Bright, vivid blues trumped their more demur counterparts on runways for spring. The emphasis was on dramatic indigo accessories,  perhaps to stand up to the neon and orange color schemes also prevalent in menswear this season.

Designer collections were sprinkled with the likes of electric blue carryalls, sapphire fedoras, and ultramarine skinny ties. One of the smartest accessories out of the blue (offerings) are blue suede shoes; they once held a special place in Elvis’ heart and should now hold a special place in your closet.

The skeptics among you may be thinking “that’s crazy talk” because blue suede may not seem like the most versatile of shoe options. Relax, because much like a good hot sauce, blue suede shoes add a bit of spice and goodness to almost everything.

For starters, they’re brilliant with blue jeans because the continuous color from hem to shoe visually lengthens the leg and makes the guy appear taller as demonstrated by these blue suede sneakers from Benetton, but no need to stop there. These kicks will add a bit of excitement to any great fitting casual pant, chino, or trouser cut shorts.

If you like the idea of blue shoes and blue jeans but are wondering what colors would go well up top; well friend, the entire color wheel is your oyster (apologies to our readers with shellfish allergies). But speaking of oysters, grey is a dear friend of blue and the two always look good going out together. Sure the white shirt and blue jeans combo is a classic for summer sun, but for the overcast days of spring, grey offers up a major dose of casual chic. No need to match the belt since this isn’t traditional business attire, but if you are belting, any color will work but you’ll want to stay away from those standard shiny black or brown leather belts with a brass buckle that are typical office wear. Instead opt for something with a more casual feel like washed/natural leather, suede, or fabric.

To tie it all together, a faded blue buffalo check scarf is a fantastic way to keep the color theme going without getting matchy matchy; and coupled with a lightweight sweater they’re perfect transitional outer layers for spring.

So go ahead and indulge yourself in feeling blue, you’ll be happy you did.

Scarf, sweater, shoes and bag, all available at Benetton.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Photo by Martini.

If only putting a look together was as easy as assembling a killer fantasy baseball league.

But in reality with the majority of retailers overstocking their racks, not educating staff on their merchandise, and laying out the menswear departments for women rather then men (women shop, men buy), it’s no surprise that many guys are mannequin shoppers. Sound familiar? Walk around you until see a one wearing something you like, point to it and say “I want that one” to the closet sales associate.

Sure the mission of getting something to wear may have been achieved, but it feels like a hollow victory. In old adage speak, the store has given you the fish so you can eat for the day, but not taught you to fish, so you are still at the mercy of their display manager. Well it’s time to get schooled so you’ll never be style starved again. 

Going into a store and putting together a look simply takes a bit of knowledge and developing your hunting eye. Men are genetically programmed natural hunters. Although the skill may be somewhat rusty now that most of society has moved out of caves, worry not, it’s there, just below the surface, ready to push aside that old lady whose blocking the aisle and snag the last cashmere hoodie in your size.

Most stores are so cluttered it’s overwhelming but you can overcome that issue with tunnel vision. You know how your significant other gets annoyed when you get so absorbed in what you’re doing you ignore them? That exactly the skill you’ll want to use while shopping.

To help develop that laser-like focus it’s important that before you step foot inside a store, you make a list of what you want. This may seem unnecessary but getting clarity on the pieces you are looking for will help your brain ignore shapes and colors that aren’t it. Just like our hunting ancestors could tell the difference between a tasty gazelle and a dangerous saber tooth tiger out of their peripheral vision, so too can you train yourself to ignore the shelves of dad jeans and make a bee line for the modern denim.

 So that’s the how, but what about the what? What goes into a casual look? There are 3 key areas illustrated by the photo above.

