Just in time for wedding season, the SB Team got together to present some ideas on what to wear to different types of Spring/Summer weddings.

Enjoy.

1. No Particular Dress Code

A khaki cotton suit is a Spring/Summer staple because it can be worn a hundred different ways, each of which looks formal but not stiff.

It would be hard to look “out of place” at any warm weather nuptials looking like these two studs.

Khaki cotton suit (tailored), gingham shirt and flask by JCrew. Monkstrap shoes by Saville Row Co. Chambray tie by Tailor Supply. Tie bar from TheTieBar. Pocket square is a random fabric swatch.

Khaki cotton suit (tailored) and camo flask by JCrew. Bow tie by Gant. Vintage pocket square. Shirt by Club Monaco. Shades by Archie Brower. Shoes by Scarpe di Bianco.

2. “Semi-Formal”

Whenever an event calls for “semi formal” I immediately think ultra classic: black suit, white shirt, black tie. It’s a can’t fail outfit – just ask the Rat Pack or the Reservoir Dogs.

A very dark charcoal or midnight blue suit would also work with a white shirt and black tie (and both are more appropriate options should you use the suit for business as well).

Black linen suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Shirt (tailored) by Thomas Pink. Tie by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Watch and black alligator band by Montblanc. Plain toe lace-ups by Salvatore Ferragamo. 

3. Outdoor Country

If the ceremony is held on grass amongst nature, try a lighter shade of navy and don’t be afraid of small country touches like a chambray shirt, linen bowtie, vintage pocket square or suede bucks.

Rich navy suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Chambray shirt by JCrew. Vintage suede bucks by Cole Hann (hand-me0down from father). Bowtie that Alex handmade himself. Vintage pocket square.

4. Casual 

The invitation may say “casual”, but it’s still a wedding.

I suggest wearing a tailored jacket and dressing it down, like Wes does here with white jeans, leather walking loafers and an open madras shirt.

Navy cotton jacket by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Madras shirt and leather drivers by Polo Ralph Lauren. White jeans (tailored) by Uniqlo. Vintage pocket square. 

5. Evening Formal

No more embarrassing rentals, wedding season is a great excuse to buy a proper fitting tuxedo.

You’ll save money in the long run and you’ll be glad you did it (as will the ladies at the party).

Midnight blue tuxedo and white formal shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Bowtie by Club Monaco. Midnight blue velvet slippers by Del Toro. 

6. Beach/Resort

If there is ever a time to wear a white linen suit, or a suit with sandles, it’s a beach wedding. Don’t forget a nice pair of shades to complete the look.

If white isn’t for you, try a light cream linen instead.

White linen suit (tailored) by International Concepts INC available at Macys. Blue french cuff shirt (tailored) and navy polka dot bowtie by Polo Ralph Lauren. Leather strap sandals by Stubbs & Wootton. Wooden shades by Shwood. Watch and brown alligator band by Montblanc.

 7. The Quick Stop-In

The easiest way to quickly turn an office look into a ceremony look? Just switch the business tie for a fun bowtie.

On Townsend: Suit by JCrew. Shirt by Brooks Brothers. Pocket square from thetiebar.com. Shoes by Allen Edmonds. Bowtie by Rugby. On Helen (as featured Here): Dress and shoes by Forever 21. 

8. Winery/Vineyard

Nothing says we’re celebrating at a winery or vineyard like a brown linen suit.

Chocolate brown linen suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren (tailored). Madras tie by Gant. Silver tie bar by Tiffany & Co. Wingtips by Gucci. Tortoise shades by Persol. Floral pocket square by Armstrong & Wilson.  

9. Country Club

Country clubs are no stranger to bold color.

Alex puts a spin on the traditional navy blazer with this sky blue linen jacket and anchors down the pink gingham shirt with white jeans and some seriously sharp shoes.

Linen jacket by Michael Andrews Bespoke (mannequin sample). Pink gingham shirt by JCrew. White jeans by Levis. Shoes by Scarpe di Bianco. Vintage belt. 

10. Daytime Formal

If it’s a formal occasion (“black tie”) before 6pm, I recommend a lightweight dinner jacket like this cream hopsack number.

What to wear with a white (or off-white) dinner jacket? Try black lightweight trousers (cotton, linen, tropical wool, etc), a white hidden-placket shirt, a black bowtie and some swanky formal slippers.

Cream hopsack dinner jacket, black linen trousers (part of suit) and white textured formal shirt all by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Vintage grosgrain cumberbun. Velvet tassel slippers by Stubbs & Wooton. Black grosgrain bowtie by Brooks Brothers. Watch and black alligator band by Montblanc.

11. Banquet Hall

When in doubt keep it simple and classic. Townsend puts together a look with a summer grey suit that will never go out of style.

On Townsend: Suit by H&M. Shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Shoes by Allen Edmonds. Tie by Hugo Boss. Tie bar from TheTieBar.com. On Helen: Dress by Rugby. Shoes by Forever 21. Watch by Invicta, Vintage bracelet. 

12. Nautical/Southern

If you’ve been shy about breaking out your seersucker suit, this is the perfect time to do it.

Just remember the old adage: “The better you dress, the worse you can behave”.

Crash in style…

Whipcord seersucker suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Pink micro-check shirt by JCrew. Bowtie by Brooks Brothers. Loafers by Scarpe di Bianco. Shades by Zanerobe. Brown alligator belt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Watch by Montblanc. 

Which is your favorite look? Let us know in the comments section!

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

Dan and the Team

Photography by Alex Crawford.

We’ve been wearing these legendary kicks since we were young boys on the court, so styling them casually keeps that part of our identity.

