Not everything in vintage stores is truly “vintage”. Buyers from these specialty shops typically select their merchandise from multiple sources, including affluent New Yorkers who donate pieces that they don’t find themselves wearing and are taking up too much valuable space in their apartments.

I picked up this recent-season Brooks Brothers toggle coat, which looked like it had never been worn, for $40 and had it tailored by my man Franklin at The Tailoring Room (as we documented here).

Here, I styled it for five different occasions.

1. Standing Out from the Corporate Crowd

A toggle (or “duffle” – if it’s made from genuine duffle fabric) is a great alternative to the classic topcoat for business wear.

The shape is a little more style-forward, and in a bolder color like this it allows you to stand apart from the sea of black, grey and navy outerwear.

I love that the leather closures on the coat are black but the wooden toggles are brown, making it easy to wear with either black or brown leathers.

Coat by Brooks brothers (second-hand, M tailored). Fur scarf handmade from my grandmother’s vintage coat (as featured HERE). Suit and shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Tie by Thom Browne. Tie bar by Tiffany & Co. Socks by Marcoliani. Tassle loafers by Allen Edmonds. Watch by Montblanc. 

2. Weekend Easy

It’s an awesome finishing touch to sharpen a more muted casual look.

The coat is also super warm. This is a look that is ready for any kind of weather, even though it has been mild for the most part here in NYC.

Toggle coat by Brooks brothers (second-hand, M tailored). Crewneck sweater (S) and denim shirt (M) by Levis. Cords by H&M (33, tailored). Boots by LL Bean. Shades by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. 

3. Evening Event

In the evening, whether we’re heading to a swanky lounge or a business event, I like to stick to monochromatic outfits with black leathers instead of brown.

The red coat brings some life to an otherwise colorless outfit.

The day that we shot this I was wearing the full suit for a meeting, then changed into jeans to attend a semi-casual charity event.

I like the simplicity of the full suit because it distracts less from the statement jacket, see the look HERE.

Toggle coat by Brooks brothers (second-hand, M tailored). Flannel DB jacket sample from the next line of MAB by Dan Trepanier (more news to come). Shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Jeans by APC (new standard 32, tailored). Loafers by Johnston & Murphy. Unlined leather gloves by Saks Firth Avenue.  

 4. Business Casual 

Oxford shirt, flannel trousers, cashmere cardigan, suede shoes – a can’t-fail approach to business casual for Fall/Winter.

If you find a good deal on something, don’t be afraid to splurge at the tailor to make it look just right. I often spend two or three times more at the tailor than at the retail store (especially when shopping vintage).

Toggle coat by Brooks brothers (second-hand, M tailored). White oxford shirt by Thom Browne (2). Cashmere cardigan by Brooks Brothers Black Fleece (2). Flannel trousers by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Suede shoes by ToBoot NY. Suede driving gloves by Cole Hann. 

 5. Long Day in the City

Some days in the city call for multiple stops. For me that can mean class -> gym -> design studio -> dinner -> drinks…

It helps to have a sharp casual look that can take me through the day and that works in the evening (and early morning) as well.

I’ve always liked the edgy “murderous” vibe of sharp black leathers.

The white socks with low-vamp slippers is a slight nod to the late Michael Jackson – one of my many style inspirations.

Toggle coat by Brooks brothers (second-hand, M tailored). Belted cardgian by Engineered Garments (M). Tee shirt by Rich in Clothing (M). Waxed jeans by Nudie Jeans (34). Suede tassel slippers by Stubbs & Wootton. Leather duffle by Kenneth Cole. Shades by Persol. Unlined leather gloves by Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford.