Grey and Beige
Grey is a basic essential in every man’s wardrobe, being second only to navy, the epitome of menswear versatility and timelessness. A light grey or charcoal suit and slacks are the perfect example of pieces you’ll most likely end up wearing for years to come. The trick, so to speak, is finding new ways and combinations to sport them in order to keep a polished yet unique look: one that reflects your personality among the remaining thousands of guys wearing the “same” suit. Distinction can be achieved through a number of ways, be it fabric quality and fit, or subtle personal details such as linings, cuff length, etc. - basically you don’t need to reinvent those essentials in order to stand out.
This outfit is the result of a balanced mix between classic and edgier pieces, combining the elegance of grey slacks and beige shades on the sports jacket and derby shoes, with highlights of color and pattern on the accessories. The latter, along with the almost melodic color combination, are definitely what gives the whole outfit a new life: this unique button-down patchwork scarf works perfect both under a jacket (assuming a vest-like appearance) or on its own. The blend of different hues of grey and patterns such as checks, houndstooth and herringbone makes it a statement piece in its own right. A perfect fitting white dress shirt works as a blank canvas for the scarf and burgundy tie and pocket square…
Details: cotton piquet sports jacket by Massimo Dutti, MTO spread collar shirt by AGVA, 110s wool slacks (part of a 3 piece suit) by Purificacion Garcia, taupe suede derby shoes by Buttero, patchwork button-down scarf by Zara, polka dot tie by Vicri, vintage pocket square, tie bar by Tie Rack, watch by Daniel Wellington and shades by Ray-Ban.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Summer alternative: brown leather meets ecru canvas
Unionmade explores the absence of color…
Spring Showers
One of the most versatile essentials you can add to your wardrobe is undoubtedly a classic belted trenchcoat. While this year is all about bold colorful parkas, the timeless panache and unique silhouette portrayed by the trench is, in my opinion, unmatched. It’s just one of those pieces that will endure for eternity as a staple of menswear elegance, so it’s worth splurging on a model that will likely last you for life.
This version by Paul Smith in a trademark khaki shade, has been with me for about 6 years and is definitely one of the most heavily rotated garments throughout the year. Besides the impeccable fit and exquisite details, it features a detachable wool inner lining perfect for colder months, which easily gives place to a lightweight version come Spring time. The muted lighter shade is perfect to contrast with darker bottoms such as charcoal wool slacks, while allowing to go bold on other pieces or accessories for extra flare. Here, burgundy was used to brighten things up and bring visual coherence to the look, with the pale pink shirt providing a clean background.
Details: belted trenchcoat by Paul Smith, cardigan by H&M, dress shirt by Hugo Boss, 110s worsted wool slacks by Gentleman tailors, leather boots by Buttero, tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, silk tie by Vicri and watch by Rolex (GMT Master II).
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Raf Simons x Fred Perry SS13
Our Legacy presents its “Everyman” collection, a strong selection of essential garments available all year round: button downs, sweatshirts and chinos all made the cut. My addiction to the swedish brand was once again brought to light when I realized most of those pictures could’ve been taken using my wardrobe…
Going Sockless: Essentials
As the weather allows it and sunny days become more frequent, so does the amount of exposed ankles cruising the streets: boat shoes, espadrilles, loafers and even wingtips can’t seem to avoid bare feet in all their naked glory once the temperature rises. Lets face it: there’s more about going sockless than its unique visual appeal, it’s a statement, and one that apparently is here to stay…
However, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies in “no socks land” as there are a couple of downsides to be taken into account, especially when it comes to preserving your precious footwear. Walking around sans socks for a whole day puts a great deal of stress on your shoes, since they absorb your sweat which besides attracting odor-causing bacteria also degrades those sweet looking uppers. Hence, in order to minimize these potentially harmful side effects while maintaining the stylish component, you have two choices:
a) You open heartedly embrace your sock-free nature and should invest in cedar shoe trees along with a shoe deodorant and/or bacteria-free insoles. Make sure you leave the shoe trees in for at least 24h and rotate your footwear so you don’t wear the same pair twice in a row (this goes for a general rule of thumb);
b) You go proactive and purchase the so called “invisible” socks, allowing you to create the illusion of going sockless while preserving the life span of your shoes;
While I must say invisible socks do it for me, feel free to go either way. Also, and even if you’d rather sport colorful ankles than bare ones, do consider investing in shoe trees, I can’t stress it enough…
Déjà Vu?
Finding that perfect piece you’ve been longing for is becoming an ever increasing task and might pose more of a challenge than it seems. Be it fit, cut, fabric or color, there are a number of variables which may be off putting and dictate whether or not you’ll end up purchasing a garment. Sometimes the thrill of the chase makes it all the more special once you find it, whereas other times it might prove to be exasperating.
As such, one of the things I tend to do besides carefully selecting my purchases, is to stock up once I come across special pieces I really love. Instead of settling for “so so” items, I’d rather save and invest in two or three versions of an item I know I’ll be sporting often. Found a perfect fitting shirt or sweater? Get it in two colorways or even the same if it’s an everyday essential, or play around with sizing, going for a fitted version and a looser one for layering purposes.
Although this may not apply to every type of garment, be it due to monetary reasons or simply because it doesn’t make sense to have more than one of certain items, you’ll be surprised by how well it works in comprising a suitable wardrobe. I, for one, have done this for sweaters, jeans, shirts and even shoes that match my styling philosophy. As I see it, it’s better to ease up on variety and stock up on heavy rotation items. Plus, the feeling of wearing something you love added to different shades or sizes, fools not only other people’s perception but your own as well, so you won’t feel as if wearing the same outfit over and over…
Top to bottom (clockwise):
- Levi’s 511 slim, Rugby wadham club collar shirt (blue and pink), Buttero for Por Vocação derby shoes (taupe and waxed brown), Buttero crepe soled boat shoes (black and brown), Paul Smith Ibsen trainer (off white leather and brown suede), Our Legacy Great Sweat (garden green, washed red and indigo blue), Lyle and Scott deep v-neck sweater (blue and black), H&M cotton cardigan (ecru and orange) and Our Legacy oxford candystripe button down shirt (blue and pink).
