Menswear Essentials (11 Items Every Guy Needs in 2020)

Ashley and Dorian are back to discuss the essential menswear items that will keep your style on point in the new year (and decade!) and beyond. Whether you’re reworking your entire closet or just filling the gaps in your wardrobe, make sure you at least have these foundational items so you can build up from there.

Dress shoes

Ideally, you want to have at least a black pair if you own a charcoal suit and a dark brown pair if you own a navy suit or blazer. They can also be paired with jeans or wool trousers for a more elevated, casual look.

Favorites: Allen Edmonds, Johnston & Murphy, Beckett & Simonon, Aldo, Prada and Ferragamo.

The Essential Suit

Need we say more?

White dress shirt

We’ve talked about dress shirts until we’re blue in the face. Just grab some already!

Oxford Button Down Dress Shirts

Grab some in white and blue.

Dark wash jeans

If you’ve been a reader of the site for more than a few months, chances are you’ve already grabbed these, but just have to re-iterate once again!

White T-Shirt

These are standards for a reason – they look amazing on every guys, provided you nail the fit. Pick up some in navy, grey, and black to round out your closet.
Favorites: Buck Mason, H&M

Crewneck Sweater

Whether it’s wool, cashmere, or cotton, a crewneck sweater in a solid color, like black or charcoal, will always make every outfit look better. Bonus points if you wear a tighter white t-shirt underneath that pops out of the collar and possibly the bottom, for a little extra polish.
Favorites: H&M

Casual brown & black belts

You’ll wear these more than any other belts so get some high-quality ones.

Favorites: Black, Brown

A Casual jacket

That can obviously be a few types of jackets. Namely a: sport coat, bomber, Harrington (zipper front), or trucker (button-front). If you carry a bit of weight in your stomach, then go with bomber or sport coat/blazer. The other jackets will accentuate your midsection too much.

Low top sneakers

White is best and looks sharpest, but if you don’t think you can pull off the color (yet), then feel free to grab a black or gray pair.

I prefer to start with leather because its more durable and easier to keep clean than suede, canavs or other fabrics. Once you’ve got a white leather pair, then definitely get other colors and materials as you build out from there.

Favorites: White, Gray, Black

Watch

In an ideal world, you’d have a sport watch (metal bracelet) as well as a more “dressy” watch with a leather strap.

Gift Guide For The Women In Your Life | Best Gifts For Women

Now that you’ve settled on a few gifts for your friends or family members (and hopefully yourself too), it’s time to focus on the women in your life. Sure, we know this can be super stressful but don’t worry, we did all the hard work for you. We’ve got a great lineup of gifts for the women in your life, whether it’s your significant other, sister, mother, or just friends. Don’t forget to check out our Men’s Gift Guide too.

Here are our picks for the best gifts for the women in your life!

Silk Pillowcase – $85

Trust me, she will thank you. When you sleep on silk vs cotton, you no longer will get those sleep creases on your face which contribute to wrinkles, plus silk pillowcases are much kinder on her hair will offer more protection from split ends and breakage. As a bonus companion gift, we really like this Silk Eyemask ($50) because it’s super comfortable, kind on the skin and great for travel!

Ultra-Slim Lightweight Charger – $29

An awesome gift we’ve mentioned before, this small, handy charger is perfect for the person who’s constantly running on low battery (aka, everyone!).

Skylar Beauty Products

Ashley highly recommends all the beauty products from our friends at Skylar as gifts for the women in your life. They’re all hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free of parabens and chemicals, making them great for any skin type and beauty routine. They have a range of sets perfect for gifting including the Best of Body gift box with body lotion and wash, as well as a hand cream. It features Ashley’s favorite ocean-inspired scent called Isle.

Other easy gifts options are their Scent Experience, a sample of all 6 of their amazing fragrances, along with a gift card for a full-size version of whichever scent she ends up loving, and the Scent Club Gift Subscriptions, which fit any budget and are great if the woman you’re buying it for likes to try different scents. They have 3, 6 and 12-month options.

Plus, just for our readers and viewers, you can get 20% off your purchase with code JOLLY20 at check out. Plus, you’ll get a free Arrow rollie when you spend $80 or more (auto-applied, no code needed). Get your shopping done soon, this free gift offer ends on 12/9!

Instant Film Camera – $99

Everyone loves an instant film camera and she’ll definitely be sure to use this as soon as she unwraps it. We love the rose gold or graphite color options. These are awesome for parties and events too!

Essential Oil Diffuser – $22

One of those must-have items she never knew she needed, these aromatherapy diffusers fill the home with amazing scents of all types.

