Effortless Gent

Dress well and feel confident, no matter where you're headed!

Beau Hayhoe

Have you seen our other Five Ways To Wear One articles?

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Just as fall represents a (very welcome) opportunity to throw on more layers, it also gives all of us the chance to work simple textures back into an ensemble.

While lightweight casual pieces and basics like simple tees are nice to wear in the spring and summer, those same items don’t exactly cut it in the fall.

You need something with some heft. Some visual (and actual) texture to stand up to sturdier fall essentials.

You need (drumroll, please) some corduroy pants.

Like any style upgrade that’s hit the #menswear scene in recent years, brands big and small are turning this Sunday school staple into a modern item fit for just about any situation you can think of. Throw in a pair with very fall and winter-appropriate colors and you’re set.

Seeing designers make use of deep shades of maroon is like the spring or summer equivalent to a nice pair of medium-blue chinos that pair well with navy polos, charcoal tees and just about everything else. Mark my words — a nice set of burgundy cords is just as great for the colder months. Where to begin, though? That’s why we’re here.

What To Look For

Corduroy can bring up almost as many buying choices as something like denim or sneakers. Some brands, like style stalwart J. Crew, bring a decidedly dressier tilt to the typical corduroy pant.

Other retailers take a more standard — yet no less stylish — approach. Take for instance, Bonobos, who makes the cords you see here. The retailer known for the fit of its pants, not surprisingly, nails this pair. Ideally, a good pair of corduroys will fit slim but not too tight — like a nice pair of denim. You should look for a pair without too much break — there’s nothing worse than excess fabric around your ankles when going for a sleek look.

If you do prefer a different look, corduroy is also the type of pant that can be cuffed or rolled, like a solid pair of chinos. But the biggest key is fit — even if you’re carrying around some leg muscle, a pair with some taper (or at least a straight cut) will go a long way toward helping you look your best.

Now that fit is in-line, there are a few options when selecting the wale — or width of the corduroy ridges — on your pants. A thinner wale, like the pair linked to via J. Crew above, is going to be dressier, while a thicker wale will read more casual. Bonobos, for example, offers both dress corduroys and the more traditional French Corders featured here.

Now that you have the perfect pair picked out, caring for them should be top-of-mind.

How To Take Care of Your Cords

Corduroy can be a tricky fabric to take care of, by nature — it’s more delicate than sturdy denim or even a thicker cotton chino, so it stains and can show signs of wear more easily. If you’re dealing with a thinner, finer wale, it could be best to hand-clean the corduroys and only machine-wash when necessary. Even with a thicker-wale pair, like the French Corders, it’s advisable to machine-wash when necessary and hang-dry.

As long as you’re not sprinting through the mud or the snow this fall or winter, a good pair of corduroys should hold up well with an attentive eye. And with the amount of versatile and sharp outfit combinations you can create with a nice pair of cords, you’ll want to keep them in tip-top shape.

1. Rugged-Refined

Five Ways To Wear On: Burgundy Corduroys

Lest one think that corduroy pants can only be dressy, outfit number one is here to flip that equation on its head. With a pair of more casual corduroys, there could be the temptation to let your basics slip — but that’s why it’s all the more important to keep reaching for quality.

The striped socks, navy henley and tan belt all represent responsible basics made the right way, and the color in the belt belt pairs well with the watch and the suede Chelsea boots in particular.

However, each staple can be mixed and matched into other ensembles, too. The grey jacket is a nice basic that should fit well and ground the outfit — and you can wear it in the spring in the right climate, too. And the Chelsea boots finish things off in a sleek, on-trend manner.

2. Down to Business

Five Ways To Wear On: Burgundy Corduroys

While it would be great if we could all wear rugged henleys all the time, sometimes the occasion calls for something dressier. And burgundy cords do just well there, too.

The brown wool blazer from Uniqlo features a trim fit and good quality for the price, while also lending a bit of a “stylish professor” vibe. Turning the rougher fabric of chambray into a dress shirt keeps this outfit in the business-casual ballpark, as does the navy knit tie.

The real stunner of the outfit (apart from those cords) might be the wingtip boots — they’ll probably look even better after a season’s worth of wear, and they could even swapped into outfit number one.

3. Sunday Brunch

Five Ways To Wear On: Burgundy Corduroys

Since burgundy cords can bring quite the pop of color if you’re mainly used to dark denim or navy chinos, it’s best to tone down the rest of your outfit.

Reaching for a lambswool cardigan cut in a flattering fit in a neutral color is a great way to do this. It’s the ideal combination of a trendier look done in a less ostentatious way thanks to the use of the classic white Oxford-cloth buttondown, too.

And to keep things even more sleek and minimal, a great dress belt and a pair of simple black wingtips make this one get-up you can wear to church and then out to a nice meal afterwards, while the navy peacoat is a classic style staple that, in this case, won’t break the bank.

4. Sporty Saturday

Five Ways to wear one: Burgundy Corduroys

For days when you want to look a little more put-together than your bill from the night before might indicate, cords can also be one way to go.

This is especially true when you pair them with sportswear staples, like a wool-cotton blend jacket and high-top sneakers. The jacket is cut slim and designed to keep you quite warm thanks to the quilted lining, while the tan leather sneakers are a major throwback in terms of silhouette.

Striped socks made with a soft cotton blend are as functional as they are stylish, while that same Timex watch as mentioned above is another way to add a little more refinement when you might not feel like it.

5. Daily Uniform

Five Ways to wear one: Burgundy Corduroys

Last but not least, we’ll dive into an ensemble that could definitely become an everyday go-to for a lot of us, particularly when you swap out multiple different pieces (take, for example, the lambswool cardigan).

The burgundy cords play nicely here with the navy sweater, which takes a basic color base and injects it with a unique (but not too crazy) pattern. It’s one way to dip your toes into an edgier piece while still paying homage to the classic crewneck sweater.

Meanwhile, a blue chambray shirt in a lighter tone provides some nice contrast to the deeper burgundy and navy hues. Add in sturdy wingtip boots and a trusty stainless steel dive watch and you’re set for this fall and winter — and likely at least a few after that.

Although it can be somewhat intimidating to switch from safer, more conservative pant colors at first, stick to neutral, well-fitting basics as you mix and match different ensembles. Taking items you might already have in your closet, like a chambray shirt, a white OCBD or a strong pair of great wingtip boots, can certainly make the transition easier.

And for being a more eye-catching color, keep in mind that burgundy can work through four of the colder months of the year. What are you waiting for?

Tell us:

Would you rock a pair of burgundy cords? What brands are you looking into? Let us know in the comments below!

Five Ways To Wear One: Burgundy Corduroys

Have you seen our other Five Ways To Wear One articles?

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The start of fall means, for me, a simple return to one key thing I love about men’s style: layering.

And for those of us lucky enough (I suppose?) to live in climates with changing seasons, that’s great news, particularly when it comes to your style game.

Great outerwear can be a game-changer in terms of an outfit. Take, for example, the classic bomber jacket.

There are almost too many iterations to dive into in this post, and many are cut from beautiful leather—like the options detailed in this site’s recent leather jackets feature.

