Style Suggestion: A Cozy Christmas

Editor’s note: For more Style Suggestions — including what to wear to that holiday party — swing through here.

Breaking news — Christmas is almost here! If you’re a big fan of the holidays, like me, and appreciate a festive atmosphere in the air and lights all around the cityscape (or your hometown), there’s really no better time to enjoy. But thankfully, the holiday also gives everyone a chance to rest, regroup and ideally, actually get home for some time off. Either way, Christmas and the events surrounding it don’t always have a set dress code — it could be a more casual evening of opening gifts with just the family, or a nice party with friends (hopefully, Ryan Gosling doesn’t drop by). So the style suggestion that follows definitely errs on the side of more casual, whether this is on Christmas Day itself or in the days leading up to. Bear in mind — this is just one suggestion to keep things from getting too sloppy, so mix-and-match (and buy) as you please! Note that we’ll cover a more dressed-up Christmas affair right here next week.

The Shirt: Tommy John Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey — $34

This colorblocked pocket tee is a simple but effective upgrade from the pedestrian crewneck.

This colorblocked pocket tee is a simple but effective upgrade from the pedestrian crewneck.

So right off the bat, that price is a bit much more than most might pay for a T-shirt. BUT, bear with — Tommy John certainly seems to be the real deal as far as quality and comfort goes in the undershirt and T-shirt game. And its Ringer Pocket Tee (available in four colors) is soft, stylish and slim-fitting. Crucially, the color at the neck and pocket sets it apart just so slightly from a regular crewneck tee, even when that might be the cheaper option.  It’s these small style upgrades that can add a little thought to your look, and if comfort is part of the equation, it’s key to still look good. However, if wearing just a tee makes you wary, I’d reach for a great chambray shirt instead.

The Sweater: Old Navy Chunky Shawl-Collar Cardigan — $49.50 (When On-Sale)

A rich color and ribbed knit make this a solid house sweater for a cozy Christmas.

A rich color and ribbed knit make this a solid house sweater for a cozy Christmas.

Because it’s the heart of December, we’ll assume it could be a little bit chilly wherever you might be. That’s exactly the time to reach for a well-priced Old Navy cardigan. The burgundy color is a nice, on-trend nod to the season as a whole (although this cream JackThreads Shawl Cardigan could also be a neat, affordable pickup). But in this instance, the thick burgundy knit brings some nice contrast when paired alongside the lightweight T-shirt. As I’ve said time and again, a shawl-collar cardigan is a great, masculine style move that adds some rugged appeal to any outfit. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy sweater? If it’s too warm out where you are, ditch it (if you’re lucky enough, that is!).

The Pants: JackThreads The Daily Jogger — $49.50 OR Classic Dark Denim

A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.

A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.

As we talked about above, Christmas can go one of two ways — more casual, or dressier. In this case, if you’ve got the option to go more laidback yet want to avoid wearing pajama pants, we’re going out on a limb to recommend a pair of tailored sweatpants in a dark color. JackThreads continues to get a lot of things right with its new menswear line, and stylish essentials at low prices like these are why. Again, if sweatpants still feel too casual, a solid pair of dark denim never fails (I’d recommend Mott & Bow, who makes slim jeans like its Hester model with a comfy hint of stretch). If sweats are too hot, reach for their laidback but just as comfy alternative — the well-crafted sweatshort (like these from my friends at Pistol Lake).

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Royale Chukka — $152 (On-Sale)

Camel plus black in a chukka silhouette = dressier sneakers than the norm.

Camel plus black in a chukka silhouette = dressier sneakers than the norm.

If sneakers seem a silly option for the middle of winter (and they very well might be if there’s a ton of snow), I’d urge you to go with a reliable (but cheaper) desert boot instead. If, however, you’re able to rock some chukka sneakers from GREATS, you’ve found a style choice that fits right in with fall & winter yet feels more comfortable than a thicker boot (note that Reef’s Outhaul Lux Chukka does that, too). The Royale Chukka definitely checks all those boxes, and even more crucially, the camel color plus black sole is a combo that feels a little dressier than a plain pair of captoe sneakers. These sneakers can be worn through the rest of winter in the right weather, and into spring with some lightwash jeans, too — that’s the gift that keeps on giving.