L.L. Bean Fleece Robe – $79

A super-soft, super-cozy robe, need we say more? We both have these and they’re a morning staple in our house most days.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker – $35

Super handy at home or while traveling, we love this version because it’s really affordable, waterproof and durable. The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone.

Capri Blue Volcano Jar Candle – $30

Never underestimate the power of a great candle as a gift. This one is a tried and true option and we guarantee she’ll love it.

Nars lipstick pencil duo – $20

Don’t be intimidated by buying makeup for her, this one is a no-fail option. Nars is a great brand and this subtle color duo will look great on any woman, no matter what her beauty routine is or what type of skin tone she has.

Gold Hoop Earrings – $150

Classic, timeless, and beautiful, a chic pair of gold earrings from one of Ashley’s favorite women’s brands are always a stylish gift, no matter what accessories she typically wears.

Winter Accessories Every Man Should Own | Best Men’s Winter Accessories

Winter can be a tough time for your personal style, plus the weather and elements require special attention for your wardrobe and, more importantly, your accessories. That said, the right winter accessories will bring both function and personality to your wardrobe. It doesn’t all have to be about keeping warm (though that’s definitely important), it’s a great opportunity to add some extra style to whatever you’re wearing. For more basic tips, make sure to check out all of our Winter Essentials and our article on Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts

Here are our picks for the Men’s Winter Accessories That Every Man Should Own!

Cashmere / Wool Knit Hat

A must when it’s freezing. Go for a thicker rib knit and try cashmere for a luxurious touch that’s soft, light, and warm. Don’t be afraid to try a pop of color here too!

Hat 1

Hat 2

Budget-Friendly

A Patterned Scarf

The perfect time to add some color or pattern into the mix. Just a hint of it peeking out from under a coat is a sharp, stylish look. Cashmere is a great option here too, it’s very light and warm.

Picks:

Scarf 1

Scarf 2

Budget-Friendly

Gloves

We’re not talking about thick ski-style gloves, but something lighter but still warm. Look for knit versions in wool or cashmere or lined leather options for a sharp touch (especially if you dress up often).

Gloves 1

Gloves 2

Budget-Friendly

Slim Dressy Watch

Add in a thin watch that toes the line between dressy and casual so you can dress it up or down. Layered and formal outfits need a watch that’s not big and bulky. Wearing a big, sporty watch with dressier looks can just throw off the proportions. Luckily our friends at Nove watches have the perfect styles. Their watches are high-quality, Swiss-made, and come in a variety of slim styles that work well with a range of looks. Plus, we’ve got a special deal for you guys. Use offer code AW20 for 20% off your purchase.

Picks (from the video):

Watch 1

Watch 2

Merino Wool Socks

Merino wool has incredible technical properties (warm, lightweight and dries quickly) and there are great options out there that are lightweight, warm, and stylish.

Our Favorite Merino Wool Socks

Another Pick

Thermals

We discussed in our Winter Do’s and Don’ts, and the right pair won’t be bulky or too hot and can easily layer underneath both casual and dressy clothes. We really like our go-to pick below because they are very light, warm, and won’t break the bank.

Thermals Pic

Extra-moisturizing skincare products

Nobody likes the look of dull, dry skin and the cold, dry air can be brutal on your hands and face so take extra care to moisturize properly. The right products and a solid morning routine and evening grooming routine will really help keep your skin looking great during the winter.

Picks:

Moisturizer 1 – Get 30% Off With Code Ashley30

Moisturizer 2

Moisturizer 3

Moisturizer 4

Leather Lace-Up Boots With A Rubber Sole

Proper boots for the winter are crucial and if you’re dealing with a lot of rain and snow you want to make sure your boots are protected and have a rubber sole for traction and durability. Some of our picks below have a Dainite sole which is the gold standard in terms of protection and grip in wet, snowy conditions.

Picks:

Dorian’s Outfit Details

Men’s Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts | Men’s Winter Style Tips

Winter can be a tough time for your personal style. Cold weather and the elements can lull you into just giving up, but don’t do it! These few simple tips can keep you looking sharp and feeling great, no matter how cold it gets! For more tips, make sure to check out our Fall/Winter Essentials Series!

Here are our Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts!

Winter Style Do’s

Do Add Some Colorful Jewel-toned Accessories

The right hats, scarves, and gloves are crucial for warmth and style. They’re also a great opportunity to add some color and pattern to brighten up your look. Colors like emerald green, a mustardy yellow, dark purples, reds, and blues are all easy to incorporate into your winter wardrobe and pack a stylish punch of color.