But there’s a style curveball you can throw everyone this fall, and that involves ditching the fastball leather jacket for a more unique suede bomber—as James Bond will reportedly do in SPECTRE.

This is, by definition, a luxe item that can get spendy when made by high-end brands.

But the great thing is that if you do decide to invest in such a piece, there are plenty of ways (at least five!) to get your money’s worth out of it.

And it’s a silhouette that lends itself to plenty of unique styles. Check out how to scope out the right suede jacket for you.

What To Look For

There are plenty of places to start your suede bomber search, but notable brands like Club Monaco are really bringing it strong when it comes to the style, along with venerable heavyweights like Golden Bear.

Frank & Oak of monthly Hunt Club fame, is also likely to introduce some unique suede bomber jacket options –in fact, they worked with Golden Bear on a run of jackets for their October collection.

At any rate, the pool does narrow when searching for a jacket without a four-figure price tag.

Most of those options, too, seem to be a zipper-front style—so that makes the J. Crew buttoned suede bomber featured here all the more unique; the patch pockets and standing collar add to that uniqueness.

But the same principles of fit still apply. Look for a jacket that fits somewhat snug across the shoulders and chest while still leaving room for a few layers (say, a casual Oxford shirt and slightly thicker sweater at the most).

The sleeves should taper to your wrist from the shoulder, but still allow for some movement. And the jacket should hit just below your belt, with some slimness through the body.

That helps the jacket look undeniably more modern than if it were to fit looser. How to care for a suede jacket is another matter entirely.

Caring for Your Outerwear

When it comes to suede shoes, care is often relatively straightforward.

Shoes can be sprayed with waterproof protector and then cleaned with a suede brush and eraser, time after time.

You can and should follow those same principles though and pre-treat the jacket with waterproofing spray. Of course, water damage is a perpetual worry when it comes to suede items—especially jackets—so tread carefully given impending weather.

The best remedy, perhaps, is to take the jacket to the dry cleaners should any serious stains happen.

But those are all things to worry about later—on to everyone’s favorite part, the outfits themselves!

1. Rugged High-Low Style

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This outfit combines the best of both worlds in terms of fall style. You get the fall-appropriate color and texture of a caramel suede bomber, plus the rugged, versatile cool of a great long-sleeve henley and some solid dark denim… always an excellent pick.

When the bomber stands out a bit, something as grounded as denim and a henley is the way to go.

The leather high-top sneakers, from the quality-focused and price-conscious team at Brooklyn’s GREATS add some sporty flair to the look, and it just seems right that high-top sneakers fit right in with a leaf-crunching fall stroll.

Because a suede bomber and henley ensemble is modern yet old-school at the same time, some retro-inspired square frame sunglasses with a hint of a traditional tortoiseshell pattern mix things up from a typical aviator style (which would also be a solid sunglasses pick should that fall sun peek through the clouds).

2. Lean, Mean, & Tailored

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This outfit again plays off a bit of high-low style, what with classic staples like a chambray shirt and wool tie paired with a slick pair of cargo trousers.

As military styles swing back into vogue in the fashion world, traditionally sloppy styles like the cargo pant have been slimmed down and made to fit your like favorite dress pants.

It’s a divisive style that not all will be in favor of, but it’s a way to visually mix things up. Simple styling, with dark brown dress shoes, a minimal watch and a fall-appropriate tie, also help to dial things in atop a patterned chambray shirt.

3. Casual Yet Crisp

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For those times you feel like mixing in high-low style and maybe staying a bit cooler should the temperature shoot up a bit, a short-sleeve henley is a great pick.

Grab one in an olive shade and combine it with the caramel color of the coat, and you’ve got yourself an unexpected color pairing that pops thanks to the neutral navy chinos (although that long-sleeve white henley would work, too).

Houndstooth socks add a small jolt of pattern in an extremely soft fabric, while brown wingtip boots further accentuate that high-low style pairing (and man, those boots are something, aren’t they?).

Because you’re doing away with a typical fall sweater here, you could even add in a scarf for a bit of continental style.

And although it’s early on before snow hits for most of us, the gloves are still an extremely worthy investment piece for the rest of the season.

4. Simple and Sporty

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Sportswear has come back in a big way in the past few years, and this outfit is one way to nod to that trend while still remaining polished.

The jacket bumps up the cool factor of the ensemble, and it’s surprising what you can do when mixing and matching so many of the same pieces—like the high-top sneakers and cargo trousers.

There’s a bit of a monochromatic look going on between the sweatshirt and those kicks, too—plus the timepiece.

While there’s definitely lots of texture in this outfit, a herringbone watch strap plays right off the standout fabrics of the season and looks still at home in terms of contrast against the sweater and the suede jacket.

5. Keep It Simple

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In case those other outfit combinations were too much, we return to a more simple offering for this last entry.

A classic white Oxford should already be in your rotation, and a suede bomber presents one more way to style it.

Grey selvedge denim is a twist on that dark blue denim you should (also) already have, and it matches nicely with some navy chukkas.

Suede works here on the shoes again thanks to the physical distance between the jacket and your footwear—and the grey denim breaks up the outfit visually. A classic dive watch also works to ground this outfit.

Wrapping up

Although it might not seem like it at first glance, a suede bomber can go both more casual and more dressy directions.

It’s a style that’s simultaneously sporty and yet, quite simply, rugged and badass. And it’s one investment piece that manages to be of-the-moment and yet entirely classic. That’s all the more reason to invest in one, and care for it well.

Tell me—how would you style a suede bomber jacket?

All images via their respective brands.

Five Ways To Wear One: The Leather Bomber

Shorts used to be something that you threw on just to throw on. The default for a lot of us (myself included) until a few years ago was a pair of cargo shorts or something a little baggier.

They weren’t jeans, they weren’t dress pants, and they kept things cool… so they worked.

But shorts really have become so much more than a way to avoid overheating in the summer.

Shorts are certainly as versatile as a great pair of dark denim if you’re willing to push the boundaries of style a bit, and judging by the fact that we’re all here, I’d say you are!

So that sets the stage — but what pair should you pick up?

How should shorts fit? What are the best colors?

In case you prefer video, I covered how shorts should fit, the best colors for your summer wardrobe, as well as what to wear with shorts in this video from the Effortless Gent YouTube channel.

By the way, if you haven’t subscribed yet, you can do so here!

The Tailored Fit Shorts

For guys of average to slightly taller heights, the inseam is going to be one of the first things you should look at when shopping around for a shorts upgrade.

For the majority of the population, a 7” inseam should work quite nicely — that hits above the knee by a fairly decent amount. If you’re on the taller side, designers are offering pairs with inseams that run between 9” and 10.5”.

On the wilder side, Chubbies has led the charge as far as completely ridding shorts of their excess fabric — take a look (or not) at those inseam lengths.

For our purposes though, the goal would be to keep the shorts above the knee while keeping things tailored and clean — that means ditching the cargo pockets and extra fabric, yet keeping some coverage in the thigh area.

When it comes to the pair (or pairs) you should pick up, plenty of brands have been amping their short(s) game.

Bonobos produces Summer Weight and Washed Chino shorts in a plethora of colors and inseam lengths running from 5” to 10”. J. Crew Factory also offers terrific color options, from dusty blues to standard khaki options, and as part of its monthly collections.