The Watch: Timex Weekender 40mm — $46

A black leather strap and that simple Timex dial create the ideal happy medium for the rest of this outfit.

A black leather strap and that simple Timex dial create the ideal happy medium for the rest of this outfit.

Just as in this site’s Thanksgiving Style Suggestion, a Timex is the affordable watch pick once again. In this instance, Timex’s classic weekender dial keeps the watch more casual, but the black face and slip-thru black leather strap makes it ever so slightly put-together. Yet, it’ll still look right at home with this outfit in terms of color and styling potential — it’s just that simple and versatile. Lest we forget, this watch can be mixed and matched with other NATO straps — that’s like getting a new watch for about $10.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Herald Socks — $12

A small way to pump some pattern into an outfit -- for a low price.

A small way to pump some pattern into an outfit — for a low price.

Whereas the rest of this outfit mainly sticks to solid basics, these socks inject some life into the ensemble in a fun way. And assuming you’ll be kicking around without shoes on for a bit, clean, hole-free socks are a must (truly). Throw in a fun polka-dot pattern in a color that complements the rest of the outfit, and you’re set. The oatmeal color of these socks is also just different enough if you go with a heather-grey T-shirt (or even a blue chambray), and the navy dots complement the cardigan and the sneakers, too. Plus, Richer Poorer socks are springy and breathable — not a  heavy wool set.

While the above outfit might not work for everyone, here’s hoping you do get the chance to kick back in a more casual fashion this Christmas — and when that time comes, I hope you’ll keep some of these picks in mind (because who doesn’t love looking their best all the time?). Think I missed anything? Let me know your picks for the holiday season below!

Ben Sherman US

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Fall and Winter Sweaters

Editor’s note: For more Online Shopping Picks than your credit card can possibly handle, click here.

Just one sweater style you could throw on this season. Cardigan & shirt by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

Just one sweater style you could throw on this season. Cardigan & shirt by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker.

It seems we’ve had a bevy of Online Shopping Picks posts on this site in the past few weeks, simply because there’s so much standout fall product cramming store (and digital) shelves now. And, transitioning from the hot days of summer into the cooler days of fall & winter can happen rather suddenly — case in point: It was sunny and about 70 degrees in Brooklyn not too long ago, and now I’m fighting off the chilly fall rain; time to stock up on fall gear, and quick. So picking up a standout sweater or two would be a wise move. This latest Online Shopping Picks doesn’t focus on one style, like V-neck sweaters, and it doesn’t necessarily make the distinction between sweaters you might want to dress up and ones you want to dress down — although a V-neck sweater can certainly do both, as I noted in this throwback Effortless Gent post. The picks below, on the other hand, run the gamut of styles, brands and price points, all while bringing good versatility — so hopefully, you find one (or two, or heck, three) options that catch your fancy. And for a complete sweater hierarchy, head to Dappered in the meantime. Let me know if I missed any stellar selections in the comments below!

#1. Uniqlo Cotton-Cashmere V-neck Sweater — $29.90

A classic color and a can't-beat-it price.

A classic color and a can’t-beat-it price.

As with most Uniqlo products, it seems there might not be a better value for a sweater on the market in terms of price and quality than this V-neck sweater (although a budget brand like J. Crew Factory is also worth a look). But there are certainly some positives to this Uniqlo number aside from the price. It features a fit that’s likely quite slim, and the cotton-cashmere fabric should actually have a hint of stretch to it. It’s also available in a plethora of colors (every option but those Orange or Light Green picks should do very well this fall). And the price simply can’t be beat!

#2. H&M Wool-Blend Sweater — $19.90

Two bold chest stripes and a deep navy color helped this sweater land at No. 2 on this list.

Two bold chest stripes and a deep navy color helped this sweater land at No. 2 on this list.