Here’s some examples of how we wear them off the court. Keep in mind, personal style is all about doing you.

1. XI – Patent Leather

By keeping the rest of the outfit simple, understated and well fit, these famed classics provide and accent that is less “where’s the bball court?” and more “that guy knows what’s up!”.

I rarely wear the 11s – only when I need a very comfortable walking shoe, and a little extra street cred.

Sneakers by Air Joran (XI). Black jersey knit short-sleeve shirt by Alexander Wang. Grey chinos by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Shades by Persol. Watch by Montblanc. 

2. III – Fire Red

Wes finishes off a smart casual look with a collectible pair that will have the sneaker heads drooling.

Between the Members Only jacket and the Jordan III’s, Wes takes the 80s and gives them an update.

Sneakers by Air Jordan III. Jacket Vintage Members Only. Henley by Save Khaki. Jeans by A.P.C. (New Cure – not washed for a year). 

3. III – Black Cement

I like pairing a relaxed tailored jacket with a pair of Js – I feel comfortable in it and I think it represents me well.

Early Js were made with flat soles, making them look less like typical athletic shoes and more natural with a casual look.

Is, IIIs, Vs, VIs and VIIs function better with jeans and chinos than bball shorts, in my opinion.

Blue blazer by MAB by Dan Trepanier. Navy hoody by Club Monaco (M). Jeans by Polo Ralph Lauren. Shades by Persol. Wingtips boots (first look) by Paul Smith. Sneakers (second look) Air Jordan III. New Era fitted cap. Watch by Montblanc

4. III – True Blue

Sneakers by Air Jordan Retro VI (DMP Pack). Black V-Neck by Uniqlo. Tailored Camo Shorts by J Press. Backpack by Filson. 

Short-sleeve seersucker shirt by Club Monaco (size S). Blue cotton chino pants by Michael Andrews Bespoke (custom made). Sneakers are retro Jordan III. Shades by Persol (649). Watch by Montblanc.

An extra shot from SB DAILY

Thanks, as always, for reading. Some great content coming up.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford. 

Try it with jeans for a very sharp, but slightly laid back, look.

Here’s some examples for different occasions.

1. Spring/Summer Cocktail Party

White jeans are both versatile and striking. They work with just about anything (including forest green) and always bring a Spring/Summer outfit to a new eye-catching level.

If you haven’t already, I suggest making the investment.

A modern double breasted jacket should be slim through the midsection and have a narrow panel overlap, meaning you don’t have to worry about the old school “never wear a DB open” rule.

Jacket and shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. White jeans by Helmut Lang. Monkstraps by Scarpe di Bianco. Socks by Paul Smith. Shades by Matsuda Eyewear. Watch by Montblanc. Vintage pocket square.  

2. Casual Friday

Dark indigo jeans are the easiest to slide-in at the office, just make sure the fit and silhouette are similar to the suit’s matching trousers. This includes the hemline (rolling the bottom is a casual touch that won’t look as sharp with a business shoe).

Some tips to getting the perfect fit to dress-up your jeans:

- Save on the denim, spend at the tailor.

- Wear a tailored jacket shopping, or at least bring one from the floor into the fitting room.

- When you put them on in the fitting room they should be a little tight and restricting in the waist, hips, seat and thigh. I’m talking borderline uncomfortable. THEY WILL STRETCH. If they fit perfectly when you first put them on, in two weeks they will be looser than you want.

- Wear them for a couple weeks before having them tailored. You want to make sure they’re fully stretched out and the sizing has stabilized before making any alterations.

- Bring them to the tailor in worn condition (because your body molds them). One time I had a pair of jeans dry cleaned and brought them directly to the tailor still in the plastic bags from the cleaner. I tried them on and he marked the hem with no break, just how I like ‘em. I picked them up a few days later and after wearing them for a few hours the natural creasing at the back of the knee and front of the hips caused the denim to ride up about 3/4″, causing them to look “too short”.

- Once they’re tailored and fit just right, keep them away from the washing machine (which will cause them to shrink and fade). Instead, air them out, and when they get really nasty have them dry cleaned (rather than fading the denim the chemicals will gracefully enhance their natural break-in lines).

Jacket and shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Jeans by JCrew. Wingtips by Gucci. Vintage tie (my late grandfathers). Shades by Matsuda Eyewear. Bandana pocket square. Tie bar by Tiffany & Co. Watch by Montblanc. 

3. Evening Event

Black suiting fabric holds some widespread associations that are hard to shake – formal events, funerals, ect.

A dark charcoal jacket can look just as sharp, without getting confused with other connotations. It also allows for a nice subtle contrast when paired with black jeans (or trousers) for an evening occasion.

Black jeans aren’t just for punk rockers. Dress them up for an evening cocktail party, theatre show, charity event, etc.

Jacket and shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Black jeans by Rag&Bone. Wingtips by Barker Black. Frames by Archie Brower. Watch by Montblanc. 

Some other “DB & Jeans” looks we’ve feature on the site:

From Post: One Week in my Flannel DB 

From Post: Dressing-Up Jeans

From Post: One Week in my Flannel DB 

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford. 

Spring has arrived here in NYC and the weather has been heating up. It’s a great time to slowly unpack some pieces from the summer wardrobe and layer them up for a comfortable Spring look.

I hate to feel hot, so shorts are a mainstay in my warm weather wardrobe. I wear them almost every day, for all types of occasions, from roughly April to September.

Dan isn’t really much of a shorts guy (oddly enough, most of my friends aren’t either) so I figured I’d take the reigns on this one and showcase how a well-fitting pair of shorts can be appropriate for just about any occasion.

