Today’s style question comes from Craig P. He asks:

“I like the sockless look but my feet always end up with painful blisters. Any tips?”

Ok Craig, here’s the secret: Many stylish guys you see walking around bare ankle are still wearing socks. No-show socks!

What you actually want to do is go for a sockless LOOK without actually going sockless. That’s where no-show socks come in. 

No-show socks are cropped and designed to be invisible when worn. 

They’re great when the weather gets warm for several reasons: Going bare around your ankles surprisingly cools you off a lot. The added barrier between you and your shoes helps absorb some of the sweat and friction, which is the main cause of nasty blisters. 

Brands like Bombas (a styling client fav!) have no-show socks in different heights depending on the shoe you’re going to wear with it. You’ll want to make sure you pair the right no-show sock cut to the right shoe.

Here are my recs and looks you can steal from one of my former styling clients Lekan!

Look 1: Business casual loafers

Peter’s notes: 

Tip #1: For loafers or any type of slip on shoe, I recommend a low cut style sock, like Bombas’ Low-cut no-shows.

Because loafers have a larger opening, traditional no-show socks won’t work. Low-cut styles are designed to cover just the toes and heels. Perfect for any type of slip-on shoe with a large opening. 

Tip #2: Match the color of your sock to your shoe

Since Bombas’ low-cut socks are cut quite low, you most likely won’t have to worry about them peeking through. But if you want some added assurance on stealth, I recommend matching your sock color to your shoes, or as close as you can.

Look 2: Spring Prints

Peter’s notes:

Tip #1: For sneakers, I recommend a neutral colored no-show sock

For a casual sneaker, I love Bombas cushioned no-show sock.  The added cushioning is super comfortable when I’m running around the city with a client for hours. When the weather gets hotter, Bombas’ Lightweight No-show sock’s are my pick to reduce swampy feet thanks fo their ultrafine gauge knit construction.

Similar to the loafer look, match your sock color to the lining of your sneaker for added invisibility. 

Most sneakers have either a white, black, or beige colored lining, so I recommend picking up Bombas’ multi-pack in heather or mixed to cover your bases.

Reserve your fun colors for more casual occasions, like working out. In this case, Bombas’ Performance Cushioned no-shows are perfect as their performance yarn is extra moisture wicking.

Final thoughts

Don’t make the mistake of actually going sockless if you want the sockless look. You’ll want the barrier a no-show sock provides to reduce friction if you want to avoid blisters. 

Special thanks to Bombas for sponsoring this post!

Wardrobes are always tricky this time of year.

Spring items are slowly trickling in, but it's still cold. Do you hold off on shopping until deep spring?

It's not fun to get a beautiful coat or jacket just to wear it for a few weeks during the transition.

Luckily, there's another way: Here are some of my favorite transitional pieces and how you can wear them come Spring!

01. The Classic Sweatshirt

The end of winter is the perfect time to pick up a sweatshirt to add to your wardrobe. This is a great casual layering piece you can wear under a coat when it's cold. As the weather warms up, it's a piece that works well on its own.

How to buy the right transitional sweatshirt: If this is your first one, I recommend a classic grey. If you already own one in grey, look for colors like a dark navy or denim blue for a pop of color as you get into Spring.

Where to buy:

• J.Crew French Terry Sweatshirt, $69

• Save Khaki United Supima cotton sweatshirt, $100

• Reigning Champ Loopback Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt, $125

How to wear a classic sweatshirt in Winter then Spring:

Click image to enlarge

In Winter: The classic sweatshirt can be on the lighter side, so it's best used as a layering piece in the winter. Make sure you’re wearing it over a tee. I also recommend adding extra accessories like a multi-colored scarf to not just add more warmth but a pop of color!

In Spring: Swap your wool pants for shorts and sneakers and you've got a Spring-ready look. You can even omit the tee and wear the sweatshirt as a solo top when it gets warmer. Make sure you wear invisible no-show socks so you don't get blisters.

02. The Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are often associating with Spring Summer, but they actually make a great layering piece in colder months. (See Daniel Craig below.) On cold days they look great over knit sweaters. When it's extra chilly, wear it under a coat for a rugged wind layer.

How to buy the right transitional denim jacket: Avoid Fall/winter denim jackets that are lined. Make it all-season and go for one that’s unlined.

Denim blue is the traditional color. Medium to light blues are more casual, while darker indigo (raw) are less casual and versatile.

And of course, make sure it fits!

Where to buy:

• J.crew Denim Jacket, $148

• AGJeans Denim Jacket, $235

• Iron Hearts Denim Jacket, $475

How to wear a denim jacket in Winter then Spring:

Click image to enlarge

In Winter: Take a cue from Bond and make your denim jacket a surprising layering piece under a winter coat. Go for a button-down shirt instead of a tee to dress it up. Cords give this look a cozy winter texture, while hiking boots play up the rugged vibe of denim jackets.

In Spring: Here's a Spring variation of the Winter look. Notice how the color palette is near identical, but our choices in the pieces changes the mood. The henley is more Spring appropriate and casual, while the choice of chinos and desert boots dresses up the look. A great "grown-man" alternative to a “denim jacket and tee” outfit.

03. The Harrington Jacket

I don't think the Harrington jacket gets enough love. It's the iconic jacket James Dean wore in Rebel Without a Cause. And while I don't recommend getting it in red (you'll look like you're trying too hard), a navy one is hard to beat when it comes to versatility and ease of wear. If you love the bomber style jacket but find it's a little too casual for your taste (or age), I suggest trying out the Harrington.

How to buy the right transitional Harrington jacket: Harrington's are often lined, which makes it a solid choice for an everyday winter jacket. The linings usually aren't heavy, which makes them perfect to wear over a tee in Spring.

When it comes color, as I mentioned above, go with a navy, black, or dark neutral color.

Where to buy:

• J.Crew Harrington Jacket, $168

• Bonobos Harrington Jacket, $229

• Baracuta G9 Harrington Jacket, $430

How to wear a Harrington jacket in Winter then Spring:

Click image to enlarge

In Winter: A thick knit sweater under a lined Harrington will offer you solid protection against the Winter chill. The Harrington's clean aesthetic can sometimes come off as visually flat, so adding texture in areas like your top, pants (here done with corduroy), and accessories like scarves and shoes are recommended.

In Spring: The key to pulling off a dark aesthetic in Spring is paying attention to your fabric weight and colors. A light airy polo unbuttoned lets your neck and chest breath. Mixing in shades of black and dark greys give your look some depth and prevent you from looking like a black hole.

04. The Leather Jacket

We often think of leather jackets thrown over tee shirts and jeans, but leather jackets are one of my favorite pieces to layer with in the winter. I love wearing them under a coat — a bit unusual but extremely practical. It adds a perfect insulating layer and gives your look some nice visual texture.

How to buy the right transitional leather jacket: Avoid buying winter level leather jackets, like padded bombers or anything lined in fur. Go for something more all season, like a cafe racer or double rider with light or removable lining.

When it comes to color, black and brown are the most versatile. If you're having a hard time picking between black or brown, take a look at your shoes. If you own mostly black leather shoes, go with black. If most of your leather shoes like boots and loafers are brown, go with brown.

For more tips on buying a leather jacket, check out my post "How to buy your first leather jacket."

Where to buy:

• Buck Mason Bruiser Moto Jacket, $558

• Ralph Lauren Racer Jacket, $698

• Schott Classic Perfecto Jacket, $810

How to wear a leather jacket in Winter then Spring:

Click image to enlarge

In Winter: If you've ever thrown a puffer under your coat and wished for something a little bit cooler, the leather jacket is here to answer your prayers. The key to avoiding the depressing winter greys is to vary the shades and add a pop of color. Since the backdrop is already dark, your pop doesn't need to be bright. I threw in a beautiful camel colored cashmere sweater, which adds a shot of color and ridiculously warmth without a ton of bulk.

In Spring: How can you go wrong with this classic leather, denim, and tee look? I've made a few subtle upgrades, and I recommend you consider them if you're planning to add this look to your repertoire. I've always found a crisp white tee in these looks too blinding. Opt for an off-white top to lower the contrast a bit and give it more of a vintage feel. Guys will often instinctively reach for sneakers like Converse Hi-tops with this casual look. I say go for an easy slip-on Chelsea boot to stand out from the pack, give it some edge, and make this look a bit more mature.

I recently shared some of my style rules for 2023 on my Instagram. Today I wanted to share them with you.

1. Commit to more signatures - A drink. A cologne. An outfit. A haircut. Fewer decisions to make. Signals confidence in your taste. (Renegotiate them every few years.)

2. Never buy anything on sale you wouldn't buy full price - It's on sale for a reason.

3. Always pay more for - Cashmere, leather jackets, dress shoes.

4. Never spend more than $100 for - T-shirts, haircuts, AllBirds.​

5. Your clothes don't need so much stretch - 1% stretch, max. They're cotton jeans, not a Spiderman suit.

6. The right fit will solve 90% of your style problems - Your tailor is your style wingman. Tip them well.

7. Don't be so precious with your clothes - At the end of the day, where you go in your shoes matter more than how new they look.

8. Spray more cologne on your clothes than your neck - Not only will you smell good, but so will everything in your closet and dresser.

9. Get ONE proper suit - Especially if you have "no place to wear one." Wide lapels, nipped waist, high rise trousers - tailored to your body. Make it a dark one (navy, gray, or my personal favorite, black) so you can also wear it in the evening. You'll be surprised how many occasions you'll find to wear it when you can't use "I don't have a suit" as an excuse.

10. Embrace it - You're not overdressed, everyone else is under. Don't be embarrassed that you like to make an effort.

Recently, I got a gift and a note from a client.

What I loved about the gift was the little details, like the slash through his name on the note. 

I used to see this a lot in cards sent by designers and magazine editors when I worked as a designer.

It’s an old school little detail. The slash signals a closer / more personal relationship with the person. e.g. “Just call me by my first name.” 

I've always loved the concept. I try to share this little detail as much as possible since I think handwritten thank you notes are a lost art. It's so much easier to send a text or email. My belief is that things have more meaning when they're less convenient.

I used to carve out a bit of time each week to write notes. They’ve become less frequent as my business has grown, but I’d like to get back into the practice of it.  

Here’s how I like to write the perfect thank you note. 

Use custom stationary

Having your own stationary really puts you in a unique category. You’re the kind of person that puts effort into things.

I get my stationary from the legendary Terrapin Stationers, they’re the go-to place for people like Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Rolex, and Vogue for their stationary and event invitations.

Pre-write your message

I usually pre-write and edit my message in Notepad before I commit to pen. This helps me avoid having to cross out words or ramble.

Keep it brief

Write no more than 4 sentences. 

Anything longer should be saved for a proper letter. I start and end with “Thank you”, and specify why I’m saying thank you in the middle.

Write it in pen

My pen of choice is a Zebra Sarasa gel pen. The black is really dark and dries nearly instantly. It’s the perfect pen for left handers like me. Find one that works for you. 

If you’re not as confident with a pen yet, you can use a guideline ruler or write lightly in pencil first. Make sure you ink over it with a pen that’s smudge proof for when you erase the pencil marks.

Write slow

Rushing makes your handwriting sloppy and more likely to make mistakes.

I follow the creed: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”

Add a date

This is optional, but it’s always nice to find a card someone wrote you and look back on that date

If applicable, cross out your last name

It’s a way of saying “We’re close/cool/casual, just call me by my first name.”

If it’s a formal relationship/note (e.g. a business contact) leave your name intact.

Sign it!

Now’s a good time to practice your signature!

Finally, don’t be too precious

it’s ok if it’s crooked or “ugly”. That’s the charm of handwritten notes. 

If you want perfect and neat, send an email.

Let’s make sure you’re not making any fit mistakes with this closet staple. Here’s how your t-shirt should fit.

The collar

You’ll find t-shirts with 2 collar styles: rounded (also known as crewneck) and v-neck. I always recommend my clients go for a crewneck collar. It’s the classic, more versatile option. V-necks are great for wearing underneath sweaters where you don’t want your t-shirt collar showing. A good crewneck collar should frame your neck, and lay right around your collar bone.

The shoulders

You can instantly tell if a shirt fits by looking at the shoulder seams. 

The seams should line up with the point of your shoulder bones, as close as possible.

If the seams fall off your shoulders and into your bicep, it’s too big. 

If the seams fall on your traps towards your neck, that’s a sign it’s too small. 

The sleeve

Ideal sleeve length should end mid-bicep. 

Too high, you’re approaching tank top territory.

If it ends towards your elbow, it’s too long. 

The body

A proper t-shirt should fit straight on the body. 

Not too tight where it’s form-fitting and clinging to your body (this isn’t an undershirt!) Shirts that are too baggy in the body will look unflattering, giving the illusion that your gut is bigger than it is.

The length

Your t-shirt should end roughly halfway between your waist and crotch.

Tees that hit at the waist look shrunken. T-shirts that end at your crotch or beyond elongate your torso and shorten your legs, making you look stumpy. 

Peter’s summary

As a stylist, I’ve seen clients lose their minds trying to make sure their t-shirt sleeve hits exactly halfway down their bicep. 

I always stress that making sure your clothes fit properly is the most important thing you can do for your style, but you don’t need to get that anal to look great. 

Use these tips as starting points. Make sure your shoulders, body, and length are as close to the ideal fit as you can and move on.

As long as your tees aren’t extremely tight or ridiculously long - you’re golden.

Denim jackets are a great year-round casual jacket option, but really shine in Spring. Here’s how to make sure your denim jacket fits properly. 

How a denim jacket should fit a man

The shoulders

You can instantly tell if a denim jacket fits by looking at the shoulder seams. 

The seams should line up with the point of your shoulder bones, as close as possible.

If the seams fall off your shoulders and into your bicep, it’s too big. 

If the seams fall on your traps towards your neck, that’s a sign it’s too small. 

The sleeves

The sleeves should be fitted, giving you enough space to wear a t-shirt or long sleeved dress shirt comfortably. 

For length, the sleeves should end at about the wrist. It doesn’t have to be exact, but anything more than ½” longer or shorter will look off. It’d be best to look for another jacket, or get it tailored.

The body

Denim jackets are generally worn in warmer months, so it should fit as close to the body as possible without feeling suffocatingly tight. 

You should be able to button-up your denim jacket with some breathing room, but not enough to smuggle a puppy. 

The length

Denim jackets were originally designed as workwear for cowboys and rail workers. 

Hence, the shorter crop to make it more comfortable when you’re riding a horse or sitting. 

You want your denim jacket to hit at or slightly below your waist. If you’re on the shorter side, Peter Manning has a great classic denim jacket that retains these proportions. 

Looking for some outfit ideas? 

Check out my post that includes “6 ways to wear a denim jacket” for some of my favorite ways to pull off a denim jacket.

Camp collar shirts are like the short-sleeved shirt’s cooler older brother that’s back from his trip to South America.

The camp collar is designed to lay flat and open, giving it a more relaxed vacation vibe. It’s the perfect summer shirt to wear while sipping cocktails at a beachside bar. 

The relaxed nature of the camp collar shirt requires a different fit than the more conservative short-sleeved shirt. 

In this guide you’ll learn how to make sure your camp collar shirt is on point so you can nail the nonchalant vibes. 

How a camp collar shirt should fit a man

The collar/opening

The collar is the signature part of a camp collar shirt. The lack of collar stand (a strip of fabric that a collar is sewn to, making it stand high on your neck) creates a deeper, wider shirt opening.

You want the opening to end anywhere between 1” (2.5cm) below your collar bones, to about halfway down your sternum. 

To achieve this deep opening, most camp collar shirts will have their first button around this spot. 

The shoulders

You can instantly tell if a shirt fits by looking at the shoulder seams. 

The seams should line up with the point of your shoulder bones, as close as possible.

If the seams fall off your shoulders and into your bicep, it’s too big. 

If the seams fall on your traps towards your neck, that’s a sign it’s too small. 

The sleeve

This is where fit differs from a t-shirt or classic short-sleeved shirt. 

A proper fitting camp collar sleeve should end right around your elbow, and be loose, flaring out slightly.

Remember, we’re going for relaxed vibes. A sleeve that’s too fitted negates the purpose of a camp collar shirt!

The body

Continuing with the relaxed theme, the body of your camp collar shirt should be loose and airy. 

When you button-up your shirt, the buttons should lay flat. If there are gaps along the button placket and you start seeing your skin, that’s a sign  it’s too small. 

This is one instance where a “baggy” fit body is ok! As long as the shoulders and sleeves fit, it won’t look like you’re wearing your Dad’s old shirt.

The length

Ideally, your camp shirt should end roughly halfway between your waist and crotch.

Short-sleeved shirts that hit at the waist look shrunken. Shirts that are longer are designed to be tucked-in. 

While I don’t have a problem with tucking in camp shirts, most guys I’ve worked with prefer untucked short-sleeved shirts. 

Aiming for a length that’s halfway down your crotch gives you enough length to tuck (or french tuck!) if needed.

Need some camp shirt recommendations?

Check out my Spring/Summer Capsule shopping guide!

I've compiled the best spring summer wardrobe recommendations to build your wardrobe into an easy to use shopping list, with recommendations for every budget.

For the past 4 years, I’ve helped professionals in companies like the NY Times to Dropbox, and Google revamp their wardrobes.

