Men’s Style: A Guide to Men’s Fall Shoes

September 2, 2020September 27, 2021 Supreet ChahalLeave a comment

It’s time for fall gentlemen! Fall is one of my favorite seasons because the earthy colors and layers come out to play, making it extra easy to be stylish. It’s also a great time to dust off your shoe collection and discover new ways to wear them.

I know shoe styles can feel limiting for men, but it’s all about going for colors, textures and prints to really step up your game. Gone are the days where you have your one go-to pair of shoes, now it’s time to have different shoes for your different moods (and outfits!).

Here are my favorite to have in your fall arsenal.

BOOTS

You already know I’m a huge fan of boots, I mean… look at this Ultimate Guide – now that’s passion! Every one of my clients has a couple pairs of nice boots for fall, winter and bring, which come in handy for day to day and dressing up. Let’s make sure you have the right pairs for hitting the sidewalks this fall. If you are need of a new pair, I want you to think outside of the box. The key is to switch it up and go for a new material like suede or introduce a style. Here are a couple of styles of boots i’m loving…

Suede Chelsea Boots

Suede shoes for fall are an excellent choice. You can dress suede up or down and it looks great. The softness of suede goes very well with the season.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Outfit Example:

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: DailyMail

Tip: When wearing slim jeans, let your jeans naturally gather at the top of your boots for a rugged and casual look.

Photo Credit: ASOS

If you wear wider leg jeans, you can play around with exposing some of your boot for a rugged and casual style like this…

Photo Credit: Pinterest

If you want a more clean look, try cuffing your jeans or chinos like this…

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Dress pants should always fall straight over your shoes (I.e. no cuffing).

Photo Credit: CarminaShoeMaker

If you want more tips on how to wear Chelsea boots, check out this board.

Brown Leather Work Boot

If you like more of a classic smart casual look, a work boot does the trick because it’s elevated, but not overly dressy.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Outfit Example:

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Tip: Cuff your jeans at the top of your work boots for an extra stylish look.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Chukka Sneaker Boot

If you want to try something completely different, check out these chukka sneaker boots. They are great for the casual guy who want to look effortlessly stylish and keep up his casual vibe.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Outfit Example:

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Tip: Rolled chinos look great with a sneaker chukka

Photo Credit: Nisolo

Really really want to step it up? Check these out…

Photo Credit: Taft

Tip: Printed boots look great with classic blue jeans and a neutral henley or sweater. You want to keep the rest of your outfit pretty minimal, so the attention can go to the boots.

Photo Credit: Taft

If you want more ideas on how to wear boots, check out this board.

COOL SNEAKERS

If you’re sick of the same ol’ sneakers, shake it up! Have you thought about sneakers with a bit of flair? By adding some fun prints and accents to your shoes, you can have stand out style without trying too hard. Bonus: if your style is minimalist or very neutral, these will really help you step up your game because they look great with neutral colors. If your style isn’t minimalist, doesn’t matter, these will turn heads and get you some compliments.

Photo Credit: Taft Shoes

Tip: When wearing printed shoes, try to stay in a similar color family of the shoes. For example, the red shoe looks great with an earthy brown or green pant because of the tan in the shoe. You can also pick a color from the shoe and wear it in your shirt if you want to add more color.

Photo Credit: Taft

Brown Leather Sneakers

Sneakers with a bit of flair not your thing? No problem. You might be a classic guy! For the classic guys out there, try adding a nice pair of brown leather sneakers to the mix. Brown leather sneakers add to your look and won’t make you look dressed down. Have you considered a hightop sneaker? Hightop sneakers are great if you are looking for something different. High tops come in handy when the weather cools down too!

Photo Credit: Grenson

Photo Credit: Ace Marks

Think of high top leather sneakers as a more casual boot option. These work great in cold weather and transitional seasons.

Photo Credit: Magnanni

Outfit Example:

Photo Credit: I Am Galla

Tip: Brown shoes add a nice pop of color to any outfit. This is especially true if you have a lot of dark or neutral colors in your wardrobe.

