by Beau H.

#Menswear and Tumblr — Visual Inspiration

With the explosion of the Internet and the #menswear trend, it’s never been easier to find great looks (or more looks) online. In my limited blogging, experience, I’ve found sites like Pinterest to be great assets for inspiration, layering, colors and looks (personal Pinterest site here).

But, I hadn’t yet got involved in the Tumblr “game”, so to speak. That’s where this post comes in. To get more value-added content, photos and general thoughts and ideas on men’s fashion and style outside of these blog posts, visit my Tumblr page here! 

I hope to use the site as a means of furthering visual inspiration, posting cool finds and advancing key style fundamentals. Check it out and stay sharp.

-Beau

by Beau H.

Winter Weather Style: Tying it all together

This just in to the Siblings With Style Michigan hub: It’s cold outside. Bone-chillingly, windswept cold. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a warmer, more temperate climate, that’s fantastic — don’t let key style essentials go to waste just because the month on the calendar’s changed to “winter time.” On the other hand,for those of us in colder weather, there are some critical essentials to keep in mind when it gets exceedingly cold. In these instances, style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for utility. Many times, it’s about using pieces you might already have in combinations that maximize staying warm (like while walking across campus) with looking sharp. Accessories that hit the right price point while also keeping looks in mind are going to carry you through the colder months, without a doubt. Pull together all of these cold-weather essentials with the tips below.

The Jacket

A classic. The U.S. Navy Peacoat — as authentic as it gets.

A classic. The U.S. Navy Peacoat — as authentic as it gets.

Assuming you’ve already stocked up on layering pieces like v-neck sweaters or Oxford cloth button-downs, the top part of your outfit is the best defense when winter bites back. There’s debate on the formality of wearing a longer topcoat with more casual wear, however, in some cases, it definitely works. Yet, while a topcoat is going to look razor-sharp with suits and more tailored gear, a peacoat provides more versatility in that it, ideally, is long enough to cover a suit jacket but also suitable to throw on as part of a simpler uniform. In fact, a navy peacoat is about as classic an outerwear piece as it gets. It goes with black or brown shoes, jeans or chinos, and everything in between. When found on the cheap at a surplus store, it offers a ton of bang for your buck — affordable, comfortable, warm and able to be worn with everything from a cardigan and jeans to a blazer.

The Scarf

In places where it’s extremely cold (and even in milder locations), a peacoat still leaves some areas exposed. Namely, your neck. Don’t underestimate the power of a thick scarf in keeping out winter’s chill. The right scarves are (from a personal standpoint), versatile and neutral enough in terms of color to complement other looks. If you don’t have the cash lying around to afford multiple scarves with patterns, something with a more solid knit is a decidedly better option. Of course, cheaper patterned options definitely exist,but something in neutral shades (like this H&M option) goes will underneath a dark jacket.

The Shoes

Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in black. The perfect shade and style for fall and winter.

Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in black. The perfect shade and style for fall and winter.

Trekking large distances in the snow presents an extremely difficult style conundrum, a true function-over-form battle. Assuming you want to maintain decorum in an office or a classroom while making even a short jaunt from your car more bearable, desert boots work appropriately in some business casual situations — particularly in waxed leather, which can take more of a beating than suede options. If the softer crepe sole of many desert boots is concerning, you could stick with a sturdy pair of Wolverine boots similar to the ones pictured above, although that price point is quite high for many, and those wouldn’t pair as easily with, say, dressier wool trousers. For battling the elements on cross-campus walks, the Wolverine boots are a great option. There’s no silver bullet for dressiness and functionality, but the Allen Edmonds Dalton wingtip boot is the envy of many —a boot with killer looks to spare, appropriate for just about any office and easily wearable with a suit or jeans. On that note, however, places like JC Penney offer a more casual boot with a functional rubber sole without sacrificing looks. Like much else, tailor your boots to the weather in the air (and on the ground). Dressing up? Go for a wingtip boot. Braving a few inches of snow? Those Wolverine 1000K’s are your best bet. Here, having multiple pairs might actually come in handy.