Hopefully you (and maybe even SB himself) will feel a little more inspired after reading this post.

1.  Bermuda Prep

I wore this to a rooftop cocktail party last weekend.  It was the perfect way to dress up for a classy event while managing to stay cool in the daytime sun.

To make it comfortable and natural, it’s important to combine the shorts with other lightweight pieces. In this case the jacket is a fine wool with no lining, the shirt is a thin poplin and the tie is a cotton madras. Also remember to keep it simple. Wearing shorts with a jacket and tie is already a statement, so keep the color palette and accessories neutral and classic.

You don’t have to be in Bermuda (where this is considered a business appropriate look) to wear this for work. As Dan has written in the past, before deeming this proper “business casual” it’s important to understand the dress code and overall culture of your place of business, as well as your perceived role within it.

Keep in mind too, as it gets warmer dress codes typically loosen up.

As Community Manager for TheStyleBlogger one of my tasks is organizing reader correspondence – which is basically a full-time job on it’s own. A very popular topic this time of year is how to comfortably pull-off the popular “sockless” look. Dan and I put together some tips & tricks that can help fight odors, blisters and prolong the life of your shoes.

1. Make sure it’s temperature appropriate. If you’re baring your ankles it should be a comfortable weather to do so. It won’t look very natural in cold climates or with a heavily layered look.

2. WASH YOUR FEET!  The easiest way to avoid stinking up your shoes is also the most obvious. Bacteria feeds off the sweat and dead skin cells on the bottom of your feet creating that awful foot odor we all know too well.  Avoid this by thoroughly scrubbing your feet, preferably with a brush and good foot scrub, every time you take a shower. Make sure to get in between the toes too!

3. Let your shoes dry. Try not to wear any pair two days in a row. Give the lining a chance to breathe and properly dry-out by leaving them in an airy space with cedar shoe trees (which absorb moisture & odor while keeping them in proper shape). This will not only help with odors but also increase the life of your shoes dramatically.

4. Powders and Sprays.  There are plenty of powders (for your feet) and sprays (for your shoes) that absorb moisture and sweat which keep your shoes stank free and prolong their life. If sweating becomes a problem, try sprinkling a little Gold Bond powder on your feet to keep them dry and applying a little spray inside the shoes (I use Tineacide) once a week or so to kill the bacteria at the source of the stink.

5. Break ‘em in first. If discomfort or blisters are an issue, wear your new shoes with socks until the interiors soften up and they mold to the shape of your foot.

6. If all these measures seam a little extreme, you can fake it by investing in some “no show” or “loafer liner” socks. Tommy Bahama makes a great liner sock with enough elastic support to keep them up on your feet (not scrunched down by the toes). Matching them to the color of your shoes will make them even more discreet.

7. Most importantly, be confident and embrace the look!  With the right attitude you can go sockless in any shoe in your closet. Loafers, desert boots, wingtips, monks, sneakers, etc. Give it a try!

Blazer by Theory. Tie by Polo Ralph Lauren. Perscription Glasses (w/ Clip on Shades) by Garrett Leight. Belt by Brooks Brothers. Shorts and Shirt by J. Crew. Shoes by Johnson Murphy. Socks by Tommy Bahama. 

2.  ”Dressy” Casual

Combining dressy and casual elements, or dressing “down the middle” as we call it here at TSB, is a great way to create an interesting outfit that is appropriate for a variety of occasions.

Again sticking to lightweight fabrics here with a linen herringbone jacket, unlined chambray shorts, gingham poplin shirt and silk knit tie.

As always, fit is key. Make sure the shorts are slim through the leg so that they correspond with the silhouette of the jacket. Similar to trousers, inseam length is largely a personal preference. I prefer an 11″ inseam, which allows the shorts to hit a couple inches above my knee.

Tie by The Tie Bar. Shirt, Jacket and Shorts by J. Crew. Shoes by Allen Edmonds. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Watch by Orvis with Vintage Strap. 

3.  Easter Pastel

I wore this outfit to a casual Easter Sunday brunch among friends – probably the most appropriate occasion for pastel colors.

Although it’s nearly impossible to tell from these shots the shorts have little embroidered marlins on them, a cool little feature that gives them a little identity. With preppy embroidered shorts try to keep the rest of the outfit solid or very subtle in pattern or print.

Rather than a jacket, try a cozy cardigan sweater when the sun goes down on a cool summer evening.

Shoes by Sperry Top-Siders. Shorts, Sweater and Oxford by J. Crew. Watch by Orvis. Glasses by Garrett Leight.

4.  Sunday Stroll 

I wore this outfit for a late afternoon stroll with some buddies last weekend in the city.  It was starting to get a little chilly out so I threw on a jacket, which ended up giving the look a whole different feel.  Maybe it’s the sunglasses, or the combination of neat and beat-up, but something about this look just made me feel “cool” wearing it – you know the feeling. And, as Alex kindly and not-so-discreetly pointed out, I was “eyeballed” by several women AND men during our walk to the shoot location. Guess I was doing something right.

These are my favorite shorts. For years they have served as my trusty “beat-around” shorts. They bore the brunt of years of yard-work, painting, gardening, you name it. The blue and brown paint splashes are from helping Dan paint his apartment. The white paint is from my parents’ garage. The green is from the fence around my backyard. Each tear, fray, and stain represents a distinct memory from productive times with friends and family.

Fake distressing bothers me, as do articles on “how to give your clothing a used or worn-in look”. Just wear your clothes and don’t baby them, they will develop their own unique character with an authentic story that you can look forward to sharing

This is actually not a legitimate pocket square, it’s a fabric swatch. With the proper fold you can use just about anything as a pocket square. I’ve seen Dan use a sock before. Sometimes when I forget one I’ll fold up a dinner napkin.

