5 Days, 5 Ways: The Art of the Sport Coat

The sport coat is the building block of many a man’s wardrobe, but it’s easy to forget how creatively it can be worn—it doesn’t have to be white/blue shirt,  jeans, maaaybe a tie, end of story. Dress it up, dress it down, pair a classic color with something unexpected.

Aim for a slimmer, more modern fit, shorter length, trimmer sleeves, and a higher armhole.

Below, five ways to wear a sport coat:

MONDAY

Wear it well: Tackle Monday with some color. I love how the green cords play off the purple patterned dress shirt and cozy (but still professional) sweater. A perfectly-battered briefcase completes the ensemble.

Key pieces: corduroy sportcoat | dress shirt | loafers

TUESDAY

Wear it well: Sometimes when I’m running late, I default to a monochromatic color palette so I can be sure everything matches. One of my favorite shades to incorporate head-to-toe? Navy. I love how the knit sweater plays off the deep blue gingham shirt, and creates a nice long line with the crisp dark denim. I dressed it down with sneakers, but it would look just as good with desert boots or a lace-up.

Key pieces: herringbone sportcoat | navy sweater |dark jeans

WEDNESDAY

Wear it well: I wanted this conservative sport coat to have some fun, so I paired it with a (slightly) rumpled pair of khakis with the cuffs upturned, a chambray shirt, and topped it all off with a luxe puffer and super-soft scarf. My favorite element, though? The merino wool mockneck sweater with just the slightest suede detailing. You have to feel it – you could sleep in that thing.

Key pieces: suede puffer vest | chinos

THURSDAY

Wear it well: I was thinking of a reader who once asked me what he could wear to the office and to the construction site he managed when I styled this look. Note how at home the textured jacket looks with the chunky sweater, vest, and yes, work boots.

Corduroy pants in a color that brings out the yellow stripe of the sweater completes the “office to outdoors” vibe.

Key pieces: plaid sweater, hiking boots

FRIDAY

Wear it well: The Prince of Wales check on this sport coat practically becomes a neutral against such a vibrant sweater. The cable-knit cashmere sweater needs no accompaniment – toss a v- or crewneck underneath – and you’re good to go up top. I love the idea of beat-to-hell jeans with a pair of driving mocs; with a weekender bag in hand, it’s all you need to bid farewell to the work week.

Key pieces: weekender bag | black leather belt

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> For more style inspiration, see here, and here, and here!

(photography: Nathan Kraxberger)