Photo Credit: Nisolo

If you want more ideas on how to wear sleek leather sneakers, check out this board.

SUEDE SHOES

There’s nothing like soft and rich fabrics as the leaves start falling. Soft suede gives a feeling of warmth and lightness that should be coveted this season. Whether it’s bluchers, derbies, loafers or even sneakers, add in a pair of suede shoes to keep up with the autumn vibes. Make sure to protect your suede shoes with an all-weather protector and DO NOT wear suede in the rain (the protector will help if the rain catches you by surprise).

Photo Credit: Cole Haan

I’m really digging this suede wingtip sneaker because it’s so unique and eye-catching. You can wear this with rolled jeans and chinos for a unique look.

Photo Credit: Saks Fifth Ave

Try switching up the color of your shoes and add in colors like blues and greens.

Photo Credit: Sperry

Outfit Example:

Tip: While the weather is still warm, cuff your pants and throw on no show socks with your suede shoes for a stylish end of summer look.

Alright guys, I hope this article has inspired you to step up your shoe game this fall. It’s nice to have a couple of shoes in your rotation so you’re not wearing the same thing over and over again – not only will your shoes age faster, but you’re missing out on life! Also, remember to protect your shoes with a good spray to increase their lifespan. Just like our skin, real leather needs moisture, so apply a conditioner to leather shoes often. My favorite protecting spray is Jason Markk and their cleaner is great too. Here’s a good leather conditioner if you need one.

Feel free to like, comment or share this article if you found it helpful! Make sure you subscribe via email so I can keep you posted when new articles come out.

Catch you in the next one!

Men’s Style: Why You Should Have Dressy Sneakers

February 22, 2019September 27, 2021 Supreet Chahal2 Comments

Nothing kills an outfit like the wrong shoes. I see it all the time, guys wearing running shoes with a giant athletic logo splashed across the side with their day to day outfits. Guys, please don’t do this. Save your running shoes for the gym, there’s a much better looking and equally comfortable solution that should have your attention instead: The Dressy Sneaker. You’ve probably seen me mention “dressy” sneakers as a wardrobe must and they are! In this post, I’m going to dive a little deeper to explain exactly what is a “dressy” sneaker and how and when you should wear them.

Don’t let the word “dressy” throw you off, it’s just a way to describe a sneaker not meant for the gym or other athletic activities. Instead, dressy sneakers are great for day to day wear like hanging around town, coffee shops, brunch, bars, casual dates, picnics, running errands, day parties, casual work environments, traveling etc. Alright, let’s dive in to the wonderful world of dressy sneakers!

What Are Dressy Sneakers?

When the word sneaker comes to mind, it’s easy to think of your classic Nike or Adidas brightly colored running shoes. There is nothing wrong with those shoes, but I don’t want those to be your go-to shoes for casual wear. Dressy sneakers are more sleek and subtle by usually being solid in color, made of leather or suede, and have a 1 inch flat rubber sole.

Compare the footwear in the image on the left and right….

Photo Credit: Pinterest, I Am Galla

The right looks so much better and way more intentional and put together. The one on the left looks amateur.

How Do You Wear Them

Whenever you want to dress casually or dress down a dressy look, your sneakers can help you achieve this without sacrificing style. Whether it’s t-shirts, henleys, button downs or jeans, chinos or shorts, your sneakers will work with all your looks. To better explain how to put your outfits together, let me breakdown a couple of looks for you.

Casual

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Outfit Breakdown: Sweatshirt, joggers, white sneaker

Note: The white sneakers make this very casual look very well put together.

Photo Credit: Primer Magazine

Outfit Breakdown: Henley, cardigan, jeans and sneakers

Note: This is such an easy and comfortable look and the rolled up jeans and sneakers pull the look together perfectly.

Photo Credit: D’Marge

Outfit Breakdown: Bomber jacket, t-shirt, shorts and sneakers.

Note: The beauty of sneakers is they can go with shorts and make a very casual outfit look very stylish and sophisticated.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Outfit Breakdown: Casual denim shirt, white t-shirt, rolled up black jeans and white sneakers

Note: If you’re into the unbuttoned shirt look, your sneakers will work really well with it.