The Gloves

The chunky ski gloves you have for hitting the slopes work perfectly well in rugged outdoor conditions, but throwing on that same pair to hit the town or even walk to class or the office just doesn’t vibe as well. As with the scarf, sticking with a simple, practical combination (without patterns or wild colors) can help you save money. And, a sleeker pair of leather gloves looks good on most guys, quite honestly. Ask James Bond. Now, there are numerous options as far as glove types go, and many fit certain situations perfectly. For maximum versatility though, a leather pair will likely dress up the outfit to an appropriate degree when worn in combination with a suit, and complement even a more casual sweater-and-jeans pairing suitably. In all honesty, splurging more on a pair of gloves is a great option for the long-haul — paying the price up front could keep your hands warm for years, although it might hurt a bit at the time.

The Hat

In the truly, truly cold climes, sometimes a knit cap is the only way to stave off high winds and snow. There are definitely ways to wear one without looking ragged, have no fear. In fact, the same spot where you picked up a scarf or gloves might have a nice, incredibly affordable option. With something like a suit, it’s probably best to brave a bit of snow and wind if you want to maintain a crisp overall look. But when the situation calls for it, a knit cap can compliment, not detract from, your outfit when in a neutral shade like charcoal or black.

With these essentials in mind, getting dressed and then staying warm should be as easy as reaching into your closet. Stoke the fire and bundle up.

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Thanksgiving Dinner

Before you dive into that turkey on Thanksgiving, step back a moment. Take the time to appreciate being with family and friends, and getting a little time off. And just as importantly, take the time to put a bit of effort into your appearance. Being around family members on a holiday should be some of the best times of the year, and it’s great to be able to reflect that enjoyment through what you wear — it should be appropriate and classy, because dressing up a bit is a nice nod to your family, too.

So, with the stage set for a great holiday, there are some important things to consider when on the go to turkey day celebrations. Namely, if you live in a climate where winter’s on the way, consider layering up. And more importantly, don’t overthink what to wear. Stick to a personal uniform, perhaps with some regionally appropriate touches thrown in — for example, being in Florida is markedly different than in Michigan. With that in mind, here’s a starter template that should work for just about everybody.

The Shirt

A classic blue OCBD from Old Navy.
A classic blue OCBD from Old Navy.

On a classic holiday like Thanksgiving that typically doesn’t involve anything too black-tie official, it’s best to keep it casual. Here, something like a blue or white Oxford cloth button-down is a great asset. It’s the shirt equivalent of “dressed-up, but not “too-dressed up.” In a shade like white, it can provide a great neutral base for any pops of color on the rest of the outfit, and it shouldn’t be too hot or cold to wear in any location.

The Tie

Frank and Oak's knit tie is woven with a thicker gauge and more bulk.

Frank and Oak’s knit tie is woven with a thicker gauge and more bulk.

While wool ties are fine for places where the temperature dips into the 20’s, 30’s or even 40’s, there are certainly more versatile pieces of neckwear out there — some of which you might already have in your closet. Since the days of James Bond, knit ties have been on our collective style radar. Sure, some might argue the knit tie is having a trending moment right now, but there’s a reason Sean Connery’s Bond wore classic black knit ties — a great knit tie will go with just about any outfit, and it’s appropriate for almost any climate, at any time of the year. For those on the heftier and more muscular side, a standard knit tie might be too slim — look for something in about the 2.75″ range (Frank & Oak’s knit ties feature a nice, thicker weave). In this particular instance, a dark knit tie won’t clash too markedly with any of the outfit’s other colors — which should preferably be more neutral anyway.

The Blazer (optional)

If putting on a jacket crosses the formality line at your family Thanksgiving, consider swapping that out for a v-neck or crew-neck sweater (and maybe ditch the tie too). However, throwing on a nice blazer should be an easy choice — a jacket tailored for someone’s body accentuates a man’s chest and shoulders, making almost any guy look instantly better. Here, texture and fabric matters. A heavier tweed blazer is a great pick for cold weather — the tweed’s thick weave provides warmth and doesn’t look out of place trekking through the snow. But for the rest of us, a simple navy blazer (potentially unstructured to stick with the generally casual vibe of Thanksgiving) can work wonders. It can even be thrown on over a crew-neck or v-neck sweater sans collared shirt if things turn that casual.