Good starting pieces – You can think of these simply as what goes on top and what goes on bottom. These can be as basic as jeans and an untucked button-down but the key is great fit and a distinguishing characteristic like the grey wash Levis jeans and Scott James short sleeve shirt above. You’ll get more coordination bang for your buck pairing within the same color family, like the grey check in this instance flows with the grey denim. Now this is where most guys stop, but wait, there’s more…

Finishing layer – In the business world this would be a blazer. In casual land you actually have way more options. A lightweight jacket, cardigan, sweater coat, or deconstructed sport coat all fit the bill. You’ll want to pick a piece that elevates the whole ensemble a level or two but isn’t so fancy and proper that it clashes with the casual feel underneath. This Prada nylon trench coat is a perfect example, it’s so versatile that it can be worn with jeans, chinos, or slacks. With your core pieces and finishing layer in place there’s just one more thing to take care of, the accessories that tie it all together.

Accessories – No phoning it in on this one gentlemen. Make sure the shoes are worthy and add more interest to your look, like these blue leather street sneakers by Johnston & Murphy. When it comes to sunglasses, forget about the Oakleys you started wearing back in high school, you’re kind of a big deal now, so get yourself some hot Aviators, Wayfarers, or rimless sunglasses. By now, you’ll need a place to carry all the phone numbers women will be slipping you, and don’t for a second think a Jansport backpack will cut it. Get yourself a men’s carryall, they come in just about every size, shape, and price range, you’re bound to find something that fits your lifestyle.  

So remember to make a list before you go, focus in on what you want, hit the areas of starting pieces, finishing layer, and accessories. Then you can walk by those manaqquins with your head held high, there’s nothing going on there that you can’t do yourself, but better. Happy hunting!

Prada trench coat and Marc Jacobs carryall available at Saks. Shirt available at Scott James. Sneakers available at Johnston & Murphy.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Photo by Martini.

Is your summer party shirt Fun Size?

Much like catching a respected coworker in head-to-toe Furries fetish gear at the liquor store on Saturday night, a tacky ‘novelty’ shirt can make people wonder (NOT in a good way) about the person wearing it.

While prints can certainly be a refreshing alternative to solid colors, party shirts like the Hawaiian jump the shark before the first Tiki torch is even lit. The thinking may be to get a relaxed cut to go along with the relaxed feel of the print, but that doesn’t work for two reasons:

1. The flowing cut of the Hawaiian or bowling shirt breaks the first, cardinal rule of good style; great fit. A man’s shoulders should always be the most prominent part of his physique. Clothing can help achieve that silhouette whether or not the man is naturally built that way, where as a loose cut brings the attention to the midsection like a billowing flag of defeat. (Manliness minus 50 points)

2. A solid color shirt frames the physique it’s on in contrast to a big print that can send the eye on a magical darting adventure that can further detract from the sexy V silhouette women are so primaly conditioned to desire in men, a destructive force multiplier to your detriment if the shirt is already fitting too loose. (Manliness minus 25 points).

Lastly if the print  is the typically tacky Hawaiian variety, it becomes a People of Walmart situation that there’s no coming back from. (Manliness abysmal fail).

The fix is to select a fun print shirt that frames your torso well. Not that we’re recommending this, but one can even get away with crazier or less flattering prints and patterns as long as the fit is spot on. Lots of leaner cutting brands make novelty shirts in every price range including H&M, Ted Baker, Benetton, and Ben Sherman, so start taking your party shirts seriously.

***

Show us your favorite party print shirt, you can leave a photo or video comment.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Photo by Martini.

When you think “sweater vest”, what comes to mind?

Chip at the country club? Your 101 year-old professor from English 101? The Revenge of the Nerds? Your strange uncle in argyle?

Honey, you are missing out.

Sweater vests offer an opportunity to:

1. Add a punch of style, color, or texture to make an ordinary shirt/pants ensemble shine…
2. Smooth out your silhouette… so you’re even MORE of smooth operator!
3. Keep your core warm. Don’t you want a warm core?

What’s more, you can find these wardrobe workhorses in pretty much any color, fabric, or texture — so there’s a vest out there for every man… and every situation.

Rugged wool with buttons? Sure! Sleek cashmere with a boardroom cut? Done! Preppy print with retro appeal? Easy! Monochromatic modernism in a high-tech fiber? Of course! The possibilities are truly endless.