Frank & Oak delivers on shorts, too (note: the shorts pictured here are from the brand’s April 2015 collection and feature a 7.5” inseam that fits slim on my 6’1” frame).

One would be remiss to forget about cheaper mainstays like Old Navy who also offers cheaper shorts that do tend to run a little longer in terms of inseam length.

Caring For Your Shorts

It tends to depend on what color of shorts you might pick up, but when sticking to neutral basics that are easily matchable (like navy, grey or a dusty khaki), the shorts should be machine-washed on a light cycle with like colors.

Hang-drying or tossing them in the dryer is up to you, although with something like a washed chino fabric, hang-drying the shorts would likely extend their life by a good amount.

Ironing your shorts could be preferable for some as well, especially if you have a fabric that tends to wrinkle a bit (like the linen-blend shorts seen in these photos).

With care, color and fabric in mind, check out some ways to style your new shorts below.

1. Casual & Cool

five ways to wear one: tailored fit shorts

The first outfit seen here uses the slate blue color of these shorts to pair up with another earthy neutral — an olive henley.

The piece in question is made in America by Pistol Lake and features rugged details like unfinished sleeves and sturdy double-stitching throughout, so it’s just as ready to pair with crisp shorts as it is to wear under a shawl cardigan.

Other details like the striped webbing belt add a warm-weather, nautical touch. This could be a good opportunity to break out a classic watch with, say, a blue dial watch to play off the olive and slate-blue colors in the outfit.

2. An Evening Breeze

five ways to wear one: tailored fit shorts

With this second outfit, most of the pieces and the general styling stays the same. That’s the versatility of a great pair of shorts in a trimmer fit, and an ever-versatile pair of white sneakers.

This is the kind of outfit you throw on for a day strolling along the water or perhaps a casual dinner out — with a neutral-leaning pair of shorts, the sweater could be switched up, as well.

A light tan cardigan like this one from Club Monaco) would also work here) A simple brown leather watch hits the sweet spot between being crisp yet not overly dressy, as well.

3. A Pop of Print

five ways to wear one: tailored fit shorts

In addition to amping up its short game, Bonobos and other brands have gone wild this season with floral prints and other designs that really leap out at you — in a good way, though!

The print on the shirt seen in these pictures (and the print on the shirt linked to above) is a bit more subdued than that, but still complements the shorts nicely thanks to the solid navy base for that print. A braided leather belt is equally at home in the summer as in the fall & winter; it’s more casual than the standard dress belt, which fits more with laidback shorts.

The watch in this instance is up to you — a brown leather watch as mentioned above would work here, as would a neutral stainless steel diver or an even more minimal mesh watch (which designers seem to be doing more of these days).

4: Polished Prep

five ways to wear one: tailored fit shorts

For the fourth outfit on this list, we harken back to some prep-inspired style — a classic polo and shorts will put you in that territory for sure.

But this isn’t the country-club version of that outfit — the fit on the polo and shorts is trim, while the leather loafers are a big upgrade over flip-flops.

Tucking the polo in would make things decidedly dressier, but if you do untuck the polo, just be sure the back tail doesn’t hang down too far. The brown leather watch from outfit #2 can definitely come in handy here, too.

5: Pushing The Boundaries

five ways to wear one: tailored fit shorts

  • Lightweight unconstructed blazer (similar)
  • Heather red pocket T-shirt
  • Tailored shorts (similar)
  • Tan suede Double monk strap shoes (similar)
  • Brown leather watch

Keep the worn-in red pocket T-shirt from the second outfit, toss in that same pair of slate-blue shorts and pair it all with … an unconstructed blazer? Let the debate begin.

While this is a decidedly more fashion-forward look, turn to style icons like Nick Wooster for tips on how to wear the blazer and shorts combo — the fit of both pieces is dialed in as much as a regular suit, and that makes things stick.

The fact that Wooster’s a style legend maybe means this shouldn’t be attempted by mortals. BUT the T-shirt in and of itself makes this less dressy and a little less fashionable — more laidback.

Could this outfit work everywhere and for everyone? Not necessarily; it’s got a bit of an upscale patio/outdoor dinner party feel to it. If the blazer strikes you as too strange or it gets too hot, you could always ditch it — in which case you’d be left with a look a little bit more similar to outfit #4.

Finally

If you’re just getting hip to the possibilities that shorts can bring, best hurry up — summer’s practically here.

With a little imagination and the willingness to try a new combo or two, they can definitely be every bit as versatile as those chinos or dark denim you always reach for.

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TELL US, GENTS

Which look is your favorite? We want to hear it in the comments!

[feature image via bonobos]

Five Ways To Wear One: Tailored Fit Shorts

Chambray’s workwear roots belie the menswear world’s current obsession with this fabric.

Once a hardy staple worn by tough men in tough jobs, it’s now being used for everything from suits to the ubiquitous (and controversial) jogger pant.

The type of pant we’re talking about today is a lot more polished — and hopefully, less controversial.

Follow Effortless Gent’s board Five Ways To Wear One on Pinterest.

Although chambray as a shirting fabric is well positioned for true four-season wear, as a trouser, it’s best left for the warmer months. And it’s a piece that can be highly versatile, in the same way as denim or chinos.

The Fit

No matter how muscular or large you might be, the biggest thing the men’s style community has learned across the past decade or so is the importance of a slimmed-down silhouette. We’re not talking Russell Brand-skinny here, but the same idea holds true even with a slightly dressier fabric like chambray.

Although these are trousers, not jeans, a nicely tailored pair is going to make all the difference. At the very least, aim for a straight to slim-straight cut with a slight taper from the knee down. A narrower leg opening is going to look best with lots of these looks — no puddles of fabric down by your shoes here.

This pair from Joe Fresh has an exceptionally tailored look and a pretty large range of sizes. These J. Crew chambray pants have a slightly more relaxed (but still tailored) fit in a cooler grey color and more sizes.

Care

Since a chambray pant is going to be pretty versatile and ideally worn a few different ways (at least five!), they’re likely going to need some TLC. These will need to be washed at least fairly frequently and require more attention than a classic pair of blue jeans, too.

The best idea would probably be to machine-wash these pants if they’ve seen heavy wear — but do so on a light cycle with similar colors. Otherwise, spot cleaning with soap and water could also work. Ideally, these should then be hung to dry and ironed for a crisp finish.

Once you’ve got a couple browser tabs open for some shopping, here are some ideas on how to style this pair of pants.

1. Down to Business

fiveways_chambraypant_1

While shades of blue and grey can sometimes get a little close on the color wheel, the pants and jacket in this look jive well enough (although you could go for a khaki blazer if you feel they’re too close in color).

The patch pockets keep the blazer super-casual, but a white Oxford adds some strength to the look’s top half. The red linen pocket square mixes in a great jolt of color — but in a nice washed-out shade ideal for spring and summer.

A simple pair of oxfords in tan suede (yes, sockless) places this outfit firmly in warm-weather territory.

The steel mesh watch could perhaps be the most conversation-worthy piece in the outfit though. Watches in this style are gaining slightly more visibility in the men’s fashion community, and the design of this timepiece keeps things super clean and simple, with just the slightest touch of contrasting blue.

