Fashion is one of the few industries where men’s has evolved slower than women’s. Thus, it has taken me a little longer to introduce men’s fashion to Whitney Wisdom. But today’s the day!
Thanks to celebrities and athletes moving from generic cultural influencers into full-fledged style icons, menswear extends far beyond lapel length and pocket cuts. Virtually year-round, jackets are an easy piece that can make a thrown-together outfit, fashionable. Here are the top picks for the more stylish everyday man of 2019.
The Modern Staple: Think of it this way: the more stylish you look, the more you’re going to capture a girls attention. (Just sayin’.) This waxed cotton utility jacket, by Taylor Stitch, does just that. Taylor Stitch out in San Fran is your god when it comes to jackets, because no one does cool quite like California. Taylor Stitch conducts a large part of their manufacturing in the USA using environmentally friendly fabrics. The garments are sewn to have an excellent fit, framing each man’s body in a flattering way. I also love their maroon moto jacket for night, and they make this same wax cotton jacket in a killer camo print for daytime adventures.
Don’t Go Cord-less: Go through your parents closet...or grandparents...or older siblings and you just may find a corduroy jacket. Nowadays every man is trying to dress like they’re in the 1980s, due to Netflix original, Stranger Things. And if it's not the Stranger Things look you are after, it’s Kurt Cobain.
When choosing your perfect corduroy jacket, look at both the global scale and the dirty details. First, shape. To achieve today’s ideal silhouette, opt for a jacket that is lightly lined - especially in the shoulders. Let ladies tackle shoulder pads, yours are broad enough. Next, functionality. Corduroy’s tight weave makes it an excellent deterrent of cold and blocker of wind. Last, details. A patch pocket is large enough to keep your hands warm and looks hot as hell. Does anyone else smell a teen spirit?
Shirt Jackets: This one is for the guy who’s never cold, which I’m convinced is all of you. Shirt jackets are one of the few outerwear styles that originated in the men’s realm and they continue to show up on the Raf Simons runway time and time again.
Layer a denim shirt underneath to perk up the otherwise relaxed collar. Shirt jackets can be bought from outdoorsy labels like L.L. Bean, REI, and Patagonia. They come in more colors than Skittles but, this season put dark camel brown, maroon, and plum on your wish-list.
Goodbye Levi’s: As a man, you probably don’t go shopping that much (or at least not as much as me) so it is important that the pieces you do own mean something. Even better if they represent a point in history. Few garments have the historical clout of a military-surplus jacket. Military jackets, specifically army jackets, are at retailers galore but to get an authentic combat look, go treasure hunting at your local thrift shop. Army jackets will be your new go-to! Believe me when I say, they’re your match-all fall jacket. Most army jackets are very well made for warmth with features like adjustable waists and wool lining in the pockets. The army jacket is a great way to dress up standard sweats for your early morning dog walks or afternoon grocery trips. Leave your boots unlaced to show you’re off duty.
Menswear is six parts durability and four parts authenticity. These four jackets fit that mantra precisely and will leave you saying, denim who?
Great job at showing men that clothes have character. Now to get those who are married to care!! Keep up the great job
How could I get Bill to dress like this?