We’ve talked about how indispensable the right backpack is before and there are a ton of great options out there for every budget. Whether you’re hauling books to school or commuting to work, you want to make sure you look for something streamlined but also offers adequate protection for your laptop or tablet.
Also, if you work in an office, you want to make sure your pack is clean and professional-looking. You don’t want to come off looking like a teenager. Here are our picks for the 5 best men’s backpacks under $100.
Boots are a fall/winter staple and the right pair (or two) should be versatile enough for a variety of outfits and occasions. I think Chelsea boots are more of a spring/summer style so we’re focusing on shoes that will get you through the colder, wetter months of the year and work better with heavier clothing.
One thing to remember, look at boots as an investment, good ones aren’t cheap, but properly taken care of they can last you many years. There are a ton of options out there and we’ll include our picks, but we’ve narrowed it down to three basic styles that you should have in your closet.
Desert/Chukka Boots
The most versatile and least seasonal, you can wear these nearly year round. They’re light and comfortable and work well with both casual looks (jeans, chinos) and more dressy looks (with sweaters and blazers).
What you probably think of when you think of boots, these are more rugged and have thicker/chunkier soles. The look great with jeans and chinos and will get you through the colder months and weather with ease. They can come in a variety of styles, some very casual, others a bit more dressy.
Yes, you can and should dress up your boots. Just make sure you’ve got the right styles. Think of these like the hightop versions of your dress shoes. They should have a thinner, dressier sole and nice leather. Look for them in cap toe or wingtip versions. Formality note: some dressier styles come with a bit more tread (called a lug sole) which can still look good with dressier clothes, but it will make them slightly less formal.
No matter what the season or dress code, chinos are an essential style staple. Here are three ways to style your chinos for casual, business casual, or dressy situations!
Don’t forget to check out our chino fit guide for more details!
By now you know the importance of having a solid white sneaker in your rotation and the Adidas Stan Smith is a super popular sneaker style these days. But, are they worth a purchase if you’re looking for white sneakers? In this video, you’ll find out if the Stan Smith’s are worth it!
Whether you live in a place with year-round warm weather or are gearing up for the Spring and Summer season, having a well-fitting shorts rotation is key to a well-rounded casual wardrobe. Despite their casualness, the effort you put into how your shorts look and fit shouldn’t be an afterthought. My Fit Guide is something I always refer back to for a reason, and just like you consider the fit, look, and fabrics of your shirts and pants, your shorts arsenal should get the same type of consideration.
Get The Right Fit
Your shorts should be as well-fitting as your favorite pair of chinos or denim, and that starts with getting the right length and taper. The sweet spot for short length is somewhere between the top of your knee up to a max of 2” above your knee, regardless of body type. This length is going to be both versatile and flattering, no matter what else you’re wearing.Ultimately you should look for shorts with a 7”-10” inseam, depending on where you are comfortable wearing them.
Avoid overly baggy or tight shorts by choosing a pair that gives you the right taper. A quick and easy way to find the right fit is, you should be able to pinch 1-2” on either side of your thigh. Much more or less and you’re headed into the shorts danger zone.
Find The Right Style
Now that you’ve got a good idea what the right fit is for you, it’s time to focus on finding the right styles. Here are a few quick tips to ensure you’re setting yourself up for shorts success.
Stick To Flat Front Styles
Pleats are a no-go here, they’re only going to age you and make you look like you’ve got a pooch.
Cotton Is King
In terms of material, you want to choose cotton or cotton blends like chino cloth, seersucker, or linen, they’re the most versatile and easy to care for.
Go With Classic Colors
In the color department, for your primary shorts you want to go with solid colors like blue, grey, and khaki because they’re timeless and will always look sharp. Once you’ve got the basics on lock, you can always mix in a plaid or a fun pattern, but just know that wearing these on a day-to-day basis, outside of a fun event, can read a little boyish. Use your discretion here but I recommend sticking with solids to start.