2. Continental Cool

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This look harnesses something most of our continental brethren do very well — the art of laid back, yet polished, dressing. The key here is the polo — the pindot print is subtle from far away, but visually interesting up close.

Again, going sockless — the right way, mind you – is another functional move for spring and summer that works particularly well with loafers. The ribbed cotton belt comes in an olive green shade that at first glance might not go with the blue in either the pants or the shirt — but navy and olive is a classic neutral color pairing.

A watch with some detailing brings a rugged edge to this ensemble, but if you wanted to keep things super clean, the steel mesh watch in option #1 could also be a solid option on your wrist.

3. Throwback Rugged

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The idea of pairing another workwear-type essential —a henley — with something now seen as slightly dressier — like these chambray trousers — is part of a wave of high-low combinations that has really picked up steam in recent years.

The key here is to keep both pieces slim — particularly the trousers — lest it look like these are misplaced suit pants.

While brown leather loafers could also be worn with this look for an even more easygoing vibe, grey suede desert boots provide nice texture, along with that braided waxed cotton and leather belt.

The rugged-tailored mash-up is all tied together by a sturdy dive watch. If the numerals on the dial stand out too much, you could also reach for this stainless steel watch instead for about $40 or so less.

4. Weekend Wear

fiveways_chambraypant_4

As has been the theme of this post, if you’re wearing trousers in the heat, you’re going to want to keep things cool around your ankles — so we’re going sockless again, but this time with some sharp white sneakers.

Wearing white on the top and bottom necessitates some color to break things up, hence the patterned watch strap from The Knottery, who really do an excellent job when it comes to accessories like this.

The white popover keeps things loose and breezy, but the collar and polo-type cut make this fit for a weekend brunch or even a more laidback dinner out.

5. Clean-cut Chambray

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For the final look on this list, the chambray trousers from the looks above act as a perfect stand-in for “regular” dress trousers.

This is the perfect look to pair with a lightweight blazer with a subtle pattern. The light color and fabric of the jacket, combined with a thinner chambray pant, makes this look office-friendly yet cool enough for drinks after work at a nice bar.

The real standouts here are the textured knit tie and the pindot pocket square – both deviations from a more typical silk tie and plain white pocket square. A navy knit could also bring out the subtle dots on the pocket square.

The blue pants really ground this look on the bottom half, and the olive oxford shoes, with their closed lacing and subtle medallion toe, are a beautiful addition in an unexpected color (though brown dress shoes could also work here just as well).

To finish things off, the above watch is super simple, crisp and well-designed — the perfect complement to a razor-sharp outfit.

 

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Thanks, Beau!

Let’s Hear It

Have we convinced you to ditch those jeans and chinos (at least once in a while) for a pair of chambray pants?

Which one is your favorite look?

Tell us below, and if you have questions, leave them there as well.

Five Ways To Wear One: The Chambray Pant

Out of all the different types of outerwear a guy can throw on in the winter months — from the pea coat, to the toggle coat, to workwear-inspired pieces, few are as versatile as the topcoat.

In some instances, a peacoat might be too short to cover a blazer, and in others, a workwear jacket or toggle coat could be too casual.

And, coats made purely for utility, like field coats or a thick parka, aren’t as polished as certain outlets would have you believe.

Follow Effortless Gent’s board Five Ways To Wear One on Pinterest.

The topcoat, however, covers all of these bases while looking sharp and providing excellent warmth and layering potential — which is pretty key if you live in a chillier area. It can be worn casually with relaxed attire on the weekends (as you’ll read below), and it’s sharp enough to fit in with dressier tailored silhouettes.

The Fit

The best topcoats wear a bit like a blazer — slightly snug across the shoulders with trim arms and a tailored body.

However, the topcoat should allow for more movement, as it’ll be layered over other, lower layers — everything from a blazer and tie to a V-neck sweater and casual button-down shirt. That means slightly more room in the chest, but not the baggy overcoats of days past.

While double-breasted overcoats create a strong, masculine silhouette, we’ll stick with the classic single-breasted topcoat. Options run across the board, from Frank and Oak’s and Uniqlo’s decidedly affordable pieces, to the most investment-worthy of the bunch, from either Bonobos or J. Crew.

Sizes in those options have been going quickly for a while now, so reaching for something slightly cheaper in a neutral shade like charcoal is also advisable. These pieces get the basics right though — neutral colors, a classic trim silhouette and plenty of wearability.

Care

Once that coat is securely in your closet, care should be the next thing on your mind. A topcoat, especially one that can be worn day in and day out, will likely see lots of bad weather, from rain to snow to sleet.

Following cleaning and care instructions on the coat tag itself is, while simple, the best route to go. These shouldn’t be tossed in the wash with your other basics — that’s a recipe for disaster.

Infrequent dry cleaning (once per season) will keep your coat in the best shape possible given the heavy wear it could see.

With care and proper fit in mind, let’s move on to what exactly can be worn with such a versatile piece.

1. Everyday Basics

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This outfit plays off lots of winter-appropriate colors and textures. Burgundy is shaping up to be a particularly big color this year (and is fitting most winters when the temperature dips), and snagging a sweater in this shade at a low price like the one above is ideal.

When paired with a rougher texture like chambray, the combo nails down cold-weather style even further. While a classic white or blue OCBD would also work here, the chambray shirt provides a bit more depth and variation.

The heavier texture of the shirt calls for a heavier pant — namely, a trusty pair of dark denim. And because we’re dealing with winter temperatures and potentially snow on the ground, those sleek chukka boots should provide the ability to get around in the slush while still staying stylish.

The watch from Stuhrling is clean and minimalistic — simple style that’s still dressy and more importantly, less pricey than other brown leather watches.

2. Slick and Sharp

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This outfit plays a bit off of the topcoat’s dressy roots, and it could work with either a charcoal or navy overcoat. Herringbone is a classic winter fabric, and navy wool knit tie adds yet another dose of texture to this outfit.

Since the tie and shirt are solid, it’s OK to add another different patterned pocket square in a color combo that still works with the rest of the outfit.

Wool trousers complete this winter-appropriate get-up, while those new boots have some nice depth to the leather and a seasonally-appropriate, functional rubber sole.

3. On the Go

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The first eye-catching thing about this outfit could very well be the crewneck sweater — it’s as close to an investment-worthy casual piece as you can get. Cheaper options are definitely available from places like Old Navy, but it might be nice to splurge on a weekend piece that could see tons of wear.

A standard pair of dark denim grounds this outfit nicely, while a braided leather belt exudes casual style.

The other two eye-catching portions of this outfit are on the accessories front. It might be standard to throw on a nice pair of leather sneakers with this outfit, while Chelsea boots are a daring (and on-trend) alternative option. The olive strap on that watch plays nicely off the darker neutrals of the sweatshirt and denim.

If you need more inspiration or direction on how to wear those Chelsea boots, some tips from Mr. Beckham could come in handy.

4. Weekend Wear

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This outfit combines both patterns and slightly unusual layering — a henley is an excellent piece of standard fall and winter wear, and it also acts as a great base layer underneath a more unique quilted shirt-jacket, which seem to be everywhere on the men’s market these days.

