Menswear Monday: Resolve

Ahhh, fall! It's the season in which we pack away our espadrilles, exercise our right to layer garments, and tote the September issue of our favorite fashion magazine (which often weights more than a small child). For those of us who love great style, it's basically the fashion New Year! And, men, why not use this time of year to make a new fashion resolution? Here it goes:

I, (state your name here), will tune into Our Style File's latest segment for men: Menswear Monday.

And to kick off our new segment, we thought we would share one of our favorite fall accessories videos from GQ Magazine.

 

 
If you enjoyed this video as much as we enjoy a hot bowl of soup on a fall afternoon, take a look at GQ's other videos here.

Three Essential Items for the Sartorially Savvy Man

You've purchased a closet full of great clothes and are looking dapper, but now it's time to stay on top of your look. We recommend every man purchase these three items to keep you sartorially savvy.

 

The Laundress Sweater Stone: $18. The Laundress Sweater Comb: $18. The Container Store Sweater Comb: $7.99

 

1. Sweater Comb and/or Sweater Stone: Nothing ruins the look of a beautiful cashmere sweater like pilling. These tools will ensure your sweaters always look new by keeping them pill-free.

  

BOSS Hugo Boss Metal Collar Stays: $90. Brooks Brothers Plastic Collar Stays: $9

2. Collar Stays: Just because you had your shirt professionally pressed, doesn't mean it will stay that way all day. Raise your hand and repeat: "I will NEVER leave home without my collar stays." In fact, leave a pair or two at the office just in case. However, make sure you remove them before you send your shirts to the cleaners; otherwise, they will likely be gone forever.

The Container Store Cedar Shoe Trees: $19.99. Church's Norfolk Wood and Metal Shoe Trees: $95

3. Shoe Trees: Put these in your shoes anytime you aren't wearing them, and shoe trees will significantly lengthen the life of your shoes by helping them retain their shape and prevent creasing. Also, we recommend buying wood (usually cedar) shoe trees, which help absorb moisture and prevent odor.

Top-3 (Tie-Free) Father's Day Gifts

Photo Source: GQ Magazine

It's Saturday, and Father's Day is less than 24 hours away. Time hasn't been on your side, and now you're considering buying the man in your life yet another tie. There's no need to be redundant; your favorite stylists have you covered!

Here are our Top-3 (Tie-Free) Father's Day Picks:

We love these quirky Kate Spade Silver Street "Left & Right" Cufflinks. They are a fun take on a bespoke staple. Price: $30.00

J.Crew's Classic Gingham Pocket Square is a wardrobe must. Add a monogram in a contrasting color so Dad is sure to stand out. Price: $40.00 (plus $10.00 for monogram) 

The Art of Shaving's Traditional Gift Set will make good-bye kisses from Dad more than just a morning routine. On sale this week for $236; Regular Price: $295

Happy Shopping!

spring jackets for men

It's FINALLY warming up here in NYC but going sans outerwear is still in the not-too-distant future. Guys, we love a great spring jacket to add another layer of fashion to your look. Right now it's all about bomber and moto styles—classic silhouettes with small pops of personality.

Here are some men's jackets that I'm hoping to get my husband in this spring.

--Nat

John Varvatos ($798)

Barbour: $420

Ben Sherman: $129

men's casual shoes

Photo: Hyuna Shin/Studio D

I love Esquire and its great tips for men’s fashion, so I’ll let them more eloquently and cleverly take on today’s topic. Regarding men’s casual shoes, Esquire fashion editors say, “A man still needs at least one pair of casual shoes that look like something ol’ Siggy might’ve cobbled himself. Something with a beefy sole and some firm support in the arch. Something durable that can take both a polish and a beating. And, most important, something with some personality to it.”

Follow this link for some great tips on how to wear casual shoes “the right way” and “the Esquire way.” Enjoy!

--Nat

men's fashion week

Men’s Fashion Week in Milan is in full swing as some of fashions biggest names take their collections to the runway. Like much of the menswear hitting the runway this week, D&G kept to a very casual and relaxed feel as the retro-looking models donned classic cartoons and Coca-Cola slogans. For the everyday man, this collection is so swank and so wearable.

skinny ties

In the last few years, men’s ties have gotten thinner. And let me tell you, I love a

skinny tie with a spread collar. It’s so European!

If you need a conservative look in the office but want to sport the thin trend, choose

classic colors and patterns or don’t go ultra, string-bean thin.

Also, a thin tie looks ever so stylish with a collared shirt and a cardigan or shawl-

neck sweater.

--Nat

hats off to men

I have been a big fan of men’s head wear for quite some time. Whether its adding a little zing to an outfit, covering up the follically challenged, or bringing warmth to some cold ears, hats are here to serve you!

--C

Flat caps: Beyond the sleek appearance, the versatility of these hats is what sells me. They’re easy to match with formal wear but also a casual option for jeans. Depending on the material, flat caps can also be worn year round. Heavy wools and herringbone work great for fall/winter and linen is a fabulous alternative for spring/summer.

Knitted beanies: Knitwear is the perfect option for keeping you warm and comfy throughout the cold seasons. It’s the giant for all winter hats. This is because it fits snug to your head, comes in a variety of colors, and the shape is sleek and simple. Although the beanie evokes an informal feel, there is a fine line between sloppy and casual that should be avoided.

Trilby: The Trilby, or Fedora, has been around since the 20s and is not going away anytime soon. It’s a staple. There are many versions of the trilby available, not only in the traditional straw but also in wool, denim, and flannel. With so many shops carrying trilby styles these days (H&M, Topshop, Uniqlo, Zara, etc.), it would be impossible to not find one that matches your personality and needs.

shirt cuffs & cuff links

While all men’s dress shirts may seem the same, they aren’t. There are many subtle but important differences that go into making a dress shirt what it is. We’ll start breaking down men’s dress shirts by cuff types.

--Nat

 Button, or Barrel, Cuff: The standard cuff style, fastened by one or two buttons.

 Double, or French, Cuff: Extra length of sleeve folded back and fastened with a cuff link. This style is more formal than the button cuff.

Single Cuff: Like the double cuffs (fastened with a cuff link) without the fold. This is the most formal style and is usually only worn with formal evening wear.

And while we’re on the subject, let’s talk cuff links. We love vintage or vintage-inspired links. They give off a simple and elegant vibe, like these 1944 mercury dime cuff links from Nordstrom.

 Also, if you live in the New York City area, visit LEO Design (543 Hudson Street, between Perry and Charles Street) for a great selection of reasonably priced vintage cuff links.

bow ties

Drop your stereotype and replace it with something a bit more cool, classy, and stylish. Bow ties are a fashion must for any confident man’s closet and can surprisingly be paired with many items you already have. Depending on the pattern and fabric, bow ties can swiftly dress up or dress down an outfit. Pair flannel and wool ties with a buttoned-up shirt for instant fall style.

--C

utility bags for all

Finding a bag that can hold all your items and be versatile enough to go with the majority of your current wardrobe can be tough. So good thing they invented the utility bag! Whether they’re made from canvas, tweed, wool, or leather, these guys can weather any storm and help you look good doing it. 

Ladies, keep in mind that these are just as much for you as they are for the gents.

The talented designers at Jack Spade recently came out with an incredible line of utility totes, duffles, and briefcases that must be checked out. For a cheaper alternative, Urban Outfitters has some good-looking buys as well.