The Pants

Here too, it’s best to keep in mind the surrounding climate where you’re celebrating the holiday. Linen pants won’t exactly work in winter up north, and heavy wool trousers won’t do you much good in Florida, for example. That’s why sticking with a slim chino in a medium-weight fabric is a sure bet. If you’re in a colder clime, corduroys would work just as well as a substitute. Once again, stick with a nice neutral color (maybe in a richer hue for the fall?). Keeping the proportions slim will hopefully pair well with a tailored shirt.

Frank and Oak's Newport Chinos in Amber.

Frank and Oak’s Newport Chinos in Amber. Wool tie not recommended for warmer climes — see above.

The Shoes

With the rest of the outfit leaning towards polished-casual on the style spectrum, it’s best to keep the shoes in similar territory, too. Black shoes can seem too severe in all but the sharpest of combinations, and it’s likely there could be a sea of black shoes at the table come Thanksgiving. A rich, warm brown falls in line with the colors of the season, and should be much more versatile for other outfits later on. Reaching for a captoe/captoe-brogue combination or even a wingtip also pushes the shoe into the same polished-casual territory as the rest of the outfit. In colder climes, wingtip boots are a stellar option that can stand up to the elements — and the ‘eye test’ of your fellow diners. Of course, a true casual staple like desert boots is never objectionable when the situation calls for classic and polished footwear.

The Rest

Round out the ensemble by sticking to some clear fundamentals. Keeping your watch simple and unadorned (like this Timex Easy Reader) is the best way to go here — just be sure the watch, belt and shoes fall within the same color range in terms of leather. As always, colorful socks are today’s statement piece, an easy way to add personal flair to an outfit that mainly sticks to classic items.

With these essentials in mind, and with some crucial personal touches thrown in, you should be ready to conquer Thanksgiving in style. Until the tryptophan puts you to sleep, of course.

by Beau H.

Winter Style Suggestion: The U.S. Navy Peacoat

One of the great things about menswear is that so many outfits start with simple, classic pieces. These are likely already items you might have hanging around your own closet, and if not, there are definitely affordable ways to make it happen. Something that you would feasibly wear everyday is a good place to start in terms of classic looks, and in the dead of winter, a strong, substantial peacoat won’t leave you out in the cold.

The right peacoat can pass any muster test, particularly when it comes to standing up against snow or rain (and if you’re in peacoat country, those are probably the two types of weather you’re apt to run into most). We’ve seen a trend of dressing up outerwear — and that outerwear actually functioning as a stylish upper layer — but if you’re looking for classic function over form, there’s hardly a better place to start looking than a U.S. navy peacoat. In fact, substantial evidence suggests that these coats are probably out there in droves at surplus stores and Goodwill-type places, making it a downright steal for a coat that’s thick, warm and highly durable.

A classic. The U.S. Navy Peacoat — as authentic as it gets.

A classic. The U.S. Navy Peacoat — as authentic as it gets.

The Siblings With Style Michigan hub was lucky enough to score a substantial upgrade from a beaten-to-shreds Express peacoat (something like this minus the colorblocking), to a coat that’s authentic and incredibly historical. Now, this item wasn’t tracked down at a surplus store, but this time around, it’s the real deal. Worn by my great-grandfather during his time serving in World War II, it has an unbelievable history of being passed down through multiple relatives, and it’s held up incredibly well for a jacket about seven decades old.

Interesting details on the jacket's front buttons.

Interesting details on the jacket’s front buttons.

That certainly means it’s somewhat delicate, and will probably be mixed in with other outerwear options as opposed to extreme degrees of everyday wear. However, the fit is spot-on. It actually fits trim but not tight, leaving room for layering. The buttons are heavy and substantial, the collar is thick enough to stand up to Michigan winters, and the coat has  kept its rich navy color, making it easy to pair with about anything.

Certainly, it’s an item that has more historical value than a typical peacoat found at a surplus store, but it falls in the same ballpark quality and looks-wise. It’s a jacket that’ll do just fine in the Michigan winter and then some. And, although this one was a family-related upgrade, chances are fantastic that a similar option is out there at a surplus store (or thrift shop?) near you. Happy hunting.

by Beau H.

