Tag / #menswear

by Beau H.

Starter Style Review: Urban Outfitters

Editor’s note: Building great style on a budget can be difficult and expensive. This is the third part in an occasional series chronicling great locations to start a wardrobe and buy affordable, good-looking style staples. Catch the first and second parts here and here. Look for more in the coming weeks!

Going underground with a trendier store.

Going underground with a trendier store.

For all the great things about stores that offer classic style essentials, there’s something to be said for brands that, for the most part, turn the entire model on its head. The first striking thing about walking into an Urban Outfitters (if you’re fortunate enough to have a brick-and-mortar location near you) is the explosion of color and pattern, particularly in the men’s section. Oh, and the full-size bear costume (see below). Now, the thing with the entire brand is that they offer a highly unique shopping experience, selling things like nifty housewares and books on how to bake with Nutella alongside, yes, a bear costume. But, if you can get past the store’s relative eccentricities, there are actually some great takeaways. Like those pops of color and pattern, and plenty of eye-catching, wild designs (some of which look strangely wearable in a street style-esque way).. The store leans distinctly younger because of that, but it’s always refreshing to see brands push the boundaries, like with the crazy floral print crewneck sweater below, which, I’ll be honest, I took a hard look at (I have a soft spot for wild patterns and designs).

Well, hello there.

Well, hello there.

The sweater below certainly was eye-catching in a statement piece sort of way, perhaps an item to wear to a particularly ironic college party. However, there are actually some tremendous finds within the store once you can get past some of the more out-there designs, including some wilder-looking tees and, um, unique drape scarves.

Maybe, just maybe, a bit wearable?

Maybe, just maybe, a bit wearable?

A particularly strong point is the store’s collection of nice basic tees, made by BDG. They often sell colorful striped and solid T-shirts in bargain packages, which makes it easy to stock up for casual wear in the spring and summer (a particular favorite of mine). In the warmer months, as long as the shirt has some color to it — and stays firmly away from crazy graphic tee territory — a tee is always a solid and basic style pick.  The selection of henleys and long-sleeve shirts also is a positive, and the shirts are cut slim, another definite plus.

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Stacks on stacks of shirts.

If you need to stock up on slim jeans or corduroys, Urban Outfitters has you covered here, too. For just under $40 (the price of some Levi’s on sale), you can pick up pants in either the 510, 511 or 508 fit — the 508 fit has a slouchier rise, but isn’t cut nearly as slim through the leg and thigh as the 510 or 511. Cords, black and grey jeans and tan twill pants all were in stock, any of which would be a good buy from personal experience.  Unfortunately, it didn’t look like this particular location had any of the versatile and tremendous 513 — maybe a change in stock or buying practices?

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A terrific price for some basic jeans or cords.

Urban Outfitters also does a nice job with colorful, yet slightly ‘out-there’ socks — extraordinarily colorful to the point that they even feature ‘colorful’ language on one of the pair’s designs. But paired down with a nice desert boot (as seen below) and some dark denim, they might be a nice talking point for an outfit? The desert boots in question also were offered in a great shade of grey that wouldn’t look out of place with jeans or chinos either.

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Stumbled upon a classic silhouette in a trendier store.

The biggest takeaway with Urban Outfitters is that, like any store, there are going to be hits and misses. Distinct hits and misses, in fact — like that hilarious bear costume. But scouring the shelves in this case led to some astonishingly low prices (like $39 for a pair of Levi’s), some extremely solid essentials (like the striped and colored v-neck and crewneck tees) and some unique finds (like the strangely eye-catching floral print sweater). As with any location, go in with some essentials in mind, and you might be surprised by what you leave with.

by Beau H.

Starter Style Review: Old Navy

Editor’s note: Building great style on a budget can be difficult and expensive. This is the second part in an occasional series chronicling great locations to start a wardrobe and buy affordable, good-looking style staples. Catch the first part here. Look for more in the coming weeks!

There's more than meets the eye with this brand.

There’s more than meets the eye with this brand.

Old Navy is one store that often seems overlooked when it comes to style and fashion. Maybe it’s because they fall under the large, large banner of Gap (which also includes Banana Republic) or perhaps it’s because the brand’s looks lean decidedly casual and tend to cater to a younger crowd (note the expansive kids section and back-to-school deals). However, there really are some terrific finds in terms of style essentials — in fact, a decent amount of Siblings With Style’s budget picks  for a menswear starter kit were gleaned from Old Navy. A good look through the store reveals just as many essentials in-person as online, all at very reasonable prices.

When browsing through the store, there certainly are some fantastic finds. In the local brick-and-mortar location, there was a massive clearance sale that marked large quantities of items down to as low as $5 (in this case, a selection of pique polos).

One of the store's standout selections.

A style staple at a low price.

Perhaps one of the better bargains around is the store’s selection of v-neck sweaters (for $10 in some instances). The sweaters are mostly offered in darker hues fitting winter and fall, but navy and grey v-necks as seen above are two items that can pull duty regardless of season.

