We’re going to show you the 3 outfits that will consistently impress women (and anyone else, frankly). Also, these outfits will look good on every man, regardless of his age, body type and budget, so do yourself a favor and add these outfits into your rotation.
Casual
For this look, we went with a simple white t-shirt, navy bomber,dark wash jeans and white sneakers. Bombers work on every single body type – they add bulk if you’re skinnier and break up your body for a slimming effect if you’re huskier – so that’s why we recommend them across the board. The beauty of this outfit is that if it’s warmer out, you can easily remove the jacket and cuff the jeans for a cooler, more sporty, casual look. Don’t forget a watch or slim metal cuff on your wrist!
Elevated Casual
This look is great when you don’t want to wear jeans and want a little more elevated casual look. We’ve got a navy polo shirt, which is an upgraded casual shirt yet still looks great on all men, and then throw on a pair of flat-front tan chino pants and some loafers and finish it off with a Harrington jacket. Just like the previous outfit, if it’s warm, ditch the jacket and cuff the pants for a more warm-weather version. The only thing to consider in this outfit is the type of polo shirt you should be wearing. If you’re a bigger guy, go with a pique cotton, if you’re average or slim, go with anything but pique (preferably cotton). If you need help finding a good polo shirt, send us a text about your body type and we’ll be glad to recommend some options for you.
Smart Casual
If you want to keep the jeans but class it up a bit, chuck on a blue or white oxford button down shirt and add in the dark wash jeans and then throw on some suede or leather brown chukka boots and finish it off, depending on how elevated you want to go with either a sport coat, work jacket or jean jacket. To keep it less formal, tuck in the front of the shirt and leave the rest undone. You don’t need the jacket if its warm out, but definitely don’t cuff your jeans with chukka boots in this one.
It’s Springtime and you should be transitioning your wardrobe to warmer weather options. In this video, we’ll discuss our must-have men’s Spring essential items you should have in your closet for 2020.
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Work or Chore Jacket
Of course, we’re always going to love a bomber jacket, especially a suede during this time of year, but if you want to mix it up, a field or chore jacket is the perfect addition for this time of year. It’s not too heavy and can add an interesting element to your wardrobe. They’re supposed to be a little more relaxed fit, so keep that in mind when shopping for one. You can definitely go for a more tailored/trim style, so size down if that’s what you’re wanting instead. Budget Pick One and Two Upgraded Pick
White or Blue Sneakers
With the warm weather it’s time to get out the lighter colors and fabrics and this definitely applies to your shoes. So grab your white or blue low top sneakers or slip-ons and start putting them into the casual outfit rotation. Favorite Slip-On Sneakers Favorite All-Around Sneaker
Oxford Button Down Shirt
One of the best shirts for Spring, is the Oxford Button Down. It’s the epitome of versatility. It can blend into any setting and as part of almost any dress code – from super casual all the way to business casual and looks equally good tucked, half tucked or untucked. There aren’t many items of clothing you can say that about.