Not sure how to incorporate vests into your day-to-day wardrobe? Try dressing a sweater vest down with jeans and a henley — or dressing it up with a traditional button-down and a well-tailored pair of trousers. Or why not forge an alliance between casual and formal by pairing a vest with a crisp shirt, silk tie and a vest… with a slightly weathered pair of jeans? 

Here are a couple of things in mind to ensure you work your vest without your vest working you:

Keep an eye on your cut: If you’re a more substantial man, watch where the waistband of your vest hits — you’ll want the cut to smooth you out, rather than hacking you in half, visually. If you’re a slimmer guy, make sure the cut is sleek enough to keep your lines in shape — putting a baggy cut over an otherwise tailored outfit is like covering the Michelangelo’s David with a doily. Also pay attention to the arm openings on your vest — you don’t want them too tight or too loose, like Goldilocks we all deserve perfection (without waking up to a bear).  As always try it on before you buy it.

What’s going on underneath? Whatever you put under your vest, make sure it fits smoothly enough to keep your silhouette sharp. Buttons and belts and zippers and bows (why are you wearing bows?) could create funny lumps. Lumpy is to sexy what oil is to vinegar.

What’s going on top? If you’re planning to wear your vest under a blazer or jacket, give your look a look before heading out the door. A bulkier waistband can give the appearance of love handles (nooo!), and a large arm opening could easily leave you with an awkward “shoulder pad” effect popular in 1984.

So now that you’ve got all the information you need to make this all-purpose garment work, get out there and develop yourself some “vested interests”….

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Vest, shirt, and jeans available at Benetton. Tie sold at Zara.

Photo by Martini.

Unfortunately when you’ve got a well coordinated casual chic look goin’ on, topping it off with a less than worthy piece is akin to topping your perfectly grilled steak with peanut butter and jelly (if you have a delicious recipe that you swear will change our opinion on that combo feel free to share it in the comments). It’s a simple case of one of these is not like the other.  The sporty weekend fleece has its happy place, and it’s not when you mean business, or when you just wanna shine.

The solution is to add another vest into your rotation. Something a bit more gentleman rather than woodsman. Zara knocked it out with this versatile tweed and nylon vest. You can wear it with wool slacks and a sweater or jeans and button down or hoodie and step up your business casual and weekend swagger.

Have a sweet versatile outdoor vest? Share it in the picture or video comments.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Entire look head to ankle available at ZARA. Boots sold at Johnston & Murphy.

Photo by Martini.

Perhaps it’s the fashion industries’ way of protecting you from the Bernie Madoffs of the world, this season the wallet chain is being strutted down runways from New York to Paris to Milan. This metal accessory once favored mostly by musicians, roadies, and guys who weren’t gonna go too far after high school, is now going highbrow.

There were brass chains attached to suiting slacks, nickel plated chains clipped onto chinos, and black oversized chains clasped to military pants. It’s all part of the heavy metal trend you’ll see besieging retailers this fall and winter.

On many a brooding model the chain wallet seemed to be missing it’s other half, namely the wallet. Apparently emancipated from its singular function in life, it was attached to the belt or pant belt loops at both ends rather than an actual wallet (hey perhaps you live in really bad part of town swarming with haberdashery thieves). Other times it was the sole accessory peeking out from tweed sport coats paired with jeans and slim cut tuxedo jackets.

The one caveat if you’re considering adding this trendy, edgy barrier between you and speedy passage through airport security, the chain has an age limit. Unless you’re a bounty hunter or real, full time musician, thirties is really as late as you wanna go with this one.

So what say you? Excited for the heavy metal trend, skeeved out by it like Nickleback? Leave a video comment, air guitar optional.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Jeans by Benetton.

Photo by Martini.

Your Body’s Proportions – If you’ve got a broad chest (or stomach) and shorter legs, avoid bomber jackets, puffy parkas, or anything with a waist length bulky silhouette, it will only make you look top-heavy. Instead try a single breasted car coat that hits mid thigh - it will better balance your physique. If you are lean and have a shorter inseam go for a jacket that’s below the waist yet above the hips, or a mid thigh car coat length. Lastly, if you are tall and lean, through gritted teeth we acquiesce, you can wear just about anything.  