Picks:

Do Invest In Quality Outerwear

We talk a lot about where and when to invest, and outside of dress shoes & boots, outerwear is the other major area we really recommend investing in. You get what you pay for and with the right investment, a high-quality coat, peacoat, or jacket will last for years to come, keep you warm, and have you looking stylish.

Picks:

Do Get The Right thermals

There are many great brands offering very thin/lightweight thermals that’ll layer comfortably underneath your clothes and keep you warm. The key is to get a trim fit, that way they’ll lay flat and layer easily under everything from jeans to suits. Our pick below is light, warm and you can wear these as a base layer underneath your clothes or on their own as a long sleeve shirt.

Thermals Pick

Winter Style Don’ts

Don’t Neglect Your Skin

You may not think so, but cold-weather skincare is just as important as warm weather skincare. The cold, dry weather can be incredibly harsh on your skin and strip away it’s protection, so it’s super important to cleanse and moisturize properly and stay hydrated. There’s nothing more distracting and unattractive than dry, dull skin.

Luckily, our friends at Geologie have you covered. Geologie puts together a simple routine formulated for daily use. The products are personalized to your skin’s needs and work great for every skin type. We tested out their set that comes with 4 different products: Everyday Face Wash, Vital Morning Face Cream w/ SPF, Repairing Night Cream & Nourishing Eye Cream. It even includes 2 bottles of face wash, one for your sink and one for your shower or to take with you to the gym. Plus, just for our readers and viewers, you can get 30% off your purchase with code Ashley30! Shop here and enter the code at checkout.

Don’t Forget To Layer

We talked about it for Fall, and it’s just as applicable in Winter. Proper layering can help you regulate your temperature and look stylish no matter how cold it is, making sure you’re comfortable going from the cold outside to warm inside (subway, office, etc.).

Don’t Forget To Winterize your boots

Boots are essential footwear for Winter (our go-to picks for this year are right here) and the right pair can look amazing and last a long time. But, you’ve got to prepare them with the right leather treatments to keep them from getting ruined in the inclement weather.

Boot Treatment Kit

10 Ways You’re Killing Your Style | Men’s Style Mistakes

Once you’ve got the basics of style down, it’s important to focus on those little things that can make or break your personal style and everyday look. Something as simple as a little mistake can totally throw off your look or ruin otherwise good style choices. Oftentimes its something as simple as how you present a particular choice. No matter what it is, focusing on the proper details and nailing those can save you from potential disaster. Some of these mistakes might be obvious but some you may not even know you are doing!

So, here are 10 ways you may be killing your style!

Being Overly Self-Conscious

Trying too hard can be as bad as not trying at all. Wearing trendy items that aren’t you or not wearing things that make you feel comfortable and confident are quick ways to ruin your overall style. People notice how you feel and if you’re feeling good about what you’re wearing and looking good, it will stand out.

Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Work for your body type

Working with your body type is a huge part of getting well-fitting clothing. Choosing items that will flatter and fit well is crucial. Some easy items to avoid are henley shirts if you’re not fit or muscular, Chelsea boots if you’re a bigger guy, and classic straight-legged jeans if you’re a thinner guy. Check out all of our Fit Guides for tips about different body types and how things should fit.

Over-accessorizing

Yikes, this can go wrong so easily, over-accessorizing can be a huge problem. Johnny Depp, you are not. Go easy on rings, bracelets, and other flashy items and go for more subtle, refined accessories to show some personality or flair. Stick with 1 or 2 items max, like a pocket square and a watch.

Wearing too much cologne

A little goes a long way, and there’s nothing worse than smelling someone from 5 feet away. Nobody (especially women) wants that. If you can smell yourself, it’s too much.

Not paying attention to the details

Again, the little things matter, so take care to focus on them. Things like not lint rolling your clothing (especially dark shirts, suits, and jackets), wearing wrinkled clothing (just get our recommended steamer), and not tucking in your shoelaces really matter with your overall look.

Speaking of tucking in shoelaces (something Ashley is always super focused on as a stylist), our friends at Straight Laces have an ingenious shoelace set up that creates a clean, tucked look and basically turns all your shoes into slip on’s. It’s such a smart, useful product and we’re using them on all our shoes personally and with Ashley’s clients. Seriously, they’re that good. Just for our readers and viewers, we’ve got a deal for 40% off 3 or more laces! Shop here and use code AshWeston40.

Not dressing your age

We’ve discussed how to dress well in your 40’s before and a big part of it is embracing your age and wearing items that are classy and age-appropriate.

