A versatile and modernly refined smart-casual menswear look that plays to the upcoming seasonal elements as well as too a practical gentlemanly aesthetic (+ a style photo vignette diary)
Words + Photos ~ By Lyle Eero ~ August 28, 2015
It's somewhat disheartening to consider that it was seemingly only yesterday that summer was upon us. Yet — and as nature is so consistently inclined in reminding us — seasons change quickly, and often without nary a warning. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm certainly crossing my fingers in prayer for that elusive Indian summer to make a special-guest appearance, but I'm optimistic and a realist, so that enduring desire alone has not prevented me from looking ahead to the fall — and too the endless styling possibilities it routinely presents to the sartorially discerning gent each passing year.
As such — and while outlining my inaugural fall photo shoots — this specific outfit crept up on me just when the weather seemed to rear its ugly side — on a cold dreary late summer morning. It's initial curation was wrought in spontaneity but thereafter refined with considerable reference to my peculiar personal style philosophies: in adhering to a studied level of gentlemanly refinement AND casual nonchalance — in always looking well put-together yet comfortably practical for any challenge, both sartorial and elemental.
To that tune, the resulting look was one of a laid-back yet sophisticatedly disarming warmth that classically references the timeless monochromatic palette; it is a coordinated ensemble that will inevitably be a seasonal wardrobe essential this upcoming fall (autumn) and winter in my personal collection.
To that tune, the resulting look was one of a laid-back yet sophisticatedly disarming warmth that classically references the timeless monochromatic palette; it is a coordinated ensemble that will inevitably be a seasonal wardrobe essential this upcoming fall (autumn) and winter in my personal collection.
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Now, the look!
The grey (wool-cotton blend) houndstooth cropped trench (by Topman) is the headlining piece of this outfit — and rightfully so! It immediately captures the eye and is a timeless piece of versatile transitional wear that formally smartens up even the most casual of looks whilst also providing an aesthetic template that can conform to virtually any business attire obligations. And, while I always stress — and am an outspoken advocate of — the importance of curating a genuine, lasting style as opposed to one that caters to the transience of fashionable trends, this jacket just so also happens to seamlessly cater to a key menswear trend of A/W 2015, which is calling for an abundance of checks with complimentary balances. Be as that may, I've been relying upon it for the greater parts of three-quarters of a decade to keep me sartorially composed, seasonally practical, and gentlemanly appropriate; which, to that extent, means that while it may be an upcoming trend, it nevertheless has a timeless appeal that will perpetuate far beyond the seasonally fickle fashion winds.
As for the houndstooth, if you are not a fan then that is perfectly fine, simply opt for another checked pattern (windowpane, puppy tooth, herringbone) and/or colour + design scheme (tartan, Buffalo plaid, black, red, etc.) in its stead and proceed naturally. But, be mindful in remembering to keeping the checks in (ahem!) check by opting for smaller designs over large, or worse, substantially gaudy designs (and eyesores) — both in which lack that certain level of sophistication and classic refinement that is endlessly in vogue.
Sport It Well: Begin with the jacket by properly securing it by means of its belt loops in the middle of your torso as advertised, by rakishly tying it to the side (adding a splash of spezzato...as I'm often inclined to do), or by simply — and classically — anchoring it at the back. Whichever way you so choose at the end of the day is a matter of personal inclination and is inconsequential in that this seasonal staple is inarguably a modern gentlemanly wardrobe essential that can be called upon nearly anytime of the year (and paired with nearly anything), irrespective of your personal styling whims — which only further cements its true investment value. It performs admirably in the rain, up against harsh winds, or (and styled in a personally favourite manner of mine, layered over a cable-knit turtleneck sweater) in the middle of a cold snap. And to that effect, when all is said and done and the proverbial dust has settled, what you will be privy to is the sartorial equivalent of striking outerwear gold.
Consequently, I could wax poetic about this lovely piece of outerwear for hours, but there are other accoutrements that round out the outfit; those that perform the pivotal supporting roles in order to provide the textural accents (the leather loafers) and tonal balances (the blacks and greys) that complete the (or any) look.
And, first in the docket is the black leather horsebit loafers (worn sockless… in keeping it summer apropos for the time being). These (like most any loafers) lend an instant dash of elegance that, when working in tandem with the jacket, help successfully create an aura of understated formality that plays well with the general casualness of the rest of the look. Closing out this simple uniform — contrasting those sharp lines — is a simple charcoal grey marl crewneck tee and another modern gentlemanly wardrobe essential: a pair of skinny fit black jeans.
Simple and refined, this entire look is predicated upon fulfilling those two tenets; there is nothing overly ostentatious or substantial about it, just toned-down elegance and a clean silhouette that wouldn't look out of place anywhere.
So, apart from that, the final matter I'd advise you to address (to complete the getup) is in implementing some of your own personal touches in the accessory department (sunglasses, watch, bracelets) — which will render the look uniquely yours. Thenceforth, you can confidently take on your day with the sartorial reassurance that you are fundamentally prepared for any situation that beckons.
The grey (wool-cotton blend) houndstooth cropped trench (by Topman) is the headlining piece of this outfit — and rightfully so! It immediately captures the eye and is a timeless piece of versatile transitional wear that formally smartens up even the most casual of looks whilst also providing an aesthetic template that can conform to virtually any business attire obligations. And, while I always stress — and am an outspoken advocate of — the importance of curating a genuine, lasting style as opposed to one that caters to the transience of fashionable trends, this jacket just so also happens to seamlessly cater to a key menswear trend of A/W 2015, which is calling for an abundance of checks with complimentary balances. Be as that may, I've been relying upon it for the greater parts of three-quarters of a decade to keep me sartorially composed, seasonally practical, and gentlemanly appropriate; which, to that extent, means that while it may be an upcoming trend, it nevertheless has a timeless appeal that will perpetuate far beyond the seasonally fickle fashion winds.