Now that the sun is coming out, its time to freshen up your eyewear- specifically your sunglasses. Obviously, you want to make sure your sunglasses fit your face shape and style, but this year the trend is to go for more unique shapes and/or colorful frames or lenses. Some of our favorites
Polo Shirts
Polo shirts instantly make an outfit look more put together and Spring is the perfect time to bring them out. If you’re a slim to regular build, grab a Pima cotton polo because it looks less like your dad’s golf shirt, but if you’re a bigger fella with a little bit of weight in his torso, then go with a pique cotton polo because it will airbrush your problem areas better than a cotton or silk blended shirt would. Best Polo Shirts Ever
Fabric or Woven Belt
During Spring or Summer, there’s nothing that looks better than a woven belt. Either in leather or fabric. For a little extra casual flair, get the belt a little longer and let it dangle a bit. Favorite Woven Belts
Chino Pants
Finally it’s time to have an alternative to those jeans and wool pants you’ve been wearing the last few months. Chinos’ time to shine are Spring and Summer as they are lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable. They also add an easy going stylish touch when paired with a sweatshirt or tee. Recommend colors: tan, green, blue, and grey. Favorite Chino Pants
Penny Loafers
Now that the weather is warming up, showing a touch of ankle is permissible – if that’s your thing. Either way, a pair of penny loafers in leather or suede add such a cool, upscale touch to any outfit, whether it’s worn with a suit or jeans and a t-shirt. Opt for a high quality pair, as they’ll look great for many, many years – if you take care of them properly. A chocolate brown color is definitely a favorite, as it’ll go with 99% of the colors you’ll be wearing this season. But black looks good, as well. Budget Pick Upgrade Picks: Black and Brown
Just like during the fall months, its time to grab a pair of suede desert or chukka boots. They’ll class up an otherwise casual outfit and they look great during this time of year. Just make sure to waterproof them in case its a little wet outside. Preferred colors: light brown, chocolate brown or gray. Budget Pick Upgraded Pick
You’re headed back to campus and we’ve got some style tips to help you look your best this Fall. We see a lot of these common mistakes young guys make by either trying too hard or not trying enough. You want to find a balance between effort and casual dress, all while staying comfortable.
The good news is a little birt of effort in the style department goes a long way, so all of these back to school style mistakes are easily avoidable.
Socks and Slides
There’s no excuse ever. Pick up some Vans slip-ons, they’re just as comfortable and low-maintenance, plus they’re much more stylish.
Leave that for all the annoying kids who are decked out in their logo tee, pants, and socks. They look ridiculous, don’t join them. Stick with the basics and go with something from H&M and Uniqlo, they make our favorite t-shirts that Ashley uses all the time with clients.
Not Putting In Any Effort
Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be fancy but you should care about what you’re wearing. That’s why we made it easy on you and put together a list of all the essentials you need for a stylish back to school wardrobe.
Basketball Shorts All The Time
Why? Unless you’re on the court or on the couch you shouldn’t be wearing basketball shorts. Grab some dark joggers instead, they’re just as comfortable and look a lot better.
It reeks of trying too hard. If you want to sprinkle it in here and there, totally fine. But don’t jump in with both feet and wear all the trends at once, all the time. Again, we did a back to school essentials article that sprinkles in just the right amount.
Not caring about grooming
Look, there might be days you don’t want to style your hair. Fine, no problem, throw on your favorite baseball cap. But, here’s no excuse to have overgrown, unwashed hair or neglected skin. Your overall appearance, especially when it concerns hygiene, will be a huge make it or break it situation when it comes to people wanting to hang out with you. Check out all of our grooming tips in our grooming section. From haircuts to skincare, we’ve got all the tips you need.
Wearing only workout gear
Unless your an athlete and it’s absolutely necessary because of your schedule, then there’s no excuse. It’s lazy and looks like you might be hiding a less than desirable physique. You wanna feel just as comfortable? A pair of some Adidas Ultraboosts, black joggers, a tee or a hooded sweatshirt, and a bomber jacket will look 100 times sharper. All of our picks are right here.
You’re headed back to campus and we’ve got some picks to help you look your best this Fall. We know that school can be stressful and the last thing you have time for is thinking about what to wear. However, we can all agree that you still want to look your best which is why picking up these pieces will take the guesswork out of what outfit you should wear because they all can go together easily and stylishly.
The key to solid back to school items are ones that are comfortable, stylish, inexpensive, and versatile, and these back to school style essentials will have you covered for the entire year.
Sneakers
You need a good everyday sneaker that’s comfortable, stylish, and affordable. We’re huge fans of the Vans Old Skool sneakers which come in a bunch of different colors and patterns, though I love the black and white ones the most. If you’re going to get a pair of white sneakers, I’d opt for leather like the Stan Smiths which are easier to keep clean than canvas kicks.
Some well-fitting slim jeans in dark indigo, black or dark grey will get you through the entire year and beyond. Remember you only need to wash them every few months if you let them air out every day on the back of your chair or on a hanger. Want some fit tips? Check out our jeans fit guide.