Shirting also is a surprising strong point at Old Navy. As seen below, Old Navy featured a nice selection of light chambray and denim shirts, in addition to classic Oxford cloth button-downs (a tremendous polo alternative) and shirts with some interesting, subtle patterns, like pin dots and various symbols. The selection of strong plaid and striped shirts also was on-point with other brands — shirts with patterns like that are a steal at a bargain price and can even make do with little tailoring if layered under a sweater.

Winter-appropriate textures and fabrics

Winter-appropriate textures and fabrics.

Old Navy denim and trousers also earn the store significant style points. In offerings ranging from relaxed and straight to slim, the store had a variety of washes, including an inky black and some dark denim with slight distressing. At the particular store in question, slim-fit jeans were going for $35 — less than a pair of Levi’s for quality that can’t be beat for the price and fit. Corduroys also were on-sale for low, low prices, going for as little as $10. The fact that the pants were offered in a variety of darker shades (like navy and grey) helps them fall perfectly in line with the hues of the season while remaining a style essential.

Corduroys on sale at Old Navy.

Corduroys on sale at Old Navy.

The store’s selection of basic essentials is something Old Navy’s always done well, and it appears they continue to emphasize nice-fitting, basic T-shirts, henleys and thermal long-sleeve shirts (some of which can be seen next to those corduroys above). Buying these shirts in bundles can yield some nice, low prices. Old Navy’s jackets and outerwear are tremendous for the price, too — don’t forget about that essential navy peacoat.

Dark denim. Low price.

Dark denim. Low price.

Additionally, Old Nav offers some slightly trendier items, including puffer vests (now being layered above suits), a camo thermal long-sleeve shirt, and a shirt-jacket cut trim through the body and arms, in addition to a selection of jean jackets. The sale racks are absolutely worth looking over as well, as selection is actually quite extensive for most every size. And Old Navy does the basics, like boxers, boxer briefs and undershirts, at low prices, too — maybe not a bad idea to stock up there.

With Old Navy, like any store, there are sure to be magnificent finds at low prices as well as ‘duds’ at high prices. However, it’s definitely a store worth browsing to pick up style essentials and start a wardrobe at low prices.

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Christmas Time

If you’re anything like me, the last few days before Christmas are a bit of a scramble to finish wrapping gifts and getting everything set for two special days — Christmas Eve and Christmas. Ideally, since this time is most often spent with family, it’s good to not have to think too much about what to wear on those days. And it’s wise to not overdo it too much, either — but you should still dress to impress (although Christmas is one of those days where it’s OK to wear your pajamas all day). Let’s take it from the top with an outfit that could work on both Christmas Eve and Christmas.

The Sweater

Elbow-patch wool crew (Alternative: Fair isle crewneck sweater)

Different texture, and with elbow patches for variety.

Different texture, and with elbow patches for variety.

In most parts of the country this time of year, it’s pretty cold (including New Hampshire, where the Siblings With Style operation has gone mobile this week). That’s why a sweater will work more than sufficiently to stave off the chill. But, use some more variety here than with a standard v-neck sweater.

That’s why a donegal wool crew (the above option pictured is from Frank & Oak) does the job nicely. The wool’s texture is subtly different from a classic merino or wool sweater (note the flecks in the fabric), and the crew neck means this can be worn more casually atop a plain t-shirt. The elbow patches break up the outfit by adding another subtle textural difference, and that touch is certainly a modern take on an older classic. The same holds true for the fair isle crewneck alternative. The pattern is perfect for the holidays — it’s certainly ‘of-the-moment’, but it incorporates a cold-weather feel, too. And in slim new iterations from places like J. Crew and even Old Navy, the fair isle sweater fits the mold of a nice modern update. Additionally, because that fair isle pattern is louder, it can easily be dialed down by pairing it with the perfect pair of dark denim.

The Shirt

Chambray shirt

Workwear details and rough cold-weather texture.

Workwear details and rough cold-weather texture.

Assuming you stick with a nice wool crew, it’s wise to keep your shirt in the same casual area. That could mean as something as simple as a charcoal or grey t-shirt, but if you’re stepping out of the house to visit family or heading to a casual party, a collared shirt is probably the more polished way to go. It’s easy here to turn to a simple white or blue Oxford cloth button-down, but the slightly unique texture of the sweater calls for a slightly more unique shirt. Chambray is the ideal in-between medium —a step up from an OCBD in terms of visual interest, and able to be worn in fall and winter with equal ease — the rough, workwear-inspired roots of chambray are the answer to colder temps in the later parts of the year, including around Christmas.

The Pants

Slim chinos

Hawkings McGill chinos from Urban Outfitters.

Hawkings McGill chinos from Urban Outfitters.

Even though Christmas is a decidedly casual holiday when it’s spent at home, the day before and the day itself present a variety of potential style situations. If both days are spent at home, a lighter-washed, more casual denim, kept slim and with some distressing (yes, some) could be your ticket to casual style. But in both instances, slim chinos in a neutral color (as seen above) work perfectly.  Something in a darker fall or winter shade (like burnt orange or burgundy) could definitely work as well. In this instance, chinos allow you to be a bit more polished at home or just as ready to jump up and head out to a movie or dinner, a place where jeans might not go a long way.

The Shoes

‘Classy’ boots

A high-quality boot with years of history behind it.

A high-quality boot with years of history behind it.

As with much of the day, this is one holiday where not a lot might be required of you in terms of errands, chores or, well, much of anything involving leaving the house. But, if the day involves trekking through some snow, a sturdy pair of boots is the way to go when the weather turns frosty.  When you add a different component (like a slightly different color) outside of a standard wingtip or ‘work’ boot, the right pair of shoes can work across multiple seasons and situations. That’s where the Red Wing Beckman boots come in. The cherry shade of this particular pair is beautifully rich in color and extremely high-quality, if reviews and anecdotal history are any indication (46 out of 51 reviews on Amazon were 4 or 5 star ratings). That red cherry color means that the boot could feasibly be worn with either a black or brown leather belt — don’t worry about matching leathers, here. And the boot’s deep color falls in line with the elbow patches of the sweater and the rough texture of the chambray shirt — all subtly different touches from typical items.

The Rest

Camp socks and casual leather watch

Thick and warm socks to stand up to the heat.

Thick and warm socks to stand up to the heat.

Is $16.50 a lot for a pair of socks, like the J. Crew option as shown in the link? Definitely. But, if it’s particularly chilly where you live, a nice, thick pair of socks could see a lot of duty in the fall and winter, so it’s a slight investment in the grand scheme of things. That particular pair has some notes of blue and black that would play off other colors in the outfit, like the sweater, shirt and chinos. That’s a little touch that can go a long way in complementing an outfit, something any good pair of socks should accomplish. Because the outfit is casual overall, leave the stainless steel dive watch in the box this time, and reach for a cheap (yet still polished-looking) watch like a Timex. It’s a leather strap but still maintains a field-ready look, and again, don’t worry about matching leathers with the shoes here.

There you have it. Enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends, and do your best to look your best in the process. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Product Review: Jomers Corduroys

One of the first keys to establishing great style is finding pieces that you love to wear over and over again. For many, dark denim fills this void more than adequately in terms of pants. However, it’s always ideal to mix up textures and fabrics with things like chinos in seasonally appropriate shades. Corduroys are another great way to find a denim alternative, as well. A relatively new start-up out of New York City’s Garment District, Jomers is looking to meet that need for fashionable guys everywhere. Joe over at Dappered first reviewed their cords back in August, and some readers noted similarities to Bonobos, but believe me, these are different in price and looks. It took me a while to get my hands on a sample pair of them, but now the review is in. Read on below, and to check out an interview with the company’s founder, click here.

Jomers Curacao corduroys. Waist size, 33. Shirt by Target Merona. Sweater by Old Navy.

Jomers Curacao corduroys. Waist size, 33. Shirt by Target Merona. Sweater by Old Navy.

The first (and perhaps most noticeable) part about these corduroys is the texture. They’re a pinwale cord, which is very fine and light. As a whole, the fabric is very airy and breathable, which would make these perfect for summer and spring, but probably not as much for the fall and winter — although that’s not to say they couldn’t be worn in those seasons.

The fit is quite trim, very close to a Levi’s 513.  Or, if you happen to wear Frank and Oak’s Newport Chinos, the fit is quite close to that as well — slim with some taper, but not as tight as a Levi’s 510 or 511. It’s something definitely preferable for those who are trim, but even the beefier guys among us could probably use a slimmer pair of pants, too. The fabric also has a decent stretch to it, which contributes to the breathability factor. In terms of length, the cord is long enough to be cuffed, but also sits with minimal break over a pair of shoes (or in the case of the photo, wingtip boots). The color of the pants is also quite nice — a dark, rich navy that’s just different enough from jeans or chinos thanks to the thin pinwale cord. From the looks of the site, they offer a variety of other colors, mostly in vibrant shades.

Patterned detailing along the waistband. A similar pattern in the back pockets.

Patterned detailing along the waistband. A similar pattern in the back pockets.

Additionally, the detailing on these Jomers cords are what sets them apart, as you can see above. The floral pattern is actually a pretty interesting touch, although some might be wary to take these for a spin in a conservative office because of that slight detail. It’s just different enough to set these apart from another pair of pants, however. The fly is a slide-lock closure, another sturdy touch that makes these worth the price.

And on that note, the price isn’t bad at all for the Curacao at $50. From the looks of things, the most expensive it gets for a pair of Jomers is $56 or so — and shipping is free for all domestic orders. For a starter pair of corduroys that would change up your denim and chinos rotation, that’s practically a steal. Furthermore, despite some of the inherent similarities to Bonobos, you won’t find a pair of Bonobos pants at that price point hardly ever. If you’re shopping on a budget, Jomers are the way to go. Quality and looks at the right price. Can’t ask for much more than that when it comes to style.

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: 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…