As for the houndstooth, if you are not a fan then that is perfectly fine, simply opt for another checked pattern (windowpane, puppy tooth, herringbone) and/or colour + design scheme (tartan, Buffalo plaid, black, red, etc.) in its stead and proceed naturally. But, be mindful in remembering to keeping the checks in (ahem!) check by opting for smaller designs over large, or worse, substantially gaudy designs (and eyesores) — both in which lack that certain level of sophistication and classic refinement that is endlessly in vogue.
Sport It Well: Begin with the jacket by properly securing it by means of its belt loops in the middle of your torso as advertised, by rakishly tying it to the side (adding a splash of spezzato...as I'm often inclined to do), or by simply — and classically — anchoring it at the back. Whichever way you so choose at the end of the day is a matter of personal inclination and is inconsequential in that this seasonal staple is inarguably a modern gentlemanly wardrobe essential that can be called upon nearly anytime of the year (and paired with nearly anything), irrespective of your personal styling whims — which only further cements its true investment value. It performs admirably in the rain, up against harsh winds, or (and styled in a personally favourite manner of mine, layered over a cable-knit turtleneck sweater) in the middle of a cold snap. And to that effect, when all is said and done and the proverbial dust has settled, what you will be privy to is the sartorial equivalent of striking outerwear gold.
Consequently, I could wax poetic about this lovely piece of outerwear for hours, but there are other accoutrements that round out the outfit; those that perform the pivotal supporting roles in order to provide the textural accents (the leather loafers) and tonal balances (the blacks and greys) that complete the (or any) look.
And, first in the docket is the black leather horsebit loafers (worn sockless… in keeping it summer apropos for the time being). These (like most any loafers) lend an instant dash of elegance that, when working in tandem with the jacket, help successfully create an aura of understated formality that plays well with the general casualness of the rest of the look. Closing out this simple uniform — contrasting those sharp lines — is a simple charcoal grey marl crewneck tee and another modern gentlemanly wardrobe essential: a pair of skinny fit black jeans.
Simple and refined, this entire look is predicated upon fulfilling those two tenets; there is nothing overly ostentatious or substantial about it, just toned-down elegance and a clean silhouette that wouldn't look out of place anywhere.
So, apart from that, the final matter I'd advise you to address (to complete the getup) is in implementing some of your own personal touches in the accessory department (sunglasses, watch, bracelets) — which will render the look uniquely yours. Thenceforth, you can confidently take on your day with the sartorial reassurance that you are fundamentally prepared for any situation that beckons.
STYLE BREAKDOWN
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SHOP THE LOOK: Houndstooth Cropped Trench (Topman), Skinny Black Jeans (River Island), Charcoal Grey Marl Tee (Topman), Loafers (Joseph Abboud), Sunglasses (Ray-Ban), Watch (Skagen Denmark), Bracelets (Aldo + King Ice), Wallet (Herschel Supply Co., not shown)
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THE SOUNDTRACK
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Music + style: they are personally inseparable to me. I do not start a single day without either, with both playing active rolls in helping craft the creativity energies of its direct counterpart. With that said, I (wittingly) get dressed in the morning while listening to music as it artistically calls out of slumber my inner inhibitions, spurning me on to take on the day with sartorial panache and a (ideally) unrelenting purpose to successfully accomplish that in which I've set out for myself. And, this song, You Work For Me, is a soulful aphrodisiac that consistently fuels me up with its James Bond-esque vibe (it is actually from The Man From U.N.C.L.E), simplistic lyricism, and deliberate message. As consequence, Ms. Mvula does an excellent job in motivating me whenever I come calling. Outfit wise, the song harkens to espionage, which in a way so does this look — it is grounded in an unassumingly calculated, muted, and understated elegance!
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A FINAL WORD…and a parting shot (captured during this photo shoot)
Well, that's it. And if you've made it this far into the post, thank you for reading along!
Looking to the prospective future, be on the lookout next week for a penultimate post on gentlemanly summer style (an adventurous photo diary). And if you were wondering about the lovely photograph above, it was a beautiful flower that I was able to capture during this photo op; and while it may be (contextually) unrelated to the general purpose of this post, it does in fact demonstrate the style and beauty that nature itself commonly puts on display — a beauty that is certainly inspirational to any artistic mind. And it is for that very reason that I felt compelled to share its majesty with you all, my valued friends, colleagues, and avid followers. So, I hope you have enjoyed the gentlemanly styling as well as the accompanying photography, until next time…
Cheers!
Looking to the prospective future, be on the lookout next week for a penultimate post on gentlemanly summer style (an adventurous photo diary). And if you were wondering about the lovely photograph above, it was a beautiful flower that I was able to capture during this photo op; and while it may be (contextually) unrelated to the general purpose of this post, it does in fact demonstrate the style and beauty that nature itself commonly puts on display — a beauty that is certainly inspirational to any artistic mind. And it is for that very reason that I felt compelled to share its majesty with you all, my valued friends, colleagues, and avid followers. So, I hope you have enjoyed the gentlemanly styling as well as the accompanying photography, until next time…
Cheers!
THOUGHTS/OPINIONS
Are you looking forward to the layers of fall dressing? How about colours, will you be carrying them over into the season or will you be embracing a more tonally subdued wardrobe aesthetic? Do you own a statement jacket?
Are you looking forward to the layers of fall dressing? How about colours, will you be carrying them over into the season or will you be embracing a more tonally subdued wardrobe aesthetic? Do you own a statement jacket?
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