The most common style challenge they all had?

Understanding what the hell to wear in a business casual workplace.

Even among other “experts” out there, there seems to be a lot of confusion as to what business casual even means these days.

Today I want you to know you know you can relax.

Business casual doesn’t need to be confusing, or challenging.

Today I’m giving you the first real-world tested guide on business casual style.

With a few guiding principles and a wardrobe building template, I’ll show you how to be the best dressed guy in the room.

In this guide, you’re going to learn:

• What EXACTLY business casual means in the real world TODAY (Part 1)

• How to build the PERFECT minimalist business casual wardrobe for your job, Whether you work in a casual tech start-up or in Finance (Part 3)

• How dressing better than your coworkers can mean more money in your future (and how to exactly do it) (Part 4)

Part 1: What exactly is business casual?

Step one: Throw everything you know about dress codes out the window.

75 years ago you wouldn’t be caught dead without a coat, tie, and a hat.

20 years ago you’d never wear chinos to the office.

And just last month, Wall St. stole a playbook from the tech companies poaching all the their top talent and relaxed their dress code. (sorta)

The only consistent thing is that dress codes rules are the fact that they’re always changing. Who knows, maybe in a few years I’ll update this guide to reflect another shift.

So you have my permission to throw your old business casual rules out the window. Let’s start fresh.

Did you do it?

Good.

Step 1: Figure out what business casual means at your job

Here’s the annoying part: Business casual means different things to different industries.

If you’re like many of my clients in tech, you can relax a lot more and enjoy more freedom with your wardrobe choices.

If you’re in a field like academia or finance, then you’d probably find yourself one step away from wearing a full-blown suit and tie.

Here are my tips for figuring out where your job falls on the formality spectrum:

Tip #1: Look around at what people are wearing

Simple, yet effective.

You might have one of those jobs where the owners dress in t-shirts and jeans and expect people to wear ties (or vice versa).

So consider your offices style as a whole, look around and get an average.

Are most people in sports coats and button-up shirts? Then your place probably leans on the business side.

Are there are a lot of guys in jeans, boots, and sweaters? Your place probably leans causal. Use the handy scale I put together above as a starting point.

Tip #2: Ask HR (and your higher ups!)

If your company has an HR department, they should be able to give you the rundown of what’s appropriate to wear at work. So pop in or shoot them an email.

I'd also recommend speaking to higher ups about what to wear. (Let them know you're revamping your wardrobe to better represent the company. They'll appreciate it.)

I found that it’s even more useful to ask them what’s absolutely not acceptable to wear along with what you’re expected to wear.

Step 2: Identify what items are casual and formal with this trick

“How the hell do I know if something’s too casual?”

You don’t need to study fashion for 15 years like I did to answer this question.

All you need is to understand a few principles of design to quickly assess if a piece of clothing leans “casual” or “formal” (e.g., more business).

There are a few general rules we all might be familiar with.

We know that dress pants and button-down shirts are more formal than t-shirt and jeans.

But what about when we have to decide between two very similar items, like a button-down shirt vs a button-up shirt?

We can gauge the formality using what I call “The More Means More Casual” Rule.

The MORE details a piece of clothing has, the MORE casual it is.

More designs, more seams, more colors, more zippers means more casual.

Let’s break it down.

Rule #1: The more details an item has, the more casual it is

Think about graphic t-shirt vs. a plain white t-shirt.

Or cargo pants with tons of pockets compared to a simple, clean pair of chinos. They might be made of the same fabric, but the excess pockets, stitching, and details make it more casual. You probably wouldn’t wear those to an important meeting.

Later on, this rule will be more apparent when you see me lay out items on the formality scale.

But for now, think about this rule another way: The simpler, more minimal the design, the more formal it will be.

Rule #2: The more colorful, the more casual

A pink shirt is more casual than a crisp white shirt. A light blue suit is more casual than a dark navy suit.

When it comes to formality, neutral colors (navy, white, black, grey, olive, camel), come off more professional and formal.

Rule #3 The trendier, the more casual

A more trendy design - like athleisure sweats, Hawaiian style print shirts, or “crossbody bags” you can place in the casual section. Items that rank higher in the formal scale tend to be more classic, timeless designs.

While this tool isn't 100% foolproof, it's a good starting point you can use when shopping and planning your outfits.

But don't worry, in the next section I'll walk you through just how casual or formal something is so you can plan you wardrobe. You'll see just because something ranks more casual or more formal doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate it into your business casual wardrobe.

Like any good wardrobe, it’s not about a single individual piece, but how your pieces work together as part of a versatile wardrobe.

Part 2: Build your perfect business casual wardrobe

So you’ve figured out what direction you want to take your business casual wardrobe.

You’ve learned how to identify if something leans casual or formal fast.

Let’s use what we’ve learned to build your perfect starting business casual wardrobe.

The perfect business casual template

As I mentioned in my post on building a minimalist wardrobe, I like to start with a 1.5 week’s worth of outfits.

Why?

Because once a week is how often most people do laundry. We want enough clothes for each day of the week, plus a few extra days just in case.

If you do laundry less often, or want more variety, simply add more pieces to this template. But this is where I recommend everyone should start.

Assuming you do laundry once a week, here’s what I recommend for a starting minimalist wardrobe:

20 pieces (not counting the socks and underwear)

• 1 coat

• 2 Jackets (1 business, 1 casual)

• 10 tops

• 1 sweater

• 3 pants

• 10 pairs of underwear

• 10 pairs of socks

• 2 pair of leather shoes

• 1 pair of sneakers

Here’s a breakdown of the wardrobe:

We want multiples of items we shouldn’t wear twice in a row

You know, the stuff that gets funky fast, like shirts, underwear, and socks. 1 for each day, plus 2-3 more as a buffer.

Plan for our laziness

In a perfect world, we do laundry every 7 days on schedule. But some weeks I get lazy, and I’m sure I’m not alone. That’s why instead of 7 days worth of clothes (6 days + what you wear on laundry day), we’re stocking 10 days as a “laziness buffer.”

Not counting accessories

Accessories, like ties, bags, pocket squares, and sunglasses, are purely optional but offer an easy way to add an exciting element to your outfit without taking a lot of closet space.

Let’s take a look at this wardrobe in action. Here’s what a week’s worth of business casual outfits might look like with just 20 pieces.

Build your custom wardrobe

To make this business casual wardrobe building process painless, I’ve ranked the styles I’ve used in the past to build business casual wardrobes for my clients by formality.

Just go through the charts below and pick what you like.

Some notes before you start:

How these items were ranked

I used several criteria to rank the formality of the items below.

I first started with long standing men's rules of formality that we're all familiar with (a t-shirt is more casual than a button-up. A leather jacket is more casual than a blazer).

I then made adjustments based on real world experience styling men who work in business casual industries over the past 4 years. I didn't rank ever possible imaginable style out there, just the most common styles I've used to build my clients business casual wardrobes.

There will always be exceptions in certain jobs as whether or not something is appropriate. That's why I highly highly recommend you take the steps in part 1 and speak to HR about dress codes.

This wardrobe guide is all season

I recommend planning your wardrobe with this guide, then making seasons specific swaps using my Spring/Summer guide and Fall/Winter guides when needed.

Start with neutral colors

At the bottom of each item, you’ll notice I recommend specific colors.

We’re sticking with the neutral color rule, as they’re the most versatile. Neutral colors by definition don’t overpower each other, so you can mix and match them infinitely. That means you won’t have to worry about color mixing and matching. If you still need ideas, don’t worry, we’ll be discussing outfit ideas in Part 4.

Once you get the minimum recommendations, feel free to expand

This is optional, but once you get the minimal amount recommended in neutral colors, feel free to add more styles and colors for variety sake.

The business casual formality scale

Click image to enlarge

COATS (PICK 1)

Feel free to skip this rec if you live in particularly warm climates, where even a trench or Mac coat might be unnecessary.

Click to enlarge

JACKETS (PICK 2. RECOMMENDED: 1 CASUAL, 1 MORE BUSINESS)

Even if you don’t find yourself in a lot of client facing situations, I still recommend a sports coat. It can be styled casually, and be paired with a smart pair of tailored pants and leather shoes for an important meeting in a pinch.

Click image to enlarge

TOPS (PICK A MIX OF 10)

I recommend throwing in a few button-down shirts in the chance you have an important meeting (or fancy date!) on the calendar.

What’s the difference between a button-up shirt and button-down shirt?

You might have seen shirts labeled “Button-ups” and “Button-downs” and paid no mind, but they’re actually two different styles of shirts.

The term “button-down” is used to describe the collar – which buttons down to the body.

Button-down shirts are generally considered the casual option now, often cut shorter to be styled untucked and made with more casual fabrics.

Button-ups will be made with crisper fabrics to maintain a professional look, with longer cuts designed to be tucked in.

While you can wear button-downs with suits and button-ups with, say, a Harrington jacket, I generally recommend pairing button-ups with formal looks like suits, and button-downs with your casual outfits.

In short, a button-down shirt is more casual than a button-up shirt.

Click image to enlarge

KNITS/SWEATERS (PICK 1)

A fine, merino wool sweater is great for layering during chilly days. Throw it over a button-down shirt as a smart looking option if you want to go without a jacket. For a more casual leaning wardrobe, cotton will get the job done. And for something a bit more luxe, cashmere is king (and my personal choice!)

PANTS (PICK 3)

For a perfectly balanced business casual wardrobe, I’d recommend 1 casual pant like jeans, 1 tailored wool trousers, and something in the middle, like a pair of chinos. It’s going to depend on your job, of course, as some of my clients in the past aren’t allowed to wear denim. In this case, double or triple up on chinos or wool trousers.

SHOES (PICK 3. RECOMMENDED 1 CASUAL SNEAKER, 2 DRESS SHOES)

Ok, this section is a bit of a lie. You can’t really pick any 2 dress shoes, because I think the first shoe you should get are loafers. They’re going to be the most versatile shoe you can own. You can wear them with a suit, or dress them down the Italian way by pairing them with denim.

For your second leather pair, I’d go with some type of boot, either lace up or Chelsea. If a chelsea is too formal looking for you, another popular option with my clients are desert boots.

The most versatile sneaker option you can make will be a pair of minimal white sneakers.

The finishing touches

Need a rec for a work bag? Check out my post on the best work bags for men

Not sure what's the difference between a casual belt and dress belt? Read my guide on the 2 new rules for belts (and 2 classic rules you can ignore)

All ties by Drakes

Should you wear a tie?

There is some debate whether business casual should includes ties.

My answer? It doesn't hurt, especially if you're going to be doing a lot of client face work.

You'll notice in this guide, a lot of the looks will work with our without a tie. And if you want an instant style hack to show you mean business, throwing on a tie is the easiest way.

When it comes to the world of tie patterns and mixing and matching them with your shirt, the combinations are endless.

4 ties are a great place to start and will really cover most of your bases. I recommend a solid neutral tie, like a navy or dark grey. (Avoid black as it's too harsh).

Next I recommend a striped tie and a pattern, like a dot or jacquard.

The knit tie should be your last option. It's the traditional choice for a casual tie look (if there's really such a thing nowadays).

My favorite ties are from Drake's, you really can't go wrong with them.

As for shirt and tie combo ideas, I still haven't found a better place for this than Pinterest.

Part 3: Putting it all together

How dressing better makes you more money

The biggest mistake my private clients make when working with me is wanting to look exactly like their coworkers.

Why is this a bad idea?

Because my job is to make you look really fucking good, and there’s a high likelihood your coworkers have pretty average style.

Dressing well is one of the few career advantages people overlook because it’s a little bit politically incorrect. But there have been countless studies that show that dressing well can make you more money.

The easiest way to do that is to avoid some business casual cliches I’ve seen over the years.

Style swaps: avoid these business casual clichés

DON’T: T-SHIRTS  DO: POLO SHIRT

The polo shirt gets a bad rap, and that’s because men tend to pick polos that belong on the golf course, not the office.

The right polo shirt is your business casual secret weapon. The polo occupies that sweet spot on the formality scale: it’s “dressier” than a t-shirt but more comfortable than a button-up. It works equally well under a denim jacket as it does under a sports coat.

The secret is to avoid polos made of pique cotton with huge logos, go for a more luxe t-shirt feel with Supima cotton.

Buy: Bonobos Superfine Polo, $68

DON’T: HOODIES DO: HALF ZIP SWEATER

Ah, the hoodie. The official uniform of the nonchalant employee.

You’d be happy to know that even my clients in tech hate this style cliche.

You have several smart options to replace the hoodie, like the cardigan. Or try a favorite with my clients lately has been the quarter zip sweater. It’s not as stuffy as a pullover and allows you to show off a collared shirt underneath, making this a great jacketless option.

Buy: Bonobos Cotton Cashmere Half Zip Sweater, $148

DON’T: FLEECE VEST  DO: YOUR JACKET

You know your style cliche is bad when it has it’s own Instagram.

While I understand the comradery in rocking your companies goodie bag fleece vest to grab lunch, a smarter, stylish option that will help you stay off mocking Instagram accounts is literally right behind you, draped over your office chair.

Buy:Bonobos Harrington Jacket, $168

DON’T: THE GINGHAM SHIRT  DO: STRIPED SHIRT

Speaking of style cliches with their own Instagrams, you can consider the gingham shirt to be the original.

Thanks to its push by J.Crew in the 2000s, the gingham shirt is probably a more popular basic office bro style cliche than the hoodie or vest.

To be honest, I don’t think gingham shirts are bad. They’re great options for casual Spring weddings. But wearing it to the office is like a bad guy giving a speech to a hero, giving him time to escape. It’s expected.

The great thing is, your style alternative is something that’s probably already in your closet: A fine striped shirt.

It’s a great option if you want a break from solids as it’s the best of both worlds. A proper fine striped shirt from a distance looks solid and professional. Up close, the stripes are apparent. Helping you subtly stand out without going overboard or, worst, looking like every other dude.

Buy: Drake's Striped Button-down Oxford, $205

DON’T: KHAKI CHINOS  DO: COTTON DRESS PANTS

I love a good chino, but there was always something that felt off when I wanted to look sharp and professional.

The casualness of chinos cotton - the way it moves and folds - always made me feel a bit underdressed.

Thankfully, brands like Bonobos have been crafting a slightly new category of pants - wrinkle resistant cotton blend that has the sharpness of wool trousers but is as comfortable to wear as a chino.

There’s a reason that it’s my current favorite pants of all time (in fact, I’m wearing it right now!).

Buy: Bonobos Weekday Warrior Pants, $98

DON’T: ALL BIRDS DO: ANY OTHER COOLER SNEAKER

All Birds are like that meme your dad texts you 6 months too late. They’re uncool versions of Nike Frees and Adidas Boosts. Just get some Nike Frees or Adidas Boosts and call it a day.

Buy: Nike Frees, $120

DON’T: BACKPACKS  DO: CONVERTABLE LEATHER BRIEF

Two things I hate about backpacks.

One, most men tend to grab backpacks they used to backpack across Europe during a gap year. It makes you look sloppy and unprofessional.

Two, backpack straps can be harsh on nice tailoring, like your coat or sports jacket.

And let’s not forget if you ride public transportation, you’ll be that annoying guy with a backpack.

Opt for a smart looking leather briefcase. Many are designed with protective slots and padding of a laptop bag, with a professional leather exterior of a classic briefcase.

Buy: Coach Metropolitan Slim Briend, $590

7 Business casual outfit idea formulas

So you’ve crafted your perfect business casual wardrobe and need some ideas on how to wear it.

No matter what level of business casual your job has, I got you covered with these 7 essential business casual outfit formulas.

THE CLASSIC

Sports Coat + Button-up shirt + Chinos/Dress Pants + Tie

If you could sum up a classic business casual outfit, it would be this. Sports coat, non-matching trousers, button-up shirt, tie.

The inspiration image takes it a step further pairing a button-down shirt in place of a button-up (a very non-traditional move, especially with a tie). Classic menswear enthusiasts might lose their shit, but I wouldn't stress about it too much. In the real world, this is perfectly acceptable.

I love the shot of color the chambray shirt gives, this look can still work with a more traditional white or pale blue top.

THE T-SHIRT

Sports coat + T-shirt + Chinos

You might have to save this move for casual Fridays. The key to pulling off the t-shirt under your sports coat look is making sure you don't go overboard with the casual pieces. If you went with denim or sneakers, you'll treading thin ice. Best to stick to the business side of the spectrum like I did with a pair of chinos and desert boots.

THE POLO

Sports Coat + Polo + Dress Pants

The dressier older brother of the t-shirt look, notice how the polo's collar dresses up the look a bit, while still maintaining that effortless casual vibe of a tee. If you decide to pull of that sockless look this season, make sure you're doing it via a pair of invisible socks to avoid blisters.

THE NO JACKET LOOK

Button-up shirt + Dress pants + Belt + Cool watch

Leave the fleece vest in the office. Do this simple style hack of rolling up your sleeves when you're popping out for lunch. The key to this look is all in the accessories - belt is a must, sunglasses are optional, but a nice watch is highly encouraged.