Have you caught wind yet of the Fall 2015 version of David Beckham’s Modern Essentials collection for H&M? If the product is anything like the spring offering, it should be a well-curated collection of both tailored and casual wear with a continental edge. And that wool-blend sweater just might be the best of the bunch. It’s a got a noir-ish vibe to it thanks to the dark navy color, and the chest stripe provides enough contrast that it should still pair well with dark blue denim. A chest stripe is always a nice touch on a sweater, as it can accentuate your build. And it’s the kind of piece that be paired with something as casual as a chambray jogger or as dressy as some light grey trousers and a white Oxford. Again, the price is an absolute highlight (although it’s best to pay close attention to how you wash it, as it could shrink – this is H&M, after all).

#3. Grayers Avalon Cardigan — $125

A shawl cardigan and soft fabric make this a nice high-low piece.

A shawl cardigan and soft fabric make this a nice high-low piece.

Here, we’re jumping right from affordable, versatile pieces to a chunky shawl cardigan that leans more casual in nature – and is definitely more expensive. That could turn some away from it, but this Grayers cardigan still has a lot going for it. It’s an in-between shade of grey-blue that meshes nicely with some navy trousers (as modeled by my friend Clay of Brothers & Craft on the Grayers site). It looks like it’ll be thick, warm and comfortable, too – the type of sweater to throw on for casual weekend errands or a casual Friday on the job with some dark denim (you could even throw it together with some tweed trousers and a blue Oxford for a high-low work week look). And any way you style it, a shawl cardigan is an excellent piece to convey tough, rugged style – a la everyone’s personal favorite, James Bond.

#4. Todd Snyder Classic Pocket Sweatshirt in Olive — $98

A pricey basic that remains a great investment.

A pricey basic that remains a great investment.

This is, again, a decidedly casual sweater that won’t be for everyone – after all, it is just a crewneck sweater, yes? Well, not quite. Todd Snyder’s been pumping out reliably well-fitting, well-made updates to sportswear classics for a few years now and his crewneck sweatshirts are always a hit. They fit slim, incorporate small details like that chest pocket and come in versatile colors, like this olive option here, which will do well to dress down grey denim, wingtip boots and perhaps a chambray shirt and navy knit tie. If splurging on a crewneck sweatshirt isn’t your bag, Old Navy offers similar styles for much, much cheaper.

#5. JACHS NY Light Grey Merino Wool Cardigan — $125

The ideal type of sweater to get you through fall, with some on-trend elbow patches, to boot. Short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

This cardigan was first seen here as a Style Pick of the Week just last week, and it’s the kind of sweater to buy now, wear now and keep in your rotation through fall (and likely into winter). The merino wool is surprisingly lightweight and breathable, while that light grey color provides some good versatility (pair it with everything from navy corduroys to olive chinos). Because it’s lightweight, that’ll make it a bit more of a tricky play in winter, though. The elbow patches, on another note, are a neat styling touch that seems to have come back into play across the menswear board. The price is another matter for most of us, but maybe it’s a pre-fall splurge. Or, you could pick up a solid handful of multi-colored V-neck sweaters from a place like Uniqlo and call it good.

Florsheim

Sorting through such an assortment of sweaters proved fairly difficult, what with lots of brands, fabrics and styles. As always, J. Crew did an excellent job with its sweater offerings this fall, particularly this lambswool colorblock number. Brands like Old Navy and even Target’s Merona line ($8.74 per sweater!) absolutely shouldn’t be pushed off to the side, either. And if you can make the trip into a physical retail location, it’s worth it to swing through Express for a look at the brand’s V-neck sweaters, which fit slim and (when free of that lion logo) are quite comfortable & affordable when on-sale. And if you fancy yourself a sweater addict (again, *raises hand*) picking up a few of these styles will leave you well-set for this fall and winter … and the next.

Which of the above picks will you be snagging for the season? Any styles or brands that you think are worth a look?

Ben Sherman US

Ernest Alexander