On the less pricey front, Old Navy again comes through with a dependable substitute. A puffer vest could also work well in this situation for an extra layer of warmth.

In this case, mixing black jeans and brown leather sneakers actually works out — the outfit is casual by nature, so it’s not as if brown shoes are being worn with a black suit.

The rough and rugged dark fading on those sneakers also pairs nicely with the black denim. And since the outfit is pretty casual and the watch strap is rubber, there’s no need to match it to the shade of shoes. The olive strap watch from above could also work well.

5. Suited and Booted

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Here’s the dressiest option of the bunch, the outfit that most likely resembles something 007 might wear on a visit to, maybe, the museum.

Again, whether you go with a charcoal topcoat or a navy topcoat, the slim grey flannel suit should work nicely under both.

Because it’s a winter-friendly suit, a thicker, heavier-textured tie also matches well with the flannel suit. And to contrast the darker tan tie, a navy wool pocket square is a more unique substitute than a white cotton pocket square (although that would work in a pinch, too).

In keeping with the theme of on-trend (and on-season) footwear, black Chelsea boots sharpen up this outfit nicely, although the Chelsea boots from outfit #3 could also work.

Dress up the outfit with a versatile dive watch, and have some fun with a thick, bright red pair of socks to contrast the muted tones of this get-up.

There you have it!

Do you have any recommendations for a great overcoat? Additional styling tips or other outfit suggestions? Leave your thoughts below and thanks for reading!

Five Ways to Wear One: The Topcoat

With summer quickly on the way (or already underway) in earnest for much of the country, it’s time to give a shot in the arm to your summer style.

Although a well-fitting polo shirt is a classic style move that’ll keep you cool and appropriately dressed wherever you go, it’s always wise to keep a few different warm-weather style moves in your arsenal.

Particularly in recent months (like the recent Channing Tatum issue of GQ), short-sleeve shirts are being trumpeted for having made a return to the forefront of the #menswear game.

Follow Effortless Gent’s board Five Ways To Wear One on Pinterest.

And rightfully so — short-sleeve button-front shirts, especially in a fabric with some depth, like chambray, bring some visual interest and a bit more crispness to your rotation of warm-weather gear, while working equally well with denim, shorts or chinos.

When a place like Old Navy sells them by the bunches in a few different colors and at low, low prices, it’s tough not to stock up. And these outfits could (with perhaps a few color tweaks of supporting pieces), work with any of the options on their site.

Read on for tips on how to make it work for you:

Finding the Right Fit

chambrayAs with any style essential, the first and most important key is making the fit work for you. Treat a short-sleeve button-down shirt like a polo shirt — make sure the fit is streamlined through the body (I.e. no excess fabric billowing at the waist if the shirt is tucked in).

It’s also important to make sure the shirt is short enough in the front and the tail to wear untucked, as this shirt will be worn in largely casual situations. And moving up the arms, the sleeves should hit mid-bicep, not longer.

The sleeves shouldn’t be overly tight by any means, but if you’ve been hitting the gym, showing a little extra bulk might be OK — kind of like a certain style icon.

Caring for Your Shirt

Caring for a fabric like chambray isn’t necessarily as complicated as it might seem. A good rule of thumb would be to wash this shirt in cold water with like colors, and then hang-dry (a shirt might shrink if put in the dryer, potentially). If you’re prone to sweating, more washing in between wears might in fact be necessary.

From personal experience, throwing a chambray shirt — like the Old Navy option — in the wash won’t lead to any fading or discoloring when washed following the above directions.

Now, onto the outfits:

1. Cool Summer Casual

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This outfit here is quite simple — and yet also versatile. The chambray shirt is more dressed up and polished-looking than even a pocket t-shirt might be, so this combination could work for everything from a cooler evening on your own patio or attending an early summer barbeque to grabbing some drinks with friends.

And although there’s some debate about the feasibility of pairing ‘denim-on-denim’, this look works because it’s inherently casual — wear the shirt tucked or un-tucked to mix up the vibe.

Throw in a casual belt in a nice webbed cotton, like the option above, and round out the summertime vibe with some brown loafers (this outfit could be made even more casual by picking up those same Weejuns loafers in suede).

If you want to draw attention away from the whole chambray-on-denim contrast, a patterned watch strap is a subtle yet smart way to mix up your accessories.

2. Casual Day at the Office

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The outfit combination shown above mixes a couple of different principles: the casual, visually interesting wash of the chambray shirt, a slim, office-ready silhouette in a neutral palette with the grey slim chinos, and some sharper contrast between casual and dressy between the braided leather belt and suede double-monk strap shoes. But it works for the same reasons.

The chambray shirt, when tucked in and in the correct fit, acts just like a polo shirt would on a Casual Friday, yet it’s a more diversified style move. A pair of slim grey trousers, especially in a lighter shade, sticks with the lighter colors we see in the summer.

In terms of accessories, a braided leather belt is just as ‘summery’ as a webbed cotton belt, because it’s inherently more casual. And it’s tied together by the double-monk strap shoes — perhaps the biggest trend to hit men’s footwear in quite some time, yet made more summer-appropriate thanks to the casual suede material.

On a personal note, the suede double-monk strap shoes require a little more care because of the material, but they’ve held up just fine walking significant amounts throughout the day.

3. Ready to Rock

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This is certainly one of the more fashion-forward looks in this group of outfits, but let’s say you feel like living dangerously for a night, or are going to an edgier bar or a summer rock concert. This outfit pushes the envelope a bit, but does so in a way that’s clean and crisp.

The black jeans and black Chelsea boots exude a slick rocker vibe that stars have utilized back to the days of Mick Jagger, and the chambray-on-denim combination works again here because of the contrast between the two washes.

The Chelsea boots are also a little lighter-weight than a sturdier pair of black boots, and when wearing jeans in the summer, any excess weight in an outfit should be cut out.

If some more contrast is needed between the various pieces of the outfit, some socks with a pop of color could be just the missing ingredient to add in.

4. Out in the Sun

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This outfit could easily become a go-to summer weekend get-up if the temperatures stay warm, but a lightweight Harrington jacket could quickly be thrown on over the ensemble if it gets a bit breezy in the evenings.

Utilizing a dusty pair of red shorts in just the right fit works because that faded red isn’t as loud as other colors, and it isn’t necessarily as plain as a tan khaki short (although those would work here, as well). Note the fit on the shorts, too — although popular opinion indicates that shorts are indeed getting shorter, the length on these should be just right for most.

The red of the shorts and the blue of the chambray shirt do contrast nicely when it comes to color as well, but feel free to swap out here for the light blue chambray option, or maybe even the grey chambray from Old Navy.

In terms of accessories, the outfit’s more casual vibe is kept in check by the webbed cotton belt and simple grey sneakers. On your wrist, a simple, clean Timex Weekender with a colorful strap would finish off the outfit nicely.

5. A Day at the Beach

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Why wear a collared shirt to the beach? For starters, a short-sleeve shirt, especially in a more casual wash like chambray, exudes a breezy, vacation-type look when wearing it (presumably for not that long at the start of the day, anyway).

