a nice outfit on underneath.
But, you have to pay attention to every detail. Your outerwear, like your shoes, are no exception.
The key is to not look billowy or bulky. As a disclaimer, this advice is for the Fall season for those locales where you actually have a Winter, and for Texans/Southerners where we really only have a Fall. This is because I know when it gets butt-freezing cold, you need to wear a topcoat and/or something with some serious down or fluff to it. But when it’s in the 40s/50s it’s OK to get by with sturdy outerwear and some layers.
Back to not looking like the Michelin Man. This will be difficult since PG espouses both layers and keeping a slim profile. However, it isn’t impossible. If the rest of your outfit is slim (shirt, sweater, undershirt), then putting a nice jacket on over it won’t add to the bulk. This is provided that the jacket has a modern cut. Generally, these coats allow for added bulk, but still maintain modern contours.
I’ve said this before, but it’s worth reiterating. NO jackets with elastic bands. I was going to say unless you’re hitting the links, but even that isn’t acceptable.
A word on the fit: the closest thing that I’ve highlighted are suits and sport coats. Now, the rules are similar, there’s just more leeway. By now you should know to shun any type of clothing (even an overcoat) that is baggy and drapes on your body. That’s easy. I think the most common mistake with jackets are the sleeves being too long. You need not show 0.5″ of cuff, but you don’t want the sleeves to be hitting your knuckles. Again, your tailor can correct for this.
To all you frugal readers out there: go ahead and invest a decent amount of money in a couple good quality jackets (this means more than you’re typically comfortable with). The reason is that quality, timelessly stylish coats last, so the coin you drop on them now will pay off for a few seasons to come.
So, to truly start us off on the Fall season, here’s a great sale from M+O: 50% off outerwear, but it’s only for this weekend. Below are those that are PG-approved.
Prices below are sale prices.
Wool Utility Blazer ($110)
A more casual take on the wool blazer. It has a nice modern, slim silhouette, yet keeps it simple and non-fussy (it has zippers). The perfect missing link towards the sport coat and jeans look for those slightly skittish of taking that leap. It will feel like a normal wool coat, but it has a very clean and stylish look to it. And it has functional buttons at the cuffs! Something typically only higher-end coats have.
Twill Military Blazer ($95)
Another cool take on the typical blazer. This is made from cotton as opposed to wool, and has military-inspired pockets. This is more blazer-like than the previous jacket, but still looks at home with modern jeans.
Wool Military Blazer ($110)
The same cut as the blazer above, in a herringbone pattern wool. This means it will probably be a bit warmer, and gives off the cool traditional/professorial vibe that some (me) like.
Glen Plaid Cotton Blazer ($90)
This is a cool blazer, though I’m not sure it would be suitable in most places for Fall. It would have to be an unusually mild day in most places to wear this alone. It’s cotton and not fully lined, so it won’t provide too much by way of protection against the cold. Nonetheless, it’s a nice jacket in a cool pattern.
Twill Field Jacket ($60)
The most casual jacket in this list, but it doesn’t mean it’s bland. It’s got a nice fitted look to it, that will add style to any simple outfit.
Aug
31
2009
I know that for going out or weekend wear that it’s far easier to throw on your trusty sneakers or flip flops (in the warmer months), than it is to find something new. But, just like you’ve been attempting to convince your girlfriend, it’s good to broaden your horizons.
I’ve already mentioned wingtips, and cool boots, so here are just a few shoes for Fall that are != (not equal to) flip flops or sneakers and won’t break the bank.
Loafers
Drivers are classic shoes that are still very much in style now. The low profile is cool and they’re very comfortable.
Topsiders have become hugely popular within the past 16-18 months, and they only look cooler once they’ve been broken in.
Boots
Desert boots have been mentioned several times by PG, and that’s because they’re hugely in style right now. These are the originals.
Cool twist on the above.
Though my favorite pair of boots are from Red Wings, I’m not a fan of everything from JCrew’s recent collaboration with them. But these are rugged, without screaming poser.
Banana’s take on the Chelsea boot that come in both brown & black. The dressiest among the bunch.
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Aug
28
2009
As Fall approaches (ever so slooooowly for us Texans), it’s time to look forward to the beginning of the most fun time for men’s style. Why? Because guys sweat, which means the amount of clothes that we can wear, and not melt, is exceedingly small. Whereas, once the temperature begins to drop slightly, we can don any number of stylish articles, which are then made linearly more awesome via the phenomenon known as layering.
The first, and easiest look, is a sport coat and jeans. This has gained huge traction in the past several years, and as a result has seen a correspondingly large increase in the amount of people abusing the style.
As with wingtips, what makes this look cool is the clashing of styles: formal and casual. It’s an easy outfit to those dipping their toes in the style pool, because you’re still wearing jeans, except you’re just throwing a coat on over it. The dividends are huge, but so too is the potential for failure.
I mention this now because stores are beginning to roll out their Fall lines, regardless of what the thermometer may say outside your window, so it’s time to get prepared for your first Fall season of dressing well.
Fit
The mistake people have is treating the sport coat as just another jacket/coat. But, even though you’re wearing it with jeans, it shouldn’t just hang or drape on you. So, review the fit rules here. This is a modern look, make sure you have a modern fit; the highlights (all of which can be handled by a quality tailor):
- Make sure it fits precisely regardless of your body type, that most likely means taking it in around the torso.
- The shoulder seams should end when your shoulders end. Not before or after.
- Make sure the sleeves aren’t too long, they shouldn’t extend to your knuckles. You want some cuff to show (0.25″-0.5″)
- Shorter at the waist (stand with your hands at your side, cup your palms, the coat should sit inside your cupped hands). This is a biggie, I’d go shorter here than you’re used to because it’s consistent with the trend.
#1 below is a great fitting corduroy sport coat. The fabric makes it casual, but the way it fits, and the pairing with dark jeans (see below), makes it cool enough for going out.
1.
Your Bottom Half
Do NOT neglect what you are wearing below the coat. This could be tied for the biggest mistake when trying this look. As this is a modern style, your jeans should reflect this. So it is even more important that you not wear them with baggy or ill-fitting jeans, but rather pair them with your newly updated pants. You do not want to look like #2. Pay attention as your scroll down through the photo and notice how the jeans, at the last moment, kill the whole outfit.
2.
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1 Comment | Tags: cardigan, Fall, sweater 