SNEAKERS

Sports Coat + Dress Pants + Clean Minimal Sneakers

Some guys just can't get with the suit and sneakers look and that's ok. Swap in loafers and you have a clean, classic, casual polo suit look. But just know that a clean, minimal sneaker is totally acceptable in most of today's workplaces. Keep it professional by making sure the rest of your outfit leans business.

THE CASUAL JACKET

Casual jacket + Button-up shirt + Chinos or Dress Pants

Isn't it amazing that a simple switch of your sports coat to, say, a harrington or leather can help you effortlessly transition from office to happy hour drinks?

KNIT IN PLACE OF JACKET

Knit (such as a pullover sweater, cardigan, or half-zip) + Button-up shirt + Any pant

The knit over a collared shirt is another business casual staple, sometimes worth with a sports coat. Lately, I've been seeing a lot of men in the workplace wearing it as is, and I think it's a smart look for the workplace. You might notice I snuck in another casual piece in this look - denim.

Like I mentioned earlier, dark denim like a unwashed indigo or black can totally fly under the radar in the office. For offices with a no-denim policy, simply substitute chinos or dress pants in this look.

So you're getting tons of emails from brands about their end-of-season sales. 

Who doesn't love a good deal?

It can be tempting to pull the trigger on a jacket you've been eyeing that's now 50% off. But mindlessly shopping sales can get you in trouble. 

I've seen clients waste thousands of dollars on clothes that don't fit their bodies (or, frankly, are ugly), simply because they were on sale!

The point of a sale is to save money! Not end with a pile of unworn stuff you got because it seemed like a deal at the time.

I want to share some best practices and tips I've learned over the years at a Private Personal Stylist on shopping sales. 

These tips will help you avoid the past mistakes many of my styling clients made shopping sales.

When's the best time to shop for a sale?

When do sales happen? 

This might surprise you, but you can predict when a brand is going to go on sale! 

Retailers operate on a calendar. As the next season's clothes start coming in, they need to clear out the previous season's stock. 

For most brands, you can expect sales to start in these times:

• For Spring/Summer sale: End of July/August

• For Fall/Winter sales: Mid December/Jan

That means you can start preparing and keeping an eye out for your favorite brands around these months if you want to score a good deal!

My tip: Sign up for a brand's newsletter and follow them on social media. You'll usually get a heads up on sales before people catch on. 

When a brand emails you about their big, end-of-season sale, add it to your calendar so you can start looking for patterns in the future.

When's the best time to shop a sale?

A general rule of thumb: the later in the sale you shop, the more you'll save, but the fewer options you have to pick from.

Which makes sense, as early shoppers who don't mind saving a bit less will get first dibs items and sizes. 

I like to shop early in a sale to get prime picks, even if it means sacrificing savings. 

Sale items are usually styles that didn't catch on for whatever reason or odd sizes. You'll usually find popular styles and sizes go. 

If you're extremely small or extremely large or are looking for something a bit unique, it's usually worth it to wait for further markdowns!

A Personal Stylist Tips and Tricks for Shopping Sales

Remember, sale items are usually final!

Paying 100% for something you love will always trump paying 50% for something you hate. 

Remember that most stores have an "all sales are final" policy when it comes to markdowns. 

That's why it helps to shop sales with a plan. Below are the rules I follow when shopping sales for a client. 

1. Shop with a plan

Browsing a sale rack or section casually and picking out great deals is quite advanced! Even I find myself pulling items I'm unsure about. 

For the average guy, I always recommend shopping with a plan to avoid impulse purchases. 

Here's how you can do it.

Take inventory of your closet

What are your gaps? What are key pieces you might be missing? Make a list. 

Maybe you realize you didn't pick up light blue jeans because it wasn't in your budget. Maybe you held off on buying a navy suit since it was the middle of summer, and a suit on sale would be a great buy.

If you're unsure of what you might be missing, check out my post on capsule wardrobes or my course on building one.

Double up on essential basics

Essential basics are always great to double or triple up on during sale season. 

Some essential items I love shopping for during sales: solid and striped button-down shirts, ties, chinos, and shorts. 

Use website filters to hone in on what's on your list

Online stores will usually have filters to help you find what you need. 

I recommend going through your list and adjusting the filters only to show you items on your list to avoid impulse shopping.

2. Only buy sale items in your size

It blows my mind when my clients tell me they bought something 1-2 sizes too big for them just because it was 30% off.

Never forget the #1 style rule: make sure your clothes fit. 

What about getting something tailored?

Yes, that's an option, but consider the opportunity costs. 

Do you really want to bring a stack of clothes to the tailor? How much time will that take out of your busy schedule?

Tailoring alternations are like plastic surgery; less is more. 

When you start chopping things up and going 1-2 sizes down, you end up paying a lot and negating the savings you were after. 

3. Never buy something just because it's a good deal

The golden rule: If I wouldn't buy it full price if I had the money, don't buy it on sale. 

4. Keep the season in mind

Don't forget that clothes are designed to be seasonal.

T-shirts you pick up in summer are thinner than a t-shirt you find in stores in the fall. Chinos you come across in November will be thicker and sometimes lined to help fight off the cold.

When you're shopping end of seasons sales, you might not be able to wear the clothes for much, and will prob have to tuck it away for next year. 

This is less of an issue if you live in a city where the weather doesn't change much between seasons. 

But if you're in a place like New York City like me with distinct seasons, keep it in mind before you pick up that winter weight shirt on sale in Feb. 

5. Don't buy to flip

Every season you see a flood of designer clothes on auction sites from obvious sale hoarders. 

I skim these sites often, and so much of this stuff is still up years after their initial listing. 

To be blunt: selling designer goods is hard. And the market for men's stuff is small. 

Unless you're a men's clothing expert and it's a full-time job to flip clothes (in that case, why are you even reading The Essential Man?), don't buy clothes on sale with the intent of flipping it for a few extra bucks. 

The juice isn't worth the squeeze.

My favorite stores to shop sales

Ok, so now you know how to approach shopping sales. Where should you go shopping at the end of the season? 

Here are some of my personal favorite shops!

Mr. Porter's online store

Mr. Porter

Hands down, the best online shop for men. A great mix of casual brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Nike, to high-end designers like YSL and Brunello Cucinelli. The modern man can find everything he needs here. With over 500 brands, the end of season sales can get overwhelming, so I highly recommend starting with your list. I’ve scored some great cashmere, denim, and shoes here in the past. 

Bonobo's Online Store

Bonobos

Bonobos is what I consider my new “J.Crew.” A no-bs shop where you can get staples like chinos, button-downs, and tees in the exact size/cut you need every season. If you want to save money on some office essentials, this is the place to go. 

Todd Snyder's online store

Todd Snyder

Todd Snyder is like Bonobo’s cooler older brother. A bit more like J.Crew (Considering Todd Snyder did work at J.Crew) You’ll find a lot of wardrobe staples like bomber jackets, sweaters, and jeans, but a bit trendier and, dare I say, cooler. Todd’s end of season sales are excellent. I’ve scored some great sweaters and even a suede jacket on sale for my styling clients. 

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Summer is officially here! 

And that means you’re probably asking yourself the same thing thousands of men email me as warmer temps creep in:  

"How the hell do I dress for work and not drown in a pool of sweat?"

Look, I’m with you if you think Fall and winter style is easy. You get all these cool jackets and accessories to layer together.

But how do you look good when it's a disgusting humid 90 degrees, without resorting to a t-shirt and shorts?

Today I want to show you how. I'm going to bust the myth that you can't look and feel cool in the summer!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The best fabrics to pick for your summer wardrobe.

• How to wear more color and tricky prints (even if you're not a color and print kind of guy.)

• My 6 favorite summer shoes every guy should have in his closet.

• And a whole lot more!

Part 1: The Best Fabrics And Colors For Summer

The key to the perfect summer wardrobe comes down to three things: 

1. The right breathable fabrics

2. Lighter and brighter colors

3. An airy, relaxed fit. 

Best summer fabrics for men

Many guys don't realize every season has its own seasonally appropriate fabrics and fabric weights!

Ever make the mistake of wearing clothes you picked up in November and find your body dripping in sweat come lunchtime? That’s because it was designed to trap body heat and keep you warm in the winter!

Summer weight fabrics will be lighter, with looser weaves allowing heat to escape and keep you cool.

While there are probably hundreds of different types of fabrics, blends, and weaves, I want to simplify it for you.

Here are the more common summer fabrics you should look out for.

Cotton

The King of summer fabrics.

The majority of your summer pieces will be 100% cotton or cotton blends, like cotton/linen and cotton/silk.

Why this is a great summer fabric: Cotton is extremely breathable and versatile. Thanks to the tighter weave, it wrinkles less than looser weave fabrics like linen.

My favorite uses for cotton: 

• Shirtings, such as button-downs, camp collar shirts, polos and t-shirts

• Chambray

• Pants such as chinos, shorts, and jeans

• Summer Sports coats and Suits

Linen

If cotton is King, Linen is the Queen.

Linen is made from the flax plant and is a common summer alternative of cotton. That means anywhere you'll find cotton (button-up shirts, tees, shorts, even suits) you'll find a linen variation.

Why this is a great summer fabric: Linen fabrics have a more open weave, allowing more heat to escape and air to pass through. This breathability is the lifesaver in hot, humid months.

Linen often gets shit because it wrinkles easily. This is due to the lighter open weave. (The more open the weave, the more it will wrinkle.) To get around this, you'll often find blends like cotton/linen so you can take advantage of linen's breathability, but cotton's structure.

Personally, I see wrinkly linen as a pro, adding to the more relaxed nature of summer style.

In fact, linen that wrinkles more is a sign of a better quality linen. Cheaper linens tend to be stiffer and crease rather than drape and wrinkle. So if you got a nice, drapey, wrinkly linen piece this summer, embrace it!

My favorite uses for linen: 

• Shirtings, such as button-downs, camp collar shirts, polos and t-shirts

• Chambray

• Pants such as chinos, shorts, and jeans

• Summer Sports coats and Suits

Lightweight, Tropical Wools

My private clients are sometimes confused at first when I pick a wool trouser for their summer wardrobes.

Like cotton, there are lightweight wools designed to be worn in the summer. Tropical wools are great for suiting when you want to look polished. Their tighter weaves mean they wrinkle less than linen counterparts.

Why this is a great summer fabric: For those that need to wear a suit or sports coat to the office, or just love the look for formal clothes, tropical wools are your friend. 

My favorite uses for tropical wools:

• Hopsack sports coats and suit

• Tropical wool tailored trousers

Synthetic & Blends 

Synthetics often get a bad rap. 

Fabric technology has vastly improved since the rayon days of your Dad. Today, synthetics are made of natural byproducts, making them more sustainable and pleasurable to wear. My favorite is lyocell/Tencel, a silk substitute made from wood pulp. 

Why synthetic fibers are great for summer: You'll often find Tencel blended other fabrics like cotton, giving it a softer, silkier feel. It also adds things like wrinkle resistance and a cooling (temperature-wise) touch. 

One of my favorite shorts is a Tencel blend. And on really gross summer days, I love throwing it in the freezer to make it extra cool. 

My favorite uses for synthetic fibers like Tencel:

• Blended with cotton for button-down shirts, t-shirts, and polos

• Blended with linen for airy, relaxed shorts and pants

What colors should I wear in the summer?

Summer is all about colors and patterns.

Even if you aren't one that normally wears a lot of colors, you can easily "Summerize" your outfits using my "Lighter and Brighter" trick. 

Like settings on your t.v., turn up the brightness of your essential core colors. You don’t need to wear yellow and pink if you want to look Summery. Go for a lighter shade of core neutrals like blue, lighter olives, lighter browns, lighter greys. 

This simple switch will be your summer base colors. 

Then throw some brighter colors and patterns on top of that if you want! 

More tips: Not sure how to pull off colors and patterns? Check out my post, "How to wear more prints and patterns."

How should my clothes fit in the summer?

Ok men, brace yourself. 

After spending the last decade drilling that “Getting the right fit will solve 90% of your style problems.” I have something to tell you...

Summer is one of the few times where it's OK to loosen up your fit a bit. 

Yes, you can literally relax about getting the "perfect" fit.

Go for roomier cuts. Give your skin some room to breathe – get a relaxed cut t-shirt and button-downs. Don't be afraid to try straight or fuller cut pants and shorts.

Think about how men in hot Middle Eastern countries dress: It's usually loose, flowing clothes and robes in breathable, light fabrics.

The key is to look for pieces that are labeled “relaxed cut”, which is different from sizing up. 

Relaxed cuts will give you a bit more breathing room but fit properly in the important areas, like length of the body and sleeve. 

When you size up, the garment size increases equally in all areas. This can lead to shirts or pants that are too long for you. 

If there’s no relaxed cut option, sizing up on a few pieces is ok as a last resort.

Part 2: The Starter Summer Capsule Wardrobe

A reader asks:

"Is it OK to just wear a long sleeve shirt I wore in fall/winter but roll it up because of the heat?" – Carlos

Great question, Carlos.

The short answer is no! I don't recommend it.

Remember the previous section on summer fabrics. There's a good chance your fall clothes, whether wool or cotton, are textured or heavier. They're designed to trap in heat to keep you warm. If you wear them now you'll be a swampy, miserable mess by the end of the day. 

I recommend you create a Spring/Summer weight capsule wardrobe and box up your fall gear til September.

I know. Shopping for another wardrobe sounds overwhelming. But you’ve been doing it before without even realizing it. 

What you need is a plan. And I got your back!

Below is a collection of summer wardrobe tips I used with my private styling clients through the years.

Tips on Putting Together The Perfect Summer Wardrobe

Lightweight Jackets (Recommended: 1-2)

I like to have a couple of lightweight, unlined jackets even in the summer. They’re great for air-conditioned buildings, as well as the occasional summer date night when I need to dress up. 

For business casual wardrobes An unlined, unstructured sports coat is a great versatile piece. You can wear in and out of the office. Look for one in tropical wools or a linen-blend. (You can go full linen if your workplace is a bit more casual.)

For something a bit more casual A chore jacket is my favorite casual alternative to a sport coat/blazer. The signature large patch pockets are ultra-functional and perfect for holding a few beer bottles. 

Options:

• Sports jackets: Suitsupply, Bonobos, and Drakes

• Chore jacket: Everlane, J.crew, and Todd Snyder

T-shirts & Polos (Recommended: A mix of 5-10)

T-shirts are a summer staple, but don't sleep on Polos. Polos are a great middle-ground between a t-shirt and a button-down shirt. They're great for business casual work outfits when you want to look professional but want to feel relaxed.

Tips when shopping:

When shopping for t-shirts, look for ones made from Pima or Supima cotton. Pima/Supima cotton is made from long strand cotton, which is softer to the touch. Colorwise, I recommend a mix of white and light greys, then a few muted summer colors of your choice.

For polos, I avoid pique cotton. That’s the heavier, "grainy" feeling knit fabric you think of when you think polos. Look for polos made from thinner t-shirt style fabrics like Supima cotton or linen blends. They’re a lot more comfortable to wear.

When it comes to colors for polos, white is too blindingly bright in my opinion. My default polo colors are light grey and cream, which will easily mix and match with any pant color. 

For some summery colors, I'd also recommend choosing light, muted colors. I personally love a muted olive green.

Options:

• T-shirts: Uniqlo, Bonobos, and Save Khaki

• Polos: Bonobos and James Perse

What about graphic tees? Can I still wear them and not look like I'm in high school?

Graphic tees often get a bad rap, mostly because less stylish guys overdo it with ugly graphics or funny sayings. Summer BBQ by the pool is just begging for a nice graphic tee! Look for abstract or subtle graphic tees to avoid looking like you're stuck in college. 

For more tips, check out my post, "The grown man's guide to wearing graphic tees."

Button-down long-sleeve shirts (Recommended: At least 3)

One of the biggest complaints my clients have is how boring t-shirts and shorts are in the summer. 

Do you know what I tell them? 

Swap in a button-down shirt in place of your boring t-shirt. 

Unbutton the top button and roll-up the sleeves. 

Instant upgrade.  

It's good to have a few lightweight cotton or linen button-downs for work. Even if your job is on the casual side, I recommend having a few in your closet to keep things fresh.

Tips when shopping:

A white, pale blue, and striped poplin or linen shirt will have you set for both work and play. 

I like to add a lightweight chambray shirt in the mix. I think it's the most flattering shirt any man can own and gives your button-down game a shot of color.

Options:

• Poplins and Linen shirts: Bonobos, Save Khaki, and Drakes

• Chambray shirts: Bonobos, J.Crew, and Mr. Porter

How to roll up your sleeves so they stay up

https://youtu.be/TZDhal-ojLk

You can't wear a button-down shirt in the summer and not know how to  properly roll up your sleeves. 

My preferred way? The Italian method, a double foldover style that prevents it from coming undone. My friend Barron over at Effortless Gent shows you how to do it in this easy to follow video. 

Pants (Recommended: 4-5)

I think all summer wardrobes should have a mix of chinos and jeans, a total of 4-5 min for a little color variety.

Chinos are great versatile options for work and the weekend, while light jeans are a nice break for more casual outings like BBQs or the weekend.

Tips when shopping:

Look for chinos in lightweight cotton to make them more bearable in the heat. 

Colorwise, I recommend sticking to lighter neutrals. My favorites are grey, khaki, and olive, which are easy to mix and match and will cover 90% of your bases. For work, I would throw in a navy chino, which feels a bit more professional.