And afterwards, when the situation calls for drinks or dinner on a patio or pier near a body of water, the chambray shirt will just as appropriate, and maybe even a bit more polished than your fellow beach-goers.

The same goes for the swim trunks — the 7” option from J. Crew is cut a bit trimmer and shorter than a lot of the board short iterations seen nowadays, and it’s always a good bet to cut out extra fabric.

Additionally, the grey canvas sneakers are a step up stylistically from flip-flops and also provide more versatility than said slip-ons.

And a sturdy rubber-strap watch is the perfect mix of sporty and casual — the Stuhrling option shown has the bulk to take a beating from the water, but also doesn’t look out of place next to a rumpled short-sleeve shirt and sneakers, unlike watches specifically made for running, for example.

In Conclusion…

In a variety of washes (and yet still keeping the right fit), a short-sleeve chambray shirt can be a unique way to switch up outfits in the warm weather. Its versatility helps it pair equally well with multiple shades of denim, as well as washed chinos, shorts and sportier swim wear.

As with any great item of clothing, snagging the right piece at the right price is a step further along the path to a well-defined sense of personal style.

Five Ways to Wear One: The Short-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt

When temperatures start to drop in the fall and winter months (at least for those of us who live in cooler climes), there are certain essentials every guy should reach for.

With cold weather outside (and potentially warmer weather inside an office building or similar work location), layering is definitely key.

Follow Effortless Gent’s board Five Ways To Wear One on Pinterest.

There are few pieces that strike the right, classic balance between functional, easy-to-layer, and stylish quite like the V-neck sweater. Available in a plethora of colors, it can quickly become a piece that sees heavy rotation as part of a personal uniform.

Which Fabric?

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With sweaters, there are many, many types of fabric out there, possibly making it confusing as to what you should pick up.

Cashmere is by far the priciest and perhaps most delicate of all, but provides great quality and soft texture. Cotton-cashmere blends are decidedly less pricey. Merino would seem to strike a nice balance between the two–not too expensive, not too delicate, and available in slim fits from stores such as J.Crew and Express.

How About Fit and Care?

bondSkyfallFit and care of sweaters is probably even more important than with a regular article of clothing.

With sweaters available in trimmer fits across the board, it’s always a good idea to reduce any extra fabric that could be hanging around baggier models of V-necks.

For example, looking for a sweater with high (but not too restricting) armholes can slim down fabric through the body and arms. If necessary, size down! A great template for how a V-neck sweater should fit can be seen on Daniel Craig to the right.

Care itself can be complicated, too. Some sweaters are safe to machine-wash, whereas others (like that expensive cashmere option mentioned above), are only suited for hand washing or dry-cleaning.

Some merino sweaters are generally safe to throw in a lighter load with like colors. As always, the care label itself could provide the most accurate instructions. Most prefer to hang-dry their sweaters in order to reduce wear and tear on the fabric through heat. This also reduces shrinkage of the sweater itself.

(Ed. note: Care of knitwear is highly debated, and you will find a plethora of different recommendations. Personally, I prefer to hand-wash my wool sweaters, as I’ve read that it’s the agitation that causes shrinking and damage. I also lay-dry my knits in order to avoid shrinking in the dryer or stretching from a hang-dry.)

V-neck sweaters stand out as much for their classic looks as their versatility. By starting with a neutral base, other colors can be rotated in and out of select looks. Check out the outfit pairings below:

1. The Everyday, Cold-weather Uniform

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Starting off with an outfit like this is about as plain and simple as it gets in the colder months of the year. The components of this outfit aren’t likely to go out of style any time soon; it’s a polished formula for success that could take you from class to work to the bar in relatively good shape.

Using a neutral white button-down actually provides a crisp anchor for the entire outfit–there’s just something about a white OCBD. Dark denim and desert boots also are style staples that many already have in their closets, but if you aren’t partial to the desert boot look, a sneaker with styling similar to a desert boot could provide just as much polish while throwing in a casual/sporty edge.

2. Cold Weather on the Go

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When temperatures really start to drop, that V-neck sweater can still come in handy.

Let’s say you’re heading to a traditional outdoor fall event (bonfire, hay ride, football game — you name it). That V-neck sweater can go all those places while raising you a cut above the crowd. It’s the perfect layering piece for a classic wool pea coat.

Elsewhere within the outfit, keep things classic and simple. A blue OCBD is once again a step in that direction, but the neutrality of the sweater, shirt and jacket allow for some experimentation color-wise with your pants.

Burgundy is certainly a fall-appropriate, on-shade trend – maybe you could give it a whirl here. On your feet, wingtip boots have just enough visual interest to spice up the outfit a bit, although the JCPenney pair pictured have gotten mixed reviews.

3. Casual Day About Town

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The biggest asset of this outfit is its functionality. Layers on layers. As a top item, a military jacket can present an interesting conundrum for some;  it’s definitely on-trend, as it shot upward in popularity again last year thanks to James Bond himself, but it’s also classic in that the basic principle has endured for a long time.

The white Henley base also adds some contrast – it’s different than layering with a V-neck undershirt, yet the combination works well.

Another key with this outfit is using colors appropriately. There’s definitely the potential for too much overload in terms of similar shades of brown boots and cords, but a darker brown pair of corduroys would definitely work with a shade of brown boots. Corduroys in a slimmer fit would seem to be the best bet to keep the outfit’s lines clean.

4. Cold Weather Business Casual

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Once again, the basic template for the outfit stays the same, but there are key variations elsewhere.

A blazer from a place like J. Crew is definitely a splurge, but well worth the price in terms of fit and versatility. It can feasibly work with everything from jeans to chinos, cords and suit trousers.

In my personal rotation, the English wool blazer has yet to see heavy wear, but will definitely get more and more spot duty as it gets colder. The fit falls right in line with the rest of their Ludlow offerings, as well. Dark denim provides a solid anchor moving down the outfit, while grey suede shoes are an excellent fall footwear choice.

Suede itself has a richer texture that pairs perfectly with fall colors and styles, and the brogue details on the Aston Grey shoe make it visually interesting, and yet extremely affordable.

5. Under A Suit

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Throwing on a sweater under a suit is a move that could be daring to some, but it’s one that absolutely works when done the right way. This is the perfect situation to try and go tieless with a suit; adding in other casual elements like wingtip shoes helps push the outfit away from being too dressy.

A strong (or light) shade of purple would mesh nicely with the suit’s grey tones, and two differing shades of blue can actually work quite well together (in the shirt and sweater) if you go with a navy option. The jacket and pants on their own make a strong argument for owning a heavier-weight suit for the winter, but a winter-weight blazer could work just as well with suit trousers.

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Even something as simple as a V-neck sweater can be mixed and matched a variety of different ways. With so many color and sizing options out there (as well as a variety of price points), finding the right fit for your style shouldn’t be too hard.

Taking risks to mix up conventional items (the sweater) with the unconventional (a military jacket and henley) helps to pave the way toward more distinctive style.

Small steps toward big upgrades definitely pay dividends, and using simple items like the V-neck is one way to get there.

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Thanks Beau! Over to you: What are your thoughts about this piece in your wardrobe? Perfect as a layering piece? Or still not too sure?

If you’re all about the V-neck, what do you usually wear with it? Let’s hear it in the comments below.