Smart Casual

Photo Credit: He Spoke Style

Outfit Breakdown: Leather jacket, tucked in button down, chinos and leather sneakers.

Note: If you like looking a little more dressed up, your sneakers can keep the look relaxed, but still sophisticated.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Outfit Breakdown: Crew neck sweater, casual slacks, brown leather slip on sneakers.

Note: If you want to make the most of your slacks, you can dress them down by wearing no show socks and sneakers. If you hate laces, this is a great example of slip on sneakers instead of lace ups.

Photo Credit: I Am Galla

Outfit Breakdown: Button down, chinos, brown leather sneakers

Note: If you love a classic button down and chinos look, your sneakers can help make this look weekend friendly.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Outfit Breakdown: Casual blazer, t-shirt, chinos and white sneakers

Note: This is the perfect example of how sneakers can make a casual blazer look very comfortable, stylish and weekend appropriate.

Photo Credit: TheCuff.co

Outfit Breakdown: Half sleeve button down, rolled up chinos, no-show socks, and white leather sneakers

Note: I love this look for summer, it’s so stylish and easy to wear. You will be sure to stick out of the crowd in a very stylish way.

Dressy

Outfit Breakdown: Casual suit, dress shirt, sneakers

Photo Credit: Lifestyle By PS

Note: If you’ve ever wanted to wear a suit casually, your dressy sneakers will help you achieve it.

Photo Credit: Lifestyle By PS

Outfit Breakdown: Casual suit, dress shirt, sneakers

Note: Curious to try a t-shirt and casual suit look? Throw on a pair of dressy sneakers and you’ll be good to go! Jay-Z (the rapper) wears this look a lot and I love it. The key is to wear a cotton or other casual fabric suit.

No Show Socks

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Wearing no show socks when you’re wearing joggers or rolling your pants with your sneakers is going to earn you 100x style points. This small detail shows you know how to rock a pair of dressy leather sneakers the right way. No-Show socks can be purchased from anywhere. The key is to have a rubber backing in your sock to prevent them from slipping. Trust me, the most annoying thing is when you need to constantly pull up your no show socks. Here’s what I found on Amazon!

How To Lace Them

Some laces end up being very long and you end up getting a giant bunny loop situation happening in your shoes, which throws off the clean and sleek look. It happened with a client of mine, he had these beautiful black dressy leather sneakers on and every time he’d try them on with an outfit, something was putting me off. I couldn’t quite figure out what it was that made them look very amateur and young. I took his shoes and hid the bunny loops behind the tongue of the shoe and he slipped them on. Boom! There it was, the amateur look was gone and a minimal sleek sneaker was shining in all its glory. He was even blown away of how big of a difference this small detail made.

Photo Credit: Pinterest, TheCuff.co

The laces on the left look terrible, the laces on the right look so sleek!

To achieve this clean look, try the “Display” shoelace method.

Photo Credit: FatSuckingMisquitoes.tumblr.com

“Display” refers to how stores set up their shoes to look nice and sleek. The key have the very top of the laces go into the lace hole rather than come out. You can tie the laces behind the tongue and make them slip on shoes. Additionally, you can get Shoelace Lock Clips, so you don’t have to constantly re-tie your shoes.

Slip-On Sneakers

If you hate the thought of laces all together, you can go for dressy slip on sneakers. You can wear them exactly the same as lace up sneakers.

Photo Credit: The Style City

Slip on sneakers look slightly more casual than sneakers with laces, however, they can achieve a very similar effect. Who doesn’t want shoes that are easy to slip in and out of?

Hybrid Sneakers

Hybrid sneakers are interesting mix of dress shoes and sneakers. They offer a stylish and unique look if you’re ready to step up from a simple sneaker. Hybrid shoes have the look of a dress shoe (i.e. oxford, derby, monk strap etc.) at the top, but the sole of a running shoe. My personal favorite is the hybrid monk strap sneaker.