Winter Style Suggestion: Seasonal Fabrics

A huge component of fashion and style is phasing seasonal pieces in and out of one’s wardrobe. What worked for you in the summer (a polo and chinos, perhaps) probably won’t work in colder temperatures, and the same can be said for cold-weather garb. We’ve been working our way toward winter in Michigan for a good while now (remember those wingtip boots? Now’s the perfect time to break them out), and with the first truly cold blast of cold weather comes another reminder about seasonally appropriate style. The great thing about so many fabrics that work in the fall is that … well, they work in the winter, too.

J. Crew's chambray shirt. Nice texture for winter, without a doubt.

J. Crew’s chambray shirt. Nice texture for winter, without a doubt.

One way to transition your wardrobe in small steps from fall to winter revolves around emphasizing chunkier, thicker textures and fabrics, namely in suiting, shirting and neckwear. Of course, layering is important, as well. A heavier fabric that can get great play in both fall and winter is denim — not just on your legs, though. Denim and chambray shirts can break up a typical shirt-and-sweater combo through a thicker weave and rougher texture. Even in the dead of winter, a light chambray shirt is still appropriate — the fabric is like a classic OCBD, but with slubbier texture. Both types of shirts pair well with knit ties or heavier pieces of neckwear, and variations on styling a chambray shirt with dark denim are often used to great effect across the #menswear world. An added benefit of working in rougher textures like chambray and denim is that shirts and other seasonal staples often come in neutral colors, so pairing them together is quite easy.

If you do have the opportunity to dress up on occasion, leave the ultra-shiny silk ties at home at least once or twice. The same fabrics in vogue in suiting for the winter are just as accessible in terms of neckwear — look no further than last month’s Frank and Oak Hunt Club crate for a great example of a heavier wool tie.  What’s more, switching to a heavier tie fabric ultimately makes sense with other textural changes — a wool tie and chambray shirt is a nearly foolproof combination because of the way those two items play off each other. Knit ties, while versatile and usable at any time during the year, are even more appropriate during fall and winter. Again, a knit tie swaps out the sheen of a typical silk tie for something more visually interesting — a thick weave. Because a knit is inherently more casual (square end, more texture, less shine), it can be paired with dark denim and a great pair of shoes quite easily. And if you find yourself in a business casual office this fall or winter, try out a combination like that on a ‘Casual Friday’ — it’s probably instantly more polished than other get-ups out there.

An example of how to tie it all together -- chambray shirt, knit tie & herringbone blazer. Don't forget those boots!

An example of how to tie it all together — chambray shirt, knit tie & herringbone blazer. Don’t forget those boots!

The key to completing an entire outfit (particularly in a business casual situation) is often a good blazer. A blazer can clean up lines in an outfit, emphasizing a man’s torso and shoulders; in the right size (and maybe with some tailoring), nearly anyone looks good. Now for the winter, a good cotton blazer can probably pull just as much duty as in the summer or spring. But leave the linen blazer in the closet for now, and if you do want to switch out fabrics, reach for … you guessed it — something with a thicker weave, like this herringbone number from J. Crew.  H&M also features a much cheaper option in a winter-appropriate fabric, but the tail could be a bit chopped (too short for the taller fellas).

When the cold weather strikes, transition your wardrobe as you would from any other season, rotating out pieces you don’t wear for pieces you will wear. Keep in mind that heavier textures add visual interest and depth to an outfit, and use neutral combinations like chambray and wool ties to pull together seasonally appropriate (and versatile) looks.

by Beau H.

‘Out of the Box’ Review: Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots

How about right now when it comes to finding a pair of the best men’s boots, and better still, unboxing a pair of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots? That’s what today’s Wolverine 1000 Mile review is going to do, my friends. When temperatures plummet (as they continue to do in Michigan), there are few things more dependable or reliable than a great pair of boots — be it a brown wingtip pair, or a more substantial black leather pair.

No company fits the bill better in recent years for making boots of exceptional quality than Wolverine. Once known for work boots found all across construction sites, the company’s 1000 Mile line is nothing but class. Substantial construction, high-quality leather and rich colors all bump these up a notch from a typical pair of boots.

Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in black. The perfect shade and style for fall and winter.

Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in black. The perfect shade and style for fall and winter.

