Spring is finally here to stay, (I’m praying anyway), and that means its time to put away the heavier fabrics and bust out the warm weather attire.  Here are my must-have items that are essential to wear this spring.

White jeans and cotton or linen trousers

Jeans are something that everyone has in their closets but not many opt for the white jean.  The white color seems to blend seamlessly with the other brighter colors that we tend to wear when the weather gets warm, rather than the stark contrast with dark jeans.  If you’re out on a date, go with the cotton or linen trousers, they are going to be more comfortable, light-weight, dressier and you’re going to look more sophisticated.

Long sleeved polo

I’ve been eyeing a long-sleeved polo and haven’t decided which color I want yet, but I feel one is necessary.  They are a great substitute to an oxford button up and look great with either the white jeans or trousers.

White tennis shoes

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, get a pair of all white tennis shoes!  Usually I tend to stay with the low top shoes since they can be somewhat dressier, but this year I picked up a pair of all-white high top chuck tailors and couldn’t be happier.

Lightweight suit

You can’t wear the heavier wool suits when it gets warm unless you like sweating all day.  It’s getting closer to summer, which means wedding season so you have to be prepared.  Linen suits are nice for extremely warm weather, but if you want something that can be worn in the spring and summer, opt for a linen cotton blend or a full cotton suit.

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Some men, myself included, have difficulty piecing together a casual outfit while still feeling like they look stylish. A dressy outfit tends to be easier since everything you need to wear is already listed out; suit, tie, dress shoes. I feel like a casual outfit takes more effort and thought to achieve a polished look. Hopefully the following ideas will help you accomplish a casual, yet fashionable look.

I know I’ve said it before and will say it again; fit is key. Guys usually have a problem wearing clothes that actually fit them properly. Sometimes they are too tight, but more often than not, they are buying clothes that are too big for them. I understand as men we like to be comfortable, but there is a big difference between wearing something a few sizes too big, and something that’s the correct size. If something fits you properly, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

Layering is a subtle way to look more fashionable and stylish. I’m a huge fan of layering and try to incorporate it into each of my outfits. I understand with warmer weather coming, many guys just want to wear a t-shirt and shorts. Don’t get me wrong, this combo can look great as long as everything fits properly. Instead of just the plain tee, you can layer it with a casual short or long sleeved button-up shirt. When wearing the button-up, make sure you are not wearing a crew neck shirt underneath if you plan on buttoning most of the buttons. Instead, opt for a v-neck tee, but make sure you still can’t see it when you have the top 2 buttons unbuttoned. To make things easier, keep the button up shirt a plain color or opt for a subtle pattern like stripes or gingham.  You can always take the outfit up a notch by adding a light jacket or a cotton blazer.

Now for the pants or shorts. The big mistake with shorts and pants are guys want to wear them too long and the outfit starts to look sloppy. I’m not saying to wear daisy dukes, but when you’re standing, the shorts should hit just an inch or two above the knees, and your pants should just hit the top of your shoes. Also, cargo shorts are both a yes and a no. Do not wear the cargo shorts everyone wore in middle school where the cargo pockets are big and poofy. Instead, find cargo shorts where the pockets are laying flat against the rest of the shorts. The pants should just hit the top of your shoe with little to no break.

Accessories are an underestimated item that not enough men take advantage of. Two items that will always help take an outfit to the next level are a watch and pair of sunglasses. A nice minimalistic watch will pull an outfit together. Nothing too flashy, something with a nice leather band and a plain face. When it comes to sunglasses, they should be the same, nothing that takes over the outfit but instead compliments it. Please, and I say please, do not wear the Oakley white sunglasses. Not only are they extremely “loud,” but they also look unfashionable (to put it nicely).

When it comes to shoes, make sure they are always clean and polished; unkempt shoes are never a good look. For tennis shoes, keep them pretty minimalistic as well, all white are usually best,  but you can totally venture out as long as they are primarily one color. Canvas shoes like Vans are the best if you want to venture out to colors like grey, red or blue. Plain leather sneakers like Stan Smiths are usually my go to for sneakers. Running shoes and casual sneakers are two totally different things. Running shoes like Asics, Brooks and Saucony should only be worn while running, never with jeans or with any outfit unless it’s to go work out. I am also a fan of loafers, really any kind; penny, tassel etc. Boat shoes aren’t my personal favorite but remember if you’re wearing loafers or boat shoes wear loafer socks, you can’t see them at all and are better than going totally sockless because your shoes won’t smell.

When attempting to step out of your comfort zone regarding how you dress, it may be a little intimidating at first but just take it easy. It took me years and I’m still not where I want to be. It’s a process. In no time you’ll be the best dressed person out of your friends and family.

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With Spring time coming, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable; especially in the Mid-Ohio Valley. This can cause some issues when trying to figure out what to wear. It’s that awkward time of year when it’s too warm to wear that heavy winter coat, but still too cool to just wear a lightweight shirt outside. This is when light layering and transitional pieces come into play.

When it’s too warm to wear a winter jacket, but you still need a little more warmth, you can’t go wrong with layering a button up underneath a lightweight sweater. This combo is so versatile, you can wear it to a lunch meeting, a date, or to church. As I’ve already said a million times before, I love to keep things simple. With simplicity in mind, keep the button up white or something with classic colored stripes, like navy or light blue. Keep the sweater neutral in color. When the sweater/button-up combo isn’t enough warmth, you can always bust out a jacket.

I believe a jacket just shouldn’t keep you warm, but also add another level to your outfit. A light, fashionable jacket is often forgotten and rarely implemented into a man’s wardrobe properly. There are two jackets that I currently recommend for spring time: the bomber and a field jacket. A field jacket is a military style jacket and I’ve recently been eyeing one from J. Crew and finally pulled the trigger. I don’t know why I waited so long, because I couldn’t be happier! It has a perfect fit and gives me just enough warmth. The next jacket is the bomber. My brother, Tyler, got me one for my birthday last year from Old Navy and I’ve gotten so much use out of it. I have the army/olive green color but for the fashion beginner, I would recommend a navy or black one that’s easier to match.

With the snow and ice gone, it’s time to put away the boots and bring out the tennis shoes! I know many people wear tennis shoes year round, but if you’ve worn the same ones throughout winter, it’s time to get some new ones. Not the run of the mill running shoes that you should wear to the gym. I recommend something all white like the Adidas Stan Smith that I’ve posted about before, the “new” Killshot Nikes from J. Crew, or Onitsuka Tigers. Remember to not be intimidated by the temperamental weather that comes with Spring. Keep these tips in mind to breeze through the season!

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We live in a world today where everyone gets judged immediately upon being seen. We get only one shot to make a first impression and no first impression is more important than the one with a potential new employer.  When showing up for an interview, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your attire.

When choosing what suit to wear to an interview, make sure it’s a classic two- button suit. A three-button suit is just too outdated, while a double-breasted can come off as as being a little too aggressive. Remember you don’t want to send the wrong message. Keep the suit color neutral; stick with grey or navy. If the only color you have is black, that’s ok, but black is normally reserved for more formal occasions.

The most important element of your interview attire is the fit of the suit. The phrase “It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it” couldn’t be more accurate. This can not be stressed enough; make sure the suit is the correct size. The chest size is the first thing to look for. The chest area of the suit needs to lay flush with your chest, a little snug but not restrictive to where you can’t move. If the buttons are pulling, it’s too small. The shoulder of the suit should end where your natural shoulder ends. If it extends too far, it’s too big; if it’s pulling tight, it’s too small. The sleeve should fall right around the natural wrist and should allow about half an inch of the dress shirt to show.

As for the pants, They should fit around the waist without a belt, wearing a belt is still recommended but a proper pair of pants don’t need one to be worn. The pant legs should not have excess fabric or look “wide leg” as it will throw off the entire suit. The width of the pant leg is just as important as the length. The pant leg should just hit the top of the dress shoe and have just a slight break in it.

The dress shoes tie the entire suit together. If you neglect the shoes it’s like washing your car and leaving the tires dirty. The shoes should be black or brown oxford. Slip on shoes like a loafer are just not appropriate for an occasion such as an interview. Last thing with the bottom half, make sure you wear dress socks. I prefer to do something a little more fun with my socks, but most of the time its best just to wear socks that match the color of the suit.

As for your accessories, (such as the tie, pocket square and jewelry), keep it classic. colors such as navy, grey, black and red, are all appropriate choices for your tie and pocket square. Stay away from pastel colors and patterns that are too busy. If you decide to wear a watch, make sure it’s not too flashy. Avoid diamond faces or bands, a plain silver link or leather band will do just fine. Last but not least, remember to make sure your shirt is ironed, suit is pressed and shoes are polished.

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With the holidays quickly approaching, it can be hard to figure out what to buy the man in your life; especially for the man who seemingly has everything he needs. However, there are a few pieces that every man should own to update his look. With that in mind, I have come up with a list of mens’ gift ideas from local shops that make great gifts for that man that’s trying to step up his fashion game.

A TIE.

