Every one needs a style icon. Someone you can reference and think of when you're online or in a store and thinking about a purchase and just a little unsure if it's right or not.Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his take on what makes a man style icon!
JFK is my go to guy. In my mind probably one of the most tastefully dressedmen of the 20th century. Cary Grant runs a close second. More modern choices could be Ryan Gosling (go Canada!) or Brad Pitt. But the best choice for me and my life is JFK. His looks influence mine and he regularly makes me dress better. My style mantra; "What would JFK do?"
The ivy league look has been looming larger for the past several years and really never goes away. Spending what I do on clothing I need it to last more than season or two without me looking like a fashion casualty. First item on my list rep silk tie. J.Crew makes these every year and a current offering worth considering is #37073; a tie in navy with either a blue double stripe or a red one. Pait it with a point collar shirt or a button down in white #68015 or pale blue oxford #60763. Pick out a Ludlow and you're good to go. Just don't finish it with sneakers. Dressed up with sneakers is just a little trying too hard, so stick with a nice pair of lace-ups in chocolate brown. Tailored, classic and subtle, a look that will always look good and never give you a "what was I thinking?"
Now that we've covered the dress-up end, we'll move onto casual. And this is where things should be easier, but are actually far trickier. Just like the above look your casual wardrobe needs to be tailored and pulled together without appearing like you're trying too hard. This summer go with a pair of chino shorts and a washed oxford. Both should be classically coloured and not pressed. Try #60763 in a pale violet or yellow, nice punch of colour that would look great with a 9" broken-in chino short in a honey brown colour #67140. And now you can throw on those sneakers, say some Nike's with the waffle sole #64477 in coal. Just no cheesey tank tops or beer tees alright? The baggy oversized look is dead, so just walk away.
If it's cooler try a denim jacket over either the shorts or a pair of chinos. Or a sweater or sweatshirt. Hoodies work well too, but why not switch it up? And the denim jacket works well over the shirt and tie for a more dressed down Friday evening. Again the tailored look is the best option; looks smart and will make you look slim and polished even when you're casual.
So whenever you looking at a questionable item in a store or sitting at the computer wondering if you should click or not just ask yourself "What would JFK do?"
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's items for Men? Do you own any of the items mentioned in this post? If so, please share with us your review. :)
Nice post and I liked that you posted the style numbers. I must admit when I first saw JFK, I thought John Jr. He was so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks JGIC- awesome post! I agree- summertime dressing for men can be tricky! I don't envy my poor boyfriend... winter layers are so much easier for making a statement!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. I've always asked myself, "would Jackie wear this?" They were a great looking couple. But lately, I've begun to appreciate Jack's style. He wore his classics with a very appealing insouciance.
ReplyDeleteOddly, I only have received thus far the men's April catalog. Handed it over to my husband who hasn't looked at it yet. When's the main one going to arrive? I really wish they could get it together with this.
ReplyDeleteI would minus Brad Pitt and add John Legend and post sarong David Beckham. My yard stick is a shawl neck cardigan. Any man who can wear a shawl collared cardigan well knows what he is doing.
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