Hey!
So today, we’re going to divert a bit from our usual fare with something for the fellas!!!
Believe it or not, the Fashion Bomb has its fair share of male readers…
And if you look at the typical offerings, we’ve been very unfair to our men!
Jordan, an aspiring fashion buyer wrote in recently, saying, “I have seen your pieces on summer wardrobe for the ladies who are working and interning, and they are lovely. However, as a Big-and-Tall male on a budget, I am kind of pressed for options. So I, as a Fashion Bomber, am begging for some advice. What types of outfits should I wear? Where can I get clothes that are fashion-forward yet timeless, urban-sophisticated-chic yet inexpensive, youthful yet professional???”
The interns and I collaborated to you give you men your summer work wardrobe guide.
Enjoy!
The first wardrobe must:
1. A Hot Suit
Adriana says, “The dress code for buyers can vary. A big part of the job is frequently meeting with either vendors, executives, or the corporate division of your company, so you want to err on the “business” side of the business casual dress code that’s the standard in most places. When looking for a suit, Barneys, for instance, is a very fashion forward retailer and you can probably find more of a Paul Smith or Prada aesthetic there (skinnier pants, more form-fitting shirts, funky turtlenecks). A middle-market company like Macy’s is likely to be more conservative and corporate, so you can find straight-legged (as opposed to skinny) slacks. Hugo Boss suits fit wonderfully on most big and tall men (the drop of the suit is American as opposed to European, which means it’s roomier but Hugo Boss cuts it so that it doesn’t appear boxy). Also, invest in at least one good one.”
Got that? Try these:
1. Hugo Awe/Holl Two Button Suit, $795. 2. Prada Men’s Suit, $808. 3. Baird McNutt Linen Suit, $250. 4. Emporio Armani Two Button Peak Lapel Suit, $555. 5. David Mayer Suit, $268.
If a full on suit blazer is too much, you can always opt for a…
2. Suit Vest:
Suit vests still tread the line of conservative chic and are a lot cooler (temperature wise) than full on blazers. Try these options:
1. Mason Plaid Vest, $44.50. 2. Â Year Solid Suiting Vest, $98. 3. Heritage Herringbone Suit Vest, $129.
Another way to punch it up:
3. Bright Colored Shirt
Adriana says, “I have a colleague who dresses mostly very conservatively except that he chooses the most lively dress shirt colors to punch up his outfits. Tangerine, plum, and kelly green are just some of the ones I’ve seen on him. He tends to choose grey or tan trousers and very good quality, simple ties to anchor the outfit so it doesn’t become too garish looking.”
Aramide found these options:
1. Banana Republic Solid Texture Stripe Dress Shirt, $49. 2. Ted Baker MultiStripe Shirt, $75. 3. Hickey Freeman, $96. 4. Gucci Red Striped Point Collar Dress Shirt, $264.
3. Scarves:
As Kanye shows, scarves are simple ways to add a personal touch to an otherwise subdued suit or shirt and tie combo. Tie on an expensive Gucci or play it cool with an eye-catching red stole:
4. Zip Front Jacket or Anorak:
You’ll need a cute, easy jacket for more casual office days (or to keep the chill away late at night):
5. Shoes
Adriana says, “You should never skimp on a pair of shoes. With men’s shoes, good ones will last you ages. The best crafters are usually British or Italian. John Lobb (the gold standard of good British men’s shoes), Jeffery-West (a funkier take on the classic British shoe), Bruno Magli, and Bally are all good bets. For affordable, good quality alternatives, try Cole-Haan and Kenneth Cole“:
For the final touch, don’t forget…
6. Sunglasses
Instantly up the style ante for your outfit outdoors with a pair of dark, sexy frames:
Men, take note! And ladies, kindly show this to the men in your lives:)
Smootches!
June 5, 2008 7:11 am
Thanks for this piece Claire! It REALLY helped me to get an idea of what I will be expected to wear and how I can vary the look to fit my taste. I hope that this will be one of many men’s fashion stories to hit your blog! Thanks again (and loved the shoutout)!
June 5, 2008 1:18 pm
normally i’m not into men’s fashion, but when you see style like this you really see what talent is out there. these designers and the men who wear them have got the look right!
xo alison
June 5, 2008 3:12 pm
You hit this right on the money! I disagree with nothing! Except for a slight annoyance with the scarf epidemic, but when done tastefully with a suit, or every now and then with a v-neck, it totally works. The horsebit Gucci’s are my fave.. I overdosed and purchased both the black and brown pair
June 7, 2008 1:56 pm
It’s nice to see good men’s shoe options
June 9, 2008 1:09 pm
I love Adriana’s posts and comments – she’s always smart, has a great voice, and really knows what’s good and what works. Can’t wait for the next installmant!
June 15, 2008 9:18 am
this is a great post. appreciate you showin the fellas some love. loviin it..
August 23, 2012 3:21 pm
[...] Also reminisce on work ready looks with a few stand out bombers, including Davidson from New York and Brandon from Atlanta. Feeling nostalgic? Take a look at our Male Style work special from 2008 here. [...]
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