Pick-a-Outfit: BR Edition.
Posted on September 10, 2009 in Accessories, Casual, Denim, Outfit Ideas, Pants, Pick-a-Outfit, Shirts, Shoes.*Note: sorry for the repost; I somehow managed to delete the two most recent posts.
An on-going series for PR will be a virtual version of PR’s personalized services. I’ll put together outfits for different occasions, all from the same store (I’m making it easy for you). I’ll work within a budget of about $250. This includes shoes, shirt, and pants. I’ll assume you have other accessories (i.e. belts, socks), though I’ll highlight those as well, they just won’t go towards the bottom line.
Keeping with the general philosophy that most guys don’t want to go hunt down the newest upcoming labels (nor should they) or spend a ton of money on clothes, the stores will be all mass market labels that are known for quality and fit. Again, the idea is you can walk into any mall and find such an outfit.
Part I will be going out to a casual laid back bar or lounge. A place where you don’t need to get too dressed up, but you still want to look put together on the off chance there’s some decent talent. The key is to be comfortable and casual, but still stylish. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, so the look focuses on being effortless.
The headings link back to the respective Fit Rules, in case you need to brush up on them.
Pants
I went with jeans, because they epitomize casual. But this proved to be the most difficult item to shop for, since I’m not a big fan of BR’s denim. Their images online are inconsistent, with the same jean looking completely different in different images. Regardless, the jeans below are a vintage wash (medium color, not too dark, not too light). I know I’ve espoused dark jeans for going out, but since this outfit is designed for a particular situation (casual, non-trendy bar) you’d look like a d-bag if you came in with a trendy outfit on. The vintage-esque wash, is consistent with the masculine and casual feel of the rest of the outfit.
The fit of these jeans aren’t perfect in the image below. They’re too long (notice the bunching near the shoes), so be aware of this issue when trying them on.
Photo credit: Banana Republic.
If the place is a bit nicer, yet still laid back, you can throw on some of their chinos. In contrast with their jeans, I really love these chinos. They fit perfectly and look very clean.
Photo credit: Banana Republic.
Shirt
All guys look great in a white button down. There’s something about one that is just clean and attractive. This shirt is a slight twist on the classic white button down, as it has cargo pockets, giving it a safari feel. These are cool because the pockets give it a bit of style, yet it isn’t over the top. I like to wear these shirts slightly wrinkled: just wash and line dry. When you’re ready to go out, throw it in the dryer for a few minutes to soften it up, and you’ll be set. The wrinkles gives it a laid back, effortless style.
Tuck in the shirt, and roll the cuffs.
Photo credit: Banana Republic.
Shoes
I went with loafers, because they’re incredibly comfortable. These should work well with the pants above, because the jeans are straight leg. You don’t want a huge leg opening as loafers are low-profile (you don’t want the shoes to be swimming underneath the pants). I like loafers because they let my feet breathe and they’re effortlessly cool.
Don’t wear socks with them.
Photo credit: Banana Republic.
Belt
Slightly distressed leather belt in a rich color. Helps to add a great visual break between your medium colored jeans, and your white shirt. I would have preferred a more distressed brown, but this belt should age well.
Photo credit: Banana Republic.
Bottom Line
Jeans: $80
Shirt: $80
Shoes: $98
Total: $258.
A little over budget, but not too bad for an entire outfit (including shoes).
Next post will still be at BR, but instead will focus on a nicer/trendier bar/event.