PS: If you’re reading this in the US, have a great Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends!

Five Ways to Wear One: The V-Neck Sweater

The line between being overdressed and underdressed is a tricky one to follow.

Wear the wrong item, and you might stick out like a sore thumb; underestimate the situation, and stand out in a negative way.

There are few items that bridge the gap between the two areas, but there are certainly solutions to the problem. As far as classic style staples go, men have been wearing white shirts for centuries.

Follow Effortless Gent’s board Five Ways To Wear One on Pinterest.

And as far as items that bridge that “overdressed or underdressed” gap, a white Oxford cloth button down, or OCBD, fits the bill nicely.

Sure, there are other, more colorful OCBDs and shirts, but for starting out, a white option is most versatile.

Sounds boring and antiquated, right? Wrong.

There are a lot of ways to freshen up the typical ensemble, by amping up color and nailing the fit and proportions. The ideal white shirt should fit slim, but not tight, with high armholes and sleeves that skim your arms, shoulders and chest.

Trying on multiple varieties of shirts can be very helpful; one store’s version of a shirt might not fit the same as another store’s version, even in the same size.

Finding a style that works to accentuate your body type goes a long way in making an inexpensive shirt look great.

Keep that in mind as you shop, and don’t be afraid to size down. If it means taking your measurements, all the better.

“What about fabric?”

white_ocbdFabric types on a white OCBD are a bit of a conundrum for some folks. There’s a debate about soft-wash versus other types of OCBD’s; the pre-wash gives it a more lived-in feel and texture, whereas shirts without that type of wash allow you to do some of the breaking-in yourself.

Soft-wash types of shirts are also slightly less dressy and would probably work best under a sweater or blazer because of the textural differences between an OCBD without a soft-wash (like these Old Navy options), but both are relatively interchangeable.

Either type would work well with any of the combinations below. Like most things in fashion and style, it’s all a matter of personal preference.

“How should I care for my OCBD?”

Some OCBD shirts are marketed based on wash or as a non-iron shirt, but ideally, every shirt should go through some sort of ironing or hang-drying after washing.

With higher-quality fabric, like a custom shirt or a number from J. Crew, there’s less chance of the fabric being damaged or worn out with multiple washes; however, some more inexpensive options might deteriorate more quickly with extra washes.

It’s best to judge when it’s time to wash a shirt like this based on look and feel; stains should be treated as soon as possible, and washed with whites, not other colors (even if washing the entire load on a cold setting).

Utilizing a shirt rotation helps too; if you love white OCBD’s, it could also be best to stock up on a handful at the right price — that way, you have one when you want it! But first, let’s figure out what to wear with this shirt.

1. Polished Business Casual

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This look could be one of the more versatile, office-ready get-ups in your arsenal. That solid white color of the shirt in a slim fit like the Old Navy option pairs with any color you can think of in terms of pants and tie. A tailored pant like the Alpha khakis helps keep everything in proportion with a slim top.

Some are against wearing just a shirt and tie, but rolling up those shirt sleeves the right way, and pairing that look with a knit tie (more casual to begin with), avoids the “lost-jacket” look.

Now, the key with your pants and tie revolves around complementing those colors; with a blue or red pant, a grey knit tie, while safe, would be a nice match in terms of neutrality, but getting into a small pattern in your tie might not be a bad choice either.

(Ed. note: The cap toe shoes pictured here would work, while a wing tip would be a more casual alternative.) And in keeping with the casual theme of the outfit, a wing tip shoe with its perforations, is polished and remains less dressy without being too loud.

2. Going Tie-less

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Using that same Oxford cloth shirt can take you a lot of different places. Like any great outfit, this one is as versatile as it is polished.

Taking that white OCBD and pairing it with a well-fitted blazer is another business casual option that would also work for, say, dressed-up drinks or a nice date. Using an OCBD with a collar that doesn’t flop can be a tricky test, but higher-quality shirts seem to avoid that problem.

That blazer might need tailoring, but sizing down (or up?) could help out some guys, too. Jeans in a slightly different shade (maybe with a slight amount of distressing), will help break up some of the blue-on-blue look, and an unstructured blazer means the outfit leans slightly more casual.

To further break up some of the blue-on-blue combo, a a stand-out pocket square could do the job. Anchoring the look with a solid, no-nonsense suede desert boot is a safe bet.

It provides the perfect outlet to play up your sock game a bit, and a rich brown suede adds more visual depth to the outfit; make sure there’s not too much clash going on between the pocket square and the socks, too.

3. Day Out

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So, if you feel like throwing on a shirt with a collar to head out for the day, but don’t want to go full-on suit and tie, this outfit could act as a nice in-between.

That Harrington-style jacket is a touch on the pricey side, but scouring eBay or Amazon might lead to a better deal, and if you do feel like paying top price, they’re more than worth it (an item from the personal collection still sees heavy rotation even after hard wear). A Harrington-style jacket is about as classic as it gets; it’s versatile and functional in the weather, too.

Dark denim is nice go-to for anchoring any outfit, and here, there’s some good color contrast with the grey jacket. The braided leather belt, while not immediately visible, adds some good texture to the top half of the ensemble, too.

The chambray sneakers might be too close in color palette to the jacket, in which a pair of white plimsolls might work instead. Again, topping the outfit off with some wild, patterned socks throws in a much-needed pop of color without overdoing it.

Could also be a good time to experiment with a different-colored watch strap, too.

4. Warm Weather Casual

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With this outfit, there are some key choices that can take it up a notch or two.

Since the outfit is meant to be worn casually, you might want to leave that shirt untucked. It should hit the right spot, though (if the shirt is past your crotch, it’s too long to be worn untucked).

The right shirt falls below the belt, yet has a tail that’s not too long. If you’d like to tuck the shirt in, a textured belt similar to the outfit featured above would work nicely, as would a belt with a stripe of color.

On your feet, keeping your shoes low-profile and neutral definitely makes sense, particularly if you have some different pieces of color working up top.

Again, pay careful attention to your wrist watch — going with colorful shorts? Dial back the strap appropriately; (if you have a Timex Weekender, here’s an opportunity to use a slip-thru strap in a neutral palette, like this.

5. Cold-Weather Casual

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This is another combination that’s pretty simple and straightforward. The pieces in this outfit could easily be swapped out for a different shade of boot or a different colored sweater, and that blazer from the second option could feasibly be thrown on over this combination, too.

It’s sort of a hybrid when thrown together with some beat-up boots (business casual on top, workwear stylings on the bottom), which isn’t for everyone. The white shirt’s neutral shade lends itself well to pairing with a more dynamically-colored sweater, even in winter or colder weather.

Again, dark denim acts as a visual, almost neutral anchor for the piece. The boots add just enough interest when it comes to texture. If you have a nice rotation of sweaters and dark jeans, and a pair of sturdy boots, this could be the ideal outfit for trooping around in the winter when you’re off-duty.

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Wearing a solid white shirt like this effectively comes down to your willingness to experiment with colors and textures.

Using subtle variations of items you may already have in your wardrobe (like trading a silk tie for a knit tie, or a plain leather belt for a braided one), helps add visual contrast to an outfit, which can perfectly complement a crisp, white shirt.