Fabric swatches are great because you can hand pick from endless colors and patterns and they are free from just about any fabric shop. The best part is, in a pinch you can actually put it to good use (wipe your hands, nose, clean off a utensil, etc.) without worrying about ruining a $65 piece of fabric.

Shirt by J. Crew. Vintage jacket. Belt by Smathers & Branson. Shorts and shades by Ralph Lauren Polo. Pocket Square is a  sample Fabric Swatch. Shoes by Savile Row Co. 

5. Rooftop Relaxing

This is what I wear when I’m just hanging around my apartment/roofdeck with no need to dress up or be in public.

Espadrilles, cut-off sweats, a tank and a breezy linen shirt are perfect for a lazy Sunday in style.

These used to be my sweatpants for jogging/working out. After a while they were stained and ripped but rather than throwing them away I decided to repurpose them. Now they are my go-to shorts for lounging around the apartment.

Before throwing away or donating old pants (whether they are khakis, sweats, or even suit trousers) consider having them altered to fit differently, or cutting them into shorts. If you don’t like the frayed bottom, your tailor can always help you finish them properly with a plain hem or cuff.

Espadrilles by Stubbs & Wootton. Tank by American Apparel. Shirt by Uniqlo. Watch by Orvis. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering.

As always, thanks for reading!

Yours in style,

Townsend, Dan and the SB Team

Photography by Alex Crawford

When it’s sunny but cool, reach for a fine-gage sweater and don’t be afraid of a little pattern and color.

Here’s three examples.

1. Cotton Jersey Cut & Sew

There is a difference between a knit top and a sweater, they are different departments of design.

A knit top, or “cut & sew” garment, is typically thinner and made using cut patterns that are sewn together. A sweater, on the other hand, is usually thicker, warmer and knit together.

This cardigan is jersey cotton, like a t-shirt, so it’s super comfortable and cool.

A cardigan works over a henley, but a band collar button-down gives you the same neckline with a little more swagger, in my opinion.

An age-old trick: use the trousers to pick up one of the subtle tones in the sweater.

Cardigan by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jeans by Levis. Loafers by Scarpe di Bianco. Henley by Hugo Boss. Shades by Zanerobe. Belt from Urban Outfitters. 

2. Loose Knit Drape

Now is a good time to start introducing some color into your wardrobe, but not necessarily bright color. Save the pastels for the summer and ease into Spring into darker, saturated hues.

A loose-knit top in a non-sticky fabric (like acrylic, linen, hemp, etc) has an awesome drape and weight but the air moves right through it. This allows you to layer on a little texture without getting hot.

Some knit tops are meant to be worn on their own, so don’t be afraid to wear it right on the skin. It looks, and feels, cooler than having another layer under it.

Saturated earthy colors are more versatile than brighter tones. Not green, olive. Not purple, plum.

Acrylic knit by Zara. Vintage belt.  by Cords by Levis. Wingtips by Florsheim. Shades by Persol. 

3.  Graphic Knit 

Having a patterned knit that can make an outfit cool on its own makes life easier.

This outfit is comfortable (cotton/cashmere top, stretch cotton chinos and slip on rubber-bottoms) and takes about 2 minutes to put together.

These shoes came with laces, but I thought they looked too formal for how I wear them.

They’re your clothes, wear them as you see fit.

Sweater by Missoni. Chinos by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Shoes by Surface to Air. Shades by Matsuda. Watch by Montblanc.

Thanks for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford. 

With that said, we’re always looking for new guests to feature and share their personal sense of style. When I heard that Townsend’s friend Chuck, a literary buff and style enthusiast, often combines his two passions into literary-inspired looks, we had to make it happen.

“I’m Chuck Martell.  I’m the product presentation and marketing manager for the Rugby flagship store on University Place in NYC, as well as a freelance stylist, creative consultant and all around nerd. I live with two good friends in Harlem and am originally from right outside of Boston. I spend my time reading, fantasizing about clothes, and hanging out with my incredible (and fantastically talented) group of friends. Also, I swear I’m not a pretentious asshole.”

1. John Steinbeck / The American Dustbowl

“John Steinbeck was my first ‘grown-up’ author.  I was assigned The Red Pony for summer reading one year in elementary school, and I really took to his writing.

I was raised listening to my grandmother’s stories of growing up in Boston during the depression and quickly became fascinated by Steinbeck’s stories of the same period from California to the midwest.”

Pants and Shirt by LVC Levi’s VIntage Clothing 1930′s reproductions. Henley, Suspenders and Driver’s Cap by Rugby RL. Shoes by Ralph Lauren. “Fight Like Hell” knife necklace by Bing Bang.

2. F. Scott Fitzgerald / Classic American Sportswear

“First off, I fully acknowledge that it’s obvious and incredibly cliché to cite F.Scott, but there really is no way of avoiding him.  His work has truly influenced my perspective above everything else.”

“I was assigned The Great Gatsby sophomore year of High School; we reviewed the passage where Gatsby ends the tour of his mansion (with Nick and Daisy) by casually throwing his English-made shirts into the air, in his dressing room.  The shirts flew beautifully through the “East Egg” light and settled elegantly on the floor.”

I read this right before my spring break and confirmation. The next week, I spent my break, and all my confirmation money, in Manhattan, where the highlight of the vacation was a trip to the Ralph Lauren mansion on 72nd to pick up such beautiful shirts.”