Your Fall Wardrobe – Are your days spent in hoodies or sport coats? If it’s a mix of both you’ll get much more value out a jacket that can be comfortably worn over a sport coat yet is not too dressy for jeans, between hip and car coat length. If putting on a button down shirt for you is considered “dressing up” then pick a sexy, well cut, casual jacket, like a shearling lined bomber, that will add just the right amount of edge to your casualness.  No matter what you wear pick the jacket that is big enough for what you’ll be wearing underneath but doesn’t have a ton of extra space, after all it’s a coat not a hidey cave.  

Your Environment -  If you live in a place where rain and sleet can overtake the sky for what feels like months at a stretch, don’t simply select a jacket based on the designer, look, or price point. You need the right tool for the job so consider the functionality as well. Would it serve you better if it was waterproof? Windproof? Had a removable lining so you could make it warmer without getting a different coat? Had a hidden hood in the collar in case you’re without an umbrella? If so, pass on the merely conveniently priced or cool looking jackets that have limited features.  Alternatively if you live in a tropical climate, drop us line and invite us to stay for bit, it’s the least you could do.  We’ll even bring refreshments.  

Selecting your fall coat based on the above considerations will go a long way in ensuring you get a perfect fitting jacket for both your body and your lifestyle. Drop us a line with your questions or if you wanna brag about your killer jacket share it with us in the photo or video comments.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Jacket available at ZARA.

Photo by Martini.

You see? This is what happens when you leave clothes on the floor. Sweaters start hooking up with coats and the next thing you know, the world is welcoming the sweater coat. You can think of a sweater coat as the cardigan’s tougher big brother, and also a perfect layering piece for the fall season.   

A standard jacket is typically made from a rugged woven fabric of wool, cotton, rayon, etc. The sweater coat on the other hand, still has the construction and hardware details of the coat, like heavy weight buttons and industrial zippers, but is knit from thick yarns, giving it all the soft warm goodness of your childhood blankee.  

Masculinity and softness are not the easiest attributes to blend well and the sweater coat does so admirably. Although you’ll feel as if you’re wearing a Snuggie (that helpful invention for people who struggle with the difficulties of using a regular blanket), you’ll look like a badass.   A sweater coat can be worn as a lightweight jacket over a button down or long sleeve T-shirt or henley. It goes well with  jeans, slacks, or chinos. Plus, unlike with most cardigans, it can also be worn over another sweater like the cable turtleneck above, a v-neck, and of course the afore mentioned cardigan.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Sweater coat, turtleneck and boots available at Benetton. Jeans by Gucci.

Photo by Martini.

Leave the axe at home and give your trusty ox the day off! Plaid doesn’t have to evoke your inner lumberjack, the print can be distinctly relaxed chic. To accomplish this choose a simple two color or monotone (several shades of the same color) color scheme.

Plaids can also be a nice alternative to a solid shirt when layered underneath another solid color garment like a casual blazer, military inspired jacket, or sweater. Summer weight cotton plaids transition nicely into fall because they’re perfect cool weather layering pieces.

Tell us about your plaid power-plays. You can leave a photo or video comment below.

Shirt available at Benetton.

Photo by Martini.

Let’s face it – we’re a nation of hybrids, from our cars to our produce, the mix a little of this and a little of that mentality has served us well. Perhaps, with the exception of country pop music. Here’s a hybrid that’s another winner, part shirt, part jacket, it’s… the Shacket! Yes, this 3 season item is so versatile we coined it its own name.

Unlined with a fabric weight heavier than a button down yet lighter than a coat.  It’s also constructed more like a jacket with reinforced stitching, convertible collar, and pockets. Here’s a taste of how this one piece can serve you a buffet of looking hot options:

Spring & Summer: Refreshing alternative to ubiquitous sport coat over the t-shirt with jeans. Pair with linen pants for a more relaxed look.

Fall: Top off your button downs or light-weight knits. For business casual events pair dark jeans, well cut chinos, or tailored wool pant.

For more men’s fashion advice, ask Emmi.

Available at Frank Stella Clothiers.

Photo by Martini.