Dressing Up DENIM
I cherish my denim jacket. Is there a way I can wear it—as well as my favorite pair of jeans—to go from weekends to work?
The good news is that denim today isn’t what your dad used to wear. Modern fashion has not only embraced denim but has expanded its use as it’s showing up everywhere from Hollywood movie premieres to business-casual workplaces.
The red carpet has few fashion rules, whereas date nights and the settings still have loose guidelines to follow. For starters, be sure jackets fit properly—nothing too baggy or too tight. When considering length, the bottom hem should hit at your hips. A neat denim jacket can work in a business-casual environment, and in many cases it can be worn as a replacement for a sportcoat. For example, wear it over a checked, button-up shirt or a polo that’s paired with dress chinos or khakis. A pair of high-quality jeans will make every guy look good. An indigo or deep blue-gray pair works in almost every setting, as long as the jeans are neat, clean and close-fitting (not skinny). Dress them up with a button-up shirt and either a vest or a V-neck sweater on top if there’s still a chill in the air.
GETTING SNEAKERS Right
My closet is full of leather and suede sneakers. How can I incorporate them into my attire for the office?
Every day can feel like casual Friday—even if wearing a suit is still the norm. Go ahead and wear sneakers with tailored clothing, as long as your suit has a slim silhouette and the trousers end just above your ankles. In fact, it’s cool to show off a little ankle too. Leather and suede sneakers should always be clean, meaning free of dirt and excessive branding (save the logos for the basketball court). Your best bet is to stick to a neutral color palette—pare it down to black, brown, navy and white—as it’s easier to cross the line between casual and business with a timeless design.
SUITED for Summer
The weather is getting warmer but I’m not ready to give up wearing a suit. What are my options this season?
Most of us are naturally more laid-back in warmer months, especially when it comes to fashion. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about style. Linen and seersucker are the ultimate fabrics for summer suits—they’re both lightweight and breathable, and they’ll look great at an outdoor party. If you’re concerned about wrinkles, which we all know are a feature of linen, try a linen/cotton or linen/wool blend. Still wearing a suit to the office? A great option is a high-twist or fresco wool suit in a lighter shade of blue or gray; this material allows for maximum airflow and will wick away moisture. In a business-casual environment, an unstructured sportcoat in a cotton/linen blend or a jersey knit is a smart alternative that’ll make you feel and look cool.