For jeans, go for a lighter wash of blue first. A pair of white jeans is a great 2nd option if you want to go full summer mode.

Options:

• Chinos: J.Crew, Bonobos, and Mr. Porter

• Denim: Bonobos, Rag &. Bone, and Mr. Porter

Shorts (Recommended: At least 2)

Shorts are a no brainer when it's come to summer wardrobe essentials. Do I need to explain why?

Tips when shopping:

I like a mix of chino shorts and drawstring shorts. 

These two styles give you an option that's more work-appropriate (chino), and one that's great for lounging around (drawstring).

For chino shorts, just follow the shopping tips for full-length chinos. Any outfit you wear full-length chinos, you can wear your chino shorts. Like your full length chino, look for chino shorts in lightweight cotton. 

For drawstring shorts, I like lightweight cotton and linens fabrics. 

For colors, I recommend khaki or grey for the chino shorts, and olive or navy for the drawstring shorts.

Options:

• Chino shorts: Uniqlo, Bonobos, and Mr. Porter

• Drawstring shorts: Uniqlo, Bonobos, and Save Khaki

How long should my shorts be?

PSA: Men wear shorts that are too long.

Here’s how to out style 99% of the men out there this summer.

The sweet spot is 1″-3″ above your knees. Any shorter will get into daisy duke territory. Anything past your knees is too long.

And while you can get away with wearing shorts that hit exactly on your knees, you’re treading dangerous waters.

Better to go a bit shorter and make them look perfect.

Shoes (Recommended: At least 3)

When it comes to building a minimal summer wardrobe, I think you can get by with 3 pairs of shoes.

My picks are:

1. Minimal white sneakers - A great versatile option now that workplaces have gone more business casual.

2. Brown suede loafer - A solid, professional work shoe that you can dress down for the weekend date night. In summer, you'll find unlined options, making for an ultra-comfortable, breathable shoe.

3. Espadrilles -  My favorite "Mandal" alternative. The classic Spanish slip-on made of canvas with a signature rope sole is great for poolside lounging. It was a favorite of Picasso. The O.G. Bond Sean Connery wore them in 1965's Thunderball. Do I even need to convince you why these are cool to wear? 

Tips for shopping: 

White sneakers While you can find them in a lightweight knit, I recommend going for leather if this is your first pair. They're truly a 4-season shoe and a wardrobe staple.

Suede loafers Get a medium brown, which is a classic summer choice and easy to match with any outfit. Make sure the suede loafer you get is unlined; otherwise your feet will be a swampy mess at the end of the day.

Espadrilles Today, you can find espadrilles in materials like leather and suede. For summer, stick with the traditional lightweight canvas.

For colors, black, navy, or tan are the most versatile options. To brighten up your look, go for a lighter grey (sand) color or even white. For a shot of color, olive or light blue are my favorites.

Options:

• Minimal white sneakers: Adidas, Koio, and Common Projects

• Suede loafers: SuitSupply, Morjas, and Alden

• Espadrilles: Castaner, and Morjas

Sunglasses (Recommended: 1)

Do you struggle trying to find sunglasses for your face shape?

Go with a classic round frame. Slightly rounded top with a rounded bottom. (Not to be confused with a circle frame, which is an even circle.) This is a style that I've found is universally flattering no matter what your face shape. It's impossible to mess up!

While black is the easy choice, I like a tortoise (my favorite) or a light brown for summer. You'd be surprised how much a light brown pair of sunglasses can brighten up your look.

Options:

• Warby Parker, Moscot, and Garrett Leight

Bonus recommendation: Short Sleeve Camp Collar Shirt

Camp collar shirts, also known as Cuban collar or aloha shirts, get their name from the lack of band between the shirt's collar and body. 

The lack of a band to prop up the collar allows it to fall open, creating a relaxed, breezy vibe—the perfect shirt for summertime lounging. 

Tips when shopping: While you can find plain camp collar shirts, I recommend going for the classic printed camp shirt. 

You don’t have to go full floral Hawaiian either! (Though it’s really fun!) You can find camp collar shirts in subtle patterns like geometric shapes and dots, or toned down prints. 

If you want more tips on easing into wearing a patterned camp shirt, check out this post I wrote on "How to wear more prints and patterns" and "How to wear a camp collar shirt."

Options:

• Bonobos, Todd Snyder, and Mr. Porter

What are the best socks for summer?

Cotton socks Put away your wool socks and make sure you've switched over to cotton for the summer. 

Casual cotton socks are suitable for when you want more coverage while wearing sneakers. While finer cotton and blends, like cotton/silk, or cotton/linen, are great for dress shoes.

Invisible Socks I also recommend picking up some invisible socks for both your casual and dress shoes.

You'd be surprised how baring some ankle in the warmer months can help cool you down.

They also create a barrier between you and your shoes, preventing blisters.

Invisible Casual Socks Make sure you get invisible socks and not ankle socks. 

As the name implies, ankle socks end at your ankles, while invisible socks are cut lower to remain hidden. 

The rule for colors is that they should match the lining of your sneakers. I've found a few pairs of white, gray, and beige should be enough.

My favorite casual invisible sock brands right now:

• Bombas

Invisible Dress / Loafer Socks

Invisible dress socks, often called "loafer socks," are the same as invisible casual socks except they're made specifically for dress shoes.

Like longer dress socks, they're made of finer cotton. Another key difference is that they're cut even wider to mimic the loafer opening and stay invisible.

When it comes to colors to buy, the same rules apply. Match your invisible dress sock with the lining of your dress shoe. Since most dress shoes are lined with black or brown leather, black and brown/ beige invisible dress socks are all you'll need.

My favorite invisible loafer sock brands right now:

• Bombas

Part 3: Summer Grooming Tips

The Best Way to Stop Sweaty Armpits

The Problem: Your pits sweat like crazy, soaking your shirts.

The Fix: A combination of Sweatblock and Aluminum-free deodorant

Over the last 5 years, I’ve tested a handful of solutions with thousands of men. This is the most effective combo I've found in fighting sweaty pits.

SweatBlock is an antiperspirant towelette that you wipe on your armpits once a week before bed. The towelettes contain an FDA approved proprietary formula that will block sweat up to 7-days per use.

Why this is better: Sweatblock is a thinner solution, making it absorb better and faster. It doesn't get gunk on your clothes like your standard antiperspirant/deodorant stick.

The only downside? 

While it does block sweat effectively, it doesn’t completely eliminate odor. (Lack of airflow can increase B.O..) That's why I recommend using it in combination with an aluminum-free deodorant for the scent. 

Options:

• Sweatblock

• Aluminum-free deodorants: Arm & Hammer, Old Spice, Aesop

How to get rid of caked-on deodorant on shirts

The Problem: Your shirts have a cakey build-up of antiperspirant/deodorant that seems impossible to remove.

The Fix: Toss the shirt out and change the way you apply your antiperspirant/deodorants. 

I've tested dozen of online methods that promised to help you remove caked-on deodorant. Unfortunately none of them were reliable enough for me to co-sign. 

The best solution in my opinion is prevention.

A cakey build-up of deodorant on shirts is usually caused by deodorant not being absorbed by your pits. 

This is usually due to a few factors. 

1. Apply too much deodorant

2. Not giving it enough time to absorb before putting on your shirt. Traditional antiperspirant/deodorants combo sticks work by plugging your sweat pores with aluminum. It needs some time to absorb into your pores to work.

3. Washing and drying a shirt with cakey residue in the pits. This can “bake” in the residue, making it near impossible to remove without damaging the fabric fibers.

To ensure that your shirts don't get a build-up:

1. Switch to the Sweatblock & Aluminum-free deodorant combo above Traditional antiperspirant/deodorants tend to be the main culprits. Using the Sweatblock combo helps reduce your need for applying a lot of deodorant.

2. Apply antiperspirant/deodorants to dry pits. If you do decide to use a traditional combo stick, apply it to dry pits to help with absorption. 

3. Trim your armpit hairs. Too much or thick armpit hair can prevent your antiperspirant/deodorants from being absorbed onto your skin. Antiperspirants/deodorants love to latch onto armpit hairs and transfer onto your shirt.

4. Apply antiperspirants/deodorants before bed to give them enough time to absorb. If you shower the next day, avoid direct contact with water. 

The Best Summer Haircuts for Men

The Problem: Your head is dripping in sweat.

The Fix: Get a summer cut and switch to lighter weight styling products.

As Megan Collins over at Style Girlfriend explains:

"A good haircut can be your best hot weather accessory. You can quite literally cut off a few degrees by tightening up your sides, having your stylist razor through a thick heap of hair, and/or switching to lighter weight products. Bonus? It streamlines your morning routine...less maintenance, product, and upkeep [while] keeping you cool and dry."

Peter's advice on what to tell your barber:

Ask your barber to vary the length of the top of your hair and the sides. Have them cut/shave/fade a bit closer to the skin on the sides in the summer.

This is one of the first fixes I have my barber, Mr. Bee, do with my styling clients. 

I tell him to do a skin fade, either starting midway up the sides of your hair or high.

Here are a couple of great examples:

Shaved Head

Tom Hardy and Idris Elba are great examples of shaved heads done right. Varying the length of the side and top can make a buzzed head look sophisticated and groomed, rather than a desperate attempt to beat the heat.

Tom's sides are more evenly shaved, while Idris is a beautiful example of a neat skin fade.

Short-Mid Length

Tighten up the sides and switch to lighter products to give your hair some room to breathe.

You can ask your barber to end the fade a bit lower to avoid the undercut look, which can be too edgy for some guys. 

Long hair

Men get a lot of shit for "man buns," but if you're a stylish man with long hair, top knotting your locks will help keep you cool on summer's hottest days.

Want to cool yourself down even more? Take Style Girlfriend's advice and ask your barber to thin out your hair with a razor.

Not into the man bun? Consider reducing a bit of the length to air out your neck like actor Avan Jogia. 

Fall and Winter is the time you should be growing out your hair anyway, so just like with your clothes, you should lighten up your long hair for the season.

Next steps! Check out the free bonus I created for this post!

If you're curious what my personal picks are this summer, I put together a small bonus for you. Just click below to get my "10 summer essentials" shopping list. I just updated it for 2021!

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The denim is the perfect casual jacket and an essential for every man’s wardrobe. Like the leather moto jacket, it’s a timeless style that evokes memories of badass cowboy and rebels of Hollywood’s yesteryear. But you don’t need to be Clint Eastwood to pull one off. 

How to buy the perfect denim jacket

The anatomy of my perfect denim jacket:

• No rips, patches, or pins I’m all for customizing your clothes and adding your personality...as long as you’re doing it yourself. Avoid any denim jackets in stores with pre-sewn patches, distressing, or tears to make it look “worn-in”.

• The perfect denim jacket should have pockets Whenever I slip on a denim jacket, I find myself wanting to shove my hands into some side pockets. Many denim jackets won’t be designed with side pockets. If possible, look for brands that offer them.

• Two-chest pockets and button-closures This is the classic trucker style denim jacket. You’ll sometimes see denim jackets without chest pockets, or have a zipper closure. I’m not a big fan of these, unless you already have 1-2 truckers and want to mix things up. For your first jacket, stick to the classic trucker style denim jacket with flap pockets and metal button closures.

What color denim jacket should you get?

• For your first jacket: Go for an ultra-versatile med-blue wash For my clients that want to keep an ultra minimalist wardrobe, I reach for the med blue wash first. Sometimes called “Mid-wash”, the medium blue isn’t too light for Fall, and isn’t too dark when the weather gets warm, making it the perfect year round shade. Med-blue washed denim jackets are often broken-in, so they’re extremely comfortable. 

• If you could only buy one denim jacket, this would be it.

• For something classic: A dark indigo denim jacket is an excellent option. Most of these styles will be in a raw denim — a stiffer denim that will require you to break it in. What’s great about that is, as it ages, it’ll form to your body and create unique wear patterns (just like your favorite pair of jeans). There are brands, like Todd Snyder, that have broken-in dark indigo denim if you’re not a fan of raw denim. Dark indigo is a great “dressier” denim jacket color, but can sometimes feel too dark for Spring and Summer.

• For a Spring/Summer Option: The light wash (bleached) blue

• This one is purely optional, especially if you have a mid-wash blue. But if you want to brighten up your look when the weather gets warmer, I love a good light wash/bleached denim jacket, especially when you pair it with white jeans or khaki chinos.

• The wild cards: White, gray, and black denim jackets Like the light wash blue, these colorways are optional. You should only consider them once you’ve picked up the dark or mid-blue wash. White denim jackets are great for Spring/Summer to brighten up your look. Gray and black denim jackets are excellent if you’re looking for an edgier, monochromatic look.

How your denim jacket should fit

• Think fitted Your denim jacket should follow the classic rules to how a jacket should fit. The shoulder seams should line up roughly with the point of your shoulder bone. Not too tight where you can’t button it up. Slight taper along your sides for a trim look. 

• Try it over what you plan to wear it with most often If you’re in a warm city and plan to wear it over just a tee, try on your jacket over a t-shirt. If you’re planning to wear it in the Fall when things can get chilly, try it on while wearing a sweater you’d normally wear.

• It should hit at about the waist Denim jackets were originally designed as workwear for cowboys and rail workers. Hence, the shorter crop to make it more comfortable when you’re riding a horse or sitting. You want your denim jacket to hit at or slightly below your waist. If you’re on the shorter side, Peter Manning has a great classic denim jacket that retains these proportions. 

• Sleeves end at your wrist It doesn’t have to be exact, but anything more than ½” longer or shorter will look off. It’d be best to look for another jacket, or get it tailored.

How to wear a denim jacket

Here are some of my favorite ways to style a denim jacket. Feel free to copy them as is, or use it as a jumping off point!

The classic: White tee and sneakers

Does it get any more classic than this? When it comes to pant choice, a chino in khaki, grey, dark navy, or black are great options. For a military americana vibe, try olive. I love to default to a minimalist white sneaker for a clean, classic, casual look. But this outfit would work equally well with boots.

My personal favorite: The dress pants

I’m a big fan of mixing casual and dressy pieces. If you want a simple way to upgrade the classic white tee and sneakers outfit, swap out your chino for tailored dress pants. When it comes to color, I prefer charcoal grey over navy or black. 

The elevated casual: button-down and loafers

I also love pairing a denim jacket with a button-down shirt. It’s unexpected, and is a great way of elevating the outfit. A solid white, pale blue, or grey button-down shirt are great choices. My personal favorites are fine striped poplin button-downs, which have a subtle pattern. If you want a break from wearing sneakers, a nice loafer worn in a casual way is a great option.

Date night: Luxe sweater

The perfect example to show how versatile a denim jacket can be. With this look, stick to a darker denim jacket, such as the dark indigo or black. You don’t need to go full turtleneck like the example outfit, but opt for a nice fine gauge luxe sweater in something like cashmere or a silk blend. Keep the luxe vibe with a more polished, dressy boot like a chelsea.

The beach: Shorts

Denim jackets just scream summertime to me. They’re a great beach companion for those coastal breezes or night time hangs. Simply throw it over a lightweight tank, tee, or camp collar hawaiian shirt. Slip on some swim trunks, and you’re good to go. 

The Canadian tuxedo: Denim on denim

Don’t fear the Canadian tuxedo. It’s a lot easier to pull off than you think. Done right, you’ll look extremely confident in your ability to rock it. Take a cue from producer Mark Ronson and mix your denim shades. If your jacket is light, go for a darker pair of jeans. If your jacket is a dark indigo, you can cheat a little and pair it with grey or black jeans.

I hope this opens your eyes to how versatile denim jackets can be. It's one of my favorite jackets. If you thought you could never wear a denim jacket, I encourage you to add one (or two) to your closet and put it in rotation.

When it comes to spring clothes, it’s crucial you don’t make the mistake that many of my private clients make: thinking you can wear your fall wardrobe come March.

Sure, you might be able to get away with a few pieces during those cold transitional weeks.

But before you know it, full Spring has snuck up on you, and you'll be sweating bullets during that important meeting for all the wrong reasons.

Don't worry. Today I got your back.

In this style guide for Spring, I’m going to show you:

• The 3 big style rules you need to follow this season
• How to pick out your perfect Spring cologne
• The secret to wearing colors, prints, and patterns without looking like an easter egg And more!

Head's up!

BONUS: SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE GUIDE!

I put together a mini 8 piece capsule wardrobe of my favorite Spring trends for you in a bonus guide! I also include ideas on how to wear them, and a shopping list of recommendations for all budgets.

The guide is completely complimentary! Just enter your info below to let me know where to send it.

PART 1:
THE ESSENTIAL MAN RULES OF SPRING STYLE

Here are my 3 big style rules to get you Spring ready

1. SWAP IN SPRING FABRICS

Despite the occasional chilly night, those heavy wool blazers, cable knit sweaters, and thick cotton tees are gonna be overkill. It's time to make a switch to spring fabrics.

To help you out, here’s a list of terms to look out for when you’re shopping this season:

Fabrics: Cotton, linen, silk
Terms: Summer weight, Tech (a catch-all term for garments made of synthetic, breathable fabrics), Unlined/partially lined (lightening up on lining allows jackets and coats to be more breathable in hot weather), Moisture wicking

2. GO LIGHTER, NOT BRIGHTER

Bright colors aren’t a thing for many of my private clients. For them, I recommend they go “Lighter, not brighter.”

You don’t need to wear school bus yellow or leperchaun green in Spring to look colorful. A shade or two lighter in your neutrals can do wonders for your Spring color palette.

Switch from dark indigo to a washed blue, or a dark grey to a lighter grey for an instant color hack.

3. GET LAYERED

Spring weather can be unpredictable, so focus on layering pieces to keep you warm on those chilly days.

Along with warmth, layering also gives your looks added depth, helping you stand out from the basic t-shirt and jeans look.

If you need some help figuring out how to layer your pieces, I put together a post with outfit layering formulas, which you can check out here.

While the post focuses on layering for the winter, you can use the same formulas for spring. Just swap in spring-appropriate pieces using Tips #1 and #2 above and you’ll be good to go!

PART 2:
FALL TO SPRING STYLE SWAPS

THIS FOR THAT: 10 STYLE FALL TO SPRING STYLE SWAPS YOU SHOULD MAKE

We know what fabrics to look out for.

We learned we don’t need to wear yellow to make our outfits look "colorful"

It's time to talk spring style swaps - because the last thing I want you wearing is a fur-lined parka and a flannel button-up when it’s 70 degrees outside!

Parkas and Wool Coats -> Mac Coats

Mackintosh coats get their names from Charles Macintosh, a Scottish chemist who created a waterproof fabric by fusing two fabrics together with natural rubber. While you might not be familiar with its actual name, there’s no doubt you’ve seen this classic raincoat trench before.

Since “Mackintosh” is also the name of the brand that still makes the iconic coats since its creation in the mid-1800s, you’ll often find other designers creating similar styles and calling them “Macs.”

The Mac is my spring style swap option for parkas, but they’re also great alternatives to wool topcoats when you want to look a bit dressed up or tailored.

They’re light enough for the season, but retain a lot of the tailored details like the collar that overcoats have. Throw it over a button-down shirt and dress pants, and you’re ready for work.

Khaki is a classic color, but you can find them in an array of swatches - from navy, black, and dark green, to even camo. I personally picked up one this spring in black and khaki.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Uniqlo, $69
Mid-Range: Bonobos, $228
Investment: Mackintosh, $1,045

The Flannel Sports Coat -> The Unlined Sport Coat

For your daily sports coat, a few things to consider.

First, go with either a partial lining for some structure, or unlined entirely for a breathable, relaxed, more casual look. (I prefer unlined).

Save the tweeds, flannels, and herringbones for Fall. Stick to lighter weight wools, linen, or cotton in solid colors.

As a starting color, I recommend ditching turning up the lightness on navy. It’s an extremely versatile color option that’ll give your wardrobe a shot of color without going overboard.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Uniqlo, $69
Mid-Range: Bonobos, $400
Investment: The Ring Jacket, $1,100

Bomber Jackets -> Harrington Jacket

The bomber has been having a moment for the last few years.

It’s become the go-to casual jacket for a good reason. It’s easy to throw on, and thanks to high-end designers giving their spin on it, it’s been elevated to be appropriate for business casual looks.

This season I offer you another option: The Harrington Jacket.

Made famous by James Dean, it’s the perfect versatile spring jacket.

It occupies that sweet spot in-between formal and casual. It’s more casual than a sports coat, and a bit more formal than a denim jacket. You can comfortably wear this to work or out to grab a drink with friends.

As for what color to get, I’d stay away from Mr. Dean’s famous red and go for navy or black.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Uniqlo, $49
Mid-Range: Bonobos, $168
Investment: Salle Privée, $620

Flannel Shirts -> Breathable Button-downs

Flannel actually describes the material, a brushed fabric that's soft and warm (the pattern is called plaid).

While it's perfect for those cold winter days, it feels and looks out of place in the warmer months.

This is the perfect time to switch to more breathable fabrics like cotton and linen when it comes to your button-downs.

I recommend getting a good set of solids in white, grey, and light blue before you venture out into stripes or patterns.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Uniqlo, $29
Mid-Range: Bonobos, $88
Investment: Officine Generale, $290

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUTTON-DOWN AND A BUTTON-UP?

You might have seen shirts labeled “Button-ups” and “Button-downs” and paid no mind, but they’re actually two different styles of shirts.

The term “button-down” is used to describe the collar - which buttons down to the body.

Button-down shirts are generally considered the casual option now, often cut shorter to be styled untucked and made with more casual fabrics.

Button-ups will be made with crisper fabrics to maintain a professional look, with longer cuts designed to be tucked in.

While you can wear button-downs with suits and button-ups with, say, a Harrington jacket, I generally recommend pairing button-ups with formal looks like suits, and button-downs with your casual outfits.

Button-down I recommend: Bonobos Button-Down Shirts, $88

The Essential Man Trick #23: If you want to instantly figure out if something is “casual” or “formal,” follow this rule: The more details an item has, the more likely it’s more casual. In this case, the added buttons on the collars mean it’s more casual.

Chunky wool sweaters -> Cotton sweaters

A fine cotton sweater is a perfect item for layering on chilly days without ending up in a pool of sweat.

It’s breathable and stays cool.

A fine thin merino wool could also do the trick, but expect to pay a premium for fine spring merino.

Be careful with pure cashmere, as its thinness can be deceptively insulating.

You can find cashmere blended with fibers like cotton, which will tone down the warmth while retaining the airy, ultra-soft properties of cashmere.

For colors, start with a classic grey before branching out to another neutral like camel, or if you’re feeling trendy, a soft pink.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Uniqlo, $19
Mid-Range: Bonobos, $98
Investment: Margaret Howell, $415

Dark Selvedge Denim -> Lighter Washed Denim

I love the concept of breaking in a raw pair of selvedge denim, creating a 100% unique pair of jeans you’ll keep forever.

But if you ever went through the process, you know the first few months are brutal.

When it’s lunchtime beers, table outside kind of weather, I want a bit more comfort. This is where washed denim comes in.

Light wash denims don’t actually get their color by dying them lighter. All denim start raw. They're then treated with chemicals, hand sanding, rolling them in big drums with stones. (Hence, stone washed denim!)

Think of this like speed aging. These extra steps are why treated denim costs more. (More work to create = more money). But what you get in exchange for that premium is that perfect worn-in feel of jeans you’ve owned for years.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Uniqlo, $39
Mid-Range: Polo Ralph Lauren, $90
Investment: Mr. P, $280

WOOL TROUSERS -> COTTON TROUSERS

What’s the difference between a formal cotton trouser and, say, a cotton chino?

Chinos come off a bit more casual, particularly in the choice of fabrics and details - like the cut of the side pockets. (Chinos will usually have more angled pockets, while formal trousers are closer to the side seam.)

A formal cotton trouser is simply a suit trouser made in cotton instead of wool.

You get that crispness and cut you want for a pant you’d wear to an important meeting, complete with that pressed seam down the front, but in breathable, comfortable cotton.

My favorite formal cotton trouser for the past year is the Weekday warrior’s from Bonobos, which have added stretch for an incredibly flattering, comfortable cut.

Start with the usually neutral colors like navy, black, olive, and grey before you venture out.

You can also find these pants in cotton blends (like cotton-linen), which create unique textures, drapes, and add to the breathability. For now, I recommend sticking to pure cotton.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Entry Level: Bonobos, $98
Mid-Range: Salle Privée, $330
Investment: Dries Van Note, $475

HOW TO…SPRING STYLE EDITION

So you’ve made your Spring swaps. Awesome. It’s time to arm you with some styling tips for your bag of tricks. Here are some essential articles from the archives…

• How to pull off a graphic tee like a grown man
• How to wear more prints and patterns
• How to pull off white pants like an Italian
• How to find the best colors to wear for your skin tone

PART 3: THE FINE DETAILS

3 SHOES YOU NEED FOR SPRING

The Penny Loafer
The grown-up alternative to Van slip-ons that work just as well with jeans as they do suits. Go with either black or brown (I'm personally going with black this season).
Buy: Thursday Boots Loafers, $170

The Gray Sneaker
Everything you love about a minimalist white sneaker with a touch more warmth and color. What does this mean? You'll stand out from all the guys still on the minimalist white sneaker trend.
Buy: Vans, $65

The Chukka boot:
Once you put on your first pair of suede shoes, you wonder how you went so long without it. It's a little hard to explain, but it's almost like magic. Suede draws your eyes in with its texture, almost inviting people to touch it. It's that final 10% that lets people know you're a guy with good style.
Buy: Thursday Boots Chukka, $149

IN PRAISE OF WHITE SOCKS

Despite what many fashion blogs or youtube channels preach about avoiding trends, I don’t think that’s any way to live.

Trends exist in all areas of our lives. Sticking to classic style rules is kinda like never going to the movies ever again because Bela Lugosi's Dracula is enough for you as a horror fan. (I'm personally excited about Somer)

This brings me to my recent change of heart when it comes to white socks.

Yes, white socks have come back into fashion thanks to the rise of 90s trends the last couple years, but I prefer to see it as a throwback to men’s style of the 50s. You know, cool pomped haired guys wearing loafers with white socks.

Are you missing anything out if you decide you still can’t jump on the white sock train this season? No.

But if you do decide to try it out and find it’s not for you, at least you’ll have something to wear to the gym while you work on that summer six pack.

Buy: White socks by Uniqlo, $2.90

HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT SPRING COLOGNE

There’s a mental shift your mind goes through when you start a new season.

Some things just don’t fit in spring. Hot Toddy's. Thick wool socks. And probably the cologne you've been wearing for the past 6 months.

It’s time to put away that cologne that makes you smell like you’ve been locked in a cabin and get something fresh.

I reached out to Rachel Beider, a certified aromatherapist and owner of Massage Williamsburg and Massage Greenpoint.

She’s studied scent at Cinquieme Sens at Pratt, NY Institute of Aromatherapy, and in Botanical Perfumery.

She’s here to help you pick the perfect scent and drop some cologne 101 on you.

Q. Most guys I've talked to haven't considered wearing different scents for different seasons. They just find a scent and wear it all the time. Can you give us a quick primer on what makes a scent "Fall/Winter" vs. "Spring/Summer"

Rachel: I prefer warmer scents for cooler weather, and more uplifting or refreshing scents during warmer seasons.

For Winter, [you’ll find] lots of dry wood, spicy vetiver, and peppery notes, like elemi.

(Editor's note: Vetiver can be described as smelling like earth/soil/dry grass)

In summer, I like notes of lime and bergamot, clean cotton and linen, and sexier woods like Brazilian Copaiba or even light florals like linden blossom. These can round out any scent.

(Editor’s note: bergamot smells like earl grey tea: sweet with a hint of citrus)

Q. What do you get when you buy less expensive cologne vs. investing in high-quality cologne? Is there a notable difference?

Rachel: Cheap stuff also wears off quickly, so people tend to over apply.

They should be avoided because they tend to have an overpowering projection (too strong) and annoying silage (the trail that scent leaves behind you).

Q. What do guys absolutely do wrong when it comes to their cologne?

Rachel: The over application of scent is my biggest no no. Scent should draw you in, not repel you. It should have a nuzzling and embracing quality.

Some cologne do’s and don’ts:

• Don't use too much! Your neighbors shouldn't be able to smell you.
• Don’t spray it on your wrists. The idea about spraying fragrance on your wrists was started by department stores. Every time you grab a new item of clothing and check it out, the motion wafts the wrist scent toward your direction. They want you to keep smelling it as you shopped and entice you into buying.
• Spraying in the air and walking through is a bit of a waste. To start, I'd suggest ONE spray onto your shirtless chest, or ONE spray between the shoulder blades. (Just reach over your head and spray towards your shoulder blades.)
• I like scents on the back for a man, because when I go to give them a hug, I get a whiff of their scent from over their shoulder. It's not too overwhelming.
• Be cautious about the neck - especially if you're on a potentially amorous date - no one wants a mouthful of scent.

Q. What cologne traits do you absolutely HATE and think men should stop wearing?

Rachel: I'm not a fan of scents containing dihydromyrcenol, which is a lemony, sharp, bleachy smell found in many "sport" colognes.

(Some colognes that have dihydromyrcenol: Davidoff Cool Water, Acqua di Gio, Ralph Lauren Polo Sport.)

Q. Ok, one of the things I like to do at The Essential Man is bust stupid style myths. One I've never quite believed was the idea that colognes can smell different on you based on your body chemistry. I'm not sure if I believe it. I mean, Acqua Di Gio smells the same on every dude on his way to a club in the Meatpacking. Is there any truth to this?

Rachel: Not true.

Scents will last longer if your skin is more oily than dry, so that may have something to do with it.

Another myth is that you should smell coffee beans between testing fragrances - but that actually only adds one more confusing scent to process. Better to smell the clean sleeve of your shirt to reset your palate.

Rachel’s Favorite Spring Colognes for Men

From top, left to right:

• Raymond Matts: Tulile
  Fresh, green, citrus, polywood. $200 (contact Raymond Matts at ray@raymondmatts.com)
• Escentric Molecules: Molecule 1
  Sandalwood, cedar, fresh. $135, Barneys.com
• Comme Des Garcons: Hinoki
  Incense, moss, dry fresh wood. $120, Needsupply.com
• Scotch and Soda: Barfly
  Citrus-herb, lavender, sandalwood. $55, Scotch-soda.com
• DS & Durga: Burning Barbershop
  Lime, spruce, lavender, hay. $175, Todd Snyder

HOW TO SURVIVE A SPRING WEDDING IN STYLE

Ah, the spring wedding.

You know it's coming, and yet every year you get overwhelmed about what to wear. But it's not as tough as it seems, chances are you already have the perfect look in your closet.

Here are 3 spring wedding outfits that'll cover 99% of your dress code conundrums this season.

If the invite says: Dressy, Semi-Formal, Not specified

Wear: Your best grey suit with spring colors

Chances are you have a grey suit in your closet that's perfect for most weddings. Here, we brighten up the look a bit with a blue shirt and take a bit of a risk by going with a lighter tie.

A white pocket square can work here, but don't be afraid to use this small space to add a bit more spring color to your look.

A pair of derbys with invisible socks freshen up this look and add a bit more detail. If you don't have derby's, your oxfords will work perfectly fine here.

Buy: Jetsetter Stretch Suit in Grey by Bonobos, $550

If the invite says: Black tie, Black tie optional

Wear: A proper tuxedo

Life pro-tip: Whenever something is listed as "optional," it's not optional. That includes reservations, anniversary gifts, and tuxedos.

When it comes to tuxedos, I'm a traditionalist. I lean more towards peak lapel just because I love them more than shawl collars.

Covered buttons, tuxedo shirt with french cuffs, bow tie, knee-high socks, patent leather oxfords, and yes, a cummerbund.

Sure, some magazines might suggest a cummerbund is old fashioned, but I think it's a bad look when you have a bit of white shirt peeking out from under your jacket. If you want to go cummerbundless, make sure your tuxedo trousers have a higher rise to cover up any shirt peekage.

To learn more about wearing a proper tuxedo, I highly recommend this hilarious and spot-on piece on Bloomberg "The 10 Commandments of the Tuxedo."

Buy: Washington Tuxedo by Suit Supply, $799

If the invite says: Beach, Casual

Wear: A light colored summer-weight (cotton or linen) suit

The hallmark of spring weddings: the beach wedding.

To avoid marinating the entire ceremony in your own sweat, go with an unlined or partially lined suit in a breathable fabric.

My fabric of choice? Linen in a cool, light shade of blue.

Keep it crisp with a classic cotton oxford shirt (linen could work too for a particularly warm day), but lose the tie.

Brown plays particularly well with blue, add a bit of visual texture by choosing a suede lace up or loafer.

And remember the rule when going "sockless": make sure your invisible socks match your shoes.

Buy: Ludlow Suit by J.Crew, $270

Don't forget to get your bonus!

BONUS: SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE GUIDE!

I put together a mini 8 piece capsule wardrobe of my favorite Spring trends for you in a bonus guide! I also include ideas on how to wear them, and a shopping list of recommendations for all budgets.

The guide is completely complimentary! Just enter your info below to let me know where to send it.

Today’s question comes from Andrew:

“Any tips on layering up in the colder months?”

Two mistakes I see men make when it comes to winter layering:

1. PACKING ON BULKY LAYERS Which makes for uncomfortable outfits

2. GOING TOO TECHNICAL Unless your morning meeting is on the side of a snowy mountain, you don't need a North Face jacket and a thermal beanie.

If you’ve been following my buying guides, you probably have everything you need to set you up for perfect office appropriate winter layering.

But in case you haven’t, here’s a small list of layering essentials:

The Basics

• Basic T-shirts (Crew or V-neck)

• Winter weight button-down shirts (flannel or wool, like this from Uniqlo or this from Bonobos)

• Knit sweater in merino wool or cashmere (like these from Bonobos or Mr. P)

• Packable Down Puffer (jacket or vest, my personal favorites are from Uniqlo)

• Jacket (such as a sportscoat, harrington, or even a leather jacket)

• Topcoat (wool, cashmere, or a blend, like this one from Bonobos)

Bonus items

These items aren't necessary for basic outfit layering combos I'll be sharing, but are nice additions.