Blazer, Tie and Shoes by Ralph Lauren. Chinos, Vest and Shirt by Rugby RL. Glasses by Disrespectacles. Belt Vintage YSL.

Stuff on Chuck’s Mantel…

JFK Picture from his election (the same year my mother was born) – it hung next to the front door of my house until I moved to New York. 

Moose’s Jawbone – Bought in my town in Maine, York

Terrarium by Twig Terrariums in Brooklyn 

3. Jack Kerouac / Beats

“As I got older, and a little more rebellious, I got really into the Beats.  I loved the meandering cynicism and how switching up traditional grammar and composition made it feel as if I was reading an entirely different language.

I also really dug the clothes; the idea that you could pair traditional classics with a totally badass leather jacket. This sense of style definitely influences the way I dress today.”

Pants by Balenciaga. Aran Sweater, Military Beret and Belt by Rugby RL. Vintage 1950′s Harley Davidson Moto Jacket. Shoes by Ralph Lauren.

4. Jack London / Call of the Wild

“As an awkward only child in the Boston suburbs, I spent a lot of time alone. And bored.

I became such a voracious reader as a method of escape and a desire for adventure. Enter Jack London.”

“I ran around my ‘cookie-cutter’ development like it was the Yukon during the gold rush.

Even if all of my expeditions these days happen within the confines of New York City, I still like to occasionally dress as if I’m on a wild adventure.”

Suede Pants, Oil Cloth Bomber, Hunting Belt, Boots and Henley all by Ralph Lauren. Foldable Travel Hat by Minnetonka. 

5. Bret Easton Ellis / “L.A.” Cool

“Bret Easton Ellis became a favorite of mine shortly after I moved to New York for school as a freshman.

I was a fairly sheltered kid but I quickly found myself surrounded (and fascinated) by the indulgent, debauched nightlife scene in Downtown New York.

His characters were languidly beautiful types, that lined up outside of Don Hills for MisShapes parties, prepared with fake IDs and affected apathy.”

Suit by Vivenne Westwood MAN. Belt and Shoes by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Tiger Stripe Sweater by Maharishi London. Sunglasses by Ray Ban. 

Thanks, as always, for reading – and special thanks to Chuck for participating.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford. 

An example for early Spring: layering a lightweight v-neck knit with a tailored jacket.

Here are some examples.

1. Weekend Trip

The things some people wear to the airport baffle me. I know some folks whose routine air travel outfit involves sweat pants and gym shoes – which they bring on the trip only for traveling. This doesn’t make sense to me – granted I’m a fanatically light packer.

Having a “travel outfit” only makes your luggage heavier and puts a dent in your trip’s itinerary since you now have to head straight to the hotel to change and straighten up.

This is an ideal travel outfit for me. It’s plenty comfortble: broken-in chinos (with stretch), a lightweight cotton/cashmere sweater and rubber-soled chukka boots (I typically remove the jacket on the plane and fold it in my carry-on).

The key is that each piece can be worn for a range of events/purposes (keeping my carry-on as light as possible) and as soon as the plane lands I’m ready for wherever I need to go.

The oldest trick in the book: use the color of the sweater to pick up one of the subtle tones in the blazer. The more subtle the better.

Blazer by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Burnt orange v-neck by JCrew. Chinos by Helmut Lang. Vintage belt. Chukkas by Scarpe di Bianco. Shades by Persol. Watch by Montblanc. Duffle by Filson. 

2. Casual Friday

The best combination, in my opinion, is two solid colors that compliment each other.

No gimicks, no matching, just the simple use of colors that flatter each other and don’t distract from the subject.

Mature and rakish.

If you haven’t already, get a pair of white jeans.

They may be tricky to keep clean but they are the definition of neutral and can be styled in countless different ways.

Burgundy jacket (part of suit, as featured here) by Michael Andrews Bespoke. V-neck sweater by Banana Republic. White denim by Helmut Lang. Chestnut blucher lace-ups by Martin Dingman. Vintage handkerchief pocket square.  Tortoise shades by Matsuda Eyewear. Watch by Montblanc. 

3. Weekend Business 

Leave the undershirts at home. A clean neckline on a thin knit looks sexier without an undergarment poking out – whether it’s a crewneck, v-neck or shoulder straps from a tank.

A lightweight knit should breathe better without a layer under it, but if you have a problem with sweating your best bet is a “no-show” or “U-shaped” undershirt, which I described in this do-it-yourself post years ago.

If the situation calls for formality, simply tuck in the sweater and button the jacket.

If things get casual you can ditch the jacket, untuck the sweater and push up the sleeves.

Plaid cotton blazer and grey chinos by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Navy v-neck sweater by Polo Ralph Lauren. Shades by Zanerobe. Loafers by Scarpe di Bianco. Watch by Montblanc. 

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford. 

This particular pair, by Botticelli (available here), has a sturdy but flexible rubber sole that is more stable and durable than the popular pebble soles – which are made more strictly for driving.

I don’t have a car here in the city, so for me these are walking shoes – and they are one of the most comfortable pairs I own, including my collection of sneakers.

The best part, of course, is their versatility. In a sleek leather, these driving mocs are the perfect high/low combination that can have you ready for just about anything. They can quickly dress up a casual look, or dress down a formal look.

Here are three examples.

1. Sharp Weekend

I wore this late afternoon bar hoping with some friends. You never know what’s going to happen…if it runs late in NYC some “fancy” places look down on sneakers, so the drivers keep your options open.

The shoes here make this casual look borderline dressy.

When looking at drivers, make sure the lining (preferably leather) is smooth and the insole is firmly set in place – you’ll be wearing them without socks and you don’t want rubbing or slipping.