Wearing dirty, old shoes

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but a bad pair of shoes can absolutely ruin your entire look. Keep them in good condition and shined up.

Not Grooming Regularly

Overgrown hair, beards, and fingernails are no bueno. Make sure you’re taking proper care of your grooming and putting your best foot forward. Especially important in professional environments. We’ve got a ton of tips in all of our grooming guides.

Not taking care of your skin

Just like your grooming, proper skin care is an important part of your overall routine. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated but you should find a morning routine and an evening routine that works for you. Focus on moisturizing, good shaving techniques, and using the right products.

Wearing faded, ripped or pilled items

When items are faded (especially shirts, pants and sweaters), it’s time to send them off to the donation bin and get some replacements. If your sweaters are pilled, you just need to get a sweater shaver (we like this one best) to remove the little balls and get it back in good shape.

10 Best Gifts For Men | Men’s Gift Guide 2019

It’s officially holiday time and there’s no doubt you’re going to need to find some cool, useful gifts for your friends and family. While you’re at it, you should probably pick out something nice for yourself too right? We see a ton of products all the time so we thought we’d do the hard work for you and pick out some of our absolute favorite items to make your shopping that much easier this year. Add these to your list and we guarantee great results and a ton of happy recipients. Need a few more ideas? Check out our Gift Guides from years past.

Here are our picks the 10 best gifts for men! Happy Holidays!

LEATHERMAN KEYCHAIN – $35

Super handy and will always be useful when you least expect it, we gift these to everyone in our lives. It’s small, affordable, and packs a ton of utility into a small package. They come in a range of colors too.

Dad Fanny Pack – $10

Whether you need a good, affordable silly gift for a white elephant gift exchange or just want to gift friends and family with something funny, this is a great option.

Vitamix Blender – $400

The absolute Rolls Royce of blenders, this item is a staple item in our lives and we use it a ton. It’s great for everything from smoothies to soups to “Nice Cream” (frozen banana ice cream). Not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth every penny.

Pour-Over Coffee Brewing Set for One – $69

Good coffee gear is absolutely essential and this handy, single-cup brewer is an awesome gift for all the coffee snobs in your life. Once they ditch the garbage Keurig brewer and try a fresh cup from a pour-over there’s no going back, we promise. We’re also big fans of the Aeropress brewer for more of an espresso-style cup.

Manscaped Lawnmower 2.0 Trimmer

It goes without saying that proper grooming is hugely important and that goes for body hair and your hair downstairs. Speaking for the women in the world, Ashley can’t recommend this trimmer enough for keeping your package area tidy and neat. Trust us, it’s that important. The Lawnmower 2.0 trimmer is super handy and makes grooming everywhere a breeze. It’s waterproof and has a powerful 6,000 RPM motor with SkinSafe™ Technology so you’ll never experience any nicks or snags. They even guarantee it and will give you your money back if you’re not happy.

We’ve got an awesome deal from Manscaped and you can get 20% OFF plus Free Shipping, and 2 free gifts with code WESTON at Manscaped.com! The Perfect Package 2.0 kit features the Lawnmower 2.0 trimmer, a refreshing crop reviver toner, crop preserver deodorant, and a comfy pair of boxer briefs. Pick up your kit here, it’s perfect for friends, family, or yourself!

Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones – $400

We’ve discussed how important these are before and this new model from Bose is even better. An absolute must for anyone who travels a lot, this new version even has a toggle switch that adjusts the noise-cancelling levels for a custom feel. Another item that’s pricey but worth every penny.

Ultra-Slim Lightweight Charger – $29

Speaking of handy travel accessories, this small charger is a life-saver if you’re like most of us who and constantly teetering on low battery. The perfect affordable stocking stuffer!

Custom Family Portrait Illustration – $20 and up

Both thoughtful and clever, this gift allows you to create a custom illustration based on a photo. Awesome for a thoughtful or funny gift.

Zojirushi Stainless Thermos Mug – $27

Another one of our absolute favorite EDC items we have recommended before, this mug is incredible. You won’t believe how warm or cold it keeps your go-to beverages. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes too.

Itunes Store or Google Play Store Gift Cards – $10 and up

Cash can feel impersonal and something as simple as an Itunes or Google Play gift card is a way better option. No matter what the situation is, the recipient is always going to love this one.

What NOT To Wear If You’re Over 40 | Style Tips For Older Men

As we discussed in our previous video about Dressing Well When You’re Over 40, style and confidence as you age is all about embracing what you have and presenting a classy, refined look. Now, it’s worth mentioning that nearly all of our style advice, from Essential Wardrobe items to Fit Guides, applies to all age ranges. But, dressing well later on in life is just as much about what NOT to wear as it is the exact items you are wearing.