Surprisingly, many men don’t even own a tie, while some haven’t updated their tie in so long, it screams another decade at you. If this is the case for the man in your life, Horner and Harrison have exactly what you need. One unique aspect of Horner and Harrison is the fact that they offer custom ties, where you can have your tie cut to your exact dimensions to give you that perfect fit. If this is his first tie, my advice would be to stick to the basics. Some tie patterns and color combinations just never go out of style. As far as color choices, I would choose a tie that is either navy, grey, black or red. Patterns choices such as stripes, polka dots or even just a solid color will never go out of style.

A POCKET SQUARE.

Another accessory that I completely recommend is a pocket square. A pocket square will essentially tie your look together. Keep in mind when you are looking for a pocket square, it does not have to be exactly the same as your tie in regard to color or pattern size. For example, if you’re going with a more conservative tie, choose a bold pocket square with either a pattern on it, or one with a pop of color. It’s even best when the tie and pocket square are made of different material.

A KEYCHAIN.

Not everything that makes a man fashionable has to be worn on his body. Sometimes, it comes down to his everyday accessories. That’s why I included a keychain. Guys, it’s time to throw away your lanyard with your favorite college football team on it. Having your laynard hang out of your perfectly fit suit with your new tie and pocket square can ruin your entire look. I recommend something small and discrete like the leather keychain they have at Wit & Whimzy. The brown leather makes for a more adult look while a lanyard screams college kid. Believe me, your keys will thank you for dressing them up too.

SOAP.

Many men don’t really think about this sort of stuff; me included. When it comes to looking and feeling your best, every detail counts. Looking good is only going to go so far if you don’t smell good too. Not smelling your best is like washing and detailing your car but neglecting to do the tires too; it just doesn’t make sense. Not only do these soaps at Wit & Whimzy have funny sayings, but they smell good as well. Ladies don’t want a stinky man, so wash up fellas.

WALLET.

This one can be tricky to buy, because so many men have “that one wallet” that they have perfectly broken in. I’m not saying to get rid of the wallet you love, however, it is nice to have a slimmer, thinner wallet for a night out on the town. A nice looking wallet or money clip just adds a little extra “something” to your look. Schafer’s Leather has some outstanding wallets at a reasonable price. I prefer something smaller because I rarely carry any cash with me and only a few cards. They also care full size wallets as well if you tend to carry more in your wallet. A slimmer, smaller wallet just tends to look better and it won’t stick out as much in your dress pants.

When a man has everything he needs to look good, not only will he look better but he will feel better and that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?

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Many guys seem to be intimidated when it comes to fashion and style, when in reality it’s their best friend they just haven’t met yet.  It’s easy to look at some of the fashion savvy guys on the internet and think to yourself, “I’ll never look like them,” or “I can’t wear clothes like that.” One thing you have to remember though, is that they all started at the beginning just like each of us.   For my first blog post, I have decided to start with the basics. Your basic items are pieces of fashion in which multiple outfits can be built from. With that being said, I have chosen five items that I find essential to every man’s closet. Let’s take a look.

1. A navy or grey suit- Every man needs a suit in his closet and either of these two are your best option.  Both navy and grey are versatile; they can be worn to a wedding, a job interview, or a nice dinner out with that special someone. I did not include a black suit on this list because they tend to be reserved for funerals and dressier events.  If you only own one suit, make sure it’s either navy or grey.

2. A white dress shirt – Nothing looks better than a crisp, clean, white, dress shirt. Tip: the shirt should not be baggy on the sides when tucked in.  Wear it with a suit, under a sweater, under a blazer, or just alone paired with dark jeans.

3. Dark jeans – A dark pair of jeans, just like everything else on this list, is versatile.  Going out with your friends? Wear dark jeans.  Going on a date?  Wear dark jeans.  Casual Friday at the office? Wear dark jeans. This staple item tends to be dressier than a pair of light jeans.

4. Dress shoes – If you’re going to own one pair of dress shoes, they should either be black or brown since these tend to match the most outfits.  Make sure they either have laces or buckles; the ones that just slip on don’t count as a dress shoe and tend to look too clunky.  Keep them nice and slim in appearance. My personal favorite for dress shoes is a double monk strap shoe. This type of shoe has no lacing and either has a double buckle or strap on it.

5. White tennis shoes-  When I say “all white tennis shoes,” I don’t mean the K-Swiss your dad wears. I mean something sleeker looking.  Look for something like an all white Stan Smith Adidas, Vans or Converse.  Not only do they pair well with the dark jeans, (hint: be careful not to wear brand new, unwashed dark jeans with all white shoes as the material tends to bleed on the shoes), but also with shorts during the warmer months.

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