Use a slim rugby as a sweater and layer it over a short-sleeve button-down shirt. It’s easier and more comfortable than having 2 bunchy sleeves.

Drivers by Botticelli (available here – I recommend sizing up a 1/2 size). Jeans by Polo Ralph Lauren. White s/s shirt by American Apparel. Rugby by Michael Bastian. Shades by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Watch by Montblanc. Watch strap by Corvus. 

2. Business Casual

In a business casual atmosphere try offsetting a blazer with the slightly more laid back drivers.

Think of it as an overall look, you don’t have to limit the pieces in your wardrobe to specific uses/occasions.

Menswear is all about “classic with a twist”. The trick is to keep the twist subtle, not in-your-face.

This is an old-school business casual look (navy blazer, v-neck, white shirt, khakis) with a a couple small tweaks: the cool knit sweater, the colored shades, the rolled khakis and the sockless drivers.

Drivers by Botticelli (available here – I recommend sizing up a 1/2 size). Chinos by Polo Ralph Lauren. Sweater by Missoni. Blazer by MAB by Dan Trepanier. S/S shirt by American Apparel. Watch by Montblanc. Watch strap by Corvus. 

3. Corporate Commute 

If you commute to a corporate place of business it may be a good idea to leave your fancy hard-bottom shoes at the office (one versatile black and one versatile brown both with cedar shoe trees, if possible). They will last longer this way, as will your feet and your temper.

Leather drivers are great for a comfortable commute, whether you’re walking, driving or riding.

I typically leave a few pairs at the design studio/office, but sometimes I just want to wear a specific pair (know what I’m saying?).

In that case, sometimes I travel with them (which is easier with a tote or small duffle than a slim brief, but it still works).

This cotton suit is 5 years old and has been through some hard times – but I love it. It’s proof that wear and tear can give character to clothing, even tailored clothing. Just wear it with confidence, which shouldn’t be difficult.

Socks with drivers? Why not. Wear them as loafers.

Drivers by Botticelli (available here - I recommend sizing up a 1/2 size). Cotton suit and contrast collar shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Vintage pocket square. Shades by Matsuda Eyewear. Brief by Lotuff & Clegg. Watch by Montblanc. Watch strap by Corvus. 

Thanks for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Photograhy by Alex Crawford. 

All outfits under $300 total, including alterations.

1. Casual Friday 

“One of my favorite off-price steals is this Jey Coleman blazer I picked up from Daffy’s for $60 (down from $350).”

On top of thrift, vintage and second-hand shops, there are plenty of off-price retailers that carry past-season goods at 50%-80% off. Daffy’s, Filene’s Basement, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Century 21, etc.

Menswear is all about the classics anyway. The white jeans from this season are hardly any different than the white jeans from two seasons ago, especially since you’re going to have them tailored to fit properly anyway.

 Total price for this look (including alterations): $225.

Plaid blazer by Jey Coleman via Daffy’s ($60). Knit tie by Club Room via Macy’s ($9). Vintage belt ($5). Spread Collar Shirt ($30) and Off-White Pants ($15) by H&M. Vintage Silk Pocket Square ($6) via EBay. Double Monk Strap Shoes by Mercanti Fiorentini via DSW ($100).

2. Business Casual

“Waistcoats are a staple in my wardrobe. I will often purchase a three-piece suit for the versatility of the waistcoat which can be styled into many looks, which ultimately saves me money.

I picked up this particular waistcoat from an online vintage shop for $15… When dealing with online vintage shops, as with EBay, be sure to confirm all the details about the item before pulling the trigger.”

“I was searching for a pair of brown double monkstrap shoes for some time, but most of the pairs I found had price tags of $300+.

I found this pair at DSW for $139 and I had a couple coupons at my disposal to help lower the price to $100.

Total cost of this look is $198.”

Vintage Waistcoat via Lux Glam Vintage Shop ($15). Gingham Spread Collar Shirt by H&M ($20). Slim Fit White Jeans by Tommy Hilfiger ($30). Mercanti Fiorentini Double Monk Strap Shoes via DSW ($100). Timex Watch ($25). J.Crew Watch Strap ($8).

3. Sharp Weekender

Looking for an affordable pair of jeans? Go with Levis. Find the cut that fit you best and spend the extra savings at the tailor to make sure they fit just right.

When buying jeans, make sure they are snug when you first try them on because they will stretch (quite a bit in most cases). Once you have worn them 7-10 times they should be fully stretched, at which point you can bring them to the tailor.

After having them tailored, wash them as infrequently as possible. If they get physically dirty, or stanky, have them dry cleaned to avoid any color fading or shrinking.

“I try not to pay retail prices, but when I saw these bucks I couldn’t wait for them to go on sale.

Shoes are the one thing that I will splurge on. But when I do, I make sure to take care of them with shoe trees and protective taps on the toes and heels. After all, taking care of your pieces is just as important as finding good deals on them.

The total cost of this look is $294.”

Yellow Sweat Shirt by Obey via EBay ($20). Chambray Shirt ($12) via J.Crew Outlet. Slim Taper Levi’s 521 ($40) via Macy’s. McPherson Buck Wingtips ($175) by Johnston & Murphy. Weekend Bag by Yellowstone ($8) via EBay. Watch by Timex ($25). Watch Strap by JCrew ($8).  Shades ($6) by H&M. 

4. Daytime Event Chic

“Being patient is one of my top tips for shopping on a budget. You want to find the right pieces to add your wardrobe, without settling.

I picked up the pants to this suit at full price ($30) when the suit seperates were  first released in stores. About 3 months later I found the matching jacket on the clearance rack for $20.”

