All our recent talk of upgrades, updates, and undying love for essentials has placed a distinct “what small thing can make a big difference?” halo over Style Girlfriend HQ’s thoughts. And what better way to amplify this than by harnessing one of our favorite style hacks? That’s right, we’re back with another round of strategic swaps to skyrocket your style – without all of the hard work.
Start the season with a few men’s wardrobe improvements:
Feel-good Fedora
Forever 21, $15 | Brixton, $84
Chances are you’re hoping to achieve a Humphrey Bogart vibe when you don this iconic headwear – and for good reason, it’s a dapper choice. When it’s styled correctly, being likened to a movie / rock / style star is not to be unexpected. Also not so surprisingly, choose the wrong style and you may end up locking in a 1920’s gangster-meets-amateur-magician aesthetic. And I’m going to level with you: that’s not exactly a swoon-worthy look. So, let’s simplify the notoriously tricky fedora with a cheat sheet on the details to look for and avoid:
To find:
- Styles that suit your face! That’s right, just like sunglasses, not every style will compliment every guy.
- Go felt. While a fur felt fedora is the highest quality, any material other than shiny cotton (or satin) is the way to go.
- A mid-sized brim. You’ve surely seen many reach for a more narrow brimmed trilby – thinking it’s a fedora – but your fedora will have a wider brim and a less pointed crown.
To avoid:
- Pinstripes, patterns, or anything that denotes it may have been purchased from Hot Topic.
- Bright colors and stark white as these both scream, “novelty gift store.”
Stylish Staple Trousers
J. Crew Factory, $83 | Reiss, $220
You may have noticed that Style Girlfriend HQ is rolling deep with staples recently, and we’re showing no signs of stopping. When it comes to finding a hardworking and versatile pant, you can’t go wrong with a grey trouser. But that’s not to say we can’t throw a tailoring PSA your way, right? Even something as essential (read: simple) as a pair of dress pants can benefit from special attention in the fit area:
- Think tailored, not tight. You should be able to sit in your trousers without worrying about busting through the seams.
- Proper waistbands will fit well-enough to leave a belt behind.
- A “slight break” is best for most guys when it comes to length. (Though, we’re not mad at the “no break” style, y’all).
- To cuff or no cuff? If you’re unsure, go with a cuff as it can be let out later.
Channel Jeff Goldblum in this handsome look
Versatile Loafers
There’s arguably no other style “don’t” I’m more impassioned about than a square-toed shoe. (See: Exhibit A and Exhibit B). This “please don’t” passion is closely followed by the utility – often square toed – loafer that looks more sturdy than stylish.
5 different ways to wear polished penny loafers
A refined raincoat
Bleu de Paname, $119 | Stutterheim, $239
What we know: This season plays by its own rules, bouncing from sunny skies to chilly downpours without much warning.
What we don’t know: How branded, promotional raincoats – or worse, choosing the newspaper shield over a proper raincoat – are still being worn by otherwise dapper fellas.
Whether you opt for a classic raincoat, an iconic trench, or a British Mac, upgrading your rainwear will have an immediate grown-up (see also: handsome) effect on your entire look.
Sleek socks
MrMisocki, $35 | Paul Smith, $30
I once had an entire apple cider beer spilled on me at a sports bar by a man wearing white sports socks with his charcoal suit. Now, I’m not saying that wearing white socks with a suit will cause you to stain my summer dress with your Angry Orchard beverage…but I’m not saying it won’t cause it. If that’s not convincing enough, let’s consider these tried and true sock style standards:
- White socks are for athletic endeavors only. As in: White socks are the jelly to sneakers’ peanut butter.
- Wearing dress shoes? Wear dress socks. Athletic socks are often thicker and more prone to buckling at the ankle, interrupting the streamlined look of your dress shoes. Also, the ribbed cotton will make it harder to get your dress shoes on in the first place.
- Matching matters. If you’re opting for colors and patterns, make sure those colors are incorporated in the rest of your look. Keeping it brown or black? Match socks to your pants versus your shoes.
Cool Crewneck sweatshirt
A good crewneck sweatshirt is the definition of a classic. We see them in unquestionably dapper 1950s collegiate photos and at nearly every Men’s Fashion Week – being praised and updated at every turn. These heritage staples may have started in the vein of team spirit and alma mater fashion, but they don’t have to stop there.
Put an unexpected twist on your standby sweatshirt by scooping up a fresh color or retro-inspired minimal design – just skip any movie / cartoon / comic book references, please.
Another way to style a crewneck sweatshirt
The “Going out” Shirt
JackThreads, $49 | Bonobos, $98
Oh, the “going out” shirt, the clubbing button-up. Oft accompanied by ill-fitting pants and just shy of bedazzled buttons, these “I’m getting dressed up” shirts can flirt with Night at the Roxbury-level peacocking. Overwhelming at best, something Ryan Lochte would wear to say the least.
Here’s the thing: An adult man’s wardrobe should be able to translate from work to play without distinguishing between the two. Sure, there’s always an opportunity to dress up or dress down your staples, but let your personality do the talking – not your satin, patterned party shirt.