Photo Credit: Cole Haan, Florsheim

The photo on the left is an Oxford Hybrid Sneaker. The photo on the right is a Monk Strap Hybrid Sneaker.

Photo Credit: DG Manila, Pinterest

The key is to wear no shoe socks and ankle pants to make this look modern and sleek. You can wear this style of sneaker with a blazer and chinos for a Smart Casual look as well.

Colors

My top recommendtions for dressy sneaker colors are: white, black, grey or brown. These neutral colors will go with almost all of your outfits. Let’s look at the colors in more detail!

White

Photo Credit: Common Projects

White is pretty classic when it comes to dressy sneakers. You will notice the majority of my photos had white sneakers because those are the ones that look the freshest. However, they do require a bit more maintence because you want to keep them white and clean. If you’re up for the challenge, I personally say white sneakers look the most stylish.

Black

Photo Credit: Greats

If white makes you feel overwhelmed, go for black sneakers instead. They’ll go with everything and be easier to maintain.

Brown or Burgundy

Photo Credit: Magnanni

Grey

I personally love brown sneakers, especially when they have a “wood” finish like the example above. They are great for breaking up dark outfits and are more rare than black and white.

Photo Credit: To Boot New York

If you want something softer than black, but not as bright as white, try grey! Grey shoes are very neutral and will go with a lot of colors. Grey suede is a favorite of mine because it has a softer effect and looks very classy. However, you never want to wear suede out in the rain because it will get ruined. Alternately, grey leather is a great option if maintaining suede scares you.

Care

Photo Credit: Amazon

Get a protect all spray (left) and an odor spray (right) .

The more you take care of your shoes, the longer they will last. Clean your shoes every couple of months (or when they start looking a bit worn) and spray them with a water-repellent protector. Protectors are great because if you spill anything like red wine on your white shoes, the drops will slip right off. I like the Jason Markk spray because it doesn’t yellow your shoes like some sprays can.

Dirty laces are a style killer, so make sure your laces look fresh. You can wash your laces if they start to look dirty. However, if they are really looking worn, replace them.

If you have a tendency to ruin your shoes because of odor, keep a odor fighting spray around and spray them after a couple of wears or more often if you need to. I personally like this Spray. It’s normal for shoes to smell eventually, especially if you are wearing thin socks. Don’t ever not wear socks for the no-show sock look, you will ruin your shoes much faster.

When Are Dressy Sneakers Appropriate?

Just because they are considered a “dressy” sneaker, doesn’t mean you should be wearing them at formal events or parties. Save your leather sneakers for your casual and smart-casual outfits. If your workplace is casual, you can wear them there.

The casual suit look with sneakers is best for weekend or vacation, when you want to look sleek and relaxed. Day time parties are great for this look as well!

When Are Actual Running Shoes Okay?

For the most part, save them for the gym or athletic activities. However, if your outfit is very casual like joggers or sweatshirts, you can wear your running shoes out and about. When you are wearing jeans or chinos, don’t wear your running shoes. I know sneakerheads won’t agree with me on this, but we’re aiming for smart and classic styles, not trends.

My Top Sneaker Picks

Dressy leather sneakers can range anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on what you are looking for and your budget. The most important thing to look for is comfort since you’ll be wearing these instead of your running shoes. Try a couple of different brands on to see what fits your foot the best. There are new brands popping up everyday specializing in dressy sneakers, so it’s best to order a couple of pairs and see what fits the best. Here are a couple of my top recommendations going from the lowest to highest pricetag:

Adidas Stan Smith or Neo ($45+)

Photo Credit: Adidas

Adidas is a classic brand that comes to mind when it comes to sneakers. They have their Neo white on white sneaker that is super clean and at a low price point. The Stan Smith is their more popular one, which will run you about $75.

Cole Haan Crosscourt ($70+)

Photo Credit: Cole Haan

Cole Haan makes really lightweight classic dressy sneakers at a good price point. You can typically find them for $70 to $100, depending on if you can get them on sale. Cole Haan also plays around with hybrid sneakers a lot.

Ecco Soft 8 ($150+)

Photo Credit: Ecco

Eccos are one of the most comfortable shoes you will probably try on. I especially like their Danish collaboration for very minimal and sleek sneakers. Eccos will run you about $150, but you can sometimes find them on sale.

Greats Royale ($180)

Photo Credit: Greats

Greats is a Brooklyn based brand that has been around for a couple of years and produce excellent quality Italian sneakers. They have a weatherproof version too! Greats will run you about $180 for the classic leather sneaker, but you will get free shipping, free returns and great customer service. If you sign up for their email list, you can get 10% off.

To Boot Knoxx ($325)

Photo Credit: To Boot

If you’re ready to invest in your sneakers and absolutely love quality and crafttmanship, To Boot makes an excellent dressy sneaker. If you love the suede look, they have a couple colors out every season. They will run you about $325. Keep a look out for them on sale.

Magnanni Elonso ($325)

Photo Credit: Magnanni

Common Projects ($400)

If you’re ready to splurge, Magnanni is an Italian brand that nails the dressy leather sneaker as well. I love their wood finish sneaker I showed in the brown category as well as the clean look they offer. You can sometimes find them on sale, so keep a look out. These will run you about $325.

Photo Credit: Common Project

If you’re looking for the trendiest brand and quality dressy sneakers, Common Projects could be for you. They are handmade Italian sneakers that became very popular in the last couple of years. Be prepared to spend a shiny penny, but they do look pretty sleek and have a cool logo. Common Projects will run you about $400.

There you have it, one of the easiest and most comfy swaps you can make in your wardrobe to look modern and stylish. Hope you enjoyed the post! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want me to tackle other burning questions you may have.

If you loved this post, make sure you subscribe to my email list, so I can let you know when the next one is out!

Men’s Style: How to Add More Flair to Your Outfits

August 14, 2018September 27, 2021 Supreet ChahalLeave a comment

Ever wonder how can you add a little more “flair” to your outfits? By “flair” I mean, when men have such limited pieces of clothing they can wear, how can you stand out of the crowd? Surprisingly, it’s the little details that can help you achieve a unique style.

Here are a couple of tweaks that I share with my clients to help them add some flair to their outfits!

Pocket Squares

Photo Credit: The Coolist

Don’t underestimate the power of a pocket square! It’s the perfect little touch that makes you look extra stylish. Some guys think they can only wear them at weddings or formal occasions, but they pair really well with a classic jeans, blazer and button down look.

When picking out a pocket square, make sure it compliments your outfit. By compliment, I don’t mean the same color (i.e. solid green tie + solid green pocket square = don’t do it!). Instead, use the tie to bring out a color in your pocket square. In the example below, you will see there is a hint of burgundy in the pocket square, which is then brought out with the tie. This is the easiest way to make sure you match. That’s the beauty of printed pocket squares, you can match more than one tie to the look.

Photo Credit: Anosart, Pinterest

Alternatively, you don’t have to have the color of the tie in the pocket square. However, you should compliment the two colors (i.e. burgundy tie and navy blue pocket square).

If you are not wearing a tie, make sure your blazer and pocket square colors compliment each other.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Here are 3 ways to fold your pocket square:

Photo Credit: Fashion Infographics

Socks

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Have fun with your socks! Next time you’re in the market for some socks, ditch the white ones and go for some pattern and color. Let socks reflect your personality, for example, if you’re obsessed with space, get some socks with astronauts on them.

Suspenders

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Next time you wear a suit, put on a pair of suspenders! Suspenders are the perfect addition to your suit that says, “I know style”. Some guys prefer them with suits only, and that’s okay. If you love the look and want to see how you can incorporate it into your other outfits, you can pair them with jeans and slacks.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

If you are wearing suspenders with a suit, they should be worn with a tie and match the tie as well. By match, I mean they can be the same color or a color that compliments the tie (i.e. navy blue tie, burgundy suspenders).

If you are not wearing suspenders formally, you don’t need a tie. If this concept is new to you, try a pair of leather suspenders like in the photo above as a “safe” place to start.

Unique Prints in Shirts

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Ditch the plaid and go for prints that have a little more personality. Now days, you see more and more fun prints in stores and it’s for a reason, they look good! You can go all out with bigger statement prints or if you like more of a subtle look, go for a micro-prints, which are tiny repeated patterns.

Photo Credit: Instagram: @rule_of_thumbs, Ted Baker

If you’re going for a black and white or grey and white print, you can play around with pant colors. If you go for a busy print with a couple of colors in the shirt, pick one color from the shirt to make it your pant color. You can also pick a complementary color.

Colorful Pants

Photo Credit: I Am Galla, Pinterest

Think outside of the box when it comes to your pant colors. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of neutrals chinos or blue jeans, but you should experiment a bit if you want to stand out of the crowd. If you’re new to colorful bottoms, stick to earthy or jewel tones like burgundy, burnt orange or green since you can pair them with neutral colored shirts.

Photo Credit: Bonobos

Photo Credit: Idle Man

Cuffing Jeans

Cuffing your jeans is an easy way to add some flair and something you can do tomorrow. You can cuff your jeans with any type of shoe, such as sneakers, oxfords, boots etc.

Photo Credit: Dress Code Clothing

You can cuff them a couple of ways:

(1) one simple outward cuff like in the photo below (~2 inches). Careful not to make it too thick.

Photo Credit: Articles of Style

(2) Or roll it one more time to have the style of cuff below

Photo Credit: Idle Man

(3) Thin roll your jeans, which is a thinner cuff (~1 inch)

Photo Credit: Gear Patrol

(4) Pin roll your jeans, which makes the ankle slimmer

Photo Credit: Gear Patrol

No Show Socks

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

If you are cuffing or rolling your jeans, try the look with no-show socks. Although discreet, this little flair shows that you made an intentional style choice. You can try this look with shorts, jeans, chinos or dress pants. In terms of footwear, you can try this look with anything from sneakers to dress shoes.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

The key here is to get a good pair of no-show socks that grips the back of your foot so they don’t keep slipping.

Alright guys, there you have it, a handful of tricks you can do to stand out of the crowd! When it comes to looking more put together, sometimes it’s the small details that play a huge role in appearing more stylish.

Men’s Style: 6 Easy Clothing Upgrades To Get You Started

July 31, 2018September 27, 2021 Supreet ChahalLeave a comment

I get this scenario a lot: I’m a twenty/thirty-something year old guy. I live in a t-shirt, jeans, and running shoes. I know this doesn’t cut it. I want to look more put together, especially because I like to go on dates, happy hour with friends, and out on the town on weekends. How do I look stylish without sacrificing comfort or my budget?

Look guys, being stylish doesn’t mean spending hours getting ready every morning. Being stylish is about having a wardrobe that’s easy to work with. The key is having staples that look good and fit well.

Here are my top 6 picks to get you started on building your dream wardrobe.

1. Perfect Pair of Black Jeans

Photo Credit: J.Crew

Black jeans are your best friend. They go with virtually anything and are easy to dress up or down. Look for a pair with stretch (about 1%-2% elastane), so they feel nice and stretchy rather than stiff jeans. Fit wise, opt for a slim fit to keep the look modern. It’s very important to make sure your jeans are the right length, so hem them to the right length. You can ask the sales associate for the best place to get this done. Major department stores usually have an in house tailor. If you lack a well fitted pair of dark blue jeans, get those first.

Some companies that make good stretchy black jeans: Levi’s, Uniqlo, Paige Denim, and AG Jeans. The latter two brands run on the pricier side, but discount stores like Nordstrom Rack are amazing to find a good deal.

2. Henleys

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

I take it you have plenty of short sleeve t-shirts, but what about long sleeves? Add a couple of buttons at the top and you have a henley! Henleys are a great addition to your wardrobe because they look good and are comfortable. Yes, you read that right, long sleeve t-shirts can be stylish. If you like hitting the gym, henleys are a great way to show off those arms. They pair really well with with jeans and boots to achieve a “smart-casual” look. You can pick these up from stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, J. Crew, H&M and plenty of others.

3. Boots

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Ditch the running shoes and invest in a comfortable pair of boots. One of my favorite day to day style of boot is called a Chukka boot. I love them because they are so easy to wear and can dress up the simplest t-shirt and jeans outfit.

4. Minimal Jacket

Photo Credit: Superdry

Nothing is worse than having the perfect outfit on and not having anything to wear on top when it’s a little chilly. Having a minimal neutral colored jacket can help complete your looks without sacrificing style. A simple Harrington jacket can do the trick, but feel free to play around with other styles. Here’s a post on jackets and layering to find which ones appeals to you.

5. Button Down Shirt

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Alright, this one might be more daring if you’re used to wearing t-shirts all the time, but a well-fitted button down is hands down the easiest way to look effortlessly stylish. They make great outfits for dates, going out to bars or clubs, or just being out and about. If you’re worried about comfort, look for ones with stretch. If you’re not sure about prints and patterns, get a solid colored one to test out. If you want to dive deep into the world of button downs, make sure you check out the Ultimate Guide!

6. Dressy Leather Sneakers

Photo Credit: Zappos

Save the colorful running shoes with a giant logo splashed across the side for the gym and replace your “comfortable shoes” with a fresh pair of leather sneakers. A sleek pair of sneakers can upgrade your style without losing the comfort of your beloved running shoes. The easiest place to start is with a white, grey or black pair. Suede sneakers are also a great option if you like a softer look.

There you have it, 6 easy items you can add to your wardrobe to instantly look more stylish. Besides adding these items to your wardrobe, it’s important to make sure your clothes fit well. Ill-fitted clothing is a style killer! If you’re not sure where to start, check out these guides I made on men’s clothing.

Men’s Style: Guys, Let’s Chat Sandals

July 24, 2018September 27, 2021 Supreet Chahal1 Comment

If I told you there’s such a thing as stylish sandals, would you believe me?

Whether it’s summer or vacation, a lot of guys are stuck thinking they can’t show their feet. Or, what’s worse, they put on out of date camping sandals and ruin a completely acceptable outfit. Never fear, I’m here to set a couple of things straight (1) you can wear sandals and (2) there are certain styles of sandals that are more stylish and modern than others.

First, Let Me Tell You What To Avoid

Photo Credit: Zappos, Zappos

Photo Credit: Zappos, Shoes.com

Look, I get it… they’re comfortable. But please, don’t wear these styles of sandals unless you are going camping and crossing through rivers and jumping in swimming holes. These sandals scream old Dad sandals and I won’t let you be that guy.

Alright, now that I’ve broken your heart and told you what to avoid, let me show you what looks good!

Classic Styles

Birkenstocks

Photo Credit: Zappos, Zappos

Hey, look! They’re comfortable and yes, they’re stylish! Birkenstocks are on my “yes” list because besides being comfy, they can look stylish with the right outfit. Pros: they’re masculine, great quality, and are easy to slip on and off.

Photo Credit: Idle Man, I Am Galla

Leather or Canvas Flip-Flops

Photo Credit: DSW, Abercrombie

Yes, you read it right. I said flip flops. Flip flops can be stylish! The key here is to go for leather or canvas straps rather than cheap rubber ones. If you’re going to the beach and planning on getting them dirty, yeah, go for rubber, but if you’re on wandering around the boardwalk on a beautiful summer day, go classy with the leather or canvas.

Photo Credit: Idle Man, The Subtle Things

Fashion Forward Styles

Buckle Sandals

Photo Credit: Zappos, Zappos

They’re sleek, minimal, and stylish. If I see a guy wearing these, he exudes confidence and good taste. Best of all, they pair really well with button downs and shorts without taking away from an otherwise smart-casual look.

Photo Credit: Fashion Beans, Pinterest

Slides

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Dune

Slides are perfect for the guy who likes the leather sandal look, but wants to be able to slip his shoes on and off quickly. Going for leather slides really classes up the look. However, if you are planning on walking around a lot, a buckle sandal might be more comfortable.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Pinterest

Can I wear socks with my sandals?

NO. Unless you’re on the New York Fashion Week catwalk and walking for some high end brand who is trying to make a statement, don’t do it.

Or, if you’re trying to go all out artist… maybe. But notice he has fun printed socks that go with his “hipster” look. I doubt you’re trying to achieve this look, so stick to my first answer: avoid.

And don’t be fooled into thinking you can pull them off with your athletic white socks… you will look like this:

Besides repelling people, you will get a pretty bad tan line. So, just don’t do it.

But my feet… they’re ugly.

Look, people don’t care about how your feet look, so let them be free! Unless, of course, the person you’re with has some weird pretty feet fetish, well, that’s a different story. Other than that, you’re good! If you’re paranoid about your feet, get a pedicure. Pedicures are relaxing, a lot of guys get them, and they’ll make your feet so fresh and so clean. You’ll thank me once you do it. Lastly, keep your toenails trimmed, people notice that more than anything else.

With Spring/Summer on the horizon, warm weather and vacations call for summer footwear aka sandals. Don’t be shy, wear them and rock them! Hope you enjoyed the post!

Men’s Style: Stylish Replacements for Your Hoodie

July 16, 2018September 27, 2021 Supreet ChahalLeave a comment

Here are jacket styles that are 100x more stylish than hoodies:

Shirt Jacket

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Is it a shirt? Is it a jacket? It’s both, a shacket! Shirt jackets are pretty cool. They work really well for transitional seasons like Spring and Fall by providing the perfect thin layer. Pair them with a t-shirt, jeans and some fresh white sneakers and… wow, look at you. Start with a neutral color like navy blue, green or black for easy pairing.

Denim Jacket

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Denim jackets are awesome! Best of all, there are not enough guys wearing them, which works in your benefit. Denim jackets are the perfect mid-layer and make a subtle style statement. Start with a black or grey jacket, that way you can easily pair it with your blue jeans and not worry about the whole Canadian Tuxedo thing. Denim jackets can also be referred to as Jean Jackets or Trucker Jackets.

Unstructured Blazer

Photo Credit: J. Crew

Before I scare you with the word “blazer”, the keyword here is “unstructured”. Unstructured blazers have the look of a blazer, but are not formal at all. They have the classic details like lapels, buttons, and pockets, but come in a range of styles from very casual, usually made of a thin cotton material, or something a tad dressier, usually made of a soft and stretchy sweater-like material. This is a great option for the guy who likes his looks on the dressy side.

Bomber Jacket

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Bomber jackets make an excellent layer. They come in a variety of fabrics: suede being on the dressy side of things, while nylon-blend (feel like a hoodie) being on the casual side. Bomber jackets are defined by their flat neck and elastic band at the hip. The elastic band does round out the upper body, so if your body shape is already round at the top, look for a bomber jacket without the elastic band.

Chore Jacket

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Back in the day the chore jacket was popular amongst farmers and blue collar workers, but now they have become commonplace in the modern man’s wardrobe. A chore jacket embodies elements of a shirt jacket, but with more pockets. Chore jackets come in a range of materials from heavy, like wax, to something more thin and simple, like cotton.

Harrington Jacket

Photo Credit: Asos

Harrington jackets look very similar to bomber jackets, but the collar is folded and they don’t always come with the elastic band at the waist. Harrington jackets work really well with everything from casual to dressy clothing, making them super versatile. For example, you can wear it with a t-shirt and jeans or throw it over a dress shirt and slacks for work.

Which One Should You Go For?

To figure out what the best option for you is, look at your personal style. Are you a casual person? Go for the shirt or bomber jacket. If you like to keep things on the dressier side, a Harrington or unstructured blazer works really well. If you want a unique and modern look, go for a denim or chore jacket.

Now that you know what these jackets are called, go ahead and use the key terms to browse around. Most, if not all, of these jackets come in a variety of materials, like nylon-blend for indoors (i.e. feels like a hoodie) or polyester-blend for outdoor (i.e. feels like a rain jacket).