Low-top sneakers are one thing that you certainly don’t need to break the bank for. Classics like Chuck Taylors, Jack Purcells, Tretorns, PF Flyers, Vans, etc. are all easy to find for under $50.

If you’re shopping online, before clicking “confirm purchase” do a quick internet search for a coupon code. About 50% of the time I am able to find a coupon code for the website I’m shopping on, or for a similar site that carries the same product. Even if it’s only free shipping, it’s still savings – and savings add up.

“The total cost of this outfit is $120.”

Cotton Striped Suit ($50) & Belt ($5) by H&M. Oxford Button Down Shirt by Frank & Oak ($45).  Canvas Sneaker by Lands’ End Canvas ($15). White Pocket Square by Merona via Target (3 for $5).

5. Business BadAss 

Because of the skepticism of buyers, and the abundance of sellers with poorly advertised items, you can find some amazing things on eBay for ridiculously low prices. In fact, some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe are the result of a bidding war.

When looking for a tailored jacket on eBay make sure you know your finished measurements. If you’re not sure, find a jacket that fits you well, button it and  lay it perfectly flat across a table. Now take the following measurements and write them somewhere for your reference:

1. Shoulder point-to-point. From the top of one shoulder straight across the back to the top of the other shoulder.

2. Chest pit-to-pit. From the edge of the armpit (where the under-sleeve meets the body of the jacket) straight across the front to the edge of the other armpit.

3. Body length (front). From the top of the shoulder seam where it meets the collar (it helps to lift the collar/lapels) straight down to the bottom of the jacket.

4. Body length (back). Straight down the center back from the under collar seam to the bottom of the jacket.

5. Sleeve length. From the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. Keep in mind this can be shortened as much as needed, or lengthened typically up to an inch (you can ask the seller how much fabric is available to be let down). Also note that working cuffs greatly limit the amount that the sleeves can be altered since you cannot uncut the button holes.

These are standard finished measurements that sellers should provide. If they haven’t included them in the listing you should ask for them (feel free to copy and paste the 5 measuring instructions above into your message to the seller).

The stomach and hips of the jacket are less important since you can typically have them taken-in or let-out. You should plan on taking the jacket to the tailor (and dry cleaner) before wearing it anyway.

“I found this vintage double-breasted linen blazer on eBay blazer for $12. It was advertised as having a ‘tailored fit’  and the measurements seemed just right.

In addition to the measurements, be sure to check the sellers feedback rating and the condition of the item.”

If a piece of information is missing, ask for it! On eBay it’s important to make NO ASSUMPTIONS.

The easiest place to score on eBay is in footwear. You can assume the quality from the name brand, see the condition easily from the pictures, and you already know your size. Just be certain they are authentic and not cheap knock-offs – which plague eBay.

“These trousers are part of a khaki suit that I picked off a clearance rack at Macy’s in Long Island. It was $65 at the end of the summer season.

In terms of alterations, I only had the pant leg tapered ($22).

Total cost for this outfit is $135.”

Linen Double Breasted Blazer by Andrew Velasco via EBay ($12). Knit Tie by California Knit via EBay ($6). Spread Collar Gingham Shirt by H&M ($20). Khaki Suit Trouser by Sons of Intrigue ($20 + $22 alterations). Vintage Calf Skin Loafers by Johnston & Murphy ($50). Pocket Square by Merona via Target (3 for $5). 

6. Weekend Chill

“Mixing dressy elements with casual ones is quintessential when I think about my overall style.”

“This entire look was $233 dollars and most of the pieces are versatile enough to be worn for multiple occasions.”

“The only thing that was tailored in this outfit was the pant hem, which I did myself – saving $12 in alteration costs.”

Cotton Henley ($8), Blue Trousers ($30), Straw Hat ($9) and Shades ($6) all by H&M. McKinnon Drivers by Johnston & Murphy ($135). Vintage Ralph Lauren Belt via Lux Glam Vintage Shop ($12). Timex Watch $25. Watch Strap by J.Crew ($8)

Thanks for reading – and special thanks to Sabir for particiating.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford. 

Appropriately, the first thing that comes to mind is the “KISS principle”, a lesson from one of my most memorable elementary school teachers.

“Keep It Simple, Stupid!”.

You want to look sharp and put-together but also approachable and easy-going. Over thinking it with an elaborate outfit will make you seem nervous and less confident.

Here are some simple outfit ideas for Spring first dates using versatile pieces that you may (or should) already have in your wardrobe.

1. Movie Night

An unstructured cotton jacket is a great Spring piece for looking smart but relaxed.

By “unstructured” or “unconstructed” I mean a jacket without a chest canvas, lining or shoulder pads/sleeve heads . It’s really just a shell of a jacket. It feels very lightweight and “moldable” because it’s sewn more like a shirt than a traditional tailored jacket.

With slim chinos and a sharp tee (preferably long-sleeve) it’s one of those dressy-casual looks that is appropriate to go just about anywhere.

Leather driving shoes are sharper than sneakers without the stiffness of leather-bottom office loafers.

They’re also very comfortable and great for walking – which is important when the nerves are running up on a first date.

On Dan: Black cotton jacket by Theory. Grey l/s cotton tee by RichInClothing. Cotton chinos by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Loafers by Gucci. On Karyn: Top is a vintage 1950s bathing suit. Pants by American Apparel. Shoes by Urban Outfitters. Vintage earrings. Ring by Just Charmed from Yumi Kim store. Jacket by Stile Benetton.  

2. Brunch & Walk in the Park

There’s confidence in simplicity.

