Happy New Year everyone! I thought I'd kick off the year right with the second installment of 'Menswear Monday' featuring the musings and stylings of Peter! I hope you enjoy his post - feel free to comment or email us with any of your (or your man's) menswear questions!
The cardigan - it's always been a favorite in menswear, but one I rarely attempt to pull it off. As Mitch from "A Streetcar Named Desire" said, "...it don't look neat on me. A man with a heavy build has got to be careful of what he puts on so he don't look too clumsy."
The cardigan - it's always been a favorite in menswear, but one I rarely attempt to pull it off. As Mitch from "A Streetcar Named Desire" said, "...it don't look neat on me. A man with a heavy build has got to be careful of what he puts on so he don't look too clumsy."
And isn't that the truth. Notwithstanding the accusatory jokes of pulling out Werther's Originals out of your sweater pockets, discussing diabetes testing supplies for Liberty Medical, or a slew of other 'old man' puns, the man cardigan, or "mardigan" can look young and hip for the stockier gentleman if done right.
Avoiding solid colors, I chose a two-toned cardigan of light brown with a darker brown trim. Knowing the power of a good blazer, I teamed it up with a roomy but slimming cordoroy number that framed the sweater and my entire outfit.
To avoid the possibility of looking like a solid mass of turd brown, I added a hint of holiday color. The red plaid shirt popped through the creamy browns and accentuated the look nicely. Topped off with a pair of brown cap toe oxfords and a go-to pair of straight fit indigo jeans, and the outfit is complete.
But, what is winter without the proper head gear? Those cold nights require a bit of cloth on your noggin to make sure you don't catch a bug. The fedora is an accessory that few men dare to wear outside of a costume or ironic setting. When tastefully selected, it can be the difference between a normal outfit and a perfect one. One should venture out of their comfort zone when adding superfluous accessories to your wardrobe - Don't just get a functional hat for those winter nights, get one that makes a statement.
Peter, writer and lover of menswear, considers himself a connoisseur of the finer things in life - rich mahogany, leather bound books, selvedge denim, and the holy of holies - the perfect, slim cut suit.
Jeans: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shirt: Docker's
Shoes: Bostonian
Socks: Gap
Blazer: Adolfo via Syms
Scarf: Syms
Fedora: Century 21
Lapel pin: Purchased in Greece
Watch (not pictured): Citizen Eco-Drive