So, we thought we’d answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about what not wear if you’re over 40.

Q: Can an older man wear white sneakers?

A: Absolutely they can. In fact, we did a whole video about it. White sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths and are a classic casual item for any man, regardless of age. That said, if you’re not comfortable wearing white sneakers or you feel like they’re a bit too young, we recommend going with a nice, clean leather sneaker in any color of grey or navy blue. Suede versions are excellent too as the added texture is a nice look.

Picks:

Common Projects

Koio

Beckett Simonon

Q: Is it really important to wear fitted clothing?

A: Yes, it’s critical to wear well-fitting clothing, no matter how casual or dressy. That said, this doesn’t mean tight! There is a HUGE difference between slim, well-fitting, clothing that’s proportional to your body type and something that’s overly tight. A lot of older men end up skewing overly large or baggy due to comfort or fears that they aren’t dressing their age but having a wardrobe that fits you well is something every man should have, regardless of age. For mode insight, make sure to check out all of our fit guides for in-depth info on all types of clothing items.

Q: What can I do to give my wardrobe some personality?

A: The most simple and cost-effective way is the right choice of accessories. So watch bands, ties and pocket squares, a ring, or a fun patterned sock are all great ways to add a bit of personality in an age-appropriate way. Being age-appropriate is the key thing, and over-accessorizing is a quick way to kill your style by making it look like you are trying too hard.

Q: What items should I avoid if I’m over 40?

As we mentioned in a previous video, leather jackets are a big one for men over 40 to avoid, with one exception. We do like leather or suede bomber-style jackets for men in this age range, but other types like moto and biker-style jackets just make you look like you’re having a midlife crisis. T-shirts with logos are another huge no-no, they just make you look juvenile. Additional types of t-shirts to avoid include henleys and deep v-neck t-shirts. They just aren’t the right look for an older guy. Stick to polos and well-fitting crewneck t-shirts. On the denim side of things, jeans that are light-wash, or ripped and distressed fall into the same category, they just look too young. Keep your jeans well-fitting and in a dark wash.

3 Men’s Boots You Need Right Now | Best Men’s Boots

It’s boot season! As we talked about in our Fall Shoes video, boots take an important place in your wardrobe and the right ones can have you looking stylish and protected from the elements all the way to Spring! If you’re in a part of the country that deals with a lot of rain, snow, or other inclement weather make sure you take the extra steps to protect your boots with proper weather-proofing and care. Great boots are all about versatility and all of these picks can be worn with multiple types of outfits from casual to dressy. Here are the 3 men’s boots you need right now!

Click here to Get 20% off you ENTIRE Beckett Simonon purchase with code: AW. Thanks to our friends at Beckett Simonon for sponsoring this video!

The Dress Boot

Obviously this one goes best with your smart-casual outfits and Fall/Winter suits. If you don’t really wear many suits and wool trousers, then the next type of boot we’ll talk about is definitely more for you. As for these, there’s need to mess with a classic – it’s sleek and sophisticated, like the Porsche of dress boots. A captoe boot will add a bit of polish to everything and we love how the boot silhouette just adds a different vibe to your outfit. If you want something with a little extra flair, you can go with their version featuring broguing details.

Picks:

Outfit Details:

The Casual Boot

If you’re a man, and you don’t live in a tropical climate, you absolutely need a casual boot. There are many different options but like the dress boot, a super-versatile captoe style is sharp enough to dress up or down. You can also go with a plain-toe version too, but we prefer a captoe as our pick as it adds a more interesting touch. As far as broguing, we can go either way but overall we tend to like a cleaner design for this type of boot. This style of boot is outstanding because it is so versatile, wear it with casual denim looks or dress it up a bit with chinos or wool trousers. The sturdy, casual sole is polished but not too dressy.

Picks:

Black Casual Boot

Dark Brown Casual Boot

Wingtip Brogue Casual Boot

Captoe Brogue Casual Boot

Outfit Details:

The Chelsea Boot

Super-sleek and stylish, the Chelsea boot should be treated as a dressier shoe. We like pairing black leather or dark brown suede Chelsea boots with slim, tapered black jeans or suiting and wool trousers. Protip: the key is to make sure your pants are tapered so they ever so lightly hug the top your boot. Black and dark brown are the key colors here and we like a suede version to mix up the texture a bit.

Picks:

Black Leather Chelsea

Dark Brown Suede Chelsea

Outfit Details: