Posts Tagged 'sweaters'

the oversized loose-knit sweater

Published January 22, 2009 man fashion. 8 Comments
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Personally, not a fan. Never since boyhood have I been a fan of the “I’m swimming in my clothes” look. This is no different. I guess you could say the same about skinny jeans and really trim tops, that you’ll get older and not fit them even when/if they do come back into style in the usual 20-year cycle. However, if you stay fit (and the jeans are slim, not knee-hug skinny) you could be happenin’ 40 year old man. On the contrary, I see an even bigger problem with being 40+ in a oversized sweater, again creating the look of wearing your big brother’s hand-me-downs. I don’t know. The look is honestly growing on me when done in more balanced proportions. It’s the extremes that kill me.

Balanced:

not so bad, hits below the waistline in front (click for more views)

not so bad, hits below the waistline in front (click for more views)

Oversized and Awkward Looking (that’s what she said?):

i see a child in dad's sweater. swimming.

i see a child in dad's sweater. swimming.

women do this. they wear tights underneath and call it a "dress in disguise."

women do this. they wear tights underneath and call it a "dress in disguise."

holiday uniform

Published November 26, 2008 man fashion. 2 Comments
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Yea, it’s that time of year. You’ll need the proper gear to get through. I’ll add more options today and tomorrow. The point here, though, is to look good for your girlfriend’s family, sophisticated enough that your relatives don’t give you hell, and yet still comfortable enough that you can enjoy stuffing your face and downing winter ales.

Holiday Uniform 1:

holiday sweater - fisherman pattern, buy on the smaller side

holiday sweater - fisherman pattern, buy on the smaller side

CT washed tailor-fit button down

CT washed tailor-fit button down

levisjeans

brdesertboots

Yep. Desert boots. They’re very comfortable, can take a beating, can get mangled in a suitcase with no problem, and add a dressed-up refinement to an outfit.

scoop neck sweaters for men

Published November 19, 2008 man fashion. , never. 3 Comments
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I’m pretty liberal in my fashion commentary and decisions. As a man who appreciates well-designed pieces and enjoys a new, stand-out look as much as the next guy, I must draw the line somewhere. Shawl collar, v-neck, crewneck, hell, even y-neck… you’ve witnessed me regard their merits in diversifying your knitwear arsenal. However, the draping scoop-neck is just taking a step in the wrong direction, I believe, for the everyday man.

An acceptable “scoop” neck is really just an exaggerated crew neck sweater that is completely acceptable when worn over a t-shirt. An unacceptable scoop-neck is overly exaggerated and includes excessive fabric drapery leaping from the folds in this grandiose neckline. Pretty much, you’ll look like your girlfriend.

Acceptable Scoop:

nothing wrong with this

nothing wrong with this

Not So Acceptable:

i'd advise staying indoors like this--get a t-shirt.

i'd advise staying indoors. get an undershirt.

Completely Unacceptable:

shirt or no shirt underneath, this is unacceptable scoopage and drapery

shirt or no shirt underneath, this is unacceptable scoopage and drapery

Further, this is just bullshit:

why are you doing this?

why are you doing this?

Acquire carefully, gents.

more fall fashion: chunky sweaters

Published September 24, 2008 man fashion. 3 Comments
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Fall, winter, same thing minus a jacket. Chunky sweaters can sub for a jacket in the early fall.  Much like last year and this spring where the cardigan was making its rounds in place of a suit jacket here and there, the chunky sweater, well, has been doing the exact same.. since probably the same time.

Think grey, brown, dark greens, black, navy, and tan knits–safe colors.  Throw them over that orange striped oxford, or white button-down with red tie. Perhaps leave the blazer at home this Friday and go with a thick cable knit sweater with toggles over your slacks.

Good calls:

Definitely stop by BBlessing in NY (alphabet city, lower east side) and pick up a few necessary items (and check out the cool showroom). Pricier than your usual shop, but sweaters like this are classics, not trend pieces… things that age well.

b/c i'd never wear this myself, see option below (and comments)

much better, still micro patterned, but less holiday-sweaterish

much better, still micro patterned, but less holiday-sweaterish

Fall Fashion vol. 2: Layering

Published September 15, 2008 man fashion. 1 Comment
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Fall is one of those months where you can throw on a couple more layers and still look sleek.  However, don’t overdo it by adding too many layers and looking like a linebacker.  It’s extremely easy to look bulky when you’re layering, so here are a couple of initial tips.

1. AVOID MULTIPLE POLOS at all costs.  Just not cool.

2. DONT WEAR A POLO W/ A BUTTON DOWN UNDERNEATH.  Whoever told you that look is tight is lying to you.  It will definitely will you look a bit too bulky (not to mention, silly) when your ensemble is finished. 

3.  When purchasing a sweater, fleece, cardigan with the intention to wear it on top another shirt, go a size smaller.  This way, it will minimize bulk, and in case you don’t wear a shirt underneath, it will still be slim-fitting.

Layering isn’t really that hard – a simple shirt & tie / sweater is a clean and simple outfit.  Even a blazer on top can be pulled off, but making sure that you don’t add to much heft to your outfit.

These guys definitely get the point across well.  Fall colors (oranges, browns, greens) blend together very well.  A shirt, tie, and jacket with a subtle pocket square.  Notice that they blend several of the things spoken about on the site – heavier coats in the fall, slim fit sweaters and shirts, skinny ties.  Perfect ensemble for the fall. 

If you haven’t seen “The Devil Wears Prada,” I would suggest watching solely to a. appease your girlfriend’s monthly chick-flick quota, and b. see this guy’s outfits in the movie.  Several of which combine layering, and his outfits are always on point (besides the fact he works for a psycho magazine and isn’t exactly the lumberjack model of masculinity).  Nonetheless, inspiration.

Keep the colors subtle.  Fall colors like brown, orange, green, navy, yellow all go together, but don’t go overboard with all of the “livelier” ones at once.

-TBGC

Tips for the Vertically Challenged

Published August 17, 2008 man fashion. , manshion (short) Leave a Comment
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Many of you, like myself, may have trouble finding clothes that fit you because you’re short.  It happens – you can’t help what God gave you.  However, you can change your buying habits and purchasing clothes that will be somewhat flattering to a smaller figure.  Follow the five-tips below to look and feel 2 or even 3 inches taller! (and no, one of them is not to buy 2 or 3 inch cowboy boots).

1.  DO NOT BUY BAGGY JEANS / SHIRTS

Unless you are a member of Kriss Kross, you shouldn’t be wearing baggy anything anyways.

2. SLIM-FIT

A smaller frame will almost always require a slimmer-fitting shirt.  Most dress shirts seem to come in the “extra-floppy”size and you look like you’re wearing a trash bag.  A number of store sell slim-fit shirts that will be a bit more flattering to your figure.  A lot of department stores have a good variety.  And even still, you may need to get it tailored if it doesn’t fit you right the first time.

3. STICK WITH THE SOLIDS

As short men, loud and obnoxious patterns (aside from being loud and obnoxious) make you look shorter.  You do not want to look like an optical illusion walking down the street in some plaid or checkered shirt.  Solid colors along with thin stripes will not only keep you in style but also stretch you a bit (or atleast appear to do so).

4. BUY THE FIT, NOT THE SIZE

I know that you may think you’re a small shirt, 32/30 waist, etc, but designers don’t make clothes to dress John Q. Person.  Make sure you try on the clothes before your purchase so you know how they fit.

5. KEEP IT THIN

When layering up with a nice shirt/sweater combo, try to stay with thin, solid v-neck sweaters or those with minimal patterns.  Bulky sweaters like the one grandma gave you for Christmas will swallow you like the girl next door.  And, it will make you look like David the Gnome (if you don’t know who that is, either I’m too old or you were deprived as a child).  The v-neck will draw attention to your head, shoulders, and neck, and may even make you look a bit slimmer.  Also, see rule #2 for slim-fit shirts underneath so you dont look bulky.

Fall Fashion Staples.

Published August 9, 2008 man fashion. Leave a Comment
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As fall comes upon us, its time to stock up on some essentials for the season that are no-brainers.  Now, I know several people usually like to buy the latest and greatest fad of the season.  I personally believe you should never buy into a fad, because it will disappear in no time and some new apparel will replace it.  So, below find some quick essentials for your fall wardrobe – and please believe they will almost never go out of style.
Outerwear:
I like to have a few jackets in the repertoire during the fall – try out a trench and a nice navy blue pea coat.  The trench will give you a classic look and should be a timeless classic in every man’s closet.  Try to get a slim, knee-length style that is a three or four button.  htt
Check out the one here from Banana Republic (whom I generally endorse with having quality apparel at decent prices – a good majority of the goods I will speak about today will be from here, so Banana, view this as free advertising).
I like the color navy blue because it goes with nearly everything.  It’s a nice touch to a night out or even a stroll through the park on a breezy autumn afternoon.  Make sure its slim fit as well so you don’t look like a baggy sailor going to sea – and dont be afraid to show a little cuff when you wear a button down underneath.  I try to buy a size smaller than I would usually wear, just so I can get the snug fit I like.  This pea coat is different, but the texture is defintely pretty cool and wouldn’t be a bad investment.
Hoodies:
Looking presentable at all times doesn’t mean dressing up everytime you go out.  A casual look could involve a pair of jeans, button down, and a nice hoodie.  Again, there are tons of company’s who market $100+ hoodies – pause.  That’s RIDICULOUS for anyone to spend that much on a damn hoodie.  I know inflation is kicking our asses, but let’s be reasonable.  Solid colors always work well, and throwing in some patterns (stripes) can spice up an outfit.  Old Navy has a pretty good selection of both solid and patterned hoodies at reasonable prices – I try to avoid anything with gaudy letters and emblems, so just a solid blue and grey would go fine.
Cardigans:
Seemingly old man, but they go hard.  Get your style game up.
View above – again, another timeless piece.  Of course, designs will be updated as time progresses, but the basic idea will not be replicated.  Come out with one of these bad boys on and I promise you will turn some heads.
Forgot to mention, but plaid is definitely in.  Plaid dress pants, or even a plaid overcoat are definitely some items you should throw in your wardrobe.  GQ had a section on plaid suits in their latest issue which gives some highlights on the pattern.
Check out some of the items listed in the links above for some of your fall needs.  Remember to keep it simple – the colors are basic, and can go nice with some of the more “traditional” fall colors like oranges, yellows and greens.  Mix and match to see what suits you the best.  Try something new.  Again, these tips aren’t for you to follow to a tee; try them out and then develop your own personal style.
-TBGC

RSS manshion is sporting…

Indochino- 200 x 400
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