Tag / winter

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.

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.