A simple combination that will look proper and easy on just about any guy: button-down shirt + slim fitted v-neck + jeans or chinos.

Keep the palette neutral, you don’t need to make any bold color statements.

On Dan: Brown v-neck by Hugo Boss. Shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Jeans by Ralph Lauren Polo. Saddle shoes by Bass. Alligator belt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Shades by Archie Brower. Watch by Montblanc. On Karyn: Jersey knit dress from Tokio 7.  Loafers by Kelsie Dagger. Hat thrifted. Ring by Just Charmed.

A lightweight black leather jacket is meant for a night out, and it’s hard to go wrong with slim, but not skinny, jeans in a dark indigo wash.

Whether you like it or not, it’s true. She’s definitely going to notice your shoes.

Scratch that. She’s not only going to notice your shoes – she’s going to look at them and pass a small judgement of some kind. Depending on the girl, this judgement might go a long way.

Don’t take your chances. Wear a sharp shoe if you’re stepping out somewhere nice for the evening. My first choice is usually a black leather loafer or dressy boot.

On Dan: Leather jacket by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Cardigan by Rag&Bone. Shirt by Steven Alan. Loafers by Johnston & Murphy. Jeans by JCrew. On Karyn: Hat by Stetson. Shoes by JCrew. Jacket by Peppe Peluso. Top: Alexander Wang. Vintage Ring.

4. Bike Ride & Picnic 

For an active afternoon date all you need is a simple knit crewneck, slim chino and white low-top sneakers.

I can’t say enough about purchasing a quality pair of sunglasses that flatter your face.

It’s one of those purchases you shouldn’t skimp on since you wear them almost everyday and they’re front and center on your face.

On Dan: Top by St. James. Trousers (part of suit) by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Leather sneakers by Converse. Shades by Matsuda Eyewear. Watch by Montblanc. On Karyn: Shoes by Dolce Vita. Jeans by H&M. Onesie by American Apparel. Jacket by Urban Outfitters. Necklace by Urban Outfitters. Hairbow is a vintage scarf.

5. Reservations for Dinner

If it’s a “fancy” date you can wear a suit, but you don’t want to look like a suit.

Drop the socks, the belt, and a couple shirt buttons (or three if you’re not afraid of a little cleavage).

A suit in a textured fabric looks more “chic” and less “office”, as does a shirt with a darker base color.

On Dan: Grey hopsack suit by MAB by Dan Trepanier. Shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Oxblood loafer by Scarpe di Bianco. Vintage pocket square. On Karyn: Tee by Target. Pants by American Apparel. Necklace by Urban Outfitters. 

Thanks, as always, for reading and special thanks to the beautiful Karyn!

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford.

Vintage shopping, in combination with tailoring, is a great way to find unique, inexpensive pieces to add some personality to your wardrobe.

Here the SB Team shows you how to go to full-vintage in style.

1. Westley – Layered Business Casual

Shirt vintage Ralph Lauren oxford. Pants thrifted from prohibit nyc (tailored by The Tailoring Room NYC). Shoes vintage Johnston & Murphy. Tie vintage. Belt and needlepoint watch strap are hand-me-downs from my father (80s). Sweater and jacket are resale JCrew. My father’s old gym bag. Glasses from Garrett Leight

A hybird shirt/jacket, or “shacket”, makes it easy since it can be worn over, or under, just about anything.

Here are three examples using a smart design by Orlebar Brown.

1. Business Casual

As the weather warms up, ditch the heavy coats for something much easier and cooler.

The best part is, once you leave the office you can lose the shirt and tie and wear just the “shacket” over the white v-neck t-shirt you should be wearing under your business shirts this time of year (to break the wind and to extend the life of your business shirts by absorbing moisture).

I just remembered that we did another post on “overshirt layering” a year and half ago, see here.

Olive green shirt/jacket by Orlebar Brown (M). Tweed trousers are part of a sample from my next MAB by Dan Trepanier collection (more news to come). Shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Burgundy corduroy tie by MAB by Dan Trepanier (accesories and plenty more coming to the Shop soon).  Socks by Marcoliani. Suede boots by John Varvatos. 2″ tie bar by Tiffany & Co. Shades by Matsuda. Watch by Montblanc.  

These heavy-shirt/light-jacket mixbreeds are available just about anywhere, at a wide range of price points.

Since you’ll be wearing it with several combinations of pieces, look for something solid and neutral for best versatility – like olive, navy, grey, etc.

A vintage military shirt would work similarly as well  - although you may need some tailoring.

Make sure it is fitted through the body and sleeve, with just enough room under for a button-down shirt and a thin layer (like a cardigan, v-neck, crewneck, henley, etc).

Olive green shirt/jacket by Orlebar Brown (M). Cardigan by Rag&Bone (M). Loafers and shades by Gucci. Jeans by JCrew. Shirt by Steven Alan (M). Watch by Montblanc. Striped grosgrain watch strap by Corvus.  

3. With the Boys at the Bars drinking Beers

Who said a tee shirt and jeans had to look sloppy?

In fact, in this case it’s actually a tank top and jeans with the t-shirt around my neck (I cut apart some old t-shirts whose necklines were overly stretched and sewed them together into this super-soft jersey scarf).

When it’s wet, but not raining, I usually reach for a rugged lace-up boot. They look appropriate against the wet concrete and there’s no need to leap over pesky city puddles.

Olive green shirt/jacket by Orlebar Brown (M). Tank top by Fruit of the Loom (size M). Jeans by Polo Ralph Lauren. Boots by Brooklyn Bootworks. Shades by Persol. Watch by Montblanc. 

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by Alex Crawford.