You can get pretty far when the basics listed above. Of course, there are the core winter accessories like beanies, gloves, and scarves you can add on at your discretion.

I would also recommend looking into lined pants like Bonobos flannel lined chinos, which gives you built-in insulation.

Just keep in mind lining pants adds to the thickness, so you might need to pick up a different size or cut depending on the fit.

• Heat-retaining basics, such as Uniqlo Heattech t-shirts, tights, and socks

• Accessories, such as beanies, touchscreen gloves, and scarves

• Flannel lined pants

4 formulas for layering outfits in the winter

Many of my private clients get tripped up when it comes to thinking about pieces, colors, combinations. But layering stylish outfits that keep you warm don’t need to be complicated.

My recommendation is to stick to mostly neutrals colors, then focus on the basic layering recipes below.

If you want to mix it up and add a bit of depth, use the swap trick and change the color of ONE item.

You don’t need to overdo it. The layers itself are enough to make your outfits stand out.

When it's not so bad outside

THE BASIC TWO LAYER (JACKET/COAT + BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT)

If you’ve picked up a proper winter weight button-down and pants, you’re probably not going to need to pile much more on.

Esquire shares this great Ryan Reynolds style hack that I do all the time: wearing a topcoat as a jacket. As the name implies, a topcoat is meant to go over your jacket. But in this case, you're wearing it in place of a jacket.

The only critique here is that if he decides to take off his coat, it might look a bit odd considering he's sporting a tie. This is a great case to going tieless and wearing a shirt that's a bit more casual. 

Alright, it's pretty cold

THREE LAYER SWEATER COMBO (JACKET/COAT + SWEATER + BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT)

I often get asked if one should go for a v-neck or crew neck sweater when wearing it over a collared shirt.

I prefer crewnecks, as a v-neck and collared shirt can go into terrible Dracula collar territory. 

When it comes to merino vs. cashmere sweaters, a few things to consider.

First the price difference. Nice merino can be as luxe and cost as much as a decent cashmere, but a nice cashmere can be a considerable investment. What you get in exchange is incredible softness and warmth (in all honesty, cashmere can even be too warm sometimes.)

Second is the itch factor. While some people find merino wools itchy, going for premium merino wool in a finer gauge will usually solve this. 

So which do I prefer? Cashmere all the way. 

Holy shit

FOUR LAYER COMBO (TOPCOAT + DOWN PUFFER + SWEATER + BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT)

Most men wear puffers as standalone jackets, but a good packable puffer shows it’s full potential when used as a layering piece.

Not only does it add an insulating layer to your outfit, but also some surprising depth to your style without tons of bulk. 

You'll be surprised how insulated this combo is.

Fuck, it's freezing

PILE IT ON (TOPCOAT + JACKET + DOWN PUFFER + SWEATER + BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT + HEATTECH UNDERLAYER)

When it's so cold you're cursing, it's time to pull out the big guns. 

Heattech.

If you're new to Heattech, here's a quick primer:

Developed in conjunction with textile manufacturer Toray, Uniqlo’s Heattech is made from a proprietary blend of acrylic, cupro, nylon, polyester, and spandex that traps heat through their air pockets.

It’s essentially a blended, synthetic alternative to wool that feels more like cotton, making it ideal for thin base layers.

Heattech is the perfect solution to staying warm without adding a lot of bulk. 

I try to go as long as I can before needing to resort to adding a Heattech layer.

Throw on your beanie, scarf, gloves and some proper winter boots, and you’ll be good to go.

Need some clothing recommendations to layer up with?

Be sure to check out my Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Today's question comes from Rob:

"Peter, I have way too many clothes... What's the least amount of clothes I can get away with?"

Great question, Rob! 

As a Personal Stylist, there's an assumption that all I do is have my client buy racks of clothes. (I wish it were that fun and easy!)

The truth is, my clients actually end up having fewer clothes in their closets than when we started!

How? A minimalist, capsule wardrobes!

Today, I want to show you why great style isn't about having a TON of options, so long as you have the right clothes.

Head's up! I put together a FREE “Minimalist Wardrobe Shopping List” where I show you EXACTLY what I bought for my own wardrobe, complete with links.

Let me know where to send it by entering your info below!

Success! Check your email in a minute for your bonus.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Less, but better

A capsule wardrobe is a small, tightly edited collection of clothes that gives you the most bang for your buck.

Imagine if James Bond needed a closet he could travel the world with. He’d want one to cover all his bases — from grabbing his morning espresso on the Italian coast, to important "business meetings" with Q — all without taking up a lot of space.

Why should you build a minimalist capsule wardrobe?

Does this sound familiar?

You're getting ready for work in the morning.

You open your closet. It's packed full of clothes.

Wire, wooden, and felt hangers tangled up. Shirts squished in-between jackets. Pants are on the floor.

"Fuck, I have nothing to wear." You think to yourself.

You pull out a bunch of outfits, and everything sucks. 

You try on a shirt. 

You hate it, so you take it off and try another one on.

Clothes are piling on your bed, and now you're running late! So you put on the last thing you tried on and head out the door.

After work, you head to the mall because you decide you need new clothes. You have no idea what you’re doing, so you buy whatever your teenage salesperson tells you is “cool.” 

The next day, you wake up to the same cramped closet of clothes you hate. The new stuff you bought stuffed inside somewhere.

You're Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, stuck in your own personal hell of shitty clothes.

I've seen this so many times over the last 20 years I've given it a name: the "Cluttered Closet Cycle"

This is why you have clothes you forgot you even owned!

It's that vicious cycle you go through every season. 

Why does this happen?

It’s what psychologists call the paradox of choice (aka analysis paralysis.) 

The more options you're given, the harder our monkey brains find it to make a choice. 

It’s the reason I drive my wife crazy when I scroll through Netflix for 20 minutes only to proclaim “There’s nothing to watch!”

Why capsule wardrobes are a better way to approach good style

Most guys don't shop for clothes with a plan. 

Think of shopping for clothes like shopping for groceries. 

Imagine going to the grocery store with no shopping list. You grab ingredients you think look delicious as you walk down the aisle. 

You get home and unload your groceries and find that you have. 

A few apples. Fish, hot sauce, dry spaghetti, donuts, and green juice. 

Kinda hard to make a meal, right? 

That's what most guys are doing when they shop for clothes.

Building a capsule wardrobe is like going to the grocery store with a proper shopping list.

You get everything you need to make, for example, the perfect Italian dinner! All the ingredients work together, and nothing is wasted.

This means:

1. Less clutter! 

Focusing on getting what you need means your closets won't be packed full of clothes. Plus, you'll stop wasting money on clothes you end up never wearing!

2. Easier to get dressed!

Remember the whole analysis paralysis thing? Fewer options mean it'll be easier for you to pick something to wear!

3. You don't have to try to keep up with trends! 

A proper capsule wardrobe centers around timeless, versatile styles. That means you don't need to worry about keeping up with "what's cool". Your capsule will outlast trends. (More on this later!)

What makes the perfect capsule wardrobe?

I've designed hundreds of wardrobes for clients. Here are my rules for building the perfect capsule wardrobe:

1. Timeless, classic designs 

The classic outfit looked great 50 years ago, and will prob look good 50 years from now!

Trendy clothes, by their nature, need to be replaced by the next trend. We want to avoid needing to update our wardrobe all the time. A good capsule wardrobe centers around simple, classic styles. The white t-shirt. The dark wash jeans. The navy blazer. 

2. Versatile Pieces

Fewer clothes mean you want to pick pieces that can double or triple duty. Your jacket should be appropriate for work but still look great on a date! 

3. Focus on core neutral colors

Take a look at the image below. What do you notice?

Great examples of outfits using neutral colors

All the men center their style around neutral colors. (White, black, grey, navy, olive, khaki, and brown.)

It doesn't matter if you're young, old, black, Asian, white, formal, or casual. Neutral colors, or "Men's Core Colors" as I like to call them, make everyone look amazing. It's the foundation for great capsule wardrobes.

Here's why they work:

Neutral core colors aren't overpowering

Core color outfits vs bright colors

Many men overcompensate for the lack of style by wearing flashy and loud clothes. It comes off as showy.

Core colors are flattering and pleasant to look at compared to loud, bright colors. Nothing wrong with wearing bright colors, but many men overdo it! 

They mix and match easily with each other

Because neutrals don't overpower on another, you don't need to worry about mixing and matching colors. They mix together "automatically."

They're the perfect backdrop for brighter colors and patterns

Neutral colors are a great backdrop for brighter, pop colors

Core colors are like your wardrobe's carbs: they're a great delivery method for more color and patterns. When you're ready to take your capsule wardrobe to the next level, you'll have the perfect backdrop. (See Ryan, Jonah, and Idris above)

The Perfect Starter Capsule Wardrobe

Need an idea of where to start? I got you...

Let's assume you do laundry once a week. Here's what I recommend for a starter capsule wardrobe:

14 essentials pieces (not counting the socks and underwear)

• 2 Jackets (1 dressy, 1 casual)

• 8 tops (a mixture of t-shirts, polos, button-ups and/or henleys)

• 2 pants (1 casual, 1 dressier)

• 2 pairs of shoes (1 casual, 1 dressier)

• 8 pairs of underwear

• 8 pairs of socks

Here's a breakdown of the starter capsule wardrobe:

2 Jackets (1 blazer, 1 casual)

Versatility is extremely important when putting together a capsule wardrobe! That's why for this starter, I went with a navy blazer. It's a jacket you can wear to important meetings and dates, but still dress down with a t-shirt if you wanted to. There are a lot of casual jacket options. I love a good, restrained leather jacket. Black mixes and matches with everything, and the minimal design (compared to a classic "rocker" leather jacket) means you can even wear it to the office!

8 tops (a mixture of t-shirts, polos, button-ups and henleys)

T-shirts are essential for any capsule wardrobe. But polos are my favorite secret weapon! They're the perfect "business casual" shirt — they're more casual than a button-up, but dressier than a t-shirt.

Button-up oxfords in a mix of white, pale blue, and blue striped will cover your needs for work. A blue chambray denim style shirt is a great versatile piece you can wear under a blazer, or throw over chinos and boots.

2 pants (1 pair of dark wash denim, 1 pair of olive chinos)

Save the light washed jeans for summer weekends. To squeeze out more versatility, make sure your denim is darker. Darker colors evoke a more serious vibe, allowing you to wear it to work. (Think about how intimidating security guards are when they wear all black!) It also makes it much easier to mix and match because a dark denim blue is not overpowering.

Chinos are the perfect business casual pant. I went with olive to give the capsule a bit of color. You can pair them with a blazer and button-up for work, or t-shirt and white sneakers for the weekend.

2 pairs of shoes (1 minimal white sneakers, 1 dressy leather boots)

Minimal white sneakers have become a staple in the modern man's wardrobe. The clean design, combined with more relaxed dress codes, means you can totally wear these to the office.

For a dressier shoe, you have a few options. A black penny loafer is a great, versatile style for the office. I like a lace up boot here, which pairs well with both the chino and jeans.

A few more capsule wardrobe details:

We want multiples of items we shouldn't wear twice in a row 

You know, the stuff that gets funky fast, like shirts, underwear, and socks. 1 for each day, plus a buffer.

Plan for our laziness 

In a perfect world, we do laundry every 7 days as scheduled. 

But some weeks I get lazy, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Instead of 7 days worth of clothes (6 days + what you wear on laundry day), we're stocking 8 days as a "laziness buffer".

Not counting accessories 

Accessories, like bags, pocket squares, and sunglasses, are purely optional. I recommend them, as they're an easy way to add variety in your looks without taking up a lot of space.

Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Examples

Let's take a look at this wardrobe in action. 

Click to enlarge

As you can see, great style it's not about having a TON of clothes. It's about stocking your closet with the few, select, right pieces you can mix and match.

Follow the basic recommendations above, and you'll have a closet that's 10x more stylish with 10x fewer clothes.

Want a list of what to get? Download my "Capsule Wardrobe Shopping List" bonus!

I put together a free bonus for this post: A minimalist wardrobe shopping list showing you exactly what I would buy for my own minimalist wardrobe, complete with links.

I've not only included the exact pieces I bought for my wardrobe, I also threw in alternatives to fit almost every budget, so you can look amazing and minimize your closet without breaking the bank.

Just enter your info below and I'll email you the bonus shopping list!

Success! Check your email in a minute for your bonus.

Today's question comes from Tyrone, he asks.

"Peter, I just scratched my favorite pair of sunglasses and realized I don't know how to pick a replacement. What color frames, and lenses should I pick, what should I avoid? Does my face shape matter?

First, my condolences to your favorite pair of sunglasses. 

As a lifelong wearer of glasses (and professional "buyer of clothes") I have many thoughts on this topic. 

Today I want to bust an eyewear shopping myth and help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses.

Your face shape DOESN'T MATTER when shopping for sunglasses

Yes, you read that right. 

All those beautifully illustrated diagrams you’ve seen talking about square, round, and heart-shaped faces? The ones that promise to help you pick sunglasses for your face shape?

I'm calling bullshit on them!

Yes, bullshit. 

The theory behind these guides say you need to a certain type of frame style to compliment your face shape.

E.g. “If you have a round face shape, don’t wear round frames. They’ll make your face look rounder.”

The frame shape is more about the style and vibe you’re going for, not "balancing your face shape"

I'm a lifelong artist. I’ve also worked as a menswear designer for 11, and a personal stylist for the last 5.

I'm pretty confident in my "visual eye." 

I'm just not convinced when it comes to these face shape pairing advice.

A round face with square glasses looks like, well, a round face with square glasses. 

It’s like saying round food on a round plate makes the plate look rounder. 

It. Doesn't. Make. Sense

Take a look at this image:

Which of these examples looks the best?

Are you happy with your answer?

Okay, now what if I told you according to the face shape guides, all these men are wearing the wrong eyewear shape for their faces?!?!

See! It’s bullshit.

Sorry to trick you like this! I want to illustrate that your face shape has no effect on how nice glasses look on you.

Here’s a better way I’ve developed helping my Private clients with their eyewear.

Your head size matters more than face shape

Head size is different from face shape. We’re just talking about how wide and tall your head is, not whether your face is round or square.

Your head size determines the size your lenses need to be for sufficient sun protection. Lens size is also important for field of view if you need prescription lenses!

Everything around the lenses (aka the shape of the frames) is secondary.

Here’s how you can use this to buy the perfect pair of sunglasses.

1. Make sure your lenses cover your “Eyewear Sweet Spot”

(I made the diagram with eyeglasses to make it easier to understand, but it applies to both eyeglasses and sunglasses.)

Width: Roughly as wide as your face.

Height: Roughly from the center of your eyebrows to 2/3rds down your nose.

This is the "sweet spot" in terms of sunlight protection and field of view (if you need prescription lenses.) 

Buying frames with lenses within this sweet spot lets you know the frame fits. 

Frames in your sweet spot are the most flattering.They’re not too small or too big, they’re just right.

Frames that are too narrow reduce sun protection and field of view. They also tiny on your face! Frames that are too wide or tall can look comically oversized. While these can be stylistic choices, if you’re going for a balance of flattering and functional, stay within the sweet spot.

2. Start with a rounded frame shape

This is the most flattering frame shape because it fits in most men's Eyewear Sweet Spot. 

Not to be confused with circle frames (which are what Harry Potter glasses are), rounded frames are frames that are slightly rounded at the bottom. The top of the frame can be straight, but are usually slightly curved as well.

It's my personal frame style for most of my glasses, and can be seen on countless celebrities.

• For colors, black and dark brown/tortoise are great first choices year round.

• For spring/summer, I recommend a light colored frame. My favorite is light yellow for a shot of color. Clear is another popular choice. 

• For lenses, stick with the classic solid lenses in black, grey, or green. 

Some of my favorite for this style are

• Warby ParkerDowning and Percy Models (Both starting at $95)

• Cubitts Herbrand Round-Frame or D-Frame ($165)

• Moscott Arthur Round-frame ($300)

3. Adjust the frame style based on your head size or style preference 

Rounded frames are a safe bet, but don’t let the recommendation stop you from exploring. In fact, it might be better to try out different styles based on your head size.

Larger heads might need larger lenses, since their features are further apart. This means that square frames could be a better option as the lenses tend to be larger.

You can opt for a square frame because you like the style better. This goes for any other style, from aviators to shields. 

As long as you find one that fits your sweet spot, it'll have the best proportions for your face.

To sum it up

1. Don't worry about arbitrary face shape rules They seem to be made up, and don’t hold up in practice.

2. Look for sunglasses that fit your "Eyewear Sweet Spot." This will result in glasses with the most flattering size, giving you ample sun protection and field of view.

3. Round frames are a good style to start with. In my experience shopping with clients, this style hits most men’s sweet spot. Black or brown tortoise are great year round styles that are timeless. For Spring/Summer, go lighter, like a light yellow or clear.

4. Frame style and design are more of a style choice Aviators make you look like you're Top Gunning it. Shield style evokes 70s vibes. Wayfarers bring a mid-century cool to your look. Make sure your frames fit in your "Eyewear Sweet Spot" for the most flattering proportions.

Sam asks:

"What kind of shoe options do you recommend for the hot as hell summer in Texas?"

Summer can be brutal on your feet.