Does a woman like your outfit? She may already be telling you
TELL ME:
WHAT ARE YOUR BIG STYLE SWAPS?
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Trainers for leather sneakers or brogues is my main (trainers stay in the gym) and casual blazer or nice sweater for a sweatshirt.
LOL at the Lochte reference! Also, I cringe at those times I had that Hot Topic/American Idol-ish fedora a decade back.
For me, it’s:
– v-neck undershirts over crewneck ones (having a white material peeking under a shirt seems off, and I have yet to find a great scoop neck tee)
– minimalist sneakers over chunkier Seinfeld-ish ones (reason my all-black Chuck IIs & grey suede BR high-tops can translate well to work)
– twill joggers over sweatpants (cooler to have on a Sunday morning errand run)
– light bomber over hoodie (more versatile AND cooler)
On another note, I’m wondering what type of sock is best for your typical minimalist sneaker or chukka boot because I’d like something a sleeker than a dark athletic sock.
Haha! Oh, those fashion phases we all go through…
For a minimal sneaker, I’d go the no-show sock route (stance has great options) and with chukkas I love playful socks like Happy Socks.
Stance socks all the way…for now show or mid cuts
We love Stance at SG HQ!!
Brittany, first of all great post! I always appreciate how SG, so smoothly, works the humor from personal experience into each post. Damn sweat sock and cider stiffs! Haha. Anyway, I definitely have my eye on some new grey wool pants for fall. I did also actually order a crewneck sweatshirt earlier this week. https://qualitypeoples.com/collections/all/products/coffee-waves-sweatshirt
I wanted it awhile ago, but they just restocked it. I still have a rust/burnt orange Obey crewneck that is the most comfortable one I’ve ever owned from two years ago that I can’t let go. Lastly, I just went to the new Bonobos guide shop in Philly yesterday. It opened up two weeks ago and I just happened to be off! Needless to say I wanted EVERYTHING. It’s my favorite brand due to quality materials, fit, and styles offered. The big “B”is always on point. Happy Friday! Cheers
Thanks, Brian! I JUST saw that Quality People sweatshirt this week and wanted to buy it for myself because it’s so great haha love it.
Those shoes though – see a lot of dudes wearing stuff like that. Old man shoes. The “Health and Safety” rubber soles on the bottom are horrible.
Such a great article Brittany! I used to wear crew neck t shirts all the time. Once I switched to henleys, it made a world of a difference in my style.
I know, right?!
And if they made henleys and scoop necks more, I’m sure the world would be a better place to live in.
haha, healing the world, one shirt upgrade at a time 🙂
The scoop neck kinda screams douche in NY. Lol
Probably makes more sense as an undershirt rather as an independent piece. Can’t say that I like seeing a crewneck tee peeking out of a shirt.
If scoop necks aren’t your thing, v-necks (the non-deep ones) are probably more palatable among other things. Also has the benefit of elongating your neck, mind you.
I’m a v neck guy when it comes to undershirts for sure. I will Def throw on a clean white v neck to run errands or go to the gym. White crew neck undershirt with an open collar is no Bueno. But I will use a heather or color crew neck as a layer with a casual button front some times.
Mine have been:
-Minimalist sneakers over loud trainers. While I have still stuck with Nike (and always will) there are great options in the minimalist/retro realm and great collabs that aren’t super loud and gaudy.
-Investing in high quality boots/dress shoes instead of opting for cheap. It makes a massive difference.
-Field Jacket/Chore coat instead of a hoodie. Can be dressed up or down and always looks great.
I’ll assume I’m the only guy here with a pair of white dress socks. It’s admittedly a “mod” move, but you’ll be happy to know they pair with Weejuns.
Makes me think of Randy Quaid in National Lampoon, didn’t he wear a look like that?
He wore white loafers in “Vacation”.
ha, so I was close!
“It’s a one-year membership in the jelly of the month club.”
“Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”
I don’t have quite the panache of a Cousin Eddie XD
Could not agree with your more. I detest square toed shoes and “going out shirts”. It’s a style best left in the 90s and early 00’s. As for the fedora, I definitely agree with your advice and if you’re going to rock one, that’s the way to do it. However, I’ve tried a variety of hats in different styes and they just don’t seem to work for me.
Last fall I made a hard push to a utilitarian style. That whole lumber thing was happening and my beard grown in. I’m going to retain some of those pieces for sure: heavy demin shirts, canvas looking chino and of course the bean boots will be out in the cold months. But I think I’m going to shop for a slightly more city edge this fall but i want to combin the too because I will never wear just all black.
And for the shoes Cole Haan is an easy mostly affordable go to. I get so much work out if these. I’m going to see him for some black lace ups for the office so I can keep these for weekends.
Looking good, Joe!
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So apart from socks you seem to be saying swap cheap for more expensive stuff?
And those Cole haan shoes are just shocking, get rid immediately, shudder!
the “going out shirt” and “square toed shoes” reminds me of “Look at my Striped Shirt” if you dont know it look it up, its completely nails the late 90s /early 2000s douche going out in manhattan.
Fantastic article!
It’s just missing swapping loud Tees with plain ones with/without contrasting pockets. And also plain-colored sneakers instead of loud rubber shoes.