A pull-over hoodie is super comfortable and versatile. You can wear it on on its own or you can layer underneath your jacket when it gets cold. Definitely skip the logos here, leave that to the kids who look ridiculous in their all logo fits. One note, we’re not fans of the zip-up hoodies because they tend to look sloppy and have this weird bunching in the front when you sit.
Pick up 5 or 6 of these since you’ll pretty much be wearing this every day and stick with basic colors like black, white, navy, and grey. Remember fit is king. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-fitting t-shirt and jeans outfit – it’s unbelievably attractive and that simple knowledge on fit will instantly set you apart from everyone else.
Our favorite being a bomber jacket – whether it’s leather, nylon or cotton. It doesn’t matter what your size or build is, this jacket looks great on every guy and it’s super easy and comfortable. It’s really easy to add layers, like a hoodie, underneath when it gets cold. Also, it just looks cool-as-hell so wear in and out of school.
Versatility is key here and you want one that you can wear untucked or partially tucked in the front. Casual button-downs are shorter in length then dress shirts so they should hit around mid-crotch. Pair this with your jeans and sneakers, maybe throw on your bomber jacket for the ultimate, “Oh this? I just rolled out of bed and threw this on.” It looks cool, stylish, and like you put in zero effort in the best way possible. We recommend solid oxfords and darker, fall plaid casual button-downs.
We like sweatshirts because there’s a casualness that compliments your on-campus fits and you can throw them in the wash instead of having to have them dry cleaned. As with hoodies, skip the logos and keep them clean and simple.
Like everyone, you need something to carry your notebooks, laptop, and gear every day and just like your clothes, it’s important to pick up a backpack that keeps you organized, looks sharp, will last you all year, and won’t break the bank. We’ve discussed the ins and outs of our favorite backpacks before, and the key is finding the right size and style.
The right shape can instantly up your style game, but the wrong shape can really work against you. Stick with a classic style that compliments your face shape. Check out this article for more on how to choose the right sunglasses for your face shape.
A man can’t live on denim alone so it’s wise to consider a few more options. We definitely recommend chinos, they’re comfortable, stylish, and affordable. If you go for chinos, go with navy or charcoal grey as that’ll go with everything. If chinos aren’t your style grab some sharp jogger pants for a different option. Go with black or charcoal as they’ll not only look the best but it will keep them from looking too much like your workout gear.
Great summer style doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy, but given the temperatures, sun, and range of occasions, you’re going to need some summer style essentials to have you looking your best. Don’t worry though, we did the heavy lifting for you and put together a list of go-to items that are going to make this summer your most stylish one yet! If you’re looking for some more summer style tips make sure to check out our in-depth Summer Essentials E-Book (free download) and our Summer Style Do’s and Don’ts.
We’ve got a ton of picks below plus some features on key items we’ve covered before so make sure to check out all of our picks!
Polo Shirts
Polos shirts are an absolute summer essential because they’re so versatile and great for the hot weather. Wear them with everything from shorts to chinos to swim trunks. H&M polos are a longtime favorite of ours, they’re budget-friendly and come in a ton of colors. We also love Uniqlo’s polos as well. Look for the basic colors like white, grey, black, and navy and wear them with everything from shorts to chinos. We’ve got a few tips to consider in terms of choosing the right fabric and style for your body type too.
A tried and true workhorse for your summer style, chino pants are lightweight and super comfortable. These pants look great with everything and can be dressed up or down for daytime or evening. Our favorites from Uniqlo are stylish, versatile, and budget-friendly. The fit is excellent and they even offer in-store hemming for free. They come in slim and straight fits. For a few other options, check out our Budget-Friendly Chinos rundown.
Switching up your watch band is a small, subtle style move that can add a little bit of extra personality. NATO and perlon straps are super affordable, come in a range of colors, and can be worn in and out of the water.
We recently picked our favorite swim trunks for the summer and the right pair is and an indispensable item for the weekend or any trip. Stick to options that resemble shorts and don’t be afraid to try a fun pattern or bold color.
Another must-have item, they’re going to add an extra dose of style while protecting your eyes from the sun’s rays. We’ve talked about finding the right sunglass frame shape for your face in the past, so consider that before making a purchase.
Speaking of sun protection, having a stylish hat is key when you’re spending extra time outdoors or at the beach and pool. We recommend a simple, casual ballcap or something more seasonal like a wide-brimmed Panama-style hat for style and sun protection.
We discussed these shoe styles in our top 3 must-have shoes for the summer in a previous post and for good reason, the right casual shoe option that’s both stylish and affordable is important. Solid colors like white and navy are super versatile but don’t be afraid to mix it up with a fun pattern or some bolder color.
One of our favorite summer style essentials, a linen shirt looks as good casually with shorts as it does with something a bit more dressy like chinos or cotton slacks. They’re always a great move during the warm weather and our favorites are very budget-friendly. Stick with the classics like solid white or light blue or try some bolder colors like olive, royal blue, or a fresh striped pattern.
We can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen, whether you’re at the pool or beach or just out and about. Don’t forget proper lip balm with sunscreen too!
The importance of the right weekender bag for summer travel (and beyond) can’t be overstated. You want something sharp and durable with the right amount of space for a few days worth of clothing. We recently picked all of our favorite weekender bags for 2019, so check them out!
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or beach or on a flight out of town, a great summer read is definitely essential. We’ve picked our top 5 books every man should read previously, and our friends at GQ put together a pretty great list as well.
Extra special thanks to our friends at The Tie Bar for sponsoring this video! Don’t forget to check out our picks and outfit details below.
Materials & Construction
We really liked the stretch chino fabric which had a nice weight and thickness. They are available in 3 versatile colors and have a sharp, dressy feel. You should note that they are flat front but do come with a crease, which we actually didn’t mind since it added a slight slimming effect to the leg.
Fit
The Tie Bar chino pants come in a slim fit that’s trim but not tight. The thighs have a little bit of room and the leg has a nice taper down to the ankle. Overall, these would be a great fit for a range of body types from large to medium builds.
Price
Like with all things Tie Bar, we felt these chinos were a great value for the money at $60 plus free shipping. They’re of high-quality and definitely compare favorably to a lot of the other chinos we see that are more expensive.
If you don’t know by now, chinos are an absolute must-own, especially for the Spring and Summer months. They’re super versatile, very comfortable, and a key part of a stylish Essential Wardrobe. There are a ton of versions out there but we wanted to highlight a few of our absolute favorite budget-friendly chinos. For more chino goodness, check out 3 Ways To Style Your Chinos and our Chino Fit Guide.
Uniqlo’s chinos are the perfect affordable basic, they’re good quality, have a very clean design and come in two excellent fits, a slim fit and a straight fit. Plus, they also offer free hemming in-store and online. For $40 these can’t be beaten.
J.Crew is slightly more expensive, still very well-priced at just below $70, but their heavier chino fabric is very good quality and they offer a ton of great colors. We recommend their slim fit or straight fit.
Finding the right budget-friendly Spring essentials is all about choosing the right affordable brands and focusing on the right accessories you can add to your outfit to really elevate your look and supplement your Essential Wardrobe.
Here are our picks for the 5 Best Budget-Friendly Spring Essentials for 2019!
1. Polo Shirts
We’ve always been huge fans H&M polos, the fit is great and they offer awesome bang for the buck. Get a range of basic colors (navy, black, grey, light grey) and wear them until Fall.
A low-key way to mix up your belt style without doing anything crazy. These belts are best for casual looks and we recommend options in dark brown, light brown, or black.
An easy, affordable way to mix up your tie routine. Silk knit ties add texture and a bit of casual flair that’s perfect for spring occasions (weddings/parties) or the office.
Obviously, we love chino pants for Spring and Uniqlo chinos are the cream of the crop for budget-friendly options. The fit and price are excellent and they even offer in-store hemming for free. They come in slim and straight fits.
A classic casual sneaker option that’s both stylish and affordable. Solid colors like white and navy are super versatile but don’t be afraid to mix it up with a fun checkerboard pattern or some color.
3. Silk Knit Ties