The best part? These are the rare shoe that are durable and rugged enough to actually wear in other places besides the city — but rest assured, they won’t look out of place hopping around town. Their versatility has transformed them into a favorite of urban lumberjacks and other well-dressed guys everywhere.

A recent order shipped into our Michigan offices only validates Wolverine’s historic legacy of excellence. The 1000 Mile Austen boots in black leather (as picked up from JackThreads) are an absurdly beautiful pair of shoes out of the box, even to the non-shoe expert. The pair’s welted sole is stitched, not glued on (always a sign of a great pair of boots or dress shoes). The Horween leather feels tough,but should break in tremendously over time. The real kicker of this pair is the sole — not only is it stitched, but it’s also perhaps the sturdiest sole I’ve seen on a pair of shoes.

The construction (particularly the sole) is rugged and functional.

The construction (particularly the sole) is rugged and functional.

At first glance (and without any wear as of yet), these shoes look phenomenal. They’re sturdy and durable enough to last for long walks across campus, yet they’ll do just fine sitting under a pair of dark denim.  Through the rest of the fall and winter, I can see them being a great complement to cardigans and v-neck sweaters — and perhaps even a winter-weight blazer. Look for more to come as these boots get some serious wear. With construction and quality like these, it’s only a matter of time.

by Beau H.

The Product Review: Invicta Pro Diver Watch

I’ll be the first to say I’m no watch expert by any means. There’s certainly a significant debate out there on the quality and value of an automatic versus a quartz watch, and there are positives and drawbacks to each side of the conversation.

Being able to throw on a timepiece and have it virtually operate itself (if you wear it long enough) is a pretty neat feat of machinery on the part of automatic watchmakers. And some swear by the price of a nice quartz watch. At the end of the day, however, both do the same thing: tell time. And more importantly, a well-constructed timepiece can complete an outfit, regardless of how it runs. It’s that accessory that doesn’t seem to be found on a lot of wrists these days, and the right watch can set the tone of an outfit: A Timex Weekender (featured here in the Under $250 Budget Challenge) is inherently more casual. It’s a cheap watch that can go anywhere and do anything. A dress watch (say, with a nice leather strap and minimalist design) in either brown or black covers the bases when it’s time to suit up.

The rest of the time though, there’s hardly a watch more versatile than a stainless steel dive watch.  If the shine on the links is low enough and the design isn’t too gaudy, a dive watch could function well with everything from a henley and jeans to a suit. Sure, they first started as a way to transition from the water to the clubhouse, but it works just as well even if you’re not hitting the ocean. The Invicta 8926 Pro Diver is certainly no different. I’ve only had it for about two to three weeks, but it’s treated me remarkably well. There are watches that are better-made, to be sure, but those watches also will set your wallet back a bit more. For the price, it’s one of the most affordable, best-looking divers on the market. It’s an automatic, and says it’s water-resistant to 200 meters. I haven’t run this one through the usual gamut of water-related activities, but I’d even considering wearing it to the beach – can’t be done, you say? Ask this guy.

Packaged in a solid, sturdy box with Invicta branding.

Packaged in a solid box with Invicta branding.

It feels sturdy and substantial, and wears about to size (the case diameter is 40 mm, about the sweet spot for most people — not too big or too small).The watch’s screw-down crown makes it easy to change the day and date. As for keeping time, the watch runs smoothly – it rarely loses or adds a minute throughout the day (which can be an issue with some automatics).

The watch on a fairly medium-sized wrist. Paired with J. Crew herringbone blazer.

The watch on a fairly medium-sized wrist. Paired with J. Crew herringbone blazer.

This timepiece is a great entry-level dive watch – it’s affordable if you save and spend wisely, and although some might say the black dial can’t be paired with brown shades of shoes, that doesn’t necessarily apply here – a stainless steel watch is one of the most versatile timepieces a man can own because of those links (no matching of brown leather watch strap to brown leather shoes necessary, for example). And starting with a cost-effective, well-made dive watch like this option is a perfect holdover while you save up for that Omega…

by Beau H.

The Product Review: Frank and Oak Hunt Club Crate

Editor’s note: The following review was published in October 2013. To get an updated Hunt Club crate review and learn more about the brand, check out this April 2015 post, too.

The Internet has definitely propelled men to think more about how they dress, and it’s also made it easier than ever to pick up great threads at affordable prices. There are some companies who’ve embraced this change wholeheartedly, and others who are new to the game (witness H & M’s first foray into the world of online retail earlier this year). Other companies also have taken advantage of the Internet to pioneer new and innovative approaches to clothing. Frank & Oak is definitely one of those companies. They’re a relatively new arrival to the world of menswear, as it seems they’ve just picked up a lot of steam across the past year-and-a-half. On the other hand, they also seem to produce a lot of polarizing opinions as to the customer service and quality of some of their clothing. However, personal experiences have been nothing but fantastic with the company. Shipping does tend to take a bit longer because of international borders (the company is based in Montreal, Canada), but the quality is on-point.

The monthly Hunt Club crate.

The monthly Hunt Club crate.

For those who don’t know, in addition to the online store, shoppers also can join The Hunt Club, a monthly promotional deal that allows members to pick up to three items from new collections released monthly. Hunt Club membership also gets you discounts and special deals on sales. Items vary from month to month and often are extremely seasonally appropriate. Even better? You only pay for what you keep, a system that allows you to try out and wear items before sending them back, with free return shipping. Not a bad deal. The October issue transitions the company’s offerings from the in-between fabrics of early fall to a decidedly more-winter feel. Colors are darker and offerings include some very nice peacoats, thicker sweaters, wool trousers and a few rather unique offerings, like a herringbone zip-up jacket and a corduroy shirt in two different tones.

The wool tie and Newport Chinos in Amber.

The wool tie and Newport Chinos in Amber.

My selection for this month’s crate centered around some essentials for fall and winter: a pair of their Athletic Sweatpants in Navy, the Newport Chinos in Amber, and a wool tie. The sweatpants (ordered down in a size Small for a slimmer fit) were comfortable and well-constructed, with a sturdy waistband and drawstring ties. Definitely a more unique offering from a clothing company, but F & O aims to outfit men head to toe, and also offers  a lot of accessories, like backpacks and wallets. The Newport Chinos in Amber are exceedingly comfortable and slim, but offered only up to a 34″ inseam and 36″ waist, as of now. They fit like an interesting hybrid between a Levi’s 513 from the waist to the knee, and a 511 from the knee down — there’s a fairly significant taper, but the overall fit is tremendous if you enjoy slimmer pants. They’re also the optimal length to be cuffed. The wool tie has not come into the rotation as of yet, but would pair extremely well with a blue OCBD and a herringbone wool blazer, for example.

For the time being, it looks like the items in this crate are all keepers based on quality and price. Have you had any personal experience with F & O? Leave it in the comments below.

by Beau H.

Fall Style Suggestion: A Color Wheel of V-Neck Sweaters

Here in Michigan, temperatures are continuing to drop (yes, it’s happening!). With winter on the way for most of, layering should ramp up substantially. With that increase comes the need for some tried and true favorites, items that could easily be swapped out as part of a rotation and layered on top of and under. Enter the v-neck sweater. Crewneck sweaters definitely have their place in the world of style, and there are crazy good options out there, but v-neck sweaters never really seem to fall out of favor when it comes to style. In the right color scheme, they can be an indispensable part of a guy’s wardrobe. (They’re even part of Dappered’s “Always” list, as good of an indication of timeless style as any).

A plethora of v-neck sweaters. From top to bottom: Old Navy, J. Crew Factor, J. Crew, Old Navy, Express, Frank & Oak.

A plethora of v-neck sweaters. From top to bottom: Old Navy, J. Crew Factory, J. Crew, Old Navy, Express, Frank & Oak.

V-neck sweaters should, like most clothing, skim the body but not fit too tight. Affordable options are out there by the dozens, recently at places like Gap, Old Navy and Uniqlo. Those price points are well within range for many, and the plethora of color options shouldn’t discourage you from wearing a brighter palette in winter. In fact, pairing a v-neck sweater with a blue or white button-down shirt, dark jeans and, say, desert boots could constitute a very worthy rotation of items. And in the dull days of fall and winter, v-neck sweaters provide that nice “it” factor when looking to work color into your wardrobe. In smaller amounts and possibly less luminous colors than those of summer, a nice shade of blue or a deep purple wouldn’t look out of place, either.

Extremely splurge-worthy alternatives are on the market too, but for price points that are fast on the rise. For those of us not a James Bond budget, it’s hard to beat snagging a few on sale at a place like Old Navy. Some aren’t partial to shopping there, but on a budget, the quality is tough to pass up. Three sweaters in the personal rotation have gotten heavy wear across the past winter and have held up more than alright. 

The classic Ludlow sportcoat in Herringbone English Wool, over an Old Navy sweater and Target Merona button-down.

The classic Ludlow sportcoat in Herringbone English Wool, over an Old Navy sweater and Target Merona button-down.

Outside of more casual options, v-neck sweaters work outstanding when paired with the right pair of slim corduroys, chinos or dress pants. Over a nice shirt and tie, the combination is killer. Underneath a blazer, too, a v-neck sweater provides an added layer of warmth and some visual appeal (as seen in the photo above). If the blazer is winter-weight (like that J. Crew blazer pictured ), the combination can work as seamlessly with snow on the ground as it can when it first gets bone-chilling cold. Wingtip boots might not be a bad add-on either, if the dress code calls for something a bit more polished. As far as other outfit components go, affordable blazer and dress pant options can be snagged at J. Crew Factory or Frank and Oak. While you’re there, don’t forget to stock up what could arguably be the most important (and basic) item in your closet this fall and winter — the v-neck sweater.

by Beau H.

Fall Style Suggestion: Military-Inspired Outerwear

Fall is can be a tricky time for those of us interested in menswear. It’s not quite yet cold enough at this stage (at least in my neck of the woods) to wear heavy fabrics like tweed or a nice wool peacoat, yet there’s still the odd, slightly warm day. Transitioning between seasons like summer and fall is probably more difficult than transitioning between spring and summer or even fall and winter. A lot of it comes down to shelving bright summer colors and shifting to more seasonally appropriate hues. An even bigger part of the transition ties in recognizing textural differences and phasing fabrics out of your wardrobe (less lightweight linen or linen-cotton blends, and slightly heavier textures like corduroy, for example).  A great guide to making the transition stylishly can be found here, courtesy the great team at Primer.

Not quite warm enough for a lighter-weight Harrington jacket, but not quite full-on winter yet.

Not quite warm enough for this lighter-weight Harrington jacket, but not quite full-on winter yet.

Now, textural differences are also important in terms of outerwear, as layering multiple pieces in lighter or heavier weights can dress an outfit up or down.  Keep in mind that something like a hooded sweatshirt or standard winter coat just won’t do for a polished option. Looking for a sharper military silhouette in a lighter weight is one way to harness the crisp appeal of a spring-weight Harrington jacket. Military-type jackets might be a bit trendy for some, but it can also bring som serious, slightly rugged appeal. With brands like Barbour, the jacket has surged back into the spotlight across the past year, thanks in no large part to a certain secret agent.

Strong military-inspired details, a trim silhouette, perfect layering weight — the Aurora jacket from F&O.

Strong military-inspired details, a trim silhouette, perfect layering weight — the Aurora jacket from F&O.

Now, that Barbour jacket is…well, on the pricey side, for all its great looks. Other, slightly more affordable options are out there by the dozens, it seems. Personally, the Aurora Military Jacket by Frank & Oak hits the sweet spot. The sleeves and body are trim ( in a size Medium), the armholes are high without being restricting, and the jacket’s lines are clean (there’s not much excess material anywhere). It’s still relatively lightweight and waterproof with a cotton-nylon exterior, but it feels more substantial. That means it can be tossed on over a v-neck sweater and an OCBD while still functioning well. If it gets too hot, strip off a layer under the jacket. Too cold? Add a denim jacket or another layer over a sweater and OCBD — and put that underneath the jacket. The price point is within reach for most (and if you’re a member of the Hunt Club, store credit could apply here, too). And, its military-inspired looks are on-point both stylistically and fashionably. Toeing that line can be tricky, but if there’s any jacket that can crisply and effectively cross the divide between fashion and style (as well as the start of fall and the start of winter), a strong military piece can be a tremendous wardrobe addition.