As always, care and fit are key, too.

What are your favorite things to wear with an OCBD?

Let’s hear it in the comments. If you have any other suggestions on additional outfits, would love to hear those as well.

Beau is a senior editor at The State News, Michigan State’s student newspaper. A #menswear enthusiast, Beau can be found on Twitter (@BoKnowsClothes). He also writes about men’s style at Siblings With Style.

Five Ways to Wear One: The White Oxford Cloth Button Down (OCBD)

There are certain items that just work well on most guys… items that stand the test of time, through passing fashions and styles.

Taking such an item and making it the centerpiece of your outfit by nailing the fit and style can elevate you above anyone else in the room, simply by using a classic piece the right way.

For the summer, it doesn’t get much more versatile or classic than a navy polo.

Follow Effortless Gent’s board Five Ways To Wear One on Pinterest.

It’s simple. It’s understated. It can be dressed up (or dressed down), and as a young college student, wearing a well-fitting, logo-less collared shirt is one part of the equation to avoid looking like a slob.

Of course, there are other steps to getting it right, but looking good in a navy polo is classic and surprisingly easy. Its versatility lends itself to multiple outfits and situations that nearly anyone can use.

First, Nail Fit

The first step, however, is finding a polo that allows you to mix and match. That means the fit must be spot-on.

The perfect polo has sleeves that hit about mid-bicep; any longer and you run the risk of wearing an oversized, unflattering polo. And if you work out, all the better! The polo’s mid-bicep sleeve length will accentuate those hours in the gym.

The perfect length through the body tends to vary based on height, but ideally, you want a polo that’s long enough to be tucked in, but short enough that it could stand on its own.

Some polos are cut with a longer back tail, which means they should be tucked in. If the polo avoids a garish logo (personally, I stay away from those), it can be tucked into shorts without looking too preppy (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

Polos like this one from Sunspel are able to be worn untucked or tucked in. They hit the sweet spot.

A Bit About Fabric

Fabric is another matter entirely. Pique polos are thicker, but can be dressed up more easily than a slub or cotton jersey polo, which has softer, sometimes slightly textured fabric and probably pairs more easily with jeans than chinos.

There are no hard and fast rules, but if you’re looking to dress up a polo, pique is a safer bet (but watch that logo). For maximum dressiness, look for something with a bit of sheen.

Care For Your Polo

And once you’ve picked out the ideal polo, caring for it is crucial.

As with any item, washing it too much can cause the color to fade and decrease its shelf life. If you aren’t sweating buckets and the polo doesn’t have stains on it, see if you can’t get more wears out of it (refresh it with a spray of Febreze, too).

If you’re particularly worried about washing in a machine, hand-washing is a gentler option that allows you to target specific areas.

Keeping laundry loads smaller and hang-drying the polo also helps reduce wear-and-tear.

Lastly, using a plastic hanger (sturdier than wire, more cost-effective than an expensive wooden one) or neatly folding the polo with the collar buttoned will help it retain its shape and structure.

Now, onto the outfits.

Option One (standard, everyday outfit)

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The combination of a polo and khakis can go wrong in a hurry (think Best Buy salesman). But, the key is wearing a slimmer chino, and nailing the fit of the polo.

I find myself more partial to the desert boot options, but depending on the type of pants break you like, a low-cut shoe might do the trick.

Ideally, a shade of brown that contrasts with the chinos would be ideal for the shoes. If you go with a lighter shade of tan chino, dark brown suede would probably be a good color option.

The great thing about this look is the versatility; the outfit would work for a first date or, if you work in a more casual office, a polished Friday.

Note that the chinos could be switched out for a pair of jeans in, say, a sand color, if you like. Wearing this outfit near the beach is up to you.

Option Two (it’s hot out)

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There’s nothing too fancy about this outfit. It’s perfect for an outdoor BBQ or grabbing a casual drink with friends.

The Lands End shorts (in a neutral palette that doesn’t clash with the polo) lets the shirt do some of the talking, and they nail the fit requirements for shorts—slimmer cut, above-the-knee.

As for the canvas sneakers, make sure they’re clean, and a white sole will actually add a nice contrast to the outfit’s darker shades. If they get beat up, that might even add some character to the outfit, if that’s your thing. As long as they’re relatively free of any logo, it will keep the outfit looking sharp.

This combination would work very nicely with a clean, simple Timex Weekender watch.

Option Three (to the beach)

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It might seem a bit out of sorts to wear a polo to the beach, but when it’s time to head in from the boat or water to the local beach bar, a navy polo can keep you looking crisp without being overdressed.

Once again, fit of the polo is crucial.

If you wear a darker shade of navy, you can probably get away with wearing a more vibrant-colored swim trunk, but something in a plain shade would work just fine.

As far as beach and dock footwear goes, grey boat shoes are a classic, safe bet that could be paired with chinos or jeans in different outfits.

Option Four (the dressier option)

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Wearing a polo under a suit is slightly tricky. If you pick a polo without a substantial enough collar, it doesn’t stand up to the test. Collar stays (made for polo shirts) can be a perfect antidote to that. And because it’s a polo and not a dress shirt, the look needs to stay sharp.

A lighter-weight linen or cotton-blend suit in something like tan or a very light grey helps ground the outfit more casually than wearing the polo under a black pinstripe suit, for example.

Depending on the season and the weave of the fabric, linen or a linen/cotton blend can pull some duty in spring and summer.

For maximum versatility, something like the Ludlow could allow this combo to be worn any time. Add in brown loafers that show some ankle, and the casual look is dialed in from head to toe.

Because the outfit is less dressy, showing some ankle could be a good way to connect the dots. Dress shoes with a subtle brogue can also help the outfit stay casual.

Wearing crazy socks ups the ante even further.

Option Five (cold weather casual)

polo_5

Assuming you’ve already mastered the art of wearing slim, dark denim, a polo can be a perfect way to add some dimensionality to your layering.

Under a V-neck sweater, the polo’s minimal buttons are a change of pace from your average dress shirt. Once again, the collar must be substantial and weighty enough to stand up inside the v-neck. Contrasting the navy with a red or neutral gray sweater keeps the outfit’s colors in balance.

Worried about the navy polo clashing with dark denim? That’s what the sweater is for. And maybe you could choose some jeans in a slightly lighter wash, with some (Read: SOME) distressing if it’s a concern?

If your denim is nicely pre-worn, that’ll work, too. Desert boots in a nice wax finish add another contrasting (yet neutral) color to the overall palette.

Finally

The key with wearing a navy polo is versatility – it’s a classic item that can work in multiple situations starting in spring and working through summer. Layering can work too, under a grey linen blazer in the summer or a sweater in the fall.

Nailing fit is critical, and some of these outfits (with your own personal twists) can quickly become simple, easy go-to moves.

What do you think?

Have any suggestions for other outfits or revisions to the ones above?

What’s your favorite thing to wear with a navy polo?

Let’s hear it below!

 

Beau is a senior editor at The State News, Michigan State’s student newspaper. A #menswear enthusiast, Beau can be found on Twitter (@BoKnowsClothes). He also writes about men’s style at Siblings With Style.

Five Ways to Wear One: The Navy Polo