The humidity, paired with hot concrete, can leave your feet a swampy, smelly mess just asking for blisters. But as long as you properly outfit your summer closet, you have nothing to fear.

Here are your six essential summer shoes every man needs in his wardrobe.

Psst!Building your summer wardrobe and clueless where to start?

My "Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe" Guide is your cheat sheet to building the perfect, versatile, minimal summer wardrobe. And it's available now! Click here to learn more

The Best Materials For Summer Shoes

When it comes to materials, breathability is the name of the game!

You'll often find casual summer shoes like sneakers and slip-ons made of lighter canvas or techy knit yarns to allow for airflow. 

Casual leather shoes will have strategically placed air-holes or be perforated entirely to increase breathability. (I'm personally not a fan. I def think they look ugly. And don't you dare think about getting perforated leather dress shoes!)

Leather dress shoes are usually made from nice leathers like calfskin and lined to give it more structure and durability.

Summer dress shoes usually switch from calfskin leathers to softer, unlined suede. This makes them more breathable and comfortable, but a little less durable. It's good habit to rotate your summer dress shoes and store them using shoe trees to help them retain their shape.

What Are The Best Colors For Summer Shoes?

Just like with your summer clothes, it's an excellent time to go lighter with your color choices. 

White is a great option for casual shoes like sneakers, as it reflects heat. Lighter browns are good options for dress shoes. Even opting for a grey can help brighten your look for spring. 

In the section below, I'll give you specific color recommendations for your summer shoes.

The Best Casual Summer Shoes

The Espadrilles or Leather Sandal

Ok, so I'm cheating a bit by combining these two. I'll explain. Some of my clients are brutally offended at the idea of wearing sandals. And I get it, most men's feet are pretty butchered. 

For others, a sandal is a perfect choice for lounging around the pool of a fancy hotel.

The Espadrilles

If you're in the anti-sandal group: Let me introduce you to my favorite sandal alternative: the espadrille, the classic Spanish slip-on made of canvas with a signature rope sole. It was a favorite of Picasso. The O.G. Bond Sean Connery wore them in 1965's Thunderball. Do I even need to convince you why these are cool to wear? 

Today you can find espadrilles in materials like leather and sueded. For summer, stick with the traditional lightweight canvas.

What color espadrilles should you buy: Black, navy, or tan are the most versatile options. To brighten up your look, go for a lighter grey (sand) color or even white. For a shot of color, olive or light blue are my favorites.

My favorite espadrille brands right now:

Suitsupply

Castañer

Morjas 

The Large Strap Leather Sandal

I can hear the slapping of flimsy flip flops and thin plastic straps whenever I think "sandals on men."

There is a better choice.

Two important keys to picking the proper men's summer sandal: thick straps and leather. 

My favorite style is wide, cross strapped leather sandals with rubber soles. They're much more substantial than foam flip flops and can look stylish when dressed up with a nice button-up and airy drawstring pants.

What color sandals should you buy: Keep it simple. Stick to black or brown, which will go with nearly every outfit. 

My favorite men's sandal brands right now:

Birkenstocks

Grenson

Mr. P

The Knit Sneaker

Knit sneakers are incredibly lightweight and ultra-breathable, making them perfect for hot summer days. You can find knit versions of essentials styles I've recommended in the past, like Stan Smiths.

Greats make a great (no pun intended) version of their minimalist white sneaker in a knit body.

They can be a little tricky to clean, but Greats has a helpful short guide on Youtube that makes it painless.

What color knit sneakers should you buy: White will be the most versatile of the bunch. If you go for another color, keep it on the lighter side, like grey or tan. 

My favorite knit sneaker brands right now:

Greats

The Minimalist Sneaker

The minimalist sneaker has transformed into an all-season, all situation shoe. 

You can thanks offices relaxing their dress codes, and brands like Common Projects putting a clean, luxe take on the sneaker. 

The key to picking a sneaker that can from board meeting to date night is making sure you go minimal. 

Avoid any large logos, details, or tons of colors. For a more refined look, opt for styles with more of a sleeker silhouette.

What color minimalist sneaker should you buy: A minimalist white sneaker is a shoe I buy for every one of my private client's wardrobes. If this is your first time buying a minimalist sneaker, get white first.

For additional colors, stay on the light side for Spring/Summer. Grey leather or soft colored suede is an excellent 2nd option.

My favorite minimalist sneaker brands right now:

Suitsupply

Greats

Common Projects

The Best Summer Shoes For Work

Dress shoes in the summer tend to be lighter in color and relaxed in their materials. 

The Suede Loafer

Suede is a softer type of leather made from the underside of the animal skin. Suede is usually thinner than traditional leathers, making them much more breathable. 

That, combined with the fact that summer dress shoes are unlined, makes for an ultra-comfortable dressy shoe you can wear with anything from jeans to a suit. This is my personal go-to business casual summer shoe.

What color suede loafer should I buy? A Med brown is the best and only color option you need for suede.

My favorite suede loafer brands right now:

Morjas

The Unlined Classic Leather Loafer

For days where you need something a bit more traditional, pick up an unlined classic leather loafer for the summer. 

While it won't be as comfortable as the suede loafer, going unlined will help with the breathability while keeping your polished, professional look. 

What color unlined loafer should I buy? Stick with either black or brown for versatility. For a second pair with a more of a summer feel, go with a lighter shade of brown. 

My favorite unlined loafer brands right now:

Meermin

Alden

The Debry (aka The Plain Toe Blucher)

If you want a dress shoe that isn't a slip-on/loafer style, the derby (sometimes known as the plain toe blucher) is my pick.

It gets its name from the plain toe style, as opposed to decorated cap or wingtips. The minimal design makes them easier to pair with everything from chinos to tailored pants. 

Derbys are less sleek than oxfords and have an open lacing system, making them more casual. But you don't have to worry. With the more relaxed dress codes nowadays, nobody will blink an eye when you adopt it as your summer dress shoe.

What color derby should I buy? Brown is my favorite choice for your first pair. For a more summer feel, try a med brown or tan in suede. 

My favorite derby brands right now:

Alden

Morjas

What Kind of Socks Should I Wear in The Summer?

Cotton socks First, make sure you've switched over to cotton for all your socks. Casual cotton socksare suitable for when you want more coverage while wearing sneakers. While finer cotton and blends, like cotton/silk, or cotton/linen, are great for dress shoes.

Invisible Socks I also recommend picking up some invisible socks for both your casual and dress shoes.

You'd be surprised how baring some ankle in the warmer months can help cool you down.

They also create a barrier between you and your shoes, preventing blisters.

Invisible Casual Socks Make sure you get invisible socks and not ankle socks. 

As the name implies, ankle socks end at your ankles, while invisible socks are cut lower to remain hidden. 

The rule for colors is that they should match the lining of your sneakers. I've found a few pairs of white, gray, and beige should be enough.

My favorite casual invisible sock brands right now:

Bombas

Invisible Dress / Loafer Socks

Invisible dress socks, often called "loafer socks", are the same as invisible casual socks except they're made specifically for dress shoes.

Like longer dress socks, they're made of finer cotton. Another key difference is that they're cut even wider to mimic the loafer opening and stay invisible.

When it comes to colors to buy, the same rules apply. Match your invisible dress sock with the lining of your dress shoe. Since most dress shoes are lined with black or brown leather, black and brown/ beige invisible dress socks are all you'll need.

My favorite invisible loafer sock brands right now:

Falke

Need Some Outfit Ideas For These Summer Shoes?

Check out my guide to building a spring/summer capsule wardrobe. It includes an 88-page "Lookbook" with 50+ outfit ideas for work, dates, and hanging around using the shoes featured in this post. 

If there’s one thing as expected as shorts in the summer, it’s my inbox getting flooded with emails from guys asking “How long should my shorts be?”

In today’s post, I’ll walk you through a few fit points you should know when you’re shopping for shorts no matter what your body type. I’ll also show you a few different options on how to rock them whether you’re heading to the office or chilling poolside.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR SHORTS BE?

Like pants, shorts are measured via inseam - the length from the crotch to the hem.

Common short lengths are 5”, 7”, 9”, and 11”.

What length short you should get really depends on two factors:

Short fit factor #1: Your height

The first factor - your height, usually determines how long your inseam is. The taller you are, the longer you’re probably going to need the length to be so you don’t get into daisy duke territory.

Shorter guys like myself (Team 5’7”) should avoid longer inseam, so you don’t look like a Juggalo.

Short fit factor #2: How confident are you about your thighs?

A short fit factor that I haven’t seen other men’s style sources discuss your thighs.

While I could technically wear a 5” length for shorts, I don’t exactly have an MMA fighters body to pull it off.

So, if you’re like me and want to leave something to the imagination, opt for a longer length.

YOUR SHORT LENGTH CHEATSHEET

Here’s what I do when I’m short shopping with a private styling client:

The quickest way to figure out what length you should get is to grab a pair of each length, then try them on to find the one that hits the sweet spot - about 1-3” above your knees.

If you got the thigh confidence to get a 5”, do it!

If you’re a bit self-conscious or be a little bit more conservative, go with something a bit longer.

Some great examples of shorts done well

In general, I've found that 7" is a pretty universally flattering length. I still recommend testing out all lengths to find what you're comfortable with.

The only rule you MUST obey: Shorts should never go past the knees. Ending on your knee about halfway is ok. Anything past that is too long.

Bad and Sad Moments in Short Fit History: Too long, too wide, and too much of both

WHAT ABOUT THE SHORT WIDTH

As a general rule, your shorts should fit the same way your pants should fit.

Use “The Pinch Trick” to quickly test if your shorts are the right width.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE SHORTS (AND HOW TO WEAR THEM)

The Chino Short

Chinos shorts are a great versatile, easy option. Treat them as you would your chinos - any outfit you’d typically wear with chinos pants, swap in your chino shorts when it starts getting hot. In terms of color, it’s always a good idea to start with neutrals - navy, grey, khaki are all great options. My personal favorite: olive.

Shown:Short sleeve chambray shirt, Bonobos ($88), Stretch shorts, J.Crew ($65), Sunglasses, Stussy ($128), Invisible socks, Falke ($18), Leather & Suede sneakers, Nike ($90)

White Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are tricky, and I usually advise against them. One exception, however, is white denim shorts. White hides that “cut off jeans” look, and brightens up your look for Spring and Summer without needing to go pastel.

Shown: Denim shirt, Bonobos ($128), White 511 jean shorts, Levis ($29), Invisible socks, Falke ($18), Brown Lincoln loafers, Thursdays ($170)

Swim Trunks

The perfect vacation style hack is wearing your swim trunks even when you’re nowhere near a body of water. Matching tip: If your swim trunks are a tropical or patterned print like stripes, opt for a solid shirt. If your swim trunks are a solid color, freshen up your look with a tropical print shirt.

Shown: Felix Mélange Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt, Orlebar Brown ($145), Board Shorts, Bonobos ($68), Canvas Espadrille shoes, Castaner ($105), Two-tone denim bag, Cleverly Laundry ($75)

FREE BONUS! THE 6 BEST SHORTS YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW!

I spent the last few months shopping and testing dozens of shorts from a handful of brands for my private clients. I've whittled down the 6 best shorts you can buy right now, including one for guys that don't skip leg day!

Get the free shopping list bonus below!

Today’s question comes from Marc:

“Being asian, I’m not sure what colors to wear to fit my skin tone. A chart I found online says I have a warm, autumn skin tone. What colors would work best for me?”

I hear this question a lot, and today I’m happy to share the secret trick to finding the PERFECT colors to wear for your skin tone.

Ready?

The trick is...to stop worrying about it.

Dressing for your skin tone is one of those bits of style advice that get passed around a lot.

It sounds like it’s a problem you should worry about, like spending money on lattes or worrying about ATM fees. (Face it, if an ATM fee is going have an impact on your checking account, you have much, much more significant money problems than a $3 fee.)

Colors that you like vs what works for your skin

This isn’t to say you won’t come across colors you lean towards because you love how it looks on you. But this is NOT the same as picking a color based on skin tone.

You and I could have the same skin tone, and I could prefer wearing green, while you might hate green and love how the navy looks on you.

But this whole concept of autumn or cool skin tones, or using some kind of color wheel pie chart to choose the right colors, is bullshit.

It over complicates things. And frankly doesn’t make any sense!

The color you should pick is all about the vibe you want to give off, not the color of your skin tone.

As a professional stylist, I’ve never picked colors for my clients this way.

In the previous 11 years I spent designing menswear, we never took into consideration the skin tone of our customer when designing clothes.

It's not a thing among experts.

So anyone that suggest you do, I recommend you take their advice with a huge grain of salt.

Here's what you should do instead:

Men's core neutral colors: White, black, navy, olive (army green), grey, khaki/camel, and brown

#1 Color tip for men: Build the majority of your wardrobe around core, neutral colors

Take a look at the image below. What do you notice?

All the men center their core style around neutral colors.

It doesn't matter if you're young, old, black, asian, white, formal or casual. Neutral colors, or "Men's Core Colors" and I like to call them,make everyone look really good, and is the foundation to a solid wardrobe.

Here's why:

Notice how harmonious neutral color looks (left) feel, compared to the jarring mix of bright colored outfits (right)

Neutral core colors aren't overpowering

It looks good on everyone and is pleasant to look at compared to loud, bright colors. Nothing wrong with wearing colors, but many men overdo it and it comes off as showy.

It's almost as if you're overcompensating for the lack of style by wearing something flashy and loud.

They mix and match easily with each other

Because neutrals aren't overpowering, you don't need to know a thing about how to mix and match colors. They all work together.

Notice how the pops of color are just right in all these outfits thanks to the mostly neutral colored outfit

They're the perfect backdrop for brighter colors and patterns

Core colors are like the carbs of your wardrobe: they're a great delivery method for more color and patterns into your look.

That's the secret to wearing colors and patterns without looking like you're screaming for attention.

The majority of your outfit should center around neutral pieces: a navy suit, a camel coat with khaki chinos, navy pants and black shoes.

Then add a single pop of color and BOOM - your style has reached red carpet levels effortlessly. (See Ryan, Jonah, and Idris above)

Ready to add more color and pattern?

Try using "The Swap Trick" - a technique I show my clients to help them add more colors and prints to their looks gradually, so they don't look or feel stupid! I share this technique in my post "How to Wear More Prints and Patterns"

Today's question comes from Kartik:

“What are some stylish work bags that can still hold of a bunch of stuff, like the mandatory laptop?”

Recommending the perfect work bag that is both functional and stylish can be a daunting task.

There's no one size fits all solution. It’s highly dependent on the needs of who’s carrying it.

A tote bag that only has a handle isn’t the most convenient if you commute via bike.

A backpack isn’t the smartest choice if you’re surrounded by high-level executives.

Luckily, my private clients aren’t celebrities with assistants carrying their phone and coffee.

They’re men just like you who work in offices and co-working spaces. They want something that can hold their laptop and gear that doesn’t make them look like a fresh-out-of-college intern.

Below I share 8 bags that have been real-world tested by my private styling clients with a variety of needs: from men who bike daily to work, to executives who want to make an impression, to the health conscious badass who goes the conference room to Crossfit.

The One Bag My Private Clients Love: The Filson Leather-Trimmed Twill Briefcase

The Filson is the most popular bag recommendation among my private styling clients.

It’s a real workhorse, especially in offices with a business casual vibe. Think of it as the raw denim of bags - timeless, functional, and foolproof.

The rugged twill is water-resistant to keep your tech gear safe, while the leather trim says “work” and not “bike messenger.”

The interior can hold laptops up to 15” and have enough pockets to hold your pens, chargers, and any other office essential.

What color should you get?: Depends on your style and vibe. The safe bet: Black, a great option if you’re on the dressy side. If you’re more of a t-shirt, jeans and boots guy, olive or tan are great options.

Variations: If you work in unusually wet climates or just want the extra protection, Filson offers the bag in a waterproof leather or padded model.

Buy Now: Leather-Trimmed Twill Briefcase by Filson, $325

The Best “Grown Man” Bag: Metropolitan Slim Brief by Coach

Whether you a new founder, or looking to dress for the job you want, nothing says “grown man with taste” than an all leather bag.

Coach’s Metropolitan slim brief, with a price tag of $595, is a ridiculous steal considering that it’s made from beautifully soft calf leather (the most expensive type of cow leather to use). A bag like this could easily fetch 10x the cost (See: later in this post!)

If you want to stand out in a sea of backpacks or tech bags in a classy way, this is the best entry level leather bag you can get.

The interior is large enough to carry a 15” laptop and has additional zip pockets to hold your cell phone and any important documents. My favorite detail is the invisible outer pockets which secure via magnets, great for quick access to subway cards, passport, or plane tickets.

What color should you get?: Both black and rich brown are versatile and timeless, it’s going to depend on your style. Easy style hacks: Look at the shoes you own. If you own a lot of black shoes, I’d recommend the black briefcase.

Buy Now: Metropolitan Slim Brief by Coach, $595

My Personal Favorite Work Bag: O'Hare Leather-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag by Want Les Essentiels

I’m a tote guy.

Backpacks always make me feel like I’m going to hit someone, and I’ve never been a fan of how crossbody straps of messenger bags feel.

The problem with totes I’ve used in the past is the lack of functionality. They were mostly cheap canvas bags you get from stores - zero compartments, zero closures, zero protection.

Enter Want Les Essentiels O’Hare tote.

It combines everything I love about totes with the internal functionality of a proper laptop bag. 4 deep interior pockets, removable shoulder strap, along with a zipper top to secure all your work gear.

If you’re like me and prefer vertical bags you can hold, I would seriously consider Want Les Essentiel’s upgraded tote.

What color should you get?: For casual work environments, don’t be afraid to try out their tan, grey, or print variations. For more business casual/professional offices, go with the safer bet with black, navy, or dark brown.

Variations: Want Les Essentiels offers the tote in techy water-repellent nylon as well as a luxurious all leather with all the same internal functionality.

Buy Now: O'Hare Leather-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag by Want Les Essentiels, $250

The Stylish Backpack for Guys That Bike to Work: Day Pack by Aer

Work backpacks for have been getting a bad rap lately. I understand. Most backpacks either make you like you’re fresh out of college in the intern program or a tourist on vacation in Europe.

The truth is, backpacks are great, especially for men who bike to work where there’s no place to put their tote, and a messenger is cumbersome. And there are stylish options out there.

The two most important factors in the perfect work backpack for men who bike is comfort and water resistance, and the Day Pack by Aer as you covered.

Made with 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon and a water-resistant exterior, the bag is constructed to sit upright on its own and features a padded mesh panel for breathability. (Translation: no more sweaty back when you roll into work.)

Like all great work bags, the padded interior is designed to hold a laptop up to 15.6”, with internal pockets to hold everything from your wireless mouse, charger, glasses, spare keys and Bullet Journal.

The cross sternum strap adds extra stability, minimizing weight shifts when you’re biking, and the exterior pocket is perfect for your Zojirushi water bottle.

Buy Now: Day Pack by Aer, $125

The Backpack You Can Wear with a Suit: Volume MM Leather Backpack by Berluti

Wear suits and want the convenience of a backpack? Fine, let’s just make sure it’s in line with your refined, tailored vibe and make it leather.

My favorite all-leather backpack comes from Berluti, the Parisian bespoke footwear company that has been mastering the craft of leather since 1895.

This beautiful Made in Italy backpack has a classic backpack design with the artisan construction you expect from one of the best shoemakers in the world.

Inside you’ll find a couple of internal pockets that are perfect for small items. The only downside is that it doesn’t have specific compartments for your laptop, so I recommend picking up a laptop sleeve for a bit of extra protection. My personal favorite is the new zipperless magnetic sleeves from Incase.

Buy Now: Volume MM Leather Backpack by Berluti, $3,350

The Best Bag for the Gadget Lover: Tech Pack by Aer

At first glance, it’s hard to distinguish the difference between the Tech Pack and the previously recommended Day Pack from Aer.

With the Tech Pack, you get almost a liter more space (16.2L capacity in the Tech Pack vs. 15.4L of the Day Pack) along with added features, like a quick access laptop pocket, YKK Aquaguard waterproof zippers, and a side handle, allowing you to carry it like a briefcase.

Think of it like a King Size Snickers. The Tech Pack is everything you love about the Day Pack, just more of it.

Buy Now: Tech Pack by Aer, $200

The Best Work-To-Gym Bag: Fit Pack 2 by Aer

Ok, 3 Aer bag recommendations in one guide?

What can I say, they know what they’re doing.

If the Aer Day Pack and a gym duffle bag had a baby, you’d have the Fit Pack 2.

The compartment closes to your body is everything you love about the Day Pack: breathable mesh panel, padded laptop bag, and storage compartments for all your accessories.

Lay it flat like a gym duffle to access the front-loading compartment.

The 18.8L space is more than enough space to hold your gym clothes. At the bottom hides a ventilated shoe compartment that can house those Nike Metcons (up to size 13!).

The perfect bag to go from a co-working space to Crossfit, or even a quick work trip where you want to bring a change of clothes.

Buy Now: Fit Pack 2 by Aer, $135

The Bag to Buy to Celebrate That Promotion: Plume 12h Briefcase by Hermes

A single Hermes bag can take up to 48 man hours to make and it shows.

It's something you can appreciate once you reach new levels in your own career.

Hard work recognizes hard work, and slipping your laptop and notebook into a Plum 12H Briefcase at the end of the day is a great reminder of the rewards of work done well.

The Plume 12H is constructed from calfskin, a leather Hermes is famous for. It’s beautiful, soft, and exceptionally difficult to work with, as it leaves no room for error. One slip of a tool and it can mark the skin, rendering it unusable.

Hermes craftsman train for years, apprenticing under master craftsman to earn the privilege of just making watch straps. They spend even more years refining their craft until they earn the right to make one of Hermes signature bags.

Yes, it is an investment.

But like a perfectly crafted cocktail at the end of a long week, you deserve it.

Buy Now: Plume 12h Briefcase by Hermes, $9,650

Outerwear: The one real reason why Fall is my favorite season.

It can be a bit overwhelming navigating the options. Especially as the menswear market expands and designers experiment, remixing and putting their own spins on classic styles.

Today, I want to make things a bit easier for you and share the best fall jacket options for men. I'll be breaking down classic elements you should look out for with each piece, along with a few buying tips.

If it's your first time picking up any of these pieces, I recommend you sticking with as many classic details as possible to make a more timeless option. Once you do that, or if you're looking to pick your 2nd or 3rd option, feel free to experiment with trendier colors and different fabrics.

THE PERFECT EVERYDAY JACKET: THE FRENCH WORK/CHORE JACKET

The French work jacket has become more of a staple of men’s wardrobe lately thanks to its timeless design and practicality.

Originating in 1800s France, these blue jackets were part of the daily uniform of the working man - craftsmen, factory and rail workers, and farmers. These jackets gained a surge in popularity over the last few years thanks to the late legendary street photographer Bill Cunningham, who would wear one as often as he did his camera.

The jacket belongs to a category I’ve dubbed “Easy Jackets”: ultra versatile, ultra practical jackets that go with nearly everything.

This jacket works just as well thrown over your weekend outfit to do some errands as it does on the most stylish men during Pitti Uomo (which isn’t an uncommon sight.)

Brands have since been churning out their own variations of the classic “chore” jacket, which range in materials, details, and price.

Here’s what you should look out for when picking up a french chore jacket:

• Blue/indigo in color is the classic choice. But don’t be afraid to opt for black or olive if you want to avoid the “working class” look.

• Cotton twill or cotton moleskin is the traditional preferred fabric. Chore jackets are often worn over your regular clothes to protect them, but since you’re most likely not working in factories, I recommend looking for jackets that are a bit on the lighter weight side. Newer brands will often experiment, creating this jacket in technical waterproof fabrics, or going more luxe with materials like cashmere wools. For day to day use, I recommend the cotton.

• Unlined  These jackets are usually unlined, as they’re meant to be layering pieces.

• 3 patch pockets  One chest and two large pockets at the bottom. Some jackets will also have additional inside pockets, or smaller pockets inside the larger front ones.

• Button closure

Seasons: All season

The perfect transitional jacket between Summer and Fall, and great for Spring and early Summer over a button-up or tee.

In Winter, this jacket is wearable if you throw it over a warm cashmere sweater, but might not be the best option.

Buying Tips:

• The fit: You want the jacket to fit slightly oversized to allow you to layer a thin sweater underneath. If you can layer a chunky knit, it’s going to be too big.

• If you live in relatively warmer climates: Go lighter on the fabric and slimmer on the cut since you'll most likely be wearing it with just a t-shirt or button-up.

• For color choice: The traditional blue can feel too “workwear,” this is where black or olive can be a good option if available.

• What I would look for: Medium weight cotton twill, darker navy or black, all the traditional details listed above, additional pockets inside.

Buying Options:

Entry Level: Wallace & Barnes Garment Dyed Chore Blazer, $150

Mid Range: Acne Studios Media Jacket, $380(Peter's Choice)

Premium: Lardini Cotton Corduroy Chore Jacket, $545

THE BOMBER JACKET

Over the last few years, you couldn’t walk down the street without bumping a man wearing a bomber jacket, so you might be surprised to find it on this list.

But like the suit, I don’t think the bomber is going anywhere.

In the same way shoulder-padded blazers fell out of favor and made way for the skinny suit in the 2000s, I recommend your bomber this fall be less puffy streetwear, and more mature and luxurious with the cut and fabric choice.

• Sleek, body with no padding. Bombers were originally designed to keep military pilots warm (hence the name, Bomber). You’re probably not going to be 20,000 feet up in the air where it’s freezing. So keep it sleek and look for jackets with light to no padding.

• Ribbed collar and cuff are classic details. You can sometimes find bombers with button cuffs, but for a true bomber look, you want ribbing. High-quality ribbing should be tight and spring back when you pull it apart. Loose or flimsy ribbing will lose its shape over time, so make sure you give your cuff ribbing a gentle pull to test it out.

• Zipper fronts are common. Though some jackets will have button-up fronts. Matter of preference, but to me, it isn’t a bomber without a zipper front.

• Angled slash pockets are a classic detail. Some pockets will have zipper closures, some will have button flaps, and some will have open slash pockets. I try to stay away from zippable pockets as I’m not a fan of feeling zipper teeth when I’m using them.

• A shoulder pocket with zipper is a detail from the original military designs. Some brands choose to keep this detail, some go minimal

• Satin Nylon is the classic fabric, but it's not uncommon to find bombers in matte cotton or wool.

Seasons: Fall, Winter, and Early Spring

Most bombers you pick up in the Fall will be lined, which provides a nice bit of insulation and stretch you to early Spring. These bombers though will be too insulated to wear as you near Summer.

Pick up a more appropriate unlined bomber when Spring comes around.

Buying Tips

• If this is your first bomber, or you want something on the more versatile/timeless side: stick with the classic neutral color cotton or satin jacket. Black, navy, or olive will be the most versatile.

• If you already have a neutral colored bomber and want something a bit trendier:

• Fall 2018 Fabric: For this season (where the 70s and 90s are big), I’m eyeing corduroy, velvet, and suede as options.

• Fall 2018 Colors: Brown, burgundy, forest green

• Details I would look for for myself: Sleek body, zipper front, angled pockets with no closures (no zippers or buttons), luxe fabrics like corduroy, velvet or suede.

Buying Options:

Entry Level: Bonobos Satin Bomber, $198(Peter's Choice)

Mid Range: A.P.C. Gaston Wool-Blend Bomber, $530

Premium: Stone Island Shadow Project Virgin Wool Bomber, $1,190

THE SUEDE TRUCKER JACKET

After working with thousands of guys to help them revamp their wardrobes, the single most common thing I found missing is texture.

It's like food.

Imagine if all you food you ate was void of texture. It's all smooth and mushy. It's not just disgusting, it's boring.

Same with your clothes. Texture in clothes is that visual "crunch". That satisfying detail you first notice when you bite into the perfect french fry or fried chicken.

Suede is one of my favorite ways to add more visual texture to your look, especially when the weather starts dipping. It has a visual warmth and coziness, similar to a chunky knit sweater that's inviting.

Just a warning: Nice suede has what I call "The Cashmere Effect". If you invest in premium, ultra soft suede, it's hard to wear anything else.

Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring

Suede truckers will get you through early Fall, but during the colder months are better as layering pieces (either over a sweater or underneath a coat.)

Because most suede truckers have light to no lining, you can wear these jackets through Spring. The weight and breathability of the leather though might not be great for Summer depending on where you live. It's best to save these for cooler months.

Buying Tips:

• The Fit: For climates that get cold, you want to make sure you have enough room to wear a t-shirt plus light sweater underneath. For warmer climates you can go on the more fitted side if you plan to one wear a t-shirt or button-up.

• Colors: The traditional color of choice here is a natural tan or brown. That would be my first choice. Tons of brands now are experimenting with colors like green, burgundy, and black, which are all great secondary options.

• Make sure yours has side pockets: As mentioned, the suede trucker essentially the same as a denim trucker. Some denim truckers are designed without the side slit pockets, which can get annoying if you're used to them. I recommend always making sure your trucker jackets (whether denim or suede) have side pockets. While I've yet to see a suede trucker without side pockets, it's something to pay attention to.

• Invest in nicer suede: While you can get the look at a budget price, this is one of those cases where it pays to invest in a nicer jacket. Low quality suede is rough and doesn't feel nice to the touch or on - I compare stiff suede to wearing a paper bag. The stiffness makes it fold instead of conforming to your body. You want buttery soft suede found in premium jackets.

• Details I would look for myself: sleek body, zipper front, angled pockets with no closures (no zippers or buttons), luxe fabrics like corduroy, velvet or suede.

Buying Options:

Entry Level: Banana Republic x Kevin Love Suede Trucker Jacket, $448

Mid Range: Todd Snyder Italian Suede Snap Front Trucker Jacket, $995

Premium: CMMN SWDN Suede Trucker Jacket, $1,100(Peter's Choice)

THE LEATHER FUR COLLAR BOMBER JACKET

I still stand by my opinion that every man should own a leather jacket. But if you haven't pulled the trigger yet because you're not sure you it works on you, I understand.

Leather jackets can often intimidate the more formal dresser. If this is the case, this style might be the one for you. The addition of the fur collar luxes up the jacket a bit. If you opt for a design light on the patches or fancy hardware, you got a great jacket that works extremely well thrown over a button-up and wool dress pants.

• Fur or Shearling collar Often removable. Entry level or animal conscious jackets will use faux fur, while premium jackets will use luxury animal fur like mink or the classic shearling, which comes from sheep.

• Cow leather is the most common option for a cold weather jacket as its a bit heavier and more durable.

• Lined, sometimes removable. Some higher end jackets will extend the fur into the lining, while others will have a quilted lining.

• Zipper fronts are more common, but like the fabric bombers, you can find these with button closures as well. I'd stick with the zipper fronts.

• Zipper placket are a great detail that covers the zipper to prevent cold and wind from sneaking through. Not all jackets will have these, but it's a great detail.

• 2 Front pockets Either flap or angled, sometimes closing with snaps or buttons.

Seasons: Fall and Winter

The weight of the jacket, along with the fur collar and lining, make this jacket too heavy to wear in the warmer months.

Buying Tips:

• The Fit: Most leather bombers of these types are heavy and lined, so there’s no need to take layering into consideration. Enough room to wear a button-up or a t-shirt and thin sweater should be fine.

• The Fur: The fur being removable is a great detail, but not a dealbreaker. As for what type of fur, you’ll most likely run into shearling (which come from lambs or sheep). Synthetics technology has improved over the years, and you can find jackets with great synthetic trims. This will reduce the price significantly.

• For color choice: Brown or black. Brown is a more traditional color choice, while black brings the jacket to a more luxurious vibe, an excellent choice for dressier occasions.

• What I would look for: Black, removable shearling collar, zipper front, front flap pockets.

• If you need more advice on buying a leather jacket Check out my two posts "How to buy your first leather jacket"

Buying Options:

Entry Level: Schott Cowhide Bomber Jacket, $885

Mid Range: Officine Generale John Shearling-Trimmed Full-Grain Leather Bomber Jacket, $1650(Peter's Choice)

Premium:Saint Laurent Shearling Trimmed Leather Flight Jacket, $4,990

THE EFFORTLESSLY COOL CLASSIC: THE PEACOAT

The peacoat has fallen a bit out of favor thanks to pieces like the bomber jacket, but it’s a timeless essential for a reason.

It’s a hard jacket to mess up. It’s ridiculously durable thanks to the heavy, melton wool fabric (it was designed for men serving in the navy).

An extremely versatile piece that is a strong contender for your favorite fall/winter jacket.

• Double breasted to provide extra protection from the cold and wind.

• Ulster collars collars often fold up high and can be buttoned for extra protection from the elements.

• Modern versions of the jacket are more fitted than true original navy peacoats. So keep this in mind if you’re looking to shop from army surplus shops.

• Two rows of buttons either in metal like brass or plastic, usually with anchors imprinted on them

• Side slit pockets.

• Lined Often quilted

• Heavy Melton Wool is the traditional fabric, but modern luxury brands will sometimes make peacoats in fabrics like cashmere or cashmere blends. What you gain in softness you lose in durability.

Seasons: Fall and Winter

The weight of the jacket, along with the fur collar and lining, make this jacket too warm to wear in the warmer months.

Buying Tips:

• The Fit: As noted above, modern peacoats will be more fitted. I like to be able to layer a chunky sweater underneath, so if that’s a look you’re interested in go for something with a bit more room

• The Wool: Thick melton wool is extremely warm and durable. It repels water well and insulating. The only downside is that it can be thick and rough. If you want to retain the warmth and add a bit of softness, look into cashmere or cashmere blends. It will be more of an investment, and you will lose some of the durability, but the hand is exceptionally soft and luxurious.

• For color choice: Navy or black. You won’t find many more options than these two. Occasionally a grey pea coat will pop up, but I’m not a big fan of these so I would avoid them.

• What I would look for: Dark navy, melton wool, satin lining.

Buying Options:

Entry Level: Schott Melton Wool Peacoat, $300

Mid Range: Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Wool Blend Peacoat, $515

Premium: Dries Van Noten Caban Double-Breasted Wool Blend Peacoat, $1,690(Peter's Choice)

WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO JACKET THIS